And We’re Off! DYI Derby Day Bridal & After Party Inspo

In my Russell Crowe voice; are you not entertained?!? (I seriously love that movie though!)

The Kentucky Derby (+ Cinco De Mayo) is right around the corner and I decided to break from my routine to create my own quick entertainment for the fastest 2 minutes in sports.

By ‘quick’ I mean single handedly designed, produced and photoshot. Whaaaaaa?

Here’s to juleps and Woodford on the porch, dreams of Millionaire Row and ALL the roses this side of the Mississippi!

Let’s get it started

So I initially got my wheels a turnin’ from this concept of a simple black, white and gold palette inspired by Rodin Designs. I love the sophisticated look of the color combo but also wanted it to be a little lighter for the Derby theme I envisioned.

My initial thoughts were: Invites & welcome sign, party table & reception table.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJ5lPblaAX/

Because I had a lot of items already in stock in my office/ craft room, my shopping list was literally:

2×4 ft pine pre-cut board from Lowe’s
wood stain, Miniwax from Lowe’s
black and white table cloth
golden utensils
gold foil cardstock
goblets
fresh greenery from Trader Joe’s

And then, I got stuck. Drats.

After not finding some specific items, I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the ideal look I wanted. Luckily I had just recently finished a quick Facetime Call with my fellow crafter, woodworker and cousin Jacqueline Rowan of JRow Everything whom I immediately called back for some quick designer advice.

After some camera flips and some frozen unintended video selfies (aka frozen camera), she totally refocused my vision with some quick fixes (switching out tablecloths for foil paper rolls and other simple things my brain was farting on) and I was rearing to go! I used one half day to stain wood and design the simple pieces and the next day to design the rest and assemble and start snapping some progress shots. I shared a few on my instagram.

They’ll tell the story of tonight

Day Two was all about assembling the small stuff early. By early, I mean by 2:30pm before I completely switched gears to embrace a completely different profession; motherhood of 3.

I used my beloved Cricut Explore Air 2 to cutout all the pretty horses with gold foil cardstock from Michael’s and attached them to my straws for the glasses. Then continued to cutting out my removable vinyl for my wedding sign.

As I rushed to pick up my troop from the bus stop I remembered the horseshoe piece that was my intended focal point for all the smaller pieces. I decided to use that on the two color menus and the initial invitation for ALL the southern charm! I decided to roll with a sister font for the table tent cards at each setting, each with a fun derby themed phrase.

My personal fave, “I’m betting on you” and “You’re in my winner’s circle”.

Horseshoes, check.
Horses, check.
Bright & Sophisticated, check check.
Onward to the invitation suite.

To be honest I went through this process all wrong because it was the LAST piece I designed! Typically with a client the event logo is what I would complete before anything else but I felt confident about the use of the horseshoe. I wasn’t just any other client so that was my rationale going into this; cheeky I know.

My original idea was gold foil roses across the top but I decided to rock the simplicity of the horseshoe. I’ve noticed the trend of watercolor and foil & used that on this bridal suite. The gold foil Louisville skyline and cascading roses looks so beautiful with the red watercolor brush stroke. The picture doesn’t do it justice!

Back Back, Forth & Forth

So finally on the second day I assembled the reception table.

When you’re styling things you’re moving things around, inch by inch, sometimes even, breath by breath for just the photo. I was already between other business deadlines that day yet still I was determined to complete something for ME. Thankful that had Jacqueline on Facetime from North Carolina for on call “professional accountability & support”. Hence these pretty photos!

This is how we do it; DIY

Day Three is party day! I invited my mum and the kids for some fun upcoming derby day fun! First how about these cute signs? I was able to use some blank clear acrylic pieces I already had to make some simple vinyl based table signage (And We’re Off & All The Fixin’s) and I think it turned out wonderful! Using simple and open Kentucky phrases kept the convo going when the kids and Gigi carouseled the table. Lastly, I continued the striped gold foil paper from Party City and the wedding sign for the “married couple” to keep things consistent.

Strawberry Delight anyone? Those straws totally complimented the look of the bright and colorful derby style reception turned backyard derby party! Throw in a close enough Derby Pie and you’ve got a simple party!

Curating and cherishing memories is what I live for! Maybe this inspired you to do something simple or not so simple for a themed Derby Day event? Either way, this was fun for me!

Looking for those themed printables or cricut cutouts I used? You can purchase the digital downloads for your own soiree!

#Fin #DerbyYall #SouthernCharm #Bling #Kentucky #MoreThanGraphics

Starving Artist Birthday Party

What’s a 12 year old to do when she’s crazy talented and enjoys swinging a paint brush or two? If you’re anything like this birthday mom, this starving artist themed birthday should completely inspire you!

You may remember Nakia from our Fabulous Bell House Bridal Shower, married and mother of elementary age and college daughters, she’s infused all her own event planning into amazing personal showcases celebrating the milestones of her children.

I’m feeling a tear! Return customers for the win! Let’s review.

The Details

We loved that Nakia chose this theme based on her daughter Jasmin’s own whimsical creativity. After already doing research and discovery processes, she had nailed down a venue, strong concept and color palette for the event.

In working collaboratively we created an event logo that she could brand throughout the party including a custom birthday smock for each guest.

The Venue

Pinot’s Palette was a great mutual location for this creative gathering! Located right next to Fayette Mall, the classes were simple and gave all the girls their own space to truly venture from the original design and do their own art. It felt so clean, professional and the staff was so friendly.

The Table

What could we not say about this simple, fun and creative table display?! I mean, WOW. From the fun primary colors to the creative idea of the party favors. Nakia wasn’t holding back on the birthday fun for her daughter!

Our “starving artist” and “creative juices” tags were just the right touch of cute to help guide the eye along to all the other amazing things displayed on the table.

The Food

The concept that the food was the art was an understatement. The talk of the event was cute cake pops on paintbrushes and the amazing colorful fondant cake. These event branded watercolor cookies were amazing!

Party Favors

There were not one but two party favors to this event. Guests not only got to paint with their new custom smock but they also received a goodie paint bucket filled with skittles, a creative paintbrush pen, inspirational watercolor notebooks and a custom mini painted canvas.

#HAPPYBIRTHDAYJASMIIN
#STARVINGARTISTBIRTHDAY

The Vendors:

Venue: Pinot’s Palette

Branding, Signage & Paperie: Octane Design Studios

Cake Pops: ACAcakes

Cookies: Maddie’s Cookie Co.

Cake: Confused Confections

Favors: Mom (Nakia)

Event Photography: Octane Design Studios

We gather in November, Pt.1

Hello #November! This month is made for gatherings, giggles and gnache. I’m always excited to experience all three with loved ones this time of year. Fall brings out the best of my creative crafty mood. Not too hot and not too cold… hot cider… and all the pumpkin you can eat!

As a child I loved dressing the table and the habit never left me. So to continue this little childhood tradition I’m showcasing lots of dreamy tablescapes and paperie and invite you to follow me all month long as I dress to impress the table!

Be inspired & purchase custom paper items on my #etsyshop! Lookout for extra pics & comments in my Instagram stories!

Interested in having Octane design your holiday party or event? Chat with us at info@lexoctane.com.

This table is a pretty traditional look. I used simple traditional tones of gold red and green to capture the nostalgia of old time holiday season. Chargers give all the elegance needed to dress up the table. The “Give Thanks” printable is from @circutofficial. This printable is pretty easy to use and style however you need.

I love details! It what makes every thing flow and connect together to set the mood. These simple leaf cutouts are perfect for an extra decor at each setting. I decided to add some foil to these for a lil more “bling” factor. (Psst! You can purchase these and other paper greenery on my etsy store for your Dinner Party ?)

What do you do when your vase breaks at a vendor setup? You SAVE it and reuse it for rustic chic candle holders. I repurpose almost everything if I can. My little way of saving the planet, one #nailedit at a time!

Believe it or not my mom would constantly remind me to make sure to make sure it looks the same as everyone else’s plate. But mooom! The christmas radio is just starting! I’m dancing and styling full spirit over here! And yet somewhere in Kentucky my mom’s looking at this and scowling. Haha! Sorry mom!

Let’s talk greenery! I got away from using the cheaper faux vinery and started looking at more elegant ways to showcase florals. Paper florals is definitely its own fine art but I fell in love with paper foilage. Hopefully you’ll see what I mean at the next tablescape reveal!

#Fin

Three Years Later: Same Clothes. Better People.

So, I decided to go out on a limb this year for our wedding anniversary this weekend. We did a photoshoot in our wedding clothes.

I’m serious.

Most of us can’t even wear the blouse from this time last time last year. I can’t. ~~( But kudos to everyone that kept there new years resolutions of weight loss .)~~ Miraculously my idea panned out.

This year the “newlwed” cloud landed in a rough season for my husband and I and I clearly had a vision for how to commemorate and treasure a year of loss and joy and triumph. Reminding each other of the eternal promises we made “for better or worse… in sickness and in health.”

Life is a growing process.

Life takes it time.

Time heals all things.

Not just fortune cookie wisdom.

This photoshoot meant so much more than just reminiscing from “I do” three years ago, this still is an emotional renewal of the faith and promise of loving deeper; especially when it doesn’t always feel loving.

I was super fortunate to cross paths with amazing knit queen and local photographer Lea Thompson of Velvet Paper Photography who just happened to be working with me on a future IG giveaway (shhh… more about that later) and offered an open photo session that we miraculously fit into.

And thus this idea of SAME CLOTHES. BETTER PEOPLE was born.

Because… its true.
I’m better because he loves me when I’m physically at my worst.
He’s better because I love him at his darkest and lowest moments.
We’re better because we keep running back to God in the midst of pain and sorrow and confusion.
We’re better because God keeps loving us to love each other deeper, especially when the answer is no.

Our wedding day symbolized all that and more. What better way to remember eternal promise than with the love of your life?

This whole experience was surreal. In seeing the photos, seeing the joy and the love that endures past the pain of optimistic failure, low self esteem, multiple miscarriages and a crazy amount of personal soul searching. The greatest of these is love. We stuck to it. And we’re better for it.

—

So I began my FB post:

In our nearly 7 years of life together this year was really a rough patch.

“For better or for worse…In sickness and in health…. and the greatest of these is love.” These words have such deeper meaning now than the first time we said it to each other.

This season has given us deeper purpose. It’s taken us through winding narrow paths. Roads less traveled.

It’s easier to scoot it under the rug and not wield the bad times as times of promise. But it was a promise. A promise from our Maker. A promise to a man filled with the characteristics of God. A promise to myself.

Inch by inch in weaving Gods love into the fabric of our lives, we’re certainly not the same ‘Danielle + Kevin” from three years ago. We’re better.

We see it in lives present. We feel it in lives lost.

In our clothes
In our skin
Between souls

We still ‘do’.

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good…” – Genesis 1:31

#InTheBeginning #MSfamily #WeddingAnniversary

Location: Jacobson Park

Photography: Velvet Paper Photogrpahy

Dress: David’s Bridal

Franzetti Photography: Turning 40 with class…and cake!

I can say this session was a first for me and Misty! This firecracker had her birthday coming up and she wanted to CELEBRATE! We connected through a mutual friend and when we spoke on the phone about her session, she told me she wanted lots of color and CAKE. I think we nailed it;)

Misty is basically a badass in all the ways.

We had a great time shooting, but the rain got in our way a little bit. Then the photographer nightmare occurred… we lost the light. It got too dark too quickly for me to really shoot my usual style and I freaked a little bit inside my head. But, then I remembered that we captured GREAT photos already. Everything else was going to be..well…icing on the cake!

So we rolled with it and ended up with photos that are so different from what I typically shoot. Misty is basically down for anything so after we got through with the cute, flirty, fun pictures, she was more than game for a little depravity!

READ THE FULLY STORY: Turning 40 with class…and cake!

Franzetti Photography: Three Under Five

Warning: looking at photos of this beautiful family may result in baby fever.

I am falling in love with newborn sessions. The first time I was asked to do a newborn session, I excitedly said yes, but in my head I was completely freaking out. I have not had a baby so obviously I believe babies are the most breakable little peanuts on the planet. Oh… I refer to babies as peanuts a lot 🙂 Flash forward multiple newborn sessions and I am completely loving the special moments that happen during these sessions. I am invited in to this totally precious time in a family’s life and it is the best.

This family in these photos is obviously beyond beautiful. Mamma Erin is undoubtedly a wonder woman. These three sweet girls are all under the age of five and her house is dreamy. On top of all that, she spends every day motivating women to love themselves and live healthy lifestyles. She is a coach through Beachbody and is one of the best I have seen. She does so much for women regardless of if they want to purchase any product. She gives away rockin’ recipes and is always there to give you a pep talk. I loved getting to spend time with them and Erin even made me a delicious healthy shake for the road!

Every photographer is different. During a session, I like to focus on the family connection. Instead of props, I like to fill photos with smiles and tiny toes. It is so sweet to see parents and siblings interact with a new babe! I love doing sessions in the family’s home because we can try to capture them as they really are during this chapter of their life. Extra bonus: new mama does not have to worry about packing anything up!

READ THE FULL POST: Three Under Five

Franzetti Photography: Marry the person who doesn’t keep score

The 2017 Franzetti Photography wedding season has begun! It feels like a huge understatement to say I have a lot riding on this chapter in my life. In my mind, this wedding season seems like it will be the make or break moment for my photography business. I am pretty hell bent on making it! One reason I feel like I can even try making this wild dream come true is because of brides like Brandi. I have known Brandi since she was a kiddo because I went to high school with her older sister. She and her sister and different in a lot of ways, but they are both SO full of life, laughter, and are two of the most genuine gals you could hope to meet. It was so nice to walk in to my first wedding of the season and have several friendly faces around me.

READ THE FULL STORY: Marry the person who doesn’t keep score

Franzetti Photography: 17 Must-Reads for Dreamers & Hustlers

17 Must-Reads for Dreamers & Hustlers

Goals are a really amazing thing because they mean HOPE. When everyone makes their goals for new years, it means that even if just for a few weeks, they believe something can be better about themselves or something around them in the new year. Sure, sure… I know most people fall off the wagon pretty quickly, but to me it would be far worse to not even try at all.

READ: 17 Must-Reads for Dreamers & Hustlers

Franzetti Photography: Joseph is O-Fish-Ally One!

More adorable babies, please! I have never really experienced baby fever, but I love getting to steal some time with other people’s babes. This little nugget and I have met three times and every time he is such a happy baby and he has the most beautiful blue eyes!! He is going to be the big O-N-E in just a few shorts days and his mama decided to celebrate with some photos and a cake smash.