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Carmen Rehearsal Dinner

My client, which ended up being the sweetest mother-in-law I have ever met (next to my own of course) hired me to decorate for her son and now daughter-in-law's Rehearsal Dinner. They booked with Melody Vaughn at the BoatHouse Restaurant in Winona Lake, IN. The bride's color choice was eggplant and with just a touch of silver.
I wanted the table to be really simple since the majority of the time spent at a rehearsal includes talking and catching up with loved ones. With that in mind I went with eggplant runners and an abundance of tiny tea lights down the center surrounded by small crystals.
But of course that was not going to be enough. My client really wanted this rehearsal to be upscale, elegant, and to set the tone for the whole wedding the following day. So I wanted to do something dramatic, which brought me to starting at the ceiling.
So I turned up the volume with a whole lot of fake flowers and jewels that I strung by hand, all hanging from purple branches.
Overall I was proud of what we at WCG did with the space. We always try to do something different and unique. Enjoy!
Photos are from my good friend and photographer Bekah Dreisbach, and a few from me as well.

Boathouse Christmas Decor

Whalen Creative Group had the unique opportunity to decorate Winona Lake's landmark restaurant, the BoatHouse.

We decided to combine a traditional Macy's on State Street feel, with a modern twist that highlights the amazing atmosphere the BoatHouse already gives.

If you have missed the chance to check out the Christmas decorations this year, don't fret. You can still stop in to enjoy some amazing food and be waited on by the most wonderful people.

Anything But Subtle (flats edition)

I didn't want to leave you "non-heelers" out of the blog, so I posted some pics of some BEAUTIFUL flats to help inspire you a little, and to keep you away from the Old Navy flip flops! :) Enjoy!

Anything But Subtle

These photos are to encourage you to think outside the box with your wedding .

There are so many cool and unique things out there when you take a small step away from tradition.

Wedding shoes are just a small example. Now some of you are reading this and thinking.

"Wedding shoes that ARE'NT white"??? Yes this is true. I am encouraging a little / semi-bold color.

Now I made the mistake for my wedding to buy ivory Stewart Weitzman peep-toe pumps. Now any of you who are familiar with the designer know he is not cheap at all. Wonderful, comfortable, beautiful shoes, that unfortunately because I bought in ivory, have never been worn since my wedding.

Embrace your unique self and add some color to your wedding. Plus, you'll have the pleasure of wearing them over and over again after your wedding.

Moral of the story: The newest trend is color! Run with it!

Midsummer's Day Dream

Just before the summer ends, it is time to get one more BBQ, Birthday party, or just plain, "goodbye summer" bash.

Here are some photo inspirations for you, from a party I put together called...

Midsummer's Day Dream

The moss, the twig balls, and the butterfly garland all bring the garden to life.

Stunning yellow and green centerpieces, perfect summer colors.



I just had the umbrellas in the trees alone, but the extra detail from the garland made it all pop!

The twig balls are some of my favorite. I added a yellow flower to the larger one and a yellow bee to the smaller one, just for added detail.

The combination of the moss balls and the glass holders create an outdoor sophistication.

Just another light and airy table setting.

A table runner and garland on one of the tablescapes.

When the wind blew, those ribbons went on forever.

One of the tablescapes under a decorated tree.

Standing out and making your mark

Yesterday I was on my usual walk with my 1 year old Golden Retriever Bohdan (Bo-den). My husband and I live in a condo downtown, so of course, we walk Bohdan on our regular route all along the streets of the city. Bohdan has become some what of a mini celebrity in our town. Most people now know his name. They are always telling us how cute he is. At least once a week someone will whip out their camera phone to take his picture. They giggle and laugh, and with out a doubt, every single person who sees Bohdan walking down the street at the very least... smiles.

Now you may be asking, "what is so special about this dog?" He is one of about 500 Golden Retrievers in this town. Why does everyone know his name, and why is he so much more adorable and appealing then the other Golden Retrievers, let alone dogs?

Well, I should probably let you know, EVERY time Bohdan goes on a walk with us he carries a stuffed animal in his mouth. Sometimes a duck, a squirrel, chipmunk, puppy, a Build-A-Bear (yes, i said Build-A-Bear), even an armadillo.

Now that you have a picture of an already cute puppy, looking so much more adorable with a stuffed animal hanging out of his mouth, with his big puppy eyes, you now understand why people pay attention to Bohdan. He catches your eye, he's different. The animal hanging out of his mouth as he trots down the sidewalk, past restaurants is unique, new, and quite appealing.

As I look at my business, I wonder...am I appealing? Does my business stand out? Are my designs unique and different and eye catching?

I realized that if I want to stand out from competitors and steal the show, I need to separate myself from the rest. Just like the difference between a regular golden retriever, and one with a giant Build-A-Bear dangling from his mouth, starring at you with big, lovable, puppy eyes!

Moral of the story: There is a reason people on the street know Bohdan's name, do the people on your street know your name?