Fresh Wedding Inspiration
I am utterly in love with this custom Joan Shum dress from a Mexican-inspired photo shoot staged by Heavenly Blooms and photographed by Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance. How beautiful are those pastel blue hues?
{photo by Stephanie Williams}
I absolutely love this modern, rock crystal-inspired save the date by artist Lauren Spencer King of Spencer Studio. The softness of the watercolor balances the hardness of the geometric shapes beautifully, and that color combo is so refreshing. I might have to design an inspiration board for this paper lovely. More geometric inspiration to come later today!
{Image from Spencer Studio}
I found this lovely ornament, which was made using a shredded wedding invitation, over at Something Turquoise. What a wonderful way to turn your extra invites into a holiday keepsake! Check out the full DIY tutorial here.
{photo by Something Turquoise}
As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m pretty much a sucker for anything bespoke or personalized, so of course I can appreciate these cute custom cufflinks, especially the wedding vow ones, the Scrabble tiles (I’ll admit, I’m kind of a closet Scrabble fanatic), and the typewriter keys.
From left to right, top to bottom: Wedding vow cufflinks, $40, from White Truffle / Typewriter key cufflinks, $35, from Kapunk / Custom dictionary word cufflinks, $15, from Luv 4 Sams / Scrabble tile cufflinks, $25.90, from Stacy Stewart / Custom logo cufflinks, $62, from DLK Designs
I have always thought that there is something so utterly romantic about stained glass windows (nevermind how beautiful the light looks when streaming in), and so when I came across this stained glass wedding cake by my favorite cake artist, Maggie Austin, whose designs are always artful, intricate, and softly sophisticated, I almost died. It’s absolutely divine, isn’t it? (She also makes stained glass cookie branches, a photo of which I’ve included below.) Following my discovery of this beyond magnificent cake, I immediately went in search of a venue worthy of such a creation, and I stumbled upon Mercury Hall in Austin, Texas. Built in 1904, it sits on a hillside shaded by oak trees and boasts thirteen brightly colored, cathedral-style stained glass windows and beaded board-lined heart pine walls and ceilings. It’s the embodiment of old-fashioned simplicity and elegance. This mood board features Maggie Austin’s signature stained glass cake, custom stained glass cufflinks, stained glass tulip cookies, and a collection of photos taken at Mercury Hall. Hope you love this one as much as I do!
From left to right, top to bottom: Stained glass tulip cookies from Sugar Craft / Stained glass wedding cake by Maggie Austin / Shoes and centerpiece in front of stained glass window by Godkin Photography/ Custom stained glass cufflinks, $45, by Mickey Chase / Couple behind stained glass window from BZ Events / Reception at Mercury Hall via Style Me Pretty (photo by Q Weddings)
Love, love, love this stained glass cookie branch by Maggie Austin!
How festively sweet is this photo by the talented Hayley Sheffield? The newlywed couple, Kaylee and Bobby, will be spending their first Christmas together as husband and wife, and this is a take from their Christmas card photo shoot. Cue the ahhs!
A sprinkling of ideas for holiday weddings that aren’t over-the-top theme-y. We especially love the Norway spruce seedling favors (a great green gift), the classic eggnog cocktail, and that perfectly wintry bridesmaid bouquet (a nosegay of fir, wild pine, cedar, aspen twigs, and berries wrapped in houndstooth wool). For a bit more warmth and color, consider a foraged plant wreath (the one pictured was made by Studio Choo using pine, fir, rosemary, magnolia leaves, succulents, and berries) or violet anemones and hyacinth blooms, along with seeded eucalyptus and green berries, in cloche domes beneath a traditional winter wreath. For a festive, fresh, and fun presentation, try champagne flutes filled with evergreen sprigs.
From left to right, top to bottom: Norway spruce seedling favors from Martha Stewart Weddings / Naughty or nice wedding favors from Martha Stewart Weddings / Comet’s Rush Halo, $430, from BHLDN / Nosegay from Martha Stewart Weddings / Hot cocoa wedding favor via Style Me Pretty (photo by Orange Girl Photographs) / Arctic hare bolero, $300, from BHLDN / Cake from an event by Rebecca Thuss / Mobile via Magnolia Rouge / Esprit de Corps gown, $2,200, from BHLDN / Eggnog cocktail from Martha Stewart Weddings / Tablescape from Canadian House and Home via The Sweetest Occasion / Pears,$114, from La Pomme / Tablescape by Rachel A. Clingen Wedding and Event Design / Bouquet with winter berries and quail feathers via Style Me Pretty / Cloche flower arrangements from Sunset / Foraged plant wreath by Studio Choo from Sunset / Champagne flutes filled with evergreen sprigs from Sunset
Plaid, red and white checkers, and sweet cherries are a trio made in casual country wedding heaven. We think so, at least! What do you all think about the plaid top with the full-skirted wedding gown? We’d definitely do it for the reception! Check out the enitre photoshoot by Ciara Richardson here.
From left to right, top to bottom: Bride in plaid wedding dress from a photoshoot by Ciara Richardson /Cherry bag escort cards from a wedding photographed by Jose Villa and featured on Design Sponge / Bride in plaid wedding dress from a photoshoot by Ciara Richardson / Sweet cherry hand pies from Wives with Knives / Cows in red barn via Crush Cul de Sac / Cake from a wedding photographed by Jose Villa and featured on Design Sponge / Cherry drinks via Pink Gypsy Cats / Bride and groom in red truck from KT Merry’s wedding photographed by Jose Villa
Aren’t these knee-length, Kimono-style robes by Plum Pretty Sugar just so darling? We love the soft yet vibrant colors and the detailed floral motifs. Needless to say, they make great gifts for the bridesmaids, and they’re absolutely perfect for those getting ready shots! Plum Pretty Sugar also makes headbands, scarves, cosmetic blooms, getting ready dress sets, honeymoon sets, and more . . . all amazingly adorable!
{Photos from Plum Pretty Sugar}
Well, hello again! My day job as a book editor has been keeping me unusually busy, so I apologize for the brief absence. Speaking of books, I’ve stumbled upon some fabulous ideas for literary-themed weddings, and I thought they were definitely worth sharing, especially since many of them are DIY-friendly. Book nerds and bibliophiles, rejoice! Oh, if only I had it to do over . . .
{1} Handmade book page table runner from Better Homes and Gardens via Emmaline Bride {2} Book shelf altar from a shoot photographed by Jessica Claire {3} Literary confetti, £5, from Not on the High Street {4} DIY book page garland from Better Homes and Gardens {5} Hanging book displays from a literary-themed rehearsal dinner photographed by Studio EMP and designed by LVL Events {6} Cut out monogram inside book from a literary-themed rehearsal dinner photographed by Studio EMP and designed by LVL Events {7} Chocolates presented on a torn book page from a literary-themed rehearsal dinner photographed by Studio EMP and designed by LVL Events {8} Tablescape from a literary-themed rehearsal dinner photographed by Studio EMP and designed by LVL Events {9} Centerpiece with book page roses from Better Homes and Gardens
French country blue + tried-and-true peach = a happy union of two well-loved soft and sweet colors. A few touches of deep, earthy brown here and there add a little something extra. Isn’t that bouquet resting on an old, blue-painted chair so divine? The addition of Dusty Miller foliage, which is felt-like to the touch and has a silvery blue-gray color, really makes the flowers pop. This board has a very French gardenesque feel, don’t you think?
From left to right, top to bottom: Bride wearing a rose headpiece by Twigs and Honey photographed by Elizabeth Messina for Twigs and Honey’s French Chateau shoot / House with blue shutters, source unknown / Peach and blue bouquet via Pinterest / Bouquet on blue and brown chair via Lauren Conrad / Peach and blue teacups styled by Joy and Me via The Lane / Tablescape from a garden wedding photographed by Pam Scott Photography and styled by Aileen Tran via Aileen Tran / Chairs from a faux French garden wedding shoot photographed by Michelle Walker and designed by Kristi Amoroso via Snippet & Ink / Girl with heart fan photographed by Elizabeth Messina for Twigs & Honey’s 2011 bridal collection
We love this delightful photo by Paper Antler, a boutique photography studio based in Minneapolis that’s run by Johnny and Michelle Hoffner, an amazingly creative and compassionate husband-and-wife team. We recently learned about their campaign to help end human trafficking, and we’re so thrilled to blog about it, as it’s definitely a project worthy of every bride-to-be’s attention. Beginning in January, Johnny and Michelle will be embarking on a year-long journey to photograph 50 weddings in 50 states in 50 weeks. Hence, the endeavor is dubbed “The Fifty Nifty.” They’ll be donating $1,000 per wedding to She Dances, an anti-human trafficking organization. That’s $50,000, ladies!!! The funds raised will help She Dances maintain their current safe home in Honduras, or enable them to open a new safe home in another place of need. Get an out-of-this-world gorgeous wedding album and support a truly worthy social justice cause at the same time? It really doesn’t get any better than that.
In the coming days, Johnny and Michelle will be launching a new website, www.thefiftynifty.com, dedicated to the cause. Until then, you can read more about the project here. Slots are still open in a number of states, so act now!
{photo by Paper Antler}
With Turkey Day rapidly approaching, we thought we’d leave you all with a little inspiration for hosting a Thanksgiving wedding in the countryside. Rustic whites and neutrals are paired with warm orange-brown shades and deep purples and maroons. Festive treats include rosemary apple butter and mini pumpkin pies . . . Yum!
From left to right, top to bottom: “Gather” garland via Design by Kelli / Bride photographed by Tonya Peterson Photography for a fall inspiration shoot concepted by Utah Events by Design and featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs / Mini pumpkin pies via Piccsy / Rosemary apple butter from Roost / Rustic Thanksgiving tablescape featured on Design Sponge (styled by Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals) / Apple butter cake featured on Postcards and Pretties (recipe shared!) / White pumpkins on chippy, white chair found via Pinterest
We totally shrieked with delight when we spotted these mini pie place cards on You Are My Fave, a lifestyle blog authored by Denver-based event planner Melanie Blodgett, who shares her fabulous handmade projects and fave finds (think plaid moose party decorations and hot chocolate on a stick). We can’t get over how adorable these are; they’re definitely the most delicious-looking place cards ever created. Trust us, your guests will appreciate them. Plus, you don’t have to be Betty Crocker to pull them off. Melanie’s instructions are short and sweet: cut out squares of pie dough, fill, fold, dust, and bake. Freehand the letters and bake separately.
To learn more about Melanie’s wedding design and production sevices, click here.
{images from You Are My Fave}
We came across this chic, tangram-inspired printable party designed by Melangerie and just had to create a mood board for it. The printable party, which has a papaya, poppy, and strawberry color scheme, includes invitations (designed as tangram puzzles that invitees have to put together!); table tents for food signs and place cards; cake toppers; food flags; tangram paper trivets; favor packaging and gift tags; tangram stencils to make decorations like mobiles, table runners, and garlands; two full-page patterned tangram sheets; and three full pages of solid tangram colors.
Orange isn’t the easiest color to pull off, but it’s hard to go wrong when you pair it with coral and orange-toned pinks for a monochromatic, ombre-like effect.
{click to enlarge}
From left to right, top to bottom: Halston Heritage’s coral silk-crepe dress, $445, from Net-a-Porter / Tangram-inspired printable party from Melangerie (confections by Nine Cakes and photo by Jen Huang Photography) / Orange and white striped straws, $4.50 for 25, from Goodies / La Versha chair, $248, from Anthropologie / Bow ties from My Little Day / Palette via Sunday in Bed / Pleated silk clutch, $50, from Jess Witaj / Pink and orange ombre carnation arrangement from The Nesting Game
Well, you can certainly count on Vera to take bridal couture where it’s never gone before. Her new “Witchcraft” collection is a spellbinding walk on the dark side, with every single gown a study in black, nude, or an intoxicating brew of the two. (Yep, that’s right, there’s not a single white swan among the bunch.) “Light, airy concoctions of froth,” Vera calls these creations, “both mysterious and sexy, frivolous and fun, with transparent wisps of carefully organized tulle.” Light and airy in a darkly whimsical way, perhaps. There’s definitely a dash of Victorian Gothic in the mix and dare we say a little vampiness. Although we don’t think everyday brides will be clamoring to embrace the somber sorceress look, these are feats of genius in terms of design and construction, and they’ll be available off the runway in traditional shades of white and ivory.
Materials: Deconstructed chiffon, tulle, organza, silk, satin, and lace
{images from firstVIEW}
We have a bit of a crush on gray and yellow, so here’s another take on this color combo. This one’s got a vintage twist, and the predominant shades are beautifully pale. It’s about time that yellow apples made an appearance in the wedding world, and ditto for pillbox hats!
From left to right, top to bottom: Vintage yellow pillbox hat by Preston & Olivia via Green Wedding Shoes (photo by Simply Bloom) / Yellow and blue-gray tablescape styled by Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride for Southern Weddings magazine (floral design by Studio Fleurette) / Vintage yellow pillbox hat by Preston & Olivia via Green Wedding Shoes (photo by Simply Bloom) / Stack of books from Martha Stewart Weddings / Couple holding “love” squares from Preston & Olivia / Bouquet via Style Me Pretty / Apples from yellow and blue-gray tablescape styled by Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride for Southern Weddings magazine (floral design by Studio Fleurette ) / Pale yellow ceremony fans via Oh So Beautiful Paper / Stack of milk glass cups in front of an apple crate from a bridal shower styled by Lux Events
This board was inspired by one of our favorite faux wedding shoots ever: a farm-to-table-inspired concept that was captured by Tec Petaja (who happens to be one of our favorite wedding photographers ever) at Watermelon Moon Farm, a lovely little B&B in Lebanon, Tennessee. Lilacs, turnips, baby goats wrapped in wool blankets, and hens and chicklets abound in this incredible shoot that was featured on Once Wed. The rustic simplicity is a breath of fresh air . . . filled with the scent of lilacs!
{click to enlarge}
Gown by Delphine Manivet / Lilacs on tray via Crush Cul de Sac / “Fleur de Lys” bridesmaid dress by Saja / Lilac tablescape via The Bride’s Cafe / Cocktails via Cap Classique / Cake photographed by Tec Petaja for a styled shoot at Watermelon Moon Farm (collaborators included Joy Thigpen and Once Wed) / Bride with a lace shawl cradling flowers photographed by Tec Petaja for a styled shoot at Watermelon Moon Farm / Tablescape photographed by Tec Petaja for a styled shoot at Watermelon Moon Farm (collaborators included Joy Thigpen and Once Wed) / Lilac “Olmo” chair, $980, from Anthropologie
Using tin cans or tea tins for your centerpieces and accent pieces can be a boon to your budget, and they’re DIY-friendly. We happen to love the fine lettering, ornate graphic elements, and one-of-a-kind, bygone charm of vintage tea tins, while plain old tin cans offer a beautiful blank canvas for all you crafty, creative brides out there. As shown here, they can be spray painted, wrapped in anaglypta (an embossed, Victorian wallpaper), tied with bandannas, covered in glitter, adorned with lace, you name it!
As classic as polka dots and stripes, chevron, a simple zig-zag motif, dates all the way back to 1800 BC, when it was used in Grecian pottery designs, so it’s certainly nothing new. However, it seems to have resurfaced with new verve, and it’s taking the world of wedding décor by storm. It’s a chameleon of sorts and can exude many different vibes depending on how it’s used. We’ve seen it go from Southwestern chic to 70s preppy to totally mod. Incorporated into a navy, baby pink, and gold color palette, it’s all dressed up and glam with a subtle streak of edginess. We were quite inspired by the tablescape featured in this board (definitely one of our all-time favorites); it was designed by Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride for an inspiration shoot that was featured on 100 Layer Cake. Check out the entire shoot here, and also take a look at the inspiration board that sparked the concept. Helpful hint: Since chevron patterns are inherently bold, use sparingly. Less is more with chevron! We’re guilty of going a little overboard with the chevron details here, but we think incorporating a few bold chevron accents that really pop is the best way to go.
From left to right, top to bottom: Invitation by Design 8 Days / Tablescape designed and styled by Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride (photo by Paper Antler) via 100 Layer Cake / Gold chevron tray from Up in the Air Somewhere / Bouquet by La Partie Events (photo by Erin Hearts Court) via Elizabeth Anne Designs / Stephan & Co. Mixed Media Bracelet from Nordstrom / Gold and silver chevron cookies by Pop Culture Desserts (photo by Next Exit Photography) via Save the Date for Cupcakes / Lucca Couture “Cadette” dress via Stylehive / Cake by Cupcakes Couture (photo by Gem Photo)
We’re totally enamored with these salt-of-the-earth neckties and bow ties handmade in Nashville by clothier Otis James with a thoughtful sense of good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Every last detail is finished by hand, from the stamps and painting on the labels to the buttonholes and slipstitches, and this attention to detail is definitely reflected in the quality and appeal of the finished pieces. Otis has a self-professed passion for custom work, including creating hand-painted and hand-embroidered designs, so the possibilities are endless. He even does custom inscriptions on the labels, so you can send your hubby-to-be a little love note that’ll catch his eye when he’s getting ready with the boys.
{photos from Otis James}
This classic combination of whites, creams, and tawny shades ranging from wheat to butterscotch captures the beauty of an empty, sunswept field. The rustic chic dessert cheese table featured in this board was styled by Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers, and it includes a variety of cheese wheels along with baguettes, honeycomb, and a delightful scattering of pears and yellow cherries. A gossamer cheesecloth table cover imparts a light, airy feel, and porcelain cake stands add a touch of refinement. (Note to brides: Sunday Suppers offers catering and á la carte services such as tablescape design and styling, so if you want a tablescape that looks as inviting as this, consider enlisting the help of a true expert!)
We love the incorporation of dried ammobium, also known as “Winged Everlasting,” into the bridal bouquet. Dried flowers are perfect for rustic chic settings, and we’re ever so fond of them. :)
{click to enlarge}
From left to right, top to bottom: Photo of bride by Stephanie Williams for an Utterly Engaged eco-chic bridal shoot / Dessert cheese table by Sunday Suppers / Rustic spoons photographed by Ellen Silverman / White wheat silhouette necklace, $46, by That Old Blue House / Style Me Pretty “Destination” invitation by William Arthur / Wildflower bouquet photographed by Sean Walker via Style Me Pretty / Bride in open field photographed by KT Merry / White getaway car in an empty field photographed by Oprisco / Riesling poached pear tart with chai spiced custard and almond crust from Roost
Pale sands + a lone piano + bitterweed branches + lovers sweet + a tune only two can hear = a haunting photo that will remain etched in your mind. Just one among the many, many vintage-inspired gems by Texan photographer Clayton Austin that will take your breath away. Read the story and see more of the piano here.
{click to enlarge}
It’s dreary and drizzly here in San Francisco, but this bright and punchy color combo has given our spirits a boost. Turquoise bottle glass adds visual interest, and we admire the creative use of jade milk glass. So fresh and fun . . . a perfect palette for a summer fête!
{click to enlarge}
From left to right, top to bottom: Couple in front of turquoise window by Stephanie Williams Photography / Tablescape photographed by Fresh Ivey Photography via The White Library / Meyer lemon favor on homemade Liberty print napkin from Project Wedding / Carafe of lemon water and blue glass vases photographed by Bend the Light / Rings on lemons photographed by Jenni Maroney Photographers via Style Me Pretty / Yellow rose bouquet in a turquoise mason jar photographed by Stephanie Williams Photography / Cake and dessert bar designed and styled by JL Designs via 79 Ideas
A little inspiration for globetrotters, roadtrippers, and lovers with a shared sense of incurable wanderlust . . .
Following a post about the wonders of cotton as an alternative to flowers, we thought we ought to design an inspiration board starring this Southern staple . . . along with peaches, magnolia leaves, roses, and a little Spanish moss. It doesn’t get any more Southern than this! We love the broodily romantic tone achieved by pairing chocolate velvet browns and dark ambers with the peach’s summery lightness. And we can’t think of a more beautiful rose than the voluptuous Caramel Antike garden rose, which is featured in the bouquet, little branches of cotton and green crape myrtle berries tucked beneath the blooms. Doesn’t it boast the most delicate shade of peach you’ve ever seen? What do all you ladies out there think? Hate the color combo or love it?
From left to right, top to bottom: Basket of peaches and bouquet by Harvey Designs / “Peach Perfection” wedding cake by Lael Cakes (photographed by Jen Huang Photography) via The Cake Blog / Peach rose in amber bottle from an unknown source / Couple in cotton field by Heather H Photography via Brenda’s Wedding Blog / Mini peach pie favors via Kiss the Bride / A peach and a bottle of Southern Comfort from an orchard inspiration shoot by Buffy Dekmar Photography via Style Me Pretty / Ring on cotton boll photographed by Glass Jar Photography via Green Wedding Shoes / Vintage Southern bride photographed by Ronquillo Photography and styled by Lauren Kelly Events for an inspiration shoot featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs
Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.
