eleanore + breck, a southern, bay wedding

Oh, where to begin on this one? This, out of just about every wedding I've ever done, was the largest labor of love on record. Bride and groom lived in Chicago, parents of the bride and hosts of the night lived in D.C., the bride's parent's property and venue for the wedding was in Gwynn's Island right on the Chesapeake Bay and I'm in Richmond. Needless to say, the sheer logistics of getting everyone together to plan once in a while was just about impossible. But we did it--several times!

Eleanore's parents are art and architecture enthusiasts, and their Bay property certainly displayed no different character. Built on a six acre property right on the Chesapeake Bay, nestled in pine trees and perfectly manicured lawns and gardens, was basically heaven for me. There was a blank slate and I was so stoked to tackle it! To plan and design an entire weekend of events, including a Friday evening party for 70 guests, a bridal luncheon, pre-ceremony cocktail hour, ceremony and cocktail hour, reception, post-reception beach party and a Sunday afternoon bluegrass and BBQ event, I was surprised to be standing straight by the end of May.
It was the best possible experience only because I had a huge support system at home, Phil (manfriend, we'll detail him later!), my family, my amazing staff and some seriously trusting clients. It truly went off without a hitch. I mean it--nothing went wrong! [Well, except for that time I forgot the steamer after two SUV loads of things brought in from Richmond and about 6 lists of inventory and items. A STEAMER?! But lovely intern, Anna Michelle saved the day with steam from the iron.]

So enough of my gushing over the truly amazing and unforgettable experience--and on with the details! Eleanore and Breck had a clear idea of colors they loved. Words were thrown out like natural, organic, unstructured, wood. We were able to incorporate their love for travel with an atlas garland hung over their chairs and a framed map identifying the places they've traveled together behind a vintage card catalog full of old postcards. Gwynn's Island is Eleanore's family's second home and it's overflowing with local resources--crabs, cheese, oysters--and residents that want to help! We packed welcome bags with TONS of information about this tiny 15 mile long Island, we had local cheeses brought in for cocktail hour, the caterer grew her own mint and basil for our signature cocktails and we even had an oyster shucker on site! The menu was also carefully crafted to include Texas, Chicago, and Virginia roots.

The Flower Cupboard, based in Williamsburg, truly created Eleanore's vision. Buckets and old planter boxes lined the aisle. The tree arbor was adorned with huge flower buds in just the perfect spots. Farm tables were topped with vintage lanterns and eclectic flower-filled vases.

Truly a stunning and breathtaking wedding. And the icing on the cake: WE WERE FEATURED IN SOUTHERN WEDDINGS! One of my most favorite blogs--I mean a southern girl can relate right?? Absolutely an honor, so I encourage you to check out their feature on Eleanore and Breck too!


Lastly--my girl, my homie and friend Laura Gordon takes the most incredible photos. Never even meeting the happy couple until the day of their wedding and she rocked out on capturing their real emotion and love. Take a minute to check out her full post and shout out as well!


photo: laura gordon
event planning and design: LK events and design
flowers: the flower cupboard
entertainment: the blue tips
farm tables, chairs, linens, glassware and china: classic party rentals of va
tent, lighting, tables: special event rentals
hair and makeup: catie starr

do you cuke?

We're back today with an oh-so-refreshing cocktail from one of LK's summer interns Courtney! She's here to tell you how to beat the heat with her creative Cucumber Orange Cocktail!

"To continue the theme of delicious and refreshing cocktails here is a recipe for a refreshing and tasty drink involving cucumbers, oranges, vodka and ginger ale. The overall cucumber flavor of this drink is surprising and tasty.

Here's what you'll need:

2 oz of Vodka

A quarter of a Cucumber

Juice from one Orange slice

3 oz of Ginger

Place a cucumber spear or wheel in the glass and fill to the brim with ice.

Add the Vodka

Add the Ginger Ale

Squeeze orange slice into glass and toss or garnish.

Adorn with a drink flag and enjoy!"

Do you have any special drinks you concoct to beat the heat? How about any summer sizzlers?

ginger lime margarita

Signature cocktails are a huge trend in weddings. And while most signature cocktails are seasonal and appropriately themed, who says they have to be? We've served margarita's for a fall wedding!

Over the next week, we will give you some exciting and refreshing ideas for signature cocktails and other summery fun details for your big day! To beat this heat and tickle your taste buds, how about this mouthwatering Ginger Lime Margarita featured on Design Sponge?

Here’s what you will need.

> juice of 1 lime

> juice of ½ orange

> juice of ½ Meyer lemon

> 2 ounces tequila

> 1 ounce Cointreau

> 3” stems of ginger (more if desired)

> 1 tablespoon sugar

And for the garnish you'll need:

Ground graham cracker mixed with sugar and lime zest.

Are you ready to make this glorious margarita? Here’s what you need to do.

1. Squeeze all juice into a glass or small pitcher.

2. Add tequila, Cointreau and sugar.

3. Stir well.

4. Zest fresh ginger over the glass or pitcher (omit or add more to taste).

5. Strain the mixture with a fine sieve into another cup or a pitcher full of ice.

6. To garnish, rub lime wedge along the rim of your glass and dip it into the graham cracker sugar mixture. Sprinkle sugared lime zest on a lime wedge and add to the glass rim.

Take a sip. Experience and enjoy. Repeat.

Do you have any plans for a signature cocktail at your reception? If so tell us about them!

tied with love

Wanting your groom to be a bit more adventurous with his style? Want him to simply get involved with the wedding day? Look no further than his own tie! Here are some handsome alternatives to the traditional silk ties.

Forage Bow Ties, created by the geniuses at Something’s Hiding in Here, are made out of limited edition vintage fabrics. So if you see a style you both love you better order them quickly.

Thank heavens for Good Heavens Ties!


A perfect addition to linen or khaki suits.


Loving these gorgeous two tone ties from The General Knot Co.

Handsome, right? What is your husband-to-be wearing for the big day? Did you stick to a more traditional black suit? Or are you itching for a more unique, handmade look? For more info on groom's attire visit our suit pairings and unique shirt idea posts.

derby days

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited! Whilst work calls and I won't able to attend, I'll still be donning a sundress, a big hat and sipping all the julep glory at some fabulous parties.

Here's an inspiration board I created just for the event. Take a peek back at our Southern Derby Soiree we created for a birthday party a few years back. Not in the mood yet? Stay tuned tomorrow for a party around Richmond that will surely get you in Derby mood!

{top row: Meghan McSweeney Photography, invitation via Red Stamp, mint juleps via Southern Living, cuff links via Wedding Dress Blog, bride and groom via todd pellowe weddings, bridesmaids and bouquets via weddingbee, horse via Meghan McSweeney Photography}

cheers to july

The 4th of July is one of my favorites. It oozes of vibrant summer cocktails, gorgeous finger foods, and amazing fun. Here are some festive and inspiring images:

{pretzel sticks, mini cheescakes, chip cones, table setting, ice cream cones, berry shakes via Martha Stewart; blue shoes via Towner Jones Photography; dress via flickr; pinwheels via Martha Stewart}

farm style wedding

I teamed up with the fabulous Meghan McSweeney again to create a rustic, farm-inspired wedding complete with a distressed horse barn, a serene lake and a tire swing. Tarnished pitchers were filled with wildflowers and vintage napkin linens and china lined the burlap runner.

We are so excited that the gorgeous Grey Likes Weddings featured our farm style shoot too! Pop over to her fabulous blog and take a look at more eye candy.





The incredible vendors that participated:

Photos: Meghan McSweeney
Style: LK Events & Design
Dress/Accessories: Pleiades Bridal Design Studio
Flowers: Carolyn Young
Cake: The Buttercream Bee
Hair/Makeup: Josh Henderson, Mango Salon
Models: Shera, James

wildflowers

There is something so natural and organic about wildflower bouquets and arrangements. Something so relaxed and carefree, unpretentious and whimsical--like you walked into a field, gathered some flowers and tied ribbon around them. Here are some hand-picked bouquets that are inspiring me:

{photos 1 & 2, Bob Schnell; Studio Castillero via Ruffled Blog; photos 4 & 5 Hugh Forte Photography via Wedding Chicks; Jennifer Hughes}

we all scream for ice cream

It could be my constant sweet tooth or the amazing InStyle ice cream shoot designed by the talented Amy Atlas that has me running for the nearest freezer, but either way I'm all about a sweet ending to a sweet day.

Instead of or along with your traditional wedding cake, surprise your guests with an ice cream bar.Or pull out all the stops and cater your ice cream from a local dairy shop--complete with the authentic outfit!

Want to impress your guests more? Try this mobile ice cream buffet! Or hire your local, darling ice cream truck to pull right on up to your reception. That way you're guests will get a blast from the past with all the kiddie flavors!

{Bridal Bar designed by Eat, Drink, Chic; Wedding Paper Divas; Christine Olson via Wedding Chicks; Culinary Crafts; The Weibners via Intimate Weddings}