really, it’s coming soon.
February 20th, 2012on a hunt for spring
February 8th, 2012It’s setting in early this year. You might feel it too… that burning desire for spring and the bounty it brings with it. And yet it’s only February… On my run yesterday* my eyes were peeled to the ground, the dirt more specifically. Scouring the gardens of each house I passed, searching for spring… any sign of it. I need flowers! And yes, we’re still a ways off, but actually I was pleasantly surprised… flowering branches, camellias, pieris, snow drops are all out there, probably confused by the warm weather we’ve been getting. They too agree that winter should be over.
*I say that as if it’s always been part of my daily routine, like I’m a true runner. I assure you I am not. But taking my doctor’s annual advice to get more cardio activity, I’m starting up again. And it’s true… I always feel better, stronger, healthier when I get into a routine. It’s just the starting part that I hate. Yesterday, in a desperate internet quest for answers, I learned that the horrible all-over itching sensation I was experiencing during my jog is caused by “prolonged inactivity” and should go away after a week of consistent exercise. Well fantastic.
erin + chris at robinswood
January 28th, 2012You know what gets me? Kind of catches me off guard? Really friendly grooms. Not that most of the grooms I work with aren’t great, but usually on the wedding day I either a.) don’t really see them or b.) their stomachs are doing flips, so the last thing they care about is how I’m doing. (I really don’t blame them. No hurt feelings here.) But Chris was the exception. He appeared so calm, so happy. Going around to everyone setting up, asking how they were doing, if they needed anything. And it makes complete sense because Erin, his bride, is one of those people you’ll love the minute you meet her. She’s all smiles, beautiful, and sweet. Working with her was a dream. She gave me complete trust and made the entire process a breeze. Plus she’s a designer herself and has great taste. That helps. Oh but then comes her parents… Her dad left a super sweet comment on my Facebook page; her mom sent me a thank you card that brought me to tears. It’s pinned up in my office, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to toss it. It’s a good reminder of one of the many reasons why I love this job.
When a man from the catering staff commented on our beautiful gourds and pumpkins, I told him that I had planted the little seeds back in May, cut them from their vines in September, wiped them all down by hand, sorted them, and loaded them onto the truck in 20+ crates. He chuckled with wide eyes, clearly assuming that I must be joking. I was not.
Sean Flanigan captured the day beautifully at Robinswood House in Bellevue. The lovely blue settee is from Vintage Ambiance. Lisa Dupar Catering‘s entire staff was incredible. I can’t say enough good about them. Food-loving perfectionists. Bless them all! And to knock it out of the ballpark, Erin Skipley handled hair and makeup.
seattle met bride & groom feature
January 19th, 2012Amy & Jeri’s wedding is featured in the winter/spring 2012 issue of Seattle Met Bride & Groom. You already know how much I loved working on this wedding, so I’ll just get to it. Gorgeous photography by Michele M. Waite. She books up quickly if you know what I mean…
(Cover photo by Elizabeth Messina. Yes, that’s right newly engaged Seattle-lites. )
Additionally a few small arrangements of mine made peek-a-boo appearances in the gorgeous cake feature on pages 74-79.
peachy
January 8th, 2012Just when I think I’m tired of the color peach, I fall all over again. Pair it with pale pumpkins and my hearts all a flutter. Sean Flanigan always does an incredible job behind the lens… Here are two lovely shots from a September wedding at the beautiful Robinswood House. A few more on our Facebook page… My time has been spent putting together quotes, updating the website (can’t wait!) and finally getting some photos uploaded to fb, so we’re keeping it short and sweet tonight. Hope you’re feeling refreshed after the weekend!
here we go…
December 31st, 2011Happy 2012! {I’m getting started a bit early.} I still need to carve out some time to reflect on the past year, but for the moment, I’m just bracing for the next. What a whirlwind! Do you feel that way too? I know I’m not alone. So reflections and goal-setting will come, but in the meantime, here’s a little peek into my world–or at least my studio. Dorothée from Belathée Photography was kind enough to visit and snap a few photos, and sure it’s a space I love, so I’m probably quite biased, but their photography is always so beautiful! And I’m glad to finally be sharing these because they’ve been around since June and well, as they say… time flies when you’re having fun.
Off for the holidays, but before I go…
December 22nd, 2011Enjoy a teeny sneak peek of a really fun shoot I’ve been working on and just finished up last week at Pravda Studios. The list of participating vendors is incredible (thank you, thank you!), but I’ll save it for the full post. Beautiful, beautiful photography by Belathée Photography. So many more images to come, but for now it’s time to turn off the computer & relax with friends and family. Until 2012…
Happy holidays!
-McKenzie
winter whites
December 16th, 2011Finally up and moving about the house after two days of the flu… it seems you forget about all the things you just had to get done when you’re sick. My bed was truly all I could focus on. And even that felt pretty miserable. But before this week is gone, I wanted to wish you a happy weekend of baking, shopping, and prepping for the holidays. Don’t go crazy on the gifts. Most people love a loaf of baked bread. A homemade candle. Your company. I know that’s a lot of righteous talk for someone who has a hard time reigning it in herself. (I’m mostly reminding myself.) Happy Friday.
1x week
December 7th, 2011I promised my husband things would slow down this time of year. I said, “Thank you” and “I owe you” more times than I can remember. I said, “I’ll make it up to you, really I will… when things slow down.”
…
At least we eat dinner together again… most nights. But it doesn’t feel slow. It feels fast, really fast. No we do not have a Christmas tree yet. No, I have not even begun to shop. And no, we will likely not even get around to sending out cards. Maybe our friends and family will be lucky to get a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” card instead. Maybe, no guarantees.
But it’s my own fault. I think, “Oh yes! It’s the slow season! Now I can do all those projects I’ve been stock-piling ideas for!” So I do them. And it prevents slow from entering my life. But I’m good with it. In fact anyone who knows me knows I’m better when I’m fast. (Side note: I really am pretty fast. I won 7th place in the 100 meter sprint at our track & field state championship my freshman year of high school. Does mentioning that make you feel embarrassed for me? Like… “Oh Sweetie, don’t you know that recalling the glory days of high-school makes you sound so so soooo sad?” Ha! It’s okay. I have thick skin. Well not really–I weep at every. single. one of those videos of dads and moms coming home from war and surprising their kids at school. It takes about two seconds, and I cry.)
In conclusion, things around here are busy. I love it. Here’s a photo from September, days of the dahlias… (Lighting wasn’t great. Photos aren’t great.)
P.S. The title of this blog post is a not-so-subtle way of telling you I’m only going to be able to throw one blog post up this week. And the above is it.
thursday gems
December 1st, 2011These haven’t yet made a blog appearance but needed to because wow, those first two frames of Amanda…
Photos by One Tree Photography
