I’m a big fan of a hosting a large rehearsal dinner. And this one, is well, awesome. Held at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum the understated fiesta vibe, is elegant, and oh so fun.

A muted palatte of taupes and creams is given a distinctive fiesta flair with shots of turquoise and bolsa wood flowers that are a twist on the colorful paper flowers usually used for this kind of look.

Of course, if you’re going to throw a proper fiesta, you need a really good mariachi band to set the mood. Add in a menu of delicious tacos and churros and you’ve got the makings of one successful party.

Did I mention, the churro situation? I’ll take one!

Today I’m super excited to share this never before seen rehearsal dinner I designed and Jose Villa photographed. The client wanted a fun rehearsal dinner atmosphere and asked for a state fair theme. I ran with it and had Bella Vista make custom red and white cabanas for our food and drink booths. Custom chalkboard signs with custom decals were made, and I worked with Duo Events to create some upscale carnival food.

My favorite food that night was the duck confit corndogs. They were way, way too good! We also served french fries in newspaper cones and tray passed sweet tea. I even bought red and white striped ties for the caterer waiters to tie the whole look together.

For invitations, I worked closely with a paper designer here in Santa Barbara. We used hand set metal type for these letterpress invitations and Betsy Dunlap did the amazing calligraphy. The reply and transportation card were made of one piece that was perforated so guests could tear off their “admit one” ticket for their RSVP reply card.

For escort cards, I filled wood boxes with peanuts and tucked in the cards. Kerstin from Blue Magnolia accented the display with beautiful flowers in shades of red and white.

For the bar, I used Zephyr Tents farmhouse style bar. Behind it, I used Town & Country‘s candle wall to create a backdrop.

For dinner, I  used the farmhouse tables from Zephyr and overlayed them with custom red and white striped seersucker runners. A collection of vintage medicine, milk and soda bottles (that I collected over many months) were mixed with milk glass and held flowers such as red ranunculuses, dahlias, and straw flowers. Petite crab apples were also scattered about to add additional fall texture.

I scattered loose hay throughout the party to create that authentic state fair feel.  For the table numbers I made little flags and Betsy calligraphed the numbers on. They were then placed them in old soda bottles. Michael from The Flashdance spun country and rockabilly classics and totally completed the party vibe. Thank you to all the vendors that made this event a success!

Kick your heels up with your ‘maids and rock some cowboy boots wedding day. Benefits: comfy, warm, and you can get down on the dance floor. Photo by the always inspired Kirsten of Beaux Arts Photographie.

This wedding has a special place in my heart… The bride, Elizabeth was an absolute pleasure to work with and this wedding was among the last weddings I planned… Tricia Fountaine created the amazing designs in collobration with Elizabeth who created many special touches herself. The groom, Jaime was a total sweetheart– the two had a pretty amazing choreographed first dance which was so very romantic…

Elizabeth wore a beautiful Claire Pettibone dress and Tricia created a beautiful bouquet of peonies, roses, blue thistle, millet, and jasmine.

The ceremoy was held under Rancho Dos Pueblos’ three hundred year old sycamore tree. Old barn doors were staked to create an entrance (found on the ranch) and decorated with flowers. Old church pews were used for guest seating and chandeliers were hung assymetrically at the front of the ceremony area.

The bridesmaids were dressed in different dresses in shades of blue and the groomsmen wore classy gray suits. Photos were taken all over the ranch, including under the huge alley of morton bay fig trees at the Casa and at the greenhouse.

Another found piece from the ranch, served at the table for seating cards. And old bread tin filled with acorns (a nod to the couple’s southern roots) was filled with scrolls featuring quotes from the couple’s favorite poems and songs.

For the tabletop design we used Tricia’s extensive collection of fine china. The bride made lace runners for some of the long tables and napkins were Tricia’s vintage hankies.

Vintage piano shawls graced some of the tables, and a large cotton wreath grounded the back wall of the reception.

Instead of a traditional coffee table, a large tea time table was designed. Linens from La Tavola were hitched up and tulle layered beneath.

Food was very important for this couple, cheese plates were set on each table for guests to snack on. Honey from the ranch served as favors and featured tea stained tags made by Elizabeth. Shots of Jameson were passed out right after toasts to get the dance party started. Congratulations again to Elizabeth & Jaime!

I love the mystery of fog:  the vague outline of a tree, the profile of a horse, the sun desperately trying to peek through… These photos by Jose Villa perfectly captures the ever changing beauty of fog.

Oak trees, vineyards in the beginning stages of fall color, all under the shroud of fog… simply beautiful.

I have a thing for aqua (if you hadn’t noticed) and I love the idea of mixing this soft color with distressed, silvery wood tones. I could see the table design with a soft aqua silk runner, long, silvery wood containers like flower window boxes, and flowers in shades of white, for a more classic look. Or flowers could be in deep burgundies and reds which would make for a bolder look. What do you think?

I love a good garden that is simply laid out and features beautiful walkways for afternoon strolls. This garden in Belgium designed by Wirtz International is just that.

But my favorite part? The 17th century dovecote that’s been turned into a perfect spot for afternoon tea.

I’m always inspired to see how other artist’s lived, what they saw everyday, and the spaces that may have inspired them to create. And this home of Marcel Proust is certainly inspiring to me, french countryside, old churches, quiet walking paths…

A strong ribbon of blue runs throughout the house, the tiles on the facade and in the perfectly casual kitchen, and of course in the beautiful stained glass window. Who’s home inspires you?

Continuing my wanderlust for France is a virtual tour of Versailles… Um, how amazing is the pattern of the stone? I love the geometry in contrast to the ornate facade.

I die for this chair and this bed. This is perhaps the most perfect french canopy ever.

Even the stairs are so pretty I could hang out on one of these landings any day. And the stables? The stone vault and beautiful wood details, make me very jealous of the horses who call this home. These photos are from the book Versaille: A Private Invitations, which will be coming home with me soon, I’m sure!

I’ve been researching fashion on the 70′s a for a little project I’m working on this week… So far I’m loving the flowy hair, knits and rich amber hues…

Chunky belts, peasant skits and floppy hats… 70′s style had such a relaxed, but elegant look. What’s inspiring you this week?

Photos via this is Glamorous via luster