Thread, Via Shopbop

Thread, via Shopbop

Those of you that know me well know that I am totally obsessed with Shopbop.  It is definitely my favorite place to shop! At least once a day if not more I go on to see what new things I want to add to my wardrobe.  So when I found out they were launching a bridal boutique I nearly jumped out of my chair.  How absolutely fabulous!  I am head over heals in love with this short Thread dress.  If I were to do it all again I would be changing into this after dinner for a night full of dancing!

Filed under: Beauty & Fashion, Coffee Talk Monday, TRUE Style

Wine of the Week
2008 Schug Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$24.00

This has been a favorite ever since I had a glass at Todd English’s restaurant Tuscany at Mohegan Sun.  Recently the winery was running a case special and we had some shipped to our house and I was reminded just how much I love this Chardonnay.  This is one you will want to keep in the house, sometimes hard to find so when you do stock up.  Happy Friday Everyone!  Cheers.

What the Experts are saying…

This lithe Chardonnay has a wonderful hint of citrus on the nose. It is really easy to drink, beautifully crisp and refreshing in the mouth, and sleek and juicy on the finish. You just get peaches and nectarines forever. I swear I dribbled it on my chin, just like biting into the ripest, most wonderful pure essence of summer peach. A great way to keep summer flowing in your house.- Appelation America

Filed under: Friday Wine Tasting

I might be a bit late to the party on this post, but way back in February Mr. C and I decided to join some friends in Vail for a few days of fabulous skiing. It was my first time skiing in Colorado,and to say I was inspired would be a HUGE understatement. That place could not be more beautiful. We were blessed with blue bird days, so my little mind started to wander into a wedding or event inspired by that crisp blue color we were so lucky to gaze at when we fell down the back bowls…

click on the images for full credits

Filed under: Color, Inspiration from Anywhere, Stationery

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Photos by Anna Sawin Photography

Last week we were so honored to be featured on Style Me Pretty with such an amazing group of friends and talents in the industry.  It was the most spectacular day!

Working with Erin and Dan was a designer’s dream.  Every detail had thought behind it and told the story of them as a couple.  A vision of rustic details with chic, elegant accents set the tone for the most incredible Rustic Chic wedding.  We used layers of fabric, satin and burlap on the tables with glitter sprinkled on the burlap to give it the most subtle sheen.  Wrapped votives with lace and hay bills with fabric to weave the details through every space of the venue.  I think when you are designing an event it is very much like creating different rooms in a house, using the color palette and design details in different ways to set the mood/ tone.  We wanted guests to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner  and dancing and be wowed through each transition.  No detail was missed for Erin and Dan’s wedding, and what made it so special for guests was that it was unique to them as a couple.

Sparkle & Hay: The Inspiration…why Rustic Chic
It started with the setting. After a fairly short search (my list of criteria combined with our guest list did not provide for a long list of reception site options in Connecticut) Dan and I chose Saltwater Farm Vineyard as our reception site. The moment we turned down the slightly hidden long dirt drive I knew this was going to be the place.

Pulling up it is as though you are transported to another place, and inside the meticulously revitalized space (I don’t dare say renovated as so much of the building’s authenticity has been preserved) has such fantastic raw energy. The space was originally a WWII aircraft hangar, which means towering high ceilings with gorgeous exposed wooden beams and ceilings. The space comes as-is… and lends itself perfectly to personalization through colors, textures, linens, flowers, lighting, and all sorts of fabulous details.

While exhilarated by this I was also (ever so slightly) overwhelmed… until I met Sarah True. Sarah is the creative event mastermind who after listening to my chaotic inspiration list (French Provincial meets Paris Chic, vineyard but not too wine focused, fall but not overkill of oranges and yellow, soft & warm lighting, browns, dark blues, dark purples, flowers but not too flowery, candles, lanterns, and the list goes on…) somehow deciphered it all into a Rustic Chic inspiration – and it just fit! I am so excited (and lucky) to have Sarah working on our wedding; I cannot image attempting it without her.

Collaboration:
Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard / Design and Coordination: TRUE Event / Photography: Anna Sawin Photography / Catering: Anna Lathrop and Jeanette Holliday of Gourmet Galley / Floral: Hana Floral Design / Paper: Chocolate Creative Design / Entertainment: Power Posse Productions & JA2M / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Transportation: Newport Trolley / Videography: Tim Ethier Video Productions / Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library / Dress: Augusta Jones from Kleinfeld New York / Bridesmaids: J.Crew / Bride & Groom Forks: Beach House Living / Guest Book: LovliDay / Bridesmaid and Bride’s clutches: Oatmeal Lace Design / Hanger: LilaFrances

Filed under: Color, Flowers, Photography, Press, Real Weddings, Stationery, Style Me Pretty, Venues, Wedding Wednesday