Renny Reynolds, Hortulus Farm

This weekend Birmingham Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual event, Antiques at the Gardens, and I had the pleasure of attending a lecture this morning by Renny Reynolds on his AMAZING gardens in Pennsylvania. The images below do ZERO justice to the slideshow he presented today. I was literally in awe at the beauty he has created on his land, known as the Hortulus Farm. I would love to have the chance to take a stroll down his peony walk, or have lunch on one of his several fabulous terraces, or take a dip in his pool with the gorgeous fountain (last image). My mind was racing over the possibilites for parties in the gardens, and the wonderful photos I could be taking with my new (toy) camera. He mentioned that he has hosted several events for non-profits in the area and a couple weddings for close friends. Oh, to be a flower in the garden to have a front row seat to all the fabulous festivities!! His home will be featured in Veranda sometime this fall/winter(can't remember the month, sorry!) so keep a look out if you are a subscriber! Also, if you are ever in Pennsylvania, his home and gardens are open to tours, which I highly recommend.
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To learn more about Renny and his fabulous home and gardens, check out his web site!

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Photos via Birmingham Botannical Gardens and Hortulus Farm

Gourd-tastic

I am so excited that October is here, because now I feel like I can break out the gourds and start decorating! I am loving all these ideas on how to decorate with gourds....they are so fantastic! I'm having a dinner party next week and I think I might need to put together a few flower arrangements in gourds. What do you think? I can't wait to get my hands on some mums too!

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Photos via Better Homes and Gardens

Cool Weather is Here...

...finally!! I'm probably jinxing the great weather we have had over the last few days by making the bold statement that cool weather is here(hopefully to stay). In the South, especially Alabama, it can be 80 degress in December, so you just never know! I've been enjoying the pleasant fall weather we have been experiencing and hope to do a good bit more dining al fresco. I LOVE this image from Martha Stewart because of the hanging candles. For casual evenings at home, don't worry about fresh flowers, just light a few candles to add some glam to your dinner table. Don't you want to be dining at this table tonight??!
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Photo via Martha Stewart

In love with Rice Designs!!

Words cannot express how crazy I am about Rice Designs...and I know you will feel the same way once you see the fabulous invitation, program, save the date, (etc.) designs below. I posted several because I just couldn't choose a favorite! Ashley, the designer behind Rice Designs, is from Alabama, and her work was recently introduced to me by a friend. I was so excited to discover such amazing talent right here in Alabama!
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As you may have heard me mention before, I am addicted to reading blogs or as Brooke would call it, I'm a blogaholic! There are so many wonderful blogs out there that have introduced me to very talented vendors(photographers, event planning companies, invitation designers etc.), but so many of them are from the west coast or the east coast or the midwest, so needless to say...I get PUMPED when I find someone with lots of talent from the SOUTH! I promise to stay true to my blog name (so.= southern) and try to bring to the forefront more amazing vendors from the South to use when you are planning your next event!
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Check out more of Ashley's designs here!

Photos via Rice Designs

The Wine Opener

The "Wine Opener" event last Thursday night was a huge success! It was held at the Loft at Flower Stems, and wow...what a fun venue!! If you live in Birmingham and are looking for a modern space (with a lot of character) to have a birthday party, wedding reception, anniversary party, etc. you must check out Flower Stems. I took my camera with me and of course snapped several photos, but I unfortunately left out the front entrance/exterior of the building, so you are just going to have to do a drive by to see it!

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When you walk in the front doors, directly in front of you is the flower refrigerator. I braved the cold to step in and take a few photos of the gorgeous flowers in the fridge. While at the party, I met the owner of Flower Stems and he told me that often at wedding receptions or birthday parties, they will set up an ice cream bar in the fridge, which I thought was a fabulous idea!

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At the hip downstairs bar, we set up the wine tasting portion of the event. High boy tables were draped in gold linens with wine colored sashes, and cocktail rounds were draped in wine colored linens. Flower Stems donated a handful of flower arrangements for the evening...which was very helpful for keeping costs down on this fundraiser.

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Upstairs we set up the silent auction, which was packed full of great gift packages.

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We decorated several of the tables with candles and wine corks (in keeping with our wine theme) for the evening. The food was catered by Happy Catering and it was absolutely delicious! There was a great turnout for the event, which means more money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to continue to its important research.
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This event would not have come together without Margaret from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She did an amazing job planning and executing this event with the help of just a few volunteers! I so enjoyed helping out with this fabulous event for a great cause!

More Wine Please

Over the last few months, I have been on the planning committee for the "Wine Opener" fundraising event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation...which is being held TONIGHT! I am excited to attend the event to see it all come together, and don't worry, I will have my camera with me! But in the meantime, I thought I would share some fun wine inspired images with you...
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Photos via Letterpunch Design, Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart, Artisan Events via Style Me Pretty, Perfect Wedding Guide, Pottery Barn

Monogram Madness!

I was over on Julie's blog a couple of weeks ago and stumbled across this fabulous party idea...Mimosas and Monograms...for a bridal shower. I LALALOVE it!! I should have hosted this party for my mid-western friend Lauren since she had no idea what the big deal was with monograms until she moved to Alabama. I mean didn't everyone get a monogram ring and earrings when they were in middle school?? Seriously though, I love the monogram vase, linens and wine glasses that I have gotten over the years as gifts (although I am hoping my monogram will change in the near future), and who doesn't love a mimosa?!  I definitely wouldn't want to overdo it on the monogram theme, but I love the decoration idea of initials (or a monogram in this case) made out of flowers to hang on the front door...

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...and who could resist these adorable monogram cookies for dessert?

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While we are on the topic of monograms, if you haven't discovered Allison R. Banks Designs, you must check out Allison's web site ASAP!!  She has been designing monograms since she was 15 and her work is AAAMAZING!  With an eye for detail and a unique personal touch, each monogram design is customized to reflect the individual style of her clients. You can have the monogram printed, engraved, or digitized for embroidery. My mind is racing just thinking about all the possibilities!

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If I were planning a wedding, Allison would be first on my list to call. Not only does she design fabulous monograms, but she is also a beautiful calligrapher! I wasn't able to pull many photos from her web site, so its a must you check out her gallery here.
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Photos via Madeline's Flowers, Gumdrop Cookie Shop, Allison R. Banks Designs