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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: new england

For Art’s Sake Minted Challenge

21 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by melissaoconnor in Minted

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Tags

above the clouds, Alcatraz, antique birdhouse, architecture, art prints, avonlea, bayard, birch tree, blackbird, boats of summer, carnival, carnival collage, clouds, earthy roots, fire fly, fluffy wildflowers, for arts sake, gray star design, house by the water, in the shade, landscape, light house, light house on the water, Maine, minted, minted challenge, mystic, nature, nautical, nautical scale, new england, ocean, orchids, palm trees, palms, parallel universe, photography, red barn, rock wall, roof study, roots, sky, stairwell, The Calm Sea, the road home, trees, tropical, tropics, vintage carnival, vintage carousel, water penny, wildflowers

And the challenges never end. Minted’s For Art’s Sake challenge just wrapped up and voting is now open! I submitted some oldies and a lot of new entries to this one. You can view them all below and if you feel like voting, just click on each one to go to its entry page. There are tons of great art in this challenge so definitely check as much out as possible. Enjoy!

House by the Water - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

The Road Home - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Fire Fly - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Boats of Summer - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Vintage Carousel - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Vintage Carnival Collage - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Fuzzy Wildflowers - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Bayard Roof Study - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Alcatraz - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

New England Sky - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Above the Clouds - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Black Bird - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Dancing Palms - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Waves of Summer - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

In the Shade - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

The Calm Sea - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Parallel Universe - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Avonlea - Photo by Melissa O'Conno-Arena

Earthy Roots - Photo by Melissa O'Conno-Arena

Lighthouse on the Water - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Antique Birdhouse - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Birch - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Pink - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Red Barn in Autumn - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Rock Wall - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Nautical Scale - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Water Penny - Photo by Melissa O'Connor-Arena

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge

22 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, News

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Tags

animals, Anne of Green Gables, beach, boat, brackley beach, canada, carnival, clouds, collage, cotton candy, earth, earthy roots, eye of the beholder, ferris wheel, forest, green gables, green gables shore, haunted wood, horse, lighthouse, Maine, maine lighthouse, merry go round, minted, nature, new england, new york, Pennsylvania, philipsburg manor, prince edward island, rocks, sea, sky, swings, tarrytown, teddy bears, thomas lee house, trees, vintage, water, water penny, white pony, zipper

Hey everyone! I just wanted to announce that the voting has opened for the Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge! I have submitted quite a few pieces so any voting you can do by May 5th would be much appreciated. To view all the submissions, you can vote blindly here or through the challenge submission gallery page.

Here are my submissions. Click on each one to vote. Thanks!

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge - Vintage Carnival Collage

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Earthy Roots

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-The Haunted Wood

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Green Gables Shore

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Thomas Lee House

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Philipsburg Manor

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-White Pony

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Water Penny

The Minted Eye of the Beholder Challenge-Brackely Beach

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot

05 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Real Events, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

31 Mane Street Salon, Boston, Burberry, camp resort, etsy, fall, Hopewell Farms, lake, MJ Harrington & Company, nature, new england, new hampshire, real weddings, rustic elements, sunflowers, Thamer Photography, tie the knot, Twin Lake Village, wedding, Zac Posen

I recently had the honor of designing a wedding album for a really special couple. I feel very lucky to do what I do and be able to peek into such a personal event of a couple’s life. And I have to say, this one is my favorite so far. You might think I know Hannah and Ryan, but I don’t. The funny thing is, I feel like I do after working on this project.

Just looking at the photos gave me goosebumps and almost had me in tears. From the prep and first look shoot to the ceremony and reception, everything seemed so comfortable and perfect. It wasn’t fancy or over the top, their friends and families played a big part of the event, and the personal touches were endless. It all came together so beautifully. Designing the album was something I will never forget.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

While both working in Boston at a nonprofit, Hannah and Ryan seemed to connect instantly. On their first date he told her he could make her happy and it seems as if he was right. After a year, Hannah relocated to Chicago for grad school and Ryan soon followed to be with her. When that chapter ended, they shifted gears to San Francisco where they lived for 3 years together. The proposal was sweet and thoughtful, Ryan popped the question during a visit in Boston and secretly planned a big engagement party so they can celebrate with all their friends and family. Love!

When planning their wedding, they knew they wanted it to be closer to family and in the New England area, where they are originally from, so after some searching they found Twin Lake Village in New London, New Hampshire, which seemed to be the perfect place. Owned by the Kidder family for 5 generations, the camp/resort offered private cabins, a beautiful beach and lake, and plenty of space for all their guests to have fun and party.

The big day was September 12, 2012, and started on a sunny afternoon. Hannah wore a Zac Posen dress with yellow Burberry espadrilles while her bridesmaids showcased a pretty shade of purple in dresses designed by an artist on Etsy. Ryan and his groomsmen wore khaki pants and navy jackets along with flip-flops for that casual beachy vibe. The girls bouquets were filled with fall colors and rustic elements and assembled by Hannah’s aunt, Gail Cray. The whole event was beautifully captured by Thamer Photography in New Hampshire.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

The first look shoot was intimate and sentimental but the couple had their family there to capture such a great moment. I love how happy they both look and Ryan’s face is priceless.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

For the ceremony held on the beach, the bridal party arrived by boat, which was captained by Hannah’s godfather, and included personal readings by her bridesmaids. The officiant also married Ryan’s sister the year before so he was a familiar face as well. Large pinwheels lined the aisle and allowed the natural setting to really shine. Their wedding bands came from MJ Harrington & Co. Jewelers, which also designed Hannah’s gorgeous engagement ring. Once the I Dos were shared, it was time to celebrate.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

The reception was held at the main house of the camp, which featured a dreamy wrap around porch and spacious yard for everyone to gather. Cocktail hour included local fresh d’oeuvres and a variety of cheese and crackers with pairing wine and domestic beers.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Another personal touch was Ryan’s custom beer pong table which was commissioned in 2001. It was a big part of his college days on campus in Boston and captured his love of baseball and its history. The nearby green-monster themed wiffle ball park was designed and painted by Hanna’s mom and assembled by the groomsmen. How cool is that!

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

The newlyweds arrived to the party in a golf cart decorated with festive garland Ryan and his groomsmen set up earlier. The main event took place under the white tent on the lawn and was adorned with lanterns and elements of fall harvest. The tables had sunflower centerpieces which Hannah’s aunt and uncle grew, and all the meat and vegetables were supplied by Hopewell Farms. There was even a taco bar, how fun! Some of the dishes were prepared by family to add more of that home sweet home feel.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

The speeches seemed to be a highlight of the night, as both their parents and members of the bridal party shared their words of happiness for Hannah and Ryan. The band, which included the father of the brides business partner, got everyone up and on the dance floor to get the party started. The day was super special and everything ended up being perfect as can be. You can tell from the photos that everyone really had fun and all the elements were truly from the heart.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

It was so awesome working alongside Hannah on the album, which was a surprise gift for Ryan to celebrate their first anniversary. I am so glad they loved how it came out and now have a treasured keepsake for years to come. I wish these two a bright and sunny future together as husband and wife and much luck in their new place they recently bought together.

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Hannah & Ryan Tie the Knot - © Thamer Photography

Vendor List:
Photography – Thamer Photography
Brides Dress – Zac Posen
Brides Shoes – Burberry
Hair – Sarah from 31 Mane Street Salon
Makeup – the bride
Catering – Hopewell Farms
Venue – Twin Lake Village
Wedding Bands – MJ Harrington & Co. Jewelers

Color in Films: The Village

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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Tags

children, color palette, colors, earth, forest, green, hues, lesson, life, love, M. Night Shyamalan, monsters, moss green, nature, new england, Pennsylvania, red, tale, the village, trees, village, wicked, woods, yellow

I am a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan, always was and always will be. I think he is such a great storyteller. He brings a true sentimental touch to the screen that leaves you thinking much more than when you started. The Village is one of those films. One of my favorites from his collection, its a tale of protection, fear, and love. With beautiful cinematography, flawless set and art direction, and an amazing group of actors, The Village explores the boundaries of good and evil and true love.

The film takes place in a small Pennsylvania village cut off from the rest of the world. The elders have built it to protect their children from the “wicked”. There are known monsters that live beyond the village and because of this watch towers and barriers of oil lanterns have been constructed for their protection. The time is 1987 but the villagers live an Amish lifestyle, no electricity and a simple way of living.

The main couple, Lucias and Ivy, express their love for each other and plan to soon marry. When a young boy dies and Lucias asks to go into “the towns” for medicine, he is denied. However, he ventures out anyway. The color red is used throughout the film as the bad color, and is seen on doors & shown through flowers when the monsters are near. Red cloaks also cloth their bodies. While he is away, the village has a visit from these beings and it startles everyone into a frenzy. A few days after Lucias gets back, he sadly gets stabbed by another man, Noah, in the village, who loves the girl as well. Unfortunately, he has developmental issues and doesn’t truly realize what he has done.

In order to help Lucias, Ivy gets ready for her trip to the towns for medicine. Although she is blind, she is strong willed and eventually makes it back with the items she needs. The journey through the woods is one of terror and truimph, as she comes across one of the monsters and defeats it. But there is a major secret in the village that unfolds through the film and in the end another life is lost because of it.

Told through the colors of nature and New England beauty, The Village is a remarkable tale filled with lessons on life and love. From the mossy greens and earthy browns to the pops of yellow and red, the backdrop of the woods truly allows for a peaceful, yet haunting feel. There are scenes that will surely win you over and ones that will startle your inner being. Another great story with a message that will continue to be relevant as the years go by.

Color in Films: The Village

 

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