Color Inspiration: A Fall Wedding with Pumpkins & Eggplant

Fall has sprung here quite suddenly and now that it's October, I figured it was about time to post a little autumn inspiration. Today's palette combines punches of pumpkin and pops of another great fall hue... eggplant. I about flipped when I saw the pumpkin as a soup bowl idea in my Martha wedding emails! How awesomely October, no? Long tables with burlap runners, loads of candles and purple hued flowers... perhaps a few mini pumpkins in there too! Vintage sodas in perfect season colors and garlands of leaves to frame a photobooth. For favors? I would love to see mini pumpkins with simple pumpkin carving kits.. how fun is that!?

{1. Calligraphed Envelope by Primele, 2. Fall Tablescape via Wedding Whims, 3. Fall Candles via Martha Stewart Weddings, 4. Leaf Garland via It's Mary Ruffle, 5. Cornhusk Votives via Martha Stewart Weddings, 6. Boutonnieres by Meadowbelle Market, 7. Soda Photo by Caroline Tran, 8. Bridesmaid Photo via Style Me Pretty, 9. Pumpkin Soup Bowls via Martha Stewart Weddings, 10. Ball Gown via Shana Faust}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A Country Western Wedding

My new found love for country music has spurred a new found love for cowboy boots, line dancing.. well, you get the point. And for those of you die hard country fans out there, there's nothing wrong with a boot scootin' boogie kinda wedding! I've suggested cowboy boots as wedding shoe-wear many a time, and this is certainly an appropriate one. Cover bails of hay in burlap for ceremony seating and use wildflowers for your bouquets. Of course, a reception in a barn is perfecto, and wouldn't it be a dream to have a country band to serenade you? Mason jars for drinks too, don't forget! And, if you want to take the country feel to it's highest level, choose horseshoes for place cards or cowboy hats for favors (fun!). Too much for your big day? Have an all-western rehearsal dinner instead!

{1. Bride & Groom Photo by Ryan Olsen, 2. Bridesmaid Photo via Frenchie and Flea, 3. Cowboy Hat Photo by Bloomgal, 4. Country Band Photo by Ryan Olsen, 5. Mason Jar Drinks via Martha Stewart Weddings, 6. Ceremony Seating via Martha Stewart Weddings, 7. Wagon via Country Living, 8. Horseshoe Place Cards via Weddingbee, 9. Barn Photo via Ruffled, 10 Invitations by Paper+Cup Design, 11. Western Prop Styling by Camilla Krishnaswamy}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Modern Pink and Gray

I have pink on my mind today. Largely due to the fact that my cousin is engaged as of yesterday (Insert screams and squeals here!) and, well, she has a bit of an obsession with pink! So, low and behold... a modern pink and gray wedding. J. Crew came through with an wow-oh-wow gray bridesmaid dress (Aren't you in love with it??). Pretty pink peonies or carnations with gray linens, and little pops of hot pink... like in straws for mini milkshakes, or decor for your dessert bar. I love the simple DIY-style chair accent... how easy and cute would that be for an extra little touch!? A touch of romance and a whole lot of modern, perfect for any season, no? Love!

{1. Couple Photo via What Junebug Loves, 2. Chair Photo via Style Me Pretty, 3. Mini Milkshakes Photo via JL Designs, 4. Dessert Bar Photo via JL Designs, 5. Dress by J. Crew, 6. Tissue Poms by Sweet Poms, 7. Ring Bearer Pillow by The Blooming South, 8. Invitations by Appleberry Ink, 9. Table Photo via Style Me Pretty}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A Winter Wonderland Wedding

It may be summer, but there's nothing wrong with thinking a little ahead right? You have to after all in this industry! Today's color inspiration is all about a luscious winter wonderland. A lot of winter brides tend towards deep jewel tones (Lots of red, red, red!) but my favorite winter weddings are the ones inspired by the beautiful whites, creams and silvers you see pop up during the wintertime. If you choose pure white for your gown, put your 'maids in daring ivory and creams. Or, if you choose an ivory dress the girls can wear all sorts of shades of gray (that goes for the groomsmen too!). Ivory-hued flowers against dusty miller (Ok, any plant that can bring the color gray to a palette is alright in my book!) set in wallpaper wrapped vases. A few silver votive holders too and pretty pastries for dessert. Drape something, like the cake table or even the whole room, in airy cream colored fabrics. Present your favors in dynamic, monochromatic boxes with any and every detail you can compile. To get the true wonderland feel, layer whites creams and grays wherever you can, with whatever you can!

{1. Dresses via The Cherry Blossom Girl, 2. Dessert via The Sweetest Occasion, 3. Votive Holder via Anthropologie, 4. Boutonniere by The French Mouse, 5. Flower Girl Dress by Sweet Plume, 6. Groom Photo via Style Me Pretty, 7. Swizzle Sticks by Pink Cherry Mama, 8. Favor Box via Ritzy Bee, 9. Cabin Photo via Busy Being Fabulous, 10. Centerpieces via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A Rehearsal Dinner Picnic

There's never very much rehearsal dinner love on wedding blogs so today's post, while it could most certainly work for a wedding, is ideal for a casual, outdoor rehearsal dinner picnic! I told you yesterday that I fell in love with these screen-printed place mats so they were the inspiration for today! I love the idea of stacking a bunch of crates or picnic baskets and filling them with everything you'd need for the perfect picnic! Place mats, wooden utensils, drinkware, the works! A few tables and benches, maybe some simple garlands or strands of lights and a fan to keep everyone cool. The perfect time to relax and enjoy your company, before the {often} hectic day-of!

{1. Boat Photo via Madame Cupcake, 2. Gift Tags by Paper Eclectiques, 3. Paper Garland by Maisy and Alice, 4. Screen Printed Place Mat by i am dorkas, 5. Fan Photo via Madame Cupcake, 6. Picnic Tables Photo via Flickr, 7. Dress via Anthropologie, 8. Stacked Crates styled by Lotta Agaton}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: All About Pomegranate

Pomegranate has to be one of the best shades of red, and the fruit itself makes a great element to carry throughout a wedding! Pomegranate place cards and pomegranate infused drinks and dishes will please your guests eyes and their stomachs. For you, bold lips and nails, for your maids, red dresses. Choose long tables with romantic candles and florals and even add hint of country with benches instead of chairs. Favors? Perfectly white tea-cups filled with bags of pomegranate tea!

{1. Beauty Photo via Shana Faust, 2. Couple Photo via Brancoprata, 3. Pomegranate Seed Ice Cubes via Country Living, 4. Teacup and Red Nails Photo via Flickr, 5. Shoe Photo via Dandelion and Grey, 6. Red Dress by Audrey and Grace, 7. Pomegranate Placecards via Martha Stewart Weddings, 8. Necklace by Anthropologie, 9. Tablescape via Style Me Pretty}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Salmon, Eggplant & Chartreuse

We see lots of pinks, corals and peaches in weddings, but what about a slightly different hue... like salmon? This color is so interesting paired with anything from navy to aqua to eggplant and chartreuse, like I've done here. This palette really pops with a little bit of retro flair. Vintage dresses with chartreuse sashes, Izze drinks for your guests and hand painted signs to start. I love those charming, sculptural centerpieces (why not build them from spray painted milkshake glasses?), especially interspersed with vibrant chartreuse votive holders. Outside? Complete this peppy, retro occasion with twinkle lights galore!

{1. Daffodil Photo by Amelia Kay Photography, 2. Bride Photo via Once Wed, 3. Table Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings, 4. Glass Bottle Photo via Decor8, 5. Chair Photo via Style Me Pretty, 6. Izze Photo via Flickr, 7. Retro Kitchen Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs, 8. Salmon Shoe Photo via Junebug Weddings, 9. Dance Sign via Once Wed, 10. Salmon Pants Photo via Southern Weddings, 11. Votives by Glassybaby}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Modern Gray, Yellow and Copper Wedding

Has everyone recovered from their July 4th festivities? Well we're taking a 360 degree turn from red, white and blue today to my newest color palette obsession- gray, yellow, copper and white! It is not a secret that mustard and gray are my favorite colors of all time and I love the added pop of a coppery hue. Take this palette modern with paper flowers, graphic placecards and simple fabric garlands. If you still want a little something classic, why not stick back to my other old favorite... seersucker! Alright, I'm in love.

{1. Placecards via Martha Stewart Weddings, 2. Mini Bowl by Etco, 3. Bridesmaid Dresses via Style Me Pretty, 4. Seersucker Suit via Once Wed, 5. Bride Photo via Style Me Pretty, 6. Paper Flowers via The Sweetest Occasion, 7. Shoe Photo via Duet Letterpress, 8. Macarons via Sparkles Kitchen, 9. Fabric Garland by CONFETTISYSTEM} 

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Nude and Lavender

Today's palette is perfectly light and airy with lavender and a stunning nude (erring on the side of peach). Simple, glowing romance is the theme here with lots of tulle and subtle lavender bouquets. Had to throw in this holy-wow Vera gown, and of course, the perfect pair of nude pumps (which every girl should have, wedding or no wedding!).

{1. Ring Photo by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty, 3. Bow Fascinator by Untamed Petals, 4. Gown Photo via Visionari Blog, 5. Shoe Photo by Susan Stripling Photography, 6. Lavender Bowl Photo via Style Me Pretty, 7. Bow Tie by With Care, 8. Bridesmaids Photo via Style Me Pretty, 9. Lavender Bouquet Photo by Elizabeth Messina}

Mini bouquets of lavender for place cards (and favors... score!) and for centerpieces, why not lay lavender on the table or suspend stems above the table with beautiful nude lace. Lucky for you, and your guests, this palette allows for the prettiest of dessert bars, covering everything from lavender macarons and cupcakes to fun rock candy!

{1. Rock Candy via Ruffled, 2. Favor Boxes via Brancoprata, 3. Invitation via Style Me Pretty, 4. Macaron Photo via Postcards and Pretties, 5. Lavender Fields Photograph by Georgianna Lane, 6. Nude Lace via Flickr, 7. Lavender Placecards via Rex and Regina, 8. Cupcakes via The Icing on the Cake Spain, 9. Lavender Whiskey Sour via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A Wedding Inspired by Toy Story!

{via The People's Movies}

In honor of Toy Story 3 premiering this week, I'm forgoing the usual Etsy Wedding for a special little wedding concept inspired by these Disney Pixar classics! Use toy blocks for place cards and identify each table by a number, letter or picture on the block! For centerpieces fill vintage toys, like trucks or piggy banks, with pretty blooms and for favors provide brightly hued lollipops! For a fun, and totally Toy Story, photo booth print a large sky image for the backdrop and provide Mr. Potato Head pieces for props! How FUN does that sound!? See, you don't have to have Woody and Buzz sitting on your table for a fantastic inspired wedding, just pull a few elements and turn them into a super cute Disney affair!

{1. Couple Photo via Once Wed, 2. Happy Tape via Oh Happy Day!, 3. Lollipop Tower via Cheree Berry, 4. DIY Save the Dates via Martha Stewart Weddings, 5. Block Photo by Shannon Pix, 6. Sky Photo by Monko Photography, 7. Mr. Potato Head Photo via Flickr, 8. Truck Centerpieces via Snippet & Ink}

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

Color Inspiration: Kelly Green & Summer White {PLUS A few special announcements!}

I have a new love in my life... Imperial Trellis fabric! It really sealed the deal when I saw the beautiful print on this chair, which inspired today's kelly green and summery white wedding! One part modern and one part fresh, we're taking a turn today on Notable for a crisp and clean summer affair!

You can't be afraid of going BRIGHT for this bridal party concept. Kate Spade provided the perfect bridesmaid dress and I think these kelly green shoes would be so fun hidden under the brides gown. A different green & white boutonniere for each groomsmen and bouquets of pretty peonies for the girls. The print of this bow tie complements the trellis fabric perfectly!

{1. Couple Shot by Myrtle and Marjoram via Style Me Pretty, 2. Peony Bouquet via Elizabeth Anne Designs, 3. Vintage Shoes by Find It Keep It Vintage, 4. Bow Tie by Buttered Toast, 5. Boutonnieres via Martha Stewart Weddings, 6. Necklace by Anthropologie, 7. Dress by Kate Spade}

Are you ready for a little DIY? Renting 200+ of those beautiful trellis print chairs probably isn't possible (you could buy one for your future home though!) so scout out the print at a fabric store and make your own chair covers or table runners! I love this lantern too, how about hanging fabric covered shades over long white tables under a tent of twinkling lights? Yes please. Place cards could be tacked to a simple bulletin board with these cute thumb tacks! Slip a recipe for your favorite summer drink in these striped favor bags with a few paper drink flags!

{1. Chair via Ada & Darcy, 2. Ruffle Pillow Cover by Iviemade, 3. Invitations by kenzieKate Invitations via One Wed, 4. Fabric Thumbtacks by Farrago, 5. Table Shot via Elizabeth Anne Designs, 6. Striped Favor Bags by Minimega, 7. Tissue Paper Flags via Design*Sponge, 8. Trellis Lampshade by Spruce Home}

In case you missed it! Yesterday, I launched my new tumblr blog Notable's Inspiration! Be sure to check it out for inspirational images that aren't just limited to weddings! Find out more here.

And, head on over to The Bridal Bar Blog where I will be stopping by throughout the summer with some fun posts!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Summer Sorbet

Today's inspiration is all about the best meal of the day: dessert. In fact, I am still madly in love with the idea of a dessert-only reception (budget friendly too!). Sorbet inspired the colors, pretty pink and creamy orange, but don't worry, dessert won't be limited to just that!

The bridal attire really looks good enough to eat, no? Pastel tutus and print dresses and props. Lots of delicate flowers- real ones, paper ones & fabric ones too! And how fun are those creamsicle earrings?

{1. Bride Shot by Erin Hearts Court via Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2. Bowtie by Me and Matilda, 3. Creamsicle Earrings by Kathleen Cavalaro, 4. Groom Shot by Jessica Johnston Photography via Style Me Pretty, 5. Floral Brooch by Twigs & Honey, 6. Skirt via Anthropologie, 7. Tutu by J. Crew, 8. Vintage Umbrella via Bella Umbrella, 9. Shoe Shot by Erin Hearts Court via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

The reception screams dessert buffet galore! Sorbet, cake, tea and everything in between set amongst centerpieces of crepe paper flowers and striped straws (I think they'd make super cute table decor!). Provide pretty twine and kraft paper boxes for guests to take home some treats and celebrate long after this delicious reception ends!

{1. Printable Card by Purple and Sparkle, 2. Iced Tea Shot via Grey Likes Weddings, 3. Package via Nice Package, 4. Striped Straws via Ruffled, 5. Crepe Paper Flowers via A Field Journal, 6. Sorbet via Flickr, 7. Tea Cart via White Cabana, 8. Layered Pound Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, 9. Flowers Shot by Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Love Letters

It is very rare to receive a true love letter nowadays. Maybe a "love fax," in the words of Carrie Bradshaw? But who wouldn't want to receive a messenger-delivered, handwritten love letter? A girl can dream right? Well, this dream was the inspiration for today's post and I don't think you can find a wedding more inspired by love. I kept it neutral with tan, white and navy and let the romance do the talking.

For the men its simple: navy pants, khaki (or seersucker!) blazer and an adorable little bow tie. Perhaps my favorite find today was this bridesmaid dress- which can be styled in so many different ways. Hello, an actual reusable 'maid gown! Hooray! The "love letter" flower carries a special message and would be fantastic strung on a navy ribbon around the bride's gown. Navy accents, of course, to finish it off!

{1. Couple Shot by Tec Petaja via Once Wed, 2. Love Letter Flower by Emersonmade, 3. Earrings by White Owl, 4. Hat via Anthropologie, 5. Flower Girl Dress Shot via Style Me Pretty, 6. Boy's Blazer by J. Crew, 7. Dress by Butter by Nadia, 8. Shoe Shot via Green Wedding Shoes, 9. Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings}

For seating at your ceremony, turn bails of hay or benches into kraft paper-wrapped boxes (or if you can find this fabric, even better)! Kraft gift boxes work for favors too! Ticking stripe linens and sachets on the chairs and a cake as fantastic as this one! Leave a vintage love letter (yes, you can buy just about everything on Etsy) on each table and a vintage mailbox for guests own letters of love and good wishes. You can even put together a scrapbook of memorabilia, letters and photos from the day you met to the day you wed for guests to flip through during cocktail hour. This wedding really is all about celebrating love. True, undying love.

{1. Kraft Paper Fabric via Designer's Library, 2. Ticking Stripe Sachet by Alice's Looking Glass, 3. Handwritten Love Letters via Shop Nancy, 4. Scrapbook via The Society Inc., 5. Mailbox Shot via Ruffled, 6. Cake via This Is Glamorous, 7. Ticking Stripe Table Runner via Style Me Pretty, 8. Calligraphed Envelope via Oh So Beautiful Paper, 9. Kraft Gift Boxes by CDK Designs}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and what better reason than that to post a fun, mexican fiesta wedding! Mexican food may just be my favorite, and the culture and experience that goes along with it is so bright, festive and exciting! There's a lot of color going on in this one! If that's not how you picture your wedding, it would be a fantastic rehearsal dinner too!

You really have to limitation on flowers here. Just make sure they are bold, bright and wow-evoking! I really love the orange, pink, yellow and aqua palette... and do you just love those bridesmaid dresses? Like I said before, not your idea of wedding attire? Gift your 'maids fun mexican-inspired dresses for the rehearsal! This yellow scarf and these awesome barrettes would make great finishing touches!

{1. Bride & Bouquet Shot by Jose Villa, 2. Boutonnieres Shot by Tec Petaja, 3. Scarf by Anthropologie, 4. Barrettes by Anthropologie, 5. Ring Shot by Jose Villa, 6. Embroidered Clutch by Free People, 7. Bow Tie by Buttered Toast, 8. Flower Girl Dress by Lillipops Designs, 9. Bridal Party Shot by Daisy Varley via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

Now, for the decor and entertainment... you must, must, must have a mariachi band (perfect for cocktail hour!)! Nothing like that music to get your guests pumped for the rest of the evening. This really is ideally set outdoors, with benches for seating, bright flags hanging above and paper flowers in aqua vases! No place setting could be more fit-for-fiesta then this, and of course there has to be margaritas! Why not host a margarita bar, where guests can choose everything from the classic marg to a pomegranate or watermelon concoction!

{1. Table Shot by Tec Petaja, 2. Margarita Shot via Flickr, 3. Mariachi Band Member Shot by Sabine Scherer via Style Me Pretty, 4. Sherbet Bowls by Merchant of Kismet, 5. Table Number Shot by Tec Petaja, 6. Paper Poppies via Creature Comforts, 7. Table Display via It's Mary Ruffle, 8. Fiesta Flags via Martha Stewart, 9. Place Setting Shot by Jessica Claire via Style Me Pretty, 

Happy {early} Cinco de Mayo everyone!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Artichokes, Herbs and a Hint of Copper

As promised,  a little edible inspiration today in the form of artichokes & herbs. A summer garden turned wedding? That is the goal! A palette of pure white and leafy green, and a bit of copper (which I am totally in love with right now).

I almost dropped dead when I saw this artichoke bouquet, it is so utterly fantastic. Pair it with gorgeous green bridesmaid dresses and herb boutonnieres. Reception tables swathed in white with copper dyed burlap runners and florals accented with artichokes. Use copper garden markers to identify tables (one herb per table), and tiny potted herbs as place cards turned favors!

{1. Artichoke Bouquet by Hatch Creative Studio via Ritzy Bee, 2. Custom Copper Herb Markers by Make Thyme, 3. Planted Herbs via Elizabeth Anne Designs, 4. Bridal Party Shot via Ruffled, 5. Artichoke Invitation by Rigel Stuhmiller, 6. Burlap Runner via Style Me Pretty, 7. Herb Favors via Brides, 8. Centerpiece Shot via Coco + Kelley, 9. Hydrangea and Artichoke Arrangement via C.S. Post  Co.}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: A 1930s Inspired Train Station Affair

There is something so historic and nostalgic about train stations, but they also evoke an air of romance too. Perhaps because these stations were the precursor to the hellos and goodbyes we are accustomed to seeing at airports nowadays? I was immediately inspired to incorporate the 1930s when I decided to do a little train travel theme for todays concept, and the two themes work together seamlessly. The palette is very demure and subtle with an accent of terra cotta reds, a vintage feel and an essence of never-ending love.

Hats. Lots of hats. For the men, the bridesmaids and maybe one with a birdcage veil for the bride. If you don't desire to be the only one in white, put your bridesmaids in creamy colored dresses with gold jewels and simple, single flower bouquets. This is the perfect opportunity to don a true 30's inspired gown. Bright red-orange suitcases make fun, and fitting, props and if you can find a train station, or even just train tracks, for a photo shoot, be sure to take advantage of it!

{1. Wedding Gown Shot by Todd Pellowe via Wedding Bee, 2. Vintage Suitcase by The Queen of Re, 3. 1930s Hat and Veil by Cathy's Vintage Shop, 4. Groom Shot by Stephanie Fay Photography, 5. Bridal Party Shot by SOTA/Studio This Is via Ruffled, 6. Flower Girl Dress by J. Crew, 7. Vintage Necklace by Lkfarnsworth Studio, 8. Bouquet Shot by Karen Wise via Brooklyn Bride, 9. Vintage Hat by Marvita13}

Train station or not, bring in the train travel feel with your stationery. Luggage tag save the dates, train ticket invitations and please, oh please, use old train slips (like these) for handwritten menus! Stack vintage train cases and photo boxes for guests to fill with good wishes and polaroids from a special photo booth. Find snapshots of different elements of a train station, like this waiting room sign, and use a distinct one to identify each table. Pop simple cream hued tables and flowers with terra cotta napkins and chair finishings and treat your guests to custom leather luggage tag favors!

{1. Bench Shot by SOTA/Studio This Is via Ruffled, 2. Vintage Train Slips by The Fancy Lamb, 3. Admit One Stationery Shot by Turn Loose the Art via Style Me Pretty, 4. Custom Luggage Tags by Of The Fountain, 5. Boxes via The Society Inc., 6. Save the Dates by Sunshine and Ravioli, 7. 1930s Train Case by Mod Human Vintage, 8. Table Shot by Turn Loose the Art via Style Me Pretty, 9. Waiting Room Poster via AllPosters.com}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Vibrant Hues & Antique Gold

When I was flea market-ing this weekend I saw a ton of antique gold vanity mirrors and ornate gold frames. I wanted them all (not practical...) and thought they would be such amazing decor for a wedding. But what to pair them with? Then I saw this unbelievable flowered wall on Oh Joy! and well, the rest is history. Everyone meet fresh, vibrant flowers and ornate, antique gold!

Every bridesmaid must wear a different color. Each with different color flats, and each with a bouquet of another color. See the pattern here? The bride can don a little Lanvin and a bouquet that combines all the maids flowers. For the boutonnieres, I think a few petals pinned to the suit from all different flowers would be divine. Pop the vibrant colors with gold jewelry and trimmings!

{1. Wedding Dress by Lanvin via NET-A-PORTER, 2. Flats by Lanvin via Barneys, 3. Bouquet Shot by Jeremy Lawson Photography via Style Me Pretty, 4. Pocket Watch by Crafters Emporium, 5. Petal Image via Eat Drink Chic, 6. Ring Bearer Bowl by Paloma's Nest, 7. Flower Girl Dress by J. Crew,  8. Chain Necklace by Kiamichi7, 9, 10 & 11. Dresses All Anthropologie}

The reception is where all the ornate, antique gold is really the star. See the mantle of flowers in glass vessels? Transport that directly to long tables and intersperse standing gold mirrors to add some welcomed drama. If your venue allows, I would just die to see flowers hanging from above alongside golden ribbon and vintage lighting. And why not bring the vibrant effect to your drinks, with flower ice cubes. How. Cute. This is the perfect wedding for gifting your guests with bags of flower seeds to plant in their own gardens. Tie a vintage gold charm on each packet for good luck!

{1. Floral Display via Ada & Darcy, 2. Colorful Vintage Lamps via Please Sir, 3. Vintage Vanity Mirror by Vintage Chic Furniture, 4. Vintage Pendant Lamp via Paris Hotel Boutique, 5. Flowered Wall Image via Oh Joy!, 6. Flower Ice Cubes via Show Me Vegan, 7. Table Shot by Heather Kincaid via Style Me Pretty, 8. Vintage Mirror by Hounddog Goodies, 9. Ribbon Decor Image via Once Wed}

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

Color Inspiration: Berries, Gingham and Aqua

As promised, a little ode to the summer months to come with a berry and gingham wedding! I added in a few pops of aqua to break up all the red, red, red. This scheme was inspired by a Smucker's jar, actually (minus the aqua of course). I finished off a jar of jam and have been saving it to do something with (Ideas? Leave them below!). So I've been staring at it for a few weeks now and finally decided it was great inspiration for a summer wedding. Gingham, my favorite, and berries, another favorite... what could be better?

Oh man do I love this bridal party concept! I finally get to use the men's gingham shirts that I drool over every time I walk into J. Crew. And that perfect little bridesmaid dress... it's Forever 21. In place of a ring pillow (or flower girl basket) why not wrap some gingham ribbon around a real berry carton? Red bouquets with aqua accents and a gingham skirt for the flower girl. For the finishing touch, I could not resist those earrings! (you'll see why as you scroll down!)

{1. Gingham Shirt via J. Crew, 2. Hair Elastics via Blue Moon Studios, 3. Gingham Ribbon by The Tangled Lair, 4. Dress via Forever 21, 5. Shoe Shot by Sarah Rhoads via Santa Barbara Chic, 6. Earrings by PetitPlat, 7. Berry Basket Shot via Flickr, 8. Gingham Skirt by Redrane, 9. Bouquet Shot via Wedding Bee} 

For the reception, think fun and casual picnic. Gingham tablecloths and gingham luggage tags for place cards. Trade half your normal amount of flowers for Ball jars filled with berries. This DIY berry table number project is so very fitting and don't forget to "pop" the aqua, I suggest napkins and mini cake stands. For food... berries of course: why not change things up with berry-topped waffles. Nobody will turn down a good breakfast for dessert option!

{1. Tablescape via Country Living, 2. Printable Card via Runny Babbits, 3. Berry Waffle via Flickr, 4. Luggage Tags by Crown Bindery, 5. Napkin Shot via Sunset.com, 6. DIY Table Numbers via Style Me Pretty, 7. Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, 8. Ball Jar Vases via Midwest Finds, 9. Currant Shot via Country Living, 10. Cupcake Shot by Jose Villa}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly