Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Susan and Travis Moore!! Just a few to delight!

Hi!
I'm so excited because I received the link from Joel Austel for Travis and Susan's wedding!
Here are just a few. The half of the original files were deleted but the second batch is here and I'll post more. 
For now, here are a few of my favorites!!!

Part of the Bridal party but oh so sweet!!

Travis' family with very proud Dad, Mom and Brother!!
No jackets here!

And my favorite!! Travis with his Mother Pam!

The Girls!

Show us a little leg... check out the flower girl!! She is getting into the act too!!

And now Mr. and Mrs. Travis Moore.... Here Comes the Bride!

This one I had to post, a fun perspective out in the palm farm. 

Susan and Travis....beautiful!

This is the drive shot but from a different angel. I love the softness of the moment. I love the fine detail of Susan's gown. 

I'm getting ready to download the "preferred" photos and I'll post more!!!
Thank you for stopping by!
Congratulations to Travis and Susan!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Shelby and Justin!!

Hi!
At last!! I was so excited to post these photographs because I had missed placed the CD!
I hope you enjoy this special day with Shelby and Justin!

 Here's Shelby with her twin brother and Mother!!
Shelby chose rich, spring time flowers that really popped with color!

 The Bridesmaids dresses set off the beautiful purple in her bouquet!
Up close, the flowers had all the elements of spring! The Monkey Tails (the curly brown accents), the yellow Billy Balls (they really are fun!), the green Coffee Beans (the cluster top right), the green Verbena (looks like mini green hydrangea), the purple Stock (Popcorn on a stem), orange Calla Lillies, orange Ranuculas, peach Roses  and the purple Sweet Peas made these bouquets sensational. 

 Justin and Shelby on the drive! I love the soft lighting behind them!
The centerpiece was a mix of live herbs and plants, all displayed on a large wood wafer. 
Shelby's students helped her make 1000 colorful origami cranes. It's a wonderful task seeped in legion of good luck and answered wishes!
So, we put cranes everywhere and had so much fun doing it too.
 I never realized how many 1000 cranes really was. I strung them on fishing line. I stuck them with a wooden skewer for the centerpieces. I draped them, tucked them, placed them and hung them!

The cranes were multi-colored and added that special touch that only they can.

Here they are right outside the Vienna Gates. I love this shot!!

Or this one on the swing!!! Love it!!

This lovely portrait was taken inside the Victoiran House. Love it!
 Shelby's hair was so soft and flowing! With the intricate design of the tiny braids, her hair style fit her outgoing personality and joy for life. The fresh flowers added that special touch and her color scheme!

The cake cutting was done with a trowel! They had met on an anthropology dig and so, the trowel was a fitting knife to cut the cake!!

I wish you two the very best! Congratulations!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate



Monday, August 13, 2012

Pink Flowers... Up Close and Personal!

Hi!
You have chosen your Gown and the Bridesmaid's dresses are ordered. Now, you are trying to decide  which flowers to use for your bouquet?
 I think the best starting point is to find out first what flowers are in season. 

Diana's heart was set on all the beautiful Pink flowers so Alison at Flower Allie in Fullerton, helped us bring the colors and textures together. 
One of the main focus of the bouquet is to accent the Gown. 
Alison came up with amazing suggestions!!


 The hot pink Ranunculas was a definite first choice for their spectacular color. Stephanotis (small, white star like flower)  with little crystals hidden inside was next. The soft, fluffiness of the pink blush peony (multi-petal flower next to the bright pink Ranuncula) was a terrific recommendation. The Country Style ivory roses (tucked between the two hot pink Ranunculas) brought a touch of romance. The Pink tipped Lisianthus  (soft petals to the left between the hot pink Ranuncula and pointy Astilbe)for its heartiness and softness was added. The pink Sweet Peas (far left) was chosen for their delicious scent! They were a must!  For the soft texture and wispiness,  Alison advised us on  the delicate ice pink Astilbe (the pointy, delicate flower on the left).
 One more item was needed ... the crystal broach accents!
  So, minus the ivory country Roses, the ice pink Astilbe and the white Stephanotis, the Maid of Honor's bouquet was everything PINK!
 The ice pink Astilbe in Diana's bouquet mirrors the delicate lace of her gown.
We started with the bouquets to find color and texture of the flowers and then moved on to the Ceremony decorations and the centerpieces. It was really a snap, once we knew what flowers we were using!!
                                    Thank you so much, Alison at Flower Allie for a spectacular job! A big Thank you again  to MichaelJonathanStudios for always supplying me with the best images!!!
                                                                         
  Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Sunday, August 12, 2012

How To Get Your Guests More Involved?

Hi!
Wouldn't it be great for  your guests to feel more part of your event?
I think so and that's what I work so hard with during all my events. 
  So, whether its the extra service we provide with the drinks or hors d'oeuvres,  the overall service or just good ole hospitality, I want the guests to really enjoy themselves.

At Diana and Michael's wedding, the Maid of Honor thought it would be so much fun if there were headbands for all the ladies!
Since Diana's colors were pink and black, they came up with a beautiful arrangement to display all the finery!
As the ladies signed in at the guest book, they were encouraged to  select and wear a headband of their choice. I saw ladies of all ages laughing and enjoying this special gift just for them.

                                There were feathers and jewels and ribbons galore on the headbands.
They went to downtown L.A. shopping district and found some and made others!

 Even the Mother of the Groom had a special headband set aside just for her! 
Dressed in Pink for her Son's wedding, her head piece was a lovely accessory.

Either the ladies were wearing their finery for the ceremony or waited until they found a mirror to put it on just right after the ceremony!

My Staff and I got in the act too! Diana loved that everyone was decked out in Pink


The guest book/gift table is the perfect place for this presentation! 
It's the first place the guests stop and the first place to feel extra special!

How to get your guests more involved? 
With just a little bit of effort... spread the love.
Whether it's sandals, headbands, hankies, pashminas,  fans or anything else, the extra touches you offer makes the event extra special for everyone! 


Thank you MichaelJonathanStudios.com for the beautiful photos!!!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Pink, Pink and More PINK!

Hi!
I can't believe I miss placed the MichaelJonathanstudio's C.D. full of pictures from two of my weddings; Diana and Michael March 31st and Shelby and Justin April 21st!
I FOUND IT!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! MichaelJonathanstudios (Memoriesbymichael.com)
So, of course, the first thing I thought about was downloading the images and posting them here!
I hope you enjoy this bright and beautiful wedding for Diana and Michael!

The welcome table was bright and playful! 
As the guests finished signing at the guest book, the ladies had their choice of beautiful hair bands to wear!
 Diana's colors were bright pink and black so the black and white polka dot linen was just the accent we was looking for, for this table!

Her bouquet was breathtaking with the mix of flowers and the mix of pink hues! 
Thank you Flower Allie for all these amazing flowers!

The Arch was decorated with full pink and white flowers on top, our crystal stained glass piece along with a tender, pink sign flagging each side. 

Here's lovely Diana!

The men wore silk, pink striped ties and topped the suit lapel with a pink boutonniere!

The tables were scrumptious! Black and white damask with full silver candelabras. 
We added vintage crystals to the arms of the candelabras for an extra special presentation.

Lovely, just lovely. 

 The Ring Bearer was all smiles as he was dressed to the top.
Even the band on his hat has a pink hue to it!
The Bridal party just isn't a bridal party without the ladies' precious best friend!

Diana and Michael enjoyed their photo booth along with the rest of the guests. 
The pink boas and hats were just the ticket!

  Since March is known to have cool evenings, Diana thought ahead and bought light pink, medium pink and dark pint pashminas for all the ladies! It was a thoughtful and beautiful gift that they all enjoyed and had the added pleasure of taking them home!!


The cake! With the pink fondant flowers and sparkling crystals, (above and below), the cake was not only delicious but elegantly pink. 

The candy station was a burst of color and flavor! 
The sweetest way to end the sweetest day!!
Thank you Diana and Michael for allowing us to share in your joy!
There is more to come....
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Friday, August 10, 2012

To Menu Card or Not To Menu Card!

Hi!
I am often asked...
"Do I need a menu card?"
If you are planning a Buffet  or a Sit Down Dinner or Luncheon, I love the added touch of a menu. Whether it's a menu card, a menu chalk board, a menu window or a menu sign, I personally think it's a detail that should not be overlooked.


 It can add a elegant touch to the place setting  like this one from Sarah and Greg's wedding.
We inserted the menu card in the napkin that was folded especially for it!

 Rachell and Travis added lively ribbon and followed the color scheme to her menu cards!

Erica and Charles preferred a "gift package"  design presentation for their menu card.
 The striped ribbon was bold yet playful! We first wrapped the ribbon around the napkin and added a bow  on top! Lovely!!


Brandi and Josh had windows as their special accent pieces. 
Brandi included a window for their menu too!


A Chalk Board is a perfect remedy for the menu! Whether it's for the bar's drink menu or  the buffet menu, the chalk boards ofter a slightly less formal approach. 
With a little artistry, they can be a real focal point. 


If you are looking for a completely different look or accent to reflect your vintage or country or outdoor theme, an old door or piece of wood might be just the trick!
Here, Erica painted this verse for her wedding but it could have easily been a menu. 

If you ask me whether or not you should have a menu, 
my answer is yes. Let's have fun with it!!
Smiles,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate