From My Heart to Yours!

Hi!

I have loved hearts for so long, I really don't remember when I wasn't fascinated by them. Since this year of 2011  is quickly coming to an end, I thought I'd post a little love... from my heart to yours. After all, I think we all need a little bit more love.

Katie and Teddy, 9/10/11! I love you!

 Erica and Charles' pie! In addition to the cake, pies and croquembouche was the order of the day! I love you!

When one of our trees crushed our swing and white picket fence, I took the opportunity to show more love! This is our new gate to the grassy area with a heart! I love it!

Kristen and David's Hallowedding with an appropriate black heart! I love you!

A heart was made of rose petals in the grassy area for one of our weddings! As the guests arrived, it was one of the first details they saw and it warmed their heart! I just loved it!

 Laura and Matt chose heart-belled table card holders for their guests. We rang those bells for more kisses and love! I love you!

This holiday season, I enjoyed the art of decorating sugar cubes! My first design was a puffed pink heart! The second design was a puffed red heart. The third design was a flower! hehehe I bet you thought I'd make another heart!  It's a gorgeous presentation and a beautiful gift that I love giving!  I love it!

I was looking for art projects and ran across this wine cork heart! Being a heart enthusiast, I quickly copied the picture. Since I have tons of corks from the last couple of weddings, guess what? Yes, I'm going to make one! I think it would be perfect at the bar!

I love it! 

Daniel and Jinnie found this beautiful cake topper! I loved it because the couple is surrounded by a heart! Who knew! I love you!

Sarah and Greg (mfg) added our incredibly, beautiful beveled and etched glass piece to their arch decoration. At the center of the piece is a heart. It's flanked by hearts on each side, presenting their two lives becoming one! I love you!

So, here are just of few pictures of magic I like to call love. I hope this holiday season is filled with love. I'm sending it your way. 

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

Vintage Printable Labels AND they are Free!!

Hi!

I found this website yesterday for vintage labels that I just had to share! And guess what? They are FREE and printable!! The designs are so adorable!!

They are perfect for Christmas Tags, Labels for Homemade Jelly or Jam, tags for Wedding gift favors  AND  I thought they'd be perfect for seating cards for any Wedding Reception! Forget the "Made in China" tags and make your own. It's easy, just pick and print!
Pretty fun, huh? I love these!!




Here's the link: http://blog.worldlabel.com/free-printable-labels-gallery.

These labels add so much charm and decoration! I used one of the labels for my "Soothing Bath Wafers" Jar.  I then reduced the size of the artwork and created a tag. This tag includes the recipients name and instructions for the wafers! 

Have a great day!!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
Stylist and Coordinator

Real Vintage Jewelry at its Best!

Hi!

Are you looking for vintage jewelry for you or your Bridesmaids? Or, how about a Christmas gift? 

I found just the source!!

Ocean Eyz Jewelry and Design, Kymmberly Arbiso: 

Contact info: barky16@hotmail.com ph (714)343-6050

Kymmberly, the owner, has been a vintage jeweler for over 17 years and has a huge variety to choose from. If she doesn't have what you are looking for, it's no problem. She'll customize the jewelry to you! She can add different stones to any piece or add a "drop" when there wasn't one.  

What's your dream? Do you need help? Kymmie is the one to call. 

Here, Rachell found this gorgeous broach and Kymmie added the "bling" for a sensation accent to her wedding gown. The earrings? Yes, Kymmie found these vintage pearls and created  beautiful earrings just for her!! Rachell's bridesmaid's colors were yellow so Kymmie made necklaces and earrings to match!

What can she do for you? "I deal in Antique, vintage jewelry. I also make jewelry for weddings & special occasions! I like to use vintage parts, to make similar to original or all different! I have many designers name items & parts, from pre turn of century to 60’s!  Ex:  Haskell, Weiss, Kramer, Boucher, Trifari and many names you might not know? Periods from Georgian, Victorian, Deco, Art Nouveau, Retro, studio to date!

I can take pieces by changing out rhinestones to add QZs, Swarski’s, real Pearls, stones, diamonds & such. Or keep it original, if you like it! "

Christina went to Kymmie for her Bridesmaid's gifts. Together, they created this wonderful vintage necklace! She found them and they were slightly different for all five ladies. They loved them!!  Each Bridesmaid received a gift bag from the Bride.  In each bag, they found  a  black vintage clutch purse  with the vintage necklace inside!! Brilliant!!

 Erica was looking for something delicate to go with her Organza Wedding Gown. Kymmie made the
pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet - all from vintage settings!! She also made the jewelry for the Bridesmaids; pink drop earrings and bracelets!!

Here I am with my vintage pink tourmaline necklace! I created the necklace by flipping one into the other! It can be longer or shorter, it was so much fun! - no clasps or hooks! It was just the perfect vintage accent I wanted  for my gown! Thank you Kymmie!!

So, if you are really into the Vintage craze, don't forget to accessorize! Kymmberly of Ocean Eyz Jewelry and Design is there to help!!

I hope you have a fabulous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

The Cake Topper and an Event Stopper!

Hi!

I just love the cake tasting and cake designing portion of the planning. Seriously, who doesn't like dessert?

There are lots of options; what flavors and colors, whether to use lace or ribbon,  flowers or a cake topper, is it going to be a three layered or a huge tower of icing magic? 

I thought this posting will help you see a few of the options we have enjoyed at the Jones Victorian Estate. 

What do you think?

 Katie Dyker chose a two layered delight with vintage lace and a flower on top and vintage lace! Her flowers and artistry was  Simply Gorgeous!

 Hillary Murphy went with an icing-less cake with a vintage cake topper!  Her entire wedding had that
wonderful homespun feeling utilizing all her vintage inventory!Her mother made the cake top in their likeness. In fact, she has her own site now and is offering special, personalized, vintage cake toppers to order!!! Contact her: Dawn NicholsCoronation Cake Toppers, nicholsd59@gmail.com, (714)319-9906, http://coronationcaketoppers.com/ and http://www.etsy.com/shop/coronationcaketopper?ref=pr_shop

 Sara Hamilton chose a Fire Fighting topper just like her new husband! It reflected her fun loving personality!

 Amber Willson decided she wanted a silver Monograms for her towering masterpiece. The clean lines of the initials were the perfect finish for their cake.

 Summer McMasters wanted a delicate and loving accent that reflected their style for the cake topper. She found this wonderful find at an antique store in downtown Orange! Absolutely lovely.

 Jinnie Liu, a fashion designer,   incorporated all of her design elements into her cake!  She found this lovely heart shaped Llardo for the finishing touch.

 Kristen Cushman broke all rules and standards and just had plain ole fun!! Her hallowedding was full of skeletons, black crows and cats, spiders and ghosts! What do you think she wanted for her cake? A spooky themed cake with "Love never dies" skeleton cake topper! It was a fantastic wedding full of lots of fun and love!! It was definitely an event stopper!!!

Denise Magstadt added a cake stand to the bottom layer and flowers with fruit on top of the top layer and bottom  layer. The colors were striking and went with her ruffled streamers! Who thought flowers, fruit and streamers would work so well together?

Megan Krueger had a blast finding her fishing themed cake topper! An avid fisherman, Andy enjoyed her enthusiasm to his sport.

This vintage cake topper from the 1940's is a wonderful keepsake! I love the detail and simply artistry.
What kind of cake topper do you want? It will be fun finding out!!!

Lovely!
Michelle Gregory
Stylist and Coordinator

Jelly Is Not Just For Your Toast!!

Hi, Happy Holidays!

Today, while I was making  Pomegranate Jelly for family and friends this holiday season, I remembered a gentleman named Michael at one of the weddings this year. Just thinking about him had me smile and I thought this would be a fun post. 

I was running around during a wedding earlier this year trying to locate all the members of the Bridal party for the introductions. An elderly gentleman came up to me and said, "What's going on? Who are you looking for?"

 "The Bridal party," I said, "I getting ready for the toast!"

 "Ahhh," he replied with a youthful grin and said, "I'll have mine with jelly!" 

I  stopped right then and there and had a good laugh! I hugged him and told him I was going to write about him on my blog. He said his name was Michael, the uncle of the Bride, from Oregon. True to my word,  this is Michael's story. A wonderful man who made me laugh  and smile all night long. So... Thank you Michael, this blog posting is dedicated to you, my new friend and jelly enthusiast!!

So, I was thinking... what about Jelly??!!

It's a great gift favor idea and one that everyone loves. Besides, what is peanut butter without Jelly, 

or as Michael said; Toast with Jelly?

I have had two Brides in the recent past that have taken advantage of this special fruity treat to the amazement of their guests.  It takes time to make it but anything this great does!

Here, my Bride Kristen, her sister and Mother made Strawberry and Raspberry Jams as a special treat to their guests. We displayed the jars on a separate table with a lovely sign that read, "Spread the Love."  The guests selected their  jar of jam as they exited the property as a special thank you from the Bride and Groom.

Another Bride, Katie Schmidt-Dyer made Jalapeno Jelly, her colors were purple and green, as their gift favor. They were delightfully decorated and placed at each place setting. The rich, emerald green color sparkled in the sun light and added a homespun feeling to the tables. 

Are you thinking about Gift Favors? Give them something they'll love... Jelly is a great idea.

My jars of jelly are ready for adornment! Happy Holidays!!

Love, 

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

Engagement Shoot for Brandi and Josh!!!

Hi!

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day and we took advantage of our good luck by having Brandi and Josh take their engagement pictures. There are so many reasons to take your engagement pictures at the Jones Victorian Estate, here are just a few!!

1) Your photographer gets the "lay of the land" so to speak. He's able to check out all the different
locations that he can't possibly get during the wedding and reception.
2) You and your finance have the Bride's room and Groom's room for your change of outfits!
3)  You and your photographer get to know each other better at the same location of your wedding!
(He can't get lost or be late!)

4) As a couple, the more you visit the Estate, the more at home you'll feel!  

Here, Brandi was in a white lace dress accented with Red boots and belt and Josh in his red plaid shirt!! Perfect for the rustic shots! Wait until you see her sequined dress and  Josh in his tie at the sunset shots!!

Brandi and Josh had pictures out in the "meadow", up on the hill over looking the city and in the palm farm where the trees line up like sentries. They walked all over and climbed - Brandi in heels!! I was able to see a couple of quick pictures from their photographer and they are INCREDIBLE!!  Here's what I took it with my camera phone!!! Geez! I can hardly wait to post the "REAL" ones!!

Have a lovely holiday!!
Michelle Gregory

Two Bright Lights blog

                                                                               Hi!

I was just notified that Stacy and Joe's pictures are posted on another blog... Two Bright Lights! It's so much fun seeing what other sites pick for their blog. 


 I am here to say they left out one of my favorite pictures!! I  L O V E this shot!! You're beautiful Stac!!


Check out the blog at this link:
http://donebrilliantly.com/2011/12/real-wedding-standout-bouquets 


Love, 
Michelle

Erica and Charles are on "Stylemepretty!"

Hi!

Erica and Charles' photos have been posted on the stylemepretty blog. Megan and Micah Dalberg did the honors and what a great day it was!!

Go to:http://www.stylemepretty.com/california-weddings/2011/12/01/jones-victorian-estate-wedding-by-micah-megan/

Congratulations!! Yippee!!
Love,
Michelle Gregory

The Picture of Your Gown!

Hi!

There are so many locations for those special photos of you and your Groom, here at the Jones Victorian Estate. 

There's one detail that is fun that I don't want you to forget. So please, add this to your photographers list of "must haves!" 

Photographs of your Gown!!

Talk with your photographer and see what she or he has in mind. Remember,  you also need a special hanger. Padded Satin hangers are my favorite!  

It's all in the presentation and this simple, little detail will matter later. 

 I thought you'd like to see where some of the photographers have hung the Gowns here!!

This Gown is hanging in our Bride's room's closet! The closet is hand painted with vintage accessories, included  shoes with real jewels! This shot is  one of my favorites! Well done Renee!

 Here, Michael of memoriesbymichael.com hung Denise's gown on a tree in the front courtyard and added her boots in the shot! The contrast is striking!

Erika's Gown was hung from the Estate's front door! (Another one of my favorites!) We teamed the Gown with the bridal bouquets for a beautiful vintage keepsake!

Kim and Jeray took this picture with the Vienna Gates in the background. The black scroll work on the gates accented the scroll work on the gown! 

Megan and Micah took this picture of Rachel's Gown from a high branch at the entrance of the property with the Vienna Gates open. Behind the Gown, the road to their future awaits! 

This photograph was another one by Memeoriesbymichael.com that I love.  I posted it because the gown   hung in the background has such softness and adds another dimension to  Denise's boots, her bridal bouquet and one of her tags (There was a special hand written quote on each tag  for all the guests). 

This is the same gown as above but this photograph is in color and shot from a straight on location. I still love it.

It's so much fun walking each Bride into her room on the day of the wedding. Here at the Estate, we allow the Brides to bring their gown (sometimes I pick it up!), their accessories, gift favors, toasting glasses and etc, the week of the wedding rather than the day of the wedding. In that way, when she arrives everything is here and organized for her! The expression of seeing  her gown hanging in the closet  ready for her day is priceless! It's those moments that set the stage for the rest of the afternoon!

Enjoy your day with us  at the Jones Victorian Estate.
Love,
Michelle Gregory

Special gift giving that is fun!!

HI!

Wondering what to get family or friends this holiday season? Did you make a list for Santa?

What about dance lessons? My all-time favorite Dance instructor is Ms. Kathy Cocoron. She is local, right in Yorba Linda but the best part is... you can have personal one-on-one dance lessons! 

She has her own private studio so no one is watching!!!

She is so knowledgeable and a joy to learn from!!! She teaches all sorts of dances and can help you every step of the way. Call her for one date night or a months worth of lessons. You don't have to be getting married to have a ball!!

You won't be disappointed! 

It really is  a wonderful date night !!

Call her today at 714) 993-0906!!

Looking for something just for you? How about a astrological reading? Ms. Sharon Martin is a wonderful astrologer and is just a phone call away! It's a great gift for anyone. Do you want to know more about you? How about a reading with you and your honey? It's amazing what the planets know.
           Call Sharon today at (760) 586-7776 or email her at crystalclearastro@gmail.com!
Try something different and exciting!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Let's support our local businesses so we'll all thrive!
Love,
Michelle Gregory

What's Vintage?

Hi!

What's vintage to you?

Vintage is all about the special touches that makes your event truly amazing. Those unique touches don't have to be expensive or large like a table but may be simple and elegant. Take vintage silverware, Theodore Haviland china and assorted vintage floral tea cups and saucers for example. They are simple decorative pieces but have a big POW effect. 

 Here, the beautiful gracefulness of the Haviland china teamed with the silver fork (with "Bride") adds the feel of yesteryear while creating a special elegance just for you.

The Haviland plates were added to the walls of the Gazebo! We began with two plates and then loved it so much, we added different sizes and lots more!! You may use any china or plates that you find or ones that Grandma has!!!

The cake added to the vintage feel with an ivory base with white  frosting flowers. The cake topper was a mini tea cup just perfect for top layer size. We finished the table with a crystal cake stand, moss green satin floor length linen with a delicate floral organza overlay.

Pictured here, the tea cup and saucer with the floral arrangement completed this vintage look to our Gazebo's windows. Each windowsill had a different tea cup but all had the same lovely color scheme.

Other items may be easily added such as picture frames, canisters, old hats and tea pots to create a look that is special to you. Remember, the items way be used in different ways! How? Turn the tea cups on their side or upside down, add candles to them or in them.  We recently used a mini tea pot for the flower girl! Katie glued it to a decorated pole and whaaalaa! A gorgeous
flower girl accent!! (I'll post the photo soon! I just received the link from the Photographer!)

Whatever you do.... have fun. Isn't that what it's all about? What's in your cubboard?
Love,
Michelle Gregory

Please buy American this holiday season!

Hi!

We can all do our part this holiday season by buying American!! The news reported that we'll be spending close to 3 BILLION dollars this Christmas! So, I thought it would be fun giving another idea to your gift giving....

       Gregory Palm Farms is a local business and has an amazing variety of palms for sale. AND, they
deliver and install. If you have a parent or grandparent or husband or wife or friend that has everything, how about a yard up-lift with a beautiful palm tree or trees! Did you know the Butia Palm, known as the Jelly Palm, has delicious seeds? Yes, they do. I make jelly... it's called Jelly Palm Jelly!! They taste like a woodsy apricot! I bet you didn't know palms have fruit!!

Palms can be for the yard; plant it in the ground or create a lovely accent with a palm in a pot with flowers or spruce up an old planter. Giving green helps the environment, helps us breathe and is a terrific gift that's American. I thought you'd like to know!

Go to www.gregorypalmfarms.com and check out all the varieties!! You won't be disappointed!!!!

I wish you the very best this holiday season.
Love,
Michelle Gregory

Picnic Baskets are definitely VINTAGE and fun!

HI!

When I look at my collection of picnic baskets, they just make me feel so GOOD.  I picture a green meadow with a soft breeze, a colorful, comfy quilt to sit on and the basket filled with goodies! I imagine this wonderful quiet and peaceful place to spend enjoying a special meal.  It's these times that we so desperately need in our busy everyday life. 

You can have this same wonderful feeling incorporated into your wedding by simply displaying them or including these special baskets (or ones like it!) in your overall design.

  How about at the guest book table? They can be stacked and a cute sign (I used a chalk board!) could be displayed on top. Flowers and photographs could be added to the open baskets to create a lovely vignette of wonderful family treasures. If you don't have any, don't worry! An engagement or funny photograph   will also do the trick. 

 These playful picnic baskets may be used for the safety of the card gifts or  hold special accessories at the bar, such as colorful straws, napkins and licorice! 

How about a basket as your cake stand! I used vintage canisters in exchange for a cake!! hehe

The ideas are limitless! Have fun with any vintage item and use them in new and different ways!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

. 

Hillary is Stylemepretty!

Hi!

Hillary just let me know that her photos were choosen for the stylemepretty blog! We had a blast planning her wedding with all her special vintage touches. I added old buttons to ribbons and other special touches, her Dad made a wonderful moon-stool for the backdrop of the photos, her Mom made the beautiful cake topper and Hillary's vision all came together!

I love vintage and the touch of home arts!!!

Please see the post at:http://www.stylemepretty.com/california-weddings/2011/11/18/jones-victorian-estate-wedding-david-nget-photography-naumann-studios/

Smiles,

Michelle Gregory