Retro Rockabilly Milkshake Bar

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!

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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.

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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.

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Coke Glass Bottles

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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

we heart your comments!
  1. I love this. This is original. This is fun and beautiful. Congrats to this team – well done!

  2. 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!

  3. 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
    .-= Brenda’s Wedding Blog’s most recent blog post: Giveaway : $50 Starz Selection etsy Gift Card + Pair of Shoe Clips =-.

  4. SOOO adorable!!

  5. Ben B. writes... {June 15, 2010 at 9:19 am}

    Beautiful photos! They look great Kel! Bowties and braces are always in style … :)

  6. Janie F. writes... {June 15, 2010 at 9:44 am}

    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!

  7. Nancy W. writes... {June 15, 2010 at 12:02 pm}

    ADORABLE! What a fun and original idea! I love the unique wedding dress!

  8. Ashley writes... {June 15, 2010 at 12:45 pm}

    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!

  9. Courtney Shaver writes... {June 15, 2010 at 3:48 pm}

    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!

  10. Chrissie Frost writes... {June 15, 2010 at 3:58 pm}

    What a cute idea! I love all the colors and the retro feel! Another great job Elissa!

  11. Blaise Nicholsky writes... {June 15, 2010 at 4:35 pm}

    I love this idea! Every detail is so well thought out. What a fun, colorful way to celebrate a special event!

  12. Jessica Bradley writes... {June 15, 2010 at 4:53 pm}

    Gorgeous! I love the chalkboard! What a happy activity at a wedding!

  13. Ashley Harris writes... {June 15, 2010 at 4:53 pm}

    Absolutely adorable!!

  14. Dale Carson writes... {June 15, 2010 at 5:41 pm}

    This is a fantastic idea! I absolutely love it! I will definitely be passing this idea along!

  15. Julie writes... {June 15, 2010 at 6:05 pm}

    How Fun!! this whole milkshake idea is great for any occassion!
    Imagine a Sweet 16..great job!

  16. Lauren Malinowski writes... {June 16, 2010 at 10:38 am}

    Absolutely fabulous! Who doesn’t love milkshakes and adding that retro touch makes it that much more adorable! Love the idea

  17. Victoria writes... {June 16, 2010 at 12:44 pm}

    What a cute concept! This shoot is making me crave a milkshake so bad right now…

  18. Ashleigh Salvatore writes... {June 16, 2010 at 7:45 pm}

    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!!!

  19. 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! =-.

  20. Lauren Hicks writes... {June 23, 2010 at 9:29 pm}

    What a cute idea!!!!! Everything is perfect!!! I really want to be there enjoying a milkshake!!

  21. [...] and neapolitan colored bunting? Now that is absolute heaven. For more details and photos visit Elizabeth Anne Designs – a huge huge thank you to Elissa and Kellie for inspiring me to no end with this amazing [...]

  22. So sweet and romantic :)
    .-= Amberdawn’s most recent blog post: Looking for Bride and Groom Cake Toppers with Adam =-.

  23. Jane Howard writes... {July 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm}

    Love this!!! So fun :)

  24. Jennifer Pitts writes... {July 12, 2010 at 2:15 pm}

    LOVE IT!!

  25. Amanda writes... {July 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm}

    sweetly delicious and romantic, just love it.

  26. Oliver Bailess writes... {July 12, 2010 at 5:28 pm}

    Fun, fresh and original. Love it!

  27. Julie Dickson writes... {July 12, 2010 at 6:17 pm}

    Love the theme and the photos are gorgeous!

  28. Stephanie M writes... {July 12, 2010 at 7:54 pm}

    PERFECT!!
    This is so creative.
    .-= Stephanie M’s most recent blog post: Silly Band Fun =-.

  29. Ashley Roberts writes... {July 12, 2010 at 9:23 pm}

    Amazing idea & photography! Just love every last detail!

  30. Melanie writes... {July 13, 2010 at 7:10 am}

    Creative and beautiful! It is picture perfect!

  31. Kim M writes... {July 13, 2010 at 7:22 am}

    What a fun, fresh idea! I absolutely love the concept and think you ladies did a great job putting it together! Congrats!

  32. Terry Iverson writes... {July 13, 2010 at 8:07 am}

    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!

  33. crystal writes... {July 13, 2010 at 10:59 am}

    I love the rockabilly milkshake concept, it is absolutely adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  34. Anne Acuff writes... {July 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm}

    LURV it!!!

  35. Lauren Hicks writes... {July 13, 2010 at 9:38 pm}

    This theme really makes me happy! What a wonderful job at being creative and thrifty!!

  36. Chrissie Frost writes... {July 14, 2010 at 11:15 am}

    Love it!

  37. Ben writes... {July 14, 2010 at 2:51 pm}

    awe.
    some.

  38. Kym Andrews writes... {July 14, 2010 at 8:41 pm}

    Love the concept and the execution! Definitely my favorite!!

  39. Mollie Davenport ( Retired Wedding Director) writes... {July 15, 2010 at 12:08 pm}

    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.

  40. robyn huttegger writes... {August 3, 2010 at 9:28 pm}

    I love this!!! So amazing!! I wonder where they found those shower curtains? Awesome!

  41. Allison writes... {January 18, 2011 at 10:56 pm}

    LOVE everything about this! Does anyone know where I can find a wedding dress like that??

  42. Ami Elizabeth writes... {January 24, 2011 at 10:39 pm}

    hi allison! the gown is by angel sanchez. :)

  43. [...] the strongest attachment I know of. I saw the concept of a Rockabilly Retro Milkshake Bar from Elizabeth Anne Designs and realized the potential in this sort of idea. Firstly, everyone of your guests would thoroughly [...]

  44. [...] some of our favorites- sundresses, warm nights, ice cream- an irresistible combination! Ami from Elizabeth Anne Designs shared this precious, flirty, ice cream sundae bar idea that is just delicious. What a fun element [...]

  45. [...] from top left): Bliss Weddings Market, 4 In a Bar, Giggleberry Creations, Bouquet Bridal, Elizabeth Anne Designs, The Darling Bee, Jasperdo’s Flickr Stream, My Finer Consigner, North 60′s Flickr [...]

  46. I loved it. The colors are beautiful. A true inspiration.

  47. [...] into bowls and store in the freezer until ready to serve. Sundae Bars: birthday party table, vintage ice cream shoppe classic ‘ice cream parlor’, baby shower table slumber party table, backyard bash [...]

  48. so original! love it

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