Styled Shoot: Company 251

When I was invited to a styled shoot by the talented Elisabeth Dari at Company 251 I couldn’t say “yes!” quick enough! This venue has been on my list since it opened. The natural elements of the building combined with gorgeous mixed metals, tiles and modern, minimalistic design aesthetic is the perfect canvas for all styles of weddings. Elisabeth drew inspiration from the history of the location, combined with an organic and romantic vibe—and wow—it is just too dreamy beyond words!

I created a custom invitation suite featuring lush, watercolor greenery flowing through out all the pieces and soft hints of the cobalt blue color that would be present in the cake, flowers and table decor. I love how my Rose calligraphy through out the suite create the romantic feel even before stepping into the gorgeous venue! I reflected the mixed metals elements of the space in the invites through an antique gold RSVP envelope and by using metallic ink on the mailing address.

My favorite piece of the entire look had to be the custom watercolor Save the Date of the building itself! I loved creating this gorgeous and unique vintage postcard that could be used as a keepsake for the couple.

Vendors, Artists, Producers

Venue | @company251

Design and Styling| @elisabethdari

Photography |@ev_photography

Cinematography | @kevinwagan

Floral |@stemmingfromlove @stevesflowermarket

Paper goods | @linalulupaperie

Catering | @flourishjuiceco

Bakery | @eyecandybakeshop

Bridal Boutique | @brizancouture

Artistry | @bsansostiartistry

All in the Details

Table Runner | @fabricwholesaledirect

Table Napkins, Flatware, Ring Box | #vintage Crystal Goblets, Mocktail Coupe | #vintage

Water Goblets | @lenoxusa #vintage Dinnerware | @westelm @westelmchicago

Garrett Spring Soirée: April 2019

I was invited by sales manager, Sarah Ruth, to participate in this years Garrett Spring Soirée, a brunch event exclusivley for brides in the Chicago area! A timeless snack synonymous with Chicago itself, Garret Popcorn and Frango brands have so many delicious varieties of goodies that would be a great addition to both bridal and wedding events! I was so excited to get a chance to create one of a kind, calligraphy favors on their min tins.

Set-up in their corporate office, this fun event include the incredible brands Kendra Scott, Cecil’s Flowers, Tablescape Lines, DJ, and Roanoke restaurant, Pinestripes catering, and more. I had a great time meeting so many great couples and friends in the industry. With small displays of what the brand could offer from table mints to popcorn bars for your guests to make your mix. My favorite was their pairing bar of popcorn, chocolate and drinks —how fun!

Craft Show: International Women's Day Maker Fair

I was invited to participate in the 1871 International Women’s Day conference makers fair back in March. Hosted at their co-working space, 1871 had a full day of lectures and workshops for women to come to and take part in. As apart of the day, they had around 35 women makers set-up in a small pop-up shop makers fair. It was great opportunity to meet so many amazing kick-ass women entrepreneurs and to show off some new items in the shop. Thanks 1871 for hosting!

Photos by 1871/Victoria Messina

Styled Shoot: Vintage Tuscany at Galleria Marchetti

I am thrilled to have been apart of this gorgeous, inspired shoot !Designed by the talented and kind  Lillian Rose Events, the tuscan elements combined with charm and elegant details of Galleria Marchetti created for a romantic, old world feeling wedding here in the Midwest! All photos by Jasko Omerovic Photography. For all vendor involved check the list below!

Inspired by the romantic fields and wineries of Italy, I chose to work with earth tones and simplistic elements. A custom monogram surrounded by olives adorned the main invitation (swoon!). The olives leaves are carried though out the rest of the wedding paper goods from the details card all the way to the wax seal bringing texture the the table menus.

My favorite two elements from the invitation suite quickly became the Italian tile inspired envelope liner and the lush, custom painted country side RSVP postcard. Both elements bring in more color to an other wise soft and romantic feeling invitation.

Each paper element, though slightly varied from one another, are all connected through the calligraphy. I used my Lily style to bring a romantic but modern movement to each element. Choosing a soft grey ink allowed each paper good to feel rustic and compliment the gorgeous tones of the vintage dishes, beautiful table linens and gorgeous muted toned florals.

To find more of this stunning shoot and a gorgeous video capturing the experience, check out the post from Chicago Style Weddings

Find the incredible and talented vendors here:

Venue: Galleria Marchetti, Photographer: Jasko Omerovic Photography, Videography: Newlyweds Cinema, Event Planner: Lillian Rose Events, Floral: Phillips Flowers, Décor & Rentals: Dish & Decor Vintage Rentals, Hair & Makeup: Meghana Prasad, Stationery: Lina Lulu Paperie, Linens: BBJ Linen, Bride’s Gown: Edith Élan via Dame Couture, Bride’s Shoes: James Ciccotti, Bride’s Accessories: Davie & Chio; Ti Adoro Jewelry; Jennifer Leigh Veil Design,  Formalwear: The Groomsman Suit, Models: Naftali Kark & Stephanie Straka

Trending Wedding Colors: Summer 2019

Flowers | Table Decor | Escort Card Table | Brides Dress | Lina Lulu Paperie Clementine Suite | Cake | Grooms Tie

In the Midwest, summer weddings are king! With warm weather, lush green backdrops and plenty of patios and to celebrate on, you can’t go wrong with a wedding between end of May and early September. I love that bold, rich warm tones of Fall are being mixed with soft, dusty hues like sage and rose of Spring with pops of fun saturated colors to create a whole new summer palette.

With lush greens creating a neutral backdrop in any season this year, try adding pops of whimsy with fruit in unexpected places, starting with your invitation suite by using out gorgeous clementine mixed patterns. This bold and whimsical choice will make a splash among your guests and can come in handy for unexpected escort card holders, center pieces or signature drink flavors. Round out your bold colors with solid neutrals such as charcoal, soft grey or a dusty navy blue. Whether mixing patterns, colors or textures—you will love the outcome of your day in the sun!

Trending Wedding Colors: Spring Blues

Clockwise from left corner: Bridal party | florals | groomsman | Lina Lulu Paperie watercolor wedding suite | Outdoor arbor | Cake

When you think of blue, you often will think of the winter months full of frost, snow and cool tones. With dusty and subdue pallets becoming a trend in the past year, soft blue is having a gorgeous moment not only in the winter months, but shining in the lineup this Spring alongside wedding veterans such as navy blue, dark green, and blushing pinks.

From a casual beach wedding to a an elegant southern formal— this cool tone is an easy color to pair and blend to any decor. With our watercolor wedding suite acting as the backdrop for this breezy affair, I imagine this romantic early spring wedding full of this soft, blue hue emphasized in the flowers, table linens and even the cake. Accompanied by lush greens, moody golds and dark blues this soft blue will help move your event out of the cool of the winter and breath a breath of fresh air into your spring affair.

Society for Creative Founders: Spring 2018 recap

At this very moment 27 women are gathered in Pensacola, Florida in a beautiful oceanside home building into themselves, their businesses and creating strong foundations for their passions to continue to grow and support them through their creative business. I was one of those women just 6 months ago during the Society for Creative Founders Spring 2018 conference. The impact it has had and continues to have on me and my business has been huge!

Building a creative business is exhausting both mentally and physically. It is often lonely and isolating working at home, out of the library and coffee shops. It feels like most people think I am just pursuing a fancy hobby and don’t quite understand what I am actually doing, why it matters and the hard work and hours that go into it.

When I finally said “Yes!” to going to The Creative Founders Conference after many conversations with Kristin, the owner and leader, as well as my husband—I said yes to not only pouring into my business but pouring into myself. I was incredibly nervous to go to a house for three days with women I didn’t know, in a town I had never been to, to learn and grow a business I sometimes questioned why I was still pursuing.

Leaving The Creative Founders Conference renewed in me a sense of purpose, equipped me with a community and resources I use weekly (if not daily), and continues to be a marker of growth in this crazy adventure of being a business owner. Here are a few take aways of why this conference was so impactful for me:

Community is key.

Walking into the The Lee House that first afternoon I was nervous and intimidated to meet all these talented ladies. Stepping into the lobby I was instantly relieved because I could feel it in everyone—we were all nervous and intimidated because we didn't know how the next three days would go! Despite where we were at in our personal businesses, we all started with fresh slates for the conference. As the hours went on and we got to know one another, connections were created and joy was a top emotion in every session and meal. It was so refreshing to be around others who understood my daily feelings about what I was doing and why I was doing it and had the same doubts and worries I battled. Though we have physically been removed from one another since the conference, the community of these women is very real and authentic. We continue to connect with one another through social media, video chats and emails. This alone was worth going to the conference!

Growing and learning is necessary and you shouldn't do it alone.

With such a solid group of ladies around, you will be immersed in the 6 pillars (Your Core, Your Client, Your Brand, Your Marketing, Your Money, Your Plan) of SCF with incredible speakers (who I will add sat in the session with us as peers when not teaching) who go in depth about their topic and how to apply it to your business. Like most creative entrepreneurs, I taught myself almost everything about business/being an entrepreneur I know through countless webinars, books and mostly Google. I felt the most important part of this conference was getting to learn side by side with the other women in the room. Could I have done these same topics through a book or webinar? Of course—but the benefit of sitting in a room full of others walking the same road during each session and personally hearing and learning from all the different perspectives increased the experience tenfold. With the resources of new business friends, I also left with a workbook full of notes I refer to weekly, and information that has impacted my business acumen greatly.

Taking advantage of the abundance of knowledge.

I often find personally I don’t know what to ask at conferences or classes when the question time comes around because I am still processing the information I just heard. Many of my questions come to me after the session is well and done. The sessions were chalk full of so much amazing information but what I found was different from other conferences was the speakers and my new friends genuinely were open to answering questions during after the session time or topic was “finished”. I never felt like I was burdening them when I would ask my questions and they always answered them with genuine, honest and full answers. Even now, as a part of the SCF online community, I know I can reach out and ask questions or bounce ideas off these friends and get thought out and encouraging answers.

You will be surrounded in beauty and resources.

Kristin, the owner and leader of SCF, is a former event planner and current wedding invitation designer. With that in mind she did an incredible job from start to finish creating a relaxing but stimulating atmosphere in every environment we were in. From the moment we walked in the conference room the delights and surprises kept coming from each session to each session. My little designer heart was so full with the well coordinated details and the excellent use of branding! We were spoiled with goodies of all shapes and sizes. It is a true testament to the power of the SCF community wanting to build one another up and cheer each other on as we all left with suitcases overflowing with products donated from alumni who have growing businesses touched by the teachings of SCF and conference sponsors who desired to see us have the best products possible. It was a sweet reminder that there is so much room for each of us to spread our magic in the creative world.

Being apart of The Society of Creative Founders and attending the Creative Founders Conference has been a key growth mark in my business and has helped me focus more on the areas I need to grow in. I left with a sense of direction, accountability partners, and friends that I love cheering on as we build our businesses side by side through the unity of being Creative Founders.

Interested in seeing more of my time at the conference? Check of the conference recap for Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3. Learn more about the 2019 conference here! Plus follow along this week as they go through round two at the Fall conference on Instagram!

The Big Fake Wedding: Chicago 2018

When I heard about the Big Fake Wedding, I immediately thought about when I was a bride planning for my own big day. Being younger in age as a newly engaged bride-to-be, I hadn't attended many weddings with the mindset of what I liked about them and if I would repeat anything for my own day.

The concept of the Big Fake Wedding is so simple and smart. They come to a city, gathering talented local vendors and “create an experiential opportunity for wedding vendors to showcase their products and services to shopping brides and grooms just as they would at a real wedding.” You get to see the wedding in the form of a vow renewal ceremony and the reception complete with drinks, DJ and dancing. The best part s if you like something you see, taste or hear you can talk to the vendors who created it right then and there! How cool is that?

Each city is a different theme and experience for the couples attending, and Chicago did not disappoint. With the theme of “World Royalty” and pulling from beautiful, rich tones—there was so much inspiration to play with! Check out how the day pulled together over all:

The venue was the beautiful Zhou B Art Center owned and founded by two Chinese brothers, both incredible artist who rent out the space for art exhibits and events. This industrial and chic venue was full of charm and some seriously beautiful art.

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

My role in this big day was one of two invitation designers. With such a rich color scheme and moodboard full of pattern and texture to work from, I knew that I wanted to do something more elevated than a standard invite to incorporate these elements. After deciding on this beautiful paper cut folder in a rich gold to house the invitation suite, I wanted to incorporate each color in a unique way on the rest of the accenting pieces.

Blending the free strokes of the watercolor with the formality of the calligraphy created the perfect mixture of classic and modern that would be represented in both the venue and the elements of the wedding day overall. I loved how this suite represented the theme in a chic way!

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Thais Photography

The day flowed like a real wedding, complete with photos of the “bridal” party, ceremony and reception. The bride and groom who modeled for the day performed a vow renewal during the ceremony portion including their pastor, real friends and family in their “bridal” party.

It was a beautiful ceremony complete with string quartet playing a custom arrangement as the bridal party walked down the aisle and an incredible copper arch with lush florals serving as the backdrop for the bride and groom’s ceremony. The reception was full and fun with fantastic appetizers, desserts and specialty mixed drinks. The bride even performed a special choreographed dance mid reception!

Thank you again to the team at The Big Fake Wedding for having me, it was such a fun party to be apart of and incredible to meet so many wonderful couples!

Thais Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Elizabeth Greve Photography | Mila Craila

Elizabeth Greve Photography

Cakes & Catering SOCIAL sparkling wine @socialsparklingwine

Favors & DetailsThe Standard Canvas @TheStandardCanvas

Groom & His MenBlank Label @blanklabelclothing

Bridesmaid Dresses Brideside Jewelry European Jewelry @europeanjewelryinc

Photo Booth Smilebooth@smilebooth

Cake ParfaitsVanille Pattisserie@vanillechicago

Day Of CoordinatorWedicity. DJ & EmceeCharizma Entertainment Group

Floral & Event Design: Bouquets, Boutonnieres & Tables 5,6,7 Eden

Floral & Event Design: Ceremony Backdrop & Tables 1,2 Nightshade Floral

Floral & Event Design: Flower Wall & Tables 3,4 Crafts By Stacey @craftsbystacey

Hair Styling Carrie Kacen Hair and Make-up Artistry @carriekacen

Hotel Accommodations W Hotel @wcitycenter

Invitations The Paperie Co @thepaperieco | Lina Lulu Paperie @linalulupaperie

Craft Cocktails CraftYours @craftyours

Makeup Artist Fearless & Bella @fearlessandbella

Marshmallow Favors Malvi: Marshmallow Confections @malvimallow

Catering LM Catering @lmcateringchi

Seating Chart, Custom Drawing, & Paper Goods XO Art & Design @xo_artanddesign

Dance Lessons Windy City Wedding Dance @windycityweddingdance

Photo Magnets Flash Magnets @flashmagnets

Ceremony Musician Bridge and Bow Music

Wedding Registry Mishkalo@mishkaloregistry Wedding Cake ECBG Cake Studio

Signage & Custom Jackets KRorerDecor @krorerdecor

Sparkling Water Spindrift Cookies Warm Belly Bakery @warmbellybakery

Table Accents The Blonde Scribe @theblondescribe

Travel Agent LovinAway @lovinaway

Photographers Thais Photography @bythaisphotography | Mila Craila Photography @milacrailaphotography | Elizabeth Greve Photography @egpwed

Venues Zhou B Art Center @zhoubevents

Wedding Dresses Winnie Couture @winniecouture

Wedding Films Eyework Studios

Styled Shoot : Figment Photography

When Morgan contacted me to be apart of an English garden themed shoot I fell in love with the vision. I was so excited to work along side her and the teams vision. When I saw these final images, it made me want to get married all over again in this dreamy world. 

With a Gaelic/English Garden inspiration interwoven through out the shoot, I had the opportunity to help create the invitation, as well as a few proverbs that adorned the table. Sweet and simple with violets and grey ink, the deckled edges of the paper was the perfect last touch to bring this old world invite to this lush, modern setting.

I loved creating the delicate hand-drawn violets for both the invitation and this Irish proverbs. The grey-blue ink was the perfect compliment to this gorgeous outdoor affair.

Vendors:

Photographer: Figment Photography figmentphoto.com
Florist: Event Floral event-floral.com
Bakery: Bella Luna Bakery bellalunabakeryrockford.com
Hair + Makeup: Shear Renewal shearrenewal.com
Calligraphy: Lina LuLu Paperie
Table: More to a Door,  Instagram: @more2adoor
Ribbons: A Ribbon's Nest, Instagram: @aribbonsnest
Rings: Bentwood Rings, Instagram: @bentwoodrings
 

Portfolio: Baby Virgil Adventure Shower

Have you seen a sweeter looking baby shower? I had the privilege of working with Lauren and her mom for her wedding a few years back and just loved getting to celebrate this next step with them as they welcome a little boy this Spring. The theme was bears and adventure with a classic twist! How cute are all the details!

I had so much fun working with Deb from the concept of the invites to all the day-of pieces. My favorite piece is the Peter Pan quote that will hang in the nursery. Congratulations to Taylor and Lauren as they celebrate their little boys arrival!

Free Download: Valentines Day Card

Love comes in all manners and today I want to give a little love back with two free printable Valentines Day Cards! It is never to late to tell the ones you love that you are thinking of them. Happy Valentines Day!

Download the cards here: Happy Valentines Day | Kisses

Christmas Greeting Cards Preview

Thanksgiving is almost here and December will be here before you know it. Check out some of my new and favorite greeting cards for the holidays.

Find these and a handful more in my shop on Easy!

Modern Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

When thinking about Thanksgiving, it had me dreaming about the whole holiday season. I thought it would be fun to imagine a table that could transition from Thanksgiving day  to a more universal table for the winter season. 

To add dimension and a special touch, each napkin was wrapped in gold bakers twine with lavender and a watercolor leaf with the word "thankful".

I love the idea of mixing patterns and using the nontraditional fall color of blue to create a fun modern Thanksgiving table. This table and many of the elements could transition to a winter/Christmas table with some simple color and floral changes through out the season. (I'm thinking maybe wine colored tapers and adding glittery baubles among the pine cones).

To keep the warmth of Fall present and the table relevant to Thanksgiving, I included warm metallics like the gold chargers, flatware and the brass candle holders.

To include the theme throughout the room, I added a simple chalk-board sign to the sideboard pulling in the florals and pinecone. These signs are perfect to quickly change simple greetings, add a favorite holiday drink menu, or keep score for a family game after dinner!

Decoration:

Calligraphy: Lina Lulu Paperie | Dinner Plates  | Bowls | Salad Plates | Silverware | Table Runner from T.J. Maxs | Place Mats (Similar) | Brass Candle Holders (Family Heirloom ) Simular Item | Blue Glass Candle Holders (Family Heirloom ) Similar Item | Pine Cones | Napkins,Target Dollar Section | Chalk Sign, Target Dollar Section | Wooden Server

Traditional Thanksgiving Table Inspiration

When I think of a traditional Thanksgiving, I think of warm Fall colors (like brown, red and orange), leaves and happy turkeys. Those thoughts became the inspiration for this traditional Thanksgiving table, including almost all my favorite fall items.

To add a special touch to each guests seat, I included a custom coaster doubling as a name card. Underneath the name card, I placed a peice of paper that each guest could jot down what they were thankful for as a keepsake and reminder for the year to come. 

Filling the table with pumpkins gives a fun nod to the bounty of the first Thanksgiving pictures of the event often depicts. I chose silver plates and silverware to offset the warm tones reflected in the placemats, pumpkins, acorns and pinecones.

Calligraphy : Lina Lulu Paperie | Table Runner, TJ Maxs | Silver Ware | China Setting | Napkins, TJ Maxs | Wooden Coasters | Pine Cones | Acorns | Glass Candle Holders | Fairy Lights

Christmas Photo Cards Preview

So excited to preview a handful of my Christmas cards. For more cards header to the Etsy shop for both photo cards and seasonal greeting cards.

Styled Shoot: Being Joy Photography at Venue 5126

I met Joy this summer at a local wedding gathering and instantly loved her spirit and vibe. I then proceeded to fall in love with her style and gorgeous photos! She invited me to be a part of an amazing team assembled to create a gorgeous boho inspired shoot  at Venue 5126 in Oswego, Illinois. 

Finding the right mix of modern, boho, and romantic was my aim as I created a simple but sophisticated wedding suite for this shoot. A combination of hand drawn botanicals, calligraphy and gold embossing become the perfect mix to produce a wild and tame feeling all in one.

The Incredible Vendor team included: Photography, Being Joy Photography  | Venue and Props, Venue 5126. | Flowers, Ashland and Addison, RJPdesigns | Gowns, Victoria Sdoukos Couture. | Hair, Hair By Dorthi. | Make-Up, Alana G | Models, Gabija Guzauskaite and Whitman Johnson

Five Years Strong

Five Years ago, I nervously slipped on my white dress, clutched on to my father's arm and walked down the aisle to my future. The day was beautiful and I remember being so filled with joy and adrenaline. I can still hear that hotel clerk's voice the next morning as I ordered room service repeating my new name back to me, Mrs. Hutchison. 

We will celebrate with a trip in October, but took the time while up at our family lake house to capture some photos with my sweet and talented sis-in-law, Ema.(She was a champ and even floated out to get some amazing water shots (like the above)!) Minocqua was where we honeymooned and the place that has held a special place in my husband's family for over twenty years, and now in our family of two for the last five years. I love that we get to return to such a special place, that we get to experience it with our loved ones, and one day in the future we will take our own expanded family there too. 

Happy anniversary Reid. You will forever be my always and I would have it no other way. 

Life Lately: Family History

 In late August, we headed up to Chilton,Wisconsin to celebrate my grandmother Emma's family at the Big Schmahl family reunion. My grandmother was one of 10 children from German immigrants, Anna and Peter Schmahl. We gathered in the Eagles Club in their hometown with family I both recognized and family, to be honest, I didn't. On one side of the room, several tables were filled with picture, albums, certificates and the above painting. I knew exactly whose hand produced the work without even seeing the piece before—my father. The line strokes felt familiar and it drew me in as so many of my father's sketches over the years have. The picture is of my great Uncle Peter Jr.'s hotel that still stands in the downtown area of Chilton, now renovated to apartments. I loved that my dad contributed so many years ago to the legacy of his family in the best way he knew how, capturing it in art. He has so many memories going to the hotel when visiting his grandparents, aunts and uncles during the summer, and of the hotel being the hub of large family gatherings and a staple in the town. I loved that he and my mother have past this love of black ink and paper to me, and the desire still lives on in my hands to capture family moments.

I leafed through the pictures showing off the family my father knew and cared for, and I knew only through stories. I read through memories of my grandmother as a young girl growing up in the town, stories from her sisters and brothers and I saw the naturalization certificate my great grandfather was so proud of. He and Anna made a bold choice to move from the country they knew to raise a family in the United States at the turn of the century. My father told me it was one of my great grandfather's most cherished possessions, and now it is mine too. 

Stationery Classics: Party Animal

My favorite birthday card I have created would hands down be these penguins. Adorned in their finest party attire, these penguins were originally sketched out for a New Years card. Yes, these dapper gentlemen were meant for the New Year, but I loved them so much I knew they need to send more cheer all year long. I'm so glad these guys turned into my most beloved card.

Mothers Day Renegade Market

Last month we had a great time at the annual Renegade Craft Fair, Chicago Pop-Up. We definitely lucked out with amazing weather both days, great crowds and a beautiful setting near their new offices in Pilsen. I loved getting to know new vendors, saying hi to clients I have seen before at the fair and debuting my new notepads. It was a fun weekend celebrating a great kick off to the summer and of course Mothers Day — with a surprise showing by my very own sweet mom!

Beautiful art work on the side of one of the buildings.