Delighted - Issue Three | Winter 2012

delighted ISSUE THREE | WINTER 2012

follow delighted

Š Delighted Magazine 2012 delightedmag.com | hi@delightedmag.com Cover by Coeur de La Photography

delighted TABLE OF CONTENTS WINTER 2012

HOLIDAYS pages 10-23

Gift Guides Etsy Ornaments

HOME pages 24-39

An English Cottage

delighted

3

SPECIAL FEATURE pages 40-61

Gift Lists Less Is More DIY Gift Giving

ENTERTAIN pages 62-69

Hot Chocolate

WINTER 2012

STYLE pages 70-73

Accessory Finds Sophie’s Picks

WEDDING pages 74-85

Real Wedding

delighted

5

Rufflewood handmade boutique

www.rufflewood.com | www.etsy.com/shop/rufflewood

WINTER 2012

from THE EDITOR This has been such an exciting and busy holiday season for me— so many changes, and all happening at once! My husband and I are expecting our first baby (a girl!) any day now. And if that wasn't enough, we just moved from our little studio into a larger condo to accommodate our growing family. As I'm sure you can imagine, these new life happenings are bringing both joy and exhaustion.

And okay, maybe a little bit of anxiety.

Regardless of what is happening in my personal life, time is marching on! Christmas will be here whether I'm ready or not and I'm thrilled to share this inspiration for the holidays.

I am so grateful for the creativity and expertise of the contributors.

Be sure to take time for yourself during this busy season to put your feet up and enjoy thoughtful stories, ideas, and recipes for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year!

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Amanda Gomes

delighted

7

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Buffy Dekmar Photography

Cathy McIlvoy

Coeur de La Photography

Erin Souder House of Earnest

Janet Gutierrez Rufflewood

Kate Brightbill Style Smaller

Dan & Frances Lukins

Kellli Abrahamian I Had a Delicious Time

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Amanda Braisted Girly Gift Reviews LMarie Photo Los Angeles Sophie Brightbill Lexy Ward The Proper Pinwheel WINTER 2012

Meg Fleiner Passports and Pancakes

BE PART OF THE NEXT ISSUE...

Contact us for information: ADVERTISE ads@delightedmag.com FEATURE CONTRIBUTOR contribute@delightedmag.com

Keep in touch!

GIVE

the hostess Dean & Deluca $14

West Elm $29

PlatesandNapkins.com, $6 WINTER 2012

Vosges Haut Chocola

Williams-Sonoma, $27

at, $20

Rufflewood $24

Amazon, $20

Del' Oliva $12

delighted

11

GIVE

girlfriends

Bird of Virtue, $46

J.Crew, $39 WINTER 2012

Honey Crush, $15

Benefit, $38

Kate Spade, $78

Urban Outfitters, $35

Chronicle Books, $16

Studio at Red Top Ranch $159

delighted

13

GIVE

little baby

Baby Jives Co, $42

Imagination Kids, $15

Amazon.com, $17 WINTER 2012

The Land of Nod, $39

Pottery Barn, $13

Chronicle Books, $13

J.Crew, $13

Restoration Hardware, $149

delighted

15

GIVE

the kiddos

The best gift ideas for kids come directly from kids!

We asked the cuties from the blog Girly Gift Reviews for their advice on co-ed gifts for this Christmas season and these are their recommendations. Be sure to visit their blog throughout the year when you need creative ideas for giving to the little ones in your life.

Ages 3-4

Toys R U

Ages 7-8

Ages 9-10

Target, $15 Toys R Us, $35 WINTER 2012

Ages 5-6

Amazon.com, $5

Us, $90

Ages 11-12

Toys R Us, $200

delighted

17

GIVE

pets pet-lovers AND

Bow Wow Couture, $20

Hus & Hem, ÂŁ10

Kate Spade, $24 WINTER 2012

True Treats Pet Bakery, $7

CB2, $4

Hepper, $39

Amazon.com, $33

delighted

19

GIVE

to give back Sseko Designs $65

WeWOOD, $120

hiip $60 WINTER 2012

TOMS, $119

CellarThief, $45

Hand in Hand Soap $18

FIGS, $225

World Vision $100

delighted

21

DECORATE YOUR TREE ETSY STYLE

Mis

moloco Corrina Field Handmade

Smile Mercantile WINTER 2012

HOME

The Land of Craft

ss Pottery

Jess Vartanian

Fischer Fine Arts

delighted

23

WINTER 2012

�

HOME TOUR

A Charming English Cottage

INTERVIEW WITH FRANCES LUKINS

�

PHOTOS BY DANIEL LUKINS delighted

25

WINTER 2012

HOME

delighted

27

Names Daniel and Frances Lukins Ages 32 and 28 City Charlesworth, Peak District, England Professions Daniel: Careworker/Musical Therapist for Elderly and Disabled Frances: Mum How long have you lived in your current home?

How would you decorating style?

We moved to England last Christmas and moved in with my parents while we spent a couple of months looking for a place to call home. With the arrival of our baby girl only five months away, we needed to find somewhere quickly but we didn’t want to rush into settling just anywhere; we wanted it to feel right. One frosty morning we were crossing some fields and we stumbled upon a group of cottages, one of which was up for rent. We fell in love with the cottage, and the view from the hill that it sits on, and made arrangements to move in. It’s a small space, but we enjoy the challenge of making that work. When leaving San Francisco to move to England (back home for me) we decided to shed most of our belongings and travel as lightly as we could. Having a small space keeps us true to the idea that we are still traveling and don’t want to accumulate extra baggage.

"Simple" would be the first word I’d use to describe our style. Another, maybe more accurate description would be that we use our living space to celebrate where we’ve been, who we are, and the people that we’ve met along the way. Much of what we display within the house comes from friends which comments on our intention to surround ourselves with other people's creativity and care. We like to create an environment that feels cozy and yet not disconnected to the outdoors. We attempt to bring nature back into the house as often as we can. Maybe some branches from a walk we’ve taken, or a sketch of a bird that we spotted.

Although we live within four walls, we try and keep our living space as connected to what’s around us as we can. We’ll use the colors outside the window to inspire our use of color on the inside. As the house is small, we try and create more space by giving objects breathing room and space of their own.

WINTER 2012

describe

your

HOME

delighted

29

WINTER 2012

" Only keep what you absolutely can’t let go of and let your new habitat guide you in a new direction. "

delighted

31

Where do you look for design inspiration?

What is your favorite piece of furniture or artwork?

We can pick up inspiration anywhere really but I’ve noticed that we tend to pause films quite often when we see a living space that we like.

Our favorite picture is the Swell Season poster that hangs above our bed. It’s the poster from our first date four-and-ahalf years ago. It reminds us of how we both felt being at that concert together, and it has a place of pride wherever we live.

What is your favorite feature of your current space?

The old wooden beams that run the length of our living room and the drystone wall in our back garden.

What decorating tips would you give to others who are moving abroad?

Only keep what you absolutely can’t let go of and let your new habitat guide you in a new direction.

What pieces do you splurge on? Save on?

We splurged on the bedcovers. It was one of those buys where you’re standing at the counter thinking of all the ways you can make it work to afford them, because you just have to have them. But then we love furniture hunting and finding fantastic pieces for almost nothing. We made it a bit of a game when we first moved here searching in second hand stores and charity shops and then finishing them ourselves at home. We also make our own items as simply as we can, like the mobile above Inke’s crib.

WINTER 2012

HOME

delighted

33

WINTER 2012

delighted

35

WINTER 2012

delighted

37

WINTER 2012

DAN & FRANCES' SHORT LIST HOME SHOP D: Glossopdale Furniture Project / F: Anthropologie ACCESSORY SHOP D: Poler / F: Accesorize CLOTHING SHOP D: Levi's / F: ZARA WINTER NAIL COLOR F: Probably clear. Boring, I know!

CITY D & F: San Francisco PLACE TO VISIT D & F: We want to visit Denmark BOOK D: Dr. Zhivargo / F: A Shine of Rainbows ETHNIC FOOD D & F: Indian ONLINE SHOP D: ITunes / F: Etsy WINTER TREAT D: Eggnog / F: Mulled Wine and Mince Pies!

WINTER ACTIVITY D: Snowboarding / F: Seeing Rosie Thomas in concert

delighted

39

THE BLESSING OF LESS

BY CATHY MCILVOY

Perhaps I first became aware of the blessings of less during one of my many moves. Growing up, my family stayed put (I even commuted to college).

I never had to pack up my things and load them onto a moving truck, and, for my nearly 22 years of living on Spreckels Lane, my personal belongings fit just fine inside my bedroom.

But then I got married and a new adventure began.

In the past 26 years, my husband and I have moved 10 times—twice overseas—and often with four kids in tow. There are obvious practical benefits to having less stuff when relocating: less to pack, less WINTER 2012

to move, less to unpack, less to worry about, and yet, the blessing of less is far more reaching than just having less things to shove into a box.

Less is Creative and Resourceful With each move our family makes, I am given the opportunity to use my old stuff in new ways.

I always seem to have less money than ideas so I have learned to be resourceful in trying to get the look I want in my home without spending beyond my means.

(I’ve also learned how to ignore what I can’t change and focus on what I can.)

The serving cart I bought for the equivalent of $10

USD at a flea market near my home (at the time) in Germany, for example, has been used as a nightstand, a bathroom vanity, and, believe it or not, an actual serving cart in several of my residences. Anyone can go to the store, whip out their credit card, and purchase an appropriate piece of furniture, but having less money forces us to be more creative.

Less money helps us to be more resourceful. The possibilities are endless.

A friend of mine was ready to change the color scheme in her living room but wasn’t willing to spend money she didn’t have on new furnishings. At the same time, her daughter was growing tired of her

blue and white rug and desired more of a neutral palette that she could build on to give her own living room a new look.

Instead of heading to the mall to remedy their dilemmas, the pair became creative and resourceful.

They simply did a switcheroo of their two area rugs and both received a new look and fresh inspiration to decorate their rooms.

They didn’t need new stuff in order to pull off the looks they were after; they just needed to share what they had to become inspired. How creative and resourceful. How artistic and wise. And, with no credit card bill to boot, how financially savvy.

The possibilities to be creative and resourceful go beyond our homes, of course. Instead of buying a new outfit, have a friend take stock of what’s in your closet. Then give her (or him) free reign to mix and match and find news ways of pairing items together for a new look.

Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all that’s required to broaden your wardrobe and inspire you to shop from your closet with satisfying results. Turn that hair “ornament” into a brooch, transform that bag into a clutch, dye that scarf. Less money spent is more creativity unleashed.

And it feels good, doesn’t it?

Less is Attractive When it comes to home décor, I have an eclectic taste. I enjoy a bit of kitsch in my home. My vintage California souvenir plate and Hollywood pillow cover with the gold fringe, for example, continue to delight me. I’m also drawn to furniture with “clean lines,” some antiques, and rustic thingies, books, glass candleholders…you get the picture. The danger with being attracted to so many different pieces and styles is the temptation to collect too much of it. At the same time, I hate clutter. With frequent moves, I have often purged my collection of material goods.

And yet, how easy it is to

delighted

41

Photo by Amanda Braisted

WINTER 2012

fill up cupboards, closets, and floor space all over again!

Less, when it comes to decorating, doesn’t have to mean cold and uninviting. A room can still be cozy, and is actually almost always more relaxing, when there is less stuff in it. Need a visual: Go to a real estate website and check out the interiors of the homes for sale. The ones that have had their contents paired down, if only for the pictures, are more inviting, attractive, and calming. The pictures of the various rooms showing clutter, little or no “white” space on the walls, and too much furniture send me into convulsions.

To achieve a look of less, you must concentrate.

Concentrate and then eliminate. Make some decisions. If you don’t enjoy, need or use an item, donate it, sell it, or toss it. How many old cookie sheets do you need? Are

you really ever going to sew a quilt with all those fabric remnants that are falling out of your closet?

When you bring something home, get rid of something else. If it means throwing out a sock with a hole in exchange for the vintage vase you found at a garage sale, at least it’s something. Too often, though, we just live with our stuff, collect more stuff, and not really take stock of what we have.

Pare down and breathe.

You’ll appreciate what you have (and actually know what you have) when you have less. And, your surroundings—including closets—will be more attractive and functional.

Less is More Less talk, more action. Less keeping and more giving away. Less “what’s in it for me,” and more “how may I help you?” “Less is more” manifests itself in so many ways if you pay attention.

For example, next time you’re tempted to lecture

your kids, remember 50 well-chosen words will have more of an impact than 500. Throwing a party? Perhaps inviting six friends rather than 16 will make for more meaningful conversation. Does your child need all those birthday gifts, or would she appreciate her toys more if her room didn’t over-flow with them?

Often when we have less, but offer what we have, our offering is somehow worth more. Giving generously when our resources are genuinely limited is an art of sorts. Again, it often takes creativity, resourcefulness, and always some thought. A friend of a friend, for example, lost most of her possessions in a house fire. Dee-Dee (not her real name) didn’t know the victim of the fire, but, when she heard of the situation, her heart went out to the woman.

Sincerely lacking the funds to buy new items for the one in need, she decided to gather some of her

delighted

43

very barely-used kitchen towels. After she freshened them up with a washing, she folded them making a neat stack, and then bundled the towels together with a beautiful, wide red ribbon. She attached a note of encouragement for the woman and donated her contribution through their common friend.

Afterward she was, of course, left with a few less towels, but her generosity of giving what she had in a careful and thoughtful way offered someone something more. Her small gift and the way it was presented communicated love and sympathy. She could have been embarrassed by her small offering and used that as an excuse to give nothing at all. Instead, she humbly gave less than others, but, in reality, she gave more.

Less Can Be A Bargain to Remember In 1993 I bought a stainless steel bowl at a garage WINTER 2012

sale in California for ten cents. That bowl is the perfect size and shape. It is made of a quality material that has proven itself as I have dropped it countless times and it remains with barely a dent. It has lived with me in various houses in Europe, California, and currently makes its home with me in the Dominican Republic. I seriously love that bowl. Before my latest move, I sold and gave away several of my other bowls and put a couple in storage since I was very limited as to what I could bring with me, but I never considered parting with this particular bowl and you want to know why? Ten cents. Because I only paid 10 cents and received such a bargain for my money, that bowl has become a symbol of a blessing of less for me.

I did not purchase junk.

I shelled out a mere 10 cents for a practical, quality kitchen tool that I use every day. I’m thankful for that bargain and I smile

about it each time I reach for the silly, marvelous thing in my cupboard.

Sometimes it’s worth having less stuff in exchange for having a few, more expensive and quality items. Decide which things are worth the extra dough because, in the long run, it will be a better deal.

Do your research, and then, when you do come across a bargain, you’ll recognize it. Sometimes, like with my favorite bowl, though you are willing to pay more, you may just score a deal to remember.

Are you ready to embrace a little bit of less? In a world of gimme more, the glass is not always half empty with “less,” it’s half full. Less can be your friend. It's a genuine blessing.

YOUR THOUGHTS If you were to DIY Christmas gifts for friends or family this year, what would you make?

"Stove top potpourri kits are a cute neighbor gift idea."

- Sigrid, via Facebook

"Food! I usually whip up batches of lemon biscotti, candied almonds, and citrus butter" - @easypeasyorganc, via Twitter

"Homemade candies: caramels and fudge" - Vera, via Facebook "Mason jar cookie mixes. I love to package gifts in recyclable containers" - Lorena, via Facebook "The gift of food never fails" - Kelli, via Facebook "Shadow boxes.! And I used to make candles." - Susan, via Facebook Turn the page for DIY Christmas gift ideas and how-to's.

delighted

45

Faux Bois Napkin Rings

By Erin Souder of House of Earnest

WINTER 2012

delighted

47

MAKE IT

The art of faux bois has been around since the Renaissance, but a modern spin in all white is a perfect way to give a gift that will remain timeless. This project just uses two materials and about 40 minutes!

- Erin

MATERIALS Oven Bake Clay Rubber Wood Grain Stamp DIRECTIONS Each block of clay makes four napkin rings. Start by cutting the block into four pieces and rolling each piece out on a non-stick silicone baking mat. Roll each piece into a strip approximately 5 inches by 2 inches. Transfer the strips to a self healing mat or cutting board to cut each one to a 4 inch by 1.5 inch rectangle.

Transfer back to the non-stick mat to apply the faux bois effect.

Stamp each rectangle with your wood grain stamp. Carefully peel the clay from the mat and loop the strip into a ring. Press the ends together and carefully place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 275-degrees, ensuring that the rings go into the oven just as you'd like them to come out.

As soon as they come out of the oven, they'll still be a little playable, so be careful not to squish them. After the rings have cooled, they'll be fully hardened and ready to give. Pair the napkin rings with a set of cloth napkins and you're all set for giving!

WINTER 2012

delighted

49

WINTER 2012

KIDS

Cocktail Napkins

By Jan Gutierrez of Rufflewood

delighted

51

MAKE IT

A set of cloth cocktail napkins make great hostess gifts as well as Christmas gifts. These are made of 100% linen fabric and are 11-inch square.

- Jan

MATERIALS Fabric (a natural fiber such as cotton or linen is most absorbant) Sharp Fabric Scissors Ruler or Tape Measure Seam Ripper or Straight Pin DIRECTIONS First, cut the selvages off the edge of your fabric. Measure 11 inches from that edge and mark it. Then, to be sure your fabric is on the straight of grain, make a snip at that mark and separate one thread from the edge of that snip and gently pull till it is completely out of the fabric, creating a perfect cut line. Cut right on that line. If your fabric is not on the straight of grain, your fringe will be crooked and you’ll struggle later when you’re pulling away the threads.

Do the same on all four edges. Then sew a short-stitched narrow zigzag or decorative stitch all the way around, about 1/2-inch from the edge.

Gently pull one thread away at a time using a seam ripper or pin, until the zigzag prevents you from pulling any more. Repeat this process on all four sides. Iron it flat and smooth, and fold in half and in half again.

Roll napkins together, wrap with a ribbon and give!

delighted

53

WINTER 2012

Yarn-Wrapped Candles

By Lexy Ward of The Proper Pinwheel

delighted

55

MAKE IT

Not a fan of spending an afternoon slaving away with a hot glue gun? Not a problem. These yarn wrapped candles are finished in less than 20 minutes.

They’re easily customizable. And they look great on the mantle.

- Lexy

MATERIALS Yarn in 2-3 coordinating colors Scissors Hot Glue Gun 3 Pillar Candles in various sizes DIRECTIONS Starting at the base of the candle, place a small dot of hot glue and place the end of your yarn there. Wrap the yarn around the candle using dabs of hot glue along the way. When you are about one-fifth of the way up, switch to another color of yarn and repeat these steps until it is wrapped to your desired height. Finish with one final dot of hot glue to seal the yarn in place.

Voila! A handmade gift that you can be proud to give! Merry Christmas!

WINTER 2012

delighted

57

WINTER 2012

Peppermint Bark

By Amanda Gomes

delighted

59

MAKE IT

You can't go wrong making a homemade goodie for a friend. The recipient can enjoy it all by herself or share it with others. This simple peppermint bark is an easy option for gifting.

- Amanda

MATERIALS 1/2 lb Chocolate 1 T Butter (optional) Mini Marshmallows Peppermints (I used a candy cane and Trader Joe's baking pieces)

DIRECTIONS Add chocolate, peppermint pieces and butter to a double boiler on low heat. (Create a double boiler by adding water to a saucepan and placing a heat-proof bowl on top. The water in the saucepan should not touch the bowl.) Let the ingredients melt together, mixing every few minutes.

Pour melted mixture into any pan or onto a cookie sheet. Let cool for at least 10 minutes. While cooling, break peppermints into pieces in a zipped baggie using a small hammer or heavy spoon.

Press marshmallows and peppermint pieces into the top of the cooling chocolate mixture. Let sit 1-2 hours until completely hard. If necessary, place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Break into pieces or keep as one piece and wrap with cellophane and a ribbon for a tasty gift anyone can enjoy!

WINTER 2012

delighted

61

WINTER 2012

ENTERTAIN

Hot Chocolate

with a twist

delighted

63

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate There are two things that should go hand in hand: salted caramel and chocolate.This little duo is sure to put a smile on just about anyone’s face. Serves 2-3.

INGREDIENTS For the hot chocolate: 3 cups whole milk 4-6 tablespoons hot chocolate mix (I prefer Silly Cow Hot Chocolate) 2-3 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (Trader Joe's has a great one) For the whipped cream: 1-2 cups heavy whipping cream 3-4 tablespoons sugar 1-2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS For the hot chocolate: Pour milk into a medium sized pot and lightly heat. Once warm, add chocolate mix.

Add less or more to your liking. Whisk until chocolate is incorporated.

Turn the heat up to medium and simmer until hot. Keep whisking. Do not overheat.

Pour into your favorite mugs. For the salted caramel sauce, fill guests’ spoons with salted caramel and let them stir their hot chocolate with a caramel spoon.

Dollop with homemade whipped cream and serve. Enjoy!!

For the whipped cream: Add ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix with an electric mixer for 5-10 minutes on high. Your mixture will begin to softly thicken. Do not overmix as the cream will become too thick and lose its sweetness. Once done, place into a mason jar and serve when ready.

WINTER 2012

Recipe and Photo by Caroline of Coeur de La Photography

delighted

65

Recipe and Photo by Megan Fleiner of the blog Passports and Pancakes WINTER 2012

ENTERTAIN

Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Whipped Cream The perfect blend of spicy and sweet, this drink is sure to be a hit at your holiday dinner parties this season. Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS For the hot chocolate: 1 cinnamon stick, plus extra for garnish 4 green cardamom pods 6 thin slices fresh ginger (skin removed) 1 star anise 4 whole cloves 6 whole black peppercorns 2 cups whole milk 1.6 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped 1.6 ounces milk chocolate, roughly chopped

For the whipped cream: 1 pint heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS For the hot chocolate: Add all ingredients except the chocolate to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, covered. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the milk into another saucepan or bowl and discard the spices. Heat the spiced milk over low-medium heat and add the chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate has melted completely (this should take about 5 minutes). Serve immediately, topped with vanilla whipped cream.

For the whipped cream: Add all ingredients to a chilled mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer for 5-7 minutes until you have whipped cream. (This will make extra, so reserve what’s left for other holiday desserts!)

delighted

67

Hot Coconut Cocoa Creamy coconut milk gives this hot cocoa a luxurious texture. Not too sweet with lovely hint of coconut that pairs so well with chocolate. Since this warm frothy drink doesn't scream coconut, all of your guests will love it especially those who need a dairy-free alternative.

INGREDIENTS 1 15 oz can of coconut milk 4 ounces bitter sweet chocolate 4 ounces milk chocolate 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1/3 cup boiling water pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS Whisk cocoa into 1/3 cup boiling water. In a saucepan combine coconut milk and pinch of salt. Simmer. Add the cocoa mixture and chocolate chips.

Whisk to combine until chocolate melts. Stir in vanilla.

Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

WINTER 2012

Recipe and Photo by Tim & Shannon Mallon of Food Loves Writing

Recipe and Photo by Kelli Abrahamian of the blog I Had a Delicious delightedTime 69

MUST-HAVE: WINTER ACCESSORIES

Winter Accessory finds from Kate Brightbill of the blog Style Smaller.

FLIGHT 001 $80

BAUBLEBAR $60

MADEWELL $23 LOFT $35 WINTER 2012

STYLE

KATE SPADE $98

TARGET $17

GAP $35

J.CREW $30

delighted

71

SOPHIE’S PICKS

J,Crew $15

Four-year-old Sophie from the blog Style Smaller gives us her choices for a holiday dress-up party and playtime.

Photo of Sophie: Pictilio

holiday party

Baby Gap $55 Minnetonka WINTER 2012

play date

J.Crew $50

J.Crew $58

FabKids $18

Zappos $35

delighted

73

Bennett & Lauren Smith September 1 LOCATION Hogansville, Georgia VENUE Victoria Belle Mansion PHOTOGRAPHER Buffy Dekmar Photography INVITATIONS Minted ESCORT CARDS Swoozies PLACE SETTING CARDS That Pretty Invitation CAKE Pam Pruett of LaGrange FLORAL DESIGNER Details of the Gardens DRESS Faviana BRIDE'S JEWELRY Bracelet: Anna Panik

WINTER 2012

delighted

75

WINTER 2012

WEDDING

From the Bride: Bennett and I both took a job with the same company immediately after graduating college, and met while at training in Richmond, Virginia. I'll never forget our very first conversation after initial introduction to one another... Bennett: "Where'd you say you went to school?" Lauren: "UGA." Bennett: "You are exactly what I would picture a girl from the University of Georgia to be like." (He was grinning, looking at me from head to toe). I wish I could say it was love at first sight and that we began our relationship right then, but funny enough, we did not. It wasn't until several months (and multiple trips back to Virginia) that we began talking long distance. He was in Texas and I was in South Carolina. Texting turned into quick phone calls, quick phone calls turned into 5-hour long conversations, and long conversations eventually turned into us driving across the country to move him from Texas to South Carolina where we would begin our forever‌right after he proposed to me New Years weekend!

delighted

77

WINTER 2012

WEDDING

delighted

79

WINTER 2012

WEDDING

delighted

81

I wanted a vintage feel, but not too vintage and rustic—more of a vintage elegance. Our gorgeous venue really brought that out and made it easy for me to achieve my "Southern Chic, Vintage Elegance" perfect day!

I fell in love with the idea of using cobalt throughout, and began collecting pieces months in advance. My mom, grandma, aunts, mother-in-law, and I scoured every antique store, garage sale, or second-hand store and grabbed pieces as we found them. I have to admit, I was very nervous about how it would all look once put together, but could not have been more thrilled with the outcome! I think it was just the pop of color that the all-white linens needed to mix in a little "vintage" with the "elegance."

WINTER 2012

delighted

83

WINTER 2012

YOUR PARTY WILL CARRY THE NIGHT

WE’LL CARRY THE THEME

Discover collections to mix, match and make impressions.

EVENT RENTALS • EVENT DÉCOR • CUSTOM FABRICATION

b l u e p r i n t s t u d i o s . c o m • 41 5 . 9 2 2 . 9 0 0 4

• PRINTING & GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS

Plan for inspiration.

delighted

85

follow delighted:

Photo by Vivian Sachs

Twitter Facebook Mailing List Instagram Blog

WINTER 2012