there are really no words to adequately describe the amazing visionary behind chewing the cud…..viola is a rare bird….super talented & infinitely creative….she was an intricate part of a lovely workshop…..and worked side by side with eden to create a stunning event, that was visually seamless….each workshop attendee received a beautiful welcome package, that was custom designed by viola….as guests sat down for breakfast, they each were greeted by the sweetest little canvas bag…on the outside viola had put “the kissing tree” graphic underneath the words “a lovely workshop”…inside was a little notebook & a pencil engraved with the words “a lovely workshop”….so lovely…

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“cuddle with cider” bags are just one of chewing the cud’s unique creations…the little canvas bags are full of spices, just perfect to make your own cup of cider….they are so cute & clever….they make me want to cuddle with viola….in a very appropriate sweet way of course….she is a joy to be around….

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we set up a series of lovely vignettes….as though it were a real wedding….one of my favorite vignettes was the love letters….viola hand made love letters & stained each one to make them look like vintage letters…they were stunning…and accented the vintage typewriter eden provided….many weddings have guest books or a wishing bowl, for good wishes for the bride & groom…we love the idea of guests writing love letters for a couple…such a sweet & new way to share your wedding blessings….

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viola also took little phrases & ideas from kiss the groom….i love the way she personalized every detail to reflect my own personal style….imagine how she could personalize your wedding….i wish i could put her creativity in a bottle & open it when ever i need a little inspiration….chewing the cud is simply delicious….viola is a creative visionary….an amazing invitation designer & so much more…

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fallen-angel
this lovely girl was the model for a lovely workshop….wearing a skirt from kirstie kelley….
hair piece by leah c….angel wings found by eden…..hair by elise 707.254 5050 & makeup
by darcy 707.815.9097….the lovely girl is in this image is simply a beautiful fallen angel….

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eden is the beautiful & talented woman behind the socially conscious eco friendly green & simply amazing design company END DESIGN….i was blessed to have her as the designer for the lovely napa workshop…..she & i spent months on the phone planning & discussing every detail of the workshop….she is simply a creative genius…i felt as though she stepped inside my head & made my dreams come true….eden created the most lovely garden of eden….and was so gracious and kind….

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eden explored countless antique stores to collect the amazing array of decor….from a three foot tall statue of the virgin mary….bird cages…an antique type writer….a gorgeous vintage green velvet couch….a stone bird bath….a sixteen foot feast table hand made just for the workshop….stunning florals….mercury glass vases & candle holders….and countless other beautiful antiques & details…she did everything with such grace…her long blond hair & infectious laugh followed her every where she went….she created such amazingly beautiful decor….she is truly lovely…such a talented designer…it’s perfect that her name is eden…she is a  walking garden…

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END DESIGN is a california based company….and was named one of the best florists in the country by elegant bride magazine….eden has an incredible team & they literally create magic….all the while being an environmentally aware green design company…it was such an honor to have eden be part of a lovely workshop…..her creativity is equal to her loveliness….for more info visit END DESIN…..

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wishing everyone a lovely day….may rain caress your cheeks in your very own garden of eden….xoxo

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lovelyphotographers
a week ago today i had the privilege of spending the day with a group of
very talented photographers….it was a lovely day….here are the websites of
the napa attendees….it was an honor to have them all at a lovely workshop
www.shannonho.com 

 www.melaniemauer.com

 www.christinetaylorphoto.com 

www.mariaclaridge.com

www.fotonouva.com

www.fionasarn.com 

www.zoomphotography.net 

www.juliemikos.com 

www.erin-beth.com 

www.christameola.com 

www.emilyashley.com

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over the next few weeks i will be showing images and featuring some of the talented
collaborators that made this day in the napa valley such a wonderful experience….i also
want to give a special thanks to kristen loken, who although is an amazing photographer 
worked tirelessly throughout the day as my assistant….she is wonderful in every way…

…….check back soon & often to see photographs of all the loveliness……

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fairylovethis lovely fairy bride & groom photo is just a little glimpse of an amazing fairy
wedding created by floral designer tricia fountaine….and yes, the owl is real…. 
the beautiful  fairy wedding will be featured, in it’s entirety, next week….xoxo

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oh, how charming!
lisa vorce is such a talented designer & event planner….every
wedding i’ve had the opportunity to photograph with her is just
stunning….and each event has it’s own unique personal style 

elizabethmessina1001
the couple got ready in their beach front home & exchanged vows at an intimate ceremony in malibu

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the day was full of laughter and sunshine & every detail had such a charming personal touch

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keep an eye out…this  wedding will be featured in the beautiful magazine the bride & bloom soon!

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lovely
today is a lovely day…..

elizabeth messina is honored to be hosting a lovely workshop at the simply beautiful kenwood inn & spa…..the twelve attendees will spend the day in napa valley….this intimate workshop was planned with great detail by elizabeth and an incredible group of artisans….the day will be full of stunning decor…a feast fit for kings….gowns….photographs….laughter & loveliness…and so much more….these are some of the wonderful collaborators for the first ever lovely workshop…..

 

event planning: www.rosemaryevents.com
event design & florals: www.end-design.com
cakes: www.cakecouquette.com
chocolate: www.cocodelice.com 
concepts & invitations: www.chewingthecud.com
cinematography: www.blissvideoproductions.com
venue: www.kenwoodinn.com 
gowns: www.kirstiekelly.com
headpieces: www.twigsandhoney.com
photographs: www.elizabethmessina.com

 lovely21a lovely workshop with elizabeth messina

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