Inspiration for a Farm Wedding

28 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Event Locations & Spaces, Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

Tags

animals, antique, bride, ceremony, earth, events, farm, groom, nature, reception, rustic, vintage, wedding party, weddings

Having your wedding on a farm not only sends a message, it helps support the local area which is awesome. You obviously must love animals and nature and to have it as a backdrop of your special day is a pretty nice way to give thanks to Mother Earth.

My husband and I fell in love with our venue the minute we saw it. Being the oldest restoration farm in New York City, we knew it would be perfect for us. From the animals and farmland to the vineyards and restored antique buildings, every aspect of the Queens County Farm said Melissa and Danny. Since we are both vegetarian and support animal rights as well as love the outdoors, we felt comfortable and right at home. This is how you should feel at your wedding venue. I know a lot of people choose their place because they think its pretty but if you have a connection to it, the event experience is that much better.

Here is some inspiration for having a farm wedding. The possibilities are endless depending on where you choose but no matter the venue, the Earth is the main attraction.

Mae Chevrette

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Featured Artists

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, art, birds, blue, design, flowers, Inspiration, Mae Chevrette, mixed media, ocean, painting, photography, pink, sea, sky, sunshine

I read about Mae Chevrette in Oprah Magazine and I have to say what an incredible artist she is. Only 25 years old, her travels have brought her tons of inspiration and with her painting and mixed media skills she creates works of art that are unique and beautiful. She went from working as a research technician to being a successful artist in no time. Starting with her Etsy shop she slowly put more time into her art and finally quitted her day job.

I have always been a fan of mixed media art. I’ve created a lot of my own throughout the years so I can truly appreciate the creativity that goes into this medium. I love how Mae uses objects she finds on her travels and makes them come alive in her paintings. Although there are many elements to her work, she brings them all together as if she’s mending a collection of thoughts. Streaming personal memories while inspiring others. What else could you ask for?

Here are a few of her pieces that I adore. You can view her work on her website as well as purchase it at her Etsy shop. Check out her Etsy interview in 2011 and keep tabs by reading her blog.

Inspiration Photo Friday: At Peace

03 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

animals, cemetery, death, huntington, nature, new york, path, pets, photography, the little shelter, trees

Most people think of cemeteries as morbid and sad. I wouldn’t say they are happy places but they hold the remains of ones we love. I often find peace in cemeteries even though it makes me sad to be there. Surprisingly, they are beautiful places.

I took this photo during my visit to The Little Shelter in Huntington, New York a few years ago. What a place this is. There is so much space for the animals to run and be free. The one thing I thought was interesting was their pet cemetery. I was taken back by how serene and peaceful it felt to walk through it. The trees were mesmerizing and the grounds were simply graceful. It brought a tear to my eye to look at all the little stones engraved with the pet’s names but it made me happy to know they are resting in such a natural and pretty place.

Art Inspired Palette: John Dyer Baizley

17 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art Inspired Palette, Color Inspiration

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

a perfect monster, Alphonse Mucha, animals, Art Deco, baroness, earth, eyes, flowers, john dyer baizley, music, nature, owl, romantic, trees, women, woodland

I had to showcase John Dyer Baizley eventually, considering he is such an amazing artist and his band, Baroness, is one of my favorites as well. Since their new album, Yellow and Green, just came out I figured this would be the perfect time. If you don’t know who Baizley is then I am happy to introduce you to his work.

The artist resides in Savannah, Georgia but grew up in a small town in Virginia. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design he moved to Georgia and formed the band Baroness with friends from back home. They have been creating amazing music ever since then. All their albums are designed by Baizley which really gives them a signature look. He also designs cover art for other bands like Pig Destroyer, Flight of the Concords and Blask Tusk.

His work is reminiscent of the art deco style with remnants of gritty texture and clean lines. There is always beautiful movement in his work which keeps it fresh and spontaneous. The fantasy element is a major part as well. With a mixture of nature, animals, women, skulls and other elements, his work is a story of imagination and grace. Clearly influenced by Alphonse Mucha, the softness to this style is uniquely showcased through bold lines and color as well as intricate details.

I chose the cover Baizely did for the band Kvelertak for this first palette because of its earthly colors and romantic feel. There is a sense of power and love that shows through this piece that I connect with. The details and shading are flawless and the colors are soft, feminine and woodland inspired. Then to top it off, the eyes of the owl are intense and captivating as they lure you into the fantastical world of John Dyer Baizley’s mind. That’s what I call a work of art.

{You can listen to Baroness’ new album on NPR and purchase it from iTunes. I highly recommend you check it out as well as all their other albums. Every single one is filled with amazing music that will not only inspire you but get you amped. You can also see more of Baizley’s art at his official blog, A Perfect Monster.}