This June Lauren and Rob are being married in Lauren’s backyard, so it seemed fitting for Jen Fariello to snap their engagement photos in the same location! From swinging on the hammock to a game of catch with the family’s dachshund this shoot feels laid back and homespun.

Mixing prints and patterns was all over the spring runways, and we love how this trend has lent itself so splendidly to interiors and tablescapes.  By mixing prints within the same color family, you can create a little interest to a more subtle palette.  Or for a bolder look, try taking two patterns in contrasting hues and mixing them with an otherwise neutral ensemble.

Vivienne Tam Ready to Wear, J. Crew, Fabric, Rue place setting, Diane Von Furstenburg Ready to Wear, Bed, Living Room, Place Setting

Letterpress printing is a printing technique where ink is rolled over an individually cast die and pressed into the paper. This printing process begins by creating a design on the computer.  There are printers that make photo polymer plates that have raised text and other design elements.  Each color used on the invitation requires its own plate.

The actual printing process begins by locking the customized plate into the letterpress machine. The ink is mixed by hand and applied to the roller before the printing can begin! The printer will feed the paper through the machine and the ink is rolled into the plate. This plate is then pressed onto the paper. This process is repeated for each color once the previous color ink has dried.   The thicker your paper the deeper the impressions.

Letterpress printing creates a beautiful addition to any invitation!

Image 1 and 2 courtesy of Patricia Lyons, Image 3 courtesy of Lucy O, Image 4 courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.

Summer weddings on the sea are some of the most gorgeous events.  With the rolling waves and soft beaches as a backdrop, not a lot can obscure the beauty of a nautical wedding.  We love subtle nods to the sailing life like groomsmen in Sperry Top-Siders or an anchor imprinted on an invitation or program.

Sperry’s, Sailboat, Invitation, Ring pillow, Bridesmaids, Nautical bathing suit, Anchor invitation, Place setting, Headband, Wedding cake

Last week we discussed different types of tents used for wedding parties. This Friday we are chatting about additional items that can spruce up your wedding tent!

Side Pole Draping: From Pole tents to Frame tents there are many side poles installed during construction of the tent. Draping these poles is a way to reduce the roughness of the aluminum surrounding the interior of the tent.

Ceiling Draping: A wonderful way to transform a tent structure is to drape the ceiling. Draping hides the structural elements of the tent and gives a polished and personalized look. There are a few ways to approach draping: you can go custom and choose both the type of material and the color, or you can choose non custom draping. As with all things (custom) there is a higher price point if you go in this direction. Draping a ceiling takes at least one full day.  Partial draping is also an option. Colorful swags of material make your space unique and eliminate the bareness of the tent.

Hanging Lanterns: Adding lanterns to your tent ceiling creates a dramatic space for your guests. Not only do they provide a natural glow, these fixtures fill the top of the tent with interest and excitement! Be sure to check with your tech tent vendor as to what the fire code rules are for your area.

Chandeliers: Whether you wish to have a crystal chandelier or something more casual such as a ribbon chandelier, there are many options when it comes to light fixtures.

Crenellation: Crenelated decorations add a nice touch to the perimeter of the tent!

Image 1 and 7 courtesy of Adam Barnes, Image 2,3, and 5 courtesy of Patrica Lyons, Image 6 courtesy of Lucy O Photo, Image 4 courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.

Engagement shoots are a lovely thing to do before you get married. Not only are the photographs fun to share with family and friends, but it allows the couple to become comfortable around their photographer!

Parker and Scott are getting married this month at Keswick Hall. The bride’s family has spent every Christmas at the hotel since Parker was a little girl. Due to fond memories and a love for Keswick Parker decided she wanted to have her wedding reception there too!

All images courtesy of Jen Fariello.

A beautiful (and sweet!) alternative to flowers, fruit can act as a colorful addition to a wedding bouquet, boutonniere, or tablescape.  In-season citrus and peaches in the summer or apples and pears in autumn and winter bring a fresh, natural vibe to an event.  And who doesn’t love a few juicy berries atop a beautiful wedding cake or in sweet, personalized containers for a delicious send-off at the end of the night?

Fruit boutonniere, Strawberry favor, Booze and berries, Lemons, Cherry favor, Wedding cake, Pear place card, Peach cake, Apple favor

Tenting 101!!

So you need a tent….

Whether you are having your reception entirely under a tent or adding onto a building to create some extra space – tents come in a ton shapes and sizes.

Let’s start with the 4 main types of tents that are used to create event spaces.

Pole Tents: A traditional pole tent is constructed using center poles to push up the canopy portion of the tent. The tent is stabilized with guylines, which are ropes or cables that are used to restrain the motion of the tent, at each of the side poles.  Pole tents are usually installed on grass or soil since they are staked into the ground. They need about 8’ extra feet of clearance around the perimeter to accommodate the length of the guylines. We tell our clients that a pole tent has that circus feeling with swooping high ceiling.

Sperry Tents: Sperry Tents are constructed out of sailcloth canopies that have geometric support patches and sweeping seams.  These handmade tents have support poles within the tent that are built out of solid wood. The peaks of a Sperry Tent can also be topped with pennant flags! When you light the ceiling of a Sperry they have an amazing glow.

Frame Tents:  A frame tent is a versatile and free standing structure that can be installed on about any surface! These tents are constructed with a heavy aluminum framework and are anchored down with weights. Since they are freestanding structures frame tents can be installed against an existing building to create an extension of an indoor space. Frame tents do not have center poles allowing for a clear interior space. They are not very beautiful as the ceilings are quite low. If you can afford to do some draping to disguise the poles and beams that is ideal.

Navitrac Tents: Navitrac Tents and Frame tents are very similar in terms of appearance. However, the structural elements of Navitrac Tents are a bit different. Navitrac Tents are designed with thicker beams, thus eliminating the number of metal poles within the tent. Frame and Navitrac Tents come come in two forms: white top and clear top. The Navitrac is sturdier  than the frame so if weather conditions are not optimal the Navitrac is the best bet

Image 1 courtesy of Lucy O, Image 2,3,4, and 8 courtesy of Lynne Brubaker, Image 5,6,7, 10 and 11 courtesy of Patrica Lyons, Image 9 courtesy of Jen Fariello.

Despite a rainy wedding day this lovely couple was greeted with a large rainbow and a ballroom filled with hot pink florals and turquoise linens.  The bride and groom threw the ultimate Charlottesville wedding with a ceremony at The University of Virginia’s chapel and a reception at Keswick Hall. The couple even shared their first look on the steps of the Rotunda.

The wedding dinner was cheerful and bright. Mirrors were designed to fit the table top, and along with large floral arrangements candles flooded the tables and created a warm glow within the ballroom. A candle wall was designed to separate the dining space from the dance floor and before the cutting of the cake, the drapes were pulled and the band began!

Photographer: Lynne Brubaker// Venue: Keswick Hall// Ceremony Location: University of Virginia Chapel// Lighting: Blue Ridge Light Forms//