picnic tables

There's something undeniably sweet about dressed picnic tables for a backyard wedding. Because there is something so simple and romantic about these intimate weddings, you don't have to go extravagant with the decor. Sweet, personal details are perfect.

{Whitebox Weddings via Salt Harbor Designs, Nelson Hancock Photo styled by Kate Parker via Wedding Bee Pro, Country Living}

If you're worried about your guests comfort level, grab some colorful pillows at your local thrift store and adorn the table benches. It adds comfort and pop!

burlap is today's tulle

I recently read somewhere that 'burlap is today's tulle' and I couldn't agree more. Since I started dreaming of all things wedding, I can't tell you a fabric that I've had design dreams about more than burlap. At around $2 a yard, it is inexpensive and a perfect element to your rustic, DIY affair.For a country or farm wedding, cover the tops of hay barrels for adorable seating. But be careful of shedding. Get linen burlap and spray lightly with starch and that should rid your guests of burlap-covered clothing.

Cut burlap in strips and use as ribbon for stationery. Add a textured element by wrapping them around candles or framing pictures.

Burlap is a seamstress's dream fabric as it sews so nicely. Get your girls together and make quick DIY favor bags. You can even make wine bags for the holidays!


Aren't this DIY burlap napkin rings adorable?

{photos: Ruffled Blog, W Scott Chester Photography via Get Married, Getaway Brides, Kate Headley via Snippet & Ink, Ken Kienow via Snippet & Ink, Elizabeth Anne Designs}

I can't quite think of another fabric I love more than burlap. Period.

mint juleps: cocktails and decor

Complete with Southern Belles, wonderful weather and mint juleps, my weekend was the perfect way to kick off Spring.

Inspiring this post, the mint julep is classically served in silver julep cups and made up of only four ingrediants: mint, bourbon, sugar, ice. Known for being the traditional cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, it should only be held by the bottom or top edges of the cup allowing frost to form. Because these cups are just so darling [even without the cocktail inside!], why not use them as vases? Add a Southern flair by exchanging clear vases for these silver or pewter julep cups and fill them with gorgeous spring flowers. Engrave your initials as an extra personal touch. And once the wedding festivities are over, reuse the julep cups for toothbrush holders, candles or a gorgeous additional to your new china cabinet.

{photos: Southern Living, Christian Oth via Inspired by This, My Stylish Wedding, Soiree Planning}

A Traditional Mint Julep

• 2 fluid ounces Kentucky Bourbon
  
• granulated sugar (to taste)
  
• Mint leaves
  
• Crushed ice

Muddle mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a julep cup.
Fill cup with crushed or shaved ice and add bourbon.
Garnish with mint leaves.

lemonade stands

Blame it on the gorgeous, hot weather lately [i'm not complaining!] or that I'm in North Carolina drenching myself with all things Southern, but I thought these lemonade or drink stands were oh-so-cute! Have them at a bridal shower, baby shower, or outdoor wedding, they are sure to refresh your guests while looking festive nonetheless.

{JK Photography via Brenda's Wedding Blog, Fred Marcus Photography via The Knot, One Love Photo via Bonafide Bride}

Have a fantastic weekend everyone and get outside!

trend alert: mismatched chairs

Call it the latest trend or inspiring design, but there is something so oddly romantic and sweet about tables and chairs that don't mesh so perfectly.


Perfect for a small, garden wedding, with no need for standard rentals. Raid your own furniture stash or go on the hunt for bargain thrift store chairs. Keep in mind there needs to be a bit of fluidity in the juxtaposition of it all.


When designing this idea and hunting for chairs, make sure you are sticking to a style or color palette. For instance, keep to all wooden chairs with different style backs. You wouldn't want to come home, look at your collection, and realize you have a purple paisley printed chair with a wooden stool and a plaid high back.

Another fun thing to do is get crafty with what goes on the chairs. Have the same cushions or pillows on different vintage or wooden chairs to give it a slightly monochromatic feel. It's important for your design to have a common feel, look and style.

{Ruffled Blog, Country Living, Adrienne Gunde via Trendsetting Wedding, Apartment Therapy}

Perfect for a breakfast area in your home, an outdoor tea party, or a small spring wedding.

north carolina azalea festival

For the past few weeks I have been trying to figure out why I am so excited for our mini vacation to Wrightsville Beach, NC this weekend. It could be that for the first time in a long time I'll actually attend a wedding or the fact that Wrightsville Beach is in my top three favorite places on earth. Or it could be that in a matter of hours the taste of a delicious mocha shake from Port City Java will be hitting my lips. The list could seriously go on. But I think what I'm most excited about, and what I want to share with you, is that the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival just happens to be this weekend!

In it's 63rd year, this celebration showcase's Wilmington's amazing art, gardens, history, culture and everything that is Southern. And you know I will jump all over anything that is Southern. For five days, the streets will be filled with parades, performances, a circus, a pageant all whilst I sip on that perfect Mint Julep.

Photos from NC Azalea Festival Website

So if you're pondering about what to do this weekend and you have a sense of spontaneity about you, take a drive to Wilmington, NC and attend the largest festival in North Carolina! Or if you're just a good ol' fashion Southerner and can't get enough of belles and sweet tea, come on down! Visit the website for more information and tickets to special events.

Katie and Matty: A Love Shoot

A big ol' hug goes out to Grey Likes Weddings for featuring this love shoot designed by yours truly today. It is a throw back to grade school days, utilizing the black and white composition notebooks, patchwork blanket, vintage scrabble and checkers games, and antique books filled with love poems. As the sense of touch is the most powerful venue of emotion and love, we played this up with lots of hand shots. It was photographed by the fabulous Meghan McSweeney here in Richmond and located at a playground in the historic fan district.

Here are just a few pictures. For the entire spread, check out Grey Likes Weddings!




The most divine red velvet cupcake was made by Two Sweet Cupcakes located in Richmond. I had such a blast working with this couple and was so glad I was able to incorporate their style and story. Props to Meghan for her phenomenal photographs as well!

Hope you enjoy!

blogcation is over

Yes that's right, I took a blogcation. It was no sunny time in Florida, but it was still packed with the most amazing photoshoots and gratifying experiences in my life thus far. While I get crackin' and blogging about all of these fun things, I will leave you with a sneak peek of one of many.

Photo by Meghan McSweeney

My blogcation, however, did not deter me from finding all of these fun details around the web to swoon over:

The most incredible hanging frames design.

A genius idea for milkglass.

A 24-part DIY series you MUST read.

Obsessed with this sheer linen.

The most precious pancakes!


Happy weekend and happy easter!