DIY S'mores Sticks

If you didn't catch the blog about our Fall Photo Shoot you can check it out here. The Smore’s sticks we used were actually made by my husband. Little did he know that his creation would be featured on my events blog! The great thing about these is that they can be used for any party, with any theme for any time of year! Personally, I love to roast s'mores in the winter. There's just something about the cold weather and a warm fire that makes me happy.

So without further ado, if you feel comfortable with a drill and a handheld saw then this DIY is for you! I do not which is why my husband is the one who crafted (and designed might I add) these babies...NOT me!

Supplies needed:

Wood Saw
Drill with a 1/8" drill bit
Hammer
Tree branch (1.5" - 2" in diameter)
1/8" Round stainless steel rod

Instructions:
1. Each S'more stick needs a 2 ft. stainless steel rod. Your local hardware store can cut the rod to length you need.

2. Use a wood saw to cut down your branch (1.5" - 2" in diameter to prevent the wood from splitting).

3. Cut branch to about 2 ft. Be sure to trim both ends.

4. Drill a hole in the top of the branch.

5. Place the steel into the primed hole.

6. Carefully tamp the steel down into the branch, until it reaches the bottom of the primed hole.

7. Drive the rod in another couple of inches to secure it.

8. The S'more stick is complete!

We thought about selling these, which we could very well do, but let's be honest. Will we? Probably not. So enjoy making them yourself!

Fall Photo Shoot

I am so excited to post these pictures of a mock wedding shoot we did this week in honor of Thanksgiving and all things Fall! Events by Shelbi Rene collaborated with Three by the Quill Pen and EE Photography to show our autumn brides just how elegant an Autumn wedding can be.

From the very beginning we knew we wanted to create an outdoor atmosphere amidst a pure autumn setting. Due to the cooperation of God’s creation, we succeeded in having a backdrop perfect for our vision. We wanted this photo shoot to reflect the colors of the season with a romantic flare so we veered toward neutrals with a few pops of reds, purples, oranges, greens and yellow. In addition to elegant furniture and silver candlesticks, we created a juxtaposition of design by incorporating as many natural elements as possible. When the leaves began to fall on our table, we left them! The setting was meant to accommodate everyone from cowboys to king. A special thank you to Erin Woolsey for capturing the setting perfectly with these gorgeous photos...

We used personal Pumpkin Bundt Cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Dallas, Texas as place card holders (and dessert of course!).

Cranberries can be frozen and added to water or punch as a replacement for ice.

You’ve heard of adding cucumber or lemons to water to add a slight touch of taste, for the fall season try adding pomegranate and oranges for a more unique combination that will more likely match your color scheme!

We tied the rings to a pumpkin as a unique idea for the ring bearer to carry down the aisle.

The S'mores favor bags include two graham crackers, a chocolate square, and a marshmallow for guests to make more S'mores at home or at the reception! (Hence the label on the bag which says "S'more Love!")

For the brides bouquet we used a lantern with a pumpkin candle that matched the grooms tie and boutonniere.

Be looking for a DIY tutorial on the S'mores sticks soon. Until then, visit Erin's blog for more eye candy!

Thank you to the following vendors for making this event possible:
Floral and Event Design and Coordination: Events by Shelbi Rene; Rene Watten, Shelbi Rampy and Morgan Watten (EventsByShelbiRene.blogspot.com)
Paper Products and Unique Furniture: Three by The Quill Pen; Marsha Bonneau, Aubrey Bonneau and Chandra Chen (http://www.quillpen3.com/)
Photography: EE Photography; Erin Woolsey (ee-photography.com and eephotography.squarespace.com)
Hair and Make-up by Joanna Cole
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Craig and Wendy Moore (http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/ and dallas@nothingbundtcakes.com)

This photo shoot could not have been a success without the help and assistance of the following people:
Trey Watten
Haley Conaway
Preston Rampy
Ed and Barbara Bonneau
Anna Smith
Amanda Berres and Nancy Deveneau

Jam Jar Sweets

I'm always looking for something new and different to incorporate into a wedding and this little idea takes the cake...literally. These Jam Jar Sweets would be perfect for wedding/party favors, hostess gifts or welcome gifts for out of town guests! They would also be precious on a dessert table or in place of a cake. So many great uses for such a fun product.

First up...the pies and cobblers!

Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie and Mixed Berry Cobbler

And now the cakes and brownies...

Birthday Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Rocky Road Brownie, S'mores

Ok stop. Look how fun that birthday cake is?! I love it! I love them all!

David and Julie Havard

The moment Julie saw art deco style the Power and Light building, she knew it was where she wanted to get married. David and Julie tied the knot on the steps of a cascading staircase amidst marble walls and regal columns in the old Power and Light building across the street from the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas.  The delightful Ms. Carol Sage officiated one of the most unique and meaningful ceremonies I have ever witnessed. Both David and Julie are from Scottish descent and chose to recognize their heritages during the ceremony with scarves from their clans to represent the joining of their families. It was a breath of fresh air to watch such a creative display of union!

Check out the gorgeous pictures courtesy of Lara Bierner...

And a special shout out to the mother of the bride, Mrs. Cathie McNabb, who found humor in every situation, even after her dog completely obliterated not just one, but TWO pairs of wedding shoes! I might not have been so forgiving!

The culprit...he looks so innocent! :)

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. David and Julie Havard!


A special thanks to the following vendors...

Ceremony/Reception: Magnolia Hotel Power and Light Buildling
Officiant: Carol Sage with Love Notes 
Harpist: Ester Vermillion
Photography: Lara Bierner
Cake: Dallas Affairs
Florist: Park Cities Petals
DJ/Videography: Richard McClure