When I moved back to New York, one of the first things I did was look for something to do. I was under the false impression that I would be bored compared to living in… More
Upstate NY Barn Wedding
When Sarah and Wade contacted me about having their wedding in Upstate NY at Sarahs family barn, I was beyond excited. Starting from scratch for a wedding can be daunting but making each detail fit the bride and groom is so rewarding.
We worked together for just over a year, the details all came together and the end results was amazing.
The day started at Sarahs parents place, right next to the barn. Special Occasion Hair Design did an amazing job making each of the woman look fabulous. The dogs even joined in on the fun.
That dress though.
Sarah and Wade’s first look was so adorable it almost hurts. Their love for each other is infectious!
The flower girls during the ceremony almost stole the show, but Sarah and her dad and then of course the Sarah and Wade really made the whole ceremony so special.
The barn set up was gorgeous. A grand entrance, with family style seating within and a dance floor with a covered tent just outside the barn. Perfect place for a party!
Sarah’s dad actually made the escort card holders.
Every details was thought out, even keeping the kids occupied with these adorable kids activity packs.
Amazing desserts provided by Scratch Bakeshop
A beautiful sunset, and lots of dancing made the day complete.
Photo Credit: Michael Fisher Photography
Thanks Sarah and Wade for letting us be a part of your wedding day!!!
Buffalo NY Event -“The Swing” Book Launch
When Heather first called me to help her out with the launch of the her new book “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson, which she illustrated I was beyond thrilled. Firstly because she is amazingly talented and seeing her success is extremely exciting, and secondly I LOVE this book.
The venue was the Roycroft Power House and it was perfect to display her work. This space is awesome, wide open, lots of room to mingle and tons of light. My sister in law the photographer would go gaga (if she did that) over this space. These black art displays were on either side of the room so Heather was able to display the books artwork.
As “The Swing” is a children’s book, there were kids crafts designed by yours truly and an entire kids corner where kids could craft, draw or read, while their parents socialized, ate and waited in line to get their book signed. These really cute book marks that the kids could decorate were designed to look like Bean the dog from “The Swing”.
There was a line of people waiting to have their new book signed from the time we started until we left. We set up a display to showcase her work so guest could see the progression of Heather’s work. I picked up the old ladders, used some twine, and some spray paint. Viola…. art display. How cute are the little swing details?! As you can see Heather is pretty awesome and donated 50% of the proceeds that day to
Of course there was food, and per usual my mother-in-law did an incredible job with the dessert. How cute are these dog cookies. Just like the kids craft they also match the dog Bean from the book. She is one talented lady.
If you are interested in buy the book you can get it through Amazon.com .
Finger Lakes Birthday Party – First Birthday Party on the Lake
So my niece is beyond adorable. She squawks. Seriously this little thing loves to hear her own voice and will squawk like a bird, hence the nick name “Lia Bird”. Her mom asked me to do a bird theme to go along with her nick name. Since a first birthday party with a bunch of birds around would be strange, birds and flowers it is. Also the guest of honor typically sleeps through most of the party so an adult tea party is perfect.
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
For Lia’s smash cake my mother-in-law did an amazing job as usual and made a “nude” cake. Perfect for our little lady.
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
There were bird cages and flower to go along with the theme. I loved the bird cage pedestals which I found and had the very talented florists at fill. How awesome did they turn out?!
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
I spray painted some smaller bird cages that were originally orange to better align with the colors of the party. Along with some loose flowers that also came from Sassafras they became a very cute focal point for the table.
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
As most of you all already know, and if you don’t you should, Lia’s mother is the very talented photographer for . Lia is one lucky chica to have an unlimited amount of incredible photographs. Here’s just a sampling. 
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
Of course Oneida lake needs to be given it’s due. Nothing like an outside party with an amazing view. 
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
Last but not least the birthday girl, isn’t she gorgeous. Loving the flower halos, a girl can never have too many accessories. 
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
(photo credit The Harris Co.)
Rochester NY Birthday Party – Not too much Minnie
I love first birthday parties for the following reasons:
1. It really is a party for adults.
2. There is cake.
3. There is a cake smash.
4. Super, super cute decorations that I wish I had when growing up. Or maybe I just cared about the presents as an adult I love decorations…..
I digress.
This was my daughters first birthday party, which was Minnie Mouse themed. I wanted to have it outside and watched the weather like a crazy person everyday, every 10 minutes. It looked like it might rain through the whole day but thank goodness it held out.
We have a relatively large backyard but it wasn’t going to be a huge party, 30 people, and I wanted to keep everyone in the same location. Also I there is a big hole that my dogs had made that needed to be covered, so we wouldn’t have anyone falling into it. Lastly as it was mostly adults, I didn’t want it to overwhelmingly mousey.
So I decorated my tree which is right next to the back yard deck. Thanks to my husband, who is my muscle, he climbed the tree so I didn’t have too. My daughter was acting like the middle child that she is in this picture.
The display table with the drinks and dessert went under the tree and over the big hole (sneaky sneaky). As the display table was right next to the deck, where I was putting the food, I was able to keep everyone in a relatively small space compared to the entire back yard.
Probably my favorite part of the party was this photo display I made. The wooden poles my husband bought at the hardware store and I just wrapped the photos around them. It was great for myself and everyone else to see how much she grew in a year as she slept through most of the party.
Check out the cuteness of the cake smash. I am in love with the tulle skirt for the high chair. The high hair wasn’t pretty, so this was my way if covering it up. The Minnie bunting made it unique. When I was up at 3 am finishing it I actually ended up hot gluing it to the chair itself. The things we do when we are tired and impatient. Also the bow needs some credit. Thanks Pink and Blue Ninja Bowtique for your awesome bows each and every time.
Some more of the details below. Special thanks to my mother-in-law who did the cake and cup cakes. She makes the cakes for each of the kids birthday parties and they are always a hit.
Effortless Occasions 