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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: wedding

Whimsical Harvest

12 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Advice & Inspiration, Decor Ideas, Events & Parties, Shop Gray Star Design

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blue, bride and groom, celebrate, country, elegance, engagement dinner, engagement party, fall, fall event, gold, gray star design, green, greenery, harvest, nature inspired, nautical, party ideas, plants, rustic, table setting, wedding, wheat, whimsical harvest, whimsy, wine, winter event

I recently added a new design to my Celebrations items, a Whimsical Harvest engagement party/dinner invite. It was one of the proofs I came up with while working on a custom design for a client and I loved it so much I decided to offer it in the shop.

Whimsical Harvest

With touches of gold and blue, this nature inspired invite is perfect for the fall and winter seasons but can work for an event held in the warmer months as well. If you love greenery and a little whimsy, this design fits the bill. Here are a few inspiring images to help you visualize a Whimsical Harvest event.

Whimsical Harvest
Starting from Top Left: The Sweetest Occasion | Pottery Barn | Curiosita Ellya | She Inspires | Handmaker of Things | JoPhoto | Elements of Style | Elizabeth Anne Designs | Elizabeth Anne Designs

Elizabeth + Mike – Wedding Album

07 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Real Weddings, Weddings

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asbury park, asbury park wedding, beach wedding, bride and groom, classic, gray, new jersey, pastels, pink, wedding

Here is a little look into a wedding album I designed last November. The couple, Elizabeth and Mike, had a beautiful June wedding in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Their ceremony was held on the beach and the reception was outside and tented. I loved all the classic details that were paired with the event’s flawless elegant style. The laid back feel was also a nice touch, staying true to the down to earth beachy vibe. Enjoy!

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

Elizabeth + Mike - Wedding Album

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

Inspiration Photo Friday: Experience

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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Tags

bob marley, happiness, Inspiration, journey, life, marriage, suffering, true love, truth, vows, wedding

The other day I came across a quote shared from the one and only Bob Marley. It resonated with me a great deal because its the truth. Not only did I totally agree with his words, felt it had a true connection to my life. These are the words of wisdom:

“If she is amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy… Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for”. ~ Bob Marley

Some may read this and say, true love doesn’t involve suffering or getting hurt and it shouldn’t be too hard. Well, you are wrong. Life is not a fairytale and neither is love. No relationship is easy. When I look back on just the few relationships in my life where I was actually in love with the person, they were all challenging. And some were even crazy at times. Sure, you will love a lot of people in your lifetime, and of course I have, but the few that were monumental are the ones that greatly contributed to who you are today. They are the ones which helped you grow and evolve as a person as well as helping you to learn what you need and want in a relationship.

I can say for sure that I’ve never been easy. It’s not that I am a difficult person to be with, I just have a multi faceted personality and bring a lot to the table. There were times where the person I was with never gave up on our love, as did I, and others where ending it was the right choice. And sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that you can be in love with someone but you are not meant to be together. It happens all the time and I know first hand how it feels. And Marley knows what he is talking about when he says everyone hurts you, because its true. It’s all a matter of who is worth suffering for and how much you can take. It’s a testament of patience, loyalty, and love – to know if the one you are with is worth all the hard work.

It all comes down to experience and learning through growth. I have had many challenges thrown at me, in all aspects of my life. And since a child, I was always curious  to see and taste the world around me. Because of this I’ve experienced a lot, like many other people. Sharing what I have been through with others has always been something I felt obligated to do. For it’s only the ones who have overcome that can inspire and help others.

As far as love, I believe we can never know if we were meant to be with someone forever, because people eventually change and everything always comes to an end. But I do know that who we choose to be with, prove to be the right ones over time. You simply can’t know in a month or a year, if it will truly last. But after you’ve both lived life together and taken on challenges as a team, your experience will speak volumes.

My husband Dan and I have been together for 5 years and married a little over a year. We have been through a great deal together since we met back in the summer of 2008.   I’ve never dreamed of getting married like many other girls. My success as an artist was always number one. But when I shared my vows with Dan on our wedding day, I was honest and true with every word. Below is a photo of our vows along with my bouquet, which I preserved. I treasure these very much because they are a testament to our relationship and the start of a new chapter of our lives together.

Neither of us has given up on each other and I feel we have both suffered enough in this relationship, as Marley states, for it to last years to come. All I can say for sure is that our connection will grow with each day and our love shall keep us strong. I believe we have created a foundation that will guide us when we are lost and provide comfort when we need it. For true love has no boundaries. And when you realize the true worth of that love, happiness overcomes the suffering.

bouquet1

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