An Insider's Guide to the Best Photo Ops in The Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE

A charming bistro setting gives workdays a certain je ne sais quoi at Bakery Lorraine, a favorite spot to fuel my creativity while designing clients’ events.

Photo Ops That Pop

AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST PHOTO OPS IN THE DOMAIN AND DOMAIN NORTHSIDE

by Cassie LaMere

Photographs by Holly Cowart for Tribeza

Cassie LaMere, Founder and Creative Director, introduces her latest article as a contributor for Tribeza Magazine: Photo Ops That Pop | An Insider's Guide to the Best Photo Ops in The Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE.

Here, we celebrate the first day of autumn with a preview of the article, which features fall fashion trends and Cassie's tips for the event season ahead, along with a link below to access the full guide.

GRACE CODDINGTON famously said, “Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you.”

The iconic Vogue magazine alum had an eye for style and I’m often reminded of this quote as I walk around my neighborhood in the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE. As founder and creative director of my namesake event design firm, I am constantly capturing images as ideas for future projects, and my backyard has become a favorite source for inspiration. Strolling throughout the property it’s easy to find reasons around every corner to grab a camera and snap a pic. In fact, I rarely step outside without encountering a tastemaker, a newly-engaged couple or furry friend posing for a picture with one of the many unique backdrops in the area.

Faces will light up this season when friends see your holiday message in neon lights. Cassandra King Polidori and daughter Aurelia are the picture-perfect duo in this year’s plaid and leopard trends.

In Austin, fall’s arrival means the season for special occasions is upon us be that festivals, weddings or casual cool-weather gatherings. The perfect photo can help turn any moment into a memory and while Instagram “likes” may disappear, the eyes of Texas are always upon you. A stylish photo can help personalize everything from event invitations to holiday cards and social feeds.

Knowing your camera roll is about to be working overtime, I teamed up with Tribeza to create an insider’s guide to the best photo ops in the area. I channeled Coddington’s editorial point of view to bring you my Top 12 Must-Visit spots for snapshots, plus a few fashionable locals we encountered IRL.

Click here to read the full story and access the complete guide on tribeza.com

CURATED GUIDE | AUGUST 2019

As the saying goes, everything old is new again and this month, we are celebrating the classics. Ranging from pop culture iconic events to vintage wine, fashion, and home décor, August is filled with a walk down memory lane. Pepper in the arrival of coveted issues focused on the new, and you have a recipe for enjoying Mother Nature’s transition from summer to fall.

1 | To savor the last hurrah of summer, we are headed to California for some culinary R&R in the valleys of wine country. On our packing list is this charming Promenade tote, perfect for a bespoke picnic experience dining amongst the vines. Whether you’re in the vineyard, beachside, or at the park, Picnic Time’s classic wicker ware is the chicest way to carry all your provisions.

2 | Skip the awkward “You can’t sit with us” first day routine and instead, go back to school with a curated curriculum from the featured legendary instructors on Masterclass. With a diverse range of programming, you will feel like head of the class learning cooking techniques from the greats, including Thomas Keller and local Austin favorite Aaron Franklin, or studying conservation strategies from Dr. Jane Goodall. Your newfound knowledge will impress at cocktail parties, earning you a popular reputation on everyone’s invitation list.

3 | This August sees the resurgence of two icons: the prairie dress and the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock. Although the previously touted anniversary concert will not take place {see the series of unfortunate events here} we guarantee you’ll feel like prancing through festival fields in floral frocks like this dress from Laura Ashley’s exclusive collection for Urban Outfitters. Bonus points if you still have the original in your closet; sustainable and vintage are always groovy, babe.

4 | Just like friends, good furniture will be there for you and stand the test of time. No one knows this better than Pottery Barn, who has reissued their famous fixture from “The one with the apothecary table” in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of hit TV show, Friends. Now, you and your pals can swap stories from the days of yore over a Central Perk roast and everyone’s favorite coffee table.

5 | In an era where you can get pretty much anything delivered at any time, there is something nostalgic, and slightly displeasing, about having to anxiously await the arrival of the September Issues. Until our fall fashion manifestos are delivered via the glossy pages of our favorite publications, we will have to be satisfied with a tid-bit shared by British Vogue, meant to wet our appetite. They recently announced that HRH the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has guest edited the magazine’s September issue, with a focus on women who break barriers, and everyone is a buzz. Looks like there’s more than just fashion in style for this season.

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | Picnic Time 2 | Masterclass 3 | Urban Outfitters 4 | Pottery Barn 5 | British Vogue

Fêtes in Film | Animal House

If your Instagram feed is anything like ours, then you know that it seems like everyone is on an adventure abroad this summer. Whether it be France, Spain, Portugal, or Greece, we are feeling wanderlust seeing friends and celebrities soaking in the vibrant scenery and picturesque beaches of the Mediterranean. The seemingly endless Cerulean blue and white color palette from these posts got us daydreaming about a classic Grecian garden party. Everyone loves an excuse to don their best summer white ensemble and since no Greek party is complete without a toga, we thought why not grab the ouzo and throw together a gathering for your favorite gods and goddesses?

Although our picture of Greek life is more Santorini than Belushi, we can still find inspirational nods to the theme from the iconic toga party scene in the film Animal House. Let’s face it, we love an event theme and it always makes for a memorable occasion when guests have fun with the dress code. There is just something about a unified attire that makes people feel connected from the moment they arrive. Guests can admire one another’s unique interpretations of the theme and you can even inspire more crowd participation with an award for best dressed. Ethereal, breezy cottons and linen garments with gold accents bring a cohesive look to an event- a bonus for your photo op’s from the night. Take a cue from the eponymous flower crown craze and have a station where guests can design their own headpiece of greenery or gold leaves, anointing them with the perfect accessory to fully embrace the Grecian vibes.

While you gather guests under the summer night’s sky, invite them to take in the awe-inspiring astronomy with a fun mythical guide to the constellations. Reflect on interesting facts about famous icons from Greek Mythology through custom cocktail napkins, place cards, and party favors. We suggest printing constellations in metallic foil onto cocktail napkins and trivia-worthy tid-bit’s onto place cards. Perhaps some of Plato’s philosophies will inspire conversation, giving attendees an easy way to break the ice at their table.

Another reason why we love this theme is the décor can be comprised of many traditional household items, making it easy to pull together an impromptu midsummer soirée. Bring out your antique urns, geometric patterned tapestries, and white porcelain for the tables and pair them with centerpieces comprised of local bounty from the farmer’s market and of course, lots of candlelight! Decant wine on the table and incorporate boughs of greenery or bougainvillea from your garden to capture a look that reflects ancient heritage with fresh, seasonal gifts from the Earth. This theme works perfectly with an eclectic mix of tabletop items, so don’t be afraid to assemble a variety of pieces. If you have a mix of items that aren’t cherished heirlooms, you can spray paint the pieces and greenery in metallic gold to bring a uniform, gilded look to the space.

When the revelers are ready to dance, liven up your personal animal house and give them a reason to “shout” with a lively cover band playing classic hits. Adding the film’s signature song to your playlist will get guests of all ages out onto the dance floor and will be sure to have everyone singing in unison. The best part is those breezy togas leave plenty of room for getting down on the dance floor, opa!