Details, Details!

My past life as a visual merchandiser for a retail chain has instilled in me a love affair with small details. While of course it’s the overall big picture that leaves the greatest impression, the fun is in drilling down to the finer things. The personal touches, the small, ornate pieces used throughout a venue to truly make the event unique.

I worked with local Saint John photographer Randi Gallant last August as the stylist for a photo shoot. The idea I conceptualized was ‘Country Romance’ I wanted to see soft pinks and peaches mixed with lots of greenery. I wanted a warm, feminine feeling from the shoot which I knew would be taking place outside at a gorgeous old house on the Kingston Peninsula.

In addition to the location provided, there were other fabulous local vendors involved in this event. Carousel Bridal donated the birdcage veil, Danielle’s Desserts whipped up the unbelievable cupcakes with oh so pretty daisy fondant cut outs on top and Galbraith Florist donated the stunning bouquet and centerpiece to match the colors I suggested perfectly.

Using peaches as my inspiration for the color scheme, I recovered the chairs I purchased on kijiji with crepe fabric I found at Fabricville. The chair backs were decorated with photo frames bought at Homesense that I popped the glass out of and added moss to so the green was brought the entire way around the table. I added soft pink colored votives to the tablescape so it would appear the flowers continued to overflow onto the tablecloth. The models, Stacey and Dave provided the wooden crate and vintage bottle of wine that matched the feeling of the shoot and the décor to a t. (The pillows were a great find at Pier 1 and the placemats were found hidden amongst pots and pans at Homesense)

You’ll see in one photo I displayed two tone tissue paper poms I created to act as napkin rings for a fun and casual way to pop the color on top of the dinner plates. In another, you’ll see I set peaches on top of the napkins. This is such a fun way to incorporate an unusual item as a place setting. Fruit and vegetables are inexpensive, colourful, and will hold up a toothpick with a name attached all day!

Two of my favorite things at every event are sparklers and balloons! Helium balloons are a challenge to get in an out of the car on a hot, breezy summer day so there were certainly a few causalities along my way to Kingston. If you click here: 'Country Romance' you can see how they’re incorporated into the final shots of the day.

Be mindful of the details, big and small. They will truly turn any ordinary event into an extraordinary extravaganza never to be forgotten!