Modern and Rustic Winter Styled Shoot

It is always good to start Monday with a styled shoot that brightens Winter. Guys, these glimpses and teases of warm weather have been amazing. I literally asked Rusty before bed last night if we can live at the lake this summer. Hey agreed to it. It was an easy sell for me.

Even though warm weather is far off I don't mind (at all) celebrating a little winter styled shoot. Some reasons why I love styled shoots:

1. You can gather a ton of inspiration or you may only have one important detail stick out.
2. I love when talented vendors get together to show off their awesomeness.
3. I just enjoy the idea of taking something you see in your head and creating that magic in real life.

Star Noir Studio sent over today's wonderful rustic shoot but it is different than most rustic decor. It is a healthy mix of new and old. Where you have a beat up favors table, you have a shiny mirrored trunk. Where you have a farm style kitchen chair at the table you also have modern, nail trim chairs. This styled shoot shows you how to make rustic and modern decor work together. And...I love it.

{From the photographer} 
I LOVE this time of year. The nip in the air makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book. People seem happier, more generous and more willing to smile. And there is just something wonderful about getting to have special decorations that makes everything seem a bit more fun. That's why I went to Events with Alexa to help me put together this shoot. The idea behind it is a more modern take on a Rustic Winter Inspired Wedding. Instead of the well-known dark green and red, we used blush, browns and grays, with pops of red. We set up in the apple orchard at Meadhaven on what had to be the coldest day this year, and Alexa made everything come together beautifully.

{Vendors}  Photographer: Star Noir Studio // Cake Designer: Art of Cakes // Favors and Gifts: Custom Love Gifts // Event Designer: Events with Alexa // Hair Stylist: Hair 'N Makeup by Rachel Dee // Event Venue: Meadhaven // Floral Designer: Melissa Timm Designs // Heirlooms and extras: Restoration Rentals // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Savvi Formalwear // Invitation Designer: Star Noir Studio // Dress Store: Wedding Wonderland // Bride's Headband: Flourish Floral Design // Model Coordination: Gage Talent Agency //  Models: Ernie H., Alexus, Amy L., Danny G. // Bridesmaid Dresses: Euphoria Boutique // Submission: Two Bright Lights

Cotton and Wooded Styled Shoot

Today I am combining two words bohemian and rustic. You get bohemtic or rustimian or really goodmian. Yeah, I like the last one best too. I love being able to share fabulous styled shoots especially the ones that combine details like farmland, cotton and donuts. Donuts make the world go round. Just ask me on any given day. The answer remains the same.

Ashley of Luke and Ashley Photography sent over this lovely ditty. A styled shoot that creates a love of simplicity. A simple day in the woods at the kitchen table with an apple pie and the person you love. Does it get any better than that? I didn't think so either.

{From the photographer}
My husband and I own Luke and Ashley Photography. We are wedding and portrait photographers located in the Hampton Roads area of VA. I was inspired to do a simple country theme. I am a DIY girl so most of everything was put together by me. I liked the idea of apple pies and donuts for their simplicity and charm. On the day of the session it rained and instead of putting a damper on things I really think that it added to the mood and brought it all together.

{Vendors} Photographer: Luke and Ashley Photography // Second Shooter: Tammy // Furniture: Folk Art By Christine // Invitations: The Girl Tyler

All Hallows Eve Party Inspiration

LBP is a pro at featuring weddings but I am so excited to feature something different today. Different is good.

I love a good Halloween costume party. My favorite costumes thus far have been the ones that come together from what I have in my closet like President Barbie, a housewife with rollers in my hair plus a newspaper under my arm or that full sequined shorts suit I have that isn't a costume but just so startling. Yeah, it was in my closet, at the time. I graciously willed it down to another sorority sister so the legacy of a fully red, green, yellow and purple sequined shoulder pad shorts suit can carry on for generations. I do my part y'all.

I love celebrating with friends and today's inspiration is perfect for Halloween. I especially love inspiration that includes dessert. (Says girl who is currently eating a scrumptious lemon square) The Frosted Petticoat, Chinet, Silhouette America and Mia Dee Photography teamed up to create the prettiest all hallows eve party inspiration. It is so fun, festive and party ready!

{From the photographer}
This was a collaborative shoot between The Frosted Petticoat chocolate company and Chinet. The goal was to create an elegant (yet spooky) adult themed Halloween party, using supplies from The Frosted Petticoat and Chinet. Styled by the head sugar designer, Sam, at The Frosted Petticoat, the results were spectacular! The party features three distinct displays: A candy table, a pastry/dessert bookcase, and a drink bar.

{Dessert Bookcase}
The dessert bookcase is the centerpiece of the party. Sitting court atop the sweets is a coconut cake with a lavender flavored white chocolate skull topper by The Frosted Petticoat. Also on the top shelf sits a yummy selection of spicey pumpkin cupcakes with khalua cream cheese frosting, along with The Frosted Petticoat’s famous amaretto flavored white chocolate sugar skull lollipops. The second shelf boasts a gaggle of treats: The Frosted Petticoat’s coffee flavored white chocolate sugar skulls, black & white cookies adorned with The Frosted Petticoat’s mayan chili flavored dark chocolate skeleton cameos, and dark chocolate cannolis. The bottom shelf finishes off the sweet array with raspberry & mint petit-fours, chocolate cream cookies, and The Frosted Petticoat’s Irish Cream flavored white chocolate skeleton bones.

{Drink Bar}
What adult party is complete without a fabulous bar? Utilizing Chinet’s series of plastic cups, wine glasses, and cocktail stemware we were able to put together a ghoulishly delightful drink bar for the guests to enjoy. The bar features a selection of spooky artisanal beers, Californian Pinot Noir, and an Absinthe plus Lime cocktail (the night’s signature drink). Non-drinkers of the group can enjoy a decadent pumpkin spice coffee accented with snickerdoodle donut holes. And for those needing a little salt to counter all the party’s sugar, they’ll find smokehouse almonds and Italian onion bread sticks at the bar.

{Candy Bar}
The candy table welcomes the guests with an array of adult-themed treats to please the senses: Almond coconut truffle bombs, champagne flavored body part gummies, twisted black licorice, candy corn pops, vanilla marshmallow poltergeists, and dark chocolate wafers. In addition, The Frosted Petticoat’s specialty chocolates add a gourmet aspect to the table with a large cookies & cream black chocolate skull and a set of hand painted Day of the Dead bride and groom edible toppers. Lastly, guests can wet their whistle with a gulp of “Poison” (sparkling mineral water). The “All Hallows Eve” sign was created using only a Silhouette machine and Chinet’s paper plates (a great example of how repurposing inexpensive paper goods can easily glam up any party).

{Vendors} Photographer: Mia Dee Photography / Paper Props: Chinet / DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Silhouette America / Favors and Gifts: The Frosted Petticoat / Submission: Two Bright Lights