Bloggin' at the Beach

That's right folks, eat your hearts out... I'm at the beach. After another whirlwind wedding this weekend in Columbiana, I'm taking a week off to enjoy the beach. It's a much needed break and an opportunity to spend some much needed time with my wife before Jack arrives. Oh and by the way, robbers and thieves beware; we've got someone staying in the house. So it's not quite a free-for-all over at the Little's.

This weekend's wedding was one of my favorite (though I think I say that about all of them). It was an outdoor ceremony in a beautiful open-air chapel at the 4-H Center. The reception was held in the newly constructed certified green building there. I know what you're thinking... 4-H?? Seriously, the place is absolutely stunning. You should check it out: http://www.alabama4hcenter.org/

For the simple but elegant ceremony we draped the chapel in flowing white fabric, suspended a candle chandelier from the ceiling, and put a huge all-white arrangement on the alter. In keeping with the natural feel of the location, we devised a very "earthy" theme for the reception, using gnarled kiwi vine and cymbidium orchid centerpieces. The decor was topped off with a fabulous custom ice sculpture by Chef David Bromley.

Again, it couldn't have been possible without my INCREDIBLE team. They impress me more and more with each event.

Exhaustion and Elation

As I sit here and tirelessly type this blog entry I am coming off of a three day flower and decor binge for one of the most fantastic couples I know. My step brother married his fiance this weekend in one of the most beautiful ceremonies, short of my own of course. The simple but elegant ceremony in all white led into a fabulous all red reception at Marengo Plantation in Lowndesboro. Wedding guests danced into the night under red Chinese lanterns and a custom monogram logo projected on the tent ceiling. In honor of the bride's family, the guests dined on an elaborate menu of Italian favorites by Jennie Weller Catering. Red draped tables were topped with several different styles of centerpieces made of Black Magic, Black Bacara, and Charlotte roses, red tulips and delicate Gloriosa lilies. And though the event was nothing short of fabulous, even more great was the couple that they were for. I greatly enjoy making an event spectacular, but doing it for a close friend or family member is even more exciting.

While we're on the topic of making things spectacular, I couldn't do it without my incredibly talented and devoted team. To Heather, Laura, Todd and my Mom, you guys are the backbone of this business and there's no doubt I couldn't do it without you. You'll never know how much I appreciate you guys! Never! Thanks gang! And to everyone else... I'll post some pictures of this incredible event just as soon as possible.

A Little Bit of Our Work

Several people have asked to see some of the pictures of the stuff that we do at SWL Designs. Well, here ya go! By the way, though, all this is already on our website... www.SWLDesigns.com

What's in a name? and You don't know Jack!

Well, folks, the word's out. I'm naming my child Jack and everyone keeps asking, "Where did that come from?" I don't think that they dislike it; I just think maybe they expected something different from Heather and me. Truth is... I'm not too sure where it came from. When I was a kid, my dad always called me Jack. But naming my baby boy Jack isn't based solely on that. I just think it's a cute, classic name. It's one that is cute as a kid, but masculine as an adult.

Anyway, now that we've decided on Jack, I'm realizing how many Jacks there are out there. Certainly fewer than Matthews, Jacobs, Johns, etc, but just think... we've got Jack Johnson, Jack Black, Jack McFarland from Will & Grace, Jack Nicholson, Jack Daniels. There's Jacks Hamburgers, a Jack in the Box, Cracker Jack, the song "Hit the Road, Jack", etc, etc.

Anyway, we're naming him Jack... and I love it!

It's going to be a boy!

For those of you who haven't already heard, my wife had a doctor's appointment last Thursday and we found out our little baby is a boy! We're expecting Jack Robinson Little about the 23rd of September!

Also, we had the sneak peek at our new studio, Blank Canvas, this weekend during Prattville's City Fest. Though the rain scared some away, the crowd was decent and we got to impress quite a few people as they ventured into our unique little shop. Watch for the grand opening in June!

Reception at the Capitol

On April 29th we did an amazing reception for Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education. The non-profit organization was being honored by the Governor and Mrs. Riley for their commitment to Alabama's environment. The old archives room in the south wing of the capitol was transformed into an elaborate event space. Beautiful and unique florals filled the room. It was an amazing evening for an amazing organization! The governor even asked to keep one of my arrangements for his office! Yeah!

New Studio to make Debut at Prattville City Fest

Be sure to stop by our new location in Blank Canvas Studios this weekend during Prattville City Fest to get a sneak peak at what's in store. This unique space not only functions as the creative studios for SWL Designs and two FABULOUS photographer, Tiffany Hughes and Spring Bruner, but will also feature a variety of unique specialty gift items, stationery, and one-of-a-kind frames.