Soft and Sweet: A Blush Pink and Gray Wedding

Feminine, but not girly, subdued but eye-catching, I love the combination of pale pink and gray. I love how the modern, almost industrial feel of slate gray is balanced by the vintage softness of blush.

Mood: Intimate and sweet, personal touches meets elegant styling

Color Palette: Palest pink and dove gray

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

Pink and Gray Ring Pillow by Etsy Seller TheBloomingSouth, Gorgeously Textured Cake by Magpies Bakery, Gray Suit and Pink Tie by Shelly from Union Photography via Snippet and Ink, Bouquet and Chair by Simply Bloom Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Chanel Shoes and Gray Couch by Elizabeth Messina via The Sweetest Occasion, Pink Pleated Ruffle Flower Girl Dress by Wedding Gowns Shop, Centerpiece and Table Number by Aaron Delesie via Ruffledblog, Paper Straws and Drink Stirrers by Amanda Wilcher via Style Me Pretty, Gray Bridesmaid Dresses with Pink Sashes by Bret Cole via Once Wed

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

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.

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

Alice in Wonderland Inspiration Board

There are so many things I love about the different versions of  Alice in Wonderland: the Victorian aesthetic of the original book's engravings, the happy sweetness of the Disney version, and Tim Burton's lush imagery, the sense of wonder and whimsy without the sugary pastels. For decor, you could use either real or print cut-outs of clocks, antique books, skeleton key place cards, and trees hung with teaspoons and playing cards. Flowers bursting from teacups and teapots could serve as centerpieces. A dessert table of little cakes and heart shaped tarts begs for tags reading "Eat Me." Check out the deets below for more info on where to buy!

Mood: Magic and whimsy meet vintage garden party

Color Palette: Periwinkle blue, black, dark pink, brass, accented with shades of brown

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

Skeleton Key Place Cards by Raw Photo Design via Style Me Pretty, Lazaro Bridesmaid Dress, Tree Decor from allthebeautifulthings by Loreta, Drink Me Tags by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Teacup Centerpiece from Events by Heather Ham, White Rabbit Thank You Card by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Antique Book, Teacup, and Clock Centerpiece by Three Nails Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, Croquet Set by Jessica Feely via Love and Lavender, Alice in Wonderland Decor by Alicia of Bows and Arrows via Marry You Me, Eat Me Toppers by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Alice in Wonderland Chair by Sarah Maren Photography via Style Me Pretty

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 #9: Art Nouveau Elegance

I bought my first Alphonse Mucha print in college and have been hooked ever since. I could probably do eight of these boards using different color palettes. Something about the pure, organic lines, the sexy, undulating curve, the effortless elegance of nature inspiring objects of art is so gorgeously realized in a wedding theme.

Mood: Ultimate elegance and whimsy at a high society affair.

Color Palette: dusty blue, bottle-glass green, antique rose, champagne

Artifacts of Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha, absinthe, turn of the century, the S curve

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

Bouquet by Brookelyn Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, Art Nouveau Invitation by Etsy Seller OldPaperAndPrints, Edwardian Jacket by Kilkenny Formal, Chiavari Chair and Cover by Melissa Jill Photography via BZEvents, Double Peacock Feather Necklace by Etsy Seller sparklyshoes, Jenny Packham "Fontaine" Dress via Wedding Inspirasi, Calla Lilies Centerpiece via The Dessy Group, Gold Birdcage by Heartistic Photo via Southern Weddings, Absinthe Favor by Lilia Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Art Nouveau Wedding Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, Art Nouveau Staircase via Belle Maison Interior Design, Bridal Crown by Twigs and Honey

A Little Something Extra:

I also adore the dress below and had to post it! I heart Romantic Threads and am currently trying to figure out a party formal enough for me to show up in full Victorian steampunk regalia. You can find this little number on sale for $175 here.

Inspiration Board #5: 1920s Southern Charm

If Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby met a whimsical, easy-going gal, and they inexplicably had access to photoshop, I think this is what their inspiration might look like. I don't know if "Boardwalk Empire" started the trend or is just reflecting the interest, but the 1920s are back--and horsefeathers! Don't I think it's the bee's knees!

Although I wanted to capture a 1920s sensibility, I also didn't want the board to feel like a cos-play pamphlet, hence the glaring absence of fringed flapper dresses and the slightly more modern layered, black dress above. But if your bridesmaids are bold enough to rock some fringe, get on with your bad self! I also wanted it to be *gasp* a tad more affordable. I just love the sleekness of the 20s aesthetic, every dress an ode to the line and silhouette. Besides, how could I not love a decade of fashion that considered flat-chestedness ideal? And that delicious white number above? It's $195.00. Check out the deets for all the cheap goodness.

Mood: 1920s dinner party in the summer

Color Palette: Black, cream, soft pinks, brass

Artifacts of Inspiration: The Great Gatsby, southern mansions, Al Jolson, mint juleps, art deco, frills, "Boardwalk Empire"

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

The Acacia Mansion, Amazing Headband from Twigs and Honey (Pretty much any of these would have worked for this board. They are all incredible and I spent way too long sighing over them.), Little Black Flapper Dress from GutsyGirl on Etsy, Incredible DIY Chandelier tutorial from weddinghigh.blogspot.com,Phonograph with CD Capability, Nataya Ivory Dress from RomanticThreads.com, Vintage Groom Suit Guide from Ruffledblog.com, Pink Balloons by Amanda Wilcher via StyleMePretty.com, Black Ikea Framed Monogram, 1920s Music Cover Art, Rose Centerpieces (SO simple and pretty. Some clear glasses + Wholesale Garden Roses = cheap and pretty centerpieces.), Art Deco Lantern Necklace by kneehighsnpigtails on Etsy

A little more on cheap sweetness:

Aviva Events has some excellent ideas on using Ikea products for wedding decor. Score! That frame above is only $29.99.
That black flapper dress from GutsyGirl is only $21.00!
Art Deco Lantern Necklace from kneehighsnpigtails is only $20.00!

1940s Movie Star Marries Cowboy: "The Spoilers" Inspiration Board

I adore classic film, and there's a special place in my heart for Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne. Like burlap and lace, or complementary colors, there's something about the contrast between these types that makes the other shine. Polished femme fatale + rough-and-tumble Man (capital "M"!) + rustic setting = good times. Their 1942 movie "The Spoilers" captures that equation perfectly. So what if a 1940s screen siren married the cowboy of her dreams in the wilds of Alaska? She'd stamp that saloon setting with her own fabulous style without compromising its rustic charm. Because that's how Marlene rolls.

Mood: Swanky 40s soiree with a Wild West backdrop

Color Palette: Chocolate brown, brass, candlelight, and antique lace

Artifacts of Inspiration: Marlene Dietrich + John Wayne, saloons, filigree, leather, crystals, a soundtrack that runs from Bing Crosby to The Delmore Brothers

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

Chandelier from the Dana Powers Barn, John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich, Tablescape by Elizabeth Anne Designs, Faux Fur Wrap from Etsy seller SpaZooie, Vintage Style Suitcases, Brooch, The Long Branch Saloon and Farms (This place is awesome, btw, a mini Wild West town replica. You can even hire bartenders, character actors, and run a casino--without real money--for events.), Brown Lace Cocktail Dress, Candelabra