jessica – Page 66

04/23

vintage glamour wedding. part 1

This is our first wedding feature here on J. Sorelle, and it only seems fitting that we feature one of our own…Jenna and our beloved new brother-in-law, William!

I was the lucky girl to plan it. We had a short period of time to do it…
Engagement – Florence, Italy, July 2009
Wedding – Denver, Colorado, January 23, 2010
Decision to get married in January 2010 – September, 2009

Jenna’s love of all-things vintage, black and white damask print and fleur de lis design, along with Jenna and William’s love for New Orleans served as inspiration for their 1920’s “Great Gatsby” style wedding.

The result: Vintage. Dramatic. Black and White. Unique. Gorgeous. DIY details.

Jenna and William said “I do” at the magnificent The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Denver. The crisp white marble altar, powerful organ and high, dramatic ceilings set the stage for a grandiose wedding. The intimate events started with an emotional surprise from the Italian bride to her Scottish groom – Scottish bagpipe player Scott Beach to greet the groom and guests in the Cathedral foyer. The couple wanted simple, yet romantic décor at the church. Florist Judy Stevenson, A Design Resource, set white ostrich feathers held together by black silk ribbon and a vintage broach on each pew. The vintage brooches were found among various Etsy sellers, as well as antique fairs.

Jenna wore her grandma’s vintage white Chantilly lace wedding dress from 1956. Our grandma is alive today, and joyfully watched Jenna walk down the aisle in her wedding gown. The bouquets, as well as all flower arrangements used at the reception were orchids and gardenias; ironically, the same flowers used at our grandmother’s wedding over 50 years ago.

Jenna had another surprise for all the guests, including her soon to be hubby. Immediately following the ceremony, she changed into a gorgeous silk satin ivory Palazzo wedding dress from Felice. She wore vintage-inspired ankle boots from Bakers with our grandma’s dress and peep-toe, black rosette Valentino pumps from Nordstrom with her Palazzo dress. Her custom-made veil, made by Sara Gabriel at Anna Be Bridal, completed her vintage look.

Jenna and Will were escorted in style by a 1953 white Rolls Royce, and their bridal party followed in a 1936 Touring Coach. When they arrived at their reception site, Mile High Station, they were introduced by the very talented Hazel Miller, and then danced to their first dance as husband and wife, At Last, by Etta James.

jenna & will in 1920's car

{images via Betsey Holley Photography}

Don’t you just love it? It’s so unique. Stay tuned for GORGEOUS pictures tomorrow of reception and the amazing details.

posted by jessica 1 Comment
Filed Under: vintage, wedding

04/15

hardware candle holder

My husband is a builder (a very good one at Gregg and Co Builders), but I am not a frequent visitor to the local hardware store. HOWEVER, I may become friends with our local hardware store clerk after watching an episode of The Nate Berkus Show recently.

Check out these amazing candelabra’s made from plumbing pipes. Who knew something so “manly” could be used as a table setting? This would be a great addition to a table for your man’s surprise birthday party, or your little man’s construction-themed party.

{images via The Nate Berkus Show}

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Filed Under: decor, diy, lifestyle Tagged: diy, home decor, table

04/15

Cookie Monster Party

My kids 3rd and 1st birthdays are quickly approaching, so my mind is churning with ideas for themes, colors, etc. Since I was on the subject of toddler birthdays, I thought I would share my son’s last birthday party.

I was inspired to do a milk and cookies party for my son’s 2^nd birthday party after coming across a blog posting by Anne from A. Party Style. My son, Jameson, LOVES cookies; after all, cookie was one of his first words. So, there seemed nothing more appropriate than throwing a cookies and milk party. I liked the brown and white color scheme, but wanted a touch of blue. My son also loves Cookie Monster from the kid-loved Sesame Street, so it seemed perfect…a cookies and milk party with special appearances from Cookie Monster! Once I had the theme, I hit the ground…and Michael’s…running!

Many of the details are DIY, which I love.

I made the invitations (yes, I cut the cookies and added each chocolate chip with a sharpie in-hand, and the milk bottle). I printed the invites on my computer at home. You can find the paper to do this yourself at Fleur de Lis.

After “Jameson’s Art to Eating a Cookie” photo session, I had an idea to use an antique window pane I had in the garage for a photo display. I made a frame for all cookie photos using construction paper and double-sided tape.

I couldn’t resist creating a balloon wreath after seeing this birthday wreath at HowDoesShe? It was simple to make and turned out adorable!

The DIY custom water labels posted on etsy.com from RyCreationShop were just too cute to pass up.

Due to the weather, I had to create a fun game for the toddlers to play inside – what better than a cookie decorating party at a cookie party? I made sugar cookies, and bought icing, a variety of sprinkles, food color pens, etc. The kids had a blast…and had faces covered with chocolate and sprinkles to prove it.

I hung balloons from the arch in the middle of the room, which was a cost-effective way to add color to the party.

I placed a Pottery Barn lantern with photos of Jameson in the middle of the table. Stay tuned for a DIY tutorial blog post on how to make these lanterns yourself. They are cute, and also serve as a warm ambiance with the candles glowing throughout the evening.

The party wouldn’t be complete without the birthday boy wearing a cookie monster t-shirt from the ShockNRoll Etsy Shop.

I’m obsessed with striped straws. The kids loved drinking their milk from them too.

The menu of cookie options included homemade chocolate chip cookies, homemade oatmeal cookies, homemade shortbread cookies, oreo cookies, and ingredients to make s’mores by the fire-pit outside.

The kids’ goody bags, with a custom name tag made from cupcake toppers from RyCreationShop, and a custom label printed at home on my computer, contained chalk, bubbles, shortbread cookies and milk with a custom label, “Jameson’s sweet 2% milk.”