To kick off your week, we’re starting a reader response driven blog convo about wedding trends. The heart behind this is to encourage discussion with brides, vendors, fans and friends, about anything from design to fashion to etiquette, bring it on! I know you’re dying to ask… :)

We’re starting off this fun topic with….table numbers. We’re often asked about those boring pieces of plastic that you see at Carl’s Jr (or at table number two with your new in-laws). Or, they can be wire numbers hand bent to match the same font that’s on your invitation/programs/design suite…as evidenced below:

At ITN, we believe that every item on your tables (and in your wedding!) should be purposeful and aesthetically pleasing. Brides, you’ve put all this effort into the linens and china, why ruin it all with a piece of plastic on a metal stand? Let’s just make those numbers part of your table!

These stained wood blocks with a sophisticated vinyl application were conceptualized and handmade by our very own Rachel! What I love most about these table numbers (besides the adorable key that is just the cherry on top), is the contrast on the table. Your guests aren’t straining to see their table numbers – it’s not hidden amongst a centerpiece or blending into the linen – it’s functional and fabulous!

Photogs, how often do you remove that cut out piece of paper stuck onto cardboard in order to get that table shot? At Courtney and Geno’s wedding, that didn’t have to happen – because the table number was seamlessly worked into the set up. Less clutter – more efficiency.

And who says a table number has to be of actual numerical value? At Irene’s wedding, we used cities as table numbers, which were places that the bride and groom had visited together. Adorable and personal.

I hope that this added a smile onto your face this Monday – and that it gets you thinking about how to make things fun and functional =)

So don’t forget to email me some current wedding trends that you’re interested in discussing (or you can write on our facebook wall!). Then on Monday, we’ll respond. This is meant to be a conversation instead of a soap box, so friends, let’s trend talk!

The industry has, as I’ve put it lately, fallen into the idea of the “deconstructed wedding”- nearly anti all of the things that our parents have thought and accepted a wedding to be. We’ve tried cocktail style [you mean you aren't providing a seat for every guest??], dessert-only receptions [wait, there's no actual MEAL?], we’ve incorporated our own ideas [candy and cookie buffet] as well as gotten rid of a few we didn’t love [no, we're not dancing- it' just not US]. But I do think that now, we’re ready to invite back most of the beloved traditions of years past and appreciate them for what they are, while still showing who WE [the brides and grooms] are in the process too.

A major part in this has been to push the limits of expectations. If you’re in the right age bracket [say, 20 to 35] then you’ve been to your fair share of recent weddings. You’ve seen the deconstruction. You’ve been a part of the inspired group of young adults trudging on to make their mark on this industry through unique decor, tons of details, and new twists on old thoughts. But I want to admit something to you right now- and I’d like it to sink in.

Nothing is new under the sun.

It’s scary to say, but it’s true. We can only start conceptualizing things to be “bigger” and “better” for so long, before we wind up back at square one copying someone else’s old ideas. This echos the resurgence of mid-century styling, antique pieces coming into play, a new appreciation for older/historic venue sites [that would have 10 years ago been oh-so-bland and "out"]. The only thing we can truly do to make something US, is to find what we like, and do it “better”. Since the term better is relative to the individual, this will be the breaking point that makes something decidedly YOU instead of the next guy.

Here’s a great example that I have no choice but to blush over. I’ve been styling tabletop photo shoots for a few years now. Since this specific tabletop was blogged [images taken back in March of 2009], it’s been found all over the internet [as well as the kid's table that was counterpart to it- very popular]. I’m not saying that to make myself feel anything in particular; it’s fact. In this day and age, it’s easy to be widespread on small, random, seemingly meaningless [to the general public] sites all over. Who is to say WHY something is inspiring to someone- it just is [perfect is example is why and how I post my Friday Lovelies as well as our tumblr page, just random stuff that we find all over to inspire us on a daily basis]. Here is what I coined as “Poppies | NOW”:

But this picture was recently featured in the brand new, Spring 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings [the only wedding magazine I consistently purchase due to the loads of authentic inspiration and ground-breaking ideas that it truly contains... all wrapped up into the cutest most thought through packaging ever, always]:

You can visit the picture online right here.

Seem similar to you? When I flipped through the pages of the new Martha, my jaw dropped as I got here. I literally couldn’t believe that here we are, two years later, and my “idea” was splashing over the pages of my favorite decor guru. Now, I’m not one to think so highly of myself- I have no idea if my images floated into their grasp [but I'd sure love to think they did]; and for now, we’re going to assume so… just to illustrate a point. The point is: make it you.

Clearly, the tabletop that I put together from 2009 is not current. So, how does one take into consideration that the idea needs an update as well as the fact that it needs to be established from THEIR [Martha Stewart] point of view? Simple. Tweak the colors. Add in some tulips. Update and simplify the place setting [making it very a la Martha]. Use flowers that accent the naturally curved stem in poppies even more than the inspirational photo.

This is what I’m trying to get you to think like. Don’t just pull images to replicate; pull images to inspire! Make them you without feeling the pressure to have your wedding be the ONLY wedding that’s ever done _____ in the history of weddings [trust me- it just won't be the case]. Remember that creating beautiful weddings and inspirations are people’s full time jobs [not just magazine; blogs work more than 24 hours a day just to ensure you have access to lots of pretty and unique ideas at your darling little finger tips whence you choose to click around]. Real inspired weddings stand out because they put their unique twist and perspective on an already fabulous and flawless idea.

The ideas are out there- jump up and grab them! The ones that stick with you, in your heart and mind, are worth an effort to put into place at your wedding- with you written ALL over them!

Happy hunting- Lord knows the inspiration is endless [and pick up a copy of the new Martha Mag; it's gorgeous]!!

xoxo,

Chargers? My waffle-fry eating friends didn’t understand what I was referring to. The San Diego Chargers? Phone chargers? A Dodge charger?

My dearest friends of ITN, please explore with me the tabletop-transforming, aesthetically pleasing, pop of fantastic that is a plate charger.

Traditionally, plate chargers are considered placeholders, so that a setting does not seem empty all by its lonesome before food is served. Though the men in your life might consider it just a larger plate for a more generous portion, food actually is never served on the plate, but rather, functions as a base for other plates (i.e. salad, soup, main, etc).

Not only does it serve a practical use, but it truly brings to your tabletop a design element that will make you think, “there we go – that’s exactly what we needed.”

A wonderful example of this was our bridal inspiration shoot with Jasmine Star’s lovely sister Bianca Juarez.

A charger allows you to add texture. Glam. Glitz. It really aids in setting the mood of the table.

Of course you’re so enamored by the endless possibilities of a charger that you’re not even thinking of the cost. But allow me to deliver the wonderful news that this great addition to your table usually costs anywhere from $2 – $10 a setting.

Bianca’s charger above falls in the middle of that price range, even though it looks like a million. Settling into the same price range is this celebratory gold charger from a St. Patrick’s day shoot done last year.

Those classic clean lines and the Oscar gold make me stare at it for an unreasonable amount of time. Do you see what I mean when I say it adds just the right touch?

I think the part that makes me, you, everyone really fall in love with chargers, is seeing the whole thing come together. Not just one measly (but still awesome!) charger, but the total reveal of a complete setting. So behold. Our creative DIY bride Emily rocked the charger.

Simple red chargers turned this Smog Shoppe wedding into something that we gush over regularly at the studio.

Chargers can be made up of anything from china, to plastic, to even non-traditional materials, like the onyx ones we used at the Serra Plaza event where I met Amanda and the ITN team!

But! Before you totally discard the idea of classic white plates and go out to buy all things bright and shiny, please appreciate this latest design element that we’ve been encouraging many of our beloved clients to do.

What’s this? A white plate as a base charger? Don’t mind if I do. It’s just a proper complement. A simple, low budget, setting enhancer. It’s just proof that you can take charge now.

A charger can be flashy. It can be dazzling. It can be basic. But it will always add depth, heartfelt thought, and effortless wonder to your table.

And when the day is done, you don’t even need to wash it.

With love,

Hey ya’ll! It’s been quite the while. Don’t fret, I’m back with some amazing invitations to share with you.

I love how these invitations turned out. They got a bit of everything I think invitations should have – personalization, signature colors, a monogram of sorts, and awesome packaging.

Christie + Seth [you may remember them from here or here] wanted to have invitations that spoke to what they’re guests would experience at their wedding. Fun, rustic, eclectic, and full of loving details. What better way to say that than screen printed wood invitations?

The color palate for the wedding was a burnt orange, olive, and yellow. The wood seemed like a perfect backdrop to put the main invite on and use the other paper pieces pop with the rest of their bright colors printed on stark white.

The thing I love most about creating wedding invitations is when the design just “clicks.” A piece of information about the bride or groom, a special thing that’s going to be incorporated at the wedding, something about the venue, or just a simple color palate can all trigger these “clicks.” After that… things just WORK. Ideas come so rapidly and before you know it… we have something that is IT. For this invite, that moment came when I was told from Rachel that the ceremony was taking place under a huge oak tree. I loved it so much, it went on the invite, the direction card, and the RSVP card.

Doesn’t this look like the perfect sneak peak to what Christie & Seth’s wedding would be like? Lucky for you, The Wedding Chicks featured some incredible photos of the big day from Mathieu Photography. They are just incredible.

One tip for all of you who are thinking about invitations – whether it be for a wedding, a birthday party, or a fun get together – make it yours. Find a special “thing” to set your event apart from the others. Something that is special and will tie everything together. Something that speaks to who you are. Something that is … you.

Congratulations to you, Seth + Christie. May your life together be blessed with love forever!

With Love,

Shannon

Well- THIS was my secret! Ever since we had the chance to work with Jasmine Star earlier this year, we’ve been connected at the emotional hip. So when she called me to ask about designing a fabulous party for her twin sis, Bianca and her quickly approaching wedding, we were absolutely delighted [and honored, inspired, thrilled, literally laughing with excitement]! The best part? It was for an intimate group of good friends. So, one table to set, one delicious activity needed, one small cake and one day to totally leave a lasting impression for a girl I grew to love like my own family. Bianca is just as infectious as her twinner and I’m so honored to know them both. The shower we put together graced the pages of the most recent issue of Inside Weddings Magazine [their winter issue] and I couldn’t be bubbling with more joy from it!

The 2-page spread:

This is truly just the tip of the iceberg for images from this perfect soiree. I cannot wait to do a full feature of Jasmine’s gorgeous images in the near future [you'll die at the fondue station, the mini milk shots, and the crystal chandelier that didn't make the feature]!

Jas and B: thanks for entrusting this huge job to us! We truly loved being a part of it, whipping it together- making it classy, timeless and full of love for such a special lady. This is just the tip of the iceberg for you, too, you know. :)

xoxo,

Once we had models, it seemed we never turned back. After the Coco Chanel Inspired shoot we moved onto quite an adventure, building an outdoor cafe in the middle of nowhere at 3 a.m. The lovely Amanda over at the Ruffled blog asked us to produce this for her site [which you can see HERE and HERE] and I don’t think we dissappointed, if I do say so myself. The rich and bright color of Yanessa’s sweater sealed the deal for me…and that delicious lemon cake. Yum.

Moving right along, the awesome readers of The Wedding Chicks blog voted us the stylists for their next StyleLab [an honor to say the least]. We envisioned the bride being the modern bohemian daughter of well-to-do parents in Nantucket. Bringing a balance of traditional [a FULL place setting. Like, FULL full.] and modern [a snazzy cardigan for the bride] was our aim. We were lucky enough to get this on The Wedding Chicks blog as a two-parter HERE and HERE.

We rounded out the year with a Spanish Soiree inspired shoot, which landed us yet ANOTHER feature on Style Me Pretty. This shoot was especially fun since fellow Nowie Sharon and her hubby Steve served as our hotter-than-hot models.

Seriously, isn’t she just the cutest?

It’s been a great year and I can’t even imagine what 2011 has in store for us. But whatever it is, we’re more than ready to tackle it!

See you in the New Year!

R

We started the year off right, capturing this tabletop in January that was featured on Junebug Weddings:

Our modern plexi-glass fireplace turned heads [the challenge was an industrial-focused centerpiece in lieu of floral] and our hot cocoa with marshmallows warmed hearts!

Moving right into the heart of the matter, we shot this quaint little table in our studio, which was featured with the table cuff as a simple Do It Yourself on Style Me Pretty [a must read for all nearly-weds out there!!]. The vivid colors against the grey walls make it one of my favorite shoots to-date. I love lush, saturated colors!!

We then moved right into full styling mode- meaning we stepped it up, started including real life couples as our muse/model figures, and made most of our shoots into actual, produced events that could have easily ran flawlessly on their own as weddings, showers, celebrations of many kinds! We started with a huge undertaking: an upscale bridal shower soiree with a delicious Coco Chanel vibe updated for the modern gal:

With about 7 stationed areas and 8 models to shoot, we definitely gave Jasmine a run for her money on this shoot [but it began a beautiful and real lifelong friendship that I couldn't be more thankful for- and plus, she loves our aesthetic, so... it's a win/win]

*Not only did this killer chic shoot get us featured again on the fabulous Style Me Pretty Blog, it also inspired a real life bridal shower that we had the honor of designing in August as well as another photo shoot feature that will debut here shortly!

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so I truly hope you’re loving it as much as I am- taking the time to reflect back on the year. Where we’ve started and where we are now are two totally different places am I’m so thrilled that I love my job today even more than I imagined I could this time last year!

Stay tuned…

xoxo,

A.

Thanks, as always, to Jamali Garden for being my everyday source of inspiration for design and decor! Hope these inspired you to stay on the cutting edge of things this holiday season!! :)

xoxo,

The balance of precision and perfection mixed with the imperfection of nature [and life] is just beautifully, wonderfully, awfully inspiring today. Some other samples of her leaf silhouettes:

That little stem tip thrills me to squeals! I adore the detail of it all. And I want it framed in my house. Like yesterday.

Spend some time creating your stamp in the world today- art or not, it’s meant to be shared!

xoxo,

These images from the cookbook are impeccable. They’re clean, nicely colored, perfectly aligned and hit me right where it counts. I could look at these all day long! Lines of straight, pretty sugar… boxes of milk [not even sure how they do that!], and more! Check here for more, but first love these, here, because I do:

Seriously, with the vanilla beans all lined up “just so”?? I am in LOVE. Appreciate the unexpected in today!!

xoxo,

I snatched up a booklet when I was at Jenny Yoo recently and just about keeled over when I saw some of her deliciously rich colors. And the limitations of a computer screen really doesn’t give them the glory they deserve. It all started with her divine Corrine Dress in Casper Blue Crinkle Chiffon. And then, because shoot me dead for all things monochromatic with a pop color, this little beast of a palette was birthed.

These next boards are for ACTUAL events that I?m superly duperly excited about.

First up, the oh-so-cool Christie who is getting married at her in-laws RIDICULOUSLY magnificent home in a just a couple of weeks [fantastically epic e-pics (haha!) coming soon!] . At our first design meeting she stated that all she really wanted was billy balls, so naturally we had to include THAT in the color scheme. Then we rounded it off with not-your-average fall colors. Red took a back seat to a lovely burnt orange and olive green gave brown the heave-ho. You should watch out for that olive green. Sometimes he tries to steal the show.

Now lets slow it on down and soften it up [I totally just sounded like a radio jockey introducing ?Stand By Me?, and really, how do you slow colors down? I need help. Quickly.] for Natalie?s soiree next June at the Brookside Equestrian Center. She wanted
Elegance. She wanted Romance. She wanted Class.  And so I gave her this…

Love these colors.  Love LOVE these beautiful brides-to-be.  I just love it all!

Any color combos that you absolutely DIE for?

I think these would make totally delightful save-the-date cards for two book lovers. Plus, it’s a good reminder for all of us who have been in a long-term committed [or marital- ME] relationship that sometimes we need to remember to check one another out still. Playful, whimsical, light-hearted fun. Divulge in some today and play tag or something!!

xoxo,

I told Kristin that I wasn’t going to blog any images from her wedding. And that’s because we took it on, last minute, as a friendly favor to our friendly friend. But you know what… Kristin and Dustin are in LOVE. And they’re CUTE. And they’re totally blog-worthy. So, I’m blogging.

The adorable Kacee Geoffroy was on hand for hair and makeup. Kristin looked like an idyllic bride- seriously, a perfectly summer-toned August blushing bride! Of course, Kristin, being who she is, insisted on a first look moment for her and Dusty. San Clemente makes a pretty good backdrop, too!

FAV-O-RITE! Stop it, Bethany Belle, just STOP it! [Okay don't, seriously don't]:

Deets from inside the Ole Hanson Beach Club [helloooooo bunting with pictures- be still my heart!!]:

Totally adorable- am I right? Totally blog worthily inspirational, right?? I’m glad I got to be a part of this wedding, especially seeing Kristin and Dustin exiting so happily to a crowd of friends and family twirling glow sticks with shouts of excitement. Nothing beats moments like that in life!!

Thanks again to the fabulous vendors:

Beautification provided by: Kacee Geoffroy
Permanent Remembrance by: Bethany Belle Photography
Yummy Deliciousness from: Taco Dude
Beachy Backdrops at: Ole Hanson Beach Club
Killer Coordination with your fave gals at: In The Now Weddings
Coordinator’s Support by: Veils and Fairytales

Now y’all give a big HOLLA to the team that you’re putting together. Remember your day won’t be the same without their genius- creative or logical in nature. I’m always thankful for a solid team of vendors that respect one another and treat each other accordingly. A big HOLLA to my vendor friends!

xoxo,

I blame a few people. First off, The Wedding Chicks. They’re who started it all. Plus, Amy made this mini tote pretty much on-command when we were mid conversation spurring one another on about this shoot [which was for their product catalog]. Then there’s the beyond-words talented ladies of Joie Lala Photography. They done put me over the top. Because this image is too cute to articulate:

I feel a little bit more “okay” with the idea of using me for a Friday Lovely because of these two heavy hitters and their contributions to the cuteness. But frankly, this picture is my favorite thing since 2009 [which was a pretty great thing]! I looove the Red Stripe beer, I love the colorful straws, love the popcorn, love the candy buttons and of course… LOOOOOVE the “love” tote! These mini totes are so ideal for bridal party gifts, makeup carrying cases, holding your gym shoes and so much more.

I’m totally jazzed that not only is one of my fave blogs, Style Me Pretty, carrying the line of merchandise, but they also featured the gorgeous [and stylish if I don't say so myself] images of the shoot on their blog! SO, thanks to Style Me Pretty for featuring the images and more than that- for selling the *delicious* WC Products! Go snag some, you’ll want to hug them for hours once you get them in person!

And now I shall end the pat-on-my-own-back moment. I can’t promise for sure that it won’t happen again… but hopefully they won’t always come from me! Heck- sometimes we all need a little self encouragement. I’m embracing it much like I’m embracing this Saturday OFF on a long weekend [don't worry, the industry sucks me back for a SmogShoppy Sunday wedding]! Love love a little bit more today!

xoxo,

J+S are tying the knot in October and their reception is at one of my favorite LA hotspots- Union Station! More specifically the Fred Harvey Room there. Which, I adore. I worked there a few months back and the event was so completely stunning that I’m unable to post images of it. And it’s killing me!

This image, above, makes me remember why I love love so much. Just ooey and gooey in all the right ways.

Um, yes, even their stuff is cute. Because it’s theirs. And set up cutely in a field. And stuff.

Seeing these images is fully getting me PUMPED UP for their wedding! Jamie is kinda my D-I-Y doll [super human crafting powers, respect y'all!!], and I know their wedding is gonna be one big personalized bash!

I could honestly post here for hours…. but since I won’t [and I mean that in the nicest of ways seeing as Kristin's blog is totally worth the click to visit], here’s just a couple more:

And there you have it! The Idiot’s Guide to Being Cute Whilst Posing with Vintage Props in a Field. I’m serious. It works, just look at the results!

J+S: can’t wait to see you both again. I’ll need to resist the urge to pinch your cute little cheeks after falling in love with these images! Only ONE MONTH to go!

xoxo,

A.

1. I love anything ridiculously huge or inconveniently small.
2. I pretty much ADORE anything monogrammed. I plan all my weddings around my couples. Their style. Their names. Their initials. Their hearts. Their monograms!

So when I saw this in my google reader [aka "the googs" as I call it], I nearly called it quits in my day. Sometimes you just gotta throw up your hands and surrender. Realize that someone else has WON the battle. Because they did it first. And I respect it endlessly. Are you dying yet?? Well, here you go:

Oooooooohmygoodness with the oversized deliciousness that ARE these letters. I cannot stand them. I literally had to sit for them. Literally! Hoping to re-invent the wheel with my monograms in the way this couple did, just in the same way Simply Bloom Photography captured it.

Thanks to Leila and the gals over at Be Inspired PR for this lovely gem. I’m a more creative person today because of it!

Lovely Friday, y’all! Another weekend is on the cusp, another month is well on it’s way to us… and another day to love one another fully is in our midst! If that doesn’t deserve a YAY I don’t know what does!

xoxo,

Yep. That’s a skort. A skort y’all.

Bed: check! Fun jumping-off-of-bed-picture: check! Classic Sleeping Beauty picture with bed: check!!!

Cute and fun.

Outfit change!!

Yep. Breakfast picnic. SO deeply into it. Cannot even handle it. And the hat?!?

Sleeping Beauty. Get it- breakfast buffet?? This also ties into the fact that Dustin proposed to Kristin by waking her up [at, like, 5am]- awaking his “sleeping beauty”. And then, breakfast. Because it’s soo 2010 to eat the most important meal of the day. In a grassy knoll. With a custom blue and pink quilt [hello, had to tie in that classic movie somehow- color scheme much??]!

And then there’s music. Because they sing- about their dreaming, about their prince. And stuff. And Dustin plays guitar so it happens.

Don’t forget sewing. She pricks her finger on a spindle. And sleeps [like a lot]. But the horses- they’re by FAR my fave. Cause that’s how he finds her!

Thanks SO much Bethany for the abundant beauty you’ve provided. Love the feel of this shoot- so glad I got to come on board and help flesh it out!! There’s plenty more, dear lovelies, over on her blog so don’t miss your chance to see it! And K+D- you know, I think you’re too fabu for words. Get married already!!

xoxo,

…it’s actually more [for me] about the designer: Jesi Haack. And don’t you know the first rule of fight club- I mean… event design? It’s that you don’t talk about your competition. Especially not on your blog. And you for sure don’t befriend them.

But I haven’t ever been much for rules. So, I did. And I am. And I did. Jesi is extremely talented, creative, whimsical, and hard-working. All of the attributes shown here, embodied in this image. And I’m thankful to rub elbows with people of that caliber. So, yeah. We’re friends. It’s just the way we roll.

Maybe this weekend should be about making new, controversial friends for you! Smile at someone unsuspecting and unprompted this Friday. Maybe you can make theirs as lovely as Jesi made mine!

xoxo,

A.

RSVP over at our eventbrite and let me know you love me… I mean… that you’re gonna be there!

xoxo,

A.

And thanks to Jeffra @ WeddingWire for being so super awesome and believing in the styling that I do.

xoxo,

A.