Nov

30

Inspiration to Celebration: A Blue, Red & White Wedding and Scandinavian Ceramicware

Filed Under Celebration, Destination, Fashion and Accessorization, Flowers and Decoration | 2 Comments

There is something about weddings in Europe set against old world styles that have a level of charm and class that just doesn’t seem to be reproduced here in the states that often. That is exactly why I adore oohing and ahhing over the beautifully charming weddings shot by one if my favorite European photographers Marianne Taylor. This blue, red and white wedding shot in the UK shows classic British charm, romantic and whimsical fashions and most importantly, a sense of humor, with its strong bold colors and Volkswagen buses.

Having a beautiful and elegant space to get ready in sets the perfect tone for your pre-ceremony wedding photos not to mention keep you and your bridesmaids relaxed and ready to enjoy the big day. How amazing are their 50′s inspired bridesmaid dresses?

I absolutely love these shots with the foggy coastline! The romantic feel of her lace wedding dress combined with her crystal tiara and her long dramatic veil are perfection.

Speaking of blue and white weddings with a sense of humor, I love nothing more than combining a witty style with a glamorous edge. This is definitely the case for this Finnish illustrated ceramicware by Iittala that would go perfectly with look of the wedding above. What makes these so unique is the artists magical and mystical creatures he illustrates by creating hybrids of his favorite animals. The collection, Taika, means magic in Finnish and we agree that with these mystical creatures and detailed illustrations a magical world was created in his art and would be more than welcome on my own table or for a clients luxurious intimate wedding.

Iittala Taika Handpainted China Collection

With such beautiful colors as blues, reds and white for your wedding day the options endless. From patriotic to a look that is anything but, infusing your wedding with bold colors and witty clever style is a definitely a must!

Nov

24

Inspiration to Decoration: Persimmon & Plum

Filed Under Flowers and Decoration, Inspiration, Invitation | 3 Comments

When I think of Fall the sunlight always comes to mind, and how different it looks and feels, as if brighter and crisper, when shining through the falling leaves and against warm terracotta walls. This was my inspiration for a recent photoshoot for a modern twist on an opulent Thanksgiving or Fall Wedding tablescape. I absolutely love mixing looks and styles and love to show people that they need not be afraid to combine all of theirs loves together. For this look I combined warm peach terracotta, rich black plums, vibrant persimmon, warm wool plaids, geometrical graphics and clean modern green glass. Here is a sneak peak of this modern Fall tablescape’s inspiration.

Illustration by Sandra Suy, White Ceramics, Spanish Courtyard Painting

Nov

19

Invitation to Celebration: Custom Wedding Invitations

Filed Under Invitation | 1 Comment

Designing luxury wedding invitations is a form of art…

Ever since I can remember I’ve been passionate about drawing and the feeling of putting pencil to paper and the feeling as forms take shape. Creating custom wedding invitations and stationery was such a natural progression and gives me so much pleasure and joy! Working with gorgeous textured papers, hand illustrations, unique fonts and then creating something new out of existing forms and words is like magic when you see it take shape. Sometimes I feel like a fashion designer as I see the strong shapes of letters gently pressed into thick cotton papers, the die cut shapes creating sexy silhouettes and then embellish with chains, stones or laser cut lace to accessorize for the big event.

Cape cod classical romantic letterpressed wedding invitation with chandeliers. Photography by Cary Pennington

Moorish Opulence wedding invitation with a die cut belly band and pearl and copper chain detailing. Photography by Christine Chang

Day of the Dead wedding invitation with tattoos, mustaches, maracas and skulls. Photography by Sarah Yates

With each custom invitation design I like to learn about the clients and who they are as a couple, as individuals, their quirks and unique traits to infuse into the design to make it representative of them and their individual style. Of course, customizing an invitation design that you fell in love with at first sight is quite a thrill, to see your name on the unique invitation you fell for, but shopping off the rack does leave the slight chance of bumping into another lady with your same dress on so to speak. For such treasured special events why not have a custom couture invitation designed especially for you… Ensuring that when you walk into a room this will be one design no one else will have on. Let Alchemy work with you to design your custom invitations for the special events of your life. Whether is be a Holiday Party Invitation, a swank New Year’s Eve Party Invitation, that special 40th Birthday Party Invitation, Baby Shower Invitation or of course the biggest and most special day of your life, your Wedding Invitation.

Nov

17

Inspiration to Libation: Hot Chocolate Liquor Cocoa Bar

Filed Under Culinary Creation, Drink and Libation, Epicreation | 4 Comments

The weather is getting colder and the reasons to celebrate are growing. Memories of hot chocolate after a long day of playing in the snow always warm my heart and put a smile on my face. Why not inspire some more warm fuzzy feelings for your guests with a Cocoa Bar at your next get together? Perfect for a nighttime nip or even a cold Sunday brunch treat in lieu of a bloody mary or mimosa bar. Turn this childhood classic into a rich and luxurious grown up treat with gourmet imported Swiss cocoa, roasted rich coffee, handmade chocolate coated marshmallows, gorgeous serving ware and decadent liquors in crystal cut decanters. Chip shot anyone?

Charbonnel et Walker Drinking Chocolate, Brass Knuckle Mugs, Colored Acrylic Demitasse Spoons, Cherry & Vanilla Chocolate Coated Marshmallows, Crystal Liquor Decanters

Nov

15

Inspiration to Home Accessorization: Wood = Rustic + Modern

Filed Under Home Accessorization | 4 Comments

As the leaves are changing color this year, my eyes are widened to the incredible California trees. They’re everywhere. I’d almost say that I hardly notice they’re there when I’m out jogging, but every now and then I’ll look up and feel so thankful for this incredible gift we have — these powerful, far-reaching forms that provide us with so much life. While their elegant bodies are lovely to picnic under, they are slowly being integrated into the world of art, fashion, and large-scale decor. Wood provides such a unique canvas for everyday things you wouldn’t normally expect.

With so many ingenious designers today combining my love of modern and glam along with rustic and modern is a can-do and must-do for home decor.

Timber candle, Wood Clock, Midas Tree Lamp, Wood Bed Frame, DIY Rustic Wood End Table, Branch Shelf

The natural beauty of wood isn’t lost hiding under years of paint and stain. It’s new weathered look it what gives it uniqueness and a whole new appreciation for reclaimed wood such as these boatwood teak pieces and stools made up of salvaged woods. Waste not want not is the new motto for home design.

Reclaimed Boatwood Cabinet, Reclaimed Wood Stools, Wood Desk Lamps, Twig Chandelier

The warmth of natural wood needn’t be held out for household treasures, bring the woodsy outdoors into your everyday including the office and your fashion.

All Wooden Office Accessories, Wood Glasses, Wood Bracelets

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Nov

30