3.28.2014

Winter Styled Shoot


T.G.I.F. It's finally Friday, and we've got a just the ticket to start your weekend the right way! This winter styled shoot features a variety of textures done the right way, in a cohesive presentation with a neutral palette, and we are wild about it! When Juli Vaughn, the creative director and florist behind this gem of a photo shoot,  came to us with all of her amazing ideas, and we couldn't sign up quick enough.  Juli's style is sort of magical. She has an incredible eye and way of juxtaposing items you wouldn't expect to work together make sense like no other. And then her floral design... outstanding!! Hearing true talents like Heidi, from OLOL, and Jamie, from Yours is the Earth, were on board was just icing on the cake. Dripping in gold and rich textures, the images that Heidi captured from this phenomenal photo shoot are so, soooo good.
The stars aligned for this one, right? Over the years, we've worked with Jamie a ton, and are always impressed with her thoughtful and beautiful designs. She recently launched Yours is the Earth, and from canning labels to wedding invitations, Jamie's pretty paper products are out of this world. Speaking of amazing things, we are floored by Heidi's photos from this shoot! The way she captures light is a thing of  beauty, and her images tell a story that we are excited to see, every time. It's no wonder that this beaut was just featured on Ruffled.

Alison was inspired to create a fresh menu that featured pimento cheese grits with barbecue shrimp +  honey bacon and dates stuffed with goat cheese + pistachios with a honey glaze.  Her dynamic dishes, like the bosc pear salad with frisse + stilton bleu + roasted walnuts + cracked pepper vinaigrette or the citrus seared scallops with orange gastrique, were equally attractive and appetizing. And the shortcakes with lemon pastry cream + blueberries + a lemon syrup... to die for! Washing it down with a hot brandied tea wouldn't be a bad idea either.
The way we figure, surrounding ourselves with that much creative energy has to be good for our souls. We wish we could do it everyday, but will just keep drooling over these images until the next time. Happy weekend y'all!
Cheers,
SIMB

Credits | Event Design + Styling + Floral Design- Juli Vaughn Designs | Photography- Our Labor of Love |  Invitations- Yours is the Earth | Food + Drink- Sun in my Belly | Cake- Eileen Carter Creations |  Furniture - Blue Eyed Yonder | Hair + Makeup- Andrea Carter Artistry   | Bride's Gown- Kelly's Closet | Men's Fashion- Billy Reid Atlanta | Linens- Party Tables


3.20.2014

Kristen + Michael

Set at the historic Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Kristen + Michael's wedding is timeless and elegant, certainly one that won't soon be forgotten. Our first wedding with No Regrets Events could not have been more seamless, sophisticated and sentimental, and Nancy and her team executed every element with ease and perfection. We were thrilled to collaborate with Nancy, and another Studio1658 alum, Amy Osaba, and as always, were floored by the beauty that the innovative team at AO consistently creates. Coming into this wedding, we were sure Kristen + Michael's wedding would be first-rate, and with the cake on it's way from Anne Kathleen Cakes, and Karlin Perez behind the lense to capture these dazzling images, we were spot on!
As big foodies, it was a point of pride for Kristen + Michael to be hands-on in developing their custom menu, and to provide their guests with an incredible dining experience. We'd say they hit the nail on the head. After the ceremony, guests were treated to passed hors d'oeuvres, some old favorites like our miniature New England crabcakes with ancho chile aioli, and some new items like salmon crudo with celery root puree + wasabi oil with dill + lemon.  A beautifully displayed tapas style station, featuring  lobster ceviche with citrus + blue corn cakes, scallop crudo with grapefruit syrup + avocado and citrus poached shrimp with a variety of sauces, was also enjoyed.

Guests entered the spectacular indoor courtyard to see the tables adorned with the AO team's lush florals designs, and to find a salad of local apples + crispy pancetta served over fresh greens and drizzled with a light gorgonzola vinaigrette to start their dinner. For their seated and served meal, Kristen + Michael chose a slow roasted organic chicken with meyer lemon jus and aged lamb chops with balsamic glaze. Their proteins were served over a bed of warm basil couscous, sauté of broccoli raab with olive oil + garlic, and sweet potato soufflé topped with candied walnuts, perfect for the crisp fall night.
We enjoyed every minute of Kristen + Michael's big day, and loved getting to know this incredibly strong and stunning couple along the way. Congrats to Kristen + Michael, and thanks for letting us be a part of your celebration.
Cheers,
SIMB 

3.13.2014

Yes Ma'am, Yes Please!

Man, oh man. Where do we even begin when it comes to Erica Loesing? She's got to be one of the most talented, genuine artists that we have even had the privilege to work with. As a former associate of Amy Osaba floral + event design, Erica has always brought a fresh perspective on any and every project. When she recently branched out to create Yes Ma'am, a truly inventive and gorgeous line of paper products, we were simply blown away!
Erica's style is just what the doctor ordered! From notecards  and announcements, to papercuts and one-of-a-king menu cards, we are eating up all of Yes Ma'am's pretty paper products.
 Erica is a wealth of creativity, so it should come as no surprise that she was a founding member of Studio1658, and was responsible for the Studio's branding and first window display. Working together with our dear friend Ginny Branch, Erica created the hand dipped magnolia leaf installation, which was the perfect presentation for the Studio's storefront space
Collaborating with Erica is always such a dream, and we can't wait to see what this uber inspiring lady has in store down the road.
Cheers,
SIMB





3.06.2014

Genya + Pete

Okay, we know we're not supposed to have favorites, and we are ridiculously fortunate to have a bevy of amazing couples who ask us to be a part of their wedding, but this one may take the cake. This wedding is incredibly special to us, and we are in seventh heaven to share Genya + Pete's celebration with you. We first met Genya at Kendell + Patrick's extravagant wedding in Highlands, NC- remember those drop-dead photos? Well that was Genya, and her amazing company, Vue Photography, one of the newest members of Studio1658. We immediately clicked and a year and some change later, were more than thrilled to cater Genya + Pete's wedding celebration at Magnolia Hall, in Piedmont Park.
Genya + Pete are tremendously athletic and active, and they are the type of people who don't take themselves too seriously. It was such a treat to watch them dodge rain drops together, as an evening summer shower hardly held off long enough for them to say, "I do." We are smitten with these images shot around Midtown and in Piedmont Park by Paperlily Photography. Liz at Adaptations' floral design and ultra fun fabric chandeliers were spot on. 
The whole night revolved around family, fun and food. Before the ceremony, King of Pops cooled guests down, and after, they noshed on lamb meatballs with mint + mango chutney and pomegranate chicken skewers. As regulars at the cafe, Genya's girls had only one request for the dinner menu- mac n' cheese! But our coca-cola glazed ham with spicy mustard + miniature biscuits, zucchini and corn fritters with a grape tomato fondue, and miso glazed salmon with blueberry compote were huge hits too. Everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied, as we provided mini desserts and Piece of Cake supplied a variety of delish delicacie.

Genya + Pete's affection is intoxicating, and we are glad to witness it, and to have been a part of their sweet southern celebration.

Cheers,
SIMB