Ornate Splendor: October 2014

Historic home.....ornate columns....lush back yard grounds.....shady back porch.....pretty Victorian gazebo decorated in swaths of white tulle, a hanging chandelier, more chandelier crystals, crystal curtain tie backs, summer flowers, and lots of family and friends.....all add up to one beautiful outdoor wedding!

This gazebo was so pretty -- I was so excited to be able to decorate it! I used lots and lots of white tulle, then added a crystal chandelier in the middle of the ceiling. Then added a crystal chain hanging down on the sides of the tulle curtains. See the tie backs? It's hard to see without a close up, but I used crystal tie backs! More on these later.

This sweet couple chose the historic Surrey House in downtown McKinney, Texas for their wedding venue.

White fireplace mantles were a perfect background for the wedding cake area. I decorated the mantle with ornate white iron scroll work pieces adorned with pearl and rhinestone appliques and a lavender tulle bow. Fresh greenery from my yard surrounds the scroll work. On the sides of the mantle, I placed photos of the bride and groom.

The photo holders are my own creation. I painted candlesticks in a white metallic paint and embellished them with lots of vintage jewelry pieces. Then as a whimsical touch, a dowel stick wrapped in glittered wedding wrapping paper holds the photos. I tied pretty white and lavender and lace ribbons under the lavender glitter background of the photos.

Pretty and fun at the same time!

Here is the mantle in the next room.

Okay, now this is my favorite creation lately!! A wedding photo wreath!

This wreath is made from vintage beaded gowns including wedding gowns. I pieced them together all around this simple wreath form. (Yes, I hand-sewed each piece onto the wreath.) Then the bride emailed me photos of the family, and I printed them all on simple card stock, cut them out and placed them on the wreath with white pearl corsage pins. Weddings are all about family, so this was a good way to celebrate happy family moments.

I was going to keep the bow fairly simple with just lots of ribbons and lace....but it just needed something extra - so this vintage rhinestone shoe clip was perfect! I hung the wreath at eye level so that everyone could enjoy the family photos.

Centerpieces were lavender water beads with a floating candle in the center...see those rhinestones around the edge of the bowl? Must have sparkle at a wedding!

The bride chose to alternate two centerpieces on the tables for variety. I created this boxwood topiary centerpiece with greenery from my own yard. The shape is one I created with a strong wire, and I reuse it in different ways. This topiary sat upon clear water beads with submersible lights, and we inserted purple tulips in the water beads. Last, a chandelier crystal pendent hung inside the topiary from the top center.

It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but at the bottom of this centerpiece is a "metal ribbon." I cut it to size, wired it closed, and used the metal ribbon circle to embellish the plain glass bowls that the venue provided.

Okay, now let's go outside!

The guests signed in at this welcoming table. The wooden sign I used was a repurposed table leg...I added the boxwood arch on top and personalized the sign with the bride and groom's names. I added beaded strands and crystal pendants to the arch as well. The container for the cards was a wooden drawer from an antique sewing machine. I lined the inside with bridal fabric and lace.

The florist brought these fabulous arrangements.

The Bride's brother helped me hang the tulle curtains- love a tall helper! (I put everyone to work...) Don't you just love those crystal tie-backs!!

They are actually picture frames that my husband re-worked to be curtain tie-backs. (I love to give him crazy projects that I dream up...he's a good sport!)

The back porch was a nice shady spot for guests to escape the hot Texas sun. Simple draped tulle around the edges was all it needed.