Peace and Tranquility

 This tea bag quote is the inspiration to blog this morning.  

Today is Valentines Day.  

It is probably the only holiday that I actually have a consistent tradition.  The boys and I will be "Ding Dong Ditching" heart cookies to a bunch of friends.  Most will not be expecting it.  My mom, though, has been anticipating it for a while.  She is the one that taught me how to make sugar cookies.  The trick, under cook them ever so slightly.  Oh, and a huge amount of cream cheese in the frosting.  

I have been baking for the last few days.  Very not like me.  During that time, I have been thinking of friends and family that are far away.  So to all of those people out there that won't receive cookies, know I am thinking of you and wish for you a wonderful day.  

  

Hope in France

I never know where to begin.  

There are so many details.  

I feel that to start the story is too overwhelming. 

I will attempt.

Hope came to Utah for a dress.  It involved a convertible Mustang Upgrade from the rental company.  Her great friend.  And staying in Park City.  They both had to work while here and Hope had fittings.  But from my view it looked like a pretty nice girl weekend in the end. 

I really got a kick out of these two.  There is always something extra from my out of town brides.  It is an intense time.  I am overwhelmed by all that needs to get done in such a short amount of time.  The bride and her onterage end up being my entertainment for that time.  

So thanks for the conversation. 

Fast forward to yesterday morning.  That means Monday.  The day after an episode of Downton Abbey.  I woke all yucky from a cold.  The Husband got the kids off to the bus.    Once the house was quiet, I started reading.  It is a silly book that deals with the whole Jane Austin time period.  Finished it, which is pretty crazy for me.  I am not a "read in the morning" type of person.  I think I was quite under the weather.  Look, now I sound like them. 

Anyway, when I got up finally, I checked my email.  I had a gift from Hope.  It was a bit eery to  go through these right after a good session with Downton Abbey and the book I finished.  I felt like I was living the dream.  Vicariously, of course, through a brides photos.  You get the idea, though.  

Oh, quick detail, Hope and Kevin married in France.  

Not only did they choose the most picturesque location, they chose a photographer, Sebastien Boudot, to beautifully capture the intimate celebration.     

What is it about these images that are so compelling?  

Sans the Thai finger food pictured later, 

don't all of these images belong in a BBC Masterpiece Classic series?   

Isn't this the sweetest thing?

It rained.  Which makes it seem more authentic.   

  The perfect little moment.  

Utah Bride and Groom

The Utah Bride and Groom magazine just came out.  It is a beautiful magazine and this time I was able to see some of my work on the pages.  There is just something really cool to see your work in print.  

Last year, on a very hot summer day, the boys and I headed to Phelps Berry Farm in Payson, Utah.  We were joining a group of talented women to participate in a creative shoot.  Lindsey,  of Green Apple Photography spearheaded the event.  The flowers were imagined and created by Honey of a Thousand Flowers.  Stationary, detailed and made by October Ink.  The on sight makeup and hair was done by Vintage Rouge.  

It was a surreal day, because there were massive forest fires throughout our area.  We were going to change the location, but everywhere else had been smoked out as well.  In the end, we all traveled there and miraculously, there was no smoke.  It was a fun time for me.  I just had to sit back and relax.  I had already made the dress, which was my part.  I might have tweaked the dress a few times.  But otherwise, enjoyed good company and eating the pound cake after the shoot.  

Lindsey's husband made all of the pound cake and it was amazing.  Let's hear it for awesome and supportive husbands.  

Mari, the model, was so fun to work with.  She is a new mother, so during dress fittings we had a sweet little guy in a car seat sleeping or talking to us in his cute little way.  It is interesting to work on a gown that is not to be used as a wedding gown for anyone.  It was pretty care free and fast.   

Creative Garden Shoot with Eliza

So good to see you.... it has been a while. 

We haven't had internet for so very long.  I will try to play catch up and post a few pictures. 

I will start with a colorful garden shoot arranged by Mollie Openshaw and Amanda Schelin.

I am amazed by the colors, oversize flowers, great images, and the hair and makeup that is overly cool.  Thanks, ladies, for letting me in on this shoot.  Thank you, Eliza, for dawning your dress for another day.  You looked great!

Concept by Mollie and Amanda
Photography:  Mikki Platt
Floral and design:  Amanda of Branches Floral Design
Invitations and graphics:  Mollie of Polka Dots ans Daisies
Cake:  Julie from Layers
Flower girl dress:  Persnickety
Hair and makeup:  Flavia from Versa Artistry

 This dress was documented earlier while in the building process.  It is a nod to Christian Dior's New look.  I had a great time using crazy amounts of boning to build the under structure.  It was a challenge and I loved it. 

 Can I say I love this flower necklace.  So bright and beautiful. 

 Such a sweet girl in a sweet dress.  Made by Persnickety.

Can't get enough of the turquoise color!