lilac love

I’m obsessed with the purple Lilac bushes in my yard this spring. I’ve never noticed how beautiful Lilac blooms can be, or how sweet they smell. It’s been a beautiful ‘bloom’ this spring for all our trees, bushes and perennials. Everyday when I see all the blooms, it makes me oh so happy.

Unfortunately, Lilacs bloom for only a very brief couple weeks in the spring. Here’s some tips for growing and picking Lilacs…and decorating with them in your home or at an event.

1. Make sure your Lilac is getting plenty of sun and in fertile soil. If you do not have blooms, try feeding them a bloom booster. You can find lilacs in shades of purple, pink or white.

2. Pick the blooms freely…actually the more you cut, they say the more blooms for next year. To cut correctly, cut above a node, the bumpy spot on branches where new branches will form.

3. Find a large vase, small vintage vase, or basket and arrange your Lilacs, then place in a spot in your home that you will see frequently…I promise, fresh beautiful blooms and their sweet-smelling fragrance will make you happy.

4. It is best to prune your Lilac bush after flowering, most likely in the spring. Don’t wait until the end of the summer or fall to prune this bush. According to Country Living, Lilacs grow on old wood, so the later you prune, the more old wood you prune and the less blooms will grow next year.

5. Though other bushes may only require that the tops of the stems be cut, it’s better to cut the entire stem off the lilac.

 

To learn how to make a DIY bouquet like the one below, follow these tips at Project Wedding

{images via Elizabeth Anne DesignsOh So Beautiful Paper, Project Wedding, Martha Stewart, Your Cozy Home and Pinterest}

Grey and Pink Summer Wedding

In high school, I never imagined Shannon, my BFF, would be celebrating her marriage at her family’s home {which I once considered my second home in my teenage years} in the midst of tennis lessons, sleepovers, prom pictures and parties. I did, however, imagine {and knew}, she would marry her high school love, Bryan.

These two met so young, but grew as individuals and a couple throughout the years, traveled the world, made long distance work and waited until the time was right for them…and their wedding day was so magical.

I was lucky enough to stand by Shannon’s side as her maid of honor for her summer wedding. She planned a clean, modern and elegant wedding that was simply stunning…and so much fun for the nearly 300 guests.

The reception at Shannon’s parents home was the perfect setting. The fountain lit in pink and purple lights made for a grandiose entrance, the white draped, and carpeted tent was absolutely gorgeous, the color scheme of white, bright fuchsia and purple, and grey was eye-catching and sparkling crystal chandeliers were timeless and glamorous. Not to mention the beautiful Irish couple radiating love…and partying all night long {at their own barn-turned-Irish Pub post reception party}

Shannon and Bryan made their wedding day their own, and I was so honored to be a part of it…and share it with you today. Enjoy.

Yes, I was a nervous wreck for my MOH speech. Yes, I cried.

And, yes, I made them cry too.

The Best Men {brothers of the groom} followed my act, and were fantastic – both funny and emotional.

VENDOR LOVE
Photographer: Andrew Clark Photography
Ceremony Site: Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Reception Site: Private Residence
Reception Music: Heartbeat Band/Starkey Productions
Lighting: LMD Productions
Draping, Bar and Pub Decor: DesignWorks by Dave and Mike
Rentals: Butler Rents
Transportation: Fox Limousine
Flowers:  Cori Cook Floral Design
Invitations, Programs and Menu Cards: The Paper Guppy
Hair: Andy Mendoza, The SideDoor Salon
MakeUp: Jessica Shinyeda, The Face Lab
Veil: Felice Bridal Salon
Dress: Romona Keveza, Felice Bridal Salon
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Formalwear: JoS. A. Bank
Catering: Continental Divine Catering
Cake: Intricate Icings Cake Design
Escort Cards: Weddingpaperdivas.com

{images via Andrew Clark Photography}

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!”

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

placecards_Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

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}

brooke + james

As little girls, we often daydreamed of our weddings.
We imagined that we were the princess marrying our prince. Our gown would be exquisite, white and romantically fluffy, our hair would pinned up to perfection and our prince would always be, well, immaculately handsome.

This lucky bride and groom had the wedding of most little girls’ dreams… at a castle far, far away.

Congratulations to Brooke and James who were married last summer in the United Kingdom!

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Belle Momenti Photography
Location:  Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa

{images via  Belle Momenti Photography}