Happy Birthday Leila!

A painted birthday wish for Leila, who inspires us all to be more and do more everyday… XOXO

A Peek into the Studio – Versailles Swirl Wedding Invitations

Years ago I created a painting for Taylor.  She was hosting a Parisian influenced event and wanted a watercolor wedding invitation inspired by an aerial view of Versailles Gardens.  Enter my Versailles Swirl artwork.  Since then we have adapted, deconstructed and detailed this original look for Brides all over the world.  Who doesn’t love a little swirl?

For Allison, a subtle sea vibe was in order balanced by the structure of gray damask.

Amy opted for a Deco nod in her Peacock plumed swirl…

Melissa more than nodded to Deco and even had us sketch a swanky couple silhouette…

Kate mingled Versailles Swirl with romantic fluffy blooms and a dreamy color palette…

Inspirations – Dreamy Mint Green and Crimson

A dreamy color palette filled with bold surprises in crimson and raspberry.  Organic textures mix with a subtle literary nod seen in the Vintage Book Wedding Invitations…

Mint Green Mirror Room, Papers, Saipua Poppies

A Real Momental Wedding – Blueberry and Pink Travel Inspired Malibu Wedding

We love working with Constance, from Constance Curtis Events!  Her design aesthetic gives us the opportunity to spread our creative wings and get serious with our brushes.  Heather and Scott’s wedding recently seen on Green Wedding Shoes took a joyful color palette and the couple’s love of travel and spun it into a masterful scene of moments.

To begin our love affair with this event, lets talk about the palette.  When Constance first got in touch she described a blueberry shade… not navy, not indigo, but juicy, fresh, blueberry.  Love.

Possibly a favorite stationery moment from this wedding were the seating “cards”  Rough cut wood block were painted with an abstract ocean pattern in shades of blue.  Handwritten names on a shimmery burnt sugar cardstock set an artful yet sophisticated tone.

Holly Flora always blows us away with their thoughtful arrangements full of grace and evidence of a savvy compositional eye.  Some pinks led towards coral for an eclectic vibe that speaks softly but with confidence.

The paper story began with a sketch of the Santa Monica Pier individually finished with ink brushstrokes in aqua shimmer.

Heather and Scott’s affinity for travel found its voice on each table.  A short story and coordinating watercolor sketch informed guests of their many stops around the globe.  Alternating paper choices in blueberry and pink avoided an overly matchy-matchy look.

Croquet and Photobooth signs were purist in their simple watercolor painted technique…

I’m not sure what was said in this moment.  I don’t have to know.  What is obvious is the pure joy present at this celebration.  The couples personality shone everywhere and that is what makes this event so magnetic.  Proud to have been part. XO

Photography- Gabriel Ryan Photography  ::  Event Design + Planning- Constance Curtis Events  :: Venue-Villa Skyletta, Malibu  ::  Floral Design-Holly Flora  ::  Hair + Makeup- The Studio Agency  :: Catering-An Catering  ::  Cake-  Sweet and Saucy  ::  Music- Vox DJ  ::  Rentals- Classic Party Rentals  ::  Vintage Rentals-Ribbons and Rust  ::  Photobooth-Cliques Photobooth

Inspirations – Pink Poppies and Milk Glass Southern Wedding Shower

Peaches, posies and white milk glass galore inspire a Southern Wedding Shower with a distinctively graceful swagger….

Southern Blooms Wedding Invitation, Papers, Swiss Dot Wedding Cake, Milk Glass Wedding Shower Blooms

Love a spin on this look by adding the freshness of green…

Wedding Cake with Peaches, Papers, Southern Blooms Wedding Invitation, Peach Basket Wedding Centerpieces

A Peek into the Studio – Pretty Pansies at The Bride’s Cafe

I’m in need of a little Spring.  How about you?  If only the slightest suggestion of the warmer temps and a green scent in the air that will come soon.  These pretty pansy images from Amelia Johnson seen on The Bride’s Cafe did the trick for me.  Now it’s your turn to breathe in a hint of Spring!

I want to walk in these woods…

Detailed watercolors of Pansies for the menus and color-washed place cards.

Fabulous composition.  Love the complimentary creamy yellow as a backdrop.

SO happy that Janie indulged in her Pansy obsession and included our painted paper pretties!!  XOXO

Want to see more?  Check out Munaluchi Bridal!

So what am I up to?

Drooling over samples posted last week.  So proud of our design team, go Steph and Jess, GO!

Envisioning a new project with my friends at Occasions Magazine in Atlanta!

Wrapping up final details for kristyrice.com including this SKETCHED portrait of yours truly!

Inspirations – Blue Hydrangea Watercolor Wedding Invitations

The washy, dreamy hues of this fluffy iconic bloom inspire a classic celebration filled with thoughtful details…

Hydrangea Aisle, Blue Hydrangea Watercolor Wedding Invitation, Hydrangea Wedding Invitation

My Story is Art – Live Painting in Costa Rica

Live painting in Costa Rica.  Those words feel like a dream to me now.  I’m still pinching my self, my sunburned skin I might add.  Kris and James invited me to be a part of their tropical wedding celebration in a very personal way.  Armed with palette, brushes, camera and loads of watercolor paper I made my way to a land of sweet people and warm breezes to capture, live,  the love of these two who can only be described as sweethearts.

Early in the day I was nestled in the flower room (heaven) to capture the bride’s bouquet in watercolor loveliness.  Orchids, orchids and more orchids held my brush captive for hours.  Later, once the ballroom was set from head to toe, I found a new home and prepared to paint the first dance.  A little peek here…

After the flurry of events were over it was time to head deeper into the rainforest near Manuel Antonio.  We stayed at Tulemar in a small bungalow with 365 degree views of the surrounding cliff-side.  Each morning I awoke to the ocean just past my nose.  One afternoon I perched myself just behind an open window with nothing but watercolor paper between me and the lush flora.  Recording the beginnings of a new inspired pattern I’ll be revealing soon, I found a new happy place.  A quiet place I can now forever return to for comfort if only in my thoughts.

Inspirations – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Wedding Invitations

With an awe inspiring venue and blush peonies as their muse, this couple’s invitation will surely be delicately painted with a sophisticated flair.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Papers, Blush Peony Handmade Wedding Invitations, Blush Peonies

Artful Admirations – Dana Tanamachi

Dana Tanamachi’s phone is ringing, guaranteed.  This girl is talented and Oprah noticed. Enough said.  Well, not really…

The mail was delivered and sitting on my counter was this delightful cover.  At first glance I noticed, Oprah of course, in her fab diggs and bold colors, but quickly I knew something was different. The distinct, ever so tentative lines of texture, that for me define that “sketched” feeling came popping off the page.  I was hooked.  Now every time I see Oprah’s newest magazine cover, I stop.   In the grocery store, online, wherever, I am frozen for a moment admiring some new curve of graceful chalk line I hadn’t noticed before.

Who could resist the confidence these drawings exude?  A relaxed hand and clear mind are just the start to creating such grace.

Dana in action.

Garden & Gun from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.      Music by Dylan Sneed (www.dylansneed.com)

Bravo Dana, I cannot wait to see what you chalk next!