Mr. & Mrs. Eames

We are honored to have been a part of Ryan and Ashley's wedding. They chose to tie the knot at Montaluce Winery & Estates in Dahlonega, Georgia on 11.11.11. Montaluce was the perfect setting for this couple! The picturesque sunset ceremony took place on the balcony overlooking the vineyard. It was perfect! Ashley and Ryan are so in love and it was easy to see how happy they make each other. We are thrilled for them and are happy to share some of the amazing moments captured on their wedding day! For more on their story, click HERE our post from earlier this week.

Vendors
Event Planner: Stella Harper Events
Venue: Montaluce Winery & Estates
Photography: Janet Howard Studio
Videography: Three Ring Weddings
DJ: DJ Todd
Cake: Douceur De France
Flowers: Bride's family

Family, Friends, Wishes & Wine

Our November 11th wedding, in one word was, sweet.  From the couple, to the vows, and the dessert table; the evening was like extra frosting on a cake. 

Date: November 11, 2011
Venue: Montaluce Winery and Estates
Theme: Everything Wine
Ambiance: Romantic, Natural Chic
Included: Ceremony, Cocktails, Dinner and Dance

Their Wedding

To make it possible for Ashley's grandparents to attend the wedding, Ashley and Ryan brought the wedding to them and tied the knot at a lovely vineyard in north Georgia, at Montaluce Winery and Estates.  The couple chose November 11, 2011 as their wedding date so that whenever they see 11:11 on the clock, they'll take a minute and make a wish.  The venue and this small daily routine of making a wish for each other became the inspiration for the theme of the wedding.  All of the little details held to this wine theme: place cards held up by wine corks, wine cork key chain favors with the wedding date 11.11.11, a wine box ceremony, a wine bar, the table numbers held up by wine bottles, and cut wine bottles lining the mantle illuminated by candles giving a romantic glow to the room (Pictures to come this week).  Ashley and Ryan decided to meet beforehand so that they could take a majority of the pictures before the guests arrived (so they could enjoy their cocktail hour!).  Their first few moments together was filled with tears from both the bride and groom and extended to all those who were looking on- including myself and the photographer!  While our couple and bridal party went to continue taking pictures in the vineyard, we began setting everything up.  Their ceremony took place on the balcony at sunset with floating candles lining the aisle.  Ashley and Ryan met under an archway decorated with vines, grapes and flowers.  Their handwritten vows spoken to one another were so touching.  Once they said "I do," the couple stole a few moments alone while the guests made their way inside for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  A few more pictures were taken before the couple joined their friends and family for the cocktail hour.  Next the guests moved into the dining area and found their seats for the dinner service.  The bridal party was introduced and the couple took their first dance in the middle of the room where all of their family and friends looked on with tearful smiles.  The DJ kept things going throughout dinner, getting each table to their feet to sing "a love song: to the bride and groom.  After the dinner service the party moved to the dance floor where the Mother-Son dance took place, followed later in the evening by the Father-Daughter dance.  Dancing only stopped briefly for desserts and toasts.  Throughout the night guests were encouraged to leave Ashley and Ryan a personalized message in the video room.  Friends and family danced the night away with Ashley and Ryan, and the couple made a bright exit through sparklers held by their guests. 

Highlights

• Father Daughter Dance: Ashley and her father got everyone clapping and laughing as they danced to a remix of music- we will post a video of this later!
• Wine Box Ceremony: The couple had a wine box with three slots that held a bottle of wine for their 1st, 5th and 10th wedding anniversaries.  They also wrote love letters to each other that will be opened and enjoyed with the aging bottles of wine to celebrate each major anniversary.
• Words of Wisdom: The DJ turned on a slow song and got all of the couples onto the dance floor.  He slowly divided the dancers to different sides of the dance floor- moving first those who had been married for a year or less and added years until one couple was left standing.  He then asked Ashley's grandparents, who have been married for over 60 years, how they have "done it."  Ashley's Grandpa responded by saying, "Well, I always have the last word: 'Yes Dear.'"  This was a fun way to celebrate marriage and show the appreciation for those who have really stayed true to their commitment years ago.
• Wedding "cake:" Ashley and Ryan chose to have a dessert table instead of just the wedding cake, and instead of the traditional wedding cake, they had a Croquembouche pastry cake.  The other desserts included various cakes, moon pies, mini cannoli and more!

We will be posting another blog with the wedding album this week so be sure to check back! 

Ashley & Ryan, thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding- you were such a wonderful couple that truly reminded us of the sweetness of love!

Pictures featured within this post are from Ashley & Ryan's engagement photo session with Janet Howard Studio.  Click HERE to find out more about Janet Howard Studio.

Thankful

The holidays are such a special time and we are so excited to have so many fun couples to add to the mix this year!  We've had a busy couple of weeks, wrapping up a fabulous vineyard wedding (check back this week for pictures), getting vendors squared away for our early 2012 couples and preparing for holiday parties and a wedding next month!  But in all the hustle and bustle, we want to say how thankful we are to have our family, friends, and the incredible couples we get to work with each and every day. We love what we do!  On top of all of the WONDERFUL and exciting things happening for all of us here at SHE, the company's namesakes, Stella & Harper are turning THREE on December 5th!!  Matthew and I are thrilled to have these little monkeys in our lives!  (And Mommy has had quite a bit of fun planning this little event- but who wouldn't love to plan a Princess party complete with a Disney Princess bouncy house!??!) 

My sister-in-law Ashlyn, who also happens to be an amazing photographer, captured some great moments with the twins recently.  I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out!  If you're thinking of having Christmas pictures done for your holiday card, engagement pictures, or just a family shoot to end the year (or ring in the New Year), or just "because," she's your gal.  For more on Ashlyn Smalling Photography, click HERE. 

Hopefully everyone has made it home safely from a long holiday weekend- stuffed with yummy food!  It's not long until Christmas so we can do it all again! 

We have so much to blog about this week!  Keep checking in! 

SHE's Trendy: Natural Chic

Welcome back to another style blog!  I feel like it's been forever, even though it's only been a few weeks!  As we get closer to the end of the year and a new beginning in 2012, it's fun to see the new and upcoming colors, styles, and themes for weddings.  As I'm sure you've noticed, natural tans, taupes and cremes are very popular right now.  Along with those delicious colors comes excellent details and touches such as burlap and wood!  This will be the theme for this week's style blog!

These days brides are more and more going with ivory wedding dresses over powder white wedding dresses. I don't think it has anything to do with how pure the 21st century bride may or may not be, but what's in fashion right now. Oftentimes white gowns are "too" white. Ivory gowns are less bright and shocking to the eye. When a bride chooses shades such as taupe as her wedding color scheme, it is easier to accessorize with an ivory dress, because the colors can all sort of blend together. A gorgeous touch to tie in those natural colors to a bridal gown is by adding a tan or taupe sash.

Next to the beautiful bride with the tan sash goes the beautiful bridesmaids with the tan dresses!  Right now you can find a dress in a natural shade from nearly any designer.  Because of this color trend, no designer wants to be left behind.  Simply gorgeous!

If you're going for a super natural look (which I'm a big fan of) you can go a little different and creative with the groomsmen's boutonniere.  Check out these examples!  Both so creative and so cute!

If you're going with the boutonniere with wood for an accent, tie the decorations in to match it!  Wood can be used in so many ways at a wedding these days.  One centerpiece idea I love with wood is using a log and cutting out holes for flowers and/or candles to rest.  If your groom wants to be a part of the wedding planning but you don't want him to pick out the linens or cake design all by himself, this is a great way to get him involved!  He can make some centerpieces and feel completely involved!

I also love all the little wood accents that are out there in the world to buy or create yourself!  Here are some cute ideas!

Now on to burlap.  Ah... I just love burlap.  It's just such a pretty look.  There are TONS of things you can do with burlap to enhance something that may have been boring before.  My personal favorite thing to do with burlap for linens is use it as table runners.  Some people prefer covering the whole table with a burlap tablecloth.  That can also be gorgeous, but I like the POP the burlap has against the background color.  You can also make a wreath with different colored burlap fabrics like we posted in our blog in September! Take a look here.

Burlap can also be used to create great little details throughout the reception and ceremony.  Check out these great added touches that you can purchase or make on your own!

For me this post could go on and on forever because I love the theme, but I think you get the idea. Be creative with the natural feel and look!  Great things can come from using your imagination.  Make sure you keep your venue in mind, too.  If you're getting married at a barn, you can use more natural effects.  If you're at a ballroom, polish the look a little more.  It doesn't mean you can't do natural effects!  Hope you enjoy!  See you in two weeks for a new DIY craft!



Boutonniere 1

Boutonniere 2

Birch Log Votives
Birch Candles
Log Flower Centerpiece
Mr. & Mrs. Sign
Sign
Frame
Table Runner
Wreath
Favor Bag
Banner
Ring Bearer Pillow

Tub

Stella Harper Events voted Best Event Planning!

This is so exciting!  Congratulations to all of the Best of Gwinnett winners and a special shout to First United Methodist Church Lawrenceville (the church I grew up in) and Buford School of Ballet (where my little ballerinas take ballet class each Friday!).  We feel so honored to be voted Best Event Planning by our former and current clients, friends and family.  Thank you to all of our clients for allowing us to be a part of such special days in your lives. 

xo,

Emily

SHE's Crafty: Paper Flowers

This week's DIY project is pretty easy, and looks so great! We're doing another paper flower, but this time we're going for more of a rose look. Check it out- it's so easy you'll be proud of yourself when you're finished. I used these for my best friend's engagement party and I got so many compliments!

Materials:

• Cardstock/Scrapbook Paper (1 piece of paper per flower) - you can use 8-1/2" x 11" or 12"x 12" paper depending on what size flower you're going for. I prefer the 12"x 12" paper.
• Hot Glue/Hot Glue Gun
• Scissors
• Twigs
• Mason Jar or other container/vase

Directions:

1. Cut a circle out of the paper as large as will fit. Rather than cuting a perfect circle, cut the    circle with curvy edges. See photo for example.

2. Cut a spiral inside the circle, all the way to the middle.

3. Begin rolling along the spiral, all the way intil you find the end. For the best results, place your right index finger along the inside part of the roll. Put your right thumb inside the rolled part of the flower to guide you while rolling. While rolling with your right hand, use your left hand to guide the remaining spiral paper.

4. When you get to the end, fold the center of the spiral underneath the rolled part of the flower. Gently let out some of the roll to give it a less tight look. Apply glue from the glue gun on the center and press all of the rolled flower to the glued spot.

5. Find a part of the twig where the flower fits. You can use your scissors to create a hole for the twig to fit into. Put some glue on the twig and attach the flower.

6. When all of the flowers are attached, create an arrangement and use as centerpieces!

 

 

~ Erin

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Okay so these are the easiest desserts and are super cute for holiday parties or just for your friends or family. Use your favorite pumpkin recipe or you can just use Libby's (the back of the pie can), however much effort you want to put into it. You can make your own pie crust or just take the easy way out and buy pie crusts from the store :)

Since I didn't have a unique recipe... and since making a pumpkin pie is one of the easiest I thought you could handle it. It's literally mixing the dry things together (sugar and cinnamon etc) in one bowl; and beating the eggs and pie in a can mix in the other. Then adding the dry mix into the wet mix, and stirring in the evaporated milk. I put the whole pumpkin mixture into a measuring cup so that it was easy to pour...

To make them MINI!!!
If you have a pumpkin cookie cutter or just a cup with a wide mouth, use that to cut out circles of your dough.

 

Put them in a muffin pan!

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the muffin pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes - really keep an eye on them. To test it you can put a clean finger in the center of a pie and make sure it's not still liquid.

And there you have it - cute mini pies! Add some whipped cream and you're done!  This will make about a 18 mini pies.

I shared them with friends, and they loved the little treat! Hope you can do the same! 

If you liked this recipe check out the pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting they've been quite a hit! Pumpkin Cookies!

~Melissa