dinner party

When Kelsey + Zach arrived at the Gathered Showroom for their initial design consultation, it was love at first meeting! I love working with couples as unique as Gathered, so I knew right away that this was a match made in design heaven. A wedding photographer herself (Kelsey Perkins Photography) and former display artist for Anthropology, an artfully designed wedding day with lots of intentional details really mattered to Kelsey. I could hardly stay in my seat, I was so excited to make art happen with this incredibly creative couple!

Kelsey and Zach’s vision was perfect – a small, intimate celebration at the neighboring family lake cabins where they’d spent their childhood summers falling in love with each other.

I would describe Kelsey’s style as artful, eclectic, earthy-bohemian, with a touch of European flair. A kindred spirit for sure!

Our goal was to create a comfortable, homey atmosphere where kids and dogs would feel welcome to run – a day that was true in every way to what being at the lake had always meant for their families.

It was pretty much agony to choose my favorite photos, so get a cup of something delicious, sit back, and enjoy this very photo-heavy post!

Our Preston Table welcomed guests as they arrived, grounded by our Bijan Rug and dressed with our Bernard Lantern, Finn Sheepskin Throw, Macrame Knotted Ropes, and a set of antlers. The icing on the cake is the stunning floral arrangement by Allison of Floret + Foliage!

The ceremony took place inside one of the family cabins – I couldn’t have dreamed up a cozier, more intimate setting for them! We accented and embellished the charm of the cabin with cafe lights, more knotted ropes with greenery, stacks of books, and candles everywhere!

Our Chandler candelabra made his debut for Kelsey + Zach’s big day!

One of the decor pieces we repeated throughout the design were authentic sugar molds used for candle holders. Framed for the ceremony centerpiece on the mantle with our Magdelyn Gold Frame, this 12-hole beauty was later moved down to the reception and added to the coffee table in the lounge along with the bride’s bouquet to be enjoyed all night long!

An eclectic mix of upholstered and wooden chairs and benches from our collection provided the perfect seating!

The reception took place outdoors, featuring a styled wine bar and lounge next to rows of our Jasper Harvest Tables. The long work bench in the old, storage shed was the perfect place for their dinner buffet, and the original, built-in cubbies in the adjoining room provided us with an ideal spot for displaying their favors – candles the couple made themselves – and desserts – homemade pies, of course!

Our Erie Shores Lanterns lead the way from the cabin to a small clearing where the guests would find their dinner and refreshments.

Wine was served at our Linus Bar while an array of local brews and specialty waters were available for guests in our vintage, European Baby Bathtub. Clear goblets from our collection of vintage glassware were beautifully arranged and displayed on our Mica Pipe Shelves.

One of my favorites of the European details we tucked in throughout the decor is the authentic, wire bottle caddy we used to display the four wine options the couple had selected to serve their guests. I found the caddy several years ago in a little shop in southern France and carried it all the way home with me in my carry-on bag!

I honestly can’t get enough of Kelsey + Zach’s style! The lounge for their reception reflected the dark, boho earthiness Kelsey and I both love so much with layered textiles and patterns, rich colors, woven fibers and natural elements like wood, leather, furs, and wool.

Gathered pieces we used for this look: Clint Sofa, Peaches Armchair, Carter Butterfly Chairs, Farmhouse Coffee Table, Anton End Tables, Nesting Teak Side Tables, Amos Sewing Table, Macrame Runner, Kianna Rug, Weston Rug, and an assortment of mudcloth and sheepskin pillows with authentic, european, wicker-covered demijohns.

Cooking and baking wholesome, quality food today is a big part of Kelsey + Zach’s life and something they wanted to represent in their table decor. So beautiful silver bowls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and little olive oil bottles with sprigs of rosemary brought the deep, rich color and homey fragrance we needed to the tables instead of more traditional floral arrangements. To these we added more sugar molds, silver candelabras, and a variety of clear glass and wicker-covered demijohns, with a simple line of ruscus greens. Gold silverware, espresso napkins and brown tapered candles were paired with our collection of gold-rimmed plates and a mix of lavender, blush, amethyst, and ruby goblets.