Let Them Eat Cake!

Hey Yall!

What's everybody's favorite part of a wedding?  The CAKE of course...or at least it's mine these days;)  And, with that being said, selecting your wedding cake is a big deal, even if you aren't a cake lover yourself.  Your cake, or "main attraction" dessert should flow with the theme and add to the beauty and aesthetic of your day.  Even if you don't want a traditional "cake" cake, there are tons of options out there to suit you and your bride/groom, and still make all your guests happy.  Here are a few of my favorites that can enhance the YUMMINESS of your reception.  Enjoy! 

http://www.marthastewart.com/

Traditional with a twist from Martha of course!  This cake could suit any traditional reception and can be edited to reflect your special colors, season and size.



http://www.marthastewart.com/

   

http://www.kitchenmusings.com/




Everyone has seen the adorable cupcake tower, but you can take it even further with mini-cupcakes!  Can't decide on a flavor, get 12 dozen in 12 different flavors of minis...Why not?

http://www.realsimple.com/




http://www.projectwedding.com/







 

What if cake isn't really your thing, but you want to incorporate the traditional look of a wedding cake with your favorite sweets...try these awesome cakes covered in cookies and candies!

http://www.theknot.com/

If you've read some of my other blogs, you know that I love the idea of an ice cream bar at weddings, but this takes the cake...I couldn't resist:)



http://www.projectwedding.com/

Last but certainly not least~homemade cake!  If you are having an ever so popular rustic wedding or your wedding in down on the farm, asking a friend or making the cake yourself is the perfect dessert choice and they are SURE to please not only your guests, but your wallet too!         

Happy Planning~

Shanna         

Luau Luv!

Hey Yall!

I know it's been awhile since I have posted, but I have been in the thick of wedding season and I have had a "little" personal change going on as well ;)WINK WINK But, in the midst of all of this chaos, I didn't want to forget to share this fun party that I had the pleasure of doing in July for a fantastic family, the Hensley's!

The luau was for James Hensley's 50th birthday and I had the pleasure of getting to know his sweet wife Laurie and their beautiful daughter Leah this year as we planned the details for months! Even though we endured 96PLUS degrees during set-up, the party went off without a hitch. I hope you enjoy these photos!

Happy Planning~
Shanna

Arrangements by Echelon Florist

Linens and Chairs from All Occasions Party Rentals

Cute Cocktail Tables

Custom Corn Hole Boards by oldest daughter Ashley

Tiki Bar from All Occasions Party Rentals

Floating Flower Balls by Echelon Florist

Beautiful Food Display by Rosa's Catering

Cupcake Tower by the AMAZING Regina at Rosa's

Caricature Artist Marlee Parnell

Toast to Get the Party Started!

Folio Love

Hello Everyone~

Sorry for the lack in posts over the last month, but wedding season is upon me and I have been absolutely SWAMPED!  However, I did want to take the time to talk about a project that I am working on with my friends Erin and Courtney.  It is a portfolio building workshop called Folio Love. 

Basically, this concept came from our love of staging inspiration shoots and coming up with beautiful ideas for sets and event decor that we could use in our own businesses.  As some of you know, when starting your own business, especially in photography or event design, it's not always easy to acquire pictures that represent your artistic take on your craft.  That is why Folio Love is near and dear to me personally.  It allows me and the ladies to have a creative outlet for design, while helping others to build their portfolios with gorgeous pictures in one day, that could otherwise take years to acquire.  So, if you or someone you know needs a pick-me-up for their photography portfolio, consider the Folio Love workshop on September 22nd for some unique photos that clients will be sure to love!  For more info, visit our website at http://www.folio-love.com/

Happy Planning~

Shanna

Palm Beach Anyone?

Hello!

I guess this post is inspired by the simple fact that my vaction has come and gone and I am still dreaming of the lovely smell of the beach and the sand between my toes:)  So, I thought I would share one of those dreamy destinations that I have never been to, but have always loved the sound of...Palm Beach!  If I ever get the chance to visit this classic beach getaway, I'm sure I will have to breakdown and take one of those cheesy  "home tours" to get a look, first-hand into the lives of the rich and famous!  With its beautiful landscapes, magical resorts and villas and unique fashion style, Palm Beach is the place I want to be when I win the PowerBall:)  I hope you see something you like from my Palm Beach obsession.

Happy Planning~



Image Vacationing in this Palm Beach Villa
www.FutureHouseDesign.com



Wedding Done Right~Palm Beach Style at the Elegant Ritz Carlton Palm Beach

I WANT IT!  Kaftan Stlye Dress by the Fabulous Michael Kors!
http://www.palmbeachillustrated.com/

 

   You Can't Do Palm Beach Poolside Without a Head Scarf Like This Lovely by  Diane von Furstebenberg



And Don't Forget When You Are Lounging in Luxury, to Indulge In One of These!!!

Palm Beach Fizz

30ml apricot brandy

30ml orange juice

7.5ml Grand Marnier

1 to taste champagne

1 to taste sparkling wine

http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/

Leather Luv!

Hello Everyone!

Just thought I would send out a little bit of inspiration for this Fantastic Friday!  So, I myself was inspired by the ruffled skirt and leather boots pic (imagine that...), and I thought I would create a quick inspiration board for adding leather accents into your wedding day, special event, life~whatever.  I love the look, texture and smell of leather and when mixed with the appropriate items, it doesn't always have to be so rustic.  Maybe the next time you are contemplating a special gift for someone or a unique accent for a party~you may consider using leather to spice things up a bit!  Have a fantastic weekend:)

Happy Planning~

Shanna 

 Twigs & Doilies, Leather & Pearl Bracelet, Belt, & Personalized Luggage Tags @ http://www.etsy.com/

Leather Hide Rolls @ http://www.theselvageyard.wordpress.com/

Purse @ http://www.abknyc.com/

Spring Has Sprung: Personal Post

Howdy Friends!

Spring has finally arrived and I'm out of the house and on the move!  There are so many exciting projects and trips on the horizon, and I am getting very excited about them all!  Spring is like a re-birth to me every year and I seem to want to cram everything I can into these few short weeks (because it gets hot in K-town in NO TIME).  So here are a few little tidbits of what I've been up to in the past couple weeks and I'll keep you posted on much more as the adventures unfold!

Happy Planning~

 Shanna

 

OK~First, my husband and I (and Ray-Ray) went to Lafayette, TN to visit my beautiful and talented friend Christy who puts on a fantastic barn sale twice a year in her own backyard!  She collaborates with local artists in her area of Macon County and displays/sells some of the cutest stuff that you can get your hands on!  Below are a couple of examples of how she showcases her goods!  Soooo fantastic!

 

Awesome reupholstered couch and beautiful gray chest.  The chest came back with us to Knoxville!@!@



 

Our loot, on top of the gray chest in my garage:)  We bought jewelry, candles, fabrics and even some beer bread!  SCORE!!!

 

Next up is my handsome husband Corey and I at my studio's Quatro de Mayo Party!

 

Some of my bestest friends stopped by!



 



So, last but certainly not least...the garden and patio are ready at my house.  My good friend Pearl reupholstered some pillows for me in a beautiful Waverly outdoor fabric and also a geometric print inspired by my love for quatrefoil!







Close ups of the new fabrics.

  

Ruby especially loves it all and she will help me post some more pics when the flowers really bloom! 
Happy Spring Everybody!



Bridal Bouquet Heirlooms

Hello Everyone!

As we all know, the flowers at a wedding are the most important decorative element that you can have. They bring a softness to the ceremony and introduce color and liveliness to the reception. The presence of flowers in your big day are a must, but the next day they are wilted and gone. Unfortunately, it just goes with the territory and with wonderful organizations like Random Acts of Flowers, you can know that your blooms will have a good home when the day is done. But, what about you, the bride, and your bouquet? Yes, there are some fantastic ways of preserving fresh flowers, but I want to give you a few more options for making your bridal bouquet a real keepsake that will last forever! By introducing brooches, fabric, paper and other elements into your wedding design, a nontraditional bouquet will lend well with your aesthetic. Remember if you do decide to go with an all feather bouquet, or all paper bouquet, be sure to add touches of whatever element that you choose into the bridesmaids bouquets as well, to create a cohesive look. Enjoy!

Happy Planning~

Shanna

http://www.handmadepaperflowers.com/

www.Emplume.com

http://www.fancyfloraldesigns.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/