Inspiration Board: Cool as Ice

It might just be wishful thinking, but I'm inspired by anything cool, cold, or not 100 degrees (can you tell my almost 7 month pregnant self is a little miz in the current LA heat wave!?) and I think this ice blue color palette fits the bill:

Top Row:  Emersonmade, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Jean Tsai

Middle Row:  ballroom photo by Ashley Baber

Bottom Row:  Union Photography, Lela Rose, Elum, Lo Boheme

Lovely Boutonnieres

Brides-to-be always think about their bouquets and wedding flowers, but the boutonnieres are often overlooked.  I know I didn't give much guidance to my florist in that department, and it was the only part of our florals I was disappointed with.  I wish I had put more thought into giving the boutonnieres some personality.  Here are some examples of ways to give the groom some style:

I love the use of unexpected materials:  fiddle fern, wheat, succulents, feathers.  I also love the pops of color, either in the tie or the boutonniere.  And the big fluffy blooms give a touch of femininity to the otherwise masculine attire.

All photos from The Knot, except the following:  row 1 #5 from Photography by Leah, row 2 #6 from The Bride's Cafe, row 3 #5 from Martha Stewart Weddings, row 4 #6 from Jasmine Star 

Poetic Inspiration

My husband and I watched the movie Bright Star over the weekend, and in addition to being a well told, acted, and directed film (it tells the true story of the three-year romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne), it was a beautiful visual inspiration.  Every scene, whether shot in a field of wildflowers or set in an English kitchen, was shot so beautifully.  Everything was just so pretty.

Images from the film Bright Star, written and directed by Jane Campion

I thought that styling a wedding based on the film would make for a breathtaking day.  Here is the inspiration board interpretation I created based on Bright Star.

Top Row:  Headband by Jennifer Behr, calligraphy letter by paperfinger, bouttonieres and lavender florals by Jose Villa

Middle Row:  Bouquet photo by Jose Villa, gown by Amsale

Bottom Row:  Table photo by Meg Perotti via Style Me Pretty, books and florals photo by Ken Kienow, Bride and Groom photo by Braedon Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, bride photo by Jose Villa

Succulent Chic

Living in So Cal, succulents have become a staple in my attempts at "gardening" (a.k.a. two small window boxes).  They are easy to take care of and require little maintenance or water, and are always visually pleasing.

Succulents are being seen more and more in weddings and from these photos it is easy to see why.

Succulents as favors:

Originally seen here on Style Me Pretty

Succulents in bouquets, boutonnieres, & accessories:

Photos 1 & 5 from this amazing Malibu wedding on Style Me Pretty

Photos 2, 3, & 4 from this cool desert wedding on Green Wedding Shoes

Photo 6 from this beautifully bright wedding (my personal fave) also on Green Wedding Shoes

Succulents in details, table settings, and floral arrangements:

Photos 1&2 from the same Malibu wedding on Style Me Pretty (check out that cake designed by the groom and made by Vanilla Bakeshop!)

Photo 3 from this Palos Verdes wedding seen on Style Me Pretty

The 5 photos from the lower left side are all from the same cool desert wedding as above 

Final photo in bottom right corner from this Palm Springs wedding, also on Style Me Pretty

And how about this gorgeous ring shot!

From the beautifully bright wedding above originally on Green Wedding Shoes

Go here to see the full feature (and I really think you should!)

Inspiration Board: Navy & Lilac

I was just contacted by a friend whose brother is in the early stages of wedding planning.  They are having an outdoor wedding in early October in North Carolina, and my friend asked my opinion on color combos and wedding party attire.  The couple wants a dark or navy blue for the bridesmaids, and a more casual option for the groomsmen, but without looking too casual or country.  A lavendar accent color was suggested, a combination that I think is very fresh and chic.  I designed an inspiration board for them to see how they liked the colors together and to get an overall feel for the design of their wedding.  Here is what I came up with:

Top row from left:  photo by Molly Fitzsimmons, photo by Stacey Kane, photo by The Sartorialist, photo by Punam Bean, boutonniere via Martha Stewart Weddings, lavendar photo by Jose Villa

Row 2:  calligraphy by Betsy Dunlap, church photo by Laura Dombrowski, invitation photo by Holland Photo Arts, lemonade photo by Cooper Carras,  blue Converse photo by Worthington Photography

Row 3:  place setting via Martha Stewart Weddings, macarons from Paulette, photo by Punam Bean,  hydrangea photo by Meg Smith

I love the feel of the hydrangeas and lilacs, natural and effortless.  Picture them placed in mixed sizes of blue and clear mason jars...very outdoor southern wedding. Imagine the country charm of a green field and a big oak tree and guests mingling while drinking lemonade and sweet tea out of jelly glasses.  The groomsmen wearing khaki's and blue converse or vans, and coordinating ties, and the bridesmaids in different dresses in the same family of navy and indigo.  The groom could wear a light grey suit and the bridesmaids matching grey pashminas when it gets chilly after dark...there are so many options my head is spinning!  I can't wait to hear what the couple comes up with.