fall wedding inspiration
I think fall might be my favorite time of year, and nothing is better than autumn in Charlottesville, Virginia, where we shot this table last year.
{Photography by Elizabeth Messina; Rentals provided by Festive Fare; Paper goods by Momental Designs; Flowers by Janie Medley Flora Design; Cake by k.rose cakes; Location – Veritas Vineyards; Styling by merriment}
how-to: table card display
I made this project for Jon and Lauren’s wedding last year at Veritas (photograph above by Elizabeth Messina). Before we get started, if you need a refresher on the difference between place cards and table cards, you can revisit this post.
The first image in the post shows you the final product. The image above shows you the materials…
1. Wooden crate I found the wooden crate used here at Smith & Hawken’s very sad but very rewarding store closing sale. You could craft something similar or use a vintage wooden crate.
2. Heavy gauge copper wire. Look for it at craft stores.
3. Needle nose pliers.
4. Green styrofoam. Also at craft stores, my dears.
5. Reindeer moss. Ditto on the craft stores.
6. Small hand saw. Good for carving pumpkins when not carving foam. Available at Lowe’s.
7. Acorns, pine cones, etc. Not pictured in the materials shot. Good to nest around the crate when it’s displayed.
8. Tented escort cards. Not pictured, but available at paper source.
First step: Cut foam to the width and depth of your wooden crate, creating an even surface that’s almost flush with the top of the crate.
Second step: Cover foam with reindeer moss.
Third step: The copper wire will become the table card holder. You’ll need about 5″ per holder. Cut a piece to size now, and pick up your needle nose pliers.
Fourth step: Griping the wire with needle nose pliers, gently turn one end of the wire around and around again, clockwise, until you have two circles.
Fifth step: Release your needle nose pliers from the grip of the wire. Smooth the rough edge of the wire, and gently pry your two circles apart. You’ll see you have a place where you can insert the card.
Last step: Count the number of cards and plot out your rows.
Voila! You’re finished. Place your cards alphabetically in the crate. When you’re ready to display, nestle the crate in spanish moss with acorns and pine cones.
{first image courtesy elizabeth messina; how-to photos courtesy katie stoops photography}
Bride and Bloom – Simply Elegant
A few months ago, my friend Janie at The Brides Cafe asked me to help design a table for the current issue Bride and Bloom Magazine, which was photographed by Elizabeth Messina at Veritas Vineyards. We wanted the table to feel rustic but sophisticated, and I think this concept is a testament to the versatility of burlap (one of my favorite materials). I love how burlap gives you a good neutral background.
Janie designed some of the most gorgeous flowers. Read more about them here.
Festive Fare in Charlottesville provided the linens and glassware, while Kristy at Monumental Designs created all of the paper. She is so talented!
I was head over heels meeting Kristine at K. Rose Cakes, who made this stunning cake. I’ve always admired her work.
We found the placecard holders at A Remark You Made on Etsy.
Thank you so much to Bride and Bloom Magazine for featuring our work, and a big thank you to Elizabeth Messina for partnering with us on this shoot!
Bride + Bloom
A big thank you to Bride and Bloom for featuring our work in the current issue! More details up next.
Bride and Bloom
Be sure to stop by next week to see more of the pretty table we designed for the current issue of Bride and Bloom magazine.
Jon + Lauren at Veritas Vineyards, Afton, Virginia
It was such a honor to be a part of Jon + Lauren’s wedding at Veritas Vineyards in Afton, Virginia. Although we were working on a crazy time line, with just two weeks to pull all of the details together, when Janie called to ask me to take part, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It was beyond thrilling to meet and work with Elizabeth Messina, K. Rose cakes and, of course, my go-to girl, Janie. I truly feel blessed! Be sure to take a look at the vendor list at the end of this post. We couldn’t have done a thing without the help of these super talented people.
Janie arranged the most beautiful flowers. This nosegay of dahlias and tulips has to be one of my all time favorite bouquets. So sweet and simple…
Lauren was such a striking bride. As Janie said, she truly is a little Carrie Bradshaw. Lauren wore two different veils both designed by Myra at Twigs & Honey. She also wore two gowns — a strapless fitted design that she slipped into later in the night and a ballgown that she wore during the ceremony.
K. Rose cakes designed Lauren and Jon’s wedding cake. Her work is outstanding, and she’s one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.
There’s something so incredibly special about the Charlottesville area…something about that area of the country – maybe it’s the mountains – puts you at ease. Veritas is incredibly special to Jon and Lauren, who met at college nearby. During their courtship, they spent many weekends making visits to the vineyards that dot the Charlottesville landscape; it was only natural that they’d have their family to a place that meant so much to them for their wedding weekend.
With the help of Pretty Pen Jen, we designed a moss covered escort card box nestled in Spanish moss that drew on the rustic feeling of the venue. Be sure to check out The Bride’s Cafe next week for a D.I.Y. tutorial.
The reception space at Veritas is a grand ballroom draped in the most beautiful pleated organza. The french doors open onto a field that overlooks the vineyards, where Jon and Lauren were married.
Thank you so much to all of the talented people who comprised our dream team. It was an honor to work with all of you! And congratulations and best wishes to Jon + Lauren.
{photography by Elizabeth Messina; flowers by Janie Medley at JM Flora/The Brides Cafe; Makeup by Erika Nixon at Makeup on Demand; Calligraphy by Pretty Pen Jen; Venue – Veritas Vineyards in Afton, Virginia; Rentals from Festive Fare, Charlottesville; Cake by K. Rose Cakes; Parasol by I Do Originals; Mr. and Mrs. signs by Family Attic Shoppe; Veil and headpiece by Myra at Twigs & Honey; Styling by Merriment Events}
Jon + Lauren’s wedding in Weddings Unveiled
Last fall I had the most amazing opportunity to work with a dream team on Jon + Lauren’s wedding at Vertias Vineyards in Charlottesville, which is featured in the current issue of Weddings Unveiled. Check back later this morning for all of the details!
Sneak peek: Elizabeth Messina
Janie and I had an amazing opportunity to work with Elizabeth Messina last weekend. Here’s a sneak peek to hold you over until the full wedding is published!
{parasol by I Do Originals}
