Etsy Wedding: Bold Black & White with Pops of Color

Inspired by yesterday's As Seen on Etsy feature, I'm going for bold, graphic black and white prints as today's jumping off point. Isn't that black & white chevron flower girl dress to die for!? Mix up bold stripes, houndstooth and anything else eye-popping for your vases. Or, just buy plain white ones and paint your own patterns on them! Since we're prepping for fall, I thought this wedding was perfect for a slight apple motif, perhaps in your centerpieces, or just as your place cards and cake topper. Don't forget bright red flowers and modern cupcake toppers to seal the deal! (Yes, I did suggest a cake topper and cupcake toppers... there's nothing wrong with both!)

{1. Hat by Penorus, 2. Flower Photo by Walter Helena Photography, 3. Apple Cake Topper by Middleburg Folk Art Studio, 4. Dress by Ouma, 5. Wreath by Knock.Knocking, 6. Card by Whitney Rae Paper, 7. Striped Vase by Kristenkswanson, 8. Apple Photo by  Nineteen Six Four, 9. Custom Cupcake Toppers by Milla Love, 10. Chevron Dress by The Measure} 

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding {Book Week}: Dark Romance from Jane Eyre

When I say book week, something has to be from that romantic, Victorian era that I lust after. And while most turn to Pride & Prejudice or something of that fantastic sort... I wanted to take a little turn toward the darker, gothic era with this one. Enter Jane Eyre. Such a dynamic, twisted classic that, well, doesn't really scream wedding, but certainly makes a beautiful one if you're willing to take the risk. Think romantic tea party with a dark side. And, luckily, I could count on my trusted Etsy vendors to provide the rest...

{Jane Eyre}

Dark charcoals and deep roses with a hint of victorian lace and that green you only picture when you envision this distinct era. I have no problem seeing a bouquet of delicate dried flowers (This can be done with appropriate treatment!), or at least dried petals for the flower girl to throw. Antiqued gold jewelry and lace cuffs complement a stunning and functional cape for those winter weddings! Perhaps a little monogram green cufflinks for the men?

{1. Wedding Dress by Joan Shum, 2. Monogram Cufflinks by Pop Art Gifts, 3. Lace Cuff by BatCakes Couture, 4. Vintage Tie by Get Lucky Vintage, 5. Teacup Ring by Sora Designs, 6. Flower Girl Dress by Beane and Co., 7. Cameo Locket by Cosmic Girl, 8. Cape by Margery Daw, 9. Wilted Bouquet Photo by Delaney La Fae, 10. Bridesmaid Gown by Pantora by Andrea}

I would forgo fresh flowers for dried petals and brass and golden vessels of all sorts. Long tables strung with these mismatched containers and non-traditional florals atop dark hued runners would be oh so perfect for the mood that the attire has already set. Purchase a handmade leather journal for your guest book and provide primrose-infused soap for favors.

{1. Invitation by Blue Window Creative, 2. Leather Journal by Peaseblossom Studio, 3. Brass Pitcher by Dusty Lorraine, 4. Nature Photo by Bomobob, 5. Perfume by Illuminated Perfume, 6. Victorian Tags by Prim and Proper Paper, 7. Brass Teacups by New Dominion Blues, 8. Primrose Soap by Rocky Top Soap Shop, 9. Gothic Sconces by OmGurl Designs}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Edgy Black, Classic White and A Touch of Crystal

Today's palette was inspired by the contrast between those fantastic leather gloves and the fluffy tulle dress in the image below.  Everyone loves being girly sometimes (right?) but there's nothing wrong with having a little edge. Add a pop of crystals and you get total glamour.

Black and white and... sparkle all over? Mhm! I could die over those gloves, and wouldn't mind adding a few more dark accessories like this barrette and this necklace. A little bling on the shoes and some for the groom too! Of course, it pays to have a flower girl with a little attitude and an adorable black and white dog too!

{1. Bridal Ensemble via This is Glamorous, 2. Bouquet via It's Mary Ruffle, 3. Couple Shot via Grey Likes Weddings, 4. Shoes via Style Me Pretty, 5. Flower Girl Ensemble via Lilac and Grey, 6. Dog Shot via Once Wed, 7. Barrette by Kirsten Kuehn Designs, 8. Cufflinks by Somethingxtra Special, 9. Necklace by J. Crew} 

Why not ground every centerpiece (tulips preferred, and unexpected!) with a vintage mirrored tray? Black chairs and mirrors to bring in the edge and crystal chandeliers if your venue allows! I loved the doily as a charger and placecard idea in the latest Martha, and it is so perfect for this tablescape! Finish things off with a perfectly perfect black and white cake, or a pretty tiered tray with black and white cookies (they work as favors too!)!

{1. Chandelier via Wedding Chicks, 2. Doily Table Setting via Martha Stewart Weddings, 4. Tulip Centerpiece via The Sweetest Occasion, 7. Tiered Stand via Madame Cupcake, 8. Vanity Tray by Shorely Chic, 9. Staircase via Made by Girl}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Notables: Chalkboard Decor

Chalkboards are the perfect wedding decor, and even the perfect favor because you can erase them and reuse them however you please! Now with chalkboard paint so readily available (and in so many different colors too!) you can turn just about anything into a ready-to-write-on chalkboard. Chalkboards can be used for menus or escort card displays, centerpieces or table numbers, favors or photo booth props (I am SO obsessed with those chalkboard thought bubbles)! You know how I love an item with endless options, and this is certainly one of them!

{Chalkboard Table Signs via Snippet & Ink}

{Chalkboard Sign via Country Living}

{Chalkboard Table Numbers via Living the Good Life}

{Chalkboard Thought Bubble via Red Velvet Art}

{Chalkboard Engagement Session via Ruffled}

{Chalkboard Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty}

{Chalkboard Menu via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

{Chalkboard Place Mats via Real Simple}

{Chalkboard Bowls via Project Wedding}

For a little extra flair, pair chalkboard favors (those bowls above would be perfect!) with DIY'd erasers, simply cover the back of classic chalkboard erasers with printed scrapbook paper or vintage wallpaper!

{PLUS Notable's Inspiration is updated, click here to be inspired!}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding: Retro Diner Inspiration!

A lot of people live for those special nights when they go out to a 5-star restaurant and order the most expensive thing on the menu... Well, I'm not one of them. In fact, my favorite place to eat may just be a diner. They're often open 24 hours and serve breakfast all day long. Life just doesn't get much better! So today's Etsy wedding was inspired by a retro, 1950s style diner. I decided to veer away from red and do a little black, white and teal and used this image from City Light Photography (Have you entered the giveaway yet?) as my inspiration!

This vintage floral dress is so perfect I could cry-- great for a maid of honor! A little bow action for the bride and flower girl and some record inspired accessories for the whole bridal party (men included)!

{1. Vintage 1950s Dress by LipStick Whisky, 2. Record Cufflinks by Dabble Designs, 3. Record Cuff by Eye Pop Art, 4. Record Bowl by Deliverance05, 5. Flower Girl Dress by Elsje Boer, 6. Bow Dress by ShugaRose, 7. Anemone Hair Clip by DK Designs}  8. Hat Box by Sarah Anntiques, 9. Checkered Bow Tie by Xander Design Shop}

Serve a signature cocktail in vintage coke bottles with a fun striped straw! Set up a photo booth with these diner-style stools and provide tons of records for your guests to sign with their well wishes! Stick to black and white for the florals (couldn't resist throwing in those anemones) and place cards and then pop the table with teal accents-- like plates, napkins and table numbers!

{1. Aqua Stools by Johnny Vintage, 2. Anemone Photo by Kari Herer Photography, 3. Vintage Coke Bottles by My Sweet Savannah, 4. Vintage Cadillac Ad by Arcanium Antiques, 5. Toy Record Player Print by City Light Photography, 6. Place Cards by The Posh Event, 7. Record by Mod Podule Vintage, 8. Wall Phone by Zen Hen, 9. 1950s Radio by Johnny Vintage}

Giveaway Reminder!! See that fantastic record player photo? YOU could win a print of it (or another of your choice!) in our giveaway from City Light Photography! Click HERE to enter!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding: A Cross Country Road Trip

If you checked out yesterday's post, you already know the inspiration for today's wedding-- Vintage license plates! But, there really is another, more personal source of inspiration for this affair-- the cross country road trip I am going to be taking in about three weeks. Yep, I'm headed out to Los Angeles for the summer and I am driving. The whole way. So I couldn't help myself when I saw that fab license plate picture but to do a little wedding that has a total feeling of a classic, good old road trip across the USA.

{License Plate Photo by City Light Photography}

I really wanted to pull from the plate colors so I used black, white, red and yellow. Black and white for the bride and flower girl, and a little yellow for the bridesmaids. I LOVE these handmade flats too! How fitting are the cufflinks and the subtle tie? This license plate box makes a great ring holder and that vessel is perfect for a few petals. For flowers I would do something TOTALLY unexpected... like black & white anemones. Maybe popped with a few yellow billy balls?

{1. Boutonniere by Lint and Lavender, 2. Dress by Vera Vague, 3. Flower Girl Dress by Olive and Fern, 4. License Plate Box by Lepelstat Crafts, 5. Handmade Red Flats by SMARTFISH, 6. Vase by Gypsy's Caravan, 7. Crochet Headband by Broken Hallelujah, 8. Dress by Homecoming, 9. Map Collage Cufflinks by House of Ismay, 10. Map Tie by Supper Club}

Now, you may look at this reception concept and think, how is that a wedding? No flowers really, and certainly nothing to put them in. Well, for this I would draw from above. Yep, I think it would be so fitting to hang all different vintage license plates (or bike plates, like these) from above and keep the table simple. Maybe serve a family style dinner with old ketchup and mustard bottles. Just sprinkle some dried petals on the tables, or you can absolutely incorporate your choice flowers in some simple glass vessels. Have your guests sign the inside of an old atlas as your guest book and incorporate a map into your stationery, somehow. Take it to the next level by using street signs (one way, stop, yield) to direct your guests throughout the day!

{1. Road Photo by Dragonfly Photography, 2. Invitations by Emarsden13, 3. Vintage Drawer by Bird-in-Hand, 4. Vintage Bike Plates by Sunny Day Vintage, 5. Save the Date Map by DIY Paperie, 6. Ketchup and Mustard Bottles by Eclectic Miami, 7. Red Luggage by Seaglass Vintage, 8. One Way sign by Lackluster Co., 9. Dried Petals by Pleasant Hedges, 10. Vintage Atlas by Vintage Surplus}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Mary Poppins

There's been a lot of Alice fever going around lately and I think its time another Disney classic got a little attention. A Disney classic by the name of Mary Poppins instantly came to mind. From the outstanding Julie Andrews (Can I come back as her in my next life?) to the more recent run on Broadway, this high flying nanny provides a little inspiration for a big, I-wish-I-never-grew-up kinda wedding. The recipe for this affair: one part tea party on the ceiling, one part carousel come to life and two teaspoons of sugar.

{From top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

The theme here is clearly not matchy-matchy. Rather it's all about crazy colors and a little bit of black and white for good measure. Now I know this flower girl ensemble is a teeny bit literal (OK, a lot literal) but really, how could I resist? For the rest of the wedding party, take the "pop" of that infamous red and white striped jacket and turn it into trim for your florals. Replace flower girl baskets with teacups, of course and a vintage carousel necklace for the bride. Saving the best part for last, you must buy this blazer for a prop in your photos. Look closely (click the image to make it larger!) and it has a famous saying from Ms. Poppins.

{1. Mary Poppins Tutu by All the Fuss, 2. Image via Busy Being Fabulous, 3. Boutonniere by Fritts Rosenow, 4. Boys Jacket via Janie and Jack, 5. Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings, 6. Umbrella Couple by The Observatory Photography via Bellwether Events, 7. Vintage Carousel Necklace by MD Sparks, 8. Mug via Anthropologie, 9. Mary Poppins Jacket by Dinwiddies}

If I don't get invited to a reception like this at some point in my life, I may be a little upset. It is just so FUN. The whole Mary Poppins inspiration began from this umbrella image that I almost dropped dead over. Take a cue from it and hang umbrellas over your tables. Replace vases with teacups and sugar jars and turn pixie stix (a stick-full of sugar?) into flower stems. Monogram the teacups to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for an extra special touch. If you can find a venue with an old carousel, just some horses plucked from one or even simply some stationery with these magical ponies on it, you are all set. Finish off your whimsical, storybook affair with a Barberhsop Quartet and a few beautiful park-like benches.

{1. Umbrella Shot via Oh Brooke, 2. Barbershop Quartet via 4 in a Bar, 3. Sugar Holder via Anthropologie, 4. Bench by Terrain, 5. Notecards by Jen and Vera, 6. Pixie Stick Flower Stems via Disney FamilyFun, 7. Monogrammed Mugs via Anthropologie, 8. Measuring Spoons Photo by Picky Photo, 9. Carousel Shot via Flickr} 

Ta-da! Fun, fabulous and totally original. Who has that song stuck in their head now?

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Weddings, Etc.: Live, Love and Be Inspired

I don't have to tell you that I find great interiors more inspiring than anything, especially for weddings. Today I kept it simple and found some fab interiors and some even more fab wedding shots from some of my favorite photographers. The result? A divine way to take cue from the room of your dreams and turn it into a dreamy big day.

Stripes are all the rage on design blogs right now. Pair it with classic black and white and you have absolute perfection.

{Bathroom Image via Apartment Therapy, Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings, Striped Sash via The Knot, Engagement Shot by Caroline Tran, Black Wedding Gown Shot by Jose Villa}

Feeling a little more colorful, like those to-die-for yellow chairs?  Spice up your summer wedding with a little hot pink, some sunshiny yellow and the neutral-of-summer, navy.

{Dining Room Image via The City Sage, Couple Shot by Jose Villa, Flower Arrangement via Martha Stewart Weddings, Groom Shot by Jessica Claire via Style Me Pretty}

And who could ever say no to gold? Take a risk and mix your metallics. If you do it right, its totally worth it.

{Sideboard Image via oh, hello friend, Couple Shot by Our Labor of Love, Chair Shot by Elizabeth Messina, Bride Shot by Jasmine Star}

Wishing everyone a bright and sunny weekend! It's finally warming up in DC and I'm off to scour some flea markets for all the little surprises I'm planning for Notable Inspiration in the future! Excited? I know I am!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding: Wasabi Green, Orange Peel, Smokey Gray and Black Onyx

It's been a little dreary around the country lately, even sunny LA is getting pelted with rain! So I figured I'd brighten up everyone's day a little with this Etsy Wedding's bold color palette. I've always been intrigued by an orange and green color palette, and I balanced this one with neutral gray and a smidgen of black. The bridal party attire is simple, like the adorable charcoal flower girl dress from FaithWorks4U, but accented with bold accessories. I love the use of pheasant and guinea feathers in weddings and found some fantastic vendors offering hair pieces, boutonnieres and bouquets incorporating them (in bright orange and wasabi green no less!).

{1. Pheasant Boutonniere by Rationale, 2. Ring Bearer Pillow by PassionArte, 3. Vintage Flats by Killinger&Frogg, 4. Paisley Children's Tie by Trendy Tikes, 5. Repurposed Vintage Dress by Clementiny Clothing, 6. Black Lace Sash by Little White Dresser, 7. Feather Hairclip by YJ Design, 8. Guinea Feather Bouquet by Ardesign, 9. Charcoal Flower Girl Dress by FaithWorks4U}

The reception concept I designed leans towards a different part of nature- using branches and leaves in the decor to add rich texture to the simple bridal attire. The vintage instrument case would make a great backdrop for a cake display, or allow guests to write one-line wishes on tiny notecards to toss into it. And, to top it all off, the brittle pictured isn't any ordinary treat- it's Bon Bon Brittle's green tea brittle! Great color and a unique concept makes for a perfect favor!

{1. Wood Branch Centerpiece by Eco-Lectic Events, 2. Hand Cut Elm Leaves by Jennifer Aitchison, 3. Steel Memo Board by Ekohdesign, 4. Tapioca Wood and Moss Centerpiece by Eco-Lectic Events, 5. Gift Tags by Dingbat Press, 6. Green Tea Brittle by Bon Bon Britle, 7. Guest Book Box by Cut the Cake Designs, 8. Gray Side Table by Karli Hearron, 9. Gray Napkins by Margotbianca, 10. Vintage Instrument Case by Two Art Directors and a Photographer}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding Preview: Wasabi Green, Orange Peel, Smokey Gray and Black Onyx

Tomorrow's Etsy Wedding is going to a bright one! Wasabi green and orange peel-orange pheasant feathers and leaves take stand in this concept, complemented by a smokey gray and a touch of black. Come back tomorrow for the rest!

{Boutonniere by Rationale} 

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly