something i’m working on.

Anytime I’m asked to contribute to an event or shoot as a designer or stylist, I start with an inspiration/mood board 1st. It really helps me to wrap my head around the overall concept of the shoot and helps me hone in on what the overarching story is. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and when I’m asked to participate on something that really excites me, I tend to have a brain that just won’t shut off – inspiration boards help me keep myself in check. Too many ideas can sometimes actually be a bad thing (at least for me) and boards always make me feel like I’ve got everything under control. They are also a great way to make sure you and your client are on the same page – bonus!

Today I’ll be chilling alongside the fab Julie Harmsen while we work some styling/photography magic for the gals over at Blog Brunch. I’m really, really stoked to be collaborating with the BB team as their mission of building a blogging community that is collaborative, inspirational and informative is something I truly believe in. If you haven’t brunched with us yet, head over here to find out more details! When’s the next brunch you ask? May 5th! Don’t miss it!

photo cred : {1, 6, 9, 12, 13 sunday suppers | 2, 8 the burning house | 5 via rikshaw design | 10 lotta agaton via jelanie blog |

spring inspired shoot + weekend fun.

Happy post Easter weekend! I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and got some much deserved time with family & friends! Adam and I spent the weekend with my little sis in Albuquerque, NM and had a total blast! BUT honestly, there is nothing to make you feel older than spending 3 nights in your little sis’ college pad – yowza! It was so much fun seeing Coli in her space, and I’m always so so grateful for any amount of time I get with her. Seeing her this weekend also made me all the more excited for our upcoming trip to Europe too! 4 weeks and counting….wahoooo! I’m now doing the standby travel thing and waiting patiently at the airport for a flight to Denver and then on to Seattle. No luck with a flight last night or early this morning, so currently crossing my fingers for the 10:20 outta ABQ. We shall see!

In the midst of waiting for a flight home, I thought I would share some cute pics from a recent holiday/spring inspired shoot that made its way onto Style Me Pretty last Friday. Jessica of Jessica May Photography asked me awhile back to share some scout. goodies for a fun spring inspired styled shoot and I’m so so happy I did! Jessica’s adorable detail shots sure did brighten my holiday weekend and it’s always such a thrill to collaborate with other creatives! Isn’t that ombre cake by Dianne freaking divine?! For more pretty pretty pics of the shoot head on over to Style Me Pretty.

Happy Monday friends!

photo cred: {jessica may photography}

pic me a palette : prop styling.

I had the absolute pleasure of assisting Chelsea Fuss with a couple of her interior styling jobs this week here in Seattle and I cannot even begin to tell you what an honor it was to be on set with her. Chelsea is honestly someone I greatly admire as a prop stylist and her work continues to inspire me to work towards my own styling career. When I 1st launched myself into the world of weddings & events I didn’t really really know where my biggest passions might lie, and I’m learning more and more everyday about how much I truly value, admire & cherish the skill of creating beautiful photographs through styling.

I really don’t think a lot of people know what goes into actually making a beautiful photo. There is of course the photographer, but there is also a stylist behind the scenes that is working their magic on set or at an event to make sure that everything the photographer is snapping a picture of looks just so. I encourage you the next time you are flipping through your favorite magazine or scrolling your blog feed to ask yourself what might have gone in to making that photograph happen. Really study the picture because I guarantee the photo didn’t happen by chance. Prop styling is not as easy at it might look – it takes a ton of concentration and a fantastic working relationship b/t the stylist and photographer. Some of my fav styling/photography duos out there (Chelsea & Lisa are definitely one of them!) make it look easy as pie – but in reality their work is pure art & some serious talent.

photo, prop styling cred: {happiness etc.}

rue mag.

The night before any new issue of Rue Magazine I end up feeling like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. I get these little flutters of excitement bustling around in my belly and I wake up with an energy only explained by a longing for inspiration.

Every time I flip through the pages of Rue I feel every cell in my body clinging to every last drop of color that spills off the pages. When I launched my design companies (BT&B + scout) last year, I dreamed of the day I’d have the opportunity to be involved in a magazine like Rue. This month? I got my chance.

It was such a pleasure to work alongside the creative talents of Kira, Shannon & Sara (the gals behind the Hens & Chicks Collective), the fantabulous lady behind the camera Sarah and adorable Miss Cassandra. The day was such a blast and I’m so honored to have my scout. furniture & decor grace the pages of Rue!

photo cred: {rue magazine and we are the rhoads}

friday find : the channel back + exciting stuff.

Wowza! What a whirlwind couple of weeks this has been! Although things don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, I’m getting a little downtime tonight to take a break and reflect on all the good fortune I’ve been afforded over the past month or so.

Just a few of the things I’ve been up to:

– lots of scoutin’. searching for some new pretty pieces to add to the scout. collection. found the above channel back chair at 2nd saturdayz a couple weeks ago and couldn’t resist it’s blush colored charm. got it’s debut this week at skillet’s tasting – YES!

– followed up with my doc this week related to my hip pain. my torn labrum is responding well to the steroid shot, but i’m on 4 more weeks of exercise restriction. BOO! all i really really wanna do is go for a run & break a mad sweat. upside? 4 more weeks of watching movies on the green couch totally guilt free.

– a rue shoot (TOTAL dream come true!) with cassandra lavalle, sarah rhoads and the uber talented gals of hens & chicks collective. can’t wait to see the next issue of rue mag and so honored to have worked alongside these creatives!! had such a blast!

– my first venue walk through with ellen. she & paul will be getting married in august at the beautiful laurel creek manor and i feel super privileged to play a role in their big day!

– LOTS of inquiries for our goods. so excited that the word is really starting to spread about scout.

– started massage therapy this week. in one word? AWESOME. in three words? best decision ever!

– some super exciting conversations & mtgs are happening between myself and miss amy moore. amy is the brilliant designer behind my scout. re-branding and someone i greatly admire. i’m BEYOND stoked to collaborate with her in the future!

– adam treated me to a super special day last saturday where i got to pick out all my fav foods down at pike place market and we had a little picnic in the back of our car at gas works park (it was too chilly to be outside). sounds kinda ridiculous to lay out a picnic blanket in the car BUT it was the BEST day i’ve had in a REALLY long time. i can’t thank my lucky stars enough for such a supportive partner.

– blogshop. blogshop. blogshop. i can’t say enough good things about how much i learned during my own time at blogshop in berkeley, so it was a total thrill & a half to provide some scout loot to angela & bri’s class here in seattle this month.

– i’m currently prepping for a super exciting shoot next month that has my creative juices in overdrive. so ecstatic to collaborate with some wedding peeps that i’ve never had the opportunity to work with before.

– adam bought me a new printer!!! not a big deal you say? TRUST ME. BIG deal! the amount of stress that has been relieved just to know that when i hit “print” something will actually come out of my printer with ink on it. uhhh-huh. HUGE deal.

– planning my upcoming europe trip. dublin & paris are all set (coli and i will be staying in this teeny tiny little gem for 12 glorious days in May) and my pure excited joy for some dedicated sister time with coli is becoming SUPER real…it’s gonna happen! we’re now on the hunt for places in rome, athens, zurich, prague, and a few other spots. any suggestions/tips are welcome!!

– a trophy party! jennifer and her team were nice enough to throw a “curator party” as a thank you for the window design & decor i created for their u-village & bravern shops. it was so much fun to have my closest buddies munch on cupcakes for the night and celebrate with confetti & bubbly!

– a SUPER DUPER fun filled and inspirational night with skillet this week. i was granted the opportunity to collaborate with noah of skillet for their spring tasting this week at melrose market studios. i unleashed practically my entire scout collection on the space and had a ton of fun styling it up alongside noah! looking forward to many more collaborations with skillet in the future!

I’m off to a colorblocking + gold b-day party this weekend for my buddy Julie, a birthday celebration for my dear sweet Hadley and a MUCH needed brunch with my nurse besties: Barb, Apple & Em. Also LOTS of work catch up. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

***p.s. lots of pics coming soon of all the exciting things going on with BT&B and scout! check back!

pic me a palette : an engagement float.

how serene is this engagement photo? holy moly. totally dreamy and killer photography skills by rowell photography.

photo cred: {rowell photography via junebug weddings}

words out.

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had an amazing weekend! I had the chance to spend some MUCH needed time at home on the couch after what turned out to be one crazy bananas and SUPER fulfilling week last week! 2012 is off to a great start and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

In conjunction with getting a couple hours of some much needed rest this weekend, I had a chance to stop by the Seattle Wedding Show yesterday to check out some of our loot in the Twelve Baskets Catering booth. And let’s just say I was BLOWN AWAY! These gals sure know how to make pretty of a 10×14 ft space! Yowza! Flag bunting, adorable paper details by Heathoriginal and of course some of my fave scout. pieces sittin’ pretty…I was super pleased and proud to see scout. making a name for itself in such a big way! Thanks to the gals over at Twelve Baskets for allowing scout. to play along : )

Speaking of making a name for itself, I was also super excited to see scout. making an appearance in both the next issue of Seattle Met Bride and Groom AND Seattle Bride! Check out our adorable gold brass vases all done up by the fabulous Mckenzie Powell Designs on page 75 & 79 in Seattle Met and a little writeup about BT&B and scout. + the vintage trend on page 38 of Seattle Bride . Also if you get an extra sec, flip to page 48 in Seattle Bride to snag a peek at my flag bunting and scout. collection from our Montmartre shoot nearly a year ago!

So fun to see that the word’s out about scout! Made my weekend for sure!!!

photo cred: {moi iPhone}

sunday dreaming / 30.

dreaming of…

that thanksgiving feast.

I’m in Colorado this week to celebrate thanksgiving with my family, and I’m already salivating from the thought of mashed potatoes & gravy and that pumpkin pie! Yum, yum, YUM!

This Thanksgiving feast collaboration featured on design sponge last week got me all the more excited for the grub to come. If only every celebration could look this gorgeous, right?! Oooooh my word! This spread is definitely inspiring me to really hone in on those holiday details this season!

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone!

photo cred: {braedon photography via design sponge}

drumroll please…

scout. vintage rental company is here!

After many long weeks, countless sleepless nights, an extensive and super fun photo shoot (minus the two gals who tried to get us kicked out of discovery park), multiple trips to fleas, antique shops and corner yard sales my dream vintage rental company is finally here! Last week, with an incredible amount of love, support and encouragement from friends & family, I launched my second business: scout. vintage rental company. scout. is now sister to bow tie & bustle and they are planning to take Seattle by storm : )

scout. was derived from the belief that vintage details offer a certain “something, something” to our lives and each unique piece has a story of its own to tell. My intention is to provide local photographers, event designers/planners, stylists, couples and individuals a seamless way to incorporate vintage details, props and decor into their special events and photo shoots. I’ve wanted to share my love of antiques and vintage pieces with the event and design world for sometime now, and I am so thrilled to finally open my doors. scout. was a TOTAL labor of love and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for my boutique rental company.

Sooooooo what are you waiting for?! Check out scout. here! Oh, and thank you to everyone for your generous comments and words of encouragement since scout’s launch last week. I’ve most certainly felt the love!

photo cred: {mo hines photography and my personal inventory pictures}

seattle bride mag feature.

Super excited to see our Montmartre shoot featured by Seattle Bride Magazine today! It has been such a thrill to receive such a positive response to the shoot, as it was something created with every intention of doing justice to my favorite area of Paris, and something I couldn’t be prouder of!

Thanks to Seattle Bride for the feature and thanks again to the amazing team behind the shoot!

photo cred: 1 {seattle bride magazine and MoHines Photography}

green wedding shoes feature!

I am officially calling today: green thursday! Why?

bow tie & bustle and some of my favorite wedding peeps were featured today! Our Montmartre Inspiration Shoot made its way onto the front page of Green Wedding Shoes!!! Green Wedding Shoes is only one of the most spectacularly awesome and popular wedding blogs out there, and the amazing Jen Campbell featured our shoot today on her blog! I’m incredibly honored to have my very first styled shoot posted on her site, and I am so thankful for all the amazing friends and industry pros that assisted me in making it happen!

Photography: Monica and Seth of MoHinesPhotography

Floral Design: Teressa of Cashmere Floral Design

Desserts: Judy of Tallant House

Makeup: Cris of Glamour Cris

Hair: Brittany of Bartlett Bridal

Dress: Pricilla of Boston courtesy of Calla Bridal

Vintage Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella

Studio: Chalk Studios

Event Design, Styling and Coordination: me as in bow tie & bustle

Hair accessories, veil and paper goods: bow tie & bustle

friday find: tortured trunk.

Found this beauty for $12.99 at the local Goodwill last week. Yep – Goodwill! If you’re willing to do a little bit of diggin’ you can find some really fantastic stuff…much of which you didn’t even know you needed until you’re shoving it into the back of your car.

I couldn’t resist this little guy for $12.99 (yes, you heard me: twelve ninety nine!) and can’t wait for the opportunity to clean him up and use him in an upcoming shoot. Doesn’t he have the most fantastic character!?! Definitely been around the block once or twice – making him all the more interesting!

Happy weekend!

~JB

on to baby feature!

Exciting news today!!! The fabulously talented Monica from Mo Hines Photography and I collaborated a couple months back on a “Bun in the Oven” inspired maternity shoot and the photographs from the shoot and design concept are being featured today over on On To Baby! We had such a blast working with the adorable couple that is: Jenn & Ryan, and I am beyond excited and honored to see the shoot featured! Check it out!

montmartre inspiration shoot: part deux.

I’m over the moon excited to share the second batch of pictures (part one here) from the Montmartre inspiration shoot. These pics were shot by MoHinesPhotography and include some of my most favorite shots from the day, including the dessert table full of the most incredibly enticing French pastries one could wish for, and a vibrantly colorful graffiti wall – cause nothing says Montmartre like a little graffiti!

Thanks again to all of the amazing people who made this shoot possible! A total dream come true!

When I was dreaming up this shoot in Paris, THIS is exactly what I saw! So in LOVE! Gives me chills!

Another fab bouquet by Teressa. Stunning!

Too cute!

Gretchen is so fierce in this one!

If I had to choose a single pic from the shoot, the one above would be it. I’m obsessed!

The birdcage veil was made with netting I bought in Montmartre. I sewed together my most favorite vintage buttons to create the hairpiece.

I begged Mo to get one shot of just the wall for me…she didn’t disappoint. Thanks Mo!

Some of histories best known artists (Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Picasso) painted and lived in Montmartre during their day, and even now this amazing area of Paris bursts at seams with resounding art influence – putting art at the heart of my design. I wanted to make sure to pay tribute to Place du Tertre (a square beneath the watchful eye of the Basilique du Sacre Coeur) where artists set up their easels, canvases and umbrellas daily with the hopes of selling one of their masterpieces. Teressa suggested that we use the canvas as a guest book so I painted it with splashes of paint the night before and we all made our mark at the shoot : )

I used a distressed drop lead table, this adorable antique mirror and a rusty mailbox to create a “well wishes” table. The word “cartes” means letters in French. Each postcard had a different french poster on the front with many of them focusing on the infamous Moulin Rouge.

French bistro chairs…so in love with these gems.

The reception table was created using a distressed white picnic table, a picnic bench and adorable french bistro chairs I borrowed from a local cafe named Odd Fellows (if you’ve never been there…check it out…very yummy!). I used textured pillows in various patterns to give the table setting some depth and hung a yellow chandelier I found vintage over the top of the table.

Bonne Maman jelly is something you cannot miss in France. It’s everywhere. I used it here as a favor, tying a chalkboard tag around each jar with burlap. Chalkboard detailing was included in many aspects of the shoot, including the dessert table banner, various signage and the paper goods, since this form of marketing is used all over Paris in the floral and food markets. Teressa filled the table with pops of yellow, red and green flowers including ranunculus and parrot tulips. No two pieces of silverware on the table were alike giving the table an eclectic and whimsical touch. I couldn’t imagine the setting without a cup and saucer as cafe au lait and chocolate chaud are dining staples for Parisians. The black and white polkadot napkins were made with fabric I’d found at a local craft store and the setting was finished off with adorable red ranunculus by Teressa.

I used fabric and twine to create bunting across the wedding cake. This cake created by Judy Tallant of Tallant House is called “ruffled panties” – love it!

I used a vintage green hutch to create a dessert “table” which was layered with the most mouth-watering French pastries one could imagine and mini jars of French jelly to complement the almond croissants. The hutch was decorated with varying shades of fringed patterned fabric, more paper pinwheels, and a “bon appetite” banner. Judy from Tallant House masterfully created eclairs, french macaroons, tiny palimiers, teeny tarlets and the some of the most fantastic almond croissants I’ve ever tasted. I included mini Bonne Maman jellies on the table to complement the croissants. A wood window frame was used above the table with red ranunculus to create the effect of a french balcony.

I created the dessert stands by gluing antique silver platters to the bottom of glass drinking glasses. I then place the glasses over a pile of colorful buttons, labeling them with a chalk font.

The save the date listed out all the available pastries along with the phrase “Adore pasteries? Adore us? See you in Paris.”

I handcrafted the paper suite using red paper doilies as envelope liners, a red button and twine. I placed the words “I love you” in multiple languages in red, yellow, green and black across the top and bottom of the invitation, reply card and thank you note as a means to represent the “Love Wall” in Montmartre. I used a font that reminded me of chalk as a means to tie in the other chalkboard details throughout the design.

Event Design, Styling and Coordination: bow tie & bustle | Photography: MoHinesPhotography | Floral Design: Cashmere Floral Design | Desserts: Tallant House | Makeup: Glamour Cris | Hair: Bartlett Bridal | Dress: Pricilla of Boston courtesy of Calla Bridal | Vintage Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella | Studio: Chalk Studios | Hair accessories and veil: bow tie & bustle | Paper Goods: bow tie & bustle

montmartre inspiration shoot: part un.

I’ve never felt more alive than I did when I was in Montmartre. Montmartre is about a 20 minute metro ride outside the center of Paris and is an area of the city that has this raw, dark, whimsical edge to it that just makes my heart sing. It may be the monstrous hills that make you question your choice of attire for the day; or the Basilique du Sacre Coeur which entices you to gaze up towards the heavens; or the graffiti soaked rooftops and store fronts that bring a certain juxtaposition and mystery to the all the gray; or the big red windmill that stands proudly above the Moulin Rouge almost forcefully enticing you to catch a glimpse of the most famous cabaret of all; or Place du Tertre which is overrun with artists and portraitures alike; or the rows and rows of cafe chairs that when occupied make you feel like you’re surrounded by friends and loved ones. It would be near impossible for me to pinpoint just one thing that’s most spectacular about Montmartre…put simply: it’s all fabulous, it’s all Parisian and it’s all inspiring!

For the past 5 months I have spent an immense amount of time looking inward and asking myself where my passions lie and what types of things truly fill my soul. One thing I’ve realized most is that details (and I mean every detail, down to chipped paint and busted door locks) make me truly happy – and I’m talking pure genuine, butterfly in your stomach, smiling to the point of exhaustion happy. And over the past five months I’ve realized that there was this intense need/desire/burning sense of urgency within me to create a styled inspiration shoot paying tribute to my favorite place in the world, while also celebrating all of the little details that make life fabulous!

Many of my intentions as a wedding designer and coordinator is to encourage other’s to see the beauty in life’s details and to encourage brides and grooms to intertwine these details into their wedding day. I encourage them to pinpoint the things that feed their own souls, that reflect their own personalities and relationship and to make these things known and present on their big day.

I’m absolutely giddy to finally be sharing the neverending stream of details of the design with you…can you say: french macaroons, vintage umbrellas, a big black tulle bow, antique green gloves, a red bike, a pinwheel backdrop, vintage furniture, chalk, miniature bonne maman jellies, buttons, stunning flowers, dominos, a tree-branch umbrella, mouth-watering pastries, graffiti, a yellow chandelier, and red lips?!

Along with the support of some amazing wedding creatives my little slice of Montmartre came to life, and I couldn’t be prouder! But before I let the oogling begin, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to: Monica, Teressa, Cris, Brittany, Judy, Jodell, Yachi, Gretchen, Seth, Adam and Erik – this shoot would not have come to fruition with out your amazing contributions and talent!

Oh and these photographs….compliments of the AMAZING duo of Monica and Seth Hines – you two are beyond.

My stunningly beautiful friend Gretchen. She was the absolute best person to be our model for the day as she is achingly gorgeous and was just a bride herself this past fall! Also, what is a Parisian photo shoot without a little Eiffel Tower??!

Gretchen’s makeup was flawless. Cris did such an amazing job giving Gretchen those fantastic bright red lips!

We were privileged with the most amazing lighting in Chalk Studios.

Red, green, yellow and black instantly took front stage in the design, as these colors are key players in this area of Paris. I handcrafted this paper pinwheel backdrop using brightly colored and patterned card stock…my fingers were sore for days, but it was SOOOO worth it – I loved how it turned out. The pinwheel concept was meant to pay tribute to the many beautiful windmills throughout the hills of Montmartre.

Brittany of Bartlett Bridal did an amazing job on Gretchen’s hair creating a low messy bun with just the right amount of loose pieces….so adorable!

A french shutter was an absolute MUST. And isn’t that bouquet to DIE for! Teressa from Cashmere Floral Design has some serious talent!

I’m soooo in love with this distressed turquoise green french bistro chair I found in the rain in a “junk” yard. It reminded me of all the exquisitely distressed chairs in Paris.

One of my favorite shots of the day.

Calla Bridal generously loaned this adorable Priscilla of Boston gown which I chose because the silhouette reminded me of the many carousels throughout Montmartre. I added a petticoat underneath to give it even more flair.

The black bow! OOOHHHH! I couldn’t imagine this shoot without a humongous bow on top of Gretchen’s head. I used black tulle to create a “headband” sort of piece with the tulle singing loud and proud atop her head. I wanna wear this thing around town!

Nothing says “french” more to me than a gigantic baguette! The adorable wicker basket is actually a purchase from Paris.

AND the umbrellas. Aren’t they just fantastic?!! All the umbrellas are vintage and were provided by Bella Umbrella in Seattle. I wanted to incorporate the umbrellas because they reminded me of the intricately decorated carousels in Montmartre. I’m so head over heels for the yellow one above!

This “umbrella” on the other hand was a fantastic piece found by Erik who owns Chalk Studios where the shoot took place. Us Seattleites couldn’t imagine not using it in the shoot….so cool!

I was so excited about these green gloves. I found them at an antique store and just had to incorporate them. The number 13 in dominos represents the “wedding day” which took place on February 13th.

Judy from Tallant House was able to craft the most adorable French macaroons…yummy!

There was no way I could design a Parisian shoot without incorporating a bicycle! This one an old vintage Schwinn that I had painted red.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for the rest of the details including a graffiti wall, desserts and more!

Event Design, Styling and Coordination: bow tie & bustle | Photography: MoHinesPhotography | Floral Design: Cashmere Floral Design | Desserts: Tallant House | Makeup: Glamour Cris | Hair: Bartlett Bridal | Dress: Pricilla of Boston courtesy of Calla Bridal | Vintage Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella | Studio: Chalk Studios | Hair accessories and veil: bow tie & bustle | Paper Goods: bow tie & bustle