This week we’re blogging the wedding weekend of Nicole and Patrick– and there are a ton of details! I can’t wait to share their gorgeous wedding with you tomorrow, but up first, is their sweet rehearsal dinner at Skippers Dock in Stonington Borough. This location was the perfect backdrop for a preppy, nautical seaside welcome dinner with their closest family and friends. Nicole wanted to design something that was completely different from their wedding the next day, and loved the idea of doing a deep navy and bright pink. Yumiko from Hana Floral Design created these vibrant arrangements of pink peonies for each table, wrapped with blue and white polka dot ribbon. We chose a canvas like linen from La Tavola Linen in a pretty rope pattern for the tables, bright fuchsia dupionique napkins, and polka dot plates for each plate setting. Nichole from Coral Pheasant created all the paper for the day, including custom lobster bibs for each guest!

Patrick is a recent graduate at Yale University and Nicole wanted to surprise him with a grooms cake inspired by the Yale Bulldog. Didn’t Hope from A Little Imagination Cakes knock it out of the park?

I want to specially thank our intern Emily for assisting me on this event, the wonderful staff at Skippers Dock for all their help, and my girl Carla Ten Eyck for taking such beautiful pictures. Enjoy!

CREDIT REEL

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck
Design, Planning & Rentals: Jubilee Events
Location: Skippers Dock, Stonington Borough
Floral Design: Hana Floral Design
Linens: La Tavola Linens
Grooms Cake: A Little Imagination Cakes
Paper Story: Coral Pheasant Stationery + Design

SaveSave

Now that wedding season is kicking into full swing, bridal showers and bachelorette parties are starting to fill up our calendars. We love planning bachelorette parties because we get to let loose and really have fun. One of our favorite ways to celebrate the bride is with a spa-style party. It’s easy to customize a spa party to your personal style, but there are a few things we agree are must-haves: Champagne cocktails, pretty cotton robes (we love the Plum Pretty Sugar collection!) and fresh fruit popsicles. Yum! Get everyone together in a super glam space and let the primping and pampering begin!

1. by Studio Carre 2. via One Charming Party 3. by Jamie Lauren 4. via Martha Stewart 5. by Studio Carre

I’m so excited to share with you the wedding weekend of Megan and Mike. The weekend started with a wedding  rehearsal dinner at Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield, Connecticut. We worked together on their Lobster-themed, super preppy rehearsal dinner for several months. The Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield has just undergone a major renovation. The location is on Fairfield Beach and with the natural nautical touches, it was easy to bring in our favorite preppy nautical elements.

The design included handsome blue seersucker linens on the dining tables and playful navy rope linens for cocktail hour overlooking the water. Our tablescapes were brightened by yellow and white centerpieces in metal buckets, created by Elisabeth from BLUSH Floral. The table numbers were mini chalk board signs, naming each table after one of Megan and Mike’s favorite New England destinations!

The menu was your classic lobster bake with big red buckets on the tables for lobster shells (and cute instructions designed by Coral Pheasant on how to crack open those suckas!), bibs to catch any lobster dribbles (also designed by Coral Pheasant) and red lobster crackers which was also a guest favor. The fantastic team responsible for all that Lobster and Corn on the Cob was Outdoor Cookers.

The evening was rounded out by one of our favorite photographers, Mr. Bruce Plotkin, on hand to document the entire weekend. Thank you Bruce for these wonderful images!

CREDIT REEL

Planning, Rentals & Design: Jubilee Events
Photography: Bruce Plotkin
Catering: Outdoor Cookers
Floral Design: BLUSH Floral
Paper Story: Coral Pheasant

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

Who doesn’t love the Academy Awards? One of the most glamorous nights in Hollywood deserves to be celebrated with a lavish party.

Vanity Fair, one of my favorite magazines, usually does the best job at doing just that. I looked to the magazine for some inspiration for throwing a party of my own. I love how using the magazine’s branding in the decor makes for a sophisticated look, while really letting the stars (and their gorgeous gowns) shine.

Some of my favorite elements are the jaw-dropping step and repeat made of lush shrubbery and a photobooth for the stars. I think these would all make great additions to a party, and would be great spots for companies to emphasize their own branding at a corporate event. This can work for a smaller gathering, too. A simple color palette of black and white and crisp paper elements, such as menu cards and voting ballots, create a stylish and sophisticated look. No matter the scale of the event you plan, don’t forget the popcorn!

1. via Vanity Fair 2. via Twig & Thistle 3. via Prepfection 4. via A Piece of Toast 5. via Vanity Fair

From the moment I found I was going to become a mom I started dreaming up all of the exciting parties I would be able to throw. I’m not exaggerating: Before I began pondering baby names, I was crafting mental inspiration boards for future birthday parties. Since some people might consider this behavior a bit crazy (my husband) I’ve had to keep most of them to myself. Until now! I’m just bursting with ideas for planning the perfect birthday party for children, and today I want to share with you a few of my favorites.

Let’s start with balloons! What kid can resist seeing their name spelled out in giant, metallic Mylar balloons, or how about digging into a DIY cupcake decorating station after blowing out the birthday candles? For girls, I love the idea of a makeup-themed slumber party. They’d stay up late munching on sweet lipstick-shaped cookies and talking endlessly about boys, of course! And for the little dudes, I just love the idea of hosting a spy-themed party complete with magnifying glasses and disguises. Typically I’m a big fan of anything pink, but I’m really drawn to the bold primary colors in this superhero dessert display and the fun graphic prints. Ka-Pow!

1. via LAO Studio 2. via beautylish 3. via Health.com 4. via Catch My Party 5. via Flutter Flutter

If there’s one thing I love more than Christmas morning, it’s Christmas Eve!! Everything is covered in bright, pretty lights and everyone is in such high spirits. (Everyone who has finished their holiday shopping, that is!) It’s the perfect night to go all out and celebrate the year that’s coming to an end! And what better way to celebrate than with lots of glitter and gold metallics! I’m talking long, sparkly skirts paired with chunky, cable-knit sweaters and gigantic Christmas cracker pinatas. Perhaps my favorite idea — a confetti bar full of sparkle and glitter for guests to mix up and take home with them. Who says you have to save all the fun for New Years? Of course, you can’t forget a festive cocktail (make mine something sparkling!) and a plate of cookies for Santa. We’ve been very good this year!

1. via Small Fry Blog 2. via Martha Stewart 3. via Clara Persis 4. via The Confetti Bar 5. via Rue Magazine

I’m dreaming of a pink Christmas! This unexpected twist on holiday decor is probably my favorite way to freshen up the season. You don’t have to fully commit either–set your table with pink linens and place cards, wrap your gifts in a rosy shade of paper or bake some delicious candy cane flavored treats for guests. Pink goes well with red and looks so festive with a bit of gold or silver sparkle. No matter which way you decide to use the color, your results will be jolly sweet!

1. via Matthew Mead 2. via Martha Stewart 3. via Martha Stewart4. via Grandin Road 5. via Martha Stewart

Sure the food is always amazing, but one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is setting the table. Why not make dinner interactive with kraft paper placemats guests can write on? Or go super chic with calligraphy and gold leaf place cards. And don’t you think these little walnut place cards are adorable?!

Happy Thanksgiving! XOXO

1. via Oh My Deer 2. via Occasions 3. via Country Living 4. via oncewed 5. via Martha Stewart

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I love dressing up so a holiday centered around costumes is right up my alley. Since I’ve long outgrown the ritual of trick-or-treating, I like to plan and host Halloween parties. Thinking up a clever costume is only half of what goes into throwing an amazing party. Here are some other important element:

1. Mood lighting: Is there anything better than candle light? The effect of these candle is so spooky-perfect for a Halloween party. Visit SMP Living for the wine bottle candle DIY, shot by Rebecca Hansen.

2. Treats: Candy is a given at any Halloween event, so why not dress it up in an adorable candy cracker likes these from Martha Stewart.

3. Table settings: I’m smitten with the Day of the Dead collection at Pottery Barn.

4. Cocktails: These little vials of blood orange shots from Martha Stewart sound equal parts creepy and delicious.

5. Pumpkins: Instead of carving scary faces, turn your pumpkin into something useful-a drink cooler. Martha Stewart does it again!

Happy Halloween, everyone! XOXO