Tag: Christmas

If I’m being honest, I set my expectations pretty low this holiday season. It’s been a hard year for everyone, our country is divided, covid-19 cases are reportedly rising, our state is still pretty shut down, gatherings are prohibited, most churches are closed and many of the activities that I thought made the holiday season special were cancelled.

But then one day my middle daughter, London, came bursting into the room with this infectious joyful Christmas spirit that couldn’t be contained. She was absolutely beaming, and her excitement was uncontrollable. Everyone had to dress in “Christmas clothes”, every surface in the house needed to be decorated (there were Christmas stickers being slapped everywhere in the house) and only Christmas songs could be listened to. London’s Christmas spirit was a light in what felt like a pretty dark season… and her light spread throughout our family and home and changed my heart. 

This holiday season my children have given me the gift of their joyful wonder of the world. It’s the way they look at the snow falling… the way they believe in the magic of the season… their excitement for the smallest things… Their perspective and view on life has reminded me of what really matters and who really matters. This holiday season has looked pretty different in a lot of ways… but I wouldn’t change a thing. This will truly be a Christmas to remember. 

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas…. may you have child-like faith, and be filled with wonder, anticipation… and most importantly… hope. 

Photos by the incredible Mary Pastuh

Christmas came and went in a blink of an eye! This year felt extra special with it being Wellsley’s first Christmas! We decked the halls, baked cookies, decorated gingerbread houses and did all the things that have become rich traditions in our home for the holidays.

From our family to yours, Merry (be-lated) Christmas, and Happy New Year! We hope your days have been filled with the magic of the season.

photographer: Kristen Honeycutt Photo

Earlier this year I had the chance to host  Rachel Parcell (an inspiring blogger/ fashion designer/ social media influencer) in my studio for a fashion shoot with her collection for Nordstrom. We had followed each other on social media for several years and were “instagram friends” but meeting in person allowed us the opportunity to become friends in real life. Since that shoot in our studio we’ve had more opportunities to put our minds together in collaboration, the most recent being the celebration of her holiday launch with Nordstrom.

With only three weeks to plan and execute this event, we had to work fast. The directive we were given was to create a space that highlighted Rachel’s new holiday home collection by creating an ambience that was warm, inviting and reminiscent of her own home and personal style. Within minutes of my search for Chicago venues I stumbled upon Room 1520, and I knew instantly I had found the right place. From there we brought in twenty-one flocked Christmas trees similar to the one Rachel puts in her own home every year. We strategically placed the trees in a way that created a perfect cove for one long dinner table, making the space feel more intimate and magical. The addition of our flowers to Rachel’s holiday home collection, mixed with some beautiful LaHappy stationery, the incredible Altissima dessert table, the insanely detailed cookies from Morgan G Cookies and the grand piano created the perfect setting to celebrate with Rachel. What made it even more special was that Jamie was invited to attend as a guest!

Here is a little glimpse into the party! And if you would like to see more, you can check out my instagram highlights to see behind the scenes videos of the party coming together!

I’m so grateful for the warm welcome that our Chicago industry partners gave us! There were so many people who reached out and were part of helping to bring everything together. I’m forever grateful for each person that showed up for me, and to Splendor of Eden and Rachael Steacy Events for going above and beyond with their warm hospitality and endless hours of work!

And a huge thanks to Rachel Parcell for not just giving me the opportunity to be part of this celebration, but for trusting me to execute it!

Photos: Bekah Wriedt