Beauty and the Beast Inspired Engagement Shoot

This weekend was the 23rd anniversary of my all-time favorite Disney movie being released, Beauty & the Beast! While I really love all most Disney movies, Beauty and the Beast is the one that will always have my heart. It was released in 1991, when I was a wee little girl. Plus, of all the Disney princesses, I can relate to Belle the most. She is brunette, lives in France (most of my heritage is French) and isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in. So when it came to planning our engagement pictures, I had to give a nod to my homegirl Belle. Thankfully my (now) husband cooperated, which I why I married him isn't it?? Our adventurous photographer, Tessa of Tessa Anne Photography, met us out in Forest Park in Portland, Oregon. It's amazing to be completely in the forest, but minutes away from the city. Keep scrolling for more details from the shoot!

I do not recommend walking out on mossy fallen logs in high heels, but I managed to get out and back without falling on my face!

Our pug, Chloe, played an important role in our photos (we didn't have Maisy yet). My friend Alyssa was there as the Dog Whisperer (aka Treat Provider) to get Chloe to pose for all some of the pictures. She also made the amazing Once Upon a Time sign using specialty papers from Paper Source (where we both worked at the time) and suggested this great location in Forest Park.

I was definitely going for a DisneyBound look, not cosplay. My original idea was to incorporate the phrase "Tale as old as Time" on our Save the Date Cards, but I ended up going very Disney.

If you love Beauty and the Beast but need a quick recap, you'll enjoy this video of old men telling the tale as old as time.

I hope my Beauty and the Beast themed engagement photos inspire you to express your favorite fairytale during your next photoshoot, whether it's professional or in your backyard. I'd love to hear the character that inspires you most in the comments below!

Photography: Tessa Anne Photography

How to use groceries to decorate your next fall party

I love throwing parties this time of year because it is so easy to get creative and still stay on budget.  I handpicked some of my favorite photographs from weddings, parties and life to help get you thinking outside of the box. Keep reading for how to use this inspiration at home!

Fall Inspired Decor for weddings, parties & Thanksgiving

Whether you are hosting a bridal shower, wedding or the family Thanksgiving, make life easy with these simple decor tips.

Remember the grocery store:

• Apples, pumpkins, and cranberries are easy to find this time of year and instantly bring color to your table scape
• Use pine cones and carrots (think beyond orange!) to add a rustic touch
• Tall branches, sunflowers and candlesticks add height and free up much needed table space
• Don't forget the brandy for the apple cider bar!

Those carrots in the bottom right hand corner were harvested straight from my grandparents' enormous garden. I took that photo a few years ago when I was at the stage of experimenting with my new DSLR camera. I asked my gram if I could photograph the veggies in their backyard with all the vibrant New England fall colors. She immediately jumped on board, finding the perfect wooden bowl to display the carrots in. Seeing this picture always reminds me of her warm spirit and enthusiasm for all the "little things" in life.

Did these tips inspire you to decorate for your next fall event? Share this post on Facebook or Twitter using the buttons below, or "Pin" the inspiration board above!

All images were taken and/or designed by me! I would love you to share my inspiration board, just credit back to my site! Thanks!

Fall Wedding at a Pecan Orchard in Texas

I had the incredible privilege of traveling to Texas to witness & assist with my friend's wedding in Dallas. As I've said before, fall weddings have a special place in my heart, and my friend's wedding did not disappoint with thoughtful fall details (pumpkins, shades of red, orange and yellow, and just enough burlap). She is an art therapist by trade, so you can imagine how creative and uniquely handmade her wedding was. She left no detail untouched, from the adorable apple cider bar to the amazing TexMex food stations. The wedding was held at The Orchard in Azle, Texas, a little pecan orchard in the countryside (those trees... swoon!). The venue was fabulous and the staff were so helpful; I would highly recommend if you are looking for a venue in the Texas countryside!

A photo posted by Elaina Lynn Design (@elainalynndesign) on Oct 10, 2014 at 12:16pm PDT

I loved creating her programs, she had the great idea of using a real leaf print (digitally printed) #texaswedding A photo posted by Elaina Lynn Design (@elainalynndesign) on Oct 10, 2014 at 12:20pm PDT

I had the honor of designing her invitations & programs, as well as help with her day-of-coordination (my former trade), which I love doing for friends. Being the last one to fluff her dress before walking down the aisle was a special moment I will always treasure.

A photo posted by Elaina Lynn Design (@elainalynndesign) on Oct 10, 2014 at 12:11pm PDT

A photo posted by Elaina Lynn Design (@elainalynndesign) on Oct 10, 2014 at 12:23pm PDT

I couldn't go to Texas without finally making a stop at my best friend's house in Austin. I was so excited to finally meet her dog, Karli. We were instant best friends.

A photo posted by Chloe, Maisy (& Elaina) (@pnwpuglife) on Oct 10, 2014 at 5:46pm PDT

My friend and I spent the day in Downtown Austin, where I went (very) crazy with my Canon Rebel camera capturing the incredible scenery. More to come from our day in the city!

I was so thankful I could witness my friend's beautiful wedding in Texas. They are so perfect for each other, it was impossible to keep from crying throughout the night. Congrats you two!!

Thursday Thoughts: Autumn Weddings

Tomorrow I fly to Dallas for my friend's orchard wedding! There's something so special about autumn weddings that sets them apart in my mind. Perhaps it's because I love fall so much, but you really can't go wrong with your wedding design. This quote gave me a whole other perspective of autumn in respect to weddings. Nature gives us such a stunning backdrop this time of year, why not take advantage of it? This image is from my cousin's gorgeous October wedding in New England (swoon). Her ceremony was in the most perfect little white chapel where the light came in to cast such a warm glow. Her reception was held in a refurbished barn designed for events, so there was a wonderful balance between elegance and autumn charm. I loved how they used cranberries & apples on the tables to brighten the whole room.

Have you been to an autumn wedding that stood out in your mind? I'd love to hear your favorite part in the comments below!

Beer Themed Bachelorette Party Invitations

Weddings & events hosted at breweries are becoming more and more popular. The restaurant spaces & warehouses often make great venues, from rehearsal dinners to the wedding itself. Living in Portland, the microbrewery epicenter of America, beer is a big part of life around here. So when my friend Jessica approached me about creating a beer-themed bachelorette party invitation, I was stoked. Since the groom owns a brewery, the wedding will lend a nod towards his livelihood, featuring hops, mason jars and sunflowers. We decided to incorporate some of these elements into the invitations since the bride is a huge beer fan too! Jessica hosted a double-header event this past weekend starting with the bridal shower. That evening, the ladies headed out to one of my personal favorite breweries that just set up shop in Boise, 10 Barrel Brewing Company!

I had so much fun creating these invitations for my friend & to celebrate all the female beer drinkers of the world. Cheers!