j. sorelle

10/10

Rainbow Wedding Inspiration and Colorful Table Setting

Somewhere over the rainbow where the MN skies are blue
red, orange, yellow and green are there too.
Colorful flowers, linens and stationery are perfectly placed,
with this shoot, the colors of the rainbow are beautifully embraced.

We fell in love with these GORGEOUS images from Drew Coleman, Event Consultant at Life Design Event Planning, and his team. The Phoenix-based event planning firm recently expanded their services to Minnesota, and they certainly brightened the planning possibilities for brides and others in need of their services in Minnesota with this colorful shoot. They teamed up with Minnesota’s best, and the results were stunning!

Drew said, “This concept was simply inspired by the rainbow. We wanted to prove that we could do a rainbow shoot….and do it well! Being new to Minnesota, we wanted to collaborate with some local talent and work on something that would bring us together for something fun with some fun vendors!”

The rainbow-inspired table setting could extend naturally to a reception menu filled with colorful vegetables, seasonal fruits, and beautifully presented dishes. As the wedding planners coordinate with local caterers, collecting guests’ dietary requirements would help them offer suitable choices without compromising the visual concept. Alongside allergies and food intolerances, these requirements may include requests for carbohydrate information or alternative dishes from guests managing type 2 diabetes. Someone already prescribed rybelsus, an oral medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, may appreciate having menu details available in advance to support their established treatment and nutrition plan. Offering balanced meals, whole grains, and unsweetened drinks also encourages eating habits that, when maintained over time alongside physical activity and other appropriate lifestyle measures, can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In this way, the colorful wedding design remains the focus while thoughtful catering accommodates the different needs of the people gathered to celebrate.

VENDOR LOVE
Desserts: Cocoa and Fig
Floral Design: Just Bloomed
Paper Products and Design: Paperista
Furniture: BeEvents Photography: Sewell Photography
Tableware and Linens: Apres Party and Tent Rental
Shoot Location: Calhoun Beach Club
Pillows: Pillowtalkk
Wedding Gown: L’atilier Couture Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Smart and Chic Bride
Concept, Design, Details, and Shoot Direction: Life Design Event Planning

{images via Sewell Photography}

posted by jessica 6 Comments
Filed Under: adult, diy, party, wedding Tagged: blue, color palette, dessert, diy, flowers, green, invitation, life design event planning, macaroon, minnesota, orange, photo shoot, photography, pillows, purple, rainbow, red, sewell photography, table, wedding, white, yellow

10/09

vintage glamorous styled shoot

Vintage accessories, a rustic barn, DIY charm and a glamorous chandelier – sounds like our ideal event! Seriously, all those elements combined are ingredients for an absolutely gorgeous event…in this case, a styled shoot. You can find so much inspiration for your own event with these lovely images shared with us by Jalapeño Photography.

In the words of Edwina, photographer from Jalapeño Photography: The backdrop for our shoot, Ekster Antiques, used to operate storefronts in the Northern Virginia and Maryland antiques’ districts, but Caroline Verschoor with Ekster Antiques got away from the restrictions of operating a shop on Main Street when she began selling her Frenchy-chic antiques quarterly out of her barns in Hamilton, VA. Ekster Antiques’ barns are a dream location for any girl who’s ever owned a glue fun. The barns are a perfect mix of rustic, mercury glass-bling, and high style.

The hair and makeup for models Tiffany Griffith and Joshua Medellin were spot-on and done by MakeUp by Tiffany M. Tiffany ensured that the makeup and hair appeared fresh and clean, and then gentle played up the lips and curls to give our bride, Tiffany, a little va va voom.

The flowers were assembled by the hip Anthomanic —which translates from Ancient Greek as “a person who suffers from an extravagant passion for flowers.” Perfect name for Amanda’s business! Amanda with Anthomanic incorporated beautiful and in-season flowers, which was the perfect complement to the Frenchy antiques. The drinks were styled by Lindsay with the Well Fed Hospitality Group, a restaurant consulting upstart for the DC market. The cocktails were a Bulleit Bourbon Sweet Tea Mint Julep and a ginger beer float. Visually beautiful and perfectly refreshing. The invitations were styled by the Dandelion Patch. Off white invitations played up the vintage feel of the shoot, while the pinks and greens helped continue the muted color pallet.

Hasna with Sugar Lips Confectionery styled the picture-perfect cake. Ruffles incorporated the elegance of the antiques, and the robin eggs added the perfect pop of color and played on the shoot’s rustic charm.

The favors were caramel apples dipped in white chocolate and pecan, a Jalapeño Photography styling element. These apples are a crisp and visually stunning favor for fall weddings.

VENDOR LOVE
Event Planner:  Well Fed Hospitality Group
Floral Designer:  Anthomanic
Invitation Designer:  The Dandelion Patch
Cake Designer:  Sugar Lips Confectionery
Makeup Artist:  MakeUp by Tiffany M
Venue/Other:  Ekster Antiques
Photographer:  Jalapeño Photography

{images via Jalapeño Photography}

posted by jessica 3 Comments
Filed Under: vintage, wedding Tagged: diy, photography, vintage, wedding

10/08

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

We are proud to be Italian Americans. And, having studied in Florence, Italy {all of us}, we are really proud to be Italian and are in love with the Italian culture. Sometimes we wish we could call Italy home at least 6 months of the year. And, I know all 3 of us wish we were fluent in the language. I don’t know how {yes, we do…they are wonderful, good men…and have those dreamy blue eyes that were foreign in our family}, but all 3 of us fell in love with Irish and Scottish men. Go figure.

Today, in honor of Christopher Columbus, the explorer, navigator and colonizer of Italian descent, and Columbus day, we are sharing one of our favorite pasta recipes we make for our families, so you too can celebrate this Italian holiday. Don’t forget to pair with a bold red vino – Brunello di Montalcino is our fave!

BTW, this is not a fat-free recipe, but you have to give yourself permission to indulge every once in a while.

Creamy Pesto Pasta
serves 6
{recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse’s Shrimp with Linguine in a Pesto Cream Sauce}

Ingredients
1 pound linguine, or spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pound sliced chicken breast
2 tablespoons Essence {homemade from Emeril recipe below}
3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1.5 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto {store bought or homemade}
1/4 cup reserved cooking water
1/4 cup grated parmesan

Directions
Set a large 1 gallon stock pot of water to a boil. When boiling, add noodles.
Set a large saute pan over medium high heat.
Add the butter and olive oil to the pan.
Once the butter has melted, season the chicken with 1 tablespoon Essence and add to the pan.
Cook until no longer pink. Then remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute
Add the cream, pesto, remaining tablespoon of Essence seasoning and bring to a boil.

Cook the sauce until the cream is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan and reserved cooking water, and cook tossing to incorporate ingredients together for about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat, add cooked noodles and sprinkle with parmesan.
Serve and enjoy.

Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning
{by the way, this is a great spice to add to potatoes for eggs and potatoes in the am, veggies and we season baked chicken with it all the time}
2.5 tablespoons Paprika
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Buono Appetito!

{images via Tutto Bella}

posted by jessica Leave a Comment
Filed Under: lifestyle, recipe Tagged: emeril lagasse, florence, italy, pasta, recipe

10/05

splurge vs. steal

There are certain key pieces a woman must have in her wardrobe. While we love a good deal, we do understand that a woman must have ‘the essentials’…and for those, you have our permission to splurge.

Our top 10 wardrobe essentials for women:
1. white tee – the been-around-forever, looks good with everything, comfy shirt is a must have.
2. fitted, white, button-down shirt – one that can tuck in or stay out. you will look so put-together.
3. cardigan – one that’s versatile with many outfits in all seasons, either black or a neutral color.
4. little black dress – need we say more…its a must
5. pencil skirt – you will feel so feminine and powerful. find one that is the perfect length, grazing the top of the knees.
6. designer jeans – its worth spending the money to find the perfect fit that flatten and flatter you body type.
7. black pants and/or black leggings – they are flattering and go with everything, plus you can’t beat the elastic waist band on the leggings.
8. ballet flats – they are more chic than sneakers, yet still comfortable. you can buy in black, black and neutral, or even a pop of color.
9. trench coat – one that will remain timeless.
10. black pumps {or nude pumps} – even if you are not a heels gal, every woman needs a pair of pumps for work or special occasions.

For the other, less essential, more trendy pieces, you can be satisfied with a steal if you can’t afford to splurge on the splurge. We found some steals for this season you might like below.

Happy Shopping!
Gentle Souls Gigi Flat, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Flats, Target

Current/Elliott Camouflage Skinny Jean, Saks Fifth Avenue vs. Urban Outfitters Tripp NYC Camo Jean

Cambridge Satchel Company Leather Satchel, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Patent Pink Satchel, Target

Ann Taylor Colorblocked Blouse {super cute and still very affordable} vs. Mossimo Women’s Button-down Blouse, Target

{images via Nordstrom, Target, Saks Fifth Avenue, Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor}

posted by jessica Leave a Comment
Filed Under: fashion, lifestyle Tagged: accessories, animal print, ann taylor, blouse, camo, colorblock, fashion, flats, leggings, nordstrom, pink, shoes, skirt, splurge vs. steal, urban outfitters, wardrobe, white tee

10/04

jackson’s debut

As you know, we welcomed a beautiful, new little man in our lives at the end of July. While we are adjusting to life at home with 3, it can be quite busy and stressful at times, but the priceless time of having a baby is fleeting and we are trying to take it all in. Yesterday, Jackson was smiling and cooing as I was talking to him, and I had tears of pure joy in my eyes. I was so incredibly happy as he looked at me with so much love and wonder. So, in light of my blissful {and sleep deprived} state, I wanted to share some pics of our family photo shoot back in August. The talented Meredith of Meredith Moran Photography, drove up from Denver to spend the day with us. After many poop stained blankets {during the naked shots, Jackson’s insides were definitely working}, and unsuccessful props {Jackson refused to sleep most of the shoot, especially posed in a cowboy boot and cowboy hat} Mer was able to capture some great shots. Here’s a sneak peek.

For those of you interested in a family photo session, Meredith is offering Tutto Bella readers $50 off a mini photo session. Just mention our blog, and you can schedule a 1.5 hour session {and cd of images} for only $99. And since its time to order holiday cards, once you get your adorable photos, call Jenna and Jodi at Fleur de Lis to order your holiday cards today. Even if you live out-of-state, they will design and/or find a card perfect for your family. And, lucky you, Fleur de Lis, is offering 20% off all orders through the month of October.

{images via Meredith Moran Photography}

posted by jessica 1 Comment
Filed Under: invitations, lifestyle, party Tagged: baby, fleur de lis, meredith moran photography, mom, newborn photo session, photography, toddler

Rainbow Wedding Inspiration and Colorful Table Setting

vintage glamorous styled shoot

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe

splurge vs. steal

jackson’s debut

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