A Marie Antoinette Inspired Board

For the most part, I try to create boards that would work for the budget bride. This is probably not one of them, *in painfully fake French accent* but we all deserve a little of ze fantasy in our lives, non? And what better historical figure than the controversial Marie Antoinette to inspire a wedding of delicious opulence and grandeur? It makes me want to eat petits fours in a bubble bath under a rococo chandelier, which I want to do all the time, but is alas, impractical. So on to the board!

Mood: A dreamy confection of a wedding a la Marie Antoinette

Color Palette: Cream, gold, powder blue, blush pink

Artifacts of Inspiration: Marie Antoinette, rococo, 18th century France, Versaille gardens, feathers, gilt, crystal chandeliers

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

Marie Antoinette Wedding Hair by Sergerius Bruce Photography, Dessert Table by Julie at Strawberry Milk Event Design Studio and photo by David Hartcorn via United with Love, "Antoinette" by Ian Stuart, Marie Antoinette opulent earrings by Etsy Seller laralewis, Cameo votives via Martha Stewart Weddings, Rococo Table Setting by Tab McCausland via The Wedding Chicks, Marie Antoinette Table by Aileen Tran, Feather and Crystal Rose Bouquet, "The Marie Antoinette Collection" by Peggy's Cupcakes via 5starweddingdirectory.com, Marie Antoinette Flower Girl by Like Flowers and Butterflies

A Little Something Extra:

I just discovered event stylist Aileen Tran of Karen Tran Florals and I'm swooning--wedding blogs use that word a lot, but it's appropriate here, swooning!--over her work. I had trouble choosing just one photo from her French Vintage Tabletop, so I included some a few more luscious images below. You can see more of her work at http://aileentran.com/blog/.

Inspiration Board #10: A Cozy Fall in Ireland for Niamh

Niamh is seriously having one of my fantasy weddings: a fall gathering in West Cork, Ireland, parts of which look like this:

At a hotel with views like this:

*SIGH* I'm swooning with envy. Niamh loves lanterns and lighting, and had picked deep purple as one of her colors. She knew she wanted her wedding to feel like a warm, fall celebration, filled with a sense of family and friends oriented coziness. Here's what I came up with:

Niamh hails from Ireland if her awesome name didn't tip you off, and her husband-to-be is Canadian. She wanted to incorporate some elements that paid homage to their origins. I thought maple syrup favors were both perfect for fall and her fiance's Canadian heritage, while the backdrop and some place cards embossed with a golden claddagh could give a nod to their home countries without being over-the-top or cliched. I also love the idea of postcards from their hometowns, places they've visited or are honeymooning, and even where they're guests are from that could take the place of a guestbook. A variety of pies instead of cake contribute to a cozy, family feel, and depending on your caterer can be cheaper because they don't include cake-cutting fees. Apple cider and hot toddies evoke a fall mood better than plain coffee. Add different styles of lanterns, and some DIY fall candles and grapevine balls, and you have a magical autumn evening.

Mood: Autumn festival of lights with the people you love best.

Color Palette: Rich purple, golds, cranberry, touches of sage green

Photo credits above: West Cork, Ireland, Local View from the Dunmore House Hotel

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

Pie Table with Lanterns by Sarah Remington Photography via Style Me Pretty, Gold Lantern Decor, Hot Toddy Picture and Recipe, Postcard Guestbook via thebigmouthbride.com, Fall Table with Candles and Grapevine Balls via The Knot, Firefly Lightning Bug Lanterns With Moss by Etsy Seller braggingbags, Maple Syrup Favors from FavorStudio.com, Deep Purple Bridesmaid Dress from Dessy, Lantern Decorated Pews via Intimate Weddings, Purple Tie and Bout via The Knot, Fall Leaves Candles via WeddingbyColor, Burgundy, Eggplant, & Merlot Bouquet by The French Bouquet in Tulsa, Dreamy Church Wedding by One Love Photo via 100LayerCake