August 9th, 2010

The art deco meets Japanse style continued at the Granada reception. Gorgeous structured flowers in 3 different styles decorated the tables.

I love the mix of kiwi branches and copper in these arrangements.

For linens, I had custom copper crush drapes made by Wildflower Linen.Napkins were a deep eggplant color and topped with a menu the bride calligraphed herself.

Also, dark purple callas lilies wrapped with copper were placed at each guest seat.

For candles I mixed blue, green, and purple, votives on each table to bring in more jewel tone touches.

For the setup, I did a u-shape around the dance floor of 20′ long tables.

For music, The Johnny Crawford Band played authentic 30’s big band tunes. I pined a purple orchid to each of their lapels to add a pop of color to their white dinner jackets.

And of course Johnny, wore a top hat while he sang with the band.
All photos by Megan Sorel. Full wedding planning and event design by Kelly Oshiro Design.
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August 9th, 2010

I planned this real wedding in just 6 short months. The ceremony was held at the bride’s parent’s home in the hills of Montecito. The bride really wanted an art deco meets Japanese floral design (aka ikebana) in lush jewel tones with hints of peacock feathers.Bobbe Viggel created the amazing florals and totally got the look we’re going for.

Copper wire was twisted around yucca branches and formed an organic heart shape. The wire was a nod to the groom’s love of metal working and also added an unexpected texture to the ceremony arch.

The pathway to ceremony…

The bride loved cobalt glass which we used throughout the floral design.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour and the view up at the house, and then Santa Barbara Trolley took them to the reception at the Granada.

The bride and groom’s arrival at the reception– I love the praise the choose to put on the marquee! Up next, the reception.
All photos by Megan Sorel. Full wedding planning and event design by Kelly Oshiro Design.
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August 6th, 2010

There’s nothing quite like hot, fresh, baked cookies and a cold glass of milk. Happy weekend everyone!
Photo by Hector Sanchez.
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August 4th, 2010

Everyday I struggle with my insanely small closet and where exactly I’m suppose to put all my pretty shoes. I love this idea above of creating a wall of shelves tucked behind linen drapes to store all my pretties.

Though this solution might work better for me– colored molding to hold all your pumps- so darn pretty and it doubles as artwork too.

Though if I had the space, I’d be all over a vintage armour like this.

Or this one too, sigh.
Photos from top: 1. via This is Glamorous from Atlanta Magazine 2. via Purple Area blog from Living Etc 3. Sandra Lane 4. Maria Dawlat
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August 3rd, 2010

Shoes + fabulous jewelry? Oh, fo sho! Photo by Mike Larson.
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August 2nd, 2010

Lately, I’ve been drawn to beautiful photos of spools of thread. Maybe its the soft sheen of the thread or all the luscious colors, but its definitely been on my mind!

Thread + cake stand = adorable!

I love the vibrant pink tones of this still life. So pretty!
Photos from top: 1. Johnny Miller 2.Styled by Martha Bernabe 3. Dasha Wright
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July 30th, 2010

Happy Friday everyone! Don’t you think a little ice cream is in order? I do! (Hands off the pistachio though, that one is mine!)
Photo by Hector Sanchez.
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July 29th, 2010

I’m not usually a purple fan, but I do love these unique flowers in this terranium.

I love this tea cup as a container! I love the muscari and veronica in here and how they add a little bit of unkemptness and movement to the arrangement.

Checkered watering can? Adorable! Sweetpeas? Super adorable!
Photos from top: 1. Ellen Silverman 2. Gemma Comas 3. Tim Evan Cook
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July 28th, 2010

I just got the word that my sister is going to England at the end of September and I’m so jealous!

I absolutely adore England and a good countryside walk is my absolute favorite thing to do.

When I lived in Cambridge, I would take long walks by the Cam to Grantchester where I’d have a proper cup of tea and a buttery scone in a famous old apple orchard.

Here’s hoping I get a chance to visit her…
Photos from top: 1.Kate Powers 2. Chris Blott 3. Anna Kern 4. Corrie Bond
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July 27th, 2010

I’m super excited to announce I’m contributing this week to Aisledash! For these posts I thought it would be fun to take inspiration for Alina Pizzano’s recent wedding dress collection and turn them into inspiration boards for a wedding design. You can check out the first post here. Enjoy!
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July 27th, 2010

I love these shoes, especially since I picked them for Shoepick back in December and I also happen to have bought a pair myself. They are the most comfortable heels I own! Gorgeous photo by the lovely Jasmine Star.
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July 23rd, 2010

Who’s in?
Photo by Alexandra Rowley.
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July 23rd, 2010

I just got the new issue of Brides Southern California and I’m excited to have contributed to two articles! The first is an article about locations that will give you the most bang for your buck. The second is an article on ides for guest welcome bags.

Also, my top 10 reasons to get married in Santa Barbara is up on Aisledash! Special thanks to Anne Chertoff for inviting me to contribute and for Jose Villa for providing gorgeous photos for the article.
Photos: 1. By me 2. Car photo by Jose Villa
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July 22nd, 2010

I know its only Thursday, but I’m so excited for a non-working weekend that I’m already plotting an al fresco dinner party.

A farmhouse table setup under a tree? Perfection.

Linen tablecloth? Benches? An adorable puppy head? The countryside? Yes, please!
Photos from top: 1. via House & Garden 2. Miki Duisterhof 3. Alexandra Rowley
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July 21st, 2010

I’ve been gathering inspiration photos to finally decorate my house. It always seem like I’m getting somewhere and then wedding season hits… But this year, I will finally finish darn-it! So far I’m loving the cheery combo of aqua and pink. I just think its so fun and playful, how could you ever be bummed in a space like this? I especially love how the darker wall color actually calms the aqua of the sofa, if it were against a white wall it might be too much.

And oh, to have a proper vanity to put all sorts of pretty things. I love the way the black and white floor anchor the light blue vanity and pale pink chair. The bungalow I’m in is so small and the bathroom, well it might very well be the smallest on earth.

I love the punch of aqua in the lamp bases, I actually have a similar thing going on, but I desperately need new lampshades. Finding simple, tall, skinny white cylinder shades seems to be the hardest thing to find. The dainty floral on the pillows is a bit to frou-frou for me, but I do love that simple khaki headboard. And, oh yes, I will gladly take those aqua slippers any day.
Photos from top: 1. via House to Home 2. Styled by Virginia MacDonand 3. Styled by Jen Everett
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