Wedding Inspiration- Lilac and Buttercream

My creation, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Fan Program, Reception Tables, Fruit Picks
Row 2: Bouquet, Centerpieces, Lanterns
Row 3: Candy Buffet, Seed Sachets, Bike

Wedding Inspiration- Lavender and Brown

Wedding Inspiration- Lavender and Brown, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Hair Flower, Boutonnieres, Wedding Sign
Row 2: Bridesmaids, Groom, Bouquet
Row 3: Details, Window Frame, Chalkboard Menu
Row 4: Tarts, Cake, Lanterns

Avocado and Plum

Purple and Green, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Invitation (the knot), Bride (the knot), Shoes (Tanya Goodwin via Perfect Bound)
Row 2: Reception (the knot), Bouquet (the knot), Pears
Row 3: Tie (the knot), Votives (via Once Wed), Photo Collage (the knot)
Row 4: Cake Topper (via Once Wed), Wish Tree (via Ritzy Bee), Car (Brides)

This post has taken me forever to put together, and I am still not happy with the way it turned out. I was trying to put together a somewhat casual look using dark purple and avocado green against a warm, rustic backdrop. So, while I haven't had much to show for it, I have been devoting quite a bit of time on this! I thought the image below nicely captured the feel of this board, but I wasn't able to use the image in that application.

Warm Autumn- Orange and Turquoise

Wedding Inspiration- Orange and Turquoise, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Wagon (Brides), Shawl (Etsy), Bridesmaid (The Knot)
Row 2: Invitation (Etsy), Bouquet (Brides), Seating Cards (The Knot)
Row 3: Tweed Suit (The Knot), Children (Brides), Carame Apple (Brides)
Row 4: Necklace (Etsy), Ring Pillow (The Knot), Aisle (The Knot)

We learned an important lesson at our house recently. Never dump a glass of lemonade on the laptop keyboard. It will wreck the computer. So, that is why I have been MIA for a while here...

Thought I would put together a "fall" wedding board, using the traditional orange. But, I thought the turquoise accent gave it a pleasant twist. I love the idea of using tweed for the men's suits. And the shawl would be perfect either for the bridesmaids, or the bride herself for some fun pictures, and to keep warm following the ceremony and into the evening.

Green and White Hydrangeas

Wedding Inspiration- Green Hydrangea, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Table (Brides), Bouquet (the Knot), Cake (the Knot)
Row 2: Pew Decor (the Knot), Shoes (the Knot), Napkin (the Knot)
Row 3: Iced Tea Station (Brides), Suit (the Knot), Program (the Knot)
Row 4: FG/ RB (the Knot), Pear Vases (the Knot), Limeade Favors (the Knot)

I think this has to be my favorite board so far. Could be because of the green, could be the hydrangeas (another favorite of mine), could be that I just like the simple, classic color palate.

Rustic Victorian

Victorian Visits the Country, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row one: Strawberry Pie (MS), Reception Shed (the Knot), Wedding Dress (Brides)
Row two: Bicycle Built for Two (Brides), BM Dress (Rebecca Thuss), Table setting (the Knot)
Row three: Typewriter guest book (the Knot), Floral Centerpiece (the Knot), Invitation (via frolic!)

I'm feeling rather "autumnal", and thus the rich jewel tones of this board, mixed in with rustic fall countryside. I picture lush, textured fabrics (velvet and burlap). While I would keep the ceremony decor to a minimum and allow the beauty of nature to set the tone, for the reception I would take things up a notch. I love the idea of contrasting the simple setting of the shed with an abundance of mixed jewel-toned flowers and fruit. The meal would also showcase the bounty of nature, with succulent fruits and veggies accompanying each dish.

Happy Flag Day!

Flag Day Wedding Inspiration, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Dessert Buffet via Lucky Me, Parfaits (MS), Dress, Mini Burger (MS)
Row 2: Reception Table, Flag Planter (MS), Mini Pie Favors found via S&I, Ceremony (Red Barn Studios)
Row 3: Suit by JCrew, Red Barn (Red Corral Ranch), Cake (MS) found via Wedding Inspirations, Stationery by Bellis
Row 4: Bouquet from Etsy seller tinarie21, Reception (Red Barn Studios), Flags from Country Living Magazine, Trike from Brides, via S&I

In recognition of Flag Day falling on a Saturday this year, I thought I'd do a Flag Day Wedding Board. Could be used for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or (in the instance the stationery was designed for) a couple who met through their politically tied jobs! No matter which side of the isle you are on, and in a time of political dis-satisfaction in this country, I still say we live in the greatest nation on earth. So, get out your flag and fly it with pride! (or don't. 'cuz that IS what makes this nation so great.)

I'd love to see an old upright piano used for the prelude music (you're a grand old flag), as well as the more traditional ceremony tunes. I like the look of a vintage-styled, knee-length white dress with red accessories- a red sash at the waist, simple red bead necklace and red shoes. A short or bird-cage veil would be cute as well. I think the key to pulling this off without making it feel too cheesy, is to choose a venue that naturally lends itself to the colors, for example the red barn with white trim that is used here. Then, use the colors of red, white and blue generously, but be selective in actually using the flag so that it doesn't feel overdone.

***Update: I just came across this lovely photo while perusing {frolic!}

***Update #2: The perfect table setting from Rebecca Thuss

Modern Formality, Teal and Golden Yellow

Modern Formality, Teal and Golden Yellow, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Church from The Knot, Petal Bouquet from MS, Dress from Brides
Row 2: Calligraphy by Laura Hooper via S&I, Cake from the Knot, Mango Puree from the Knot
Row 3: Reception Lounge from The Knot, Vest & Tie via amazon.com, Teal Car via Flickr

Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Wall decals by Blik via Velocity, Bridesmaid Dress, Cake, Shoes all via theknot.com
Row 2: Shirley Plantation via flickr, Invitation by Idieh Design via Toast and Tables, Dress by Alfred Angelo via Brides.com
Row 3: Umbrellas, Reception both via the knot
Row 4: Reception Tent from the Knot, Groom via Brides, Bouquet, Table Centerpiece

This board was inspired by the image of the invitation. I liked the unique and quirky aspects of it, as well as the variety of color. I imagined a ceremony held on the front porch of an old, Southern plantation home, with the ceremony held in a nearby tent. I was looking for a touch of southern formal, toned down by a barrage of muted bold colors. I like the idea of using historical figures for table names, or another option would be vintage tea tins like these from Martha, for a nod to the past.

Black and White Formal Meets Country

Black and White Formal Meets Country, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Credits:

Row 1: Chandelier via {frolic!}, Dress Nordstrom's, Veil here, Bouquet via The Knot,
Row 2: Suit Nordstrom's, Anemone Ribbon Bout via InStyle Weddings, B-Maid dress from J. Crew, Bouquet via The Knot,
Row 3: Programs via The Knot, Barn, Reception via The Knot, Guest Book via {frolic!},
Row 4: Escort Card Crystals via The Knot, Reception via The Knot, Children Peeking via The Knot, Candy Buffet,
Row 5: Cake, Oreos and Milk, all from The Knot, Silhouettes via Etsy seller MissCrowland, Just Married Car via Brides

Please bear with me as I am a rookie at creating these boards. I realized once I put it all into this format that it looks rather busy and a bit awkward. I hope it still conveys the ideas I am trying to get across! Now, you tell me. What works? What doesn't? Does this all black and white board spell out f-u-n or y-a-w-n?

***Update: You have to check out Snippet and Ink's post today, Down Home Black Tie. So Cute!

The {B}old and the Beautiful

For this event, I am going for a look that I call "classy and sassy". For a lady who was brought up in the time when manners and grace were all the rage, yet carries with her a bit of spunk. I wanted to get away from the pastels and go more toward the jewel tones. So that translated into the following: pink became wine, peach became dark apricot or rust, yellow to gold.


I think of this location, only during the afternoon, say a 2pm event.



The invites: simple and straight-forward. Tucked inside a peach envelope for a bit of unexpected.


Arrangements, above and below, that pull these colors together. I like the black urn, below, over the glass vase.



I really like the idea of a wishing tree. Where guests could write their sentiments and well-wishes and so forth.

The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet.
- Robert Orben

Oh, to be seventy again.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., upon seeing an attractive woman on his 90th birthday

Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.
- Maurice Chevalier
For a fun twist on the program fan, why not print fun facts or trivia about the guest of honor? or
share stories about her life.
And then- time for cake. 80 candles not recommended.



Serve up the cake with delicious steaming hot cups of java. or tea. if you insist.


And, finally, a sweet little favor to end the afternoon. Adorable little baskets filled here with chocolate covered cherries. Could be fresh cherries as well. Or, chocolate covered chocolate. Just 'cuz I think she would be that kind of gal.

So. Tell me. Are you looking forward to turning 80?

P.S. As always, click on picture for link back to source.

Salmon, Sherbet and Gold

I think these invitations set the tone of this wedding just perfectly. The soft salmon and orange colors combined with an elegant font. Simple, classic and beautiful.


I envision a simple, white countryside church for the location. A recurring theme of soft pastel roses is introduced here with the matching wreaths.


Even on the inside, I would keep it simple and beautiful. Notice the lack of flower arrangements, pew decor, etc. The simple architecture and abundance of light speak for itself, and allow the focus to be on the wedding ceremony and its meaning. Beautiful music would be a must, possibly a cellist to play for the processional, flute or harp as a background during the vows, and trumpet recessional. Although, I don't know that it would matter the style of the wedding, I would always pair it with beautiful hymns and classical pieces.

The bride's attire is a touch more detailed, but I think it still works. For some reason, when I saw this dress, it just spoke to me as the perfect look for this wedding. It still says classic beauty to me. You'll have to work with me on the bride's bouquet. This is the closest I could come to what I want here. A no-frills, full bouquet of soft orange roses. Like this, minus the darker roses and seeded eucalyptus.


Bridesmaids: A look similar to the bride, only softer, more subtle colors. Oh. And straps on the dresses. Why is it that it is so difficult to find modest wedding attire?




The groom and his men. I am digging the change from black. But, no pink ties for the guys here. Gold for the groom and light orange for the others, please. Call me old-fashioned I suppose.


Now. For the reception. I want to take the same color scheme, but up the fun factor. I think these escort cards are great- still playing off the invites, but the bird motif adds a touch of playfulness.

I like the look of this tent. The airy feel it has, and the big impact the stripes have, without being over-the-top. A bit playful, no?
This is adorable. Along with the sweets buffet, I think it would be fun to serve little mini pronto pups with gourmet dipping sauces, and chicken tenders (again with the sauces), and other mini fair-type foods. (Help me here! What else would work?)



Fresh squeezed lemonade and iced tea, or italian sodas fit the bill nicely.


There it is, once again. That simply pretty cake. That looks so yummy, too, without the overly sweet frosting that usually goes hand-in-hand with wedding cake. I think that is one of the reasons this cake caught my eye in the first place. It just looks delicious!


And, to bid your guests farewell, send them home with a blue-ribbon caliber jar of yummy goodness. These contain the dry ingredients for favorite cookie or bar recipes, along with the instructions on how to make them. It could also be home-made jams or jelly.


So, what do you think? Did I manage to pull this off, or does it feel like a mis-matched mess? Is it classic and traditional without being stuffy and boring? Elegant, but fun?

Soft as a Baby's *Blush*

I played off of the "shower" theme a bit, going for a fun, casual spring-like event. The hanging parasols bring that element in, while remaining true to the soft ivory and melon colors. This look could also be carried thru by placing paper lanterns (unlit) in the same colors in groupings on the tables.

I love the idea of this being a brunch shower, and serving the guests a simple brunch as they arrive. I would also have small fruit smoothies available adorned, of course, with little umbrellas.

The next element I would bring is is bunches of tulips, in soft, springy tones. Along with the above centerpiece, I picture small individual vases, each containing a single tulip in various shades, lined up along the center of the table.
Although this is kind of a poor image, I love the idea of incorporating baby pictures as decor, either of the parents-to-be, or the guests. (Would have to request them ahead of time.) Clipped to twine using wee little tiny 1" clothespins, of course.

I thought these little note cards could easily be adapted into invites, or purchased as is from Etsy seller sentimentaljourney and used as the perfectly coordinating gift card when you give these shoes below!
Are those not absolutely adorable?? Click picture for link on to how to DIY, courtesy of the lovely and gracious Martha.

And, finally, the inspiration cake that started it all. Is this all coming together now? Following brunch, I would have the gift opening, so as to give everyone a chance to work up their appetites for dessert! And for an added dose of sweetness, serve it up with these adorable bottled lemonades, below.




Last, but not least, send your guests on their merry way, tip-toeing through the tulips and splashing in the puddles, with these in hand:


Sweet little favors to take home and plant- bulbs for the season. These could also be done up in muslin or flour sack bags, or cellophane, with a fold-over label in coordinating colors.