Four score and seven years ago… feels about the length of time since I last shared some love on the blog. There’s no better way to get back into all of the beautiful, personal weddings and events we’ve been producing, than starting with a very important element of one of our most recent – and favorite – weddings! The wedding stationery for Molly and Griffin’s September home fete brought in so much personalization. Here, we were able to feature something that no other wedding will have, and that was a grand painting of the home that everyone knew, love, and called their home that day.

We were lucky to work with the magical mind that is Karri Lee Designs, a watercolor painter and stationery artist that creates one-of-a-kind paper masterpieces. You can check out a little more of her work and why we love her here!

Molly & Griffin’s Wedding Stationery

Molly and Griffin’s wedding was held at the bride’s family’s summer home, a place that hosted many memorable celebrations throughout the years. You can feel the sentimentality of the property as soon as you step foot onsite, and it’s safe to say not a single person left that weekend without wishing they could spend more time there. A place of calm, warmth, and festivity set the stage for the aesthetic we created.

For the invitation suite, the first piece of their wedding stationery, Karri created a custom vellum wrap, depicting a landscape portrait of the family’s home, yard, and the shoreline that surrounds their property and neighborhood. This greeting image later became their escort card display backdrop, held in a custom frame by the groom himself.

Day-of Stationery

Every design and decision we make throughout the planning process is done intentionally, to ensure any idea we bring to life has purpose and value long after just the wedding day. Dressed in an array of colorful envelopes were our escort cards, carefully adhered so once removed, this piece became a keepsake hanging in the couple’s home.

The idea of using watercolor was an opportunity to evoke part of our surroundings into tangible pieces shared with guests. The beloved image of the property was used throughout the table numbers, with added intrigue in a way where guests at each table had a piece of the image instead of the full picture. A simpler square of a watercolor acted as our guests’ place cards, attached to the menu card. For a more intimate setting that provides more opportunity for a design effect, all long tables are the way to go. Be sure to check out our post on the full wedding design to see just how we curated a setting that everyone is still talking about long after the wedding day!

 

All images provided by Charlotte Jenks Lewis

Karri Lee Designs is a custom stationery studio specializing in personal, custom pieces. Karri, the Owner and Creative Director behind the self-named business, and though we work with her most often on wedding stationery, she does so much more! She has the mind of magic, as she takes such ordinary, everyday details and puts them on paper in the most beloved way!

In the digital age, stationery has proven to be important and valuable to its recipients. Stationery is the introduction loved ones have to the coming celebration. It’s also an element of impact that provides memories of some of the most significant times in our lives. Looking back at a friend’s RSVP cards she saved, there were handwritten notes from her grandparents who were no longer here. The sentimentality of their handwriting, their quips, and their love is something that she has because of that piece of paper.

One of the best parts about stationery is you can do anything with it. You can introduce new and different materials and be as adventurous with colors, styles, and shapes as you’d like. We’ve been fortunate to partner with Karri Lee Designs on a number of weddings, celebrations, and editorial shoots over the years — even some personal projects!

Each and every time, she brings new life and zest to the project at hand, elevating such a significant detail. She is wildly creative and makes this part of the process fun, engaging, thoughtful, and oh-so-beautiful! She also embraces her work with personal touches and authentic memories. She creates a moment within her work that’s unique to every single person she designs for.

Below are a handful of our favorite pieces from Karri Lee Designs!

 

Wedding Stationery by Karri Lee Designs

One of our favorite elements about this stationery was including Martin, the couple’s pup, and the MVP of the day. No soul in M+M’s life doesn’t know and adore Martin, and it’s clear to see why, even from a watercolor image. See more of how their stationery ties into the full wedding design here.

 

 

This stationery suite was for a dear friend and colleague, Flowers by Justine. Married in Florida with the inspiration of golf, whiskey, and flowers, Karri involved these elements for a cohesive suite. Excitement was abundant with the inclusion of color and pattern within the suite. You may even notice the nod to the linens we brought in!

 

More Favorites from Karri Lee Designs

 

These various wedding stationery images include elements personal to the couples. You’ll see a family home where the celebration was held. You’ll also see a collection of locations documenting the pivotal moments of one couple’s relationship.

 

The last photo showcases one of my favorite details from a past Fall wedding. Here, Karri created a custom bar panel that emulated the pattern of our bride’s dress. It is exquisite and unexpectedly fresh!

We never need an excuse to support local businesses, but Christmas in July sure is a good one! One blessing that came from the last year and a half is the inspiration to find a small business alternative to products we would normally order from large retailers. As we’re seeing the world slowly go back to normal, we have the power to keep invigorating this drive in support of our local communities.

That is why we decided to create a continuation of our annual 12 days of Christmas! Here we’ll showcase some wonderful Connecticut businesses in honor of a much-needed celebration after a rather stressful year. Each of these businesses was hand-picked after a visit or purchasing some of their products – and unequivocally enjoying every one!

Now keep in mind, there are so many amazing businesses throughout our small state and across New England, so consider this a jumping-off point. There are so many nooks and crannies of CT to explore, so don’t forget to visit that privately-owned restaurant or little boutique in your local town. It’s a gratifying feeling to know you’re making an impact on an individual by grabbing a cup of coffee from a small café or purchasing an original piece from a self-employed artist.

Below we included links to take you right to the business’ website to find out more about their stories, or better yet, buy one of their lovely products or services! We hope you enjoy them as much as we have and learn a little more about your community in the process.

We’re wishing you a safe and enjoyable second half of your summer! Be well and continue shopping small! XO!!

 

Sasha Le Creative

 

Bailey Bean Earrings

 

Ashton Lally Art

 

Del Soul Spa

 

Humility LLC

 

Liquid Nirvana

 

The Nutmeg Home

 

Mix Design Store

 

Nutmeg & Honey

A passion of mine has always been to support small businesses! It’s true what they say: every time you shop from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance! This year has, without a doubt, been difficult on all of us, and now as we’re heading into the holiday season (let’s be real, some of us are already there!), I want to do something to keep the joy alive.

A few weeks ago, I decided to create a helpful shopping list to support local and shop at some of the small businesses throughout Connecticut. Our state may be small, but boy is there a heck of a lot of talent! I’m almost embarrassed to say that this list barely taps into all that’s out there; however, if it connects you with something you love or even gives you some ideas, then this is a success!

Support local, support small, and score big!

Why these Small Businesses are Featured!

This list was intentionally curated to fit a variety of criteria for those who will be shopping. These are some of those factors, and will be highlighted under each service or company below!

tangible gifts to give

+

products of services that go towards a good cause upon purchase

+

experiences for your family or a loved one

+

ways to treat yo’self! Let’s face it: we all need to give ourselves a little love after the year we’ve had! 

+

custom

+

handmade

+

ease and flexibility to purchase a gift card!

Check out our Twelve Days of Small Businesses Below!

You’ll notice on our Instagram and Facebook that I’ve stuck true to the Twelve Days of Small Businesses — I want to make it a bit easier for you here! Below is my list for the first-annual 12 days of Small Business Shopping List! It’s true, I’m making this a yearly thing, and I can’t wait to see how the list grows!

Again, I cannot emphasize how many amazing talents there are throughout the Nutmeg state, so if you don’t see a local or small business you know and love, don’t worry! There are so many around every corner — literally! Consider those privately owned restaurant shops, small-town hardware stores, and clothing boutiques. Check out the quaint art shops, local coffee shops, and other like-minded small businesses while you’re creating your shopping list.

Without further adieu, I present to you 2020’s list of businesses to shop with this holiday season! Remember to shop local, support small, and I have no doubt you’ll score big while doing so! PRO TIP: Each business highlighted has more specific information to click and shop, or even easier, to click and buy!

Happy holidays everyone! May this year be healthy, happy, and restful! XO!!

 

Small Business Round-up! 

SHOP Aquinnah here! (Be sure to click the “SHOP” selection to navigate to the full collection of goodies.

BUY A GIFT CARD here!

Learn about some of Aquinnah’s good causes here.

 

Get in touch with Erica here!

 

Check out more of Laura Dee‘s style here!

Learn a little bit more of how fierce you’ll feel with Laura Dee here.

Reach out to Laura Dee here.

Book Alicia Ann here!

 

Check out more of Joanna’s work here!

Contact Joanna here.

Say hello to Alicia Ann here!

See more of Brooke Allison’s work here!

Reach out to Brooke Allison here.

 

Learn more about their spa services here!

Book your spa services here!

Purchase a gift card here.

BONUS: Black Friday deals are happening!! 

 

Shop ALL of their goods here!

BONUS: Cyber weekend supersale is happening!

 

Check out some of Karri’s work here.

Reach out to her for your custom piece here! Order by December 7th to receive by Christmas; after December 7th, receive a gift card for your piece, to-be-designed.

 

Shop all cookbooks (and cookie trays!) here!

 

Shop all flavors and combos here.

Check out where you can find Unbakeables on the map!

 

SHOP here!

Learn more about their process here!

 

Learn more about Imagine Float’s services and pricing here!

Purchase a gift card here.

 

Check out Firestone Cafe’s menu here (click on “Our Studio” to see the list of art classes)!

Purchase a gift card here.

We’ve produced an eclectic variety of weddings, but our favorite might just be tented weddings! Starting with a blank canvas allows us to create a venue from scratch, creating a unique design. We often times see tented weddings take place at private residences or home properties, which tend to carry a very special sentiment behind them. Tent decor, furniture rentals, and a thoughtful spatial layout add to the personal setting of an outdoor wedding and allow us to embellish the personality of the couple in a location that already holds so much meaning!

The tent design is where we spend much of our time. It equates to designing your home, which is something we all love to pour ourselves into one way or another! Tents don’t speak to just one or two styles of weddings — they can quite literally be dressed up to evoke whatever vibe you’re drawn to.

Tent Decor: The Ceremony

For Nicole and Mark’s wedding day, we wanted to design a space that embodied the rest of their aesthetic: colorful, vibrant, and whimsical. Two frame tents were constructed on the property, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. It’s essential to have a rain backup plan with an outdoor wedding, so why not use what we had reserved, even in perfect weather?

Our ceremony took place in the front of Nicole’s childhood home, which is the perfect shade of yellow!! We enlisted the talents of Drape Art Designs to execute the cheerful setting of our dreams! Bunches of colorful ribbon swags created a slight canopy of shade around our guest seating. Lavender fabric draped around the side poles, softening the space a bit further! As the first space that greeted our guests, this gave a perfect introduction to the rest of our home for the evening.

photos: emily kirke photography // tent decor: drape art designs // tent: greenwich tent co.

 

Tent Decor: Dinner & Dancing

One of the reasons why I absolutely love clear top tents is it allows you to really immerse yourself in your surroundings. It creates an open air feeling while still protecting you from the elements. With that, you don’t need too much tent decor, but a bit of something to tie into the design creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Together, Drape Art Designs and I carried the ribbon design over to the reception tent, creating a focal point over our dance floor. That floral chandelier by Botanique pushed our heart eyes over the edge and dropped our jaws to the ground!

It’s always an absolute pleasure collaborating with Drape Art Designs! Complete with a wide range of lighting styles to accentuate your tent decor and vision, their inventory completes our design perfectly. Not to mention, we love their bar selection, too!!

We could not think of a better way to start this Wednesday off than with a peek inside the closet of the beautiful Kelley Solomon. You may know her as the creative genius behind Aquinnah Jewelry. We covet just about everything in the collection—from the modern, colorful necklaces to the delicate initial lockets. It’s no surprise that her style reaches far beyond the beautiful jewels she creates. In her own words, Kelly is a little “crunchy.” But that doesn’t mean you won’t find her decked out in pretty, feminine styles or rocking a little bit of glitter. “I love fashion,” she says. “I like to live simply, but I also really appreciate and enjoy the finer things in life too. I think I could live barefoot. As long as I could just have one little perk everyday like a beautiful handbag, a cozy cashmere sweater, or piece of gorgeous jewelry I would be very happy.”

We think Kelley’s wardrobe is full of little perks and we are happy to share a few of those today. Have a look at what’s in her closet…

Hmmm… What I can’t live without. This could end up being quite a long list. HA! Now, that I am a mom of a one-year-old daugher (named Aquinnah), and work out of my home studio at least four days a week my closet “go to’s” have changed to a bit more casual.

Shoes: Frye riding boots, TOMS woven herringbone flats, Sam Edelman ballet flats & “Petty” booties, Converse sneakers, lacy suede oxfords by 67 Collection & gold glitter ballet flats by Cole Haan. I really can’t choose one. I NEED them ALL!

Clothing: My current fav’s would have to be my…Emerald lace peplum top by Moulinette Soeurs, skinny jeans by Citizens of Humanity, I love cardigans especailly this dark orange scalloped one by Sparrow, Cream lace hem sweater by Knitted & Knotted, and almost always have to have my Mossimo white ribbed tanks from Target in reach. And, I can’t leave out my slouchy, charcoal, cable knit hat that I wear almost everyday by Goorin Bros.

Accessories: Oh god, now accessories where do I begin???

Lets start with jewelry!!! Well…of course almost all of my go to’s are AQUINNAH JEWELRY. I love to stack my accessories!!! Currently, I love to combine my locket bracelet, infinity bracelet & emerald & chain/rhinestone bracelets. I also wear either my locket, initial stamped or rip curl necklace with almost everything. I am also obsessed with a pair of gold & emerald earrings that belonged to my late sister-in-law. Those I will cherish forever and will eventually pass down to our daughter. For an everyday earring I wear my faux diamond studs by Haute Bride. And, I still stare & smile at my wedding ring and never take it off.

Now, in my opinion you’re not a real woman if you do not have a handbag addiction! If I didn’t have a child to support I would spend A LOT of money on more handbags!! I have always loved Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, and I will always dream about that vintage Hermes “Kelly” bag. Now that I carry a diaper bag (actually an oversized Kate Spade tote bag I converted into a diaper bag) more than a handbag I have restrained myself from endulging in any new bags. Which my husband seems to be very happy about. Ha!

Sunglasses: Definitley my Ray-Ban Wayfarer’s

 

I really enjoy shopping and supporting small, local boutiques, and do love to stroll the aisles of Target & Marshalls! As you would expect after seeing my jewelry line, I obviously love, and am inspired by, Anthropologie, Kate Spade and J.Crew. And, when I have time I enjoy visiting vintage or consignment shops, which also inspire a lot of my jewelry design. I wish I could live in the past, in Europe, and really soak it all in…all the fashion, all the architecture, all the life. That’s what design to me is all about…the past brought into the future.

I will splurge on staple, “must have” pieces that I need to complete my closet because I love and appreciate well made, luxury items that I know will well outlast some of the other pieces in my closet. Well made items like a perfect fitting pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater, a well tailored over coat, a pair of handmade cowboy boots or a finely crafted piece of jewelry, etc…I think it’s just like how I try to eat more organic, local foods because I know that even though I am spending a little bit more it will prolong a healthy life.

For more from Kelly be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Mrs. Alison Lassiter is one of my favorite fashionable friends. Always sporting some ridiculously fabulous handbag, she can be seen toting everything from Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. In fact, when I get my hands on some new leather over-the-shoudler goodness she is one of the few people I boast to about my new purchase! And since she has such a tremendous eye for fashion, it’s no coincidence that she is an amazing photographer. Her company, Alison Lassiter Photography, is based in Connecticut and captures the most dreamy pictures of couples in love on their wedding day.

I loved reading Alison’s write up for our What’s in My… blog series and I know you will, too. Without further adieu, here is Alison in her own words describing her style and what she loves most in that treasure trove closet of hers!

 

Today we take a departure from Christian Louboutins, vintage furs and beauty secrets to take a walk through my good friend Steve Depino of Steve Depino Photography‘s closet. Steve is a fashion / event / wedding photographer in New York and Connecticut. In addition to weddings, Steve’s had the opportunity over the past 10 years to shoot celebrities, concerts and major sporting events (did you know he went to the Super Bowl?).  With a firm background in art and illustration, Steve is not only a photographer but directs commercials and short films, paints and draws.

If you know Steve than you know that he is almost always well-dressed. He’s got a classic “American” style with a mix of ruggedness and a shoreline (see: Guilford, his hometown) twist. Steve’s go to brands include J.Crew, Vince, and Homage t-shirts. He describes his style as a mixture of artsy and preppy style– a bit New England and a touch of New York– which really is his personality. The one thing I admire about Steve’s style is he is consistent in just about everything he does visually– from the way he dresses, to the decor in his house, and importantly, the way he practices his art– everything has a continuous coloring, vibe and feel. You can definitely say he is confident in his style! You can find Steve shopping at stores like Barneys and Gilt, among the other brands that he really loves (his gilt groupe shopping habits may boarder on obsession!).

As Steve explains: “When buying clothes I love quality items. I find its smart to go to stores that specializes in whatever your buying. It’s not always the most cost efficient way to shop, but they will educate you on what you are buying so you can look for quality if you have to shop else were. I have found that there are quite a few online discount sites that run daily specials on high end clothing for all types of people. I am a huge fan of both gilt.com (name brand mens, women and kids clothing) and theclymb.com (high end outdoor clothing and gear). They both offer name brands at huge discounts.”

Steve opened up his closet to share with us some of his favorite pieces– guys, take notice! Steve finds most of his style inspiration when it comes to fashion from GQ and Esquire magazine (they make guys look good for a living, so how could they be wrong?).

Steve consider’s himself a bit a shoe hoarder. He likes having the right shoes for the right job and look, and therefore, he’s collected quite a few pairs over the years. Once, he had a professor in college tell him that… “you tell what type of person someone is by the type of shoes they wear.” He’s taken that to heart, and literally has about 25 pairs of shoes in his closet.

“I clearly have a obsession with J.crew shirts. I’m on a first name basis with employes there because I’m in there so much. I like them because the shirts are flexible in that I can wear them doing everyday day activities and dress them up with a jacket and tie when going out. The J. Crew Slim fit cut just fits my body type well.” In addition to j.crew slim fits, Steve considers himself a detail guy, so he tends to wear bracelets, colored shoe laces, pocket squares and cloth lapel flowers. Since his wardrobe is pretty monotone, he adds a bit of color with these kinds of accessories!

Thanks Steve for opening up your closet and sharing with our readers your sense of fashion! XO!

for more from Steve, be sure to follow him on facebook | instagram | twitter

Welcome back to “Whats in my…” Wednesdays, where today we feature one of my favorite, quirky fashionista’s Nichole Michel of Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design. You can always count on Nichole to be wearing something one-of-a-kind, and to me, that’s what defines her style. I never see her follow too many rules when it comes to fashion and you can see that in what she wears and how she carries herself. She has a very grounded sense of her own personal style which few people possess. I’ve often seen her clinging to some ridiculously fabulous vintage clutch or, found her wearing some enormous statement necklace and have said, “Nichole! Where did you buy that? I NEED to borrow that!!!” [Insert some ambigious vintage shop on her travels through Wisconsin where she used to live].

Speaking of rules, Nichole tends to break most of them when it comes to designing paper stories for her clients. She’s one of those uniquely talented designers who happened upon this industry after creating one of the most memorable invitation suites for her own wedding. We became fast friends and she opened up her company, Coral Pheasant, around the time that she was married. Coral Pheasant is a purveyor of unique custom paper goods and stationery for weddings, milestone celebrations and beyond. Nichole specializes in creating designs that are the perfect combination of beautiful typography, gorgeous patterns and thick, luxurious paper. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of fine arts and a minor in photography, Nichole spent the last seven years working as a graphic designer at a major consumer products company before opening her company.

I often joke with her and say, “Thank God you opened your business– otherwise, where would we send our clients?!” And not only that, but our clients absolutely adore her– and we hear the sentiment often that she somehow understand what they want without them having to describe it to her. That, friends, is artistic talent.

We asked Nichole to share with us her favorite pieces in her closet, and we’ll start with the pictured outfit above.

BCBG tulle tutu skirt and Vince Camuto grey suede boots
Nothing says “fun” more than a tulle tutu skirt! I love mixing the skirt with different textures: a white oxford shirt, a simple tank and cardigan, a silver sequin top or a brown leather motorcycle jacket. The grey suede Camuto boots are my favorite kicks to complete the look. Errr, they’re my fave kicks period!

Pheasant accessories
I’m loyal to my own brand, what can I say?! Pheasant wallet: Urban Outfitters | Pheasant phone case: society6 | Pheasant earrings: Vanishing Tribe

Vintage rabbit fur coat
I cannot tell a lie, I have five vintage furs in my collection and all of them were gifts from some of my favorite people. This particular fur was found on our honeymoon in California’s Russian River Valley giving it extra-special significance. My husband, Tim, and I were on our way to a vineyard when we drove by the biggest Salvation Army Distribution Center I have ever seen. I glanced over at Tim and pleaded “Babe, can we stop? Pretty, pretty please? The vineyard doesn’t open until 10:30 and it’s only ten now.” I was thinking I’d need to do a whole lot more convincing when he quickly did a u-turn and headed back. To say that I was stoked would be a massive understatement! It was Tim to found the fur coat and encouraged me to put it on. (Yes, this man has loads of style.) It fit perfectly and at $35.00 it was a major score. The retro diamond pattern on the inside was the cherry on top!

ginette_ny gold monogram necklace
I adore this piece for two reasons. First and foremost it was a gift from my husband on our wedding day: a beautiful necklace with my new initals. Secondly, as a graphic designer my love for typography runs deep. This necklace couldn’t be more chic with it’s intertwined looping letters forming a circular monogram. It’s the perfect size to wear with nearly every outfit making it an ideal accesssory!

Leather and tortoise lucite clutch
I found this retro gem at a flea market some years back. I’m super fond of the combination of materials and the shape. The black leather curves gently at the bottom while the tortoise lucite and chrome clasps form angular lines.

Thank you Nichole for sharing the treasures within your closet! To learn more about Nichole’s company, Coral Pheasant, visit her website.

Next week we take a departure from fashionable industry women and feature one of my favorite well dressed guys, Steve Depino of Steve Depino Photography. See you next week and Happy Thanksgiving!
 

for more from Nichole, be sure to follow her on facebook | instagram | twitter