Fab Find: Little Retreats

I stumbled upon Little Retreats during a recent all-consuming decor hunt on Etsy. Seriously, if there is anything greater than Etsy for one-of-a-kind design then I want to know about it pronto! Brooke of Little Retreats makes beautiful decor items for events or simply to feather your nest. I am particularly enamored with the mustache collection – perfect for event photo booths – and the endless collection of bird themed items. I will be using the cutout bird cages and tiny nest name card holders for one of my weddings later this summer (oh and live birds in cages…stay tuned for that one!)

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Inspiration Board: Beth and John

Beth & John design board
Palette: shades orange and chartreuse with gem tone accents
Theme: vintage, whimsical, chic
Location: The Herb Farm, Woodinville
Date: October, 2010

MS Gala Realized

Finally had time to post the pictures from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Annual Dinner of Champions in May. I based the design scheme on the invitation which was developed independently by a graphic designer who didn’t know that the blue and orange would coordinate perfectly with the ballroom in the Grand Hyatt! The theme of “Inspire & Innovate” lent itself beautifully to a modern design- sleek black glass vases, gorgeous, luxurious mokara orchids, star shaped blue thistle, orange protea, cherry brandy roses, burgundy leucadendrum and black river rocks. I loved the BBJ linens in the pinktuck and bengaline and the orange, orchid strewn carpet was a fun touch at the entrance to the event. Gobos in the jack design from the invitation highlighted the ceilings and walls and a transition from orange to blue lighting let guests know that the after party had begun.

 

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MS gala design board

 

MS Gala Table 26

 

 

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Allie and Sarah

 

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Cindy and Ethan, Sonoma

If the rehearsal dinner consists of beautiful centerpieces, hot dogs, champagne and homemade ice cream sandwiches, the wedding is guaranteed to be amazing! Last Saturday at Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma Cindy & Ethan were married (finally!) as guests looked on shaded from the California sun by orange parasols. Cornerstone Gardens is a photographers dream which I’m sure was why Cindy, a photojournalist, chose the location. Photo op after photo op with gardens designed by famous landscape architects and blooms galore. Guests enjoyed iced lemonade infused with lavender, bean bag chairs at the kids table, the hilarious Special Edition of “The Union” at the reception table and dancing into the wee hours in the big red barn. Congratulations Cindy and Ethan!

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I was absolutely thrilled to design the flowers for Melanie’s baby shower, especially when I saw the fabulous pink tiered glass compote she wanted me to use. Melanie designs and produces the most gorgeous pillows and as you can see, her attention to detail is meticulous.  When asked to host a shower, most people would whip up some food, throw a few flowers in a vase and call it good. Not Melanie. She traveled far and wide to acquire all the pieces she wanted for her sister-in-law’s baby shower. From spray painting a vintage baby carriage to convincing a bakery to make her pink bread for the tea sandwiches, no thought or expense was spared. To see more details of Melanie’s baby shower decor, check out her blog post over on Plum Cushion.

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