Some of you may know that my good friend, Jessica Claire, is getting hitched this October! I must admit that, after hearing that Jeff planned to propose to her, the first thing that came to mind was, "omg, I have to plan a party for people in the party-planning business." A little stressful, as you can imagine. But with the amazing help of my Partner in Crafting, Candice Brooke, we threw a lovely little shower for Jessica this past weekend.
The invitation, designed by "moi!" -
We hosted the shower in my garden, which was really fun for me, because it meant someone got to actually enjoy all of my hard work in the yard. Candice and I made every last little detail for this party, down to the flowers and the pom-poms, which were suspended from the roof! Here are a couple little detail shots -
Congratulations Jessica! We love you!
delightfully,
Chenin
p.s. Here are links to some of the vendors and DIY details that we used -
Paper Pompoms
Paper Flowers
Heart-Shaped Measuring Spoons
Eco-totes and Bridal Party Tanks
Cupcake picks
Cupcake sprinkles, flowers, etc
36" round balloons
The invitation, designed by "moi!" -
We hosted the shower in my garden, which was really fun for me, because it meant someone got to actually enjoy all of my hard work in the yard. Candice and I made every last little detail for this party, down to the flowers and the pom-poms, which were suspended from the roof! Here are a couple little detail shots -
More details, including my awesome Chucks, which served as the inspiration for the color-pallete -
Favors, games, and Stuart, my garden gnome -
Some shots of the beverage bar. I even made sweet tea, which is Jess' favorite -
The food and the Congratulations banner that I made for the guest of honor -
Jessica loves homemade cupcakes, so we had a decorate-your-own cupcake bar. After everyone decorated their cupcakes, Jessica chose her favorite and the winner received a prize -
Amelia Lyon decorating her cupcake, plus some of the girls' handiwork -
The hostesses and the Bride! -
And lastly, Jessica looking beautiful and enjoying her special day! -
Congratulations Jessica! We love you!
delightfully,
Chenin
p.s. Here are links to some of the vendors and DIY details that we used -
Paper Pompoms
Paper Flowers
Heart-Shaped Measuring Spoons
Eco-totes and Bridal Party Tanks
Cupcake picks
Cupcake sprinkles, flowers, etc
36" round balloons
NIc said:
WOW!!! fantastic job Chenin. Its crazy to see all those plastic bags in your garage come to life.
(08.24.09 @ 09:19 AM)
Amanda Rae said:
Oh my gosh! If this whole photography thing doesn't work out you clearly have other options! That's the cutest bridal shower I've ever seen. Jessica is so lucky to have such amazing friends go to all that work for her!
(08.24.09 @ 09:22 AM)
jac said:
you and candice did an awesome job! had lots of fun looking at all the little details...and eating the cupcakes :)
(08.24.09 @ 09:34 AM)
Betsy said:
WOW! What a gorgeous party! I LOVE throwing showers for friends, though can't say I have ever thrown something of this magnitude. Muy impressed!!
(08.24.09 @ 09:39 AM)
Tina Harden (BoBean) said:
This is absolutely the best. It's my favorite color scheme. I love how you took and used the Bazzil Cardstock for your placemats. What a great idea! And the Pimp My Cupcake... very creative. You girls ROCK! Thanks for the links to the ideas.
(08.24.09 @ 09:42 AM)
Jasmine* said:
Oh, Chenin, you and Candice outdid yourselves! I'm so bummed I couldn't make it, but I just wanted to express how lovely everything looked! :)
(08.24.09 @ 09:43 AM)
susan stripling said:
i think i go to anthropologie too much when i saw the picture of her opening her gift and thought "that's from anthro!"
(08.24.09 @ 10:26 AM)
Blair Van Bussel said:
Wow! every thing looks soooo perfect! You guys did an amazing job, I'm sure Jessica just LOVED it all! You can tell how much love you put into the planning and details.
(08.24.09 @ 10:26 AM)
Shelley Weber said:
simply amazing and perfect! Wow
(08.24.09 @ 10:40 AM)
Deyla Huss Photography said:
OMG this is fabulous!! Love party planning! and you guys did such a wonderful job!!! love everything!
(08.24.09 @ 10:44 AM)
Elena Hernandez said:
you did a fabulous job organizing such a colorful lovely shower Chenin!! I know she was very happy!
(08.24.09 @ 10:46 AM)
Sinead said:
Wow! Beautifully done, Chenin. Best wishes, Jessica!
(08.24.09 @ 10:46 AM)
SHirley said:
OMG! Everything looks so AMAZING!! Jessica looks sooooo happy! : -)
(08.24.09 @ 10:49 AM)
Regina said:
Boy this is great. I love every detail and Jess is so lucky to have friends like you all. Congrats again Jess and once again LOVE it all.
(08.24.09 @ 10:55 AM)
Lydia said:
Wow, you and Candice did an amazing job!! Love the colors, details, and cupcake idea!
(08.24.09 @ 10:56 AM)
Dede Edwards said:
OMG!! Love it!
(08.24.09 @ 10:58 AM)
Jeanelle Caraway said:
Amazing! Great job!
(08.24.09 @ 10:59 AM)
Alyse Woodward Events said:
You did a phenomenal job planning this shower. The color scheme blends the perfect amount of retro, whimsy and timelessness. Love it!
(08.24.09 @ 11:05 AM)
Marissa Rodriguez said:
WOW! The details are amazing! I LOVE the cupcake idea! Jessica looks gorgeous and you guys did such a fantastic job!
(08.24.09 @ 11:18 AM)
Cindy said:
So I must know WHERE did you get the shoes? They are A-DOR-ABLE!!!
(08.24.09 @ 11:37 AM)
Candace Sheets said:
Amazing and beautifully done ladies! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
(08.24.09 @ 12:21 PM)
angel swanson said:
so much fun! you & candice did a great job and i had such a wonderful time yesterday! xoxo
(08.24.09 @ 12:24 PM)
mike mundell said:
as usual, your detail work is the BEST Chenin!
(08.24.09 @ 12:33 PM)
Joyful Weddings and Events said:
SO cute! Good job ladies. Maybe you should be planners :)
(08.24.09 @ 12:40 PM)
Emily Quinton said:
Wow! What an amazing job. Crafting at it's very best and I adore the colours.
(08.24.09 @ 01:01 PM)
Trude said:
LOVE that color scheme (and fab Chucks!). Such a gorgeous event - lucky girl! :)
(08.24.09 @ 01:04 PM)
Joanna said:
I love the pictures and all the creative ideas!
(08.24.09 @ 02:19 PM)
Kim Kalyn said:
Holy Moly !! You and Candace are party planners supreme !! Seriously, could you two be any more creative ?! :)
(08.24.09 @ 02:24 PM)
Kim said:
wow...what a fun and beautiful shower:)
(08.24.09 @ 02:39 PM)
Heather Kincaid said:
So fun, beautiful, chic and CUTE! Looks like so much fun. LOOOOVE the color pallete! ;-)
(08.24.09 @ 02:46 PM)
Brianna said:
Where did you get your Chucks? I definitely need a pair like that?
(08.24.09 @ 05:16 PM)
Heather said:
you did such an amazing job!!!! so cool!!
(08.24.09 @ 06:03 PM)
Carrie said:
What an awesome shower! :)
(08.24.09 @ 07:26 PM)
Dawn Regan said:
Wow! Now that's some bridal shower! You didn't leave any detail out at all, did you? Fabulous stuff! Jessica's so lucky to have a friend like you. Thank you for adding the vendors/DIY details.
(08.24.09 @ 09:39 PM)
Courtney said:
This just blew my mind! Everything is SO cute! By the way, I LOVE your Chucks! Where did you get them? :)
(08.24.09 @ 11:33 PM)
Eliza Lewis said:
Love all the color and details you put into hosting her bridal shower! You and your friends are so creative!! I think the world of your photography!
(08.25.09 @ 05:49 AM)
rychelle said:
what a great shower! you guys outdid yourselves. could you please tell me where you got your chucks?
(08.25.09 @ 10:20 AM)
chris said:
Hi Chenin -- The photos are lovely. What an awesome shower you put together. I have a non-photo question....could you tell me where you got your purple dress from?- it's just awesome!
(08.25.09 @ 03:19 PM)
Danielle Potter said:
This is so amazing! I am in awe!!
I had a question, where did you get the white chairs you used? I have been looking everywhere for chairs like those for a party I am doing soon as well. Any help would be great & once again it is absolutely awesome!
(08.25.09 @ 05:55 PM)
Lisa Lucky said:
Wow, that is the most gorgeous thing ever! I'm jealous and I've been married for 10 yrs now, lol!
(08.26.09 @ 07:26 AM)
Miz Booshay said:
This could not have been cuter!!!
So happy Jessica has such fab friends!!
(08.26.09 @ 07:49 AM)
Katherine said:
This is such a beautiful party! All the details are perfect, fantastic job!
(08.26.09 @ 08:58 AM)
jenniferL said:
what a fun, crafty shower! love all the details and colors!
(08.26.09 @ 04:32 PM)
Karen (Mikols) Bonar said:
EVERY garden needs a gnome!!!!!
(08.26.09 @ 04:45 PM)
Christine said:
Love, Love, Love it all! Especially the 'Pimp my Cupcake' bar. I have to pass that along to show all of my friends! You are so talented!
(08.27.09 @ 07:09 AM)
Sarag said:
Beautiful, as expected! Love the gnome.
(08.27.09 @ 10:32 PM)
Kelly Green said:
Chenin, can you please tell me where I can get those chucks from, they are awesome!
(08.28.09 @ 12:40 AM)
Jennifer Smith said:
Wow! This is the coolest shower I have ever seen! You girls did an amazing job with the theme, the colors, the cup cakes...I LOVE it!!
(09.03.09 @ 07:21 AM)
Julie said:
I second (or fifteenth) the motion that we need to know where you obtained such fabulous chucks. Please share.
(09.10.09 @ 08:03 PM)
bethelyn said:
ooookay...seriously the cutest shower ever. beautious images as well!
(09.15.09 @ 06:58 AM)
Dana said:
Thank you for the resources! I had just sent out my engagement party invitations in this color scheme when I found your blog. Thanks for all the fun ideas. Your work is amazing!
(09.15.09 @ 08:11 AM)
Lawrence Kent said:
What a sweet party. I think if Chenin wasn't a photographer she'd be a planner of some sort. Kudos to you Chenin.
(09.16.09 @ 05:55 AM)
Meg @ Sienna Wedding said:
This is so sweet- I will be sure to feature it on my blog!
(11.19.09 @ 09:01 AM)
Erika said:
Clearly you are an amazing friend to this very lucky girl!! What a FABULOUS party. Bravo!!!
(12.06.09 @ 01:39 PM)
Christi said:
Love the color combo... where did you find the table cloths?
(08.08.10 @ 08:17 AM)
My good friend Jessica Claire needed some cute shots of herself for a big Shootsac promo and I was so excited when she asked me to do them. I rarely get to shoot people all on their own (since I primarily shoot couples) and it was really fun trying to capture Jessica's free spirit. I always say that I'm a sucker for a dot or a bow, so imagine my pure joy when Jessica showed up in this fabulous dress!
(pee-ess: if you spy something different about this photo, it's because you just saw a wee little peek of our new Totally Rad Dirty Pictures!)
I was loving the hard early-morning light -
I was loving the hard early-morning light -
Jessica isn't quite as quirky as I am, but I appreciate her playing along to make this image -
And what girl doesn't like a little pink bubble gum now and then? -
And a belated Happy Birthday to Miss Claire! Love you Jess!
delightfully,
Chenin
delightfully,
Chenin
Larry Reeves said:
Great job! Love the processing, as always! Looking forward to more radical-ness from the boutwell clan!
(07.23.09 @ 11:25 AM)
Otto Rascon said:
These images are amazing and inspiring. What beautiful colors and what a beautiful model!
(07.23.09 @ 11:47 AM)
Kayla Renckly said:
I love these! They are so playful and fun! That second one is my favorite!
(07.23.09 @ 12:54 PM)
Robert said:
Chenin, these are really gorgeous photographs. I bet it was interesting for Jessica to be in front of a lens this time :)
(07.23.09 @ 01:30 PM)
Colorado Springs Wedding Photographer said:
Fun set! Which came first, the balloons or the shoes? :)
(08.04.09 @ 08:23 AM)
Kara Mercer said:
I want to know more about the dirty pictures!!! I have the totally rad actions and is this a new set??? Please tell me the good news...!?!?!
(09.05.09 @ 10:57 AM)
Kara Mercer said:
I want to know more about the dirty pictures!!! I have the totally rad actions and is this a new set??? Please tell me the good news...!?!?!
(09.05.09 @ 10:58 AM)
kara Mercer said:
I want to know more about the dirty pictures!!! I have the totally rad actions and is this a new set??? Please tell me the good news...!?!?!
(09.05.09 @ 10:58 AM)
I am so thrilled to share that my favorite wedding blog, The Wedding Chicks, featured Erin and Chris' beautiful wedding at Bacara Resort! This blog is an amazing resource for brides and grooms and is chock full of lovely details and delightful inspiration. Check out the feature here- Erin & Chris!
And if you think their blog is cute you should check out WC Couture, adorable tees, totes and custom products for lovebirds. I have this one, this one and one of these (can you tell I love them?) and they are cute as can be! I am dying to shoot a couple with one these adorable custom wedding signs!
Happy shopping!
delighfully,
Chenin
Happy shopping!
delighfully,
Chenin
I was lucky enough to get to take my boys to Chicago with me last week, where I went to shoot Kelly & Tom's wedding. I booked the wedding with illusions of taking Max to a Cubs game (or 3) only to find out, when the 2009 schedule was released, that the Cubs were on the road. Boo. But it was still fun to drag Max on The L, down to Wrigley Field and then to Navy Pier to ride on the Ferris Wheel.
My apologies to my readers who are totally sick of seeing photos of Max. It seems, after 5 years of *never* reading my blog, my family has grown to expect almost daily posts of the little one (love you daddy!) ;) Feel free to skip along to the pretty wedding photos, if that's your poison.
Chicago Skyline -
delightfully,
Chenin
My apologies to my readers who are totally sick of seeing photos of Max. It seems, after 5 years of *never* reading my blog, my family has grown to expect almost daily posts of the little one (love you daddy!) ;) Feel free to skip along to the pretty wedding photos, if that's your poison.
Chicago Skyline -
Doug and Max -
Me and Max at Wrigley Field!
Maxfield Banks and Ernie Banks, his namesake -
I just think he looks cute in this photo (indulge me!) -
And Max and me on the Ferris Wheel-
delightfully,
Chenin
Monica Hodges said:
I love, love, love the posts that include baby Max!! Being a mommy comes way before everything else and you should absolutely feel free to celebrate that on here:)!
(06.18.09 @ 11:29 AM)
Monica Hodges said:
I love, love, love the posts that include baby Max!! Being a mommy comes way before everything else and you should absolutely feel free to celebrate that on here:)!
(06.18.09 @ 11:30 AM)
Chic Maps by Nikki said:
He is so stinkin adorable!!! That photo of him under the statue is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! He's growing up so quickly :)
(06.18.09 @ 11:53 AM)
Liz said:
So cute - favourite one is of him under the statue. His expression is priceless!
(06.18.09 @ 12:02 PM)
Liz said:
So cute - favourite one is of him under the statue. His expression is priceless!
(06.18.09 @ 12:04 PM)
Catharine said:
nah, keep the cute photos coming! when you are a photog, you need to show off the babe!
(06.18.09 @ 01:14 PM)
Deyla Huss Photography said:
Soooooooooooooooooo fun!!! you guys are so cute!!! Go CUBS!!
(06.18.09 @ 04:39 PM)
Michelle O said:
Kids totally change your world and how you see it, right?! He is precious and it looks like you all had a blast! :)
(06.18.09 @ 05:05 PM)
annaliza said:
adding your personal, family photos just makes you that much more professional, real, genuine and the best of the best. i hope to see maxfield all the way through life among your gorgeous work! he IS your best piece (hehe).
(06.18.09 @ 06:37 PM)
connieMchung said:
ahhhhhh! i love them! you guys are a beautiful family. max is such a cutiiieee!! :)))
(06.19.09 @ 02:56 AM)
Melissa Gregersen said:
GO CUBS GO....we are diehard fans here in Kalamazoo MI. Love the photos. LOVE the one with the statue! =)
(06.19.09 @ 08:01 AM)
heather davies said:
Well, I don't think it's just your family who is eager to see more images of little Max...everytime I see you have a new post I cross my fingers for my Max-fix! Thanks for sharing!
(06.19.09 @ 12:07 PM)
heather davies said:
Well, I don't think it's just your family who is eager to see more images of little Max...everytime I see you have a new post I cross my fingers for my Max-fix! Thanks for sharing!
(06.19.09 @ 12:09 PM)
[ b ] said:
he's a handsome little devil. you shouldn't corrupt the kid by teaching him to follow losers. he'll end up hanging with the wrong crowd later in life. you'll thank me later. miss you guys.
(06.19.09 @ 02:05 PM)
Tina Harden said:
Love the Banks boys! He is a cutie!
(06.19.09 @ 08:46 PM)
angie+matt said:
So flipping awesome! He is beyond cute! ps. Happy First Father's day to Doug!!!!
(06.21.09 @ 02:33 PM)
angie+matt said:
So flipping awesome! He is beyond cute! ps. Happy First Father's day to Doug!!!!
(06.21.09 @ 02:33 PM)
Amelia Thornton said:
Oh Chenin - don't ever feel badly for posting photos of that adorable baby of yours. He is awesome! Looks like you all had a great time in Chicago - did you take him to see the fish at the Shedd?
(06.22.09 @ 06:05 PM)
Theresa said:
What kind of crazy fool would skip the baby photos? He is delicious....Takes all of
the stress away! Enjoy! Goes by fast, and you will miss these days!
(06.22.09 @ 06:46 PM)
Justine said:
Wow, that is one gorgeous little boy! Looks just like both of you. :)
(06.22.09 @ 07:25 PM)
Kim said:
How could anyone get sick of seeing pictures of Max??????? If they are, they shouldn't be reading your blog! He is beautiful:)
(06.23.09 @ 08:33 AM)
dominique said:
he is the cutest damn thing!!! makes me miss my baby- now a hulking 17 month old!
(06.29.09 @ 12:20 PM)
Amanda said:
Never commented before, but just had too because of Baby Max. Seriously, THE cutest baby I think I have ever seen, and that's over my two kids. :) He is adorable. Oh, and of course, absolutely gorgeous pictures by you. :)
(07.03.09 @ 10:54 AM)
Robin Dini said:
absolutely adorable!!! I love the expression on his face sitting under the statue. Too cute!
(07.06.09 @ 03:36 PM)
Jill La Fleur said:
My home team! He is absolutely adorable...love the photos. Looks like you had a wonderful time in Chi-town. You certainly went to one of the best places! Thanks for sharing. xoxoxoxo, Jill
(07.15.09 @ 05:26 PM)
I've had the pleasure of Maxfield's company for three whole months now, and boy has it been a whirlwind. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from our little one, but he is really amazing to watch. In 3 months, he's gone from a squishy little lump of sleep to a wide awake, laughing little man, full of personality and independent spirit. I am finally getting the swing of being a working mom, which is no easy feat. On an average day you'll find me in the studio, mouse in one hand, baby in the other... It's been a challenge, but Max has given me a greater appreciation of family and the importance of documenting lives through images.
Here are a couple photos of Max, at three months old -
Here are a couple photos of Max, at three months old -
delightfully,
Chenin
Chenin
Mary Hines said:
So adorable - love your site and blog. Here is a photo of my 4 month old grandson by my favorite local photographer. www.ashleybrockinton.com http://yfrog.com/77s29j
(05.20.09 @ 11:21 AM)
annaliza said:
you're so lucky: married to your JR HIGH (!!) sweetheart, outstanding photographer, gorgeous and now a beautiful son! you guys are such a beautiful family. thanks for sharing =)
(05.20.09 @ 04:54 PM)
Karalee said:
That is just adorable! My favourite is definitely the first one in the triptych. And that line "squishy little lump of sleep" is THE single cutest and funniest line ever! So happy for you!
(05.20.09 @ 08:16 PM)
Carrie Sandoval said:
Chenin, Doug... he is a vision of adorableness!!! I love that you are continuing with the mohawk!!
(05.21.09 @ 11:35 AM)
sarah k chen said:
he's beautiful! love his little faux hawk! and you're right, being a business owner and a mom is incredibly tough + demanding. i would wear ellie in a moby wrap and work away on my comp every day. i wasn't one of the lucky ones whose babies loved swings or bouncers and she napped terribly the first 3.5 months. seriously, 5-10 mins tops unless i wore her in the moby.
(05.21.09 @ 02:13 PM)
Ally said:
Love those baby rolls. The more the better, especially around the wrists.
(05.21.09 @ 07:43 PM)
candice Brooke said:
awwww Mark and I love max! He is getting sooooo cute! I miss him!
(05.22.09 @ 10:04 AM)
Max's Grandma said:
Since all the other comments seem to be in agreement, I think I can say without being thought prejudiced that Max is indeed the cutest baby on the planet=)
(05.25.09 @ 07:57 AM)
Nichanh Petersen said:
He is sooooo adorable. Makes me want another one if they stay like that forever.
(05.26.09 @ 07:49 AM)
New York City Wedding Photographer - Parris Whittingham said:
That is definately one of those babies where you can see the adult expressions he will have when he is all grown up...so expressive :)
(06.02.09 @ 09:03 PM)
Tara O'Leary said:
Aww these pictures of your baby are so cute Chenin! He sure is getting big fast!
(06.03.09 @ 04:40 PM)
Kelly Bridge said:
Chenin, Doug - Max is getting so big - I can really see the both of you in his little face! Last time I saw him, he was that "swishy little lump of sleep". That is such an adorably descriptive way to put it. We all loved the video of him jabbering with himself in the mirror. It's amazing to see a baby at only 4 months doing that! If you ever need a sitter - I'd be honored! Love, Aunt Kelly
(06.12.09 @ 06:51 PM)