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REAL events
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Hello from little bit, I am ecstatic and humbled to be able to welcome you to the very first issue of little bit magazine!
A mere three months ago, this magazine was little more than a collection of ideas and concepts rattling around in my brain. After many, many (did I say many?) hours of work, contributions from some of the most amazing designers, stylists, photographers, moms, and a super fabulous in-house team, my dream has become a reality. To see this project come to fruition and be able to share it with you is a dream come true and I am incredibly excited!
Little Bit Magazine is a division of Dooby Design Group, an event design company based in the Midwest. In each issue, you can expect to find the most current trends in children's fashions, event design, useful resources, and much more.
This magazine was created for you, our invaluable reader, and we hope you enjoy it, use it, and pass it on to your friends. Any suggestions, comments, or critiques? We'd love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and please let us know if we can help design your next event! xoxo, Aisha Holly Founder + Art Director
Dedication: I lost my mom to cancer when I was sixteen. She was a beautiful, independent, strong woman; and I owe all my success in life to her. She continues to inspire me to dream big and believe that all things are possible through hard work. I dedicate my first issue to my mom Anna Laura Smith.
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in every issue
34 Spotlight Meet Courtney Dial
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Hello, Little Bit
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Contributors
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Expert Advice
66 fashion
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My Dream Wedding
Preston Bailey shares design and planning advice
A little girl dreams of her wedding day
departments styled Inspiration for your next event
Fashion inspires design
90 interior Designing does not have to break the bank
Face 167 Fresh Alli McWhinney Photography
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paperie setting the tone
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lifestyle Capturing those special moments
features
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Baby Wears Prada
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Mommy Shower
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Sugar & Spice
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American Girl
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Girls Just Want to Have Fun
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Jack's First Birthday
Alexis celebrates her birthday in style
Birthday party complete with petting zoo
Celebrating princess London's arrival
Chic shower
Picture perfect 1st birthday party
7th Birthday Party
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contributors
christine & vania simply bloom photography photographers
nicole haley nicole haley photography photographer
rachel egelhof contributing writer
kelly doneth bloom photography photographer
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lauren allen lauren allen photography photographer
alli mcwhinney alli mcwhinney photography photographer
rachael tibbits sadoff stylist
aisha holly dooby design group art director
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contributors cont.
tara swain tara swain photography photographer
gina lee gina lee photography photographer
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chelsea, diana, rachel, marley
sissy + marley baby planner & concierge
vanessa scott hair stylist
courtney dial pizzazzerie event stylist
heather anne sweet heather anne cake designer
michelle gainey lemiga events event designer
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Bold
greens 2.
7.
6.
1. 5.
4.
3.
1. P'kolino - Clothes Tree $80 2. Koko - Match Co Elephant Swing Pillow $40 3. Wall Candy Arts. Children's table and chairs $480 4. notNeutral - Season 3x4 Rug $90 5. Nook - Knitted Organic Cotton Blanket $74 6. Giggle. Frog Humidifier $42 7. Oilo - Modern Berries Cylinder Light Spring Green $150
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Perfect pinks 5. 1.
3.
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1. Beatrix New York. Little Eco Packs, Little Love $46 2. Bon Ton. KidKraft Tiffany Toddler Side Table $55 3. Pink Taffy Designs. Airflow Collectibles Pretty Pink Princess Antique Pedal Car, $219. 4. DwellStudio Kids Quilted Organic Mix & Match Play Blanket Filigree Blossom $96 5. DwellStudio Kids Bath Wrap Zinnia Rose, $60 6. Kartell - Lou Lou Ghost Chair $133 7. Trumpette Rhinestone Piggy Bank $82
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photography by Alli McWhinney Photography
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meet the designer
aisha holly
Balancing work life can be challenging. As a full-time Project Manager, entrepreneur, wife and mother of four, I am often asked, “how do you do it?� My answer is simple; I do not feel like I am balancing several full time jobs. My long work day begins bright and early at 7:30 a.m. with a cup of tea and continues until 10:00 p.m. I love what I do and to my delight, my many different ventures coincide with one another. From 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., I am a Project Manager for a Marketing Communications office. This allows me to build relationships, interact with a diverse group of people, manage time, budgets, strategic planning and long term goals. After leaving my day job, I typically spend time running errands, attending after-school sports activities or picking up kids from practice. My husband usually cooks dinner, which is a huge time-saver and works out well. Arriving home, I settle down, catch up with my family and discuss upcoming sports events or parent meetings that maybe approaching. Because my youngest son is graduating next year, we have been busy with balls, proms, college preparation and trying to keep him focused on school and not just the thrill of being a senior. Although it seems like my day may be done, the rest of my evening is spent on my personal design business and magazine. It is not vastly different from my project management position. I view it more as a continuation of that job - a different client base, but the same objectives. Designing is my true passion; I find that I dream of designs at night and rush to write them down when I wake. While my life is supremely full, I would not change a thing. I love my family and my career and I am always thinking of the next amazing design I can create.
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expert advice
designer series with
preston bailey Preston Bailey has become especially renowned for his ability to completely transform raw, ordinary spaces into sumptuous, theatrical environments, translating his clients’ visions into aweinspiring reality. In this series Preston will share stories from his 30 year career, discuss design and offer inspiration to our readers regarding the event design and planning process.
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the difference between planners & designers I empathize with most clients who aren’t sure about the difference between what planners do and what designers do. These two services have become so interchangeable that most of the time, it’s difficult to tell them apart. Not to mention the local banquet managers from hotels and venues who do not hesitate to tell clients they don’t need a planner. It’s no wonder our clients are confused about who does what.
1. Should a planner suggest what kind of flowers to use at an event? Absolutely not. Even if this is their event, that is not their job. It’s the designer or florist’s job.
are you an aspiring wedding or social event planner The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of
2. Should a planner bring the clients to
Lovegevity.com, Inc., is the industry leader in
more than one floral designer and let
education and training for wedding and event
the client decide who they prefer best? I think it depends. If a planner understands their client’s needs, they might more readily know who they should use as a designer or florist.
3. Should a designer have direct contact with a client without their planner’s knowledge? No, they should not. This could
professionals. LWPI has established an academic network of nearly 2,000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, as well as a network of international colleges offering LWPI's Wedding and Event Planning Certification. Established in 1997 by Cho Phillips, LWPI was founded with the sole purpose of providing an academic career path for aspiring wedding and social event planners. For more information visit: The Wedding Planning Institute
potentially create confusion with the project, not to mention undermining the planner’s authority.
4. If there is a planner and a designer/ florist involved, should you bill the clients directly? This depends on the agreement you made with the planner. Personally, I prefer billing directly.
5. Last but not least, is it better to have one person doing both planning and designing? Doing both planning and designing takes a lot of effort and experience. You better know what you are doing, otherwise forget it.
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new york city-based boutique baby planner and concierge service photography marco ricca studio
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INSTANT EYE CANDY {soiree in a box} At SISSY+MARLEY we have a service called Instant Eye Candy - It is a custom party created by us for the DIY client. You love the thrill of hosting a fabulous party but don’t have the time to come up with the details. We'll create a custom party for you in one perfect little package. All you will have to do is follow our step-by-step instructions and voila!
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You will receive a SISSY+MARLEY presentation box containing a custom inspiration board, supply and resource list, menu and favor suggestions, and 25 custom designed invitations and thank you cards. Thoughtful design takes time, please allow up to 3 weeks for your presentation to grace your doorstep.
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paperie When it comes to setting the tone for your event, presentation is key! Whether you are planning an elaborate soiree for hundreds or an intimate party for your little one, the invitation you chose to send will leave your guests with a lasting impression. Think of your invitation as a powerful first impression – you want to make a statement and make it count! The possibilities are endless; from intricate details to bold color, fancy fonts, and unique embellishments.
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the invitation sets the tone for your event
Photography Nicole Haley Photography
dooby design shop Throwing a glam bash, an intimate dinner or a funky celebration? Creating a perfect invitation can set the tone for an event to remember. Let us help inspire your invitation design! shopdoobydesign.bigcartel.com
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hostess {with the mostess}
Hostess with the Mostess is all about entertaining with a modern twist and provides stylish, unique inspiration for life's special occasions. This contemporary approach to entertaining shines through in HWTM’s chic, colorful invitation and stationery designs – all specifically created to help bring style and ease to your celebrations! www.polkadotdesign.com
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party add-ons Add a bit of playful details to your event with these die-cut banners and flags. Available in several colors and shapes to mix and match.
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Diecut shapes: Etsy Shop SugarPapers Stripe straws and milk bottles: Shop Sweet Lulu littlebitmag.com 27
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life is a gift collection Decorative paper is one of our absolute favorite party decor elements because it’s such a high-impact, budget-friendly way to introduce all sorts of wonderful patterns and colors into an event! This gorgeous baby shower is a perfect example of this! shopdoobydesign.bigcartel.com
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meet designer, entrepreneur and style guru
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courtney dial, owner of pizzazzerie has always been “captivated by design and décor,” so much so, that she left a full-time job, to pursue her dream of creating her own successful event planning business in Nashville, Tennessee. Abigail Blosser Photography Throwing a fabulous party or the classiest event, Courtney insists, “doesn't have to break the bank.” Instead, Courtney draws inspiration from every day items like lush fabrics, scrapbook paper, and by thinking outside the box. Still having trouble finding a way to set your party apart? “Look to party blogs, like Pizzazzerie.com, for DIY inspiration and tons of tips and ideas to get the creative juices flowing,” says Courtney. Children's parties can be exceptionally fun by getting “your child involved with the creative elements and making it a memory you'll both cherish.” When Courtney is not posting to Pizzazzerie.com, which is rare, you may find her indulging in a weekend vacation to the beach, laptop in tow, of course!
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y m m a e r g d n i d d we
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I
t is her favorite story, the one she asks to hear every night before being tucked into bed. Cinderella, the tale of an ordinary girl, like herself, transformed into a dazzling princess. She dreams of a gown made especially for a her, crafted of the purest silk and tulle and embroidered
with tiny, delicate pearls. She can almost feel the glass slipper that will fit only her foot and envisions a crowd of her closest friends and family surrounded by the soft petals of hundreds of velvety white roses. She dreams that one day, she will become Cinderella at the ball; radiant, elegant and in love.
Modern Day Cinderella
Photography alli Stationery ceci
Rentals special
mcwhinney Written by rachel egelhof Concept & Styling dooby design group
new york Cake Designer sweet heather anne Floral Design bellasario florist
Make Up megan
events rental Lighting & Drapery the lighting guy Hair vanessa scott johnson Models chonae & ariana
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mydream cake
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s e l a t y r i a F e u r t e m o c do
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As she slips on her gown, her childhood fantasy comes to life. The silk is the purest of white; layers of tulle envelops her as she twirls among towering topiaries of freshly placed roses. The tables are set with only the finest china, each plate gleaming white like a pearl fresh from the sea, the crystal shining like the stars. At the last moment, she glides her foot into the glass slipper, the one made especially for her, and she knows then that her dream has come true. She is transformed, a stunning, elegant, modern day Cinderella.
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The End
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styled Finding inspiration for great design can be daunting, but adding key elements to your theme can produce spectacular results! A divine birthday is celebrated with all things pink, glam, and gorgeous, right down to the pearly accessories. Fantasy and nature pair up to deliver a whimsical, charming, and exceedingly delightful party inspired by a love for The Princess and the Frog. You can almost hear the angels singing at a child's christening, with swirls of silver accents, plush puppies, and heavenly shades of white. We hope these pages inspire superb style for your next event!
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Girls in Pink: a glam pearl party
photography
alli mcwhinney design and styling
dooby design group rentals
special events rental striped & polka dot straws
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shop sweet lulu
styled
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Striking
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styled
g garden roses in a pink, satin-wrapped glass vase.
Using various textures adds both depth and interest to your table design. White pleated, taffeta linens are highlighted with silver, beaded chargers and accented with deep navy stationery.
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“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous� -Coco Chanel
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styled
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baby boy
christening
photography
nicole haley
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design and styling
dooby design group
rentals
special events rental
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small
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Oblong table with silver and pale blue linens showcases a plush gray dog on a petite vintage bicycle, adorned with white roses and a spray of Dusty Miller. Stationery with a complementary palette highlighting a delicate dog motif.
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Whimsical Fantasy inspired by the princess and the frog
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styled
The Princess and the Frog is a much-loved musical fairy tale set in New Orleans, Louisiana at the height of the Roaring Twenties. Mimicking a trip down the Bayou, the centerpiece is created using natural moss, mushroom shaped flora, miniature white cymbidium orchids, and Tiana the frog to capture the inspiration.
Location: Private Residence | Table Linen and Rentals: Special Events Rental Warren, MI | Floral: Dooby Design Group | Photography: Alli McWhinney Photography Ann Arbor, MI
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Whether you are having a daytime or an evening event, you and your guests will be seated around a table to socialize, participate in the festivities and dine on delicious food. Your tables will be one of the most prominent features of your event.
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fashion What is the hottest trend in children's fashion, this season's most sought-after look, the most desirable new accessory? Check out our fashion section to see what inspires you; think lustrous fabrics, fantastic florals and top-notch brands! There is something very “sweet� and playful about this fashionista's totally chic and adorably bold wardrobe. Bright colors and patterns are a sophisticated and stylish combination for these pint-sized fashion fans.
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Gina Lee Photography
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fashion
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Gina Lee Photography
fashion
The silver boots: by "Miss Grant" available at "Grasshopper's" The grey/yellowish ensemble with fur vest: "Maan" purchased in Beirut, Lebanon
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Gina Lee Photography
Silver dress with sequined top: Microbe/Miss Grant at grantspa.com
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burberry fashion inspires design
photography by
bloom photography written by
rachel egelhof art direction
dooby design group styling
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rachael tibbits sadoff
速
fashion
event design trends are often fashion-inspired. Iconic Burberry fashion is translated to a stylish modern table-scape design. Burlap and wood pair for a rustic impression. Red anemones, french tulips, glossy vessels, and chairs provide a distinctly modern twist.
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burberry kids check cuff polo shirt $80 woven wool check kilt $135
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fashion
These little ones were such troopers with the blustery cold weather.
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This shirt is classic, modern, simple and functional; pair it with slacks to dress it up or jeans for a cool, casual look.
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Photography Bloom Photography Written by Rachel Egelhof Styling Rachael Tibbits Sadoff Design Concept Aisha Holly
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Little Women
{pretty details} Three of the most fashionable little women take to the streets of downtown Plymouth for a day of shopping, tea and desserts. In coordinating outfits, posh accessories and a swipe of lipgloss, these girls are ready to shop til they drop, but not before a tasty treat and sip of tea. A perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends.
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{pretty pattern} The contrasting shades of purple in this silk patterned tunic dress, by Stella McCartney for GapKids, is stunning.
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{pretty hair} Bouncy fun curls, a short precise bob, and red spiraling locks make a perfect combination!
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{pretty skinny} Skinny jeans for girls have become a fast favorite; so fitting and cute that you will want several pairs.
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Photography: Bloom Photography | Art Director: Aisha Holly Styling: Rachael Tibbits Sadoff | Rentals: Special Events Rental Wardrobe: Kimora’s Personal Gap Collection | Models: Mandy, Ellie, Kimora Custom cookies and cupcakes: Sweet Heather Anne
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{pretty sweet A perfect ending to a great day - yummy cupcakes, cookies and warm tea. Bon appetit!
wardrobe: kimora’s personal gap collection rentals: special events rental models: mandy, ellie, kimora desserts: sweet heather anne
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interior Need a design idea for an updated bigkid's bedroom or a cozy, comfortable nursery? Keep in mind, that simple can be extraordinary and the tiniest details can make a huge impact for your little one's lair! Pink is passionate and abundant in Kimora's new room, but the simple design and clean lines are what make this room a style-win. Nature envelops this little one as she falls asleep under the watchful eye of a nocturnal friend and wakes in a room as cheerful as a sunny day. Flip through our interior design pages to find the most fresh, current, and inventive design ideas for that special room in your home.
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photography by nicole haley photography
Kimora
less is more... littlebitmag.com 89
interior
A
s parents we often have the dilemma of designing a functional, safe, and fun toddler bedroom. Kimora adores the color pink
and the more girl-y, the better! However, like most little ones, she thoroughly enjoys playing with her toys, but hates cleaning up. Our solution? We decided to use a minimalist design approach in her room. Kimora has stylish, girly and fashionable accessories to make her room pretty, but we keep her larger toys and those that she does not play with regularly, in the basement playroom. It is a win-win; the room stays organized, clean, and princess-pretty and Kimora is able to play dress-up with her dolls on her bedroom floor with very little clean-up. It’s a quick, easy, design trick and we are all happy!
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nicole haley photography
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interior
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interior
My Nursery
lila scout Given enough time, creativity and enthusiasm, every nursery, on any budget, can be that special first room for baby. Designing your baby’s room doesn’t have to deplete your life savings, and as an added bonus, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or style to achieve a nursery within your budget. Lila’s nursery is a perfect example of a stylish nursery filled with tons of personality.
photography by gina lee photography
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Crib purchased at Walmart. Linens from a sample sale at Matteo. Shelves & baskets Ikea. Clothes & striped tights - Baby Gap. Mobile - Land of Nod. Tree wall vinyl art, wall birds and crib sheet - Etsy
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Doll - shower gift. Wooden blocks - Uncle Goose. Rug - from Morocco. Poster
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lifestyle Brand new babes are beautiful and nothing proves that more than the images captured by some of the most talented, innovative, and current photographers we could find! These petite peas are the epitome of style and grace in their matching Juicy ruffles and porcelain doll beauty. Style and simplicity go hand in hand, literally, in amazing black and white photographs, which display remarkable innocence and a truly breathtaking approach to infant photography.
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two peas in a pod Cute does not begin to do justice to this precious pair of stylish babes! Swaddled snuggly in their soft, pink blankets and showing off their silky dark hair with a pair of matching pink bows and ruffled bottoms, these girls are picture perfect and chic at only a few days old. Mommy will certainly have her hands full with these sweet peas! Gina Lee Photography
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Gina Lee Photography
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Sweet Ava Photography by Tara Swain Photography
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sabra krock
kids photography Sabra Krock is a Manhattan-based photographer who specializes in two of Little Bit's favorite things: children and food! Sabra loves a challenge. The ability to capture the innocent spirit of a curious child, or the mouth-watering goodness of a slice of decadent chocolate cake, keeps her on her toes. Clean, peaceful, relaxing settings with a focus on natural beauty and modernity, distinguish Sabra's photographs. “Creating a beautiful memento of the most precious times in your child's life or a mouth-watering image of a satisfying dish,” is what Sabra enjoys most about photography. While she is not behind the camera, Sabra takes time to relish in some of her own favorite things; “Massages and Haagen Dazs chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream (not together of course),” and hanging out with her husband and 18-month old son. You can view Sabra's work at www.sabrakrockkids. com and www.sabrakrock.com.
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For her child photography practice, Sabra focuses on natural, artistic portraiture. She prefers capturing babies in the buff to showcase their beautiful skin and amazing form. She tends toward clean, artful images with a modern look.
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designed. An event designer will create an overall concept for your event at the start of planning and should ensure that every visual detail works as a cohesive whole. This may include partnering with your florist and lighting specialist, or using one in house. A good event designer won't simply recreate what you saw in a magazine. They will instead take your ideas and create something that has
never
been
done
before.
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baby shower Photography Nicole Haley Event Design Dooby Design Group Venue Doubletree Downtown Detroit
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eJuan and Karen define love. We had the pleasure of meeting them in 2008 to discuss design ideas for their wedding. Two years later, they are a happily married couple who just celebrated their one year anniversary and welcomed the most beautiful little princess, London, to the family this spring. Karen approached us about designing their baby shower that would take place early in 2011 and we went to work right away creating concepts that reflected both the style and personality of the newlyweds. Karen proposed the theme “Baby Wears Prada� and upon hearing that, we knew we had to run with it! We wanted the Baby Wears Prada concept to exude the same high-end, couture, and stylish take on fashion that the brand represents.
Napkin rings made from victorian lilac and plum custom teddy bear diecuts, decorated each place setting
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Having a close relationship with our clients and knowing their preferences, made creating a design concept an easy task. While leaning toward a mod color palette, we wanted to steer clear from all pink and decided on a rich plum and magenta scheme with accents of silver and white for a polished, clean look.
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Invitation design was key as it was the first glimpse guests would receive of the style of the shower. We enlisted the work of our in-house seamstress to create a plum colored, fabric diaper, with complementary magenta stitching. Once completed, we adorned the diapers with a crystal diaper pin, added a letterpressed invitation and tucked it inside a custom wrapped box. Karen requested that we use high-end finishes while also maintaining a baby shower-esque feel on the table design. Swarovski crystals were applied by hand to bottles, pacifiers and custom made t-shirts for the centerpieces. Plush stuffed animals in the shapes of bears and lambs emerged in fragrant fuchsia garden roses, purple hydrangeas, and orchids. The result was more than fantastic, it was Prada-perfect!
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Mommy Shower photography simply bloom photography
a stylish shower with so many swoon worthy details given to one half of simply bloom photography christine by the other half vania. " i wanted the shower to be a visual and tasty experience and i think that it was a success‌"
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homemade desserts by rosanna costagliola baking tools bake it pretty
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custom invites by ruby
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& willow
the one-of-a-kind custom invites were designed
by the insanely-talented kate of ruby & willow.
these gems came all the way from new zealand in their perfectly fabric-lined envelopes and with
crafty twine as the main lettering‌ very divine.
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all the ladies attending the "mommy shower" were asked to wear the theme colors: gray, seafoam, peach
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Sugar +Spice cydney's 1st birthday Photography Andrea Taylor Studio Event Design & Planning Lemiga Events
S
ugar and spice and everything nice, that is what this birthday party was made of! Cydney's first birthday party was a well-blended mix of elegance, whimsy,
fun, and decadence. Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events and her phenomenal design team created an event that was stylish, bold and wildly entertaining for the children and their adults too. Clara Meer dock and Piedmont Park offered a perfect setting for the party, allowing creative use of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Inspiration for the bold fuchsia and luxurious navy color palette was drawn from Cydney's party dress. The colors were not only beautiful, but incredibly dramatic, which helped set the tone for the event. Tamara of I do linens used the colors to create table linens, pillows, and accents that were vibrant, playful and stunningly stylish. Debra, of Luxe Expressions, created custom invitations and an elegant monogram, which was used throughout the space to adorn the cake, linens, and stationery, creating a polished and sophisticated look. The flowers by Tulip, designed in shades of bright fuchsias and pink were complemented with delicate strands of blueberries, perfectly designed to be stunning and playful at the same time.
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A party is not complete without entertainment and this party had something for everyone! Andrea Taylor Studio was on hand to capture guests' silly antics and happy faces in a homey and fun photo booth, while adults channeled their inner-child and competed with each other on the Nintendo Wii, board games, and even have their likenesses sketched by fantastic caricature artist, Kourosh. The children met new friends and even made one to take home; Build-A-Bear was a hit with the little ones and they loved creating their own special party favor.
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Visions of sugarplums not only danced in their heads, but also melted in their mouths! Sugarplum Visions created and divine cake, luscious cupcakes, and a super decadent candy buffet,which, of course, were a stunning complement to the full fuchsia flowers and delicate navy blueberries that adorned the space. From the sugar coated faces of the children, to the tiny shimmering candles, to the ultra-posh linens, this party was the picture of opulence, style and fun. We hope Cydney had as much fun at her party as we had sharing it with you!
Location: Piedmont Park | Photography: Andrea Taylor Studio | Linens: I Do Linens | Event Sitters | Stationery: Luxe Expressions | Event Stationery: Miss Pickle Press | Caterer: Endive | Rentals: Peachtree Tents | Drape: Event Drapery | Cake: Sugarplum Visions | Flowers: Tulip | Gelato Cart & Chocolates: Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates | Monogram Party Favors: Madame Monogram
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American Girl 7
速
th birthday party
This was a party that dreams are made of...little girl dreams! This lucky girl and four of her closest pals had the most fun celebrating at the American Girl速 store. Of course, the trip would not have been complete without a shopping spree for the newest American Girl速 fashions. After tea and a luncheon at the American Girl速 cafe at the Grove, each girl took her doll to the hair salon for a stylish new do and custom ear piercing.
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doll hair salon American Girl速 represents quality, style, luxury and imagination. These fortunate dolls spent time being pampered at the American Girl速 doll hair salon, receiving customs cuts and shimmering new earrings. To top off the excitement, each girl took home a bag full of goodies; star-shaped cookies, an American Girl速 movie, suckers and a gift card. The smiles on the faces of the girls are a sure sign of an amazing American Girl速 experience! Photography by Gina Lee Photography
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girls just want to have fun a fourteenth birthday soireĂŠ
Photography nicole haley photography Event Design dooby design group Copy Editing rachel egelhof Rentals special events rental
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All the guests wore bright shades of turquoise and pink and fun jewelry accessories.
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Individual mini cakes designed by Sweet Heather Anne for each guest to enjoy.
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A
lexis is turning fourteen (wow, do I remember those days)! She is a typical thirteen- year old girl, happily leaving behind the halls of middle school and heading to the good life as a freshman in high school. Alexis' request for her
party was that her friends should feel like they were in a stylish and much-too-pricey restaurant, sipping juice out of fancy glasses. She also wanted to incorporate flowers and the color pink into the design. Alexis helped choose every detail for the event. One her special day, Alexis invited eight of her closest girlfriends for a spectacularly fun afternoon and evening with just the girls.
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A single fuschia rose in modern white vessels compliments this opulent table setting.
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Good food, drinks, lots of laughs, and a balloon fight ensued, leaving all of the girls heaped in a pile and deep in sleep at the end of the night. These girls definitely know how to have fun! Balloons: Shop Sweet Lulu
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jack turns o n e this backyard barbeque was a child's dream come true, complete with petting zoo, bubble machine, photo booth and giant balloons! photography lauren allen | copy editing rachel egelhof
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j
ack is only one year old, but already, he is a birthday party aficionado! a backyard
setting provided a relaxed, playful environment that was perfect for a party packed with busy little ones. a color palette of soft blue, bright red, and hints of white
complemented the greenery of the outdoors and the rustic burlap table clothes, cre-
ating a coordinated, natural and simply chic design. in keeping with the color scheme, tart bakery crafted a pint sized, blue cake, complete with custom lollipops found on
etsy.com and a mini version for jack's very own smash cake. an abundance of blue, red and white cookies made by mom, brooke, were on hand for those who needed to grab a bite and hustle over to the bubble station.
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a petting zoo full of pint-sized animals, also provided great entertainment for both adults and children as evidenced by the wide smiles and tender touches. littlebitmag.com 165
lauren allen was on hand to ph
turing the contrast between t
the whimsical super-sized ball
first birthday party was stylis completely adorable. hats off
naire, brooke, and a very happy
photography: lauren allen pho
dallas | lollipops on cake: etsy | petting zoo: ewe pet petting
tal trading company | anne gra
alized ribbon, napkins, cups, stir
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hotograph the children, cap-
their delicate features and
loons - definitely a win. jack's
sh, comfortable, playful and
to party planner extraordi-
y birthday to little jack!
otography | cake: tart bakery,
y.com | favor supplies: michaels zoo | bubble machine: orien-
ace designs in dallas: person-
r sticks
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fresh face
Alli McWhinney Photography Much like her self-described photography style, Alli McWhinney is modern, chic, dynamic and definitely fun! After a busy, yet unfulfilling career in the legal world, Alli began to pursue her dream of owning her own photography business. She currently boasts clients in various states and especially loves photographing destination weddings in her home state of Massachusetts or on a sunny, sandy beach in Florida. Although she is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Alli provides exceptional service to long distance clients. “The internet makes it really easy to stay in touch. I do the bulk of my communication via e-mail. Therefore, my out-of-town clients always get the same customer service that my in-town clients get,” states Alli. Fashion and design drive much of Alli's inspiration for her photographs, but what makes her photos distinct is her unique connection with her clients: “My ideal client is someone that becomes a friend. I have met so many new people and made so many new friends thanks to photography, and that is what makes my job so rewarding!”
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