Chicago

 

Birds of a feather...

I may be girly, love ruffles, and live for the pretty ... but I am a  football fan;  and even more, a Baltimore Ravens fan! If you are from Baltimore, chances are you saw that incredible game the Ravens played against the Patriots leading them to the Superbowl. Charm City is nothing short of super-duper pumped for Sunday's big game.  How could we not be? 

The morning after the game I was contacted by Angela of Rusty Love Vintage Rentals & Home Décor, who asked if I was interested in doing a purple, "Baltimore Ravens," display in her showroom window. Absolutely! Count-me-in!

Angela’s store & style is chic, feminine, vintage-elegance and nothing short of fab-u-lous…so, I was trying to stay clear of the typical, cheesy, “football” theme with flags and grass fields. I told her I was going for more of a feminine-esque, black and purple Ravens window display. Ideas fluttered in my head all day (pun intended)... a cluster of birdcages hanging from the top, nests, lavender feathers, her purple chairs, her black top hat with a purple feather sticking in it., a subtle effect of birds in the backdrop, and most importantly, I wanted a dress-form wearing a magnificent, poofy, purple dress in that window to steal the show. She went shopping, I went shopping, then we went shopping together and in 2 days, it came to life. She was even able to find the perfect dress for the show-stealer, but it was white. Problem? Not for her!...  Angela spent the night hand-dying it purple.  It looked fabulous!

I arrived Wednesday at 10:30am and left around 5pm…even stopping by the next day for an hour or two for some perfecting and last minute touches like a bottle of Ravenswood on the table.  Angela and I painted birdcages outside in 18 degree weather, proving our devotion to prettiness by the pink glow of our cheeks.  I spent the day climbing on ladders, tying and re-tying birdcages to the ceiling, tilting my head to the side for what I always think is a better view, spitting away feathers that stuck to my face as they fell, and having a ball with Angela in her window as it came to life.   We ended both days the same, outside the store together, looking in the window with big smiles on our faces. Who said team spirit didn't mean feminine and fancy-schmancy? Go Baltimore Ravens!

Thank you to Angela at Rusty Love for having me! 

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Furniture & Props: Rusty Love Vintage

Design, Styling & Photos: elleDesigns

A few of my favorite things...

This is by far one of my favorite things in our house. My husband and I are beach l-o-v-e-r-s. We love to play in the waves with our pup, love to surf and love, love, love to travel... especially to places waterfront. We take a little bit of sand home with us from every beach to add to our collection. This is one of those little things that is so simple, but something we are in love with. 


What a great way to compare the different textures and colors from across the world. So inspiring! Whenever I walk by this in the living room, memories stacked on top of each other from each place make me smile! We have started another in a different shaped vase ready and waiting for trips to be filled to the brim!

Annabel Lily

Very excited to welcome to the world the newest elleDesigns' Bride...in 20-30 years that is. Jill and her hubby's new beautiful baby girl, Annabel Lily! Annabel is also my husband and my new God Daughter!!

We had some fun taking newborn pictures of her back in October and had to share this beauty!! 

Beautiful model made by Jill Jenkins. Photos by Elle Ellinghaus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elle's family photos

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! It was a wonderful few days to have off, travel and spend with family, friends and my handsome husband, Mike. Christmas eve my husband and I joined his parents at Mass. We watched the snow fall outside the church’s windows as we listened to his Father 's amazing voice singing with the piano. After, we joined my parent’s family at my Aunt’s house where a hilarious game of white elephant gift exchange left everyone in tears laughing.

Christmas morning, my husband and our 3 furry children, Coconut, Chandler and Sophie, opened all of our gifts and made cinnamon sugar strudels. (What did I get? Well, I will give you a hint on one of the things.... at my studio, Starbucks coffee and lattees will be offered to you soon!!) I also got the cutest book called, "Unlikely Friendships," which is a fantastic read and adorable!

We spent the day with my husband’s family, three beautiful nieces and too-cute-for-words nephew opening tons of presents and relaxing by the tree. Mike's sister's family got a new pup, Maggie, and she so much fun and runs around like Bambi!

Mike and I ended the day at my parents where our pup, Sophie, spent the day (we heard) playing with my Mom and Dad and the laser pointer. My sister, her husband, their dog and their new baby girl came over and we enjoyed Annabel’s first Christmas! We ate a delicious (elle-friendly, thanks mom) dinner and opened presents until the floor was covered in wrapping paper (literally).

 Hope everyone had a special holiday!!

Layers of Lovely

 

 

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING YOU'LL LOVE

Your wedding is a compilation of artistry and craftsmanship, from wedding couture and invitations to floral d�cor, lighting and catering. The most beautiful and memorable events are those that start with a clear vision, an appreciation for quality, and an understanding of all the elements that must be melded, layer upon layer, to create an event that is not only beautiful, but is also uniquely yours.

Please join us, Sunday December 2nd 2012 from 12 o'clock til three at Garnish Boutique

Mix and mingle with industry experts and receive inside tips on planning your perfect fete. What style gown will fit your body best and how can you ensure your make up won�t run? Need to find printed invitations, calligraphy or custom maps? Will your planner supply you with a timeline, and can she find you a valet service? Which flowers photograph best and will peonies and tulips hold up on a hot day? Can you mix and match linens, and where on earth can you find two vintage sofas and a collection of colored bottles to rent?

Layers of Lovely is an intimate affair for newly engaged brides. Join us for conversation, brief informational panels, delicious cocktails & hors d�oeuvres.

Leave with what will be the most talked about goodie box ever compiled... Need we say more?

This is a complimentary event with limited space open to brides + 1 guest. Invitations will be issued via a lottery. If you would like to attend, apply online, head over to www.garnishboutique.wordpress.com, and click on the Layers of Lovely icon in the sidebar.

Hosted by:GarnishBoutique,Petal and Print, and Elle Designs

Featuring : The Floral Studio,Natalie Franke Photography, Anchor B.,Flavor Cupcakery, Baltimore Bridal Hair & Make Up, Bayside Bride, Select Event Rentals, Loafers & Laces, Zeffert& Gold Catering, Jewels Ruxton, Rusty Love Vintage Rentals and Wedding Wire

Photo Credit: Natalie Franke Photography

Layers of Lovely 12-2-12

Your wedding is a compilation of artistry and craftsmanship, from wedding couture and invitations to floral decor, lighting and catering. The most beautiful and memorable events are those that start with a clear vision, an appreciation for quality, and an understanding of all the elements that must be melded, layer upon layer, to create an event that is not only beautiful, but is also uniquely yours.

Please join us, Sunday December 2nd 2012 from 12 o'clock til three at Garnish Boutique

Mix and mingle with industry experts and receive inside tips on planning your perfect fete. What style gown will fit your body best and how can you ensure your makeup won't run? Need to find printed invitations, calligraphy or custom maps? Will your planner supply you with a timeline, and can she find you a valet service? Which flowers photograph best and will peonies and tulips hold up on a hot day? Can you mix and match linens, and where on earth can you find two vintage sofas and a collection of colored bottles to rent?

Layers of Lovely is an intimate affair for newly engaged brides. Join us for conversation, brief informational panels, delicious cocktails & hors d'oeuvres.

Leave with what will be the most talked about goodie box ever compiled... Need we say more?

This is a complimentary event with limited space open to brides + 1 guest. Invitations will be issued via a lottery. If you would like to attend, apply online. Head over here and click on the Layers of Lovely icon in the sidebar.

meet Betsy!

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of the elleDesigns team. She is our adorable intern who has a fab sense of style and has already been amazing help! She is an extremely hard worker, fun to be around and as a seriously talented gymnast, she is very strong {laughs out loud}. Why is that last part relevant you ask? ...Well because at a wedding in May, she climbed like a monkey (no joke!)to hang a lantern on a high beam in a barn as I watched at her in awe. She is going to be blogging a bit, sharing her style and likes, and experiencing the glam and not-so-glam part of the event design industry. 

Say Hi to Elizabeth, but she goes by Betsy: