Lovely designs from Mitchell & Dent

I was delighted to receive an e-mail earlier this month from Leah, of Mitchell & Dent, a new stationer in Australia. Together, they just released their first line of letterpress and printed wedding suites and I found the designs to strike the perfect balance of graceful elegance and carefree whimsy!

And I love the story Leah shared about how they acquired their press:

We're graphic designers by trade who bought a letterpress on a whim a year ago (from eBay!) and begged the only two letterpress printers in town to teach us how to use our big old beastie of a 1905 press we affectionately call 'Herbert'.

Isn't that just the best name for a press?! You can peruse more of their lovely work on their blog or on their website. Enjoy!

{All photos by the divinely talented Angela Higgins}

Wednesday Nesting: The Ballerina Project

The Ballerina Project has become pretty popular so you may have already heard of it ... if not, here's the official info blurb:

The Ballerina Project grew from the idea of New York City as a magnet for creativity; each photograph is a collaborative work of dance, fashion design and photography played out against the city's landscape.

Amazing idea, no? I'm really loving the idea of translating the concept to an e-shoot or a bridal shoot ... wouldn't these be so much more beautiful than boudoirs? I say certainly so!

Check out lots more gorgeous photos on TBP's facebook page - you can even support the project by ordering a print if you like! And what house couldn't use a little ballerina art on the walls? :o)

A most fabulously relaxed bridal shoot - Copy this, will you??

How many times have I discussed the concept of a more relaxed bridal shoot? I have been in love with the idea of a bridal shoot, minus the bridal look, for years ... and I still think a shoot that incorporates the bride's passions and favorite hobbies would be such a more personal, genuine and intimate reflection of her personality than the standard and stuffy studio shots ... soooo, imagine my excitement when I came across a fabulously-executed version of what I've been daydreaming about for so long on Wren & Field Photography's blog!

And hello you beautiful bright pink tights!!! {I knew they'd look delish in a shoot!} Don't they just make the photos pop?! I'll stop gushing for now so you can enjoy the eye candy but make sure to scroll down for more info from Emily, the photographer, about the shoot ...

Between the model's {Andrea Pippins} divine curls, sassy attire and the dream-like background filled with cherry blossoms, I honestly can't pinpoint my favorite detail of this shoot ... everything flows together so well to create such lovely images!

Here's a little of what Emily, of Wren and Field Photography, had to say about the concept:

We've been wanting to offer bridal shoots for awhile and were simply thrilled when our friend Andrea Pippins agreed to be our test bride. The idea behind the bridal session is to take fun and casual portraits whenever a bride does her hair and make-up tests. We had an absolute blast running around town with Andrea! She made it so easy to capture beautiful images and her smile never faded. 

Isn't that such a great way to take full advantage of your hair and makeup test days? I love it!! You can check out the entire session plus more details about the day here.

And here's a glimpse at another portion of their shoot, incorporating roller skates - how much fun is that?! Enjoy:

Thanks to Emily for sharing this shoot and I hope you feel inspired to capture some more casual shots on your hair and makeup days! If you do, send them in and share. ;o)

Monday Vintage Finds: Magnolia Bakery engagement photos

Okay ... maybe it's a bit of a stretch to call this a vintage find but this e-shoot just seems to scream vintage to me ... from Jennifer's gorgeously-embellished red cardigan and vintagey pearls to the worn brick of the bakery ... mixed with the nostalgia that cupcakes always seem to conjur ... Ahh, even if you don't agree that it's 100% "vintage," I think you'll enjoy these sweet photos anyway ... Scroll down for details about the day ...

Don't you just love it?! I've only had the pleasure of enjoying a cupcake from Magnolia once ... maybe someday I'll make it back ... these photos have certainly triggered my sweet tooth ... wish I lived closer right about now! :o)

Here's some details from Natasha, the talented lady who photographed this sweet session, about the day:

We shot at several locations throughout the city as [Jennifer and Adam] wanted a super "New York-y" photoshoot as they moved here together and their wedding is taking place in Texas, they wanted to have pictures for themselves and their friends and family to show how much they loved NY. But the focal point of the day and our favorite part were the photos that revolved around cupcakes! =)

They bought some red velvet cupcakes from the famous Magnolia Bakery and we took some pictures outside and at a park right across the street.

Thanks so much for sharing these lovely photos, Natasha! And congrats, Jennifer and Adam! ;o)
 
{Photos by Natasha Montero}

Idea Crush: Girls/Besties/'Maids Photoshoot

I've shared this idea before but I love it so much, I want to share it again because this photo reminded me how ridiculously cool and fun it could be ...

Engagement sessions have become one of the many unofficial pre-requisites to weddings ... and when did that happen? There was a time, not so long ago, where people didn't plan outfits and themes and purchase props for a pre-wedding photoshoot aiming to rival those gracing the pages of Vogue and Elle ...

Now don't get me wrong ... I adore a good e-session ... they can be beautiful reflections of the couple and sometimes even of their shared interests but I'm just waiting for the trend-turned-obligation to spread its wings and envelop a new off-shoot where the bride and her besties document their bonds of friendship in a photoshoot of their own.

The shoot could be an ode to a high-fashion shoot in the city {like the photo above} or it could be a retro-ized sleepover theme with green eyemasks, margaritas and a pillow fight or two ... Who's with me? What would you do for your girls shoot?

{Image from Vogue Germany via This is Glamorous}

Crush: J. Crew

J. Crew just gets better and better - have you seen the latest 'collection' catalogue? I love the messy assortment of creamy textures in the top ensemble ... and I think the mix would be positively divine for a casual rehearsal dinner in the city ... or for laidback engagement photos.

{Images: J. Crew via This is Glamorous via The Neo-Traditionalist}

Wednesday Nesting: Chic clutches for any event

Aren't these silk dupioni clutches from Third Willow Weddings adorable? I love how designer William Weethee combines vintage elements with starkly modern lines to create a lovely line of neo-traditional accessories. These would be wonderful for a bride or her many 'maids!

Each is designed and handmade in his Minneapolis studio - William kindly sent me the darling grey and white Garden Trellis clutch and I absolutely adore it!

I also have to share William's story of how he got into the wedding industry ... I love how it was such an organic transition:

I am an interior designer by day, but my current job is very much about project management and less about creativity now. So, a little over two years ago, I learned how to sew as something creative to do. After lovingly draping every available inch of our home in some sort of creative fabric creation, I moved on to something new. I made a bag from a pattern for a friend and it was so much fun. Although, I promptly tossed the patterns because I love a challenge and began designing my own. I made bags for everyone I know and finally a friend told me that I ought to sell them somewhere. And.....Third Willow was born. With Third Willow, I have been working thru my design and business process and perfecting my work and techniques. Finally, after a year and half of working with all kinds of designs and materials, I thought it finally time to launch my wedding line, called Third Willow Weddings. I LOVE working with silk and as a hopeless romantic, cannot get enough of making wedding inspired accessories. Weddings are perfect for me......every

wedding has a dash of interior design, mixed with a dollop of fashion, and filled with human emotion and such happiness! The end result can be the perfect event that all will remember for years to come, and I truly love being a part of that process! I know, so cheesy, but so true!

Isn't that the best way to start a business? You can peruse William's wares here - enjoy!

Balloon {video} love!

Oooh, ooooooh ... remember this pretty I shared with you long ago?

Well, I just came across this jewel ... Love it!:

tori and austin from sarah yates on Vimeo.

Monday Vintage Finds: A perfectly tiny Victorian escape

I think this may be the vintage find of the year ...

I came across a New York Times article this morning entitled “In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House" {via Door Sixteen} and I'm loving absolutely everything about it:

Sandra Foster turned a Catskills hunting cabin into the romantic Victorian cottage she had always wanted, using vintage columns, flooring and wavy glass windows, and doing the carpentry herself.

Gahh ... Wouldn't it be grand to have your own little girly esape nestled in those dreamy woods? The lofted bed is calling my name! And I'm also seeing fabulous potential for a high-fashion bridal shoot amidst the grounds ... and wouldn't the teensy tiny house make for the most darling ceremony backdrop?!

Did a little digging and also found Sandra's own blog {My Shabby Streamside Studio}, in case you just can't get enough. ;o)
{Images: Trevor Tondro for The New York Times}

Grace + Brian's classic-meets-modern wedding

Adorable chapel ceremony ... an at-home reception ... exquisite indigo bouquet ... lawn games for guests ... this wedding includes all of those dreamy details and then some ... Enjoy!

From Dana, the photographer:
Grace and Brian are the happiest people you'll ever meet. There's never a time where they don't have a smile on their faces. They were dating for 5 years when they went on a trip to Africa with Brian's family and that's where Brian proposed last year. His parents live in the Landfall neighborhood in Wilmington, NC, and Grace immediately knew she wanted to have their wedding in the area. They were married in the Kenan Chapel in Landfall and the reception was held at Brian's parents house. The decor and florals were done by Salt Harbor Designs. Grace's dress was from J. Crew. The band was the Bibis Ellison band (amazing!). Cocktail hour was held in the front yard complete with Bocci and Croquet. It was a beautiful location. Glass balls with tea lights hung from the trees. Then the reception moved to the backyard. Everyone danced under a brick patio with string lights with the band played. There was a dessert bar for the guests. There was also a poolside sitting area ... Beautiful paths, gardens, fountains, and little sitting areas made up this beautiful backyard on the waterway. Grace wore purple flats so it was easy to dance the night away! Then at the end of the night they left to a sparkler exit.

Congrats Grace and Brian! And thanks to Dana for sharing her gorgeous photos of the wedding!

{All photos by Dana Laymon}