Veronica + Kevin: Destination Orlando, Florida Wedding

We are ramping up for a new wedding season and reminiscing about last years wonderful weddings! 

I had a baby three months ago, which is why it has been so long since my last post, but I have been waiting to get this wedding to you and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Take a look at this stunning destination wedding in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony took place at Corpus Christie Catholic Church in Celebration and the reception was held at the Omni Championsgate Orlando. 

I know Veronica from college. We both have a love for basketball and played whenever we could find a court. Oh and we were the intramural champions 2 years in a row!! Enough about the glory days...Let's get to the good stuff.  Veronica and I reconnected in Baltimore just before she got engaged to Kevin and I was delighted to have her back in my life. After a quick get together, I could tell how much love they had for each other and how happy they made each other.  Soon after that get together they were engaged! Veronica contacted me about designing her invitations and I couldn't have been more excited! Together we came up with some really great elements to make each piece personal and meaningful and bring the wedding day together.

I just can't get enough of all the beautiful unique details from her engagement ring, to the JMU and UNC ice luge, bells of Ireland flowers, and THAT DRESS!

Have a look for yourself all the greatness that was Kevin and Veronica's Wedding day!

For more images check out the blog post at Lindsay Collete Photography

CEREMONY: Corpus Christie Catholic Church, Celebration RECEPTION: Omni Championsgate Orlando, FL  WEDDING PLANNER: Blush by Brandee Gaar STATIONERY/PAPER: THE ART IN TARA  FLOWERS: Lee James Floral Design PHOTOGRAPHY: Lindsay Collete Photography  DJ?LIGHTING:Soundwave Entertainment VIDEOGRAPHY: Creative Cinema  WEDDING DRESS: By Marisa

Cass + Mike: Bluemont Vineyard Virginia Wedding

Cass and Mike (Diddy) joined forces at The Bluemont Vineyards in Virginia. This venue had views for miles and miles, but that didn't compare to the stunning bride. Cass had it all going on! She looked amazing!!!

I loved the dusty rose/purple colors of the bridesmaids dresses with an accent of deep purple for the maid of honor. What a perfect color combo for a vineyard wedding!!! There were touches of burlap and lace throughout the decor and it came together so perfectly. All the right pieces came together to make a really remarkable day for Cass and Mike. 

These two have so many fun adventures to go on together and I couldn't be happier for them.

Congratulations! You two are so perfect for one another.

CEREMONY/RECEPTION: The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard  Bluemont, VA WEDDING PLANNER: Amy Thunell CATERING: Joan Wolford at Savoir Fare STATIONERY/PAPER: THE ART IN TARA  FLOWERS: Terri Powers PHOTOGRAPHY: The Madious  (all photographs above are The Madious, except the image of the wedding invitation)  BAND: Empty Pocket 

Tara + Glenn: Orchard Ridge Farm Wedding

"I choose you. And I'll choose you over and over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I'll keep choosing you."

Tara and Glenn experienced loved at first site when they met a little over three years ago. They had an immediate connection that they just couldn't quite explain. Together they love exploring new restaurants, coffee shops and keeping busy with friends and family. I am so excited for you to share in the unforgettable moments of their special wedding day!

They got married at the same venue my husband and I got married! I loved seeing the space transformed differently to fit Tara and Glenn! Everything was so beautiful and everything went as planned thanks to a trusty and amazing wedding planner, Taneel. 

Congrats Tara and Glenn!! What a beautiful celebration of love!

CEREMONY/RECEPTION: The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms Rockton, Illinois WEDDING PLANNER: Favor*  CATERING: Henrici’s Catering  STATIONERY: THE ART IN TARA  FLOWERS: Event FLoral  PHOTOGRAPHY: Mandy Blair Photography  (all photographs above are Mandy Blair Photography, except the images of stationery)  DJ/PRODUCTION/LIGHTING: Luxe Productions  VIDEOGRAPHER: White Tree Studios

We are having a Baby!

I still can't believe that my husband and I are pregnant. Well I am pregnant and he gets to watch my crazy belly expand week by week. Each little stage of this journey just reminds me how much of a miracle babies are. It is the most amazing thing ever. I am in awe when I look down and see my belly getting larger and feel little kicks and tiny high fives from within. This little one has NO IDEA how many kisses it is going to get throughout its life! 

We decide not to find out the sex of our baby. This is our first child and we want to just go all in on the surprise element of birth and what sex baby God gave us. I will say as I start to plan the nursery sometimes I wish I would have found out. But I'm creative. I can come up with a color scheme and theme that works for either a boy or girl, right?! I got this! I put a few images of inspiration I am using for the gender neutral nursery below!

I wouldn't mind suggestions on what on earth to register for. HELP! I walked into Buy Buy Baby looked around at a few things, saw the wall of strollers and 4 rows of car seats and walked out. I can not believe how many options there are for every single item. I was overwhelmed and a bit confused. So seriously if anyone has a few must haves I would be very interested to hear what people love. Please feel free to give me some suggestions.

We can't wait to meet our little person in December. Maybe a Christmas baby or a New Years baby!

Amber + Jason: W Chicago City Center

Check out this glamorous wedding at The W Chicago City Center!

Amber and Jason knew they wanted a Chicago wedding from the beginning. Amber was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and Jason was born just a little ways away in Madison, Wisconsin. They met and grew their relationship while living and exploring Chicago, so what better place to have their wedding than the iconic W Hotel.  

I have known Amber since Kindergarten and it was an absolute joy to work with her creating and designing the save the dates and wedding invitations for her special day. Her vision was strong. Amber knew what she wanted all the way down to the little details.  She nailed it! Everything came together perfectly! It truly was a magical night for Amber and Jason filled with pink and white flowers, floating candles, gold accents, dim lighting, happy tears, good friends, great family, tons of laughing, drinks and lots of dancing. 

Congratulations Amber and Jason!!!! 

CEREMONY/RECEPTION & CATERING: W City Center Chicago, IL WEDDING PLANNER: RTB Events  STATIONERY: THE ART IN TARA  FLOWERS: Jazzy Flowers  PHOTOGRAPHY: Z+V Photography  (all photographs above are Z+V Photography, except the images of stationery)   DJ/PRODUCTION/LIGHTING: Luxe Productions (Jamie)  OFFICIANT: Michael Moody

ART in TaRA: 100 day watercolor Challenge

Ok, so maybe it was more like 60 day challenge for me. I have to admit I did not complete all 100 days. However, I enjoyed the days that I did sit down and paint and made time for creating. I gave myself about 30-45 minutes in the morning to do the watercolor paintings. Most days I messed around with colors and washes trying to envision it on beautiful wedding stationery. Other times I found inspiration around me and painted away. A few times I had no ideas and that was ok too! Focusing in on something and getting into a routine is something I really like. The more routine my day is the more I get done. Makes sense, right?! 

Right, but wrong. As an artist and bit of a free spirit I get sick of routine quickly. However, I know that in order to master watercolor or anything for that matter, you have to continue to practice. When I was in high school and college, I was drawing and painting daily. Now I am lucky to even paint once a month. It is something I really want to focus on and make the time for. Implement a routine for creating each and every day!!  This challenge allowed me to get back into something I love so much. 

What I learned from this challenge: 1. 100 days is too long :)  2. I love creating.  3. Challenging yourself is always a good idea  4. I enjoy a morning routine-to some extent. 

Here are some of the pieces I did during the 100 day watercolor challenge.