The Royal Wedding

What kind of wedding blogger would I be if I ignored the excitement and buzz surrounding what has been dubbed "the wedding of the century." Big label considering we're only 11 years into 2011! Happily, it didn't disappoint! My favorite details:

Like pretty much everyone else on the planet, I am swooning over Kate Middleton's dress!

A white bridesmaid dress? Her sister, Pippa, looked absolutely stunning while managing not to detract from Kate's bridal beauty. Tres chic!

And that sweet getaway car is so fun!

Images courtesy www.thedailybeast.com

You know there's an inspiration board coming your way!

Rustic Elegance: A Wedding Inspiration Board in Chocolate and White

Rustic weddings have become extremely popular, and for good reason. They evoke that warm family feel, the sweetness, fun, and intimacy most of us crave for our weddings. While I could do about a bazillion boards that take their cue from country fairs, I also love the juxtaposition of elegant romance and rustic rawness. I wanted the board to feel fresh and effortlessly stylish, so I chose a palette of chocolate brown, hay, and white. I wanted to show off how a barn, ranch, or farm wedding could still feel pretty and elegant by contrasting soft and dreamy florals against burlap, rough wood against the sparkle of chandeliers. Plus who can resist cowboy boots with a gorgeous gown?

Mood: Farmland sweetness gets a city stylist

Color Palette: Chocolate brown, hay, white

The Credits, Deets, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Santa Barbara Wedding by Mark Brooke Photographers via Style Me Pretty, Bridal Party and Cowboy Boots by Priscilla Valentina via Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Decor by Jack Wittbold for Sarah Yates Photography via C Star Events, DIY Rustic Cake Stand by Once Wed, Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies by The Sweetest Occasion, Skeleton Key Placecards by Z Media via Red Carpet Brides, Hanging Mason Jars by Paloma Images via Wish Special Events, Peony and Burlap Centerpiece by Aileen Tran, Barn with White Drapes via Project Wedding

A Little Something Extra:

I love this ranunculus bridal bouquet by Etsy Seller braggingbags. It's gorgeous and soft with a hint of rustic from the burlap ribbon and a touch of sparkle from the brooch. At $59.99, the price is pretty hard to beat for a bride bouquet, and because they're silk flowers, it's also green! To purchase or view more pics, click here.

I also couldn't resist sharing this awesomely styled bridal party. I love how the bridesmaids are wearing different dresses in the same palette, and again, the boots! Ooh, and those belts! Le sigh. This image is by Leah Noble via Caitlin Carty.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Board

I read an article once that took a poll asking women which literary figure they would most like to go out with on a date, and Mr. Darcy was the runaway favorite. I love Jane Austen, and no one who has watched the A&E adaptation of Pride and Prejudice can tell me that a man can't look sexy in a cravat. (Here's looking at you, Colin Firth!) So despite my longstanding bias against frilly floral prints--a result of my mother's fixation with Laura Ashley home furnishings during the 80's--I thought I'd give a regency inspired board a shot. I think that choosing a wedding theme can often feel constraining, and if you're going vintage or literary, it's easy to end up with something campy. A little goes a long way, and the right touches can create a cohesive theme without feeling contrived. With an English garden motif, antique books, bridesmaid dresses that nod to regency fashion with empire waists, a soft palette, and the right gown and accessories, this is a contemporary take on the Darcy wedding.

Mood: Pride and Prejudice. 'Nuff said.

Color Palette: Soft pink, ivory, green

Artifacts of Inspiration: Jane Austen, English gardens, Regency era,

The Credits, Deets, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Pride and Prejudice Prose in Vain Necklace by Etsy Seller justbedesigns, Dessy Bridesmaid Style 2759, Claire Pettibone "Emma" by Miha Matei via Green Wedding Shoes, Teacup and Book Centerpiece by Heather Balliet of Amorology via Style Me Pretty, Antique reticule bag by Moyna courtesy of Anne Sage, Bouquet by Karen Tran, Chantilly and Rhinestone Self-Tie Headband by Twigs and Honey, Suit with Cravat from Sandy's Menswear, Wedding Table by SugarLove Weddings via Polka Dot Bride

I'm baaaaaack! A Post on Wedding Planning and An Engagement Shoot by Jonathan Roberts

So sorry I've been MIA on the blogging! My sister's wedding is coming up in June, and I'm the lucky gal who gets to be her (amateur) wedding coordinator. Although I've posted mostly inspiration boards, I have to share some photos from her amazing engagement shoot done by the exceptionally talented Jonathan Roberts. Funny story: as I've mentioned before I had originally planned to get married in my fiance's hometown, San Luis Obispo, so I pored over tons of blogs by photographers based in that area. I found Jonathan Roberts and had shared his work with my sister; particularly lots of the tres adorable, super sweet mini-videos he includes in all of his packages. She fell in love, too. Since her wedding is this June and mine is in the summer of 2012, she gets to work with him first! To see the full post and more pics, visit Jonathan's blog at http://www.bluephoto.biz/blog/.

A Vintage Hollywood Wedding: A 1930's and Board

I've been a bad, bad blogger...I'm bummed I haven't had a chance to post in the past week, but helping out with my sister's wedding has eaten up my usual blog-joy time! More on that later. Buuuut, I have a new board to post and I'm pumped! I wanted to pull together some elements I've seen from weddings that I love and combine them in a way that was vintage, classic, glamorous, with just the right amount of sexy--and Jean Harlow typifies the classic screen siren.

Mood: A 1930's classic Hollywood fete

Color Palette: Black and white

Artifacts of Inspiration: Feathers, crystals, satin, art deco, vintage Hollywood, 1930's fashion, and of course, Jean Harlow. Check her out!

The above photo was courtesy of Macarons and Marie: My Modern Vintage Wedding, and I have to agree, I luurrve feathers. How bad-ass is that capelet? I want a feather capelet! You could be folding laundry and still feel like a fabulous vixen if you had a feather capelet.

The Credits, Deets, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Classic Tux and Bowtie via Style Me Pretty, Ostrich Feather Centerpieces by Wedding Design Studio, Harlow and the Signature Slinky Dress via LilPaisley.typepad.com, Johanna Johnson Wedding Dress via Ruffledblog, Art Deco Bridal Earrings by Etsy Seller nyjolejewellery, Sophisticated 30's Shoot via Hepwrights.com, Napier Wedding Suite by Etsy Seller Tulaloo, Vintage Typewriter from Jon and JoAnn's 1930's Wedding by Paco and Betty via The Ebury Collection, Calla Lily and Feather Bouquet by Holly Chapple Flowers

A Little Something Extra:

I love this dress from Romantic Threads as a potential bridesmaid gown. It's vintage without being kitschy and goes perfectly with the theme--and at $150, the price tag ain't bad either. Find it here.

In searching for inspiration board pictures, I came across photographer Mukhina Ekaterina and just had to share this photo. How fun does that shoot look?!

You can see more of her work on her flickr stream here.

A Gentler Side of Paradise: Vintage Hawaiian Inspired Wedding

I've only been to Hawaii once, but that was enough to fall madly in love. Although I adore the bold colors and seashell motifs found in most weddings at tropical or beach venues, I thought it would be interesting and unexpected to play with a vintage Hawaiian theme: softer hues, vintage prints, antiqued decor pieces, and touches of crystal contrasting against the natural lushness. I took my inspiration from Hawaii, but I think any beach venue could take a cue from this board.

Mood: A trip to paradise in your grandmother's dress; the Andrews Sisters played with a ukelele

Color Palette: Wood, antique white, shades of teal and dusty blue

The Credits, Deets, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Vintage Chair and Hawaiian Sodas by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty, Chandelier on Hawaiian Chuppah by Christie Pham Photography via Ruffledblog, Box of Leis and Brooches by Christie Pham Photography via Ruffledblog, Vintage Style Hawaiian Surfers Cake Toppers from Pacific Weddings, Ridiculously Gorgeous Couple by Nineteen Owls Photography, Vintage Hawaiian Postcard via Design by Tanya, Keishi Pearl Necklace by Etsy Seller KahiliCreations, Postcard Guestbook via La Belle Bride, Lei Strewn Chairs by Angie Silvie Photography via Hawaii Wedding Photos, Vintage Birdcage and Hawaiian Stone Steps by Matt Alvarado of Beloved Weddings via Style Me Pretty

A Little Something Extra:

I love this wedding suite by Ott Design. The pirate map and hibiscus flower print would be puuurrrrfect for a vintage island theme!

Want some inexpensive, eco-friendly, island themed favors? Check out these buri fans from Eco Friendly Market:

Photo courtesy of Eye Expressions Photography

I'm pretty much bonkers over this couple's style and spent for-ev-ER poring over these gorgeous shots by Nineteen Owls Photography. The dress! That veil with the lei! The groom's awesome hat! Le sigh. Check out their full post here.

Enchanted Forest Themed Wedding

The woods: there's something about trees lit by tiny lights that speaks to the magic-hungry little girl inside all of us. I wanted to tap into that glittering fairy tale world nestled deep in our psyches in a way that could be easily translated into wedding decor without being overtly kitschy. With the right centerpieces and a few decor items spaced throughout, any outdoor space with lots of trees--or even a properly lighted tent!--could be transformed into an enchanted forest setting. Check out a little something extra for some ideas on where to purchase some DIY materials.

Mood: Enchantment under the trees

Color Palette: moss green, wood brown, gold, candlelight

Artifacts of Inspiration: Fairy tales, fireflies, the forest

The Deets, Credits and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Candle Holder Decor by Tricia Fountaine Design, Butterfly Grapevine Ball via Style Me Pretty, Enchanted Forest Centerpiece by Tricia Fountaine Design, Candlelit Trees via Design Indulgences, Wood Placecards via I Do It Yourself, Moss Chair by Jasmine Star via Style Me Pretty, Lighted Branches via My Cleveland Wedding, Firefly Mason Jar via fightingsharks.blogspot.com

A Little Something Extra:

Save-on-crafts.com has become my new BFF as I help plan the decor for my sister's wedding, but I'm sure you could find similar items at other craft stores. A little creativity, time, and some of the items below, and I think the above inspiration board is totally DIY-able.

The gorgeous lighted branches run about $10 to $16 at http://www.save-on-crafts.com/li3.html.

I always wondered how so many crafty people got lights inside grapevine balls without having them attached to a Christmas light string: LED battery powered strings. From what I've seen, they run about $11 for four feet. You could stick them inside mason jars alone, or add moss from a craft store like so:

The moss could also be used to cover wood slabs to create centerpieces like this lovely number via gourmetinvitations.blogspot.com:

Short on time or craftiness? I found them for purchase on--of course!--Etsy by seller simplykacie here.

Soft and Elegant: A Peach and Black Inspiration Board

Yesterday's peach and green board had me thinking of all the possibilities of peach hues and the moods they can create. Adding black and touches of soft pink to a muted peach palette feels both modern and vintage, feminine yet unfussy.

Mood: Classic romance with a contemporary eye

Color Palette: Muted peach, black, soft pink

Artifacts of Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Portman, cocktail parties, Frank Sinatra

The Credits, Deets, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Vintage Inpired Cocktail Flower by Etsy Seller GraceDunbar, Peach Cake via WeddingbyColor, Bloom Letterpress Invitation by Etsy Seller maidavale, Peach Teardrop Earrings by Etsy Seller justmel, White Peach Sangria via Martha Stewart Weddings, Vera Wang "Farrah" Dress, Table Setting by Rosenbaum Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs, The Reversible Chameleon Convertible Wrap Dress by Etsy Seller isadoraclothing, Peach and Black Centerpiece by Emily Takes Photos via Every Last Detail Blog, Vintage Couture Decor by South Dakota Wedding Style, Organza Peaches Shoe Clips by Etsy Seller haticenevin

A Little Something Extra:

I love this sweet little flower girl dress from Etsy Seller FoxnLily. Although it's listed as Toffee/Caramel and Ivory Silk, I think it could work for a gentle peach palette as well. You can find it here.

I couldn't resist adding this lovely hanging heart ornament from Etsy Seller danamazing. They can customize in your colors and you can find it here.

Peachy Keen: A Vintage Farm Inspiration Board in Peach and Green

This board makes me think of listening to a Dixie Chicks song while wearing a peach dress in a classic muscle car. I wanted to capture the sweet freshness of the colors peach and green; the yearning for summer days with a vintage sensibility.

Mood: 1950's nuptials on a peach farm using Grandma's china

Color Palette: Peach, green, ivory

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Peach Wedding Cake from Pizzazzerie, Peach Jam Wedding Favor, Milkglass Centerpieces via Green Wedding Shoes, Weddingbee's Mrs. Cowboy Boot's Bouquet by Erin of Plum Sage, Peach Basket and Burlap Bouquet by Simply Bloom Photography, Peach and Green Invitation by Etsy Seller Inkylivie, Necklace by Etsy Seller ABoxForMyTreasure, Centerpieces by Holly Chapple Flowers via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Vintage Style Alfred Sung Bridesmaid Dress via Dessy, Mason Jar Pew Decorations by The Flower Lab, Sweet Couple by Nataliya Cole Weddings via BorrowedandBleu.com