Lemon & Lime, It's Party Time!

I was contacted by Deanna Townsend, sales director at the Nature Valley Lodge, in North Lawrence, Ohio, to plan a styled photo shoot for the venue, which has been open only one year. Deanna and I have collaborated on several styled photo shoots together over the years, as she has worked at several great local venues. I specialize in plannin wedding styled photo shoots, and Deanna asked if I would consider a bridal shower theme for this particular event. I agreed, knowing that I could take a popular theme, and put a twist on it. My personal creative aesthetic is "vintage with a twist." I try to incorporate vintage decorative items, clothing and accessories into each styled photo shoot. Using traditional elements mixed with modern ones creates a fresh look that appeals to today's couples. I decided on a theme with citrus colors, elements of an indoor picnic, and a farmer's market for food displays. We had a fabulous team of models and vendors for this styled shoot! Our theme was "Lemon & Lime, It's Wedding Time!"

• What People Ate

  The food provided for our bridal shower shoot was nothing short of absolutely amazing! Our catering company laid out an incredible charcuterie spread, with a seemingly endless array of savory crackers, artisan cheeses, vegetables both raw and roasted, all kinds of fresh fruits, nuts, and delicious dips! There were spicy meats, pickled eggs, and small candies. They offered refreshing water sweetened with lemon and lime slices. Of course, fresh whole lemons and limes were included in the display, in keeping with our theme. Everything was painstakingly set up on charming rustic platters, trays, and shelves. It was simply wonderful, and looked too good to eat!

• What People Drank

  Our bar display was simple and festive, but quite elegant. The sleek black bar was sprinkled with lemon and lime confetti. The champagne glasses bubbled happily on the handmade resin tray with inlaid flowers and gold handles. Individual water bottles were wrapped with printed lemon labels. There were fun bendable straws in citrus colors, and drink stirrers that said Bride. Champagne waited for the corks to be popped, and poured into stemless glasses. For those ladies that love their large beverage containers, we had fun straw covers with fruity accents. We rounded out our beverage selection with a delicious lemon sweetened iced tea.

• Desserts

  The cake table was a large, rustic wooden plank table, to which we added a golden satin table runner. We placed the darling 2 tier cake, which was decorated in pastel ombre frosting, a ring of lemons, and small white flowers, and a lemon themed "Bride to Be" cake topper, on a vintage class cake plate. There were also a set of vintage champagne coupes, and cake knife set wrapped with yellow ribbon bows. The amazing cake artist also created gorgeous cupcakes frosted in pastel shades and little pearls The cupcakes were wrapped in a pink and lacy design, some printed with lemons. The cupcakes were served on vintage dessert plates with daisy prints. The cloth napkins were a mix of vintage yellow gingham with ruffles, and pink cotton with a lemon print. There was also a vintage ceramic wedding couple figurine and a green and yellow hatbox gracing the vignette.

• Party Favors

  The gift table was covered in a pale gold round damask cloth. On this table we used a vintage picnic basket for cards, another vintage basket that held little tulle drawstring bags with fruity candy favors and ring pops, and a gold dessert plate that held lemon scented hand creams for the guests. We also added a few small yellow bottle brush trees for texture. One special touch was a vintage gold ornament tree, on which we hung green, yellow, and white ornaments that were printed with lemons and limes. There were also two small black photo frames that held sentimental pictures of our bride and groom models, Lauren and Brad, who are currently engaged.

• Activities / Games

  The real showstopper of our shower decor was the three arch backdrop. The arches were covered in linens of sage green, white, and a fun lemon print. Our talented balloon artist created a beautiful large spray of white balloons, with smaller clusters clusters of yellow and green, and a few individual balloons made to look like lemons and limes. This column of balloons curved up the side of the largest arch. She also created a smaller cluster of balloons in the same design, to rest at the bottom of the printed lemon arch. In front of the arches, we placed a large vintage picnic basket, to carry through our picnic inspiration. To the right of the arches, was a decorative lighted birch tree, on which we hung lots more of the fun little lemon and lime decorated ornaments. We placed one of the venue's Adirondack rocking chairs for Lauren to sit in, when she would open her shower gifts. The gift bags were placed in front of the arches, and were very colorful. A few were decorated with lemon prints, and others had festive words and designs. All of the gift bags were topped with coordinated tissue paper, in yellow and lemon prints. The gifts included beautiful bridal lingerie for Lauren, a sweatshirt for Brad that had "Mr." embroidered on it, and a great gag gift, full of lemon and lime scented cleaning products. That last one got a lot of giggles from the ladies in attendance!

• Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning

  Event Planner/Designer/Stationery & Signage Design/Floral & Decor Design/Wardrobe

  This styled shoot was planned for Nature Valley Lodge in North Lawrence, Ohio. Deanna Townsend wanted me to design an event that would show off the venue, but not a traditional wedding photo shoot. We came up with the idea of a bridal shower. I wanted to take a popular theme and put a fresh twist on it. We chose "Lemon & Lime - It's Wedding Time!" This theme incoporated lemon, lime, and other citrus colors, like tangerine and raspberry pink. Since the venue is a modern building with a rustic feel, we decided to include elements of a picnic, a farmer's market, and a few vintage touches as well.
  When it came to the invitation suite, and signage for the shower, I wanted something sweet and elegant, without seeming too formal. I designed the invitation and response card in sunny yellow tones and a lemon motif. The signs for the entryway of the venue, and the different stations were designed in the same pastel and lemon pattern, for a cohesive look.
  Our dining table was a riot of color and texture, and easily one of my favorite features of this styled shoot. I layered the table with two vintage yellow and white checkered linens, edged with fun tasseled trim. Down the middle of the table I laid a thick cotton runner printed with lemons and limes. Our place settings included gold chargers, lemon printed plates, and two sets of cloth napkins each. The napkins were all different, including sage green, buttery yellow, sage green gingham, and a sage toile print. Gold mercury glass votives, and gold glitter edge place cards with small citrus fruit appliques completed our upscale picnic look.The real showstopper of our shower decor was the three arch backdrop. The arches were covered in linens of sage green, white, and a fun lemon print. Our talented balloon artist created a beautiful large spray of white balloons, with smaller clusters clusters of yellow and green, and a few individual balloons made to look like lemons and limes. This column of balloons curved up the side of the largest arch. She also created a smaller cluster of balloons in the same design, to rest at the bottom of the printed lemon arch. In front of the arches, we placed a large vintage picnic basket, to carry through our picnic inspiration. To the right of the arches, was a decorative lighted birch tree, on which we hung lots more of the fun little lemon and lime decorated ornaments.
  We used a mix of fresh and faux florals in our styled shoot. The floral designs were kept simple, as there was a lot of detail in our dining table, and the charcuterie display. On the table in the entryway of the venue, we had a large framed poster with the event details, and a few citrus colored glass vases with pampas grass, and pink and yellow blooms. The vases were also adorned with ribbons printed with citrus fruits. On our bride Lauren, she wore two different faux floral crowns, one in white and one in shades of pink, to match her outfits. The florals on the dining table included two tall vases, filled with sliced lemons and limes, and bunches of baby's breath, small pink carnation blooms, and small yellow and green twine wrapped floral picks that carried through our lemon and lime theme.
  Lauren wore several different looks, all of which were perfect for a bridal shower, or other pre-wedding events. Her first outfit was a lacy white minidress, and strappy white heels, that showed off her lovely figure. Our beauty stylist did a wonderful job for Lauren. Her hair was done in a half-up style, with loose curls framing her face. On top of that, a white floral crown was added for a romantic touch. Lauren's makeup was done in soft and rosy tones. She was absolutely glowing! For her second outfit, she changed into a deep rose colored maxi dress, and matching floral crown in shades of pink. Just for fun, Lauren also wore a dark green dress paired with a vintage blazer, that had a tropical fruit and ferns print. The blazer was found in a local thrift shop, and I knew we just had to include it, as it was so whimsical, and fit our theme. The bridal gown that Lauren wore in her photos with her fiance' Brad, actually was a display gown that hangs in the bridal suite of the venue. For grins and giggles, it was suggested that Lauren try on the dress, as she had really admired the gown. It was a delicate lace and tulle confection that fit her perfectly. She was very reluctant to take off the dress at the end of the photo shoot, she loved it that much! Brad was not to be outdone in looks, and was very handsome in a new grey suit selected for the occasion. Lauren mentioned later that the suit will likely be the one he will wear for their intimate wedding in the future. Even their young son, Caden, had to join his parents for a few great photos. He was so cute! Our photographer did an amazing job capturing all of the smiles of Lauren and Brad, and all of the fabulous details of the day!
  As a wedding and event planner, I have worked with many couples over the years. Every couple has been different, and no two weddings have ever been exactly alike. The variety of colors, themes, menus, religious and cultural traditions that have been incorporated into all of these weddings has been amazing to see and experience. Truly, anything goes these days. I feel that a couple should plan their wedding to suit themselves, reflecting their personalities, interests, and lifestyle. Yes, there are some etiquette guidelines that should generally be followed, and the opinions of family and friends to be considered. However, at the end of day, the wedding is about the couple, their love, and the future they are choosing to build with each other. Celebrate love, always!
  www.lovelaughterelegance.wordpress.com

• Nature Valley Lodge

  Event Venue

  Nature Valley Lodge is a gorgeous event venue, with beautiful extensive grounds, and a large, modern, state of the art barn. This estate also has several guest cottages, perfect for overnight stays for guests, or for wedding parties to get ready in. Definitely a great place for any event!
  www.naturevalleylodge.com

• Bespoke & Rose Fine Jewelry

  Jewelry Designer

  When it came to sparkling bridal baubles, our custom fine jewelry designer did not disappoint! She creates with ethically sourced stones and recycled gold, designing meaningful pieces that become heirlooms. Our model Lauren showed off gorgeous rings, bracelets, and earrings. Her fiance', Brad, wore a very striking wedding band that complemented Lauren's bridal set.
  www.bespokeandrosejewelry.com

• Blooming Life Artistry with Brittney

  Photographer

  Brittney did an amazing job capturing the fun details and spirit of our Bridal Shower photo shoot! She is very easy to work with, and has a bright, bubbly personality!
  https://bloominglifeartistry.mypixieset.com/

• Mrs. Dougherty Designs

  Resin & Floral Artist/Floral Preservation

  Our floral preservation artist created gorgeous accesories and decor items, perfect for a happy bride! In addition to the handled tray on the bar display, she created jewelry holders that work well for rings, bracelets and earrings. She can create nearly anything with resin, incorporating flowers, ribbons, or other delicate pieces of memorabilia, including photos.
  www.mrsdoughertydesigns.com

• Lindsay Faye Beauty

  Hair and Makeup Artist

  Our beauty stylist did a wonderful job for our model and bride to be, Lauren. Her hair was done in a half-up style, with loose curls framing her face. On top of that, a white floral crown was added for a romantic touch. Lauren's makeup was done in soft and rosy tones. She was absolutely glowing!
  www.instagram.com/lindsayefayebeauty/

• Inspired Balloon Designs

  Balloon Artist

  The real showstopper of our shower decor was the three arch backdrop. The arches were covered in linens of sage green, white, and a fun lemon print. Our talented balloon artist created a beautiful large spray of white balloons, with smaller clusters clusters of yellow and green, and a few individual balloons made to look like lemons and limes. This column of balloons curved up the side of the largest arch. She also created a smaller cluster of balloons in the same design, to rest at the bottom of the printed lemon arch.
  www.inspiredballoondesigns.com

• Any Way You Ice It

  Bakery

  She created the darling 2 tier cake, which was decorated in pastel ombre frosting, a ring of lemons, and small white flowers. I added a lemon themed "Bride to Be" cake topper, and placed this confection on a vintage class cake plate. The amazing cake artist also created gorgeous cupcakes frosted in pastel shades and little pearls The cupcakes were wrapped in a pink and lacy design, some printed with lemons. The cupcakes were served on vintage dessert plates with daisy prints.
  www.anywayyouiceit.com

• Marigold Catering

  Catering

  Marigold Catering did a fantastic job with the Farmers Market inspiration for the Charcuterie Table! There were so many kinds of fresh fruits, cheeses, crackers, and meats, and everything looked amazing! It was all delicious!
  www.marigoldcatering.com

• Lauren Simpson, Brad Union, and Cayden

  Models, Engaged Couple, and their adorable son.

  https://www.instagram.com/laurenashhhleigh/
  https://www.instagram.com/bradford216/