STEM MASTERS

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 Moon Canyon arrangement

 I confess: I am in love with flowers.  I'm stating this,

 because there was a time where I actually didn't "like" them. 

Or maybe it was the guy I was with that talked me out of liking them?? 

Yeah that's probably it.

Well, thankfully the tide changed and my husband came along with bouquets in tow. 

Although he hates to be generalized, he is similar to the average guy. 

He doesn't necessarily have botanical charts tattooed on the inside of his eyelids

 and therefore is not able to remember the names of a few favorites of mine. 

And hell, I don't know the name to many of them... I usually just point to 

the "meaty layered  blush colored one on the right"and hot pink 

one with the long, crooked stem.

 So there have been many-o-copy/paste grocery or farmers market bundles.

But sometimes the unpredictable arrangement is swooniful 

and a trip a floral designer is more suitable.

It wasn't until I began planning my wedding last year that I began my re-infatuation 

with natures eye candy. Since Spring is on the way, it usually means 

wedding season is right along side of it. 

For those of you that are in full on wedding prep mode or for if 

you are planning a lovely dinner and need some table zjush, 

I thought it would be fun to feature a few of my favorite regional floral designers.

 

 

Amy of Amy Merrick Flowers & Styling - Brooklyn, New York

I met this gem at Ginny's wedding a few years ago. 

There was such an smoldering intensity behind her eyes, but something from eras 

of the past that made her so insanely charming and magnetic. 

If you mosey on over to her blog you can find these hauntingly 

beautiful shots of her New York studio littered with the most vibrant 

specimens... She leaves enough room in each arrangement for unexpected additions

and wild lines that you don't see in traditional designs. 

Which is why she has been snagged for Kinfolk and Ralph Lauren 

for floral design projects.

 Let's just say, I would love to go through her trash bin.

And following her on Instagram is a must 

*all photos taken from Amy Merrick site

 

Amy of Amy Osaba event.floral.design - Atlanta, Georgia

I think of her as the Floral Fairy Godmother of the south

I met Amy on the set of the Gap Styld.by Rue Magazine shoot. 

The pint size firecracker has wand that makes the floral industry 

fun and understandable and not the least bit intimidating. If you 

are thinking of a Serenbe or country chic with succulent & colorful hits

Amy and her team of magicians are a top pick.

After seeing the tutorial using paper flowers it is clear that 

the limitations are non-existent. 

Check out the behind the scenes look at all the wonder.

*all photos taken from Amy Osaba site

Amy & Kristen of Moon Canyon Design Co. - Los Angeles, California

I discovered these gals on Designlovefest and I immediately 

fell in love with the effortlessness they created. 

They have found a way to hone in on their youthful vibe and arrange

carefree pleasantries that include unexpected sweets like succulents alongside

a grouping of pinatas. No explanation needed. It just works!

There is nothing worse than an overly pretentious and stuffy arrangement. 

(It screams a bit to front of the alter and has no personality. just my opinion)

Kristin and Amy have there fingers on rhythmic pulse and 

fists wrapped tightly around some rananculas.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from them.

See more goodness here

 

*all photos taken from Moon Canyon site & Instagram

HAPPY MATRI-MONDAY

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Happy Matri-Monday Lovies!
You guys should know by now that I am pretty cheesy.
I was totally a mix tape/CD gal. Made them for all my boyfriends of the 
the past (inserted horror music for some) 
I haven't made one in a while. Actually the last one was for my hub, back when we 
were in the earlier, but not too creepy for a mix tape stage of our relationship.
 Inspired by one of my favorite Tumblr ladies,
 I thought for I would give you all a list of (some) of my favorite love songs.

Sea of Love- Cat Power

Dream a Little Dream- Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Never Felt This Way- Brian McKnight

When You Say Nothing At All- Alison Krauss

So High- John Legend

I'll Be Seein' You- Billie Holiday

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face- Celine Dion

Breathless/Like A Star- Corinne Bailey Rae

Shelter- Ray Lamontagne

Turn Your Lights Down Low- Lauryn Hill & Bob Marley

This Woman's Work- Maxwell

By Your Side- Sade

(This was my "here comes the bride" song)

But let's be real, some of you may be going through less than 

sparkly times in the lovin department. 
Hey, it happens.

That just means you get to blast some equally great 

anti-love songs and indulge in some wearing of 

"I bet you wished you acted right and had me back" 

types of dresses.

If that is the case, go ahead and give these a shot...maybe with a shot...

Cheers!!---Kel

HAPPY MATRI-MONDAY

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 Happy Monday Lovers!

So for today's Matri-Monday, I bought you 

a beyond gorgeous Big Sur ceremony of Nikisha & Carl from Once Wed.

The most brides would probably flip out if there was the lightest blow

but the strong gusts of wind acted as the most beautiful addition to this 

stunning backdrop, allowing her hair and dress to dance happily.

 I also loved the rich, wildness of the floral arrangements which paired

perfectly with the aged wood of the house they rented.

 To see more from this amazing wedding and to get all of the event info, take a visit over here!

Cheers loves!

*all content c/o Once Wed---details within post

HAPPY MATRI-MONDAY

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Bill + Malia: Orcas Island, WA from cabfare productions on Vimeo.

Video Courtesy of Mitch Mattraw

Yes, I know that I already did a Monday post, but

I wanted to give you all a double dose.

I think after the past week, we all need a little reminder of 

what happiness and love looks like.

I'm giving the news a rest and soaking in the beauty of marriage and wonder

over lunch.

Check out more photos of this beautiful wedding on 

Our Labor of Love

Enjoy!

HAPPY MATRI-MONDAY

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There are times when I wish I could have just eloped...

whisked off to Paris, with just me and the Hub...

To get lost in a city

yet be immersed so deeply in it's newness and difference. 

But I wouldn't change having my family witness it for the world. 

Guess, I'll just have to sit on that for a few years. Renewal maybe?

What's your dream wedding destination?

Happy Matri-Monday

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So when I began thinking about sharing our wedding/love story or providing

advice I did not think it would be easy. 

Nor did I think that the inspiration flood gates would open.

I won't pretend to be an expert at this, because we are very green

and still figuring each other out daily. 

So this past weekend we had the opportunity to spend the entire day together. 

My awesome mother welcomed the mini over for a sleepover, which always allows us

to "rekindle" what the busy work week tends to dampen. 

But instead of putzing around like a sad puppy vying for his attention, I met

up with my bestest and had some much needed alone time:

sans kids, sans beaus, and without wedding planning.

While I went for a hysterical-laugh induced pedicure, he 

performed his poetry at the Natural Hair Show.

We met back at home for a quiet evening of working

then a round of beers and football at Taco Mac. 

Simple fun---friend fun. 

We realized that we never really got the opportunity to hang out as 

friends, since we are the product of a long distance relationship. 

But it was great to just jeans & T-shirt it and leave the heels at home. 

We had the chance to miss each other and catch up on our day. 

Which I think is the healthiest thing for a relationship. 

Honestly, the more you hang "around" your hun, the more you will find 

wrong with him and nag.

 So try hanging "out" instead. 

There is nothing wrong with being the hands & foot chick. 

But give each other the space and time to actually have something new to learn about one another. 

So tell me what you do you guys do to press the reset button on your love life?

 

Happy Matri-Monday

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Credits:

Photographer: Jeremy Harwell

Stylist: Ginny Branch Stelling 

My Clothing: Annie Griffin 

His Suiting: Billy Reid

Florals: Maria Taylor for Amy Osaba

Popsicles: King of Pops

Make-Up/Hair: Self

Happy Monday!!!

So, I figured I would share some of the 
outtakes/ extras of the photoshoot le hub and I did for 
Atlanta Wedding Magazine

(Fall issue on new stands now! eeeep) 

I thought that along with my daily findings and 
inspirations and on going honesty posts,

 I would share a little bit of our wedding with you. 

I was initially a little skeptical . 

I wanted to cherish these moments [for myself] and not taint them...

but I figured that the whole purpose of the celebration is to share and spread the luuurve.

So now, after a few months have passed and the crazy has settled, here we go!

I intend on giving some advice on keeping the love-high going, even after lulls partially inspired by senseless arguments over the dishwasher and the last slice of cake being eaten

Even some craft ideas for the budgetista in every bride. Let's face it, not all of us are marrying a prince these days, nor are we heiresses to multi-million dollar fortunes, so saving pennies might be more important than 5,000 rose petals raining down on you from a hot-air balloon.

So if you have any topics of discussion you would like to see featured, DIY ideas, or any advice you would love to give the readers, feel free to drop me a email.

I hope you all are having a great start to this week!

Cheers to completed projects, healthy lunches ruined by cafe treats, and that online order that is waiting for you when you get home.  

(Because its after 5 somewhere)

 Bisous, 

Kel 

KING & QUEEN OF POP(SICLES)

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Happy Friday Y'all!!!

So I told you a few weeks ago that

Le Hub and I were asked to make a little bit a magic 

for Atlanta Wedding Magazine and it

has finally launched.

All with the help of who I think of as Atlanta's Fairy Godmother

Ms. Ginny Branch.

The photographer Jeremy Harwell is golden 

as ever and made it beyond easy to be super cheesy and flirty without looking like some awkward junior high kids. 

 The schnazzy digs are Annie Griffin and the suit and accessories are Billy Reid

(Doesn't he look handsome as ever?) 

I hope all you lovelies have a great weekend. 

Bisous,

Kel

BUH BYE JULY

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photo by: alejandro annicharico

The weight of the month of July is finally off my back!

and boy I couldn't be more at peace. 

The wedding bells have rung and the emotions and grief have settled

and now I am taking a moment for me....

not sure what I will do to celebrate the new found freedom of 

my kitchen table, but it has to be more glorious than 

indulging in the left over wine.

it has got to be. 

I really just want to indulge in some heavy redesign in (R-KI-TEKT)

and I just simply need to clean the house which has a coating of glitter that might take Mr. Clean himself to remove. 

Nonetheless, the wedding was lovely and went off without a hitch

(well, none worth stressing over anyways) 

Can't wait to share the photos with you all.

And maybe even a few DIY's and advice.

 Stay tuned. 

TICK TOCK

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Happy Wednesday y'all!!!

So my countdown is really really on. In a month we will FINALLY be having our wedding.

i feel like i have been talking about it for years. 

actually...it kinda has been a while. 

and to be honest I will be glad when it arrives. 

though they say you aren't suppose to feel enormous amounts of pressure because it's about

you and your hub...

suddenly when you are told you left out a few cousins, uncles, aunts, neighbors from 20 years ago

the pressure ensues. 

I am doing my best to stay off Pinterest because it makes my mind change a million times in 5 minutes about hair, tablescapes and do-dads.

In the mean time roll up my scroll of a to-do list and hope my 

bridesmaids dont get any serious glue gun burns. 

Cheers!!!

 

CAMP + ONCE WED

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Atlanta's Sun In My Belly teams up with Amy Osaba's crew to create heavy doses of lovely at Camp.

Creating - Art - Meaning - Purpose

A few weeks ago I went to their Decatur location for 

Emily Newman & Joy Thigpen's launch of  

Once Wed Magazine

Yup that means you can finally lay your head on the pages 

(as opposed to the computer screen) 

to try to emulate the magic through osmosis....

what??? everyone doesn't do that?

hmmm, well I am not ashamed, because 

oh how lovely it is...pages and pages of Big Day inspiration

The above photos are just a few that I snapped while there. 

take a hop on over and pick yourself up a copy.

and hey if you're ever in the area let's get a bite to eat.

Their chocolate mousse is down right sinful.

Bisous,

Kel

HAPPY MONDAY: ONE YEAR DOWN

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Happy Monday!!

No I am not confused...

I know Mondays are usually the toughest to welcome, but this one is a bit different.

The hub and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary yesterday 

and we are finally in party mode.

To be completely transparent, 

marriage is the hardest adjustment I have ever had to conform to.

Harder that child birth for sure, because at least after labor and birthing, the pain fades away. 

But with marriage there are constant huffs-n-puffs, smile & nods, and disagreements...but those are sincerely in the shadows compared to the awesomeness that happens. No there aren't picnics everyday, but there are tickle wars 

almost nightly....at 2am. 

Yes, he sees me with my clay mask on & looking like a total mook

but he also puts my head in his lap and strokes my hair.

(which makes me melt) 

I've said it before: the dishwasher is still a peeve, but it becomes less of a peeve when you succumb to the fact that he is actually loading the dishwasher without me asking.

I count that as a win!!

So, yes this may seem a bit confusing, but

now I am in full Bride-To-Be mode and am 

ready to celebrate this partnership

with my bestest friend.

We did a court union and a dinner with immediate family afterward, but never had the ceremony, vow exchange, bouquet toss or anything. 

Since the last time I asked for advice, there have been many changes,

palette swaps, venue swaps and total "theme" overhauls

but I have decided to make my life less hellacious and simplify the creation of this event.

Especially since I do not have a planner

(an option I don't recommend)

Ideas flooded my mind and craft closet and eventually consumed me. 

Anxiety attacks ensued and that's when I knew a lot has got to give. 

A chopping of the guest list, location, vendors, dreams had to happen in order make it work. 

I made the decision---a hard one---to have a life after the ONE day that celebrates our love. 

Many couples fall into pits of despair planning a wedding on a financially rocky foundation, but with love on clouds and still end up paying for it after their divorce.  I am not willing to sacrifice our stability to have perfect chair covers and butt loads of flowers that I can't take home and will die in 24 hours. Some are able to do this, and I applaud them and swoon over there day on Pinterest.

But as for me---I just want to dance my ass off and eat great cake and take photos with the people I love. 

Here is a morsel more of wedding advice for all you brides or girlfriends planning your big day.

DATE NIGHT

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dress::: ring::: fluff::: broach:::shoes

Happy Tuesday Loves!!

Speaking of loves, I thought I talk about my hun-hub.

Tomorrow is our 11 month anniversary. 

Yup, its almost a whole entire year.  

And boy what an experience it has been.

They say that your first year is always the hardest. 

We didn't live together before we tied the knot so there was and still is, a lot of learning and 

getting used to, but let me tell there is absolutely no other man I'd rather "get use to", 

playground pick on and cook for than him. 

The other week I was asked by the lovely 

Jaclyn of Stay In the Lines to drop some 

advice for those that are prepping for the big day. 

And one of my favorites was to remember to keep dating. 

It's the most fun, yet most difficult factor to remember

because you see each other every day so there isn't a moment to really "miss" your spouse unless they travel quite often.  

So keeping spunk is definitely essential. 

Its not always about trying to look like a VS angel or having a Superbowl sized piping hot platter of wings & a beer ready for him when he walks in. 

I think its more about seeing how many ways can you make the other laugh and fully enjoy the present.  Yes, its hard to not be bothered by how he arranges the plastic containers or understand why he sits the way he sits or CHEW'S the way he does.

 (come on ladies!!you know what i'm talkin about! I saw a few heads nod at that one!)

But, the happier moments totally outweigh the murky. And are beyond worth it. 

So, ladies let's play Sadie and get yourselves dolled up for a date night with your hun

consider balancing something he likes with something you love that doesn't involve 16 sports screens.

Hope you have a merry May Day!!!

S T R E A M

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sometimes i wish i could
party scape for a living...

Amy Osaba and her team (including Ginny & Erica)
always know how to make me wish i were
there instead of cube-ing it.

This photo of all the white bottles gives me hope that magic can be made
out of the bah-jillion glass bottles, jar and randoms that i have been collecting
over the past 6 months.
Every salsa jar, wine bottle, starbucks frapp bottle is above my cabinets
hoarders style waiting to be stripped and lovely-fied.
since the ceremony/par-tay has been pushed back to June 2012
I have had much time to "collect" props and such that will be used to bring this
show together.
(I am crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes)