Monday, March 29, 2010
Sarah + Joe -- just one
Field + golden hour + craspedia + vintage mason jar + 2 people in love = a very lovely evening.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Grammy's 70th!
My family hosted a surprise for my grandma, who turned 70 in February. It took lots and lots of planning, as we were all planning this Lake Saint Louis party from all over the United States. We worked with my grandpa to create a guest list consisting of her closest friends (fellow pontooneers and bunco players) and family members, and we ended up with over 85 people in attendance! And, it was the first time in probably 15 years that her children (my aunts and uncles) were under the same roof!
Everyone -- and I do mean everyone -- helped me with all the details. I thought I could handle it myself, but as the guest list grew and grew, and as the responses poured in, I was overwhelmed and had to recruit people to help me stamp, cut, punch, tie, and assemble all the festive elements. I owe a huge thank you to my dear husband, my sister Marla, Marla's best friend Morgan, and my cousin Maddie for helping me get everything done in time. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Since we had over 85 people in attendance, my grandpa thought it would be a good idea to have name tags. I didn't want to force people to wear those tacky "Hello My Name Is _____" stickers, so I designed something a little cuter. And, it created a fun visual element when the guests arrived at the front door!
When Grammy walked through the door, her face was priceless. I will never forget her reaction.
As she looked around the room, she saw people she had not seen in years. Her reaction to each person there was just precious.
My mom (who lives near Chicago) was adament about having Classic Cakes in Carmel do the cake. She has been in love with their cake ever since she tasted it at our wedding. We tried to avoid traveling with a cake, but after interviewing several bakers in the St. Louis area, we decided not to settle for anything less than the best. So, Classic Cakes it was. Yep -- Ken and I drove 5 hours with a 3 tier cake in the back of our SUV. But it was totally worth it and we would do it again. The cake arrived perfectly and it was the talk of the party.
I have said it before and I will say it again -- Classic Cakes is the place to go for cakes. Nothing else compares!
Everyone loved the favors!
The cake wasn't the only thing that went on a 5 hour car ride. The flowers made that journey, too. Kelli from McNamara sent me on my way with a huge bucket full of red gerbera daisies. We kept it simple, but the red gerbera daisies really made an impact in the vintage blue mason jars and milk glass vases.
All the tablescapes were different and all were handcrafted by us.
My mom and uncle made all the food from scratch. They were preparing food for 2 days straight! The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite.
This is one of my favorite photos from the night. I think my grandma and my mom are such beautiful women.
My Aunt Suzie hired a DJ who kept the party hopping all night long.
Mom, don't kill me for posting this!
This couple is in their 90s!
We had a photobooth too. I think the girls put my grandpa up to this!
In the wee hours of the morning, after all the guests had gone home, I managed to snap a quick photo of my grandma with all her children.
Happy 70th birthday, Grammy!!! We all love you very much!!!
Everyone -- and I do mean everyone -- helped me with all the details. I thought I could handle it myself, but as the guest list grew and grew, and as the responses poured in, I was overwhelmed and had to recruit people to help me stamp, cut, punch, tie, and assemble all the festive elements. I owe a huge thank you to my dear husband, my sister Marla, Marla's best friend Morgan, and my cousin Maddie for helping me get everything done in time. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Since we had over 85 people in attendance, my grandpa thought it would be a good idea to have name tags. I didn't want to force people to wear those tacky "Hello My Name Is _____" stickers, so I designed something a little cuter. And, it created a fun visual element when the guests arrived at the front door!
When Grammy walked through the door, her face was priceless. I will never forget her reaction.
As she looked around the room, she saw people she had not seen in years. Her reaction to each person there was just precious.
My mom (who lives near Chicago) was adament about having Classic Cakes in Carmel do the cake. She has been in love with their cake ever since she tasted it at our wedding. We tried to avoid traveling with a cake, but after interviewing several bakers in the St. Louis area, we decided not to settle for anything less than the best. So, Classic Cakes it was. Yep -- Ken and I drove 5 hours with a 3 tier cake in the back of our SUV. But it was totally worth it and we would do it again. The cake arrived perfectly and it was the talk of the party.
I have said it before and I will say it again -- Classic Cakes is the place to go for cakes. Nothing else compares!
Everyone loved the favors!
The cake wasn't the only thing that went on a 5 hour car ride. The flowers made that journey, too. Kelli from McNamara sent me on my way with a huge bucket full of red gerbera daisies. We kept it simple, but the red gerbera daisies really made an impact in the vintage blue mason jars and milk glass vases.
All the tablescapes were different and all were handcrafted by us.
My mom and uncle made all the food from scratch. They were preparing food for 2 days straight! The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite.
This is one of my favorite photos from the night. I think my grandma and my mom are such beautiful women.
My Aunt Suzie hired a DJ who kept the party hopping all night long.
Mom, don't kill me for posting this!
This couple is in their 90s!
We had a photobooth too. I think the girls put my grandpa up to this!
In the wee hours of the morning, after all the guests had gone home, I managed to snap a quick photo of my grandma with all her children.
Happy 70th birthday, Grammy!!! We all love you very much!!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
And the winners are...
Stephanie and Maeghan!
My trusty random number generator selected numbers 1 and 7, so Stephanie wins the SMILE print and Maeghan wins the Cafe Patachou gift certificate! Congratulations!!! I hope both of you enjoy your respective treats. Make sure to send me your current address and I'll get these treats in the mail for you right away.
Thanks again for all the birthday wishes! You all are the best and you sure know how to make a girl feel special. Turning 30 wasn't nearly as rough as everyone made it out to be.
Don't forget -- my spring canvas sale is going on now through March 31. All canvases are 25% off! It's the perfect time to stock up.
I should probably get back into the swing of things and start blogging some sessions, huh?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
30
Today we celebrate Pi Day, Albert Einstein's birthday, and (for some) Daylight Saving Time. It's also my 30th birthday!!! It has been a fun weekend for me, that's for sure!
Look at this cute floral arrangement my sweet nephews Ramzi and Marco sent to me for my birthday!
Now, as promised, I have some birthday treats for you! First up, I'm giving away a SMILE letterpress print made by my favorite artist, Hijiri. You all have heard me talk about her before. She is simply amazing and we have pieces made by her all over our house. To be entered to win this print, just leave a comment on this blog post sometime between now and Friday, March 19 at midnight. (Frame not included.) Easy as pie (or a piece of birthday cake)!
Birthday treat number two: Now through Friday, March 19 at midnight, all prints are 30% off! When ordering, just mention this post and you will receive my birthday discount. (Note: This discount cannot be combined with any other offer.)
Birthday treat number three: All April sessions booked by Friday, March 19 at midnight are $30 off and the client will receive an additional $30 in prints. Hurry -- sessions are limited.
Birthday treat number four: One lucky commenter will win a $30 gift card to my favorite breakfast/lunch spot -- Cafe Patachou. Remember, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post sometime between now and Friday, March 19 at midnight!
(All winners will be chosen at random on Saturday, March 20.)
Now, I'm off to enjoy my birthday dinner with Ken, as well as my mom and sister who just drove in from Chicago to surprise me for my birthday!
Look at this cute floral arrangement my sweet nephews Ramzi and Marco sent to me for my birthday!
Now, as promised, I have some birthday treats for you! First up, I'm giving away a SMILE letterpress print made by my favorite artist, Hijiri. You all have heard me talk about her before. She is simply amazing and we have pieces made by her all over our house. To be entered to win this print, just leave a comment on this blog post sometime between now and Friday, March 19 at midnight. (Frame not included.) Easy as pie (or a piece of birthday cake)!
Birthday treat number two: Now through Friday, March 19 at midnight, all prints are 30% off! When ordering, just mention this post and you will receive my birthday discount. (Note: This discount cannot be combined with any other offer.)
Birthday treat number three: All April sessions booked by Friday, March 19 at midnight are $30 off and the client will receive an additional $30 in prints. Hurry -- sessions are limited.
Birthday treat number four: One lucky commenter will win a $30 gift card to my favorite breakfast/lunch spot -- Cafe Patachou. Remember, all you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post sometime between now and Friday, March 19 at midnight!
(All winners will be chosen at random on Saturday, March 20.)
Now, I'm off to enjoy my birthday dinner with Ken, as well as my mom and sister who just drove in from Chicago to surprise me for my birthday!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
out of the office (and a little treat)
I will be out of the office with limited access to email March 9-12. I will try to respond to messages as soon as I can, but don't fret if it takes me a day or two to get back with you while I'm away. I'll be back soon!
As some of you know, I turn the big 3-0 on Sunday, so make sure to check my blog on Sunday for a very special treat for you!
As some of you know, I turn the big 3-0 on Sunday, so make sure to check my blog on Sunday for a very special treat for you!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Reagan -- 6 days old
There are not enough words to explain how precious and perfect little Reagan is, so I'm going to let the photos do most of the talking.
I could just eat her little toes!
Fun fact: When I showed Reagan's three year old sister, Addison, this photo on the back of my camera screen, she said, "That sneaky little girl...she's in mommy's drawer!" Cracked me up.
Kelli, Kyle, and Addison -- congrats, from the bottom of my heart, on the newest addition to your family. She is perfect. I can't wait to watch her grow!
I could just eat her little toes!
Fun fact: When I showed Reagan's three year old sister, Addison, this photo on the back of my camera screen, she said, "That sneaky little girl...she's in mommy's drawer!" Cracked me up.
Kelli, Kyle, and Addison -- congrats, from the bottom of my heart, on the newest addition to your family. She is perfect. I can't wait to watch her grow!
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