Real Party: Chloe's Pink, Grey and Red Dessert Table!

IMAGE CREDIT: SHAY COCHRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hey y'all! Okay, I'm just going to come out and say it...we've been burning the midnight oil here at Chic Sweets, so at 34 weeks pregnant I am going to admit that when I'm not working my tail off, hangin' out with the kiddos or decorating Baby Preston's nursery, I'm asleep with my swollen feet raised up under a dozen pillows!

So onto more interesting topics other than my venting, EXTREMELY excited to share with you this latest party. This table was for Chloe's 2nd birthday and was shot by her amazing mother Shay Cochrane, owner of Shay Cochrane photography. We were lucky enough to work with Shay on a previous photoshoot here with Every Last Detail. And if we go back even further, we first crossed paths during Making Things Happen with Lara Casey--a workshop and journey that has changed my life forever.

Shay also happens to be a genius photographer who was able to turn around some great images. I mean, really, I just keep on staring at these pictures...the lighting.....the daisies...the way all of the colors pop...the backdrop...I can honestly say that it's photographers like Shay that help bring my work to another level. So Shay, if you get a chance to read this: THANK YOU.

If you would like to read Shay's original post on her own blog, click here.

Enjoy!

Natalie

Clarity

It's taken me some time to write this post. Just wasn't sure where it would go so I'm just going to stop overthinking everything and just let my fingers do the typing.

We just wrapped up a hectic week with midweek events, running on NO sleep, on edge, stressed out...near tears and breakdowns more times than I can count. Thank you God for my parents that have an amazing sixth sense, and were able to change last minute plans to come and help us both recharge. Mom and Dad--if you happen to take a look at this, there just aren't any words except I love you both. That's all.

So after everyhing is said and done, we were gearing up for my son, Spencer's first day at school and I can't even begin to tell you the emotions that ran through both my husband and I.  Here I was, with a laundry list of my own issues, and everything suddenly became very clear for me, and yup, the clouds parted. And that inner voice, crept up, reminding me as to why me and husband work our butts off and why we do what we do. It's so I can wrap my arms around Spencer and smother him with more kisses than he will ever want. It's to see that goofy smile of his and send him off to school. It's so he can one day look back and see everything his parents did for him and know that there isn't anything he can't do in life. And although life may be seem particularly tough at times, nothing will ever be important than family and the love shared between all of us.

Spence-y, I love you so much and I feel so amazingly proud to be you mama and cannot wait to start this journey with you, my silly, little goof ball.

And my breakdown when we said goodbye. My husband pushed me out of the classroom before I completely lost it..hee...hee.

Rebranding and Lessons Learned

Hello everyone! Hope all of you are having a great week! I've been a bit scattered lately--you would think that having a slow week or two would be a much needed rest, but ironically it just reminds me of how much I need to catch up on....which in turn, makes me want to hide my 7-month pregnant butt under the covers!

In any case, some good news, website and blog are coming along wonderfully. Karrie Pyke has been ever so patient with me and it's just great to work with someone that just gets it. It also has involved a lot of homework on my end--what do I want the site to look like? Feel like? Ummmm....

To begin with, I was very cautious about entering the "rebranding" territory because I don't take that term lightly. It seems like everyday I'm hearing about a new site relaunching, but I'm a firm believer in that your logo, the colors, symbols, and tagline do not alone make up your brand. Honestly I wish it was that easy.  For me, a brand is the collection of everything you say and everything you do, all rolled up into what defines your brand. Changes in your approach, redefinition of core values--all of this happens below a level that your client would even notice. So bottom line? A name and a logo are key to getting recognized, but despite what many would think, they aren't the be all and end all, not by a long shot. And that my friends, has given me plenty to think about.

So on that note, above is a little glimpse into the site...just a glimpse. Still a long way to go but we are getting there. I just can't imagine how I'm gonna feel when this all comes together--to be honest I have so many feelings at this point, it's still hard to process. What else is there--let's see...updating marketing materials, continuously working on inspiration boards, narrowing down photos that will make the site and oh yeah and working on some different concepts that will be included as an add-on to our services. The ideas are there, just can't wait to see it all come together.

Natalie

Rusty Pelican Wedding with Mandy and Me Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: MANDY AND ME PHOTOGRAPY

When I realized I had to write this blog post I found myself getting sad. I have to admit, I got very attached to my bride's wonderful mother, Maria. From weekly emails to phonecalls, by the time the wedding came along, I felt like I knew Maria better than my own bride (in a non-stalkerish kind of way, I swear). Luckily, Maria is one of those wonderful mothers who still, months later, stays in touch with me, so I can still hang on! :)

This wedding was absolutely beautiful. When Larissa (our stunning bride) saw the table, the first words out of her mouth, was "that is exactly what I was envisioning!" Indeed, by the time this wedding came along, Maria and I had covered every detail--from the black and white damask backdrop to the various shades of pink that would cover the table through the candy and desserts. And to add the sparkle, all of our vessals were lined in a bright pink paper.

And moving forward, I will be sharing a glimpse into the design behind each of our tables. I'm always one of those that likes to know all the behind the scenes stuff, so I figured I would share a bit of what goes into when we design each of our tables!

Enjoy! Natalie

Vendor Credits:

Dessert Table Concept and Design: Chic Sweets

Photography: Mandy and Me Studios

Linen: Connie Duglin

Venue: Rusty Pelican

Baby Preston's Nursery and Redefining my Workspace

Hello Everyone! Feels like July has completely flown by. I thought June would be a lighter month for us but we were busy-working bees up until last week. Had a blast producing some great dessert tables but oh, so grateful to have a breather and catch up on some much needed rest (and some blogging) for the next few weeks.

So I wanted to share some fun work I've been doing with Baby Preston's room. As you know, our family is growing by the second, an..er...month and space in our home is getting smaller and smaller. I had intended to convert my 3 year old's room into my workspace but with Baby Preston coming in October, plans had to change...just a little bit. Since I'm one of those stubborn moms that refuse to believe that I can't have a career, family and a little space I can call my own, I'm attempting to create a space that will work not only for Baby Preston but for me as well. I know...I know...I may fail bitterly at all of this, but what can I say, I'm stubborn as hell! Not to mention that with all the challenges of being mommy and pregnant, it's been quite refreshing to throw myself into something different and that doesn't involve my work.

So, where do I start? Well, first I'm tackling Baby Preston's side of the room, using a gender-neutral palette that will work for the whole room. Picture below. In addition to the color palette and geometric patterns in the bedding, also using vintage airplanes to add "the boy" element.

Currently, we've tackled painting the room which I should paraphrase by saying that I picked the paint and my gracious husband took care of the rest. Everything turned out better than I can imagine and I have to say that all the times my husband has painted dessert table backdrops must have really come in handy because he did an AMAZING job.

So what's next? Well, narrowed down the bedding which I'm super stoked about. Since I couldn't translate what I had in mind to anything I liked in stores, I turned to ETSY seller, Katie Bug Creativity who put together fabric swatches for me....can't wait to see how everything will turn out. Now just looking to add-on to the room with additional decor....and ...er...well, trying not to break the bank at the same time, so we'll just have to see how that goes (hope hubby is not reading this)! Once I start making some leeway on the nursery (side), I'll start working on my workspace. More updates to come...wish me luck!

Natalie

Quince with RSBP Events and Pezz Photo

PHOTO CREDITS: PEZZ PHOTO

Yippee! Love when I get photos to share. This one was put together without much time, but I thought everything turned out wonderfully. It was also one of our first times working closely with RSBP's Brooke Palmer. Brooke is an AMAZING person with not only a knack for putting great productions together, but along with her work in the nonprofit industry and public relations' clients...she truly does it all.

Some details about the Quince: okay, before we start, can we just pause for a moment and say STUNNING. Natalie's parents made sure to cover the details, from the breathtaking floral and event design, to the entertainment, everything just came together to create an evening I don't believe Natalie will ever forget!

Oh...and when I say entertainment, I mean, ENTERTAINMENT. The Beach Girls5 made an appearance and their performance was the highlight of the evening. Well, next to our dessert table, of course ;)

Enjoy!

Vendor Credits:
Dessert Table Concept and Styling: Chic Sweets
Event Planning: RSBP Events
Venue: The Florida Aquarium
Photography: Amy Pezz of Pezz Photo
Draping, Entrance & Chandeliers: Conceptbait
Lighting: Baystage
Floral: Botanica
Furniture and Linens: Nuage Designs
Couture Dress Designer: Anglo Couture

Colorful Bird Inspired Dessert Table by Limelight Photography

IMAGE CREDIT: LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Hello Everyone!!! Hope all of you had a great 4th of July weekend. Honestly, am I the only one wondering why every weekend isn't a 3-day weekend??

Well, luckily, I have literally spent the entire afternoon soaking up the loveliness of this gorgeous wedding by Limelight Photography. And of course it helps, that you have our seriously, drop-dead gorgeous bride, Amy, who just happens to be one of the most sweetest people I have ever met. Amy approached her day with such style and personality, you can’t help but fall in love. From the very beginning, there was a vision and every detail of this dessert table was thoughtfully crafted and  designed so that the table was a true expression of  Amy and Brook's personality.

So trust me, these pictures are worthy of a few moments, minutes, of your afternoon, promise.

Table Credits:

Dessert Table Concept and Design: Chic Sweets
Photography: Limelight

Linen: Connie Duglin
Venue: Avila

Bird Garland: Red or Gray Art