Conception to Completion {Wedding Chalkboard}

I was recently inspired to do a little artwork for a lovely bride and groom of mine. The idea: to showcase their favorite NW beers and wines in a sidewalk-chalkboard-inspired fashion. I needed something large to make and impact, and the above framed chalkboard from Pottery Barn was just what I was looking for (minus the price tag). So I embarked on my week-long chalky journey!!

Using a large pre-fab frame, particle board, primer and black chalk board paint I came up with this doppelganger...after an admittedly ridiculous amount of hours.


I then researched all of the brand logos, websites and google images I could for the 5 local NW beers and the 2 wines. I created this pencil mock-up of the concept to the bride and groom to make sure I was on-par with what they were thinking. A few small changes...


And this was the final product! It was created using the fabulous (and must-have in the chalk art world) Chalk Ink pens. The same ones used on Starbucks reader boards world-wide...making me think I might just be of that caliber (ha!). I loved that they wanted to keep it fun and a little cheeky, allowing me to use a couple of the taglines of the unique brands.


I have to say I got so much feedback from the bartenders and caterers about this, it may just have to be a repeat performance! Just another unique and creative touch that Simply Wed can add to your wedding...enjoy!

Photo by Blissed Photography

Seattle Wedding {Jesi & Teddy} 06.05.10

Jesi and Teddy were some of the most amazingly easy and fun clients that I've gotten the opportunity to work with. Jesi knew what she wanted, and that made it so easy to make things happen for her. The fact that Teddy was there for a lace-filled, linen-selecting, flower-viewing meeting said a lot about their relationship...that, and the Wii station at the wedding! You gotta love that give-and-take from both sides! You can tell by the sheer number of photos here that these two made a gorgeous, ethereal, awe-inspiring bride and groom - and that I have a professional crush on the photographers, Sarah and Chris of Sarah Rhoads Photography.




Jesi was bridal perfection, courtesy of Annie from Swoop Salon and Jennie of Jennie Bowker Makeup. I love the appearance of some lacey straps (girls, take note of how flattering they are) on the gown from La Belle Elaine's Bridal. The maids wore a perfect assortment of pewter silk chiffon cocktail dresses from one of my personal favorites, J. Crew.

The ceremony & reception took place at Pravda Studios - the place of lighting perfection and gorgeous, modern loft-styling that can take on any look your heart desires. But my favorite part was the custom iron-work from none other than the bride's father. Beautiful, simple and full of love - what a way to walk down the aisle!

The wedding theme was full of lace along with the beautiful combination of shades of gray and pale slate blues. Chalkboards were used for everything from the 8' seating chart to the dessert bar labels. Favors were a very personal nod to the nursing professions of both bride and groom - miniature first aid kits!

A local friend of the couple, Rachel Apuyan, provided various homemade sweets such as salted caramels and blueberry tarts to accent the dessert & candy bar - centered around the stunning cake created by Sonal of Chocolaz Artisan Cakes.

The collection of artfully mis-matched vases were filled with luscious early-summer blooms including ruffly peonies courtesy of the lovely and talented Anne of Floressence Design.

The always-amazing Austin Beaver spun tunes that kept the party going after the delicious buffet meal by Ravishing Radish.


The email sent the morning after the wedding pretty much summed up the experience for me...
"Just wanted to send you another note to say that you were amazing yesterday! Everything looked beyond my expectations and inspirations, you helped to execute it to perfection. Simply Wed......Simply the Best! Thank you again, Jesi"

Simply Wed {Recent Press}

Well, it's always an honor to be featured in the press...and this is a prime example of how very varied that press can be (and as long as it's positive, it's all good in my book!).

Get Married Media, a national, tri-media wedding planning resource that reaches passionate brides on television (WeTV), online GetMarried.com and in print (Get Married magazine), recently put out a request for wonderful same-sex weddings. Of course, I had to let them know about Nancy & Deana from 07.04.09...they seemed a good match for this particular publication.

I got the news this past week that they had been selected to be featured on the GetMarried.com Blog. They Made a lovely mood board, which you can check out HERE!

The second publication is a little closer to home, courtesy of some very good friends, and the proud owners of local self-serve dog wash and bakery The Soggy Doggy. They ventured into business around the same time as I did, making my love for this chain of boutiques especially sweet. Owner David called me one day and asked if I might allow my recent article on "Dogs in Weddings" to be published in their monthly newsletter. Hey, why not?! The newsletter goes out to hundreds of doggie parents in the area! Make sure to check them out!!

Something Blue {For Feet}

I'm a sucker for the tradition in the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Why not bring it into this century with a fun twist? One of my favorite ways is to bring the blue...to your FEET! Did you know that the blue is meant to be a symbol of love, modesty and fidelity? Since the vast majority of people wear long dresses, using blue here won't interfere with your wedding colors or the pure ivory and white floatiness you are going for in your look. Here are my top three ways to do it...there's something here for every style of bride!

Photo courtesy of NYT Style Magazine

1) Blue Toenail Polish. Never mind the fact that I am actually sporting some blue toenails as I write this blog, but I just love the idea of a little irreverence on the wedding day. It's just a touch of cheek...and with all the gorgeous shades out there you can go subtle or pop, whatever suits YOU!

Photo by Redstone Pictures

2. Blue TOMS Shoes. I just got my first pair of these guys. They could be the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn...and they have an entire "wedding styles" section, so clearly I am not the only devotee of the line!

3. Designer Trifecta. To me, the following three designers fall into this category. Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. Here is an amazing example of a pair of Louboutin's I had the honor of working with. Aren't they to die for?

Photo by Paul Joseph Brown

How will you bring your SOMETHING BLUE into your big day??