ashleigh and mike {engagement session}

While we may have just celebrated Mother's Day- today at Favor Me Events, it is Valentine's Day.

Meet Ashleigh and Mike. Ashleigh loves all things Valentine's Day. So, naturally when Mike proposed, Ashleigh had the perfect wedding date in mind: February 14th!

This sweet pair are set to wed at the Foundation for the Carolinas and we have been cookin' up lots of fun details for their day {and nope-- not a smidgen of red will be used!} Think bright whites, metallics, sparkle and a hint of purple. Oh, I really can not wait to see it all come together!

In the mean time, please enjoy some photos from Ashleigh and Mike's Valentine's Day inspired e-session, photographed by Kristin Vining Photography and styled by Lindsey Regan Thorne of Be Pretty.

So looking forward to your special day!

with love,
Anne

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

wow factor cakes {industry event}

Helllllloooooo, Spring {all 40 degrees of it}! While it's chilly outside, it was hot, hot, HOT at Wow Factor Cakes last Thursday night.

It did not take much from Amy at Wow Factor to convince me to help plan last week's industry dinner for twenty-eight of Charlotte's talented wedding professionals to network, re-connect or meet for the first time.  Once Amy said Passion 8 Bistro was catering and blindfolds were involved- I was on board! Yes, you heard correctly-- blindfolds.

So, why blindfolds? The team at Wow Factor Cakes and Passion 8 Bistro feels that you should allow your taste buds center stage while in a food and wine pairing and have your other senses take a back seat for the night. But what I really heard when Amy mentioned blindfolds was '50 Shades of Gray' theme! **full disclosure: I have not read the book. In fact, it is sitting on my nightstand collecting dust as we speak.

I immediately started on the inspiration board and came up with this:

And what actually came together was even more amazing than I could have imagined. Between the stunning florals by Carey Roberts Design Company and the super cool paint-by-numbers cake by, who else, but Wow Factor Cakes-- the night was spectaular. And the food--- oh, the food!!!

Please enjoy some photos by the talented Rachel Fesko Photography:

A HUGE thank you to all of the vendors that participated in the event! 

Studio Space/Cake: Wow Factor Cakes

Caterer: Passion 8 Bistro

Florals: Carey Roberts Design Group

Rentals: Party Reflections

Small desserts: Neet's Sweets

Photographer: Rachel Fesko Photography

Stationery: Olive Paper

with love.

Anne

kate and andrew {tie the knot} the mint museum

How is it already the last week of January?! Crazy how fast time flies!

I have been meaning to share some photos from Kate and Andrew's November 3rd Mint Museum wedding. You may remember this adorable couple from here.

What a gorgeous, fall day they had for a wedding! The ceremony was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church. After the nuptials, the couple and their guests headed to the Mint Museum {which happens to be conveniently located directly across from the church}. There, they were greeted with a beautiful fall palette of deep purples, silvers and pumpkins-- lots and lots of pumpkins {look closely, a silver pumpkin acted as place cards for each guest!}

Please enjoy some photos by the amazing Critsey Rowe Photography.

A special thank you to all of the vendors that made this wedding seamlessly beautiful.

Ceremony: St. Peter's Catholic Church 
Reception: The Mint Museum Uptown
Photographer: Critsey Rowe Photography
Caterer: La-Tea-Da's
Rentals: Party Reflections
Lighting and Draping: Sterling by Design
Florals: Carolyn Shepard Design Group
Cake: Cake Lady Jill
Band: Mr. Potato Head
Hair and Makeup: Creations Hair and Makeup
Transportation: Charlotte PediCab

Kate and Andrew, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. Continued love and happiness to you both!

with love.
Anne