party design: 1920s prohibition.

Speakeasy Party 1

First comes the party. Which included all the hits of the 20s: big band, tollhouse cookies, hershey kisses, gin and rum. I mean, it was go prohibition of go home. Lots of research came into play to add creative elements. Blue lights indicated speakeasies. Signs for church meetings were another constant indicator of alcohol within during the prohibition. Another fast fact: Italian food became popular during prohibition because a good handful of speakeasies were owned by Italian families, so they would only serve pasta to patrons because it was simple, and most people weren’t really there for the food anyways.

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Drinks
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Speakeasy Party 3

And then there were the people (who are in black & white cause well…it’s more 20s like). You can’t have a party without them and the awesomeness they contribute; oh how I love them all so. Here is to the next awesome shindig. I’m thinking it may involve a “trip to the beach.”

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Speakeasy Party 5

parties: summer bbq in charlottesville

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A couple of weeks ago, I had the joy of hosting a party for friends at my parent’s home in Charlottesville, VA. It was a great time to get out of the city, float in inner-tubes, and enjoy amazing food (and cupcakes). Good times were had by all, and while I couldn’t focus on a ton of little details there were definitely enough to make you feel like you were at a Porter party.

Oh, and of course there were cupcakes. :)

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vendor love: fliptography

Are you a person who thinks, “photobooths are everywhere and I’m way to cool and trendy to do something that mainstream?” (Are there actually people who would think that way — well, moving on). I have the solution for you.

Meet Flip, a mobile animation studio. All photobooth, all flipbook, all fun.

All photos care of Flip!

mae mae paperie, spring ’12

Recently I was asked for a few vendor references for wedding invitations and the first on my list was Mae Mae Paperie. I was even more thrilled to see the new spring line by fantabulous paper stylist Megan Gonzalez, so I decided to share a few of my favorites.





The HermieI love it. I will admit that I love it for the reason most men would reject it, the pink. They are stylish, fancy and will fit that wedding that you’ve been planning since the age of twelve.




Having a wedding where you get to be barefoot on a beach with your best friends and family? Then maybe the Roxy is for you. Classy, yet simple and beautifully designed.




Lastly (but definitely not least…and maybe my favorite), the Marlowe. The modern 1950s appearance of the Marlowe just sets my mind a float with a million and one decor ideas to match the invitations. It also makes me think that this is the design to use if you are having a wedding at my favorite Palm Springs location, The Ace Hotel.

I love them all so much and wish I had enough events on the calendar to have to use them all. Which one would you choose?

{invite photos by Megan Gonzales of Mae Mae Paperie}

wedding wednesdays: pink inspirations

pink wedding inspiration board

Spring is here and in DC that means the Cherry Blossoms are blooming, which brings to mind my favorite thing…the color pink. We are now into the season where bright colors come back into play for weddings and other such events. So, in honor of the occasion, I pulled a few of my favorite pops of pink together into a delightful spring inspiration board. Enjoy.

All the little bits:

Fantastic pink invites from Alee and Press via 100 Layer Cake; tulle skirt by Ouma via Mindy Weiss; pink/bright tablescape by Amy Osaba via Southern Weddings.

S’more pops via Southern Wedding; Lemon cake with pink bunting from Berry Lovely; Candle/Bouquet/Table Cards via One Wed.

wedding wednesday(ish): favors, pt. 3

 

Featuring different and unique favor ideas is one of my very favorite things to share. Whenever a Wedding Wednesday post is late, you can be almost 100% sure that it’s because I’ve had the following going through my head “You can not do another post on favors, no matter how much you love them.” By Thursday morning, I generally cave.

Today’s favors are care of Martha Stewart Weddings and they are spectacular. Plus, it’s pretty much my favorite things in favor form. Cheese and Crackers, and then Honey. Actually, I don’t think it could get much better unless you paired them together, of course.

must have monday: w/ placecards

Placecards — the underrated, often overlooked, essential part of any major event. Yes, their only job is to tell people where to sit. But there are so many creative options for them, and it’s just one more place to really put a personality stamp on an event. From lemons, to twitter handles, to library card cases…the options are endless.

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[photos care of funkytime, grey likes weddings, and style me pretty]

must have monday: doughnuts

Here is a little secret, I may like pretty things but my food tastes are simple. The classics. And it doesn’t get more classic than a doughnut. So when I saw these images, I just had to share because in a world of cakes, cupcakes, and pies…doughnuts often get overlooked. But I’m willing to give them a second look and a bite or two or three.

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foodie friday: blood orange margaritas

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I love “punch,” many know this. Now is the time to really admit that I love mixed drinks and somehow putting it in a punch bowl makes it less troubling in my mind. Please, I’ve said it before and I will say it forever, a signature drink at a party is essential.

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So when I saw this recipe on White On Rice Couple, I knew I needed to make it. And almost two years later, it’s finally happened and oh heavens, if it wouldn’t be a problem to make them daily I would.

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Lightly Sweet, tart, citrus, and tequila. How could it be bad.

Blood Orange Margarita Recipe
adapted from White on Rice Couple

3 oz fresh Blood Orange Juice
1.5 oz Tequila (I used the Herradura Reposado)
1 oz Triple Sec (From the liquor store guy: use Patron Orange, a touch classier)
splash of agave nectar syrup

1. Rub the rim of an old fashioned glass (or whatever similar vessel you prefer) with an edge of a blood orange slice. Swirl the rim through a small pile of kosher or sea salt to salt the rim.
2. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake for 15 seconds.
3. Put a few cubes of ice in your glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass and enjoy.