A & B Creative | Stylist & Destination and Intimate Wedding Designer

Local Flavor: Salt & Straw

30
October, 2012

While in Oregon we were lucky enough to have a few short hours in Portland and A and I decided to check out Salt & Straw which is a “farm to cone” ice-cream parlor. Not only is the inside totally my style and absolutely adorable–chock full of vintage ice-cream memorabilia, their ice-cream is incredible.

I am one loyal fan of Fentons in Oakland but this place rivals the Bay Area parlor for sure. I always love a business with an ampersand, but the flavors of their all natural ice-cream are so inventive and delicious!

Here A and I are enjoying our made in-house waffle cones with a scoop of cinnamon snicker-doodle and almond brittle with salted ganache (respectively) and since we were wanting the full experience we topped them with their incredible home-made caramel sauce!

I honestly can’t even describe how good these were in words, only happy guttural sounds. Cannot wait until we can come back again. There’s a certain little biscuit shop we already have plans to hit up next time we’re in Portland too!

Photos one and two via. Photo three by me. Cone Print: Herman Miller Summer Picnic Poster (Ice Cream), 1983 by Stephen Frykholm.

Posted in Food, Inspiration, Shopping | Tagged Farm To Cone, Ice-Cream, Oregon Ice-Cream, Portland, Salt & Straw | Leave a comment

Update Via Instagram

29
October, 2012

Last week while in Oregon we made the most of fall, and the few rain free days we had. We went on a hay-ride, picked pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, enjoyed the gorgeous leaves changing colors, and played with horse chestnuts and their spiky pods. It’s been a quintessential autumnal trip. Site visits and a little more (much needed) family time will round out this fall’s visit.

Posted in Colors, Inspiration | Tagged Collage, Instagram, pumpkin patch, Update | Leave a comment

Following Your Heart

26
October, 2012

I just discovered this poster designed by Elizabeth Cooper and I could not love it more. Not only are orange and blue one of our longest loving color combinations, but it’s a message I’ve been holding very dear to my, well, heart lately. So many times in life I feel that you’re driven to do something because you think you “should” or perhaps you feel pressured into them for any myriad of reasons, but the concept is simple: follow your heart. Let your heart be your guide. I also saw a quote that goes well with this motto, which is to “follow your heart, but take your brain with you.” Happy weekend.

Posted in Art, Colors, Inspiration | Leave a comment

The Best Color For Fall

25
October, 2012

I’m in Oregon this week and it’s such a pleasure for fall to be in full effect here! The leaves are all changing, you can crunch (when they’re not saturated with rain water) them beneath your feet and all of the colors are so stunning. We took the family to the pumpkin patch today and it helped me remember how much I love Oregon falls.

Image one via, two, three and four via.

Posted in Art | Leave a comment

A Classic Love.

24
October, 2012

I read Love Story years ago, and have always been a big fan of the style in the film too (despite the painfully depressing storyline). After having to be apart for a few weeks A and I are finally back in the same state and the fall weather (and some amazing vintage herringbone jackets I’ve found him) has us channeling this look.

Image via.

Posted in Art, Colors, Fashion | Tagged fall fashion, Herringbone, Love Story | Leave a comment

I May Have A Problem…

23
October, 2012

Lately I’ve kind-of been feeling like this guy:

I just can’t get enough of it. I’ve rounded up a little gold dinner party inspiration. The flatware is especially high on my wish list!

How do you feel about gold? Are you as obsessed as I am, or do you prefer non-matalics?

austin powers image, striped china, sequined piñata, chevron platter, polka-dot coasters, glasses, salt cellar, gold-rimmed glass plates and gold flatware.

Posted in Colors, Decor, Inspiration, Shopping | Tagged Gold, gold party, gold shopping | Leave a comment

Palette Play

22
October, 2012

I am admittedly obsessed with color (generally very bright ones), but sometimes muted tones can have just as big of an impact.

What works about these particular objects is that they’re all very textural. Each color (while not being a pop) is visually interesting in its own right. The shining guitar, soft and patterned blanket and rough metal of the chipping chairs all lend their own look to the otherwise subtle colors.

How do you feel about color palettes; do you think they can be all neutral or do you have to have a pop?

Photo by Susanne Kings, via.

Posted in Art, Colors, Decor, Inspiration | Tagged Color Palettes, interior design inspiration, Wedding Colors | Leave a comment

Love For Fall: Fêtes!

19
October, 2012

Another favorite fall activity, naturally, is parties! I love a summer wedding or party, but you always have that concern that it might be too hot, your guests will get sunburned, etc. Fall parties are usually still sunny, crisp and cozy…who doesn’t love that combination?!

A fête perfect for fall, and the last day of our Love For Fall week (!), is our feature from Style Me Pretty today. I designed and styled this shoot and looking at it again makes me want to bundle up and go on a crisp fall stroll (or gondola ride!) with the one I love.

How dreamy is Erich McVey Photography‘s work? He works solely in film now, and it’s just breathtaking. Don’t these images make you want to visit Oakland so badly? There is so much beauty tucked in all around Lake Merritt, makes me so proud to live here!

I designed the sweetheart table with the same feel that Lake Merritt has, which is local, but also definitely has a grand European feel to it as well.

Undoubtedly of my favorite elements of this shoot was the venue. Lake Chalet is one of my favorite restaurants and I had dreamed of it being used as a wedding venue. The dock with the Oakland view is so perfect for a couple that wants a little glam (from the venue) but still wants to be in the city.

This was such an amazing group of people to work with, please find them below in the vendors list and hire them! Special thanks to Paige and Ian for being stunning models and such a pleasure to work with!

I could keep going with all of these amazing images, but please hop on over to Style Me Pretty and see the full gallery for even more Oakland love!

Photography: Erich McVey Photography / Photo Shoot Venue + Catering: Lake Chalet in Oakland, California / Styling + Design: Rebekah Carey McNall of A & B Creative / Floral Design: Gorgeous and Green / Cake: The Whole Cake / Vintage Furniture Rentals: Mignonne Decor / Wedding Dress: The Limited / Bride’s Bolero: Anthropologie / Bride’s Getaway Outfit: Vintage / Bride’s “Mrs.” Necklace: Kate Spade / Makeup: Nikol Elaine Artistry / Groom’s Attire: Vintage / Model Bride: Paige Ricks / Model Groom: Ian Simmons

Posted in A & B Creative Design and Styling, A & B Creative Inspiration Shoot, Decor, Design Services, Erich McVey Photography, Features, Press, Style Me Pretty, Styling, Weddings | Tagged Inspiration Shoot, Nikol Elaine Makeup Artistry, Oakland Inspiration Shoot, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty Feature | Leave a comment

Love For Fall: Flowers

18
October, 2012

Flowers, like food, are plentiful in fall and they get more interesting looking too. Autumnal floral arrangements can include different pods, dried plants and even types of fruits and vegetables. My favorite fall flowers are deeply saturated, unstructured and varying in color, like these:

This arrangement would be simple to recreate and great for seasonal centerpieces.

This arrangement is very earthy and natural, which I like.

What I love about this arrangement are the pops of white, a less typical fall color. The berries and rose-hips are an amazing touch too.

I love the colors of this bouquet, and the look of it be partially dried a lot as well.

I’ve saved the best for last, this arrangement has every fall element I like best. I love the greenery gently curling off of it and the mixture of light and dark colors, the yellow ribbon is a nice touch too.

Which types of fall arrangements do you like best?

One: acrimsonkiss.com; Two: casasugar.com; Three: flickr.com; Four: sarahwinward.com; Five: oncewed.com; Six: oncewed.com

Posted in Colors, Decor, DIY, Flowers | Tagged autumnal arrangements, Fall floral arrangements, fall flowers | 1 Comment

Love For Fall: Food

17
October, 2012

Might this just be my favorite love of fall? It’s possible. Fall foods are rich, sumptuous and so flavorful, but not too heavy like traditional foods of winter.

Let’s start with breakfast! How amazing do these pumpkin waffles and pancakes look?

Now, lunchtime! Spicy pumpkin hummus and chili roasted pumpkin seeds, yum.