Tag Archives | orange

Signature Cocktail #6: Black Pepper Kumquat Margarita

By on January 23, 2013 in All Posts, Catering and Food, Signature Cocktails

It’s margarita time! Today, our wedding wellness expert, Carlene Thomas of Healthfully Ever After, whipped up a sophisticated wintry margarita that entices with the pleasantly pungent flavor of kumquats, winter’s unheralded citrus gems, and a sprinkling of smoky black pepper. With sweet, tart, spicy, and citrusy notes in equal parts, this wonderfully complex and layered drink is an ideal signature cocktail choice for the chic and modern bride. Here’s Carlene with all the details.

Winter is the peak season for citrus. While you could buy oranges, it’s time to enjoy a petite and little-known fruit: the kumquat. Kumquats, including the skin, are 100 percent edible. They are tart like lemons but release an addictive sweetness as you chew. Put a spin on a traditional margarita with this little-used ingredient and a spicy dash of pepper on the rim of the glass. A black pepper kumquat margarita is the perfect signature drink for the bride with razor-sharp wit and a thoughtful heart.

Ingredients (makes 2):

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 kumquats
  • 3 ounces tequila
  • 3 cups crushed ice
  • 1/2 cup sugar (to make simple syrup)
  • 2 ounces of Cointreau
  • 1 ounce of lime juice

Directions:

Moisten the rims of margarita or cocktail glasses with lime juice. Sprinkle salt and black pepper into a small bowl and dip the glass rims.

To make sweetened kumquats: Wash and puncture kumquats with a fork. Place in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring the kumquats to a boil, and drain the water. Repeat the process twice. Once you have boiled and drained the kumquats twice, add more water and an equal amount of sugar. Allow the sugar to dissolve over heat with the kumquats. Set aside.

In a blender, finely crush the ice. Add to glasses with the salt and pepper rims. Add syrup and a few kumquats to the glass. In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, lime, and Cointreau. Shake and pour over the kumquat ice.

Photos and recipe by Carlene Thomas

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Sarah + Jesse: A Clise Mansion Wedding by Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio

By on December 19, 2012 in All Posts, Fall, Real Weddings, Season, Vintage

There is something truly magical about the work of Seattle photographer Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio, and we are in constant awe of his breathtaking photos. Like all great pieces of art, however, what really draws us in is not the technical flawlessness of his photos but their heart and soul, the beautiful stories they tell. On that note, we are beyond thrilled to feature one of Kirk’s weddings—a lovely autumn fête full of tasteful vintage flavor and touching moments.

Sarah, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy at Antioch University, and Jesse, a user experience designer for HTC, easily made the decision to hold their wedding at Seattle’s Clise Mansion, a 28-room country estate with Tudor Revival details that appealed to their shared taste for historic American architecture and—given Seattle’s unpredictable weather—their desire for an interior space worthy of a wedding ceremony. Situated in the Willowmoor farmstead area of Marymoor Park, the manor offers glorious views of the surrounding lawns and gardens, whose stately heritage trees, awash in the glorious colors of fall, served as a vibrant backdrop for the couple’s portraits.

Sarah, who chose a seasonally fitting palette of Oxford blue and warm, autumnal orange, thoughtfully orchestrated every last detail of the day, from her 1940s-inspired updo to the vintage Valentine’s Day postcards that adorned the charming antique book centerpieces she carefully assembled by hand. But it was the spontaneous moments that she cherished the most. “On the day of the wedding, I was amazingly calm and able to be in the present,” Sarah recalled. “One of my favorite moments was walking hand in hand with my daughter, Ollie, to meet Jesse for our ‘first look.’ When we saw each other, it was a very magical moment. Not only were Jesse and I about to get married, but the three of us were about to become one family.”

Q + A with Sarah

What’s your love story? How did you meet, fall in love, and get engaged?

Jesse and I met in 2010 at a Fourth of July BBQ. Jesse’s from Orlando, and he was visiting Seattle with his friend, Justin. Justin’s then girlfriend (now wife), Hannah, was interning at the non-profit World Vision and living with my friends Andrea (one of my bridesmaids) and Nathan. Andrea and Nathan have a son, Isaac, who is my daughter’s age. (He was the ring bearer in our wedding.) My daughter, Ollie, and I went to a BBQ at Andrea and Nathan’s house, and that’s where we met Jesse. Jesse and I were both so shy that we hardly spoke to one another, but we later acknowledged the instant attraction. When Jesse went back home to Florida, I contacted him on Facebook and told him that I liked his graphic design work. That’s how things began. A month later, we decided to commit to each other. We spent the first year in a long-distance relationship, which allowed us to get to know each other and communicate really well. Jesse moved to Seattle to be with me in the summer of 2011, and we were engaged in February 2012. The night of our engagement, he took me to the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s performance of Don Quixote and proposed on Alki Beach. The best thing about our relationship is that we constantly learn from each other, support one another, and grow together. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the details of your wedding and your sources of inspiration?

The best way to describe our wedding would be to call it “vintage autumn.” Jesse and I have similar aesthetics; we find a happy middle ground in mid-century modern design. Our venue, Clise Mansion, was built in the 1900s. It has beautiful crown molding, white-washed walls, dark wood, exquisite stained glass, and Art Deco details. A gorgeous interior was essential for our wedding because late October in the Seattle area can easily bring heavy rain. Fortunately, we were blessed with another typical fall weather pattern, which includes everything from bright sunlight to hail to double rainbows.

We kept the wedding decorations simple to highlight the venue’s architectural beauty and the natural fall foliage outside in Marymoor Park. The centerpieces that I assembled were vintage books topped with vintage Valentine’s Day postcards. Some of the messages on the postcards were quite humorous! I wanted to add a bit of humor to lighten up the event. The floral arrangements on the tables were designed by my sister and matron of honor, April, who works at a flower shop in Los Angeles. My mother, Kathy, also designed some silk flower arrangements for the tables. It helped to have such creative people in my family!

My dress was a vintage-looking tea-length dress designed by Justin Alexander. I fell in love with it immediately. My hair was done at Gene Juarez Salon in Redmond, Washington, and the look was inspired by a 1940s updo.

The bouquets and boutonnieres were created at an adorable antique and flower shop called Whimsical Whites in Kent, Washington. I purchased other bits of décor (e.g., a vintage telephone, a typewriter, etc.) from shops on Etsy. I found most of the fall décor from craft stores such as Michaels. Our wedding invitations were designed by Jesse’s best friends from college, Sara and Brad, who also live in Seattle now. They have a letterpress shop in Pioneer Square called Constellation & Co.

What were your favorite moments of the day?

On the day of the wedding, I was amazingly calm and able to be in the present. Although I had spent months agonizing over the planning, I had to trust that everything was going to come together. One of my favorite moments of the day was walking hand in hand with my daughter, Ollie, to meet Jesse for our “first look.” When we saw each other, it was a very magical moment. Not only were Jesse and I about to get married, but the three of us were about to become one family.

What kind of advice would you offer to future brides?

Hire a day-of coordinator! I seriously cannot advise this enough. I was one of those brides who thought I could do everything. I designed and planned the entire thing almost single-handedly. However, my friend and wedding officiant David advised me to get a day-of coordinator, and that was probably the best decision I made. Thankfully, my friend Alison had been a day-of coordinator for other weddings, so I was able to ask her.

What’s so great about a day-of coordinator, you ask? All the details that you have planned actually come to fruition, and you get to relax and enjoy your day! Don’t think about it; just do it. Make if fit your budget, or simply ask a family friend, preferably one who is detail-oriented and works well under pressure, to serve as your coordinator. 

Also, check out Save on Crafts!

Vendors

Photography: Seattle photographer Kirk Mastin of Mastin Studio / Venue: Clise Mansion / Bouquets and boutonnieres: Whimsical Whites / Catering: Act 3 Catering / Cake: Baked / Cake topper: Ready Go / Floral arrangements: April Mitre (sister of the bride) / Dress Designer: Justin Alexander / Dress Shop: I Do Bridal / Bride’s shoes: Poetic Licence / Jewelry: Parisienne Girl / Hair: Gene Juarez Salon / Makeup: Beth Wurdeman of Mary Kay / Programs: Wedding Paper Divas / Invitations: Constellation & Co. / Bridesmaid dresses: H&M /Groom’s attire: Indochino and Nordstrom / Groomsmen’s attire: H&M / Engagement photography: Amaris Michelle Photography

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights.

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Andrea + Brian: A Cozy and Colorful Maryland Wedding by ZADesignz

By on December 18, 2012 in Budget-Friendly, Vintage

We have a special place in our hearts for intimate weddings with vintage flair, and this charming, colorfully autumnal fête, held at a quaint private residence in Maryland, is no exception. The ladies of Serendipity Bridal & Events worked their event design magic to create an unforgettably romantic setting, and Zareth of ZADesignz was on hand to capture every vibrantly beautiful moment.

Like most brides and grooms, Andrea and Brian had a limited budget, so resourcefulness was key in making their dream day a reality. They scoured local thrift shops, yard sales, and even dollar stores to find unique items, such as lace linens, ornate candelabras, and colored Depression glass pieces, that suited their theme but didn’t cost a fortune. They also enlisted the help of family and friends to make the occasion as memorable and personal as possible. The results speak for themselves. “It was everything I wanted and more,” Andrea said.

From the Bride, Andrea

Brian and I both love vintage furniture, clothing, and decorative pieces, so having a vintage-themed wedding really suited our personalities. Brian’s mother and I started collecting old glasses right after we got engaged. We had from March until October to find 80 vintage glasses. We didn’t have a very large budget, so we had to find things that fit the theme but didn’t cost much. Scouring local thrift stores, yard sales, and even dollar stores for items such as lace, candleholders, and glass bowls helped us stay within our budget. I had my entire family on the hunt for anything vintage that would go with our theme. My mom found the old typewriter that we placed on our registry table online. We actually found an old chest and a vintage sofa on Craigslist. We got great deals on everything. We tried to select items that we would want to keep in our home after the wedding. The love seat and chest are pieces that we now use in our living room.

My family did a fantastic job helping. From the food to the decorations, everything was put together by family and friends. They made our day incredibly special. It was everything I wanted and more. My grandfather made the pumpkin dip for the ginger snaps, the pumpkin rolls, and the buttermilk pies. My father and stepmother put together all the appetizer trays, as well as made the baked beans and smoked salmon dip. My mother had two of her friends come over to help get everything ready for the wedding; they started decorating about two days beforehand.

The DJ was actually my high school prom date; he is a wonderful musician. I originally wanted white and cream-colored flowers, but after visiting with our florist, a family friend, I decided to go with every color in the rainbow.

Vendors

Photography: ZADesignz / Event designer: Serendipity Bridal & Events / Flowers: Sandy Harrison of Harrison Farm Flowers / Caterer: Red Hot & Blue / Favors and gifts: Groovy Candies / Invitation: Wedding Paper Divas / Bride’s dress: Provonias / Makeup artist: Made Up Art / Bridesmaid dresses: Bettie Page Clothing and Pin Up Girl Clothing

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights.


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Lisa + Ian: A Vancouver Wedding Portrait Session by Crystal Marie Sing

By on October 29, 2012 in All Posts, Country, Fall, Real Weddings, Rustic

To perk up your Monday morning, we have the loveliest little fall treat for you, courtesy of the immensely talented photographer Crystal Marie Sing: a charming post-wedding portrait session that took place at Vancouver’s Southlands Heritage Farm, a family-owned farm tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If the freshly picked apples, ripe pumpkins, roaming chickens, envy-inducing turquoise green cowboy boots, and banjo serenade don’t get you, then the exuberance of this beautiful couple surely will. Lisa and Ian both have a background in theatre, and they met while working as actors at Vancouver’s famous Capilano Suspension Bridge; Ian played the ol’ banjo, hence its appearance in this shoot. Unfortunately, the weather on their wedding day was less than cooperative. “It was very wet, windy, and cold, typical of a Vancouver spring,” Crystal said. “It made for a nice and cozy event but kept them indoors. Lisa and Ian are adventurous, fun, silly, and fearless, and they need lots of room to stretch their legs!”

Luckily, with this shoot, which incorporated “lots of fun and quirky details that shouted ‘Lisa and Ian,’” Crystal was able to capture the two newlyweds in an outdoor setting that allowed them to express their playful personalities and zestful spirits. “The nice thing about doing a wedding portrait session separate from the big day is the freedom,” Crystal said. “If your shoes get a little muddy or your hair gets wet, it’s okay! Any worries about getting to the cocktail hour on time fly out the window, and the couple can just play and enjoy being together.”

PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL MARIE SING

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Shau Fun + Kent: An “Up”-Inspired Bali Wedding by Axioo

By on October 19, 2012 in Modern, Real Weddings, Summer

You may recall Shau Fun’s unbelievably dazzling bridal portrait session from last week, and this week we have the privilege of sharing her equally jaw-dropping nuptials. Reflecting an eclectic mix of inspirations, most notably Pixar’s heartwarming film Up, Shau Fun and Kent’s wedding seamlessly blended playfulness and tradition. Adding to its charm, the wedding took place in the island paradise of Bali under the truest blue skies imaginable. The ceremony was held at Conrad Bali’s chapel, aptly dubbed Infinity, a marvel of modern architecture that floats atop a reflecting pool and features marble walkways as well as floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The couple’s beachside reception venue, Phalosa, mirrored their ceremony venue in its cool, contemporary chicness. Add Axioo to the mix, and you’ve got a great big (stylish) slice of wedding heaven!

FROM DAVID, THE PHOTOGRAPHER 

Being part of Kent and Shau Fun’s wedding was like being part of the wedding of a friend—a close and personal friend. Every so often, we get lucky enough to meet clients who open up their lives to us over time and let us in as friends. After crossing paths on several occasions last year, especially during an intimate pre-wedding session and a beauty portrait session, we’ve gotten to know this great couple fairly well. They’ve gotten friendly with a lot of us over at the Axioo House, and it was a privilege for most of us to be a part of their beautiful day.

Their day began with lots of laughter during the customary gate-crashing games. Shau Fun’s bridesmaids seemed to have put a lot of thought into the games, all the while predicting the fun that was to be had, and their prediction was spot on! As for the men, they were up for anything. They embraced all the cards that they were dealt in good spirit.

The day was blessed with perfect Bali weather. The warm sun and light breeze accompanied the gorgeous bride as she entered the chapel. No one could keep their eyes off of her. She was breathtaking. I personally loved how the wind caught her dress and veil as her father walked her down the aisle. It was a beautiful moment.

Before the intimate evening celebration, we had a little session on the beach, and I absolutely love every shot taken there. I loved that everyone was there to have a good time. They didn’t mind the blazing sun in their faces or getting sand in between their toes. Most of all, I loved how Shau Fun made walking on the beach seem so effortlessly beautiful!

The evening festivities were held at Phalosa, a small, intimate beachside venue. It was the perfect size for this party. The place was decorated with adorable little details that reflected Kent and Shau Fun’s personalities. And everything else was just perfect—the music, the food, the heartwarming speeches, everything! I could have sworn that I saw the moon smiling down on us. Just when we thought that this vibrant couple had nothing else left up their sleeves, they surprised us yet again with a stunning dance performance. Not one of those waltzes, it was more like a scene from Step Up Revolution. It was breathtaking and absolutely jaw-dropping! Near the end of the night, the guys grabbed Kent and threw him into the pool. Wet Kent didn’t want to be the only wet one there, so he got at least a dozen others, including yours truly, into the pool with him. It was spontaneous, unexpected, and a whole lot of fun!

What a refreshing end to a night that we’ll keep tucked in our hearts for a very long time. It was so “WOW!” and so sweet, just as these two are, and being there to celebrate with friends made the day even more special. Kent and Shau Fun, we love you! We wish you a lifetime of hugging, kissing, dancing, and falling in love over and over again.

VENDORS

Photography: Axioo / Cinematography: Axioo / Ceremony Venue: Infinity at Conrad Bali / Reception Venue: Phalosa / Catering: Bali Catering Company / Music and entertainment: Beyond Entertainment / Stationery + paper goods: Le Paperville / Bride’s makeup: Lisa from Lu’Vaze Salon / Bride’s dress: Vera Wang

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Mood Board #63: Breezy Pink + Butter

By on October 18, 2012 in All Posts, Mood Boards

We’ve been churning out a lot of dark and broody boards lately, so I thought we needed to take a walk on the lighter side today. This pale pink and yellow palette screams springtime or summer, and it has such an airy, refreshing, float-away feel about it. I’ve always wanted to wear something butter-colored, but since I’m towheaded and fair, that color’s sadly off-limits to me. Being the paper junkie that I am, I think my favorite thing about this board might be the Egg Press invitation, which has a fabulous translucent flysheet that’s covered with a romantic tree pattern. But I’m also hankering after these vintage 1960s pearl pink kitten heels. And since I’ve been craving a summery cocktail lately, the vodka-thyme lemonade is calling to me like a siren’s song.

CREDITS: WEDDING GOWN > LAZARO STYLE LZ3251 FROM LAZARO’S FALL 2012 COLLECTION / VODKA-THYME LEMONADE > VIA CASHMERE FOG /  WEDDING CAKE > VIA MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS / PEARS > VIA COGNAC AND COFFEE / INVITATION > DESIGNED BY EGG PRESS (VIA INVITATION CRUSH) / VINTAGE SHOES > GINGER ROOT VINTAGE / BATHTUB > VIA AIMER LA BELLE / CENTERPIECE > DESIGNED BY MCKENZIE POWELL AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYCE COVEY (VIA WEDDING CHICKS)

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Mood Board #59: Sherbet Swoon

By on October 4, 2012 in Mood Boards

Pure whimsy, today’s board was inspired by this playfully elegant Elie Saab gown. Covered in shimmering floral paillettes, it has a fanciful, bell-shaped skirt and appears as though it were dipped in freshly scooped sherbet. As we imagine it, the fun and daring girl who would wear this dress might also fancy the quirky charm of paper flowers and cupcakes topped with bits of cotton candy fluff.

CREDITS: PASTEL ORANGE GOWN > ELIE SAAB HAUTE COUTURE SPRING/SUMMER 2012 / CUPCAKE TOPPED WITH COTTON CANDY > VIA REAL SIMPLE / FASHION PORTRAIT > PHOTO BY BILLY WATERS FOR A TANTALUM MAGAZINE EDITORIAL / LEATHER SCALLOP PETALS NECKLACE > AMPRIS LOVES / MULTI-COLORED TASSEL GARLAND, $130 > CONFETTI SYSTEM / ONE DOZEN “PEACHES AND CREAM” PAPER FLOWERS, $24 > FLOWER THYME / MATIKO ECHO PASTEL COLOR BLOCK PLATFORM WEDGES, $209.99 > HEELS.COM / PASTEL CAKE > CAKE BY KERISSA BAKES AND PHOTO BY CHANTAL ANDREA (VIA WEDDING CHICKS)

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Mood Board No. 31: Orange Crush

By on November 23, 2011 in Décor, Invitations and Paper Goods, Modern, Mood Boards

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 such as 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 an ombré-like effect.

CREDITS (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

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Meet Me in Morocco: Inspiration from North Africa

By on November 13, 2011 in All Posts, Culturally Inspired, Destination Weddings, Mood Boards

Today, we’ve journeyed to Morocco’s bustling markets and medinas and across the High Atlas Mountains to the red deserts to bring you some truly spectacular wedding inspiration. There is so much to love about Morocco: the Moorish architecture with its ogee arches, domes, keyhole shapes, and arabesque windows; the terra cotta tilework, known as zellij, with its bold, geometric patterns; and the rich, saturated colors, including cobalt, saffron, burnished orange, and violet.

MOOD BOARD #20: MEET ME IN MOROCCO

If you can’t have a wedding in Morocco, bring Morocco to your wedding! This mood board was inspired by a stunning corseted silk-satin dress from Amanda Wakeley’s Morocco line and an amazing Moroccan market–inspired dessert bar by Amy Atlas that included Moroccan lanterns and burlap sacks brimming with ground spices. Spiced truffles and spiced hot chocolate were presented in Moroccan tea glasses and displayed on rattan vessels filled with whole spices.

We also came across these fantastic Moroccan tile edible wafer papers, which are just $16 for 30, from Queen of Tarts. If you’re not familiar with edible wafer papers, they’re frosting sheets that essentially transfer an image onto a cake or cookie, so your treats will look exactly like Moroccan tiles! Queen of Tarts provides detailed instructions for do-it-yourselfers, but if your baking skills are anything like mine (desperately lacking), you’ll do the smart thing and send the wafers over to your baker or cake artist.

We hope you like the fabulous Moroccan architecture–inspired fashion goodies, including a keyhole necklace with a purple haze Swarovski crystal by Max & Chloe; an amazing pair of rose gold–dipped earrings from Dogeared’s Holiday 2011 collection; and a must-have-it-now Moroccan paisley linen dress by Ralph Lauren.

As for floral décor, we envision an abundance of native flora, such as damask roses, jasmine, violets, citrus fruits, figs, and olive branches.

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Corseted silk satin dress (style AW154) from Amanda Wakeley’s Morocco line / “Frolick” Moroccan tear necklace with purple haze Swarovski crystal, $80, from Max & Chloe / Ralph Lauren’s Moroccan paisley linen dress, $310, from Stylebop / Arabesque windows via Ladies of Luxury / “Always Beautiful” Moroccan rose gold-dipped earrings, $68, by Dogeared / Scrolled Nepalese-inspired wedding invitation created from Nepalese lotka paper by Soolip / Moroccan tile edible wafer papers, $16 for 30, by Queen of Tarts / Moroccan wedding cake by Sweet and Sinful / Moroccan market dessert bar designed by Amy Atlas for Brides magazine / Moroccan spices via Sweetwater Salvation / Moroccon-inspired room via A Perfect Kind of Day / Moroccan red arch via Pinterest

ROCK CANDY + MOROCCAN TEA GLASSES

We found this gem of an idea on Mon Tresor.

{1} Moroccan tea glasses, $30 for a set of four, from Just Morocco. Glasses can also be rented from companies such as Saint Tropez Boutique.

{2} Rock candy from Oh Nuts

{3} Concept by Mon Tresor

SPAGHETTI JAR MOROCCAN LANTERNS

We just had to share this über creative project by Katie Steuernagle. She made these one day while snowed in in Minnesota and bored. Oh, how I wish these were the fruits of my boredom! See the materials list and full tutorial on Katie’s blog, Matsutake.

MOROCCAN DESERT BRIDE

We’re wrapping up this post with a beautiful series of fashion photos taken in the Sahara Desert. Enjoy!

Photos via Ruffled

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Mood Board No. 17: Graffiti Glam

By on November 10, 2011 in All Posts, Modern, Mood Boards

We’re going urban and offbeat today with this graffiti-inspired mood board. Admittedly, a graffiti wedding would be hard to pull off, but it could have such a fun—and even swanky—feel. At the very least, it wouldn’t be boring! We’re big fans of this vibrant urban art form, and as you can see, it is possible to incorporate graffiti elements into a wedding! We really want to get our hands on that linen graffiti pillow, and those graffiti-soled pumps are just plain rad! The pendant lamp in the upper right corner is made by transposing Donna Brady’s urban photos of colors and textures scoped out in her Brooklyn neighborhood onto a transparent shade. Now that’s some haute and hipster-y graffiti!

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Graffiti dining experience by Michael Tavano for New York Design Center (photo by Rick Lew) / Graffiti dress, $123, by Cynthia Rowley / Donna Brady’s graffiti pendant lamp, $130, from Rare Device / Graffitied pottery vase by Evan Lopez via Spray Graphic / Orange graffiti love pillow, $65, by Tony Colon for Misoul / Customizable monogram graffiti ring, $133, by Christie Nano / Graffiti-soled heels via Spray Graphic / Graffiti wedding cake by Sugar Bliss Cake Company / Bride and groom embracing in front of a graffitied brick wall via Wedding by Color

Not quite sold on graffiti? Take a look at this creative-as-it-gets real graffiti wedding proposal filmed by PR!MO! She spray paints “yes”!

Video by Alex Luster 

And if you’re still not convinced, Filippo and Martha will win you over. Yes, their names are graffitied (in bubblegum pink!) onto those train cars!

Photo via I Love Graffiti

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Mood Board No. 14: Snow + Leaf

By on November 8, 2011 in All Posts, Country, Fall, Mood Boards, Rustic

Is there anything more beautiful than the marriage of snow and leaves? That was our inspiration for this orange and white fall board, which reveals our love affair with white pumpkins. There’s just something about them, isn’t there? We’d love to see a real bride make use of them somehow, possibly along with other exotic pumpkins, such as slate-blue Jarrahdales! Cinnamon and sugar mini doughnut bundt cakes, crunchy white chocolate orange bark, and apple hot toddies, all featured in this board, make for great fall wedding treats. Check out this delicious apple hot toddy recipe from Erin Ever After.

Color palette:  fall leaf orange + cool, egret white + warm white + winter wood

CREDITS (from left to right, top to bottom): Leaf boutonniere, $12.50, by Meadow Belle Market / White pumpkin vase via Rehearsal Dinner Guide / Tree via The Natural World / Cinnamon and sugar mini doughnut bundt cakes from How To: Simplify / Crunchy white chocolate orange bark from the Food Network / White pumpkins via Herst Allerliebst / Abuzz hairpins, $230, from BHLDN / White fall tablescape from Dreamy Whites / Apple hot toddy via Erin Ever After

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Viva Carnations!

By on October 12, 2011 in All Posts, Budget-Friendly, Flowers

Some of you may recall a certain episode of Sex and the City in which conservative Charlotte gripes about a date that was ruined from the get-go because the poor, unwitting suitor showed up with carnations, which she disdainfully dismisses as “filler flowers.” Carrie’s response? “I hear they’re making a comeback.”

Carnations, whose formal name, dianthus, actually means “heavenly flower,” have long been the black sheep of the floral world, synonymous with “tacky” and relegated to prom corsages, gas stations, and roadside flower vendor buckets. Yes, they lead unhappy lives.

But the times they are a-changin’, and today’s bride is typically more budget-minded, seeking creative ways to do a lot with a little. And you can definitely do a lot with a little when it comes to carnations, since they’re the cheapest flower around. Plus, as Martha says, they last forever. They may not be David Austin roses, but they deserve love too. And if they’re good enough for Carrie, our favorite fictional style icon, and Martha, the queen of good taste, they’re good enough for us.

Behold the many faces of the humble, unsung carnation!

1. Nude and pink carnations in a fabric-wrapped vase via DIY Bride 2. Carnation cones from Martha Stewart Living, February 2011 3. Handmade runner of pink carnations and coral by Hana Floral Design 4. Purple carnations in bamboo vases, source unknown 5. Floating carnation monogram designed by the amazing Tara Guérard 6. Pink ombre carnation curtain via Style Me Pretty 7. Peacock feather-adorned orange carnation sphere via Wedded Luxe 8. Bright yellow and orange carnations from Martha Stewart Weddings 9. Escort cards on a bed of pink carnations from Martha Stewart 10. Carnation in an old salsa can from Fern and Feather 11. Dark purple carnation centerpiece from Martha Stewart 12. Fuchsia carnation cubes from InStyle Weddings via Hostess with the Mostess 13. Pink and peach carnation centerpiece via Style Me Pretty 14. Bowl of red carnations from InStyle Weddings via Hostess with the Mostess 15. Carnation ball guestbook from Brides via The Savvy Event

  

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