….because we are doing a bit of updating & we think it’s quite exciting. So much so that we’ve lagged in blogging all our summer goodies!

Stay tuned for the big re-launch of Carter & Cook. Carter & Cook 2.0, if you will. New blogsite, new brand, new look, NEW & exciting services for 2013.

 [photo courtesy of The Youngrens. Bouquet by Carter & Cook]

In the meantime, YES {!} we are still booking weddings & events for 2013. Please email us at info@carterandcookeventco.com to find out how we can style your big event!

Love & Thankfulness, Ashlyn & Heather

I would like to introduce to you the newest member of the Carter and Cook team. Sweet little Collins Drew made her arrival on cinco de Mayo after 30 hours of labor! She was 7 pounds and 19.5 inches…. smaller than I was expecting since she was 5 days late!  The transition into mommy-hood has been the best experience of my life. Collins has the happiest, sweetest demeanor. She is such a blessing to our little family and we love her tons.

Andi Allison photography

At 12 days old Collins had her first photo shoot… Andrea Allison did a fabulous job capturing our precious newborn and all her squishy cuteness.

Andi Allison photography

I have been wanting to get one of her newborn photos printed on a large canvas to hang in her nursery, so I was thrilled when Printcopia reached out to us about trying their products. Their site is so easy to navigate and it probably took me about 5 minutes to upload my photo and place my order. You can even upload photos from your instagram account! So great! Both Ashlyn and I are thrilled with the quality of our finished products. We will cherish our canvas prints of our little babes forever! They’re such a great gift idea too… I’ve already placed two more orders!

They also offer banners, magnets, and signs for all of your marketing needs:)

This past spring we had the honor of seeing Megan’s Bohemian Romance tablescape featured in Utterly Engaged, issue 20. She did such a fabulous job, pulling inspiration from lots of bold color, beautiful ornate lanterns, while keeping the table rustic, simple and beautiful. All those involved with the shoot brought their A-game and made this table absolutely gorgeous! Perfect inspiration for your wedding, during any season!

Concept & Design: Megan with Carter & Cook Event Co.

Flowers: Modern Bouquet

Paper: Paper & Thread Designs

Rentals: Pow Wow Vintage Rentals

Photographer: Swoon by Katie

Absolutely dying over here at the gorgeous peek of Erin & Nate’s beautiful wedding day at the Temecula Creek Inn! We Heart Photography killed it with these shots! Can’t wait for the res. You can see more on their blog here.

It’s hard to believe, but Erin & Nate’s wedding is just TWO days away. I am so thankful & excited to have been a part of the planning & design for their beautiful wedding. I know that without a doubt the day is going to be incredible…and all the details will be the least of it because their love for one another, their families & friends is absolutely breathtaking. They have been so excited to be married and to be able to witness their type of love, truly, blesses the rest of us. Erin & Nate…you are wonderful and beautiful people and I cherish your friendship. Congratulations!

A bit of inspiration behind their day….and the wonderful engagement photos by their photographers, We Heart Photography!

These two are tying the knot next week. This wedding has been so much fun to plan, particularly because Lia is my youngest sister (I have 3!). Their wedding is going to take place at the beautiful Heartstone Ranch in Carpinteria, California. We have been working on all the design & flowers for this day for a year now, and I am honored to not only be her sister & bridesmaid, but help in making their special day come to reality. Here are a few favorite seaside engagement shots by their wonderful photographer, Bryce Johnson.

Lastly, here is a bit of the inspiration behind their wedding day!

I love you both! xo, Ashlyn

This post is really special for us. One of our very own is engaged! We were blessed enough be a part of this beautiful engagement story, thanks to Garrett. Megan has worked with us this past year as an intern/coordinator and we could not love her more. She is an amazing coordinator and has become a wonderful friend. We are over the moon, excited for her and Garrett as they plan for their new life together.

Garrett had called and asked if I would set up a tablescape for them to enjoy dinner after his proposal at a private spot in Point Loma that was meaningful to the two of them over the years. I jumped with excitement at the opportunity. We often get to design tablescapes for photoshoots, but rarely do people actually eat and spend time there! We decided to go with a grecian themed table, as it was in Greece on a summer study abroad trip that these two began to fall for one another. I chose white, gold and a cobalt blue to set the scene….inspired by beautiful Santorini, Greece. So thankful that The Youngrens were able to capture these special photos for the two of them. Garrett sure hit this proposal out of the park…what a guy! Congratulations to the soon the be Mr. & Mrs. Richardson!!!! Love to you both!!

Here are a couple photos of the proposal at Torrey Pines prior to the surprise dinner….too cute not to share!

We had so much fun showering Heather and her soon to be sweet angel with a, “Thank Heaven for Little Girls” baby shower this spring. Thank you to Swoon by Katie for the photos of the day, Posh Paperie for the invitation, Sweet & Saucy for the favor and Twiggs Bakery for the delish cake!  You can read more details on the shower featured at On To Baby!

Beyond excited & so humbled to see the article on Carter & Cook in the newest copy of Riviera Magazine. What an honor! Go grab a copy today to read our interview on the latest party trends of the season and a bit about our business. Cheers!

I am blessed with amazing friends who sure know how to make me feel special! Thank you to Heather & Lacey for throwing such a beautiful baby shower….you sure blessed baby Beckham and I! And thank you to Posh Paperie for the lovely invitation and Jackie Wonders for the photos of the day. It was perfect in every way.

xo, Ashlyn