Sometimes it’s undeniably necessary to feel girly and drink a “frilly”, sweet, and  brightly-colored martini. While I personally have to be in the right mood for such a lady-like libation, this cocktail pairs well with a cute outfit, a fresh manicure, and of course…spectacular shoes. Cheers ladies!

Ingredients:

~1 1/2 shots of vanilla vodka

~Small splash of pineapple juice

~Heavy splash of pomegranate juice

~Small splash of tonic

*Add all ingredients in martini shaker over ice and give a good shake. Serve in martini glass with a sugar rim

-XOXO Melissa

Shoes + books, one of my favorite combinations!

I’m so in love with this adorable pink and aqua wedding photographed by Beaux Arts Photographie.

For the ceremony, the bride made a backdrop of floaty pink and aqua fabric, that swayed in the breeze…

The bride’s bouquet was made up of garden roses, peonies and hydranga. For a keepsake of the day, a clock engraved with the couple’s wedding day was carried by the groom.

Brass bells were hung on aqua board for guests to ring after the couple’s kiss.

Pink and gold tea cups make a pretty vignette and aqua striped wine bottles are given as bridesmaid’s gifts…

The bridesmaids wore flowly pink chiffon dresses with greek sandals, hitting the perfect relaxed garden vibe…

Seating cards on lines of twine and elegant calligraphy is used for signs…

Pink dahlias, delicious flatbread, champagne, and a gorgeous pink cake all make for a relaxed and beautiful wedding reception…

It’s been quite a week! I have a lot of reason to celebrate during the next couple of days…I just got engaged during my recent vacation to SF with the beau. Since we’ll be popping bottles left and right with friends and family this weekend, I like to always put a little spin on a glass of yummy champagne. Now, while I would never add fixins to a fine glass of sparkling wine, this cocktail is absolutely delicious when you have an “affordable” (aka cheap) bottle that needs a little umph. Let the celebration begin! Cheers.

Ingredients:

~Champagne or sparkling wine (I fancy Prosecco for this particular drink)

~1 thin sliver of peeled, raw ginger

~Raw sugar (to taste)

~Small splash of ginger beer (buy the good stuff…trust me)

*In a flat-surfaced cup or martini shaker, muddle ginger with raw sugar and add a splash of ginger beer. Mix either by swirling glass around or with spoon and poor into a champagne glass. Fill with champagne and enjoy!

-XOXO Melissa

I love yellow & gray as a color combo and this variation with mustard yellows, gray and silver is so elegant, timeless and pretty modern all in one go. Would you consider this unusual color combo?

As an art history major, I always loved the grace and beauty of classic statues…

Now that I design weddings, I love the idea of using them in a wedding ceremony decor or as an extra touch during cocktail hour…

I think they look best in a garden setting, but an elegant ballroom with great architectural detail could work too… Would you consider using statues for decor?

How about some snazzy red dancing shoes that look right out of the swinging 20′s? Yes, please!

I’m sure you all know Elizabeth Messina’s stunning and luscious work, but did you know her book, The Luminous Portrait, is available for pre-order right now? The book will be filled with Elizabeth’s stunning portrait work and wisdom on how to create the look yourself.

And on a personal note, knowing and working with Elizabeth, to see her passion and generosity, (and having her support way back at the beginning of my journey,  see her guest post right here), I’m so excited to see this next evolution in her career. I’m certain this will be the first of many books, congratulations Elizabeth!!!!

Happy Friday! In honor of my reoccurring sweet tooth cravings, I have a delicious dessert treat that is simply delightful. Watch how thrilled your guests will be when you offer after-dinner dessert cocktails rather than the average store-bought pie. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

~1 1/2 shots of vanilla vodka

~Heavy splash of sweet n’ sour

~Lemon wedge

~Zest from half of a lemon

~Small splash of pineapple juice

~Small splash of half & half

~Whipped cream

~Crumbled graham cracker

*Prepare your martini glass by rubbing the lemon wedge around the rim and dip in crumbled graham cracker crumbs. In a martini shaker, add vodka, lemon wedge (squeeze first), sour, pineapple juice, and half & half over ice. Give a good shake and poor in rimmed glass. Add whipped cream and garnish with a pinch of lemon zest and another lemon wedge.

Neon seems to be popping up every where.. I love the idea of a wedding design with touches of neon that is still really, really, elegant (it would be such a fun design challenge).

How rad would a neon wall be for a ceremony backdrop? SO RAD.