Erin and Greg Wright! The pictures are in!

Hi!

Here's Erin and Greg! 

Congratulations!

This blog allows me the special pleasure of enjoying the day once again. 

It was amazing!

I loved your woodsy style and creativity!!!

Enjoy!

I love this photo! Her playful personality was a blast!

This is the first of more postings to come.

Thank you to Marcella Treybig Photography for the photos!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Food Tasting the Jones Victorian Way!

Hi!

I've been so busy and it's been a blast!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, food tasting is celebrated!!

It's a full evening of great food,  awesome company and lively conversation.

 Below are a few colorful snippets of the evening and decoration...

Jade is actually having three different centerpieces! This was a trial for the color and texture of her main focal point. The large and small vintage canisters and tray were accented with colorful roses, peonies and wonderful tiny blooms.  

A special thank you to Flower Allie for the beautiful flowers.  

We added mini roses to the champagne glasses, both pink and white. The vintage napkins were tied with a soft pink French wire ribbon. Mini roses and fresh rosemary was tucked inside the ribbon.

The table was draped with a soft pink silk organza overlay. It was just the light touch that Jade was looking for.

 Each place setting had a different napkin treatment. In that way, the Bride could see all the varying choices and to make her decision that much easier!

Jade and Warren! Thank you for a wonderful evening!!

What's your dream?

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Our Park Swing!!

Hi!

I just love all the pictures taken at the Estate but one of my favorite backdrop/location is 

the Park Swing. 

It's a time for the Bride and Groom to just relax and have some fun...

that's just what Ashley and Ron Palusso did!

I love these!!  Just Gorgeous!!

Thank you Michaeljonathanphotography.com!!

Come see just how special the Jones Victorian Estate is!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

thejonesvictorianestate.com

Decoupage? Old becomes New!

Hi!
Decoupage! Who knew it would be so much fun!!!!!

I started this project backwards, actually. I was at our florist, Flower Allie, and she had an old sign that was... well... ugly. It wasn't something that she bought, but rather created in the spur of the moment. It was for Valentine's Day and placed on the street side with ribbons and balloons.

So, while I was there, I stole her sign. 

I took the "Flower Shop" sign and went to Home Depot. The fabulous men there helped me with my framing! I brought it back and sealed the edges and corners. 

I painted it white... all white to start the project. I was thinking that my daughters would paint and create an awesome sign for me and for her. Unfortunately, they were way to busy and I didn't have the heart to ask them.

So, Yikes!!! 

I now have a white framed board and I really can't paint... at least not well and definitely not to show to anyone. I starting thinking and I don't know how but "decoupage" just popped into my head. 

Ahhh haaaa, a solution to my problem.

 I began by painting the board a third yellow, a third pink and a third green. I took an old towel and blotted the paint and then let it dry.

I then started cutting out flower pictures from EVERYWHERE! It was a blast. I thought I had enough but then when I began, it was so deceiving. My daughter, Rachell said  "if you are cutting wood for a fire, you cut way more than you think you need." Hmmmm. She was right!

After each flower, I lathered it with the decoupage glue, Mod Podge. It smelled and looked just like old fashioned, plain ole white glue! The difference was it dried in 15 to 20 minutes so I had to act fast!

 Put the flowers down, make sure it was how I wanted it and then go...

Then, more Mod Podge over the entire piece to seal it. (It dries clear.) Take extra care on the edges and getting out all the bubbles!

I painted the Mod Podge in all directions and then the final coat, I followed the flowers so when it dried it would have the texture of the flower! Who knew? Right?

The lettering was next and then more Mod Podge and the Mod Podge spray sealer!

Yeahhhhh! The finished project! I loved it!!

So, a couple of things I would do differently....

I would find lots and lots and lots more pictures of flowers to cut before I begin!

I would put  more coats of sealant  to really preserve the artwork. (I did about 5. I would suggest at least 15! Really!)

I would definitely find a UV acrylic sealer rather than the Mod Podge sealer.

Enjoy!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

A Very Special Moment!

Hi!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, the Bride and Groom have an opportunity to just relax, dry tears and have some very precious moments together before joining their reception. 

It's one of my favorite times of the day.  

We have the incredible honor of witnessing and documenting it for them and for you. 

Is this an amazing picture!?! I love the use of black and white.  

A very special Congratulations Sara and Ryan Oaks!

Thank you for allowing us to share in your day!!

Here's to those very special moments!

Thank you Brandi of BrandiBarrPhotography for capturing this lovely and romantic moment! 

                         No matter where you are married, take the time for just the two of you!!!

Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Bunting, Bunting, Bunting!!!

Hi!

Bunting! 

It's a blast! It's an accessory that is fun and colorful! It has movement and beauty and it brings out the child in all of us. 

What is bunting? 

Well, according to Wikipedia it's also called Tammy! Who knew right? It's from the late 17th century and used for celebration! I bet you can picture bunting on the ships arriving home! Or, through the 4th of July celebrations! Or, big sale days! Right?

They are flags, ribbons or colorful festive decorations!

Colorful bunting is what we had at Marysia and Matt Boeckman's Wedding on June 16th!

Congratulations Marysia and Matt!!!!

It was a remarkable show of beautiful bunting!  Marysia so enjoyed finding an assortment of fabrics in her colors. She then  delegated the job of making the bunting to Matt's mother and her mother and I even jumped in on all the fun! 

Mrs. Boeckman sewed all the  flags for the gazebo and I loved the textured edges and all the colors!

Matt and Marysia loved tennis along with board games. We tied the rackets on the tree with bunting. 

The bar had to join the fun so I sewed a Bar Bunting for the wine barrel!

The doors of the Bride's room where part of the fun too! The bunting first and then photographs next...

What's this? It's the bunting backdrop we hung for the photo booth! Brilliant!

Here's the gazebo as we figured out how long we needed the bunting to be to wrap all around!

Since Matt and Marysia were getting married at the Church, the flowers were added later but the Bunting was ready to go.

This is a quick picture I took of their Save The Date Cards! Marysia made them all and the bunting on the card set the stage for our accent and enthusiasm!!

The next post.... The finished product!

Just Wait!!!

Be Bold!!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

A View From the Top!

Hi!

A view from the top!

So Precious!
It's wedding season!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
the Jones Victorian Estate

Color, Color and more Color!

Hi!

I posted in a previous post about Kallie's color and the planning and all the fun I was having. I am pleased to announce that Nick and Kallie were wed on May 12th at the Jones Victorian Estate under a beautiful and bright sunny day!

All her special touches came to life that day.  The Estate's flowers were stunning in the background and added just what we needed to complete her special day.

An extra special Thank you to Brandi Barr Photography for capturing all the details and the fun of their day!!

At the Estate, the bougainvillea is always blooming and was the perfect backdrop for Kallie's gown!! More Color, please!

Here, all the Bridesmaids are standing in support of Kallie as she spoke her vows. I love their floral dresses!

 Now this is a great photograph! I love the energy and of course... the color is spectacular!

The Arch was decorated with beautiful  ribbons of different widths, colors and textures. I added flowers to the ribbons that created a  playful yet elegant Arch. It was colorful yet romantic and all those ribbons had movement!  They swayed in the soft breezes!!! It was a gorgeous backdrop for the ceremony.

Nice Kiss!!!

Ahhhh, the gazebo! The ribbon skirting for the cake table! It's color and it's just gorgeous!! Where's the cake?

Kallie's sign welcomed the guests to the ceremony site and I added the little floral touch on the right.

 I found an old white frame, wired three of her colorful mini milk jugs to it, added flowers and tied it to the gate along with one of her framed flowers and... Waalaa, it's so cute!!!

 I just love the special detailed decoration!

Props! I found this old colorful parasol and instantly thoughts of Kallie! It adds just the right element for the shot and for the day!

Thank you Kallie and Nick for choosing the Jones Victorian Estate! I loved working with you and I miss you dearly!!!
love,
Michelle Gregory
Stylist/Coordinator
the Jones Victorian Estate
714.744.1608

Lisa Was Married at the Jones Victorian Estate 20 years ago!!

Hi!
I just had to publish this post  of an email I just recieved today, because it made me smile! I emailed her back right away to come and visit!! Why wait for your daughter to be married! You can visit today!
 It's these precious things in life that make life worth living.

"Hello. I just wanted to say that I got married at The Jones

Victorian Estate almost 20 years ago. My wedding date was August 22, 1992. 
I loved this place and Michelle who did my wedding. It is really nice to 
see that after 20 years couples are still enjoying this place. Maybe when 
my daughter gets married we will come back!"

Lisa Dubose

Thank you Lisa for the wonderful note! 

Love

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

The Pure Magic of Nature at the Jones Victorian Estate

Hi!

There are certain days for me that start out okay but end spectacularly. 

Saturday was just that day!

I had back to back appointments and as I was getting ready for those meetings. I needed certain supplies from my Art Studio/Awesome Wedding Supply House.

As I was coming out of the little house, I noticed about 6 or 7 Bees flying around.

I thought that it was a bit strange because even though there was vegetation on the hill, the flowers weren't in bloom yet. As I walked down a few steps, I turned around to look back and this is what I saw.... 

Under the chair was a BEE HIVE! A real live Bee Hive! The Bees weren't agitated. They were actually quite peaceful with a few just flying to and fro.

Well, I was so excited! Now, I know some of you would run in fright and I completely understand that. 

I didn't! I was completely energized!

 I called my favorite Bee Man, Jeff, and asked and urged and prodded him to  come right over. 

He Did. 

It was the most magical act of kindness I have ever seen. I wish I had thought to video tape it.

This is what happened. 

Jeff came as promised and outfitted in his white Bee-Suit, much like a white Green Lantern.  He approached the hive with slow and determined movements. He ever so gently kneed down and moved his hands under the hive. He  s l o w l y  guided them into the new bee box that he put on top of the chair. 

It was like pouring water into a glass but these were hundreds of bees. 

It took him three hand fulls and waa laa... 

the Queenie and her family were inside in a safe and lovely new home.

Jeff was amazed at how calm the Bees were and how easy the transition was. 

But, he cautioned me! There is a "gestation" period of about 48 hours to see if the Bees will stay. 

I'm proud to say, the bees are happy and coming and going to feed their family as I write this post. They are moving in furniture and the Queenie is showing them where to put everything.

                              I went up to see them and they didn't even give me a slide ways glance!
The box will be moved farther up the hill but for now, the pure magic of nature is there for all to see.

It's special days like this when Nature shows itself in such glory that it makes the world, at least for me, a better place.

Thank you for reading!!
Love,
Michelle Gregory
Stylist and Coordinator
the Jones Victorian Estate
714.744.1608

A New Slide Show... Shelby and Justin!

Hi!

I just received this new slide show from Michael Jonathan Studios (alias Memories by Michael. com)!
I love your new name and your slide show of Shelby and Justin's wedding! It's heartwarming, beautiful, fun, playful, elegant and so much more!!

Please go to:

http://www.michaeljonathanstudios.com/demo/jonesvictorian-042112

You won't be disappointed!! Once I receive the photos, I'll post them!! Congratulation Shelby and Justin!! Well done Michael Jonathan!!! You're the best!

Love,

Michelle

The Beauty of Silver!

Hi!

Ah, the beauty of Silver! I love it!

Today, my Bride, Tammy, met me over at the Flower Allie Flower Shop in Fullerton.

  Allison of Flower Allie,  wove her magic and created a mock up of the centerpieces and fine tuned Tammy's overall  floral order!

I thought it would be fun to post a "before" and "after" picture as the design comes together.

Tammy was excited to use all of our silver pieces after I showed her how beautiful her purple and magenta looks with rich silver! So, we had a start. From there, I added silver tea pots, small silver elements, silver candy dishes and of course, silver candelabras. 

In order for the design to really pop, I added silver trays.  (Shown above)

 I suggested our silver rimmed china plates for the table numbers! We added a silver boutonniere
holder and waalaa... a lovely accent with fresh flowers. (The plate is blank as I haven't painted the numbers as of yet.)

 We are using two different main elements within the overall design. Half of the tables will have a main focal point of the silver Tea Pot....

Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis Orchids, Roses, Heather, Cala Lillies and purple Hydrangea were part of  the mock up! Tammy was trilled!

And the other half, the focal point will be the pedestal candy dishes (larger top flowers)!

 Each table decoration along with either the candy dish or tea pot will include two small silver pieces, a beautiful silver tray, a silver candelabra or silver candle sticks along with the silver edged china plate for the table number!!

Is that all?

Nope!

I added a beautiful eggplant satin overlay (a special thank you to Flower Allie for the fabric!) to really give it pop.  Above is another "mock up" table! The napkins will be white but wrapped with a silver ribbon and topped with a dendrobium orchid bloom.

The wedding is just a couple of weeks away! I can hardly wait!!!

Ahhh, the beauty of silver. We have it all here!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist

the Jones Victorian Estate

714.744.1608