Inspirations – A Joyful Shot from Erron Ocampo

While browsing through the gorgeous shots sent over by Denise, a client from earlier this year, I stumbled upon this shot.   Of course I will be featuring the full wedding here soon with all its lovely detail and stationery included but first I had to single out this particular image.  The saturated color and dancing light captured seems to fade dreamily when compared to the sheer look of joy on Denise’s face.  Sunlight seems to be a necessary component in the color palette for the day.  The sun in this shot seems to literally transform each shade of green and pink.

Erron Ocampo is a master of capturing nuance of color, environment and emotion as evidienced by a quick look through the recent posts on his blog.  Go ahead…dive in.

Inspirations – A Wedding Day Pillowfight

Last week I was introduced to the work of Mike Larson Inc. I have been drooling ever since.  Next week I will be sharing a Real Momental Wedding featuring his work but until then this shot will have to do!  Whether artfully staged by the photographer or impromptu this is a shot to treasure and one that should make the mantel for sure!   Want to see more from this wedding?

Photographers, have a fun shot to share;one that captures a hidden moment or a stunning moment of color?  Get in touch kristyrice@momentaldesigns.com

Inspirations – A Sailboat E-Session

You all know how much I respect my photographer friends, right?  There is something so pure and magical about the ability to stop time, essentially crystallize an emotion and that is what I feel is at the heart of a powerful photograph.  I found this image here and simply could not stop looking.

I want to be on that boat, with the wind whipping around me, just with my hubby of course.  We’ll let Christine keep Tim all to herself!

Thank you to Daniel Lanton for always surprising me!

Have an artful image you would like me to share here?  Photographers, get in touch kristyrice@momentaldesigns.com

Inspirations – Magical Seaside Bride and Groom

I am slightly obsessed with the work of Jenny Llanes lately and this shot is exactly why.

Just soak it in.  Happy Monday!

Inspirations: My Ark of Inpiration

As promised I am back to share a look into my Ark of Inspiration.  These images surround me daily in some shape or form and add the sauce and spice to my life.  The simple, crisp look of Paloma’s Nest pieces are my much needed visual rest and these two are in my direct field of vision for at least 12 hours a day (hung or resting against my monitors).

My personal space is a different story.  Color is everywhere.  Rich, saturated vibrant color. Southwest textiles and artwork can be seen throughout my home meshed with vintage, baroque inspired furniture and wall treatments.  When I am home I feel energized and comfortable.  These surroundings feed my mind and satisfy my heart.

O’ Keeffe, Stripes, Peppers, Ocean Scene, Smelling Flowers, Shells, Degas Sketch, Pottery, Zion

I challenge you to ask yourself these questions.  What feeds my mind? What satisfies my heart? Write it down, build a bulletin board, paint your walls.  Whatever you do, make a move big or small.

“Even the wildest dreams have to start somewhere.  Allow yourself the time and space to let your mind wander and your imagination fly.”
- Oprah Winfrey

Inspirations: Your Ark of Inspiration

Last week I had the honor to meet and interact with three amazing individuals.    Lara Casey, Nick Onken and Jeff Holt are the type of artists who listen, respond and inspire – the most powerful and impacting kind there is, in my opinion.  I spent a lovely six hours soaking up their wisdom and answering their questions out loud and inside my own head.  So many clients and peers ask me, “how do you stay inspired?”, “how do you come up with so many ideas?” and so on.  It wasn’t until last week in the small room with Lara, Nick and Jeff that I began to answer these questions.

Nick and Jeff spoke at length about surrounding themselves daily with images, sounds, sites and even smells meant to heighten, excite and sustain their creativity; creating a literal Ark of Inspiration out of their daily lives.  Lara asked the question of the room “how many of you can honestly say your personal space is a reflection of who you are?”  It was at this moment I realized how my ideas evolve and perhaps the very reason for the sheer volume of new concepts constantly swirling around in my brain.  I LIVE and breathe my inspiration daily. From surrounding myself with the dramatic, vibrant colors that excite me, to spending free time traveling near and far, I am living every moment as artfully as possible.

Bulletin boards from the office of Southern Weddings.  These ladies surround themselves daily with visual bits that get them fired up.  We’re honored that one of our invitations is included!

So how does this translate into wedding planning?  You are surrounded, no wait constantly inundated with a barrage of ideas, color palettes, DIY concepts and perfectly presented, highly styled weddings on a daily basis.  How do you take this wedding noise (albeit lovely) and translate it into an event that truly speaks of you?  How do you choose the elements to invest time in creating?  How do you bring it all together?  After 2 years of planning our renewal celebrations while being immersed professionally in the wedding industry I think I may have AN answer.  Consider building yourself an Ark of Inspiration.  In addition to sitting down with a mass of blogs on your screen and magazines at your side simply start surrounding yourself with what inspires you most.   Perhaps it is a favorite color or smell, perhaps music is a great love; so play it!  Create a bulletin board of clippings and swatches, flowers and baubles to be added to and changed daily if need be and hang the board where you work or think most.   I think you will find soon, how in tune you will be with your style, what truly excites you visually and will quickly be able to make more instinctive decisions.  No longer will you need to look as much outside yourself for inspiration.  Instead the inspiration will surround you and come from within.

Love this image.  It speaks volumes.

Check back tomorrow for a look at my Ark if Inspiration and thanks again to Lara, Jess and Nick for giving this concept a name!

An Artful Life/Artful Admirations – Stephanie Elizabeth Designs

Today’s post is a combination of An Artful Life and Artful Admirations.    Through a look into my home I would like to introduce you to the work of the artist behind one of my most prized art collections.  Years ago when I first began my business I traveled to Art shows locally selling my stationery.  I met wonderful artists in my travels,  many of whom I still see today.   One of these artists is Stephanie Elizabeth whose forte is painting found objects with her signature style.  I adore Stephanie’s snowmen as evidenced by my Holiday entryway decor.  Join me for a tour…

My father’s vintage Victrola is the centerpiece in this corner but this time of year the snowmen take over.  A vintage sled, completely painted from top to bottom is perhaps my favorite piece in the collection.  A pair of antique skates is the newest addition this year.
Stephanie’s very painterly, rich style of brushstroke combined with whimsical color palettes are central to her style.

In addition to painted pieces, Stephanie creates assemblage sculptures – this one makes my laugh each time I pass by – I love the button legs!

The focal point of the foyer is the staircase adorned with lit greens.  For years I have added Stephanie’s painted wooden bowls to my collection.  I finally acquired so many of these lovelies that I decided to hang them from the evergreen swags.

Take a look at the level of detail on these pieces.  After years of collecting  and creating art myself  I have found that pieces which reveal something new each time you look are those with the most impact.  This is precisely why Stephanie’s snowmen are so beloved.  From the inquisitive expressions, masterful shading and color use to the thoughtful text she uses, Stephanie’s art is truly dimensional in idea and application.  She brings to life the joy of fresh fallen snow, the crispness in the air as you build the first snowman of the year and the warmth you feel when sipping hot chocolate on a freezing winter afternoon.