Redecorating Sneak Peek

Since I managed to get behind on things last week, failing to post my first Creative Spaces column as promised, I thought I'd share a sneak peek of the redecorating I'm doing at my own casa!

My friend/decorator, John, taught me a few really important tricks for making my small space appear much larger!

(Aside: these chairs were estate sale steals at $5 a piece. I refinished and painted them, had new seats cut, and reupholstered the new seats. I LOVE the change, but it was a HUGE project, one that I will never do again! The finished chairs also ended up being just as costly as new chairs. DIY=WHY?)



The first trick was to scale down on furniture. I had waaaay too much furniture in my living room. John encouraged me to switch to a round table and get a clear glass side table instead of the dark wooden dresser I had there previously.

Since my living room also serves as my consultation space, this was a really great change for me. A round table is more comfortable and conducive for meeting with clients!

I also eliminated a sofa. That means we have a lot less seating now, but it makes our space seem more open. 

The other big tip from John was to raise the curtains! We moved the rods nearly to the ceiling and hung new curtains, and the change was dramatic! Floor to ceiling curtain panels draw your eye up, making the ceiling seem much higher than it actually is.


We have a great deal more work to do in our place, but it's coming along. If you live in a "small space," I hope you'll be able to adopt these tips for your own place!

Read more...

{engaged} lindsey & chris

Lindsey & Chris are such a sweet couple! I've known Lindsey for awhile and met Chris earlier this year, and it's been such fun getting to know them better. I'm looking forward to designing their wedding next year, and in the meantime I'm honored that they asked me to shoot an engagement session for them! We discussed how to go about this session because I think that engagement photos should really reflect the lives of the couples they represent (rather than the current trend of themed shoots that have nothing to do with the couple!).

 Lindsey & Chris are homebodies and recently purchased their first home, so we decided the best place to shoot their photos would be their home! They also love to cook together, and I got to shoot them making a delicious meal. I know it's delicious, because I got to eat it! Yum yum!




I love capturing tender moments such as this...

And playful moments such as this!




Ha ha!


These pictures were taken at the park across the street from their home, where they shop their local Farmer's Market every weekend!



Their new home has this fabulous wine closet, which was one of the features that made them
fall in love with the place, so of course we had to shoot in that special spot.










Happy Engagement, Linds & Chris! 

Oh and PS, isn't their kitty pretty???

Read more...

230 :: Quotidian Capture

Fresh Rhubarb {ll} :: Root Beer & taffy {st}

Read more...

{married} S&K

Occasionally, I work with clients who wish to remain anonymous on my blog. Such was the case with the wedding that follows. Thus, you will see no "face pictures" (pity though, this bride was drop-dead gorgeous!) and we'll refer to the Bride & Groom as S&K. But I can share with you some of the beauty from their special day...

Braedon Flynn
S&K were married at the Founder's Chapel on the University of California, San Diego campus.

Braedon Flynn
The architectural details both inside and out were fantastic.

Braedon Flynn
And as college campus "chapels" go, wow.

Braedon Flynn
The alter detailing was awe-inspiring. Which, I suppose, is the point. ;-)

Braedon Flynn
K's boutonniere consisted of a white mini calla lily, white spray rose, blue delphinium, dusty miller and gold curly willow.

Braedon Flynn
Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers were white roses, classic and elegant.

Braedon Flynn
Aren't the bride's shoes exquisite? And what about that bouquet?

Braedon Flynn
Love the tear-drop shape of this bouquet. S didn't want a cascade, but she did approve a slight drape, and it was soooo gorgeous as she held it!

Braedon Flynn
The bridesmaids carried bouquets all in shades of white and cream, so they popped against their blue dresses.

Braedon Flynn
The reception was held at the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Braedon Flynn
In the Grand Ballroom, no less!

Braedon Flynn
These centerpieces were massive. Far more massive than they look in the pictures. Two strong men had to carry each one, together, from the truck into the reception hall. It was impressive to watch.

Braedon Flynn
There were lots of wonderful details, like this cake.

Braedon Flynn
And pretty menus...

Braedon Flynn
Not to mention the artist who painted the event as it happened, or the strings that played so beautifully! Jesi Haack sure rocked all those details, while pregnant (superwoman!), it was such a pleasure working with her at long last.

Braedon Flynn
I designed a mixture of tall and low centerpieces to add variation across the room.

Braedon Flynn
They were absolutely perfect for the space.

Braedon Flynn
There were cocktails inside...

Braedon Flynn
And cocktails outside, on the patio. Can you believe that view?

Braedon Flynn
Coronado Island is way too pretty to be real.

Braedon Flynn
Because S&K are cool like that, they had us put lottery tickets in the toss bouquet and the garter. It made for a much more exciting toss than one usually expects at modern weddings!

Braedon Flynn
These images by Braedon Flynn are just .... just ...
Braedon Flynn
I have no words.


{Credits}
Photographer: Braedon Photography
Floral Designer: Lauryl Lane
Coordinator: Jesi Haack Weddings
Stationary Designer: Wiley Valentine

Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Venue: Founder's Chapel, UCSD & Hotel Del Coronado

Read more...