Update Through Pictures

I realize that I haven't posted in FOREVER, well since March, which is basically forever in the world of blog posting. Anyways, I am really going to try to get back to posting more regularly. For now, I will give you an update through pictures of what I have been up to lately. I feel like it has just been weddings, weddings, weddings (which is good, since that's what I do), but looking back through pictures, I realized that I have snuck a few other projects in as well. I have many wedding and interior design jobs to share with you but they have quite a few pictures and each deserve their own post, so those will be coming soon. 

I made this wreath just before Easter. Being a southern girl, I love the natural appeal of cotton so I added it to a grapevine wreath and tied it off with a burlap bow. 

In the midst of planning weddings, I also planned a sock monkey themed first birthday party. These were the custom party hats that I designed. I have many more pictures from the photographer to share later.

One of my clients had an unfinished toy chest that I repurposed into an elegant, mirrored piece for her dining room. It's amazing what you can do with some metallic spray paint and mirrors.

For a client's bedroom, I made a drop cloth covered headboard with nailhead trim. I also designed the bedroom and painted several furniture pieces.

A client's dining room got a make-over, keeping the antique furniture and adding modern elements including a leopard print rug, abstract painting, and mercury glass.

In March, the boyfriend and I flew out to Dallas (which I completely fell in love with) to search for an apartment for him. After two days of hunting, he decided on this building which is in the trendy Uptown area. It has a basketball court on the third floor, an incredible fitness room, and is within walking distance of about 60 restaurants, not to mention all the little shops. 

In May, I was able to fit in a family beach trip to Destin, FL. It was a super relaxing week spending quality time with all my favorite people.

The boyfriend despises taking pictures but since his mom insisted and he knew I was wanting to play with my camera, he cooperated for a few graduation shots around Auburn University. This was one of my favorites, because apparently this is his "smart" look, which is appropriate since he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering.

My best friend is 6 months pregnant! I can't believe how time flies. With only three months left until her little girl arrives, I am designing her nursery with custom bedding and furniture. I am so excited to see it all finished and put together.

So that pretty much sums up my life as of lately. More to come as soon as possible!

My Home Office

This past summer we converted the guest room (actually more of a storage room) into my home office. It has been a slow process getting it to this point, but it is now one of my favorite spaces. I chose Martha Stewart's "Sharky Gray" for the wall color and added white furniture to keep the room light and airy. It is a fairly small room so the light colors helped in that respect as well. Since my business is in the wedding industry, I wanted it to have a soft, romantic feel but at the same time, I wanted to add a few fun quirky pieces since the rest of the house is pretty neutral colored. I am still new at the whole photography thing and this room was extremely hard to capture. I thought since I just got the camera, it would be a long time before I would see the need to purchase additional lenses. Definitely not the case. A wide angle lens would have made photographing this room a million times easier, but for now I made do with what I have. Anyways, welcome to my office!

I love that it is so feminine!

The pink drapes incorporate my company color.

Dogs (small breeds only) are always welcome in my office and can lay in the hot pink bed if they choose.

Monograms are my thing so of course my chair is no exception. The mirrored chest was a gift from the boyfriend and one of my favorite pieces of furniture. It adds the perfect amount of glam (and is a nice home for my printer).

I painted both of these pieces a while back but they really didn't fit with the rest of the house. I loved the bold black frame with the metallic giraffe paired with the soft abstract canvas. Then I added a pop of turquoise with the Kate Spade box, which belongs to a cake serving set, a vintage wedding cake topper, and a wedding etiquette book. Just keeping with the wedding theme.

I found this cute metal card holder at Staples to show off my pretty pink business cards.

I seriously wouldn't make it without my daily planner. I'm very pro-tchnology but some things just need to be written down. If it's not in my planner, it's not getting done.

My office is consumed with wedding magazines and these are some of my all time favorites.

My bulletin board was a little boring so I painted the edges gold to glam it up a bit. 

The old window showcases pictures from a few of my recent weddings. I used it for a bridal show and decided to keep it out for decor. I love using windows to display photos.

When I saw this Yorkie picture at Home Goods, it reminded me so much of my Presleigh. I also had to get the cute pink treat container. I told you, it's a pet-friendly place.

I had been wanting a leopard print rug to add a little sass to the room. I happened upon this one at Ross and it was dirt cheap and the perfect size.

I got this magazine holder at the thrift store and it was the perfect height for a little window seat. I added some faux fur material and it became Presleigh's favorite spot to sit while I work. She lets me know when we have visitors.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my home office! Enjoy the weekend!

Desk- Ikea

Clear Chair- Ikea

Chair Cover- World Market

Chandelier- Ikea

Drapes- Target

Mirrored Chest- TJ Maxx

White Cabinets- Home Depot

Window Seat- Thrift Store/Faux Fur- Jo Ann Fabric/Pillow- Ross

Rug- Ross

Lamp- Old Time Pottery

Yorkie Framed Art- Home Goods/ Treat Container- Home Goods

Window- Antique Store

Jennifer Oetting Photography

You've seen many pictures on my blog before that were taken by one my of my best friends, Jennifer Oetting Dooley. But I want to completely dedicate this post to showcasing her amazing work. She has a very creative approach to photography with thousands of unique ideas, and most importantly, the ability to capture the emotion of the moment. Jennifer photographs everything including newborns, families, senior portraits, engagement shoots, parties, weddings, maternity, trash-the-dress, and more. Not only is she an outstanding photographer, but she is truly an amazing person. I am so thankful to have her as a friend and also be able to work with her as I begin my journey of starting my own business (more on that later). 
These are a few of the pictures she took of me so that I would have professional shots for my business (and not cropped, blurry pictures from facebook).

These are few of my favorites from various shoots by Jennifer Oetting Photography.

Check out the website to view slideshows of more of her work at jenniferoetting.com

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing dad in the world! I could not ask for a more generous, supportive, loving father. He is truly an incredible role model and such a daily inspiration. Although it drives my mom crazy at times how much we are alike, I feel blessed to have received any of his qualities. My dad will always be the first man that I ever loved and will always have my heart. I love you more than you will ever know!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mom! She is so beautiful, inside and out, and I will never be able to repay her for all that she has done for me. I am so thankful have such a strong, wonderful woman as my role model and best friend. I love her more than she will ever know!