Pennies for Penny...'Tis the Season For Opening Your Heart

The advent of social media has surely made this world a small one, and the events industry even smaller. Through a few social media networks I was introduced to the story of Jill Thomas and her family. Jill is an extremely talented and renowned photographer from the west coast. Her and her family experienced the tragic loss of her toddler-aged daughter, Penny, just over a year ago. What Jill has done to not mask the grief and heartache but to prevail through it, is a testament to a courageous human spirit. Simply observing some of her raw emotions through Instagram pictures of Penny and her family as they heal, can bring you to your knees. But at the same time, the Thomas family is one of hope and joy and love. They have become to me, what I know they are to so many, strangers who remind me how fragile and fleeting life can be and how important it is to cherish our children's laughter. And they have made it their duty to use Penny's spirit to assist others. From now until December 20th their online store, Pennies for Penny, is selling beautiful handmade goods to benefit other families during their times in need. If you are looking for the simplest way to give back, purchasing an item or a few, and spreading the word about this amazing cause, is a good place to start.

To read more about Jill, Penny and the Pennies for Penny cause visit http://penniesforpenny.bigcartel.com/.
To see Jill's amazing work, visit her website http://jillthomasphotography.com/.

Thank you Thomas family, for the daily dose of reminding of what is truly important.

Company Spotlight: Bridal Accessory Tips by Foolish Ginger

This spring we were asked by Christina Lily Photography to be a small part of a shoot for the bridal accessory line by Foolish Ginger. The shoot, styled by Gilded Lily Events, showcased the handmade headpieces, sashes and jewelry for Foolish Ginger's gorgeous line and we were happy to lend our dome chair and vintage garter box to the details. The pictures {and pieces} are absolutely stunning!

We asked Foolish Ginger owner, Erica, for some tips on choosing bridal accessories to complement a bride's look on her big day and she was kind enough to provide us with four super helpful pieces of advice. From Erica...

Before even looking at accessories, have your dress picked out.  I know this seems pretty obvious, but some brides fall in love with a particular hair piece or sash and then are seriously limited when it comes to choosing the gown. 

Have an inspiration or story. The first question I usually ask a bride when having a consultation is, "What is the look or style you're going for?" Whether it's vintage, bohemian, classic, old Hollywood, etc...know your style. I actually had a bride tell me she was going for mermaid glam once. Funny but helpful. Draw inspiration from movies, magazines, or a celebrity style icon. As a designer, I can be so much more helpful when the bride has a vision. 

Try on headbands, clips, combs, lace, no lace, feathers, rhinestones, just pearls, big, small...the key is variety. The best way to choose your accessories is to try a bunch of different styles on. Sometimes I work with brides that don't have a clue what they want.  Spin around a fitting room with a hand mirror, have someone take a picture of you in the piece. Try to get different vantage points. Trying on a variety will truly help you understand what you like, and are comfortable wearing. It's important to feel like you, just a more glamorous version. Be brave. Try things on that you normally would never think would be your style. You could surprise yourself. It will also help you finalize your choice. If you can't choose just one, remember you can do 2 different looks...one for the ceremony, another for the reception.

Leave the entourage at home. This last tip may seem a little harsh, but trust me, I know what I'm talking about here. Bring only one or two people with you when you're looking for your accessories and make sure they are people whose opinion you truly value. I've seen far too many brides struggle with family and friends when it comes to asking opinions. On a very regular basis I get bridesmaids who answer for the bride, or an aunt who insists that "this is what we want." I've seen brides light up when they find the headband they were dreaming about and then are talked out of it by someone who doesn't think it's her style. Too many opinions aren't good. It's your day, you are the one wearing the gown and the accessory... You should be the decision maker.

Erica is a self-taught jewelry-maker who attended art school at FIT in NYC and has expanded her studies through tons of different art and design courses. Her shop, Foolish Ginger, is in Asbury Park, NJ, where she takes private appointments with brides to help design the perfect piece for their big day.

Foolish Ginger
608 Cookman Ave
Asbury Park NJ 07712
732-455-8068
Foolishginger@yahoo.com
Www.foolishginger.com

To rent Trunk's dome chair or vintage garter box for your event or shoot be sure to check out www.trunkvintagerental.com and send us a note!

All photos in this post by Christina Lilly Photography

Weekend Wrap-up... Styled Holiday Sessions with Two Wonderful Photographers and our Favorite Textile Company

This weekend we were delighted to partner with a couple of wonderful photographers to style some fabulous holiday sessions for families, couples, babies, and pets! We wanted to share our set-ups with you!

Keep in mind if you are local to the NJ/NY area you can arrange to rent some of our items for your holiday pictures. We can discuss details with you and your photographer. Our rental website is www.trunkvintagerental.com and while NOT everything is pictured on it, it should give you a sense of what we have available.

One of our shoots was at the 6th Borough Market in Jersey City and we were joined there by Angela Newton Roy Photography and The Casa Pino.  

Our other shoot was at the Plut Tree Farm in Washington, NJ with DHM Photography and we created two very fun set-ups for all of the families that came by {we had our holiday pics taken too so we will be sure to share!}

A Celebration for a New Senator...Dinner Party at Michael Anthony's in Jersey City

On October 16, 2013 former Newark Mayor, Cory Booker, won the special election and Senate seat for the State of New Jersey. His friend, talk-show host and Oprah's BFF, Gayle King, honored Senator Booker with a lovely dinner at Micheal Anthony's restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. Karma Flowers was called in days before to design and make the final arrangements for this star-studded celebration. 

Simplicity was key to this design so we decided on a classic pintuck linen and walnut Bentwood chair. We chose stems and greens in muted purples, grays, and ivory for the arrangements and accented the flowers with small hurricane oil lamps and amber votives. The beautiful menus and place cards {not pictured} were designed by Meghan of MLShaughnessy Designs and Jennifer from Cyrience Creative Studios was kind enough to run over and snap these gorgeous shots for us before the guest of honor arrived. 

Linen, Table and Chair Rental: Party Rental Ltd.

Our Airbnb Retreat to Athens, NY...How a Home Can Inspire

This weekend my husband, son and I ventured up to the Catskills for a relaxing weekend. We rented this quaint little house in Athens, NY- a very sleepy town- and it was just what we needed for some real good rest and relaxation. The house itself is decorated to calm and soothe and for us, it also inspired. I have convinced Dave that you can have white walls without the room looking sterile- thanks to the bedrooms in this home- and we were so enamored by the green dresser in the master bedroom, we are bound to paint one of our furniture pieces a similar color. Charlie, our two-year old, was quite bothered by the deer head in the living room at first but he eventually started offering him something to eat.

With no TV we played, read and napped. Just what the doctor ordered.

We had recently been to Hudson, NY, for a nearby wedding so with it only being a few minutes from the home in Athens, we headed there again for an afternoon stroll. The shear number of vintage and antique stores is astounding and while some stuff is super pricey- there are a bunch of great finds to be had. 

We loved this chair, and the styling of the windows at this shop called Finch. 

Other amazing vintage finds...

Paint by Number or Portrait Gallery? Help Me Decide. Interior Design & Karma Flowers

Disclaimer: This blog post will have nothing to do with flowers, brides, vintage rentals or a party of any sort. Truth be told, this is the time of year when we finally get a second in front of the computer to catch up on the blogging, Instagram-ing, and updating of the website that simply does not get done during wedding season. So, I have been sifting through photographer's galleries, uploading and formatting and linking and publishing for days about some of the events we have done this year {I say that as if I have achieved great success, however there are only two new weddings on the website. sigh.}. In any case, I can certainly spend the next bit of time doing the same for another gorgeous wedding, but I needed a break. And I felt if I needed a break from wedding overload, then you did too. So, I choose to digress.

I believe that love of design engulfs every facet of my life. Most designers of any kind will probably tell you the same. So, I style and re-style my home more so than the average person I would imagine, does {ask my husband how many colors the kitchen walls have been}. And I have a few projects rooms on my agenda for this winter - beginning with the guest room. Now I have been waiting for Mercury to come out of retrograde for a few weeks now to start this project {not sure what the hell that means? Read this.} Often during the time Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky, it is hard to think straight, get a project started, and well, make decisions. Therein lies my problem.

Paint by Number Gallery?

Please Sir Blog

or

Portrait Gallery?

Belle Vivir

I know, totally different vibes. But here is what you should know so you can help me make this decision...

• The walls are currently blue but are probably going white again. {I will have to break it to Dave.}
• I intend for the gallery to go above the headboard of the bed.
• The furniture in the room consists of a bed, nightstand, & a dresser that are completely neutral in style.
• We own the beginnings of both collections {meaning we have a few of both types of art already.}
• If we go paint by number, they will be all woodsy-type prints. If we go portraits, they will be flea market oil portraits.
• There are no other gallery walls in the house. I was thinking of doing one with Hugo Guinness Lino Cut Prints, but alas I have not yet hit the lottery. 

Decisions. Decisions. 

So can you help me choose? There is no right or wrong answer but if you were coming to stay with us, what would you rather be lurking over your shoulders as you sleep in our guest room? I will be sure to post before and afters but here is a little more inspiration for you...

Sweet Jessie

Milk and Honey Home

Media Cache

Cote de Texas

Lavender and Mint Wedding Inspiration Shoot on Every Last Detail Blog and a Lavender DIY

This summer we were delighted to lend our rentals to a sweet inspiration shoot at Straw Hill Farm in New York State. The awesome team of Alexis June Weddings and Cyrience Photography, collaborated to showcase how these and vintage and rustic goods can be used to create a beautiful and Eco-friendly backyard or farm get-together. Yesterday, the shoot was featured on Every Last Detail and we wanted to share it with all of you. See if you can spot some of our rentals....and for more of the our inventory be sure to check out our rental website! 

All photos in our feature are courtesy of Alexis June Weddings.

Photography: Alexis June Weddings and Cyrience Photography
Floral and Decor: Floxglove Floral Design
Rentals: Trunk Vintage Rentals
Filigree Picture Frames: Little Vintage Rentals
Reception Venue: Straw Hill Farm

And a Lavender- infused DIY to try at home by Secondhand Sundays.  This is a great idea for brides and bridesmaids that take home a bouquet with lavender in it...why not extend its fragrant life a bit. Also a great little gift for the holidays and Secondhand Sundays provides a illustrative step-by-step process.

Secondhand Sundays

Real Wedding: Amber & Jeremy, The Inn at Barley Sheaf, PA, Sharyn Frenkel Photography

And now, the details of Amber and Jeremy's wedding. A potting station for welcome drinks and guest finger-printing, a field full of telescopes {gifts for the bridal party but for everyone's use during the celebration}, church pews and perfect vintage rentals, handmade jams and tonics by the bride herself, amazing stationary work that included a flow map of guest activities and a photo scavenger hunt, an assortment of desserts, musical performances by friends and family, and the most authentic love. perfect.

Flowers and Rentals: Karma Flowers and Trunk Vintage Rentals
Photography: Sharyn Frenkel Photography
Venue: The Inn at Barley Sheaf
Stationary: The Brooklyn Limestone