Setting the scene...

Close your eyes...now picture it. A beautiful sunny afternoon, the absolute perfect temperature, the right amount of puffy white clouds in the sky, a beautiful old house set back off the road in the country. You drive down the lane, and come upon a scene from another era...women decked out in their best, big floppy hats, feathers, flowers adorning their heads....girlfriends, mothers, daughters, sisters, all ages, all sizes...some strangers, some that have known each other for years...And you can hear the laughter and the buzz of their chatting. This was the scene last sunday for the Winner's Circle Derbyshire Tea to Benefit Daybreak. The day was absolutely wonderful. I think when Andrea (Andrea Nay Creative) and Sadie (The Willow Tree Inn) and I pictured the actual event taking place, we all dreamed it would go this way, but speaking for myself I was pleasantly surprised it turned out the way it did.

Sadie and her husband Kevin provided us a beautiful setting....if you have not been to The Willowtree Inn yet, you are missing out. http://www.willowtree1830.com/ Andrea designed the beautiful programs, invitations, and favors http://andreanay.squarespace.com/ Mrs' B's Catering fed us http://www.mrsbscatering.com/ (the food was yuuuuummmmy) along with teaching a little tea etiquette. Adding to the festivities, she brought her beautiful English tea service for everyone to enjoy. Becky from The Iliad Florists from Troy took care of the flowers (which were gorgeous) and taught a few ladies how to properly put on a boutonniere. Becky's daughter owns the salon, The Odyssey, upstairs from her shop and was also there demonstrating different updo techniques. Events Unlimited took care of the beautiful backdrop in the barn. A jazz ensemble from Stivers entertained us on the lawn. Of course Tracy and I (The Wedding Chicks Photobooth) provided complimentary photos for everyone who attended. And last but not least we were honored to have with us Lora and Lucy Van Lear from Van Lear Bridals http://www.vanlearbridals.com/. Lora spoke a little about fashion and did some sketching for us. They are such sweet ladies and extremely talented. It was like being in a dream world for a little while. I am so thankful for everyone who attended..and everyone who was involved in making the day a success. We plan on making this an annual event, so stay tuned for next years gig. :)

I am really lucky to have some uber talented friends who were there that day. Melissa (Melissa Esterline Photography) came with her camera of course as well as Tracy (Pictures By Tracy) who is also one half of The Wedding Chicks Photobooth with me ;) Between the 3 of us, plus another photog who was there that day (Molly Dues) we captured some awesome moments, I hope you enjoy!