Wednesday, December 28, 2011

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY

Photo by Mary Schannen of Melange Photography, found via May Contain Nutz
"If it didn’t Bring you Joy,
Just Leave it Behind.
Let’s Ring in the New Year
With Good Things in Mind.
Let Every Bad Memory Go
That Brought Heartache and Pain.
And let’s Turn a New Leaf
With the Smell of New Rain.
Let’s Forget Past Mistakes
Making Amends for This Year.
Sending You These Greetings
To Bring you Hope and Cheer.
Happy New Year!"
Author Unknown, found via Quote Ocean




Tuesday, December 27, 2011

ONE DAY IN DECEMBER - THE YEAR OF WONDERFUL SURPRISES

 Logo design by Cris of Kiss My Tulle

Where do I even begin? 2011 has been the year of wonderful surprises and I can't wait to see what next year has in store. I'm writing this from my in-laws' bedroom (more on that later) and couldn't be more thankful for everything that has happened, to get me to where I am now.

January 2011 started with the launch of my event planning and design company, Ruffles & Tweed, which also led to this blog. I've been assisting other planners since 2008, mostly at Island Farm on Elihu Island and other venues along the Connecticut shoreline, and knew that, eventually, I would love to do it all on my own. So when I was asked to be the exclusive planner/designer for Island Farm starting in 2011, I knew that was my chance. Island Farm is a family-owned venue that hosts 4 weekend weddings a year and might be the most magical place I've ever been. I still remember pulling up to the entrance of the best kept secret in Connecticut for the first time (picture below). It was a beautiful day in June 2008 and I was looking forward to assisting the very talented Lucinda Wesson at a weekend wedding. I stopped my car, got out, and stared at the teeny tiny causeway wondering if I was at the right place and if I would make it across to the other side alive. Well, I made it and the rest is history.

 Image by Adrienne O'Connor
Island Farm on Elihu Island - Stonington, CT

I had the pleasure of working with 2 amazing couples this year on their Island Farm weddings (sneak peek pictures below - look out for detailed wedding reviews soon) and am pumped for the 4 I have next year.

Nicole & Rob 6.18.11

Amy & Tim 9.17.11

Although I'm still struggling with all the pains of starting a new business, from taxes and expenses, to moments of doubt and learning how to actually attract and book clients, starting Ruffles & Tweed this year has led to some other pretty awesome perks. I went to Vegas in March for the Rockstar Wedding Planner Grace & Luxury event hosted by Ciara Daykin, and after some emotionally intense days, signed up to be a part of the Community of Wedding Innovators. We meet (virtually) once a month, learn how to push our business to the next level, and complete exercises to help us get there - without this amazing group of supporters and friends, I'm not sure how I would have gotten through this year. Speaking of supporters, until I was accepted into the TWIPS (Twiter Wedding Inspirational Pals) community (such a happy, happy day that was), I felt, like many other bloggers - like I was writing to no one. This online community, made up of people in different disciplines of the wedding industry, has been that extra piece of support and inspiration I needed.


Ok, now back to the part about my in-laws' bedroom - sometime in the beginning of this year my in-laws purchased a house across the street from their own. They were planning to rent it out, but asked my husband and I if we'd be interested in it instead. It is a 90 year old house that has never been renovated, and after MUCH discussion, we decided to go for it. So this year has consisted of renovating, stopping work because the right permits weren't in place, and starting again. And due to these unexpected delays, we are now living with my husband's parents until the house is ready, since we had to be out of our apartment. Oh, and I'm in their bedroom because they moved out of it for us and are sleeping in a guest room - my amazing mother-in-law even emptied out her closet and dressers so that I wouldn't have to live out of a suitcase - seriously? How sweet is that? 

 Image by Adrienne O'Connor
The new house, pre-renovation

And thank God for my father-in-law, who is a plumber and has more energy than anyone I've ever known. The only thing that is being salvaged from this house is the foundation and the hardwood floors - the walls and ceilings are being replaced, the plumbing and electrical are being redone, the windows, siding, and roof will be new, and we're adding a small extension and some extra bathrooms. Oh, and the most amazing part of all of this is that my in-laws are fronting the bill and rolling up the expenses into our mortgage once the house is complete and we purchase the house from them. Yes, my in-laws are angels. So, for all of you who are thinking I'm crazy to move across the street from my in-laws, think again - I completely lucked out when I married my husband - not only because he is the most gentle, laid-back, supportive, loving, and funny person in the entire world, but also because his parents and sisters are all exactly the same way.

And now for my very last (but best) surprise of 2011. I found out in July that I'm pregnant! Yes, we are expecting a baby girl next March and couldn't be more thrilled. This baby will be the first grandchild on both sides, so everyone is ecstatic, and my mom has already purchased enough clothes for her first 2 years of life - gotta love that. Let's just hope the house is ready in time!

 Image by Paul O'Connor

So here's to 2011, the year of wonderful surprises, and to the hope that 2012 is even better. For more "One Day in December" inspiration, check out this post from yesterday about gratitude by Orly of Intimate Wedding Photography, who is also the mastermind behind this project. And, tomorrow, be sure to head over to The White Library for Sandra's post.





Tuesday, December 20, 2011

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

What more could you ask for if Santa brings you these Chloe patent leather pumps for Christmas? The red velvet bow detail looks like a present just begging to be unwrapped. I would do just fine prancing around in these all winter long.

Image found via Focus On Style

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

WEDNESDAY'S WORDS TO LIVE BY


Image found via Unclear Destination



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

Oh how I wish these were available in a size other than 10, especially since they were 50% off online today! These sparkle pumps, available at Loft, are the most perfect (and practical) holiday party shoe. Between the shape (not too round, not too pointy), the heel (4 inches, but with a 1/2 inch platform) and the subtle shimmer (in the most beautiful color I've ever seen), these are appropriate enough for the office, but fancy enough for a night out. I will be constantly stalking this site for the rest of the month just in case any other sizes become available.
Image found via Loft

Friday, December 9, 2011

ONE DAY IN DECEMBER - INTRO

I have the pleasure of being a part of TWIPS (Twitter Wedding Inspirational Pals), which is an online community made up of wedding industry folks who support, promote, and inspire each other. It has truly been a pleasure getting to “virtually” know all of these amazing people, and to make it even better, 23 of us are banding together to create “One Day in December”, an idea dreamed up by Orly of Intimate Wedding Photography

It’s all about creating days of inspiration for all of you to enjoy as we look back and reflect on 2011. I’m so excited to be a part of it, and it all starts today with Shannon of Shannon Kelley Photography. I hope you enjoy it as much as we will. The schedule is below so be sure to check back to this list each day so that you don’t miss a single minute.

Logo designed by Cris of Kiss My Tulle


12/9: Shannon {Shannon Kelly Photography}
12/10: Cris {Kiss my Tulle}
1
2/11: Layla {Simply Savannah Events}
12/12: Amanda {Bacidesigner}
12/13: Allie {Honey Bee Invites}
12/14: Jen {Blush Printables}
12/15: Colleen {Soundtrack to Ido}
12/16: Shaffone {Making your Event Special}
12/17: Wendy {Wendy Ramos Photography}
12/18: Louise {Bijoux Bride}
12/19: Chandra {Oh Lovely Day}
12/20: Emma {Aphrodites Weddings}
12/21: Lisshan {Wrapped Couture}
12/22: Ilse {Secret Jewel}
12/23: Jessica {Two Wedding Belles}
12/24: Krissy {Make Believen}
12/25: Alicia {The Charity Wedding}
12/26: Orly {Intimate Wedding Photography}
12/27: Adrienne {Ruffles & Tweed}
12/28: Sandra {The White Library}
12/29: Tara {Cut the Cake Designs}
12/30: Laura {Laura Lavender}
12/31: Kewain {NolaBelles Soirees}

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

TUESDAY SHOESDAY

I’m usually hesitant to wear backless shoes for fear of completely falling out of them…but backless peep toes with an ankle strap? Now we’re talking! These black suede heels with snake-embossed metallic leather ankle straps by L.A.M.B are the perfect style meets function solution, and they are rocking my world right now.


 Image found via Shopbop

Monday, December 5, 2011

CATERER SPOTLIGHT: ESPRIT EVENTS

I was lucky enough to have lunch at Esprit Events last week with Tali Katz, their warm, friendly, and knowledgeable Catering & Events Sales Manager. Tali and I first met at The Wedding Salon’s luxury bridal showcase last month, so we decided to meet up again to chat more about their catering services – their kitchens are strictly kosher – and their upscale and innovative cuisine and presentation.

When I arrived, I sat down to the most beautiful plate of “sushi” I’ve ever seen. Their sushi, called “Beyond Sushi” is not only kosher and completely safe for pregnant women, but also organic and vegetarian. 

Images supplied by Esprit Events

It’s made with a variety of organic fruits and vegetables wrapped with 6 grain or black grain rice and topped off with tofu based sauces. The sauces include Tofu Miso, Carrot Ginger, Chili Mango, Jalapeno Wasabi, Teriyaki Shitake, and Toasted Cayenne – yum. I’m salivating over here just thinking about how yummy it was. And Tali is so sweet that she offered to deliver some to me whenever I crave it – I might just take her up on that! 

Be sure to contact Esprit Events for your wedding or your next social event – you will not be disappointed. They develop customized menus based on your specific needs, they pay attention to the details, and they make sure that you are beyond thrilled with the results.

Friday, December 2, 2011

FRIDAY'S FROM ROOM TO WEDDING

So, Preston Bailey and I totally think alike - it just about made my day yesterday when I stumbled across his article in the Huffington Post about wedding design. He said "...before you start meeting with wedding designers, think long and hard about your favorite things. Take a look around your home. What does your favorite lamp look like? Your favorite painting? Your favorite blanket? Do you notice any themes? It's great to show your designer inspirational photos you've clipped from magazines and blogs, but why not bring in a few photos of your home, too?"

YES!!!! That is exactly the idea I try to portray through my "From Room To Wedding" series - and now that I know Preston feels the same way, I feel even better about it. 

Today's feature is of a gorgeously romantic, delicate, pale pink and blue living room. The space was designed by Hal Williamson and is made up of both antique and current pieces, which I love. I believe that more often than not, contrast is what makes design interesting, and the masculine style chairs draped in feminine colors and textures, along with the gold and crystal detailing throughout the room are dream-like.

 Photo by John Kernick, room design by Hal Willamson, found via House Beautiful
 
The wedding contrived from this little piece of heaven includes pale blue bridesmaid dresses in different styles and patterns, and an Old Hollywood style silk charmeuse gown by Catherine Deane for BHLDN. Only the most perfect pair of blush suede pumps would fit the style of the soft armchair from the room. The invitations, by Ceci New York, are letterpress wrapped in blush and gold fabric, and topped off with feathers, jewels, and rosettes - how much more feminine and textured can you get?


I choose ghost chairs for the ceremony to pick up on the Lucite side table and gold chivari chairs for the reception. The blue armoire houses pictures of family and pink peonies are everywhere, from the centerpieces to the bouquets to the boutonnieres. And who could forget about dessert? The flaky, decadent Parisian macaroons in shades of pale pink and champagne leave guests with a sweet memory as the night draws to a close.