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.

It's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

I'm back!

I don't really have a good excuse for being gone. I found out in the beginning of June that we are expecting #6 to arrive sometime at the end of January. And then the funniest thing happened. Along with the aversions to some of my favorite foods (coffee, salads) came an unexplainable aversion to want to have anything to do with this blog! Never mind the fact that life became somewhat of a mere existence, just trying to keep my head above water and not drown in the overwhelming weariness of the first trimester. It was a good day if I got the dishes done, a load or two of laundry to go, and supper made in time for hubs to get home. Blogging just felt somewhat out of the realm of possibility, even if I had been interested.

But, along with September came the kids' return to school, the beginning of the 2nd trimester, and renewed energy and a sense of new beginning. It feels so good!

So. I am hoping to be back to posting regularly again.

succulents in cups
lanterns
candle jars
buffet
favors

Family Reunion

Family Reunion, originally uploaded by findingcalminchaos.

Row 1: Party Sign from Cox and Cox, Lanterns (the knot), Croquet (BHG)
Row 2: Flag Bunting from Etsy Seller, Cookie Jars image by Amor*ology via Oh Happy Blog, Bottle Tops
Row 3: Photo Booth from {frolic!}, Crayons (the knot), Sandwich (BHG)

Now, my sisters will probably just about die when they see what I have posted here, as this event is supposed to be Simple! Easy! and Informal! (You see, I have a habit of making these things too complicated) Never fear, my dears. This is just for fun. Although, I did try to keep this board real, as in we ARE hoping to incorporate quite a few of the elements. (Photo booth, Croquet, Cookies) I'll try to post a few pics of the real event in a few weeks.

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