From Inspiration to Finding Originality to Final Design....

Hi!

Today, I had fun just exploring my attic! With my faithful dog, Cricket, at my side, we had a blast thinking about items in new ways.

Let me explain. I worked with Brandi this week and we had so much fun working out her design. I'm not sure if I showed her the photo below or if she showed it to me first, all I know is that we both loved this!

So, as I was rumaging through all the supplies, I kept thinking of this lovely photo.

 I came across this old step ladder. Now, at first glance, you might be saying it's just a step ladder. Yes and No. It's a great accent piece! With a little imagination and a few props.....

 I transformed this old step ladder into a whisical design that is unique and original. I added some old
lace dollies, vintage crystal glasses and vases and topped them with flowers! Waalaa! A new twist to an original inspiration. I sent Brandi the first and  second photo through my phone and we both agreed that we just loved it.

This is how I spent part of my Sunday; creating and enjoying every minute of it. 

What are you thinking about? What is your inspiration? 

Let's get together!!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist/Coordinator

the Jones Victorian Estate

Marysia and Matt's engagement shoot!

Hi!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, 

we offer our Bride and Groom's the Estate for their engagement shoot!!! 

As I previously mentioned, it's not only a wonderful experience but your photographer is able to relax and enjoy all the many locations available that he/she can't possibly get to on the day of the wedding. 

I just received these engagement photos from Marysia! You can see all the photos at Dexter Lo Photography!

http://www.dexterlophotography.com/blog

Well done!!! I can hardly wait for the wedding reception!

Thank you Marysia for sharing.

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Chandelier for the Gazebo!

Hi!

Welcome our new/old Chandelier! I am so excited because this precious element may be used in all sorts of ways! For example; in the gazebo where the cake is displayed!, incorporate it in the Arch for the Ceremony!, strung in the front courtyard above the Sweetheart table! 

With an elegant accent like a chandelier, it's only getting better and better at the Jones Victorian Estate.

Call me today and let's start designing and planning!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist/Coordinator

the Jones Victorian Estate

Bold and Beautiful

Hi!

I met with Kallie and Nick this weekend to begin their wedding design/planning and a funny thing happened. 

We were tasting cake and deciding on the design. Kallie mentioned that she had purchased all sorts of items that were rich in color but didn't think it would go with her vintage theme. She showed me this beautiful ribbon design that she loved.  I asked if she could come back and bring all her accent pieces so I could have a look!

This is what she brought!! Bright and beautiful,  fun and playful and she loved it all. So did I!

We started talking and putting together different elements. This one needs paint, this one we can sew together, this teamed with this one is perfect, this one for a "welcome sign" and in an instant, we had her theme design and she loved it. 

I want to address her first concern; she was worried that all her items didn't have a vintage feel. In the pre-Victorian era, before Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding, all the Brides wore  rich color; burgundy, chartreuse, green, purple and so on. 

The elements that Kallie brought this weekend, all have that vintage feel; Bird Houses, fabric place mats, and floral cones. 

Your vintage theme can be anything you want it to be. Bringing all your elements together in a cohesive manner is the key. If you find something you love, find a special place for it!

You might have to paint it or team it with something else, but don't rule it out.

Have fun!! We did!

Thank you Kallie and Nick!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist/Coordinator of the Jones Victorian Estate

Yellow and Black! Wow!!

Hi!

How funny another yellow posting! But, take a look... the black and yellow are breathtakingly refreshing!!

This is Joe and Stacy Brown's Wedding and Reception. Congratulations you two on your Wedding and new family!!

 This is our black floral organza overlays! Teamed with bright yellow flowers, black candelabras and presto, you have a winner!

 Thank you Flower Allie for this stunning bouquet with ribbon and jeweled stems.

 Here is Stacy getting ready in the Bride's room! It's your room for those last minute touches!

 Black and yellow abound! I found our old black striped Hat Box for the Cards, a black photo of a chandelier, the invitation mounted for the guests to sign, the black scrolled candle and holder, the black book stand and a birdie candelabra all made this table worth stopping at.

 Calla Lilly! They make such perfect boutonnieres! Here's a shot of one of our black candelabras on the table! Stacy and I scoured the thrift and antique stores and antique flea markets to find the candelabras! I wonder what color they will be next?

 In August it's normally really warm! We provide the free standing umbrellas to offer the most comfort for our guests.

 Ah, the Sweetheart table. We used the white candelabra for the Bride and Groom's table. It's complete with a large box of Kleenex!

 The Ceremony with Shepherd hook decoration! I love those chiavari chairs!

 Gorgeous Stacy!

 The girls were a blast! Each of them had a black accent in their hair depending on their  own style. Lovely!

 The men. What can I say? They are all just tooooo cool!

 An up close photo of the guest book table and her invitation! Now, that's how you tie it all together! It started with the photo on the table and blossomed from there!

 A private moment with Joe!

 First look!

 Floral crystal hangers that worked perfectly with the black shepherd's hooks.

 The Ceremony!

 Is this breathtaking or what?! Well done Flower Allie. I just love this photograph. Well done Jeray and Kim Photography too!

 And the whole bridal party... What a wonderful day!!

Special thanks to Flower Allie for the bright and beautiful flowers that popped! Thank you Kim and Jeray Photography, it's always a pleasure working with you.
Smiles and Love,
Michelle Gregory
Stylist and Coordinator

Floral Appointments!

Hi!

Wednesday, Brian, Ashley and her Mother all met me at the Flower Allie for our floral appointment and did we have a ball! Now, I can't tell and show you EVERYTHING that we did because it has to be a surprise!

What I can say is; it's going to be very elegant with a sophisticated shimmer!! 

 Brian, the Groom, came to the floral appointment! I loved having him with us and his input was so valuable. Besides, he handled us so well. hehehe

 A quick pose and we're off! Thank you Alison of Flower Allie of Fullerton. We always have a blast
thinking outside the box!

All I can say is that there's crystal, silver, mercury glass and XXXXXX besides the  fun that's  in store!
Thank you for a wonderful morning!!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Chinese Lanterns to Jazz it up!

Hi!

I was cleaning out my office/fun zone and I just couldn't resist playing with all the Chinese Lanterns! Seriously, they add color and texture and just plain ole fun to any event. Since we have the old fashioned lighting over the dance floor, what better way to accent them than with a colorful lantern!

We used yellow, green and white lanterns that were just perfect for Rachell's  wedding. It was fun and when the sun set, the colors glowed with color!

 Guess What? For those of you that think colorful lanterns are to much and/or they don't really fit your style... how about eyelet lace lanterns!
                         Oh yeah! Hey, it was a beautiful day and I just love these lanterns.

It's wedding planning season and I'm already having a ball!!
Call us today! (714) 744-1608 and let's have some fun!
Smiles,
Michelle Gregory
Stylist/Coordinator
The Jones Victorian Estate

Chairs For The Bride and Groom's Special Seating.

Hi!

I think there should be extra thought in what type of chairs you, the Bride and Groom, will sit on! Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, there is always special seating and decoration for my Bride and Grooms. 

Whether your Wedding includes resin or plastic chairs, Chiavari Chairs, White Woods or anything else, add a special touch for the two of you and make your seating special! 

We have these gorgeous velvet chairs; Gold, Blue and Red.

 Here's the red velvet chair I was sitting on. It's perfect for the men in our lives and so regal!!

 This is beautiful Denise sitting on our lovely Victorian coach!  Photograph by MemoriesbyMichael.com! I love the soft lighting coming in through the lace curtains behind her.

We added extra fun to these chairs by accenting them with mocha silk organza tied together with soft ivory ribbon! The "Mr" and "Mrs" floral filled tins finished these precious chairs. 

We added ivory floral satin chair covers (also below) with

bows on the sides for Katie and Chris' Wedding Reception.  Thank you Jeray and Kim Photography! 

These chair covers matched their linens for an over-the-top look!

Here's something different and original!! We used our vintage aprons for a delicate accessory to the white wooden chairs.  

It was a perfect accent for the Bride that loves to cook and a Groom, who loves to eat!

I hope you will consider what you are sitting on at your wedding reception. It's easy and fun.  Take the time to check with your parents or grandparents for any special chairs that they might have on hand.

 If not, we have a variety to choose from. 

Enjoy your planning!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

Be Original... How about a Vintage Schwinn Bicycle?

Hi!

I was rummaging around in the Estate's garage and look what I found?!  A woman's 1963 White (with pink lettering and accents) Schwinn Bicycle! When I saw it, I thought... "What a perfect piece for accenting one of my weddings and/or for a great photo opportunity for the Bride! It's all original and so dog-gone cute!!

I added a floral basket and waalaa! It's just perfect!

After  taking the first photo, I found a men's blue bicycle too! It's just perfect for the Groom! There's a basket for drinks and snacks. Where's the beer? 

See you later! I'm off on a ride in the sunshine!!!

It's getting better and better at the Jones Victorian Estate!

Love,

Michelle

Stylist and Coordinator

It's the Little Things That Matter!

Hi!

I always say it's the little things that matter. Right? Do you agree?

It's someone you don't know that holds the door open for you! It's having plenty of ice for your Iced Tea.   It's finding that extra change in the bottom of your purse for that parking meter. It's finding the last cookie in the cookie jar. It's taking the time to say hi even when you are running late. It's receiving a hug for just being you. 

Have you ever thought of sugar cubes? Funny question to be sure. I have because it's the little things that matter.  I love adding a colorful sugar cube to my tea or coffee. It's the little expression of love that is so endearing!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, you and your guests will be treated with decorated sugar cubes for your coffee or tea! It is my wish to treat you like the royalty that you are!

Come and see!

Here's one of our vintage tea cups ready for the hot cup of tea! (I don't use four cubes in my cup, but they are so cute I wanted a variety to choose from!)

Here, just a few designs: Hearts, Rose Buds, Daisies, Hyacinths, Holly, Christmas Trees, Wreath, Blue Birds and Smiley Faces!

I thought it would be fun to personalize the cubes with initials of the Bride and Groom!! Hey, we can do anything!! It's all about having fun!!

It's going to be a fantastic year! Thank you for the choosing the Jones Victorian Estate for your special day! I look forward to meeting you!

Tea anyone?

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

Cakes... in new ways!!

Hi!

I am so excited to share this blog with you! This new year brings wonderful changes to the Jones Victorian Estate. We have teamed up with ABC Cakes and it's a blast already!!

They bring with them  delicious and wonderful options for cake flavors and fillings (giving us an assortment of three cake flavors and fillings instead of two!!) as well as beautiful and personal designs but also creative and yummy additions! Here are just a few!!

These cute mini cakes could be an  addition to your traditional cake or a shower dessert or even a gift favor! These mini cakes are sure to be a huge hit however they are displayed. They are tasty and you choose the cake flavor, filling as well as the icing! These little morsels remind me of the "Ding-dong" but so much fresher and colorful!!

The Push Pop cakes were a show stopper for me to be sure! I thought they'd be a perfect "thank you" for any Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl (s) at a wedding. It would be a extra special way of making them feel appreciated! What kid (or adult for that matter) would turn down these pops!

 Are you thinking of a cake topper and just not sure what to do? Well, these delicious chocolate Bride and Grooms would be perfect. You could have your topper and eat it too!!! That's not all! They would be a wonderful gift favor or a delightful suppliment to your candy station!!!

 Here's an areal shot from above! The chocolate cake opens to reveal candy or nuts inside!! They also have baby designs as well but that's for later! hehehe.

I have first dibs on  the Elmo Cake Pop!! Are these fun or what? I think they bring out the kid in all of us! 

There are a lot more choices at the Jones Victorian Estate this year and I am so excited!! Make an appointment today to visit us! Cake tasting and designing is just one of the many enjoyable aspects of Wedding planning! I'm here to help!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator