Introducing Vintage Love Home

Did you know that Vintage Love Rentals is not only a place to rent your event items, Des Moines' newest event venue and host The Preferred Vintage Flea Market, but it is also the place where beautiful home décor begins. Introducing "Vintage Love Home!"

We think that homes should be curated over time; rooms filled with items from travels, evidence of hobbies, loves and great ideas. In other words, homes should be a reflection of the occupants who live there.  But how do you get there?  What goes where, how do you combine two households, what if I don't have money for all the fancy "stuff?" That is where Vintage Love Home can help. We have been decorating homes and events for over 38 years and would love to help you create the perfect place you can call "home."

 

Cuties for your wedding events

I just came across this web site and had to share it with you - Divine Delights They are out of California and have the cutest Cookies and Petits Fours for your wedding celebration. But why stop at just weddings? Couldn't you see these cakes at a bridal shower? They would be adorable even for a baby shower!

I think a tiered tower of these cakes would be lovely for a spring wedding. Instead of one large cake, you could order a cake per person and have a plate of them in the middle of each table as part of the table decor.

We actually did this at a fall wedding a couple of years ago. The bride ordered a cake for each table. We had it iced in an ivory plain buttercream and then I made small rose nosegays for the the toppers while surrounding the elevated cake plates with berries, leaves, evergreens, and florals. Her guests loved it and when it was all said and done, she spent the same amount on the guest cakes that she would have for a larger cake that would have been shared by everyone. Plus---she saved quite a bit on table centerpieces! Smart and tasty!

I NEED spring!

I don't know about you, but I need a big dose of spring! Here it is rainy and snowing again today. One thing is very clear, we are closer to warmer weather than we were a month ago!

Maybe this shot from Wilderness Studio will put us in the right frame of mind. Sunny and bright; I can almost feel the sun's warmth!

One of the pleasurable parts of my job is creating a decorating palate for my brides. I start with their ideas and vision and by the time we are done, have created something that is unique and special only to their wedding. It is a privilege to work with so many beautiful and wonderful young couples. No wonder I love my job!

Sunday's Bridal Show

I promised you some pictures from Sunday's Bridal Show at the Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge in Iowa City. These were taken by Wilderness Studio. I have worked with Dick on a wedding last fall and was very impressed by not only his style but his professionalism as well. You have to feel comfortable with your photographer in order to have great photos and Dick is one of those people that you instantly feel comfortable with.

As you can see, the IMU's Main Lounge is a very beautiful place.

If you have not visited this gem, I urge you to take a look.

The architecture, wood and even carpet all speaks of elegance.

I couldn't resist doing a mixed table in black and white. I can't begin to count how many brides I have this year whose color palette starts with this combo. We tried to show a little bit of this and a little bit of that, mixing in some pinks and reds for fun. I even have a bride mixing in a limey green---I love this!!

My linen expert wanted to do a green and purple table and I must say that she did an outstanding job! Kudos to Marlas Linens!

Love this pink and orange. Yes, it is bright, but oh so fun!!

And what would a wedding be without an escort card table. I wish I had a picture that shows the entire height, but you get the idea. Spectacular!

Setting the table

When you visit with your caterer about setting up the tables for your event, don't automatically assume that they will set it up according to the latest fashions in the wedding magazines. Their job is to get it done in the fastest and most economical way possible. It is up to you to make sure that the details for your guest tables are worked out in advance.

Remember---it is in the details where the event magic lies!

Here are some pictures of tables that definitely tell the couple's wedding story.

Going the extra mile, doesn't necessarily mean that you will spend more money; what it does mean is that you took the time to make sure that everything was right, in its place and flowed together to form a cohesive and elegant picture. Giving your guests something to look at, talk about and remember for the next 6 hours is just seeing to their comfort and enjoyment. In short---all part of the "perfect wedding day!"

Wouldn't this be cute for a shower luncheon?

Adding a small gift or adorable cupcake in the decorated box

would sure to be a hit with your guests.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Or in this case---thinking inside the box!

The Head Table

Brides and Grooms, please pay attention to your head table, after all, your wedding is a celebration of the two of you. Don't you deserve some attention?

Instead of placing your head table up on risers so that you are not accessible to your guests, how about placing the table in the middle of the room, right off the dance floor. This way, your guests will approach you, you will be close to everyone and be the center of their affection.

Here is a beautiful table idea, right in the middle of the room overlooking a beautiful golf course. It is set for four on one side and four on the other side, making for an intimate seating arrangement. Their colors were black, deep red and gold. They wanted a very rich and luxurious feeling. Many of the guest tables had low floral designs and the other half of the guest tables were tall designs like the one in the center of this table. Lots of candles and a deep red rose beside everyone's place setting let all guests feel like queens and kings.