Celtic Save The Dates

Engagement Portrait by George Street Photography

Here are a few Celtic-inspired Save The Date designs I mocked up for Sarah and Pat. The couple is having an Irish themed wedding in Chicago this fall. I also created these monograms for them. Sarah and Pat have chosen their final design and it is getting printed next week. I will share soon...

Southwestern Wedding Inspiration

I'm trying to catch up on my blogging this week... I'm taking inspiration from my trip to Scottsdale, and sharing some southwest-inspired wedding ideas. Please feel free to add to the list. If you recently had a "southwest" wedding, I'd absolutely love to feature some of your photos on Keg Design. Send images to kelly@kegdesign.com. Thanks!

Turquoise Studded Sandals

Tribal Style Beaded Purse $30 (Etsy)

Hairy Cowboy Pocket Games $7.99 per dozen - for the kids!; Sterling & Turquoise Ring $126 (Etsy)

Campfire Inspiration; Native American Beaded Purse - $495 (Etsy)

Cactus Candy Singles $0.75 - Unique Wedding Favors!

Groom's Cactus Cake - $75

Southwest Seasoning - Customized Wedding Favors; Cowboy Hat & Boot Picks - $4.99 per 72 pieces

Southwest Wedding Bands

Slice Margarita Glasses - Crate & Barrel

Mighty Moccasins

I didn't do much shopping in Arizona, but I did happen to pick up this cute pair of Minnetonka moccasins. I've been seeing moccasins more and more in the magazines these days. And they seem to be a staple at Urban Outfitters. I really wanted to buy this style, but knew that the suede softsoles would get ruined instantly. I'll definitely be breaking these babies out in the spring...

Getaway to Scottsdale, AZ

The hubby and I had an amazing getaway to Scottsdale last weekend. We celebrated Valentine's Day and took advantage of no work on President's Day. We golfed, we sunbathed and I got to enjoy a wonderful massage at the spa. It was such a nice escape from the cold, dreary winter we're enduring in Chicago. It seems like the entire country is under a cold spell (even Florida!)... I think Arizona was one of the very few places that was warm, sunny and nearly 80 degrees! I was bummed to come home, but every trip has to end. I can't tell you how many times I said to myself..."Why don't we live here?" I'm sure there are a ton of reasons not to live in AZ, one being the fact that is HOT (125 degrees) in the summer...another being how freakin awesome Chicago is June-October! Here are a few photos I took:

One of the many amazing sunsets!

Cactus Close-Up

Main Street Old Town - Scottsdale, AZ

We stayed at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. We found a great deal on Lastminute.com. I would HIGHLY recommend the resort to anyone looking for a wonderful place to stay in AZ or even a honeymoon. The grounds were beautiful, the service was top-notch, the food was delicious and the spa was to die for! Here are a few picturesque shots from the resort's website. You know when a website over promises with their words and pictures? This was not the case. These photos are NOT embellished or overly retouched...Camelback REALLY was this beautiful! They have a sister resort in Tucson...Starr Pass Tuscon Resort & Spa. I've heard great things about it too!

Resort Entrance & BLT Restaurant (which was amazing, BTW!)

Camelback Spa Pool

What font are you?

What font are you? According to Pentagram's "font test", I am Pistilli Roman. It's a pretty font, but not one that I am too familar with or use often. The "test" is easy and quick, and the results are fun to listen to. Take it here, and let me know what font you are...

Pistilli Roman; Circa 1950's

Personally, I think this is more my style...

Lettres Ornées; Circa 1820's

Beads & Masks, Oh My!

Photo by Beth Berry Photography.

New Orleans has a lot to celebrate this weekend! The Saints are Superbowl Champions and Mardi Gras officially kicks off this afternoon in the French Quarter. Fat Tuesday is next week. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...I'm heading out west with my husband for some much needed R&R. Check out more photos from this elegant Mardi Gras themed wedding here and here.

Class + Sass

This bride is rocking the short wedding dress...and I love it. She's got class plus sass! I wish more brides would take the risk and go the short route (although I was afraid to do it). There are so many beautiful short and tea-length gowns out there. Image source here.

Celtic-Inspired Monograms

I'm currently working on a celtic-inspired save the date design. I put together these monogram letters for the couple to choose from. Who knew the letter "D" could look so pretty! Which one do you like?

Bye Bye January

Photo by Shandro Photo.

Hello February! January is one of those months that seems to drag on and on and on. Especially in the subzero temperatures of Chicago. Here's what I'm looking forward to in February:

1. The days getting longer...and brighter.

2. The gym getting less crowded.

3. Football season ending. Yippee for seeing my husband on Sundays again!

4. Spring around the corner...come on, Mr. Groundhog!

5. And, of course, Valentine's Day!

Filter Fun (My Bridal Accessories)

Photoshop filters...you either love 'em or hate 'em. In the art world some designers consider them amateur tools. I'm on the fence about it, but regardless, I don't use them nearly enough (you can create some really cool stuff!). The other day, I decided to have some fun with the photograph at left. It's a photo of my wedding accessories (shoes, purse, earrings, bracelet, and ring pillow) that I took last year. I was trying to channel a Martha Stewart-like look - haha! I've never been too sure what to do with the image, or how to use it, so the Photoshop exploration came in handy. Thoughts? Ideas? Which treatment do you like best? I think I like the scribbly qualities of #2!

Elie Saab Gowns

I'm in love with these gowns! Sarah over at Classic Bride wrote about her Elie Saab designer crush last week. I'm totally in agreement. My favorite designs from the Elie Saab fall and spring shows are featured below. Which one(s) do you like? For more beautiful options go here and here.

Vintage Winter Bouquet

Another floral beauty from Amanda over at Butterfly Petals. This bouquet was created for a vintage themed winter wedding. I love the pine needles in combination with the feathers! I blogged about Amanda's not so typical bouquets previously. Her work is just amazing! For more photos, check out the new Butterfly Petals Facebook Fan Page. 

Photos by Jenna Catherine Photography.

Meaningful Moss

These are SO cool! I love moss - I think it's beautiful! I came across these installations on Pillar Box Post - a super cool blog about design and living across the pond (aka. in England). These beauties were created by Curb, a natural media company based in the UK. Curb creates unique media and advertising solutions using only natural earth elements. Check out more of their cool work here. What wonderful inspiration for an outdoor wedding!

Happy

Happy weekend everyone! A big shout out to fellow wedding blogger Megan, of Uncomplicated. She and Garrison tied the knot a few weeks ago in Texas. Her "newly released" wedding photos are absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Photo by Stephanie Davis.