I’m not sure what’s cuter – this retro milkshake bar Inspired Creations Contest concept or the “models” for the shoot, Rachel and John. Kellie Kano and Elissa Keno did an incredible job constructing the milkshake bar and creating a retro look and feel sure to be perfect for any summer wedding reception!
Elissa and Kellie show us that managing your wedding spending is all about resource allocation – finding where you can use your imagination and ingenuity to create items on your own so that you can intelligently use your budget to create the best possible guest experience. The entire milkshake bar, from top to bottom, was created with a total spend of only $433. The most expensive items? Two barstools from TJ Maxx ($110), two red blenders and a red ice cream maker from Sur La Table ($90), and the wood for the bar itself ($100), which was built by Elissa’s husband. Elissa hand-sewed the bunting, and the colorful backdrop is two shower curtains.
The adorable red and white striped straws (from Anthropologie) were the inspiration for the whole concept. Kellie and Elissa used neopolitan ice cream colors to tie the theme together, and continued the retro feel with the striped backdrop and colorful toppings. Chalkboard paint menus completed the look.
The following North Carolina wedding vendors contributed to this Inspired Creations Contest concept:
Photography and concept – Kellie Kano Photography
Styling and concept – Elissa Keno
Gown – Angel Sanchez from Tre Bella Bridal
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I love this. This is original. This is fun and beautiful. Congrats to this team – well done!
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Oh wow. I might just have to steal this idea. In fact, I WILL steal this idea! I love the idea of serving ice cream as a wedding dessert, but I think this milkshake bar just totally won. Amazing!
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OMG – I LOVE this!!! It’s beautifully done and so perfect for summer receptions. And, who would have thought that 2 shower curtains could be such a stylish backdrop. Great Job
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SOOO adorable!!
Beautiful photos! They look great Kel! Bowties and braces are always in style … :)
What a cool, fresh take on a retro theme! I love all the details from the Neapolitan bunting to the chalkboards and the yummy milkshake bar. I want one for my wedding!
ADORABLE! What a fun and original idea! I love the unique wedding dress!
Oh…my…gosh…I’m getting married this July and so wish I could have this milkshake bar at my reception to cool off my guests. It would be SOOO much fun! What an incredibly awesome concept! LOVE it!
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I love this! So adorable, authentic and nostalgic! Who doesn’t love milkshakes and with the variety of toppings amidst the cutest bowls and straws, it’s a win-win!
What a cute idea! I love all the colors and the retro feel! Another great job Elissa!
I love this idea! Every detail is so well thought out. What a fun, colorful way to celebrate a special event!
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Gorgeous! I love the chalkboard! What a happy activity at a wedding!
Absolutely adorable!!
This is a fantastic idea! I absolutely love it! I will definitely be passing this idea along!
How Fun!! this whole milkshake idea is great for any occassion!
Imagine a Sweet 16..great job!
Absolutely fabulous! Who doesn’t love milkshakes and adding that retro touch makes it that much more adorable! Love the idea
What a cute concept! This shoot is making me crave a milkshake so bad right now…
I love when people can put their creativity to use. And these ladies, and gentleman:) did an amazing job creatively. I especially appreciate knowing that something that looks that amazing and expensive, is in fact very affordable. Great J0b and Good Luck!!!
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How insanely cute is this? I’ve never even thought of having a milkshake bar at a wedding, but the idea is absolutely perfect- especially for an ice cream junkie like myself. Love, love, love this!
.-= Meredith Perdue @ & unlimited’s most recent blog post: washington dc engagement: eliza & david! =-.
What a cute idea!!!!! Everything is perfect!!! I really want to be there enjoying a milkshake!!
So sweet and romantic :)
.-= Amberdawn’s most recent blog post: Looking for Bride and Groom Cake Toppers with Adam =-.
Love this!!! So fun :)
LOVE IT!!
sweetly delicious and romantic, just love it.
Fun, fresh and original. Love it!
Love the theme and the photos are gorgeous!
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PERFECT!!
This is so creative.
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Amazing idea & photography! Just love every last detail!
Creative and beautiful! It is picture perfect!
What a fun, fresh idea! I absolutely love the concept and think you ladies did a great job putting it together! Congrats!
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What a great theme! Makes me think of hot summer southern weddings and old time ice cream delights to keep you cool! Great job to the whole team!
I love the rockabilly milkshake concept, it is absolutely adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LURV it!!!
This theme really makes me happy! What a wonderful job at being creative and thrifty!!
Love it!
awe.
some.
Love the concept and the execution! Definitely my favorite!!
This would be my kind of wedding…it includes icecream. They’ve done a great job of showing not just love, but a love of life and fun. I wish some of my brides had had this much fun.
I love this!!! So amazing!! I wonder where they found those shower curtains? Awesome!
LOVE everything about this! Does anyone know where I can find a wedding dress like that??
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hi allison! the gown is by angel sanchez. :)
I loved it. The colors are beautiful. A true inspiration.
so original! love it