Ampersand Studios) representing "and"----the joining or coming together of two or more things.
Thanks Franny and Nichole- we love what you do and what you offer. For more information and to schedule a consultation to talk about your wedding or event, visit their fabulous website here.
These ladies will be back on Tuesday with some tips for you as well, so be sure to check back!
Happy Planning!
Feature Friday | Meet Ampersand Studios
Birthday Wishes, Thanks, and Inspirations
Happy Thursday everyone! Well, for me, today is the day one normally thinks about and wishes away for a lifetime. Today I officially leave my 20's and enter a new decade of life. How do I feel about that? I don't know...will have to get back to you tomorrow after I've spent an entire day being {gasp} 30.
I decided today I would dedicate the blog to everything and everyone that inspires me, has pushed me to keep going (and not turn away and hide when the going gets tough), and most of all, makes me the person I am. And to be honest, it's taken much to long for me to come to grips about who I am...and that I need to be proud about that. Sound familiar to anyone else?
So on to some birthday thank-you's, some wishes I have, and all that inspires...
* Thank you to my beautiful mom for always being there for me.
* My family is my world- thank you for loving me.
* My baby boy has made my life that much more complete.
* Thank you to my brides, because my life is so fulfilled by you- I work for that ending result to where I can see your faces light up and your families come together over the experience.
* I wish for my next decade to be brimming with happiness, a little less worry, and a lot more laughter.
* Last year on my birthday, I held a wedding day giveaway contest- well we officially celebrated our winning couple's wedding this past Sunday {pictures to come, promise}! I wish for them so much happiness- they were such a beautiful couple to work with.
Happy Thursday, and here's to living life to the fullest and stopping to smell the flowers....
Anne & Paul Featured on With This Ring
I know we normally try to post a tip or two on Tuesdays, but excitement for one of our own sweet couples won over. Anne and Paul are getting married on October 30th of this year, and while in town for a few weeks this past month they had their engagement session out on her family farm in Mountain Home. The pictures speak for themselves- Tana did a beautiful job and they are breathtaking. Not to mention, they're a pretty handsome couple, if I do say so myself!
So imagine my excitement when Tana emailed to tell us the couple's engagement shoot was featured on the popular wedding blog, With This Ring. Love it!
You can see more of the feature post over at With This Ring and the entire engagement session on Tana's blog here.
Happy Tuesday!
From The Experts: Wedding Cake Tips
This past Friday we featured Pamela of Pamela's Bakery in Eagle, Idaho. We marveled at the posh little cafe-bakery nestled in the heart of downtown Eagle, and now we get to ogle some of her creations all while Pamela shares with us some of her tips for making the most out of your wedding cake experience.
The inside of Pamela's Bakery
1. Share your budget with your cake designer when you begin your wedding cake consultation. Your cake designer will know what she/he has to work with
and can design a cake within your budget.
2. Realize that the wedding cakes you see in magazines and on cake shows are often very labor intensive to complete...which means a lot of money! Bring
pieces of inspiration and pictures of the cakes you love to your consultation but realize that you may have to compromise a bit to fit a spectacular design within your budget.
You can do a smaller version of the cake with a sheet cake or cupcakes on the side. You can still have a big cake but instead of the whole cake draped in handmade sugar flowers, you may
have a few sugar flowers placed here and there for big bursts of color. If you love a lot of flowers, opt for fresh flowers instead of handmade sugar flowers. You get the picture.
3. Don't rely on "Aunt Martha" or an inexpensive home cake decorator for one of the biggest days of your life! Purchase your wedding cake through a reliable bakery that has
sanitation standards that they're held to and whom you can hold responsible for your cake. I can't tell you how many very last minute wedding cakes I've done because "Cousin Betsy"
had a family emergency or "so and so" hasn't answered her phone for the past two weeks and my wedding is in two days! Hire a professional.
4. Make sure the cake tastes good. How awful is it for your guests' mouth to water over a beautiful cake only to have it taste like cardboard? All natural, high quality
cakes are more expensive than boxed cakes. Like #2, you may have to compromise on the size of your cake to fit a quality cake in to your budget, but it's worth it--
and your guests will thank you....and go back for seconds!
A big thank you to Pamela for sharing with us! If you're ever in Eagle, be sure to stop by the cafe for a little espresso and breakfast or a sweet snack. You can read our feature post on Pamela's Bakery here.
Visit Pamela's Bakery Website
Schedule your initial consultation by phone: 208.938.6585
~Happy Planning!
Inspired By...Vintage Typewriter Fonts
I've been really inspired by all things vintage lately: I love the textures, soft colors, and seemingly the emotion these slightly ruffled items portray. I'm especially drawn to the basic, American Typewriter Face font; makes me want to fill a space with worn paper, soft lace, and crystal. Here are some images I found that made me smile:
~Happy Planning!
{Photos}:
#1 & 2, via Green Wedding Shoes
#3 via Snippet and Ink
#4 via Classic Bride
#5 via Classic Bride
#6 via Green Wedding Shoes
Feature Friday | Meet Pamela's Bakery
Today's feature Friday is all about the good stuff- cake, sweets and espresso. Pamela's Bakery is a posh little cafe nestled in Eagle, Idaho. During the week guests come for breakfast, a snack, or just drop by for a coffee. On the weekends bakery owner Pamela becomes an artist, crafting one of a kind cakes for weddings and special occasions. We love that no matter what you step into Pamela's Bakery for you'll be met with quality. Good food, great coffee, and spectacular cakes- what more could you ask for?
- How long have you been baking wedding cakes?
I have been baking and decorating wedding cake for about five years.
- Tell us one thing about yourself we'd be surprised to learn about you?
I don't like any kind of buttercream. *Gasp*
- What's your favorite thing about weddings?
As a cake designer, I love the challenge of designing a wedding cake that is a unique reflection of the couple.
- Favorite color?
Grayish blue
- Tully's, Moxie, or Starbucks?
- Recommend a book we should read?
- What (or who) can't you live without? (product, article of clothing, personal item, person in your life, etc)
- Tell us about a time you either made a mistake & learned from it, or felt fear or doubt (either in your personal life or business) and overcame it?
I had to (and have to every day) realize that I am a talented and capable person, and I will make mistakes-- but I have to try anyway. I had to take life
one day at a time, and with every day it got a little easier. I learned a little more. I challenge myself constantly in preparation for what the future holds.
I believe in practice, planning, organizing, and living by the motto "Just do it." Sometimes I fail. A lot of times I don't. But I always try.
*****************
Thanks Pamela for taking the time to share some details about yourself with us. Pamela will be back on Tuesday to share her tips for designing and selecting your wedding cake. We'll also be showcasing some of her portfolio- her cakes are stunning!
Visit Pamela's website here.
~Happy Planning!
Thursday Tidbits | Black Chalkboard Walls
I've always been smitten with the new, seemingly ranging trend of featuring chalkboard at weddings. Whether it be a place card, signage, place mats for the kiddies, or just well-wishing. I've also been pondering the idea of painting one of baby Kade's walls in his bedroom with chalkboard paint since he was about six months old.
But how do I feel about full scale rooms in the magical paint? I'm not sure- I like the modern, sleek look they elicit. How do you feel about them? If anything, these photos are works of art, perfect just to look at and be inspired:
~Happy Planning!
{Photos}
#1-2 via the Pepper Design Blog
#3 Via Three Men And A Lady Blog
Trendy Cupcakes or Traditional Wedding Cake?
Big cake or little cakes? Giant tiers or mini creations? Is there a benefit price-wise to choosing trendy over tradition? Today we'll weigh in on the pros and cons:
Wedding Cake:
How they're priced- Cakes will always be priced per slice, and you'll see ranges anywhere from $3.25-$5.00+
Benefits-
* Cakes can come in a variety of sizes, including circle, square, oxagon, rectangle, and caddy-wampus (yes that's the technical term, thank you) just to name a few.
* Guests receive an actual slice of cake.
* You don't often have to order the same amount of cake as the amount of guests at your party. Most times you will have at least a few that would rather keep to their beverage than indulge in chocolate goodiness.
* The decorating and design possibilities of a wedding cake is endless!
Cons-
* The more complicated the design, the more expensive the cake will become.
* In the heat of the summer, many a cake have fallen casualty to mother nature.
* Someone will have to cut the cake, and we recommend it be your caterer. Many times there will be a cake cutting fee.
Cupcakes:
How they're priced- cupcakes will be priced per-unit, and you'll see ranges from $2.25-$3.50+ for gourmet cupcakes.
Benefits:
* They're tiny works of art, and when displayed they create a beautiful scene.
* Each guest gets their own little mini cake.
* No plates or silverware needed (though it doesn't hurt to have them on hand)- they're hand-friendly fare, especially the mini cupcake varieties.
Cons:
* They're tiny works of art, so they'll take more time, which translates to more cost.
* You'll often have to purchase the exact amount as the amount of guests you have. Why? Have no idea. People, even with beverages, just seem plain attracted to these little lovelies so you better have enough on hand. With mini cupcakes, you'll need to account for at least 2 per person.
* Assembly time is quite a bit longer than a traditional wedding cake- just imagine setting out 250 cupcakes.
So there you have it- so many pros and cons to each. The one thing to keep in mind is just because something is smaller does not mean it will be cheaper. Whichever route you choose, each is beautiful in its own way. We even love a combination of the two: smaller display cake for cutting, then a dessert bar of sorts with different varieties of cupcakes. Sign us up please- we'll make an appearance at your event, and we're not afraid of chocolate.
~Happy Planning!
{Photos}:
Anemone Cakes: Instyle Weddings 2008
Pink Sprinkles Cupcake: Unknown, found via Google search without a credit
Back In Time
Happy Monday! Thought we'd feature a few of our most popular posts over the course of our blogging venture. Enjoy!
Tips for creating the wedding day look of your dreams from Camilla.
Pictures from the pink and black Ritz Carlton wedding and my weekend in Los Angeles while working with Mary Dann.
Creative ways to budget your wedding without cutting corners here and here.
The difference between place cards and escort (butler) cards. (An oldie but goodie)
And in honor of all the summer parties, weddings, showers, and rehearsal get-togethers, read up on how to prepare your guests for your outdoor plans.
What other types of tips or advice do you want to see? Have questions for us? Send them to blog@weddingsbysoiree.com.
~Happy Planning!
Feature Friday | Meet Yellowline Photography
This week's feature post is about another Boise wedding and fashion photographer, Dan from Yellowline Photography. Dan is hands down one of the most interesting people I've come to know- in a good way! His style and demeanor, sincere care for his couples and their day, and his all-around great personality is always welcomed on a wedding day. When I first met Dan I remember thinking how it was nice to have a photographer like Dan in my referral file- his photography style is an eclectic mix of classic and edgy, and that's just what many brides were looking for. That's why we're so excited to be featuring Yellowline Photography today; and we know you'll appreciate his honesty, humor, and his take on living life as he talks with us. Enjoy!
- How long have you been photographing weddings? I started shooting weddings in the spring of 2008 due to a chance encounter with Mira Piva in A Minds Eye Tattoo. Her fiance was getting some work done, and she told me she could get me connected in the wedding industry. bataboom batabing. It's all about who ya know. :)
- What's your favorite thing about weddings? The personality. The individualism. The discoveries I get to make. The whole motion behind the day. Its so often like a song or poem with an intro and chorus and complexity and melody. I have the honor of being a central aspect of the designated beginning of a relationship. It gives me energy and I like it.
- Tell us one thing about yourself we'd be surprised to learn about you? I streaked a lot my freshman year of college. at a Nazarene university. One time i almost ran over some freshman girls in the buff... needless to say, they never looked at me the same again. We did not become friends.
- Favorite color? I just love color in general. I love color splashes in my photos. Dark clothes, dark setting, green tie, green eyes. I think its beautiful and gripping.
- Tully's, Moxie, or Starbucks? TULLY'S wholeheartedly. Not because of their coffee. It just happens to be the closest to my house. I started going to the one in BoDo { Boise Downtown } a year or so ago, and I felt like a social loafer because I couldn't afford coffee at the time, so I never spoke. I was just this random creeper that came in for wordless hours at a time to work on his computer. But now we're all a big happy family.
- Recommend a book we should read? Hecka yesa. I love to read. I just started "Bodies in Motion and at Rest" by Thomas Lynch, and its shaping up to be a winner. I just finished "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera and his understanding of romantic relationship blows my mind. Before that I read, "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl. Again, a mind blower. READ IT. :)
- What (or who) can't you live without? (product, article of clothing, personal item, person in your life, etc) I'm pretty sure I'd have a hard time living without music. I adore it. it moves and guides me in ways that little else can. Currently I'm in adoration of CocoRosie, Ringside, Sea Wolf, (and always and forever) David Bazan.
- Tell us about a time you either made a mistake & learned from it, or felt fear or doubt (either in your personal life or business) and overcame it? Well I wrote a little "about me" on my webpage that describes my fears involved in starting my own business. Self-doubt and fear of failure can be a difficult beast to wrestle.
Dan's Website: Yellowline Photography
Thanks again to Dan for talking with us and letting us get to know you a little better. Check back on Tuesday for his expert photography tips and some features of his work; in the meantime, we're going to check out these books he recommended- we're intrigued!
~Happy Planning!
Unique Etsy Gift Ideas For Mother's Day
Mother's Day is right around the corner, and if you're like me, you appreciate giving a thoughtful gift. Not just any run of the mill style gift, which is why I always scour the internet for the unexpected. If you haven't found a gift for mom yet, take a look at some of our top rated Etsy gift ideas we found this week:
All three of these items are unique, creative, and won't break the bank. And most of all they're stylish: We love this lightweight scarf she can wear practically year round and will go with any outfit, from Knitfrekkles. And this little mama bird charm bracelet from Polkadotmapgie (this seller offers pendants for necklaces too and each charm comes in copper, silver, or bronze) is a trendy way for her to show off her kids and grandkids. If your mom is in to health and beauty, these handmade oatmeal facial scrubbies from Garden22DesignStudio are perfect, not to mention they look like they're super soft for the face.
Finally, we thought this was a fabulous idea; these handmade creative jewelry boxes from TwigsforPearls are a beautiful way to display earrings. This shop is actually the creative outlet for our Inspiration Board Contest runner up, Katarzyna. Along with these beautiful jewelry creations, Twigs For Pearls also offers handmade floral pins and hairpieces for brides.
What other ideas have you found for mom this year?
Inspiration Board Runner Up #2
Today we're back with another dose of fabulousness- this inspiration board submitted to our Emersonmade Giveaway will transport you straight to a woodland fairytale.
Here is Megan from Etsy's vision for the design:
"Now who wouldn’t want to have dessert served in goblets in the woods with fawns, and cuckoo clocks around? Sign me up please! Inspired be moss covered rocks, wood grain, crocheted rocks, and just an overall feeling of warmth and being comfortable in nature. This table would look stunning in an English style garden among sundresses and bare feet. When I envision this party I think of old poloroid picture with beams of sun streaming in from behind the heads of the guests. "
Thanks for your creative inspiration board Megan! We loved the soft colors and the naturistic touches. Be sure to check out Megan's Etsy shop for more inspiring details too.
Photo Credits:
1& 2. Megan Wold
3. Country Living Magazine
4. Unknown
5. National Geographic
6. Square Magazine
7. Megan Wold
8. ollerina.deviant.com/art/Cuckoo-clock-Tatt.../cucko
Inspiration Board Runner Up #1
Today we're back with one of our runners up for our inspiration board contest- you'll know why this was such a tough decision for us!
Katarzyna from Boise, Idaho had a vision for stripes, vintage touches, and one of my favorite flowers, the anemone:
"The graphic nature of a tablescape and/or dessert table display inspired by anemones and stripes is interesting and unexpected, especially in an outdoor setting. The colors range from black and navy to magentas and cool reds, with lots of soft whites as the backdrop.
The occasion feels elegant with a touch of whimsy and a bit of vintage charm. This style reflects a bride looking for something a little non-traditional and fun, yet sophisticated. Think a classy and cheerful Tim Burton movie set."
Thanks Katarzyna! We love the idea of a spin off from a Tim Burton movie. We also loved some of the unique sources and materials used for inspiration. Stay tuned this week as we reveal the remaining finalists!PS- Katarzyna also has an Etsy Shop, Twigs For Pearls, featuring beautiful handmade items perfect for brides- be sure to check it out!
Photo Credits (Left to Right, Top To Bottom):
1. Tine K Home Spring/Summer 2010 catalog
2. Bella Figura Letterpress Cameo Invitation Suite
3. Valentine’s Day inspiration via Ruffled
4. Valentine’s Day inspiration via Ruffled
5. Tine K Home Spring/Summer 2010 catalog
7. Bella Figura Letterpress Cameo Invitation Suite
8. Wonderland Shoot with a Moody Twist via Style Me Pretty
Inspiration Board | Emersonmade Giveaway Winner
Well the day is here to announce our winner for our Emersonmade giveaway. We were blown away at the entries- everyone put a lot of thought and creative energy into their inspiration boards. That's exactly why it took us several hours of backing-and-forthing (it's our newly coined phrase) to finally choose the winner.
While we were torn between four finalists (and don't worry, we'll feature them so you can be just as inspired), the winning board came down to its source of inspiration:
This lovely painting by John Singer Sargent, entitled "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose". We love that this simple photo of two girls playing with lanterns in a field inspired this entire dessert display:
Here is Sarah in Portland's interpretation of her "Potluck" dessert table for a vintage garden party wedding:
"An enchanted summer’s evening is the inspiration for this wedding dessert table. The details stem from the Sargent painting featuring flower girls illuminating paper lanterns. Oh the bliss;to be magically transported into this scene.
To capture the true joy of summer, red poppies are the highlight to a vintage garden party wedding theme. Poppies prove to be difficult to work with in floral design. Thinking outside the box, poppies can be crafted from unique materials such as fabric, gum paste and paper.
Vintage cake stands and plates hold scrumptious cupcakes decorated with varying festive liners and toppers as if guests contributed to the old time tradition of a pot luck. A timeless wicker table ties all the elements harmoniously together.
The overall color scheme is derived from the red poppies complimented by a cool, brilliant aqua; the perfect summer palette."
We can't wait to begin bringing this lovely dessert display to life. Stay tuned as we showcase the other finalists and as we prepare for the photo shoot!
Inspiration Board Photo Credits (from right to left, top to bottom):
Beginning at top left: John Singer Sargent's Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose; field of red poppies; garden patio featuring wire bistro dining; “The Big Poppy” crafted by EmersonMade; “Mum Floral Paper Lantern” by Luna Bazaar; “Pot Luck” inspired cupcake table; edible sugar red poppies crafted by Sweet Déjà Vu; “Cherries Jubilee” pinwheel and “Spring Flower” cupcake toppers crafted Cupcake Social; red dotted, teal striped, and red gingham cupcake liners by Cupcake Social; vintage blue milk glass cake stands, “Chirp Dessert Plates” by Lenox; red poppy linens crafted by Michelle Brusegaard; “Celia Cocktail Table” by Maine Cottage.
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