charlotte wedding magazine {published} derby-inspired

Last year {almost to the date}, I contacted Aleigh, the editor at Charlotte Wedding Magazine, with an idea...a derby-inspired wedding shoot. Knowing that the magazine had already gone to print on their Spring issue- this idea would take a year to come to fruition. And I could not be happier with the outcome!

Fast forward a year later, with the 139th annual Kentucky Derby tomorrow, I thought what better time to share some of my favorite shots from the derby-inspired shoot.

Here is where the inspiration started...

 And here is the real deal...

Of course, if you have a chance to pick up the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Charlotte Wedding Magazine-- please do so! You will be able to see our 12-page spread in high-gloss {as it was intended!}

As well, please take a moment to check out the 'behind the scenes' footage of the inspiration shoot, shot by Logan Cyrus at Charlotte Wedding Magazine.



And lastly, thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the amazing vendors below who worked along with me to make this one rockin' inspiration shoot.

Venue: Johnson Carriage House and Meadows
Photography: Anna Naphtali Photography and Creative Living
Floral: New Creation Flower Company
Cake: Got What It Cakes
Rentals: Party Reflections
Vintage Rentals: Old South Vintage Rentals
Stationery: Olive Paper
Catering: Plate Perfect Catering

with love.
Anne

salutations stationery {inspiration nook}

Happy Wednesday {and Halloween}! The older that I get, the more I actually enjoy this holiday. Having a day of perfectly acceptable "dress up" as an adult has become more and more appealing.

So, trick-or-treat and all that jazz. Now, on with the post...

A few months ago, I was asked by Jessica at Salutations Fine Stationery and Gifts to create an inspiration nook for their store.  Of course I graciously agreed and was given the look of vintage/shabby chic. The challenge was to incorporate props as well as photos and other items to make a cohesive look within a 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep space.  

With the space restrictions, I had to get a little creative {and crafty}, but I think it came together pretty well. Also, a very special thanks to The Schultzes Photography for providing the photos and to The Bloom Room for providing props and more succulence than this girl could even imagine!

Here are some photos {thanks again to my trusty iphone and Instagram love-- follow me at amarkey24} of the nook. I used one of my September weddings as inspiration as I felt like it fit the theme perfectly. More coming on that wedding soon!

Enjoy!

If you are in the market for save the dates, invites or other paper needs, please check out Salutations and tell em' Favor Me Events sent you.

with love.
Anne

michele and les {engagement session}

Happy Monday!

Please meet Favor Me Events couple, Michele and Les!

While this duo residents in Winston Salem, they could not resist the charms of a Charlotte wedding. A Duke Mansion wedding to be exact. Their wedding date is set for June 2nd and I am so excited to be planning with them.

So when Michele asked me to style their engagement session I jumped on the opportunity- it was a great way to get to know them a little more during the planning process. It also gave me the chance to decorate a tree in a park while sipping hot cocoa- not something I get to do everyday!

The shoot took us to Jetton Park. The amazing team at Kristin Bryum Photography captured Michele and Les at their best-- being silly, of course {notice the milk mustaches below!}

Enjoy!

So looking forward to your wedding day, Michele and Les!


with love.
Anne

kristina and patrick e-session {styling}

Happy {rainy} Tuesday!

It may be pretty gross outside, but it's cozy in our office today sipping coffee and catching up on blog posts.

Speaking of cozy, meet Favor Me Events styling couple, Kristina and Patrick. These two are just so adorable together that I wanted to put them in my pocket.

The pair enjoys reading together {Harry Potter in particular}, playing music and watching films. So, I knew that we needed to incorporate all of this {or at least try to} in to their e-session. Kristina also clued me in to their pet name for each other {Bunny}- so I knew that needed to be included as well.

Photos were taken by the ever-so talented Critsey Rowe Photography.

Enjoy!

with love.
Anne

ashton bridals {styling} vanlandingham estate

Ashton was married back in August at The Morehead Inn to her long-distance love, Alister. The two met years ago in the States, but since then, Alister moved back to his hometown in England. This did not stop the couple from continuing their relationship and eventually tying the knot on their dating anniversary- August 25th.

When I asked what look Ashton wanted to convey with her bridals, she sent over this photo of Taylor Swift as inspiration.

From there, I started on creating a bridal interruption of the image. Ashton told me that her fiances' nickname is "cupcake"- so I knew that we need to incorporate cupcakes {and tea} for her British love!

The shoot took place at the historic VanLandingham Estate and was photographed by Critsey Rowe Photography.

Please enjoy some shots from the day...

And "our" Taylor Swift photo...

with love.
Anne

shannon bridals {styling} vanlandingham estate

Shannon got married this past weekend at the Point Lake and Golf Club. And while I was not her planner, I did have the opportunity to style her bridal portraits - taken at The VanLandingham Estate by Critsey Rowe Photography.

When coming up with some ideas for the shoot, Shannon mentioned that she had a great three-tiered stand that she planned on using at the wedding. Done and done! There it was- the focal point for the shoot, besides Shannon of course! I had a blast collecting all sorts of fun items to go on the stand and of course- we needed to top it off with something sweet, so cupcakes completed the look.

The cupcakes were made by Dreams Do Come True Cakes and I can personally tell you that they tasted as good as they looked!

Enjoy...

Congratulations on your wedding day, Shannon!

with love.

anne