Tree Branch Cake Stand made for the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

I have to tell you that I just love my job! 

As I look at these pictures, they just make me smile!

I want to send out a huge thank you to Susan's Father-in-law, Steve Moore, for creating the cake stand of her dreams. She had found a picture and that particular stand was really pricey! 

Steve came to the rescue and made it just for her!

  He even carved a heart with their initials, just like a real tree!!

We added birds to the limbs and flowers on top and waa laa, an amazing display!

 The cake was stenciled beautifully by ABC Cakes and a bird's nest was tucked beside it.

Hanging Birds in the windows, frames with canning jars filled with flowers on the lattice work, vintage blue/green corning ware on the window sills, they all added that special touch that made the cake stand the true centerpiece on the design!

Thank you again Steve! I love it!

There's always a solution! Let's get together!

Smiles,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Flower girls, flower girls, a whimsical addition! The Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

Are you thinking of adding a flower girl and/or ring bearer to your wedding party? Are you thinking maybe two, or maybe three, or even four, what about five?

Erica and Charles did just that! They had five beautiful little flower girls ranging from the age of 2 years old to 8 years old. We didn't think the 2 year old would make it but just having her in the wedding was magical.

Erica decided to do something different then a mini bouquet or a flower petal basket for her little girls. She came up with these "floral wands" idea and they were a huge hit!!

She started with a wooden dowel that she covered with ribbon. She twisted and wrapped the green stem of a silk peony around the ribboned dowel. She then hot glued more peonies to the top. Underneath the flowers, she added white polka dot organza ribbon bows along with a pink satin edged ribbon bows. Black and white stripe ribbon in long lengths were glued with pink polka dot ribbon and a tiny pink satin ribbon. Each dangling ribbon was a different length. We spray painted a galvanized tin bucket white and added ribbon and a button on top for decoration. It was a perfect choice to hold all the wands!!!

Erica loved baby's breath wreaths for the flower girls and they looked adorable.

Here she goes, she getting ready for pictures!!

It was wonderful to see the girls get along so well. As it turned out, the two 8 year old girls paired up and the two 6 year old girls paired up! Walking down the aisle with your new friend turned out to be perfect. We add animal crackers to the vintage quilt that they sat on and everyone had a great time.

Here's Erica with the first two flower girls, Kendal and Katalin. The others joined the group shortly there after.

Are you thinking of adding flower girls to your Bridal Party? They are so much fun and add a

magical touch! I'm here to help with goodies for them! Enjoy!

Thank you Brandi Barr Photography for the photos!

Love

Michelle

Crystal Cake Stand... Where's the Crystals? the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

Ah, an inspiration!

 Sometimes an inspiration is spectacular and exciting but a bit out of the budget. That's where I come in. It's my job to find a way around a design to make it reflect the Bride's style, her color scheme and her wallet. 

My Bride, Diana, found this particular cake design (below) that was gorgeous!

 She loved the hanging crystals but was having trouble creating it within her budget.

 This was our start.. our inspiration!!

At the next meeting,  we discussed the picture in detail. I explained the many options available to her,  all of which were a challenge, except one.   I brought out a variety of my crystal cake stands to get a better visual.  Each of them  unique with different styles and sizes. We found two that she loved and that would be perfect for the project and a perfect start.

I dug around my supplies and found crystals from an old chandelier that I had saved. Diana's friend had a bag full of crystals from a garage sale. We now had all of our supplies and a simpler design that would cost her nothing!!  But most importantly, a design that she loved! Wow!!!

One last issue; her pink. She wanted pink flowers added to the design.

 I played with the crystals and on each stand. The top stand had scalloped edges and it was perfect for attaching the crystals. With her approval,   I was ready to go!

 Crystal stand number one!

I began wiring the crystals with clear fishing line and crisscrossing them across the top of the stand. I glued the fishing line on the top and a bit on the side to hold all the crystals in place. I continued around the scalloped edge until all the crystals were in place.

 Waalaa! The first stand ready to go. The second stand was smaller but this stand had a scalloped edge with a lip on it. It was so easy to attach the crystals to that scalloped lip edges with the wires.

Now, I realize from this raw picture it doesn't look like much! Just two stands with crystals hanging off the edges. But just wait.

 Next step, Diana wanted pink flowers on her cake!  It was off to ABC Cakes to help us with that last piece of the design.  

Diana decided on  edible flowers in light  and dark pink. All of a sudden, her dream cake was coming to fruition. 

Here's her cake! All the crystals on the crystal stands, edible flowers on the butter cream frosting on each layer and the black and white damask linen.

Cake cutting at its finest! With the crystal chandelier above, the vintage pink plates and the Mr. and Mrs. forks set, the Bride and Groom enjoyed their cake and ate it too!

A special Thank you to Michael at MemoriesbyMichael.com for the photographs!

What's your design inspiration?  Don't give up to soon!!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Stylist and Coordinator

Kari and Haamed's Persian Wedding's Sofreh display! The Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

Each wedding, no matter what, I learn something new. It's true! Even after 26 years of weddings, there is always something new and fresh and endearing that makes my job the best.

Kari and Haamed's wedding did just that. It was the very fine details that made this learning experience so precious. I had been given a beautiful Persian table cloth from my friend, Tina, and it was just the accent they used for their Sofreh table!!!

They had a lovely Persian/American wedding in April and the photos of the Sofreh Aghd are breathtaking *along with other details to be sure.) At this table, each item represented something symbolic for the Bride and Groom and their future together.  

The Mother of the Groom set the table with lots of love, care and detail. I now have the pictures for you to enjoy!!

Symbolic items include:
Mirror – to bring light and brightness into the future
Candelabras – to symbolize fire and energy
Tray of spices – to guard against evil
Flowers – for beauty
Bread – for prosperity in the couple’s life
Decorated eggs and nuts – for fertility
Pomegranates and apples – for a joyous future
Crystallized sugar – to sweeten the new life together
Gold coins – for wealth and prosperity

Book – for knowledge 

Kari and Haamed during the Sofreh ceremony and the lovely music and celebration that followed!

Haamed's lovely mother was the creator of the magnificent Sofreh table. She is adorable as she celebrated her son and new daughter's wedding day!

The card bird cage was perfect for the safety of the gifts. 

Our chandelier in the gazebo accents their cake beautifully and was located near the Sofreh table for an extra pop of elegance. 

Congratulations Kari and Haamed! As I receive more photos I will post them. 

A Special Thank you to Jeray and Kim Wedding Photographers for the lovely photographs. 

What are your family traditions?

Is there something special that you would like to incorporate in your day?

Don't hesitate! It will make your day truly yours!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

Vintage Quilts to warm your heart and body at the Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

We all want the Wedding days to be just perfect! From the decorations, to the food, to the cake, to the music and most importantly, the weather ... it's what I pray for! 

Sometimes the weather can be chilly but there's no need to worry!! 

It's the perfect time to add a little fun! 

Here at the Estate, along with the space heaters, we bring out our vintage quilts and lap quilts. They warm your body while warming your heart! 

 Tied in a bow, they are a wonderful treat for anyone, young or old!

 Vintage quilts have so many different uses that can add a lovely, warm charm to your decoration!

 The Quilts can add a beautiful, stylish accent to your ceremony!
 Hang them and they become a colorful backdrop  for your seating cards  and/or photography too!!

The Flower Girls and Ring Bearers can sit on them during your wedding! Add little bags of goodies on your quilt for a special treat and it will help entertain them!!

The Quilts add color and texture to your guest tables or to your  special head table!

 Katie added her quilt to the cake and cupcake dessert table for a colorful W O W effect!

That's not all Katie used her quilts for... she made a sign that greeted the guests upon their arrival, a sign for the ceremony site, signs that indicated  Ladies and Gentleman's rooms and the party sign!

As you can see, the quilts are so versatile and perfect for a lovely detail!    In fact, I'm going to use one right now as I finish this post!! It's cold outside!!

Happy Wedding planning and Happy Holidays!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

Inspiration - Before and... Finished Artwork - After! The Jones Victorian Estate (714) 343-1964

Hi!

With  shows like "Junk Gypsy," "Flea Market Flip," "This Old House," and so many more, I thought it would be a hoot to show my rendition of a Before and After Wedding ideas!

So, let me know what you think!!

My Bride, Carrie, found this picture and loved the idea of having shutters for her seating since her emphasis was on the country theme....

I painted and used our shutters and added cowboy hats, old wagon wheels, succulents and photos to make these shutters hers!

 Jade loved the idea of the shutters because they were just her color scheme! I added vintage plates, mini flower bouquets, a white bistro set with vintage containers and books, along with a beautiful photograph of the couple and now, these shutters became hers!

This photograph has been all over Pinterest a million times I think. So, it was the inspiration behind Carissa's Arch...

Our Arch is shorter but it was still absolutely gorgeous! We added crystal strands to the overall design and it was perfect for their wedding

!

And, ours arch doubled as a magnificent backdrop for the first dance!

I found this beautiful photograph of an entrance for Ashley...

I had an extra door so we added a vintage tin floral box, lace and painted the door window with "LOVE and XOXOX." It was transformed into a beautiful entrance to Ashley's wedding!

I loved the idea of using vintage suitcases and books and this photograph was a great beginning for Ashley...

Since her theme was based around crates, I found this old crate to add to the design.  The suitcase included books, lace, a the silver tea set and her sign "From This Day Forward!" A wonderful accent for the entrance door!

Trying to be more original in the chair decorating area, I found this photograph for Melisa...

Since her accents are crystals and the color purple, I thought draping crystals, adding vintage earnings and old floral tins would be just the accent she would love. We worked on them together and she is trilled! Her wedding is a week away and I can hardly wait to use them.

So, I hoped you enjoyed my little Before and Afters! 

Remember, changing the design idea to reflect your personality is what it's all about.

Please, enjoy the process! We do!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate

APRONS! Look What We Are Doing at the Jones Victorian Estate. (714) 343-1964

Vintage Aprons

In new and fun ways... not just for cooking anymore!

I thought a new spin on an old favorite would be a fun post!

Aprons! They are so pretty and have been kept in the kitchen for to long.

Here, I have used them as chair covers, decoration accents, for cake cutting and the money dance. They are so much fun and have so many more uses than just in the kitchen.

Check of few of these out...

Chair Covers for all the chairs and a quit for the overlay!

The aprons are the skirting for this table. 

We added crystal, plates on crystal candlesticks and flowers to make Brandi's vintage them come alive.

I even had an apron in her colors!!! Perfect to bring the colors in...

For Erica's polka dots and stripes, this apron was a perfect choice.

For Chantelle, her colors were yellow and even Aron joined in on the fun!

Erica's apron was not just for display, she wore hers for the cake tasting!

There are always other ways to display your favorite accent. 

Let's talk!!!

Love,

Michelle Gregory

the Jones Victorian Estate