Leu Gardens Weddings

So last week, I wrote about Leu Gardens, a great Central Florida day trip.  While researching to write that post, I found lots of images of weddings there!  So this week, I thought I'd share what a great wedding venue it is... in addition to a fun place to visit!

via Rai Cox on Pinterest

When the season of life is changing...

I've been in a somewhat melancholy contemplative mood today, as I have been, like many, saddened by the passing of actor Robin Williams.  I always felt a kinship with this man that shared my name and brought such joy to so many people.  People and things all have their seasons of life and sometimes they leave us before we're ready.

I recently started a new job and while new beginnings are exciting and hopeful, it often means that with this same cycle of life, some people and things reach their end.  I was thinking along these same lines a few weeks ago, when I heard that Chalet Suzanne, a local restaurant and inn that had been open for 83 years, was closing.  It was a quirky family-run landmark that had a special place in many people's hearts.  I always feel change very acutely and it makes me sad when the vintage places that I love close and are so often torn down.

B and I went out to Chalet Suzanne a few weeks ago for a final meal.  We brought the camera and got some great pictures of this awesome old place.  It is obviously in need of some maintenance, but you can still see the greatness of what was there.

BECKY AND STEVE'S RED + AQUA HANDMADE "DYXIELAND" WEDDING

When super creative Becky AKA Dyxie married Steve in Bossier City, Lousiana, it was clearly going to be colorful, fun, and handmade.  Add to that her signature color combo of red + aqua and you've got a sweet wedding that's both retro and modern.  I was super excited for one of my boutonnières to be her first wedding purchase.  Enough talk, her awesome pictures by Seattle photographer Jenny GG speak for themselves!

MICHELLE'S INTIMATE SOUTHERN CHIC SAVANNAH WEDDING

Confession: I love watching Say Yes to the Dress and its kooky spin-off Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. On the Atlanta edition, I giggle to myself when brides come into the salon declaring that their theme is "Southern Chic"... but not really having a clear idea of what that means to them.  Their confused group runs around the salon holding up dresses asking if they're "Southern Chic" enough.  It usually ends in the bride tearfully saying that a sleek mermaid dress makes her feel "like Scarlett O'Hara" while her bewildered group cheers her on, relieved to finally figure out what "Southern Chic"means.

Michelle's wedding is the real deal though when it comes to Southern Chic, taking place against the historic, Spanish moss-draped background of Savannah.

All photos courtesy of the bride, photography by Maria Reed of Romeo Cowboy Photography, www.romeocowboyphotography.com/ 

When Michelle first contacted me about a brooch and flower bouquet in my shop, she described her wedding vision as "intimate and classic Southern inspired" but also unique, without being over the top. She loves polka dots, stripes, dark purple, ranunculus, and anemones. I did my best to incorporate as much of this as possible into her custom order.  Lots of classic brooches kept with the theme and lace and pearls scattered throughout the bouquet nodded to classic Southern style.