Finding Calm in {the middle of} Chaos

Thursday, June 19, 2008

succulents in cups
lanterns
candle jars
buffet
favors

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Family Reunion

Family Reunion, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Party Sign from Cox and Cox, Lanterns (the knot), Croquet (BHG)
Row 2: Flag Bunting from Etsy Seller, Cookie Jars image by Amor*ology via Oh Happy Blog, Bottle Tops
Row 3: Photo Booth from {frolic!}, Crayons (the knot), Sandwich (BHG)

Now, my sisters will probably just about die when they see what I have posted here, as this event is supposed to be Simple! Easy! and Informal! (You see, I have a habit of making these things too complicated) Never fear, my dears. This is just for fun. Although, I did try to keep this board real, as in we ARE hoping to incorporate quite a few of the elements. (Photo booth, Croquet, Cookies) I'll try to post a few pics of the real event in a few weeks.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Happy Flag Day!

Flag Day Wedding Inspiration, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Dessert Buffet via Lucky Me, Parfaits (MS), Dr ess, Mini Burger (MS)
Row 2: Reception Table, Flag Planter (MS), Mini Pie Favors found via S&I, Ceremony (Red Barn Studios)
Row 3: Suit by JCrew, Red Barn (Red Corral Ranch), Cake (MS) found via Wedding Inspirations, Stationery by Bellis
Row 4: Bouquet from Etsy seller tinarie21, Reception (Red Barn Studios), Flags from Country Living Magazine, Trike from Brides, via S&I

In recognition of Flag Day falling on a Saturday this year, I thought I'd do a Flag Day Wedding Board. Could be used for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or (in the instance the stationery was designed for) a couple who met through their politically tied jobs! No matter which side of the isle you are on, and in a time of political dis-satisfaction in this country, I still say we live in the greatest nation on earth. So, get out your flag and fly it with pride! (or don't. 'cuz that IS what makes this nation so great.)

I'd love to see an old upright piano used for the prelude music (you're a grand old flag), as well as the more traditional ceremony tunes. I like the look of a vintage-styled, knee-length white dress with red accessories- a red sash at the waist, simple red bead necklace and red shoes. A short or bird-cage veil would be cute as well. I think the key to pulling this off without making it feel too cheesy, is to choose a venue that naturally lends itself to the colors, for example the red barn with white trim that is used here. Then, use the colors of red, white and blue generously, but be selective in actually using the flag so that it doesn't feel overdone.

***Update: I just came across this lovely photo while perusing {frolic!}

***Update #2: The perfect table setting from Rebecca Thuss

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Photo Booths- What fun!

My sisters and I are in the process of planning a little, informal family reunion in a few weeks. It dawned on me the other day that we need to have a DIY photo booth set up. Here are some images that have inspired me:

(as always, click on picture for link back to source. thanks!)

Thank Goodness It's {green} Friday!

Thank Goodness It's {green} Friday!, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Clockwise from top left:

Tie
Card
Romper
Cuff Links

Thought I'd put together a Father's Day- inspired collage today. I know it's so cliche to give a tie for Father's Day, but how could you go wrong with one as hip as this? Love the 3-D card- how do people do these things?? The romper is for the little one that gives proof of fatherhood, to wear in honor and appreciation of the man he calls dad. And, the classy cuff links are for the guy who works in the office from 9-5 to provide for his family.

The Dad in our house will be gone fishing Friday and Saturday, so our plans here are to create some cards and make a yummy breakfast for him on Sunday. Then we'll spend the afternoon hanging out as a family, I think. Oh. And we'll let him off of diaper-changing-duties for the day. What could be better than that??

Hope your weekend is a special one!