I've been away for a bit, busy meeting with many lovely couples planning their big day. It is inspiring to hear how each couple hopes to craft their event to reflect their unique personality and story.

This past weekend I gathered some visual inspiration on a trip to the wholesale flower market with Lynn, the owner of Pollen, an eco-friendly floral design studio in Chicago. I am so impressed with Lynn's vast knowledge of flowers and her commitment to using locally-sourced blooms whenever possible. Her creations are definitely swoon-worthy.

Lynn packaged my delicate purchase of Lamb's Ear and Grape (Muscari) Hyacinth, which I arranged in an equally delicate "tipsy" vase.

Spring is on her way!

Photos from my display at Indie Wed. I was inspired by the punchy picnic-like print of the silk dupioni fabric and envisioned a springtime setting where feminine meets woodsy, creating a whimsically chic tablescape.

The birch log slices grounded the nature theme, as did the beautifully blooming forsythia branches tightly arranged in a milk glass cylinder vase. Paper-like petals of the delicate ranunculus were contrasted by the spiky texture of the grass-like stand-in of trick carnations. Soft flickering votives illuminated gorgeous calligraphy on woodgrain placecards. The elegance of solid silver flatware was nicely contrasted by the modern lucite chairs. And what Delicate Creature creation would be complete without candy of some kind? My choice for Indie Wed was oversized gum-drops stacked high on a crystal candy plate.

I created this metallic glitter bouquet as a modern and unique alternative to fresh flowers.

And here are a couple of shots of my information table, complete with DC buttons and an address file* used to store names I collected of beaming brides.

* This can be used as a clever way to organize table designation cards for wedding guests!


The Deets:

* Plaid Silk Dupioni Fabric - found at Chicago's Textile Discount Outlet.
Similar available at Warehouse Fabrics.
* "Ice" Chiavari Chairs from Classic Party Rentals.
* Metallic Wood Grain Paper from Martha Stewart (no longer available, but you can create a similar look by using a woodgrain rubber stamp and metallic ink or embossing powder).
* Birch log slices from Snow Owl Wood Studio.
* Calligraphy by the awesomely talented Write by Mike.
* All Natural Gourmet Gumdrops from Whole Foods.
* Iridescent champagne glasses & silver flatware - vintage.
* Flowers: Forsythia branches, ranunculus and trick carnations.

Photos courtesy of Dorota Dybala. More here.

I've been receiving some really positive feedback about my presence at Indie Wed. A warm thank you to all the inquiries and shout-outs:

* Oliveloaf Design thinks I'm clever.
* The incredibly talented Jeremy Lawson thinks I'm sweet
(and captured the wonderful photo above of my info table).
* Owl and Bunny appreciates my "serious attention to detail".
* Little Lady titled me her "hands-down fave"!

Blush!

I'm also very excited that the inquisitive and intelligent, Stephanie, of the Crane Chandelier Project, selected a snippet of our "interview" for her post about the significance of the "indie" behind Indie Wed. Check out what I had to say here.


Now it's my turn to give a few shout-outs of my own:

* The Small Object: My next project is to create a tablescape inspired by your amazing rainbow-heart cake-topper.
* Glazed Chicago Donuts: Did you see me sneak multiple samples at hour-intervals? I thank you for the tasty treats and wouldn't mind being paid by the hour in your donuts.
* Windy Weather Bindery: How can we ensure every man who is preparing for a proposal knows about your finely crafted ring boxes?
* Mary Kate McKenna Photography: Your eye is the prize!
* Fine & Raw Chocolate: Where can I purchase your chocolate in Chicago? In bulk!
* Foodie Registry: What a fantastic idea to focus a registry on fine dining.
* Jump Shots: It is indeed a happy thing!
* Audey: You are a scissor and sew goddess! One of your dress designs is at the top of my wish-list.
* Paper Parasol Press: Good to see you, friend. Your Save-the-Date cards rock!
* Pollen: Any bride would be lucky to carry your bouquets.
* Julianne Smith Wedding Garters: No one could "toss" a garter as pretty as yours!

And those are just the folks I had a chance to personally talk with!

Brides, if you are looking for something unique, these ladies and gents should be on your list.

More photos coming soon...