Board #491: Peach and Pumpkins

When I get emails from readers asking for help with colors or details, I'm usually able to point them in the direction of previous posts that fit their specifications. But when Jacqui emailed me with her dilemma, I thought it would be fun to make an inspiration board based on her ideas. She knew she wanted: an October wedding at a rustic barn venue (complete with Hank Williams cover band), navy and gray as the palette base, white Cinderella pumpkins, and autumn flowers. But she was having trouble coming up with an accent color that wasn't orange or red, but still seasonal, and then seeing how it would all come together. I chose peach as a seasonal accent color - it's unexpected, certainly, but it works so well with those pretty white pumpkins, especially when it comes in the form of in-season dahlias. So here we go - my interpretation of Jacqui's vision.

Mood: soft and rustic
Palette: navy blue, peach, white, brown

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Top row from left: blue and white tea towels from Martha Stewart Weddings, miniature Cinderella pumpkins, rose bouquet by Matthew Robbins, rustic barn venue from Charleston Weddings
Row 2: gray and white invitation by Hammer Press, lavender sachets from Martha Stewart Weddings, navy dress from Emersonmade, photo of apricot jam favor by Thayer Allyson Gowdy
Row 3: dahlia centerpiece by Saipua, gray striped straws via lolliblog, photo of Shaker style chairs by Tec Petaja, gold calligraphy on blue envelopes by Betsy Dunlap
Row 4: white pumpkins, peach dahlia from Carter & Cook, chalkboard in a vintage frame from Blue Bell Bazaar, dahlias in a galvanized bucket from Real Simple

Board #443: Persimmons & Porcelain

As a bride, I've really been trying to maintain perspective about my wedding choices, and when you look at weddings all day long like I do, it's definitely easy to get lost. It's no secret that I love the pretty details, but there's such a thing as too much. Instead, why not choose a few elements that matter to you and to make extra-special, focus on marrying the person you love and on being good hosts to your guests, and forget trying to style your wedding for a magazine/blog feature. Personally, I find understated elegance to be the most appealing look anyway! So, today's inspiration board is another attempt at finding that balance of beauty and simplicity...

I'm a total sucker for lush florals, especially when they include seasonal fruit like this arrangement from Saipua, with its giant dahlias and young persimmons. That arrangement served as the inspiration for this board: a late autumn/early winter wedding with unexpected rustic details. We seem to see mason jars everywhere these days, but this porcelain version is a refined update, and giving off a pleasant glow when used as a votive. A basket of ganache-filled egg shells is both farm-appropriate and a delightful surprise for your guests. As for the color scheme, ochre is an unusual choice, but used sparingly it adds subtle richness and depth to a backdrop of cream and barnwood gray - pops of golden yellow in the form of persimmons, the bride's bolero, and the velvet ribbon adorning her bouquet. Stationery pieces are printed on cream paper in black ink, allowing unique lettering to stand out.

Mood: heirloom rustic
Palette: cream, ochre, gray, brown

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Top row from left: centerpiece with dahlias and persimmons by Saipua, porcelain mason jar votive by Pigeon Toe Ceramics, calligraphy by Maybelle
Row 2: rustic apple tart photo by Gemma Comas, white ranunculus in vintage apothecary bottle photo by Tec Petaja
Row 3: birthday menu by Cynthia Warren (photo by Aya Brackett), bride with birdcage veil and ochre bolero photo by Rachel Thurston, brown and white invitation suite by Alee & Press, wine tumbler photo by Johnny Miller
Row 4: rustic farm building and chocolate ganache filled egg shells both from Martha Stewart Weddings, hand-drawn wedding invitation by Liam Stevens, bouquet with velvet ribbon from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #438: October Whimsy

Inspiration boards are back! If you want to give a bit of Halloween flair to your October wedding, without going all the way with jack-o-lanterns and candy corn, black-and-white stripes, checks, and silhouettes are the right color and add a certain whimsy. Just the smallest touches of orange make it a truly Halloween palette. But not a pumpkin in sight!

Mood: October whimsy
Palette: black, white, hints of caramel and orange

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Top row from left: bridesmaid with black cardigan photo by Jose Villa, gourmet candied apples from Michelle Rago, black candle holders from Wedding Style Guide, JM Flora anemone bouquet with black and white ribbon photo by Kate Headley
Row 2: s'mores from Brides, favors wrapped in black gingham photo by Gabriel Ryan via Green Wedding Shoes, fabric envelope photo by Marie Labbancz
Row 3: carnation boutonniere from Martha Stewart Weddings, strapless gown with black sash photo by Bonnie Tsang, silhouette garland photo by Leigh Miller

Board #437: Autumn Blue

It wouldn't be fall without a Snippet & Ink wedding board inspired by this gorgeous barn with the cream curtains... this time, though, I wanted to challenge myself to create a unique palette, incorporating some shade of blue. Of all the colors, blue is one of the toughest to make work for autumn, but if you choose the right hue (I've chosen a de-saturated navy), and the right materials (wool, linen, thick paper), I think it works beautifully. Unexpected and quirky, and totally rustic.

Mood: quirky rustic
Palette: subdued navy blue, rich burgundy brown, warm cream

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Top row from left: curtained barn from Brides, gold calligraphy on navy blue envelopes by Betsy Dunlap, buttercream cake with Jennifer Murphy cake topper photo by Josh Goleman, caramel poached pear dessert from Martha Stewart
Row 2: large white flower pin on navy blue dress and small white dahlia place setting both from Emersonmade, blue patterned paper chocolate bars by Mast Brothers, hanging votive lights in jars
Row 3: plaid wool from The Red Salt Box, letterpress notecard and envelope by Austin Press, fall bouquet with oak leaves and peonies by Emily Thompson Flowers from Brides, retro getaway car by Maria McBride

Board #435: Autumn Yellow

Okay, before moving on to the inspiration board, I have to remind everyone that you have until midnight on Friday to enter the NYC engagement shoot giveaway! Don't miss out!

My goal with today's inspiration board was to demonstrate how yellow can be used in an autumn wedding, though I think this would work equally well for a late summer event. Slightly golden yellow, the brown of that warm, worn wood that you find on gorgeous old farm tables, and warm cream... perfectly cheery for a sunny autumn day.

Mood: sunny, warm
Palette: golden yellow, oak, cream

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Top row from left: church in a field of yellow flowers photo by Allyson Magda, small golden butterfly paintings by Koelle Art via Poppytalk, yellow church bell invitation by Two Trick Pony, wood block table number photo by Jose Villa
Row 2: yellow pom-pom place setting via Lillyella, bouquet with roses, billy buttons and feathers by Saipua, various yellow ribbon photo by Stephanie Williams, bride with yellow ballet flats from Wedding Style Guide
Row 3: birdcage veil photo by Jennifery Dery, cake with yellow ranunculus and gold ribbon trim photo by Rachel McGinn, yellow dahlia boutonnieres by Small Stump & Studio Choo via {frolic!}, letterpress monogram card by Austin Press

Board #434: Dinner Beneath the Trees

Before I forget... make sure that you stop by later today for a big announcement. I've teamed up with the talented guys at A Bryan Photo to bring you an amazing giveaway that you won't want to miss!

Okay, now on to the inspiration board... It's easy for orange to get out of control, which is part of why I like this inspiration board so much - there's enough orange to feel like fall, but nothing overwhelming. For today's wedding board I imagined an intimate outdoor dinner, with sweet and simple details - ribbons in the trees, mismatched chairs, a woodland-inspired dessert buffet, and a tweed suit for the groom, of course!

Mood: intimate, rustic
Palette: autumn green, bittersweet orange, tweed brown

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Top row from left: fall table setting under the trees by Matthew Mead Style, rustic orange ranunculus bouquet from Brides, fall wedding ceremony under the trees via Oh Happy Day
Row 2: short vintage-inspired wedding dress by Stephanie James Couture, Bari Zaki envelope with vintage stamps
Row 3: faux bois cake and woodland dessert buffet from Martha Stewart Weddings, centerpiece with roses and grape leaves from Napa Valley Celebrations, flower girls with bittersweet wreaths from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: tweed suit via The Sartorialist, rustic piano photo by Leigh Miller, fruit crate floral arrangements from Custom Event Group

Board #432: Pink and Sepia

Happy first day of fall everyone! Though I will certainly be posting some classic, rustic autumn inspiration boards this season, right now I'm really having fun playing with the idea of what works for fall. Can sweet pale pink be part of an autumn palette? I've paired it with cream and, most importantly, sepia, to give it a vintage look that would make for a stunning fall color scheme. Imagine fall leaves and acorns dusted with gold, rich textiles in shades of brown and pink, and I think you'll see what I'm aiming for here. And though I sort of imagined this as a tea party wedding reception, it would certainly work for a luncheon, sit-down dinner, or dessert and champagne celebration.

Mood: sweet nostalgia with an autumn touch
Palette: sweet pink, sepia gold, cream

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Top row from left: room with wallpaper and radiator via This is Glamorous, peach ranunculus bouquet by Saipua, pink and gold stationery from Martha Stewart Weddings, Twigs & Honey vintage bridal fascinator photo by Elizabeth Messina
Row 2: silhouette sugar cookies photo by Sarah K. Chen, vintage floral print dress with sweet pea bouquet by Wild at Heart via {frolic!}, peach and sepia garden rose bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, gold jewelry and dish via Perfect Bound
Row 3: guest book from Wedding Style Guide, gold orchid and millinery flower bouquet and cornucopia napkin place setting both from Martha Stewart Weddings, afternoon tea via Design*Sponge

Board #428: Autumn Gold and Icy Blue

Okay, I know I used those darling paper rosettes in yesterday's inspiration board, but when I started making this one, how could I leave it out? It was entirely too perfect for this look! Again, I tried to put a twist on a more traditional autumn wedding look, by pairing sweet pale blue with rich gold. This could easily translate to a winter wedding, too, or even spring or summer if done well.

Mood: whimsical harvest
Palette: icy powder blue, rich golden ochre, warm white

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Top row from left: gold leaf hair wreath by Ban.do, gold-foil pear place card via 100 Layer Cake, blue trailer photo by Elizabeth Messina, Edgardo Bonilla dress on gold sofa from D Magazine
Row 2: escort cards in gold ribbon and branches from Martha Stewart Weddings, pale blue strapless dress by Samuelle Couture, gold banded wedding cake from Rebecca Thuss, gold pear still life by Matthew Mead Style
Row 3: tissue rosettes by A.Hana Design, lily bouquet with gold and blue ribbons by Ariella Chezar, gold and pale blue invitation suite from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #427: Playground Love

Though I absolutely love rustic fall weddings, I'm trying to push myself by creating inspiration boards that aren't what you might think of as typical autumn color schemes and ideas. Here, apples are an autumn-appropriate motif, with vintage school pieces adding a playful element. Though red and shades of brown are classic fall colors, pops of pale blue keep things unexpectedly fresh, and a bright white backdrop keeps things light. Bundles of customized pale blue pencils would be sweet favors for your guests, and apples should certainly be incorporated into centerpieces, whether in baskets or scattered among floral arrangements. And if you could find an old schoolhouse to host your wedding, well what could be more perfect?

Mood: playful, vintage, whimsy
Palette: crisp white, pale powder blue, apple red, yellows and browns

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Top row from left: buttercream cake with apples, pears, currants from Rebecca Thuss, vintage school furniture from Three Potato Four, centerpiece with cream roses and fruit photo by Anna Kuperberg
Row 2: books with brown ribbon and rings from Chewing the Cud, blue and yellow tissue paper rosettes by A.Hana Design
Row 3: red typewriter and flashcards via Oh Joy!, love buttons by Busy Beaver, apple tart with cherry photo by Lisa Lefkowitz, blue desk with red apple photo by Mandy Lynne
Row 4: muscari boutonnieres photo by Jose Villa, white blouse and pale blue tulle skirt from Martha Stewart Weddings, envelope with birds and twine by Linea Carta via Brooklyn Bride, red dahlia bouquet with begonia leaves photo by Meg Smith

Board #425: Autumn Olive Green

With temperatures here in Austin still in the 90s, it's definitely tough for me to get my brain in autumn mode, but I know there are some fall brides out there seeking inspiration! Plus, it's September - time for some rich color palettes and rustic elements. Make an oft-used palette like green and brown, new. Instead of green apple and chocolate, use shades of olive and deep caramel. Pull in unusual elements like dramatic pheasant and guinea feathers to create a beautiful twist on a classic look. And of course, don't forget miniature apples and pears to round out the autumn event.

Mood: rustic early fall
Palette: olive green, warm cream, deep caramel brown

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Top row from left: vintage cream lace necklace by White Owl, bride in pheasant feather hat photo from Weddings Unveiled, olive green tie with brown sweater photo by Ben Blood, miniature candied apples from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: Dom Perignon champagne from Allure Consulting, bouquet with dusty miller and anemones by Ariella Chezar, brown and cream menu with whimsical font from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: large white peony pin by Emersonmade, ranunculus and pheasant feather bouquet photo by Laura Ryan, miniature pear place card from Brides, Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Row 4: faux bois invitation suite from Martha Stewart Weddings, lantern-lit stairs via {frolic!}, vintage olive green velvet sofa photo by Elizabeth Messina, pheasant feather place setting via Perfect Bound

Board #403: Apples and Horseshoes

Even though we're in the middle of summer, I know there are some autumn brides out there looking for inspiration. And since it's one of the most beautiful times of year, I didn't think the rest of you would mind this autumn wedding board, with it's horseshoe motif and caramel apple details.

Mood: autumn on the farm
Palette: caramel, cinammon, orange

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Top row from left: photo by Union Photo, flowers by Ariella Chezar, tweed suit by John Varvato, jam favors photo by Suzy Clement
Row 2: venue from Martha Stewart Weddings, caramel apples from Rebecca Thuss, envelope and horse both from Wedding Style Guide
Row 3: cherry boutonniere from Martha Stewart Weddings, horseshoes from Brides, candles in mason jars, caramel apple cake from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #291: Golden Autumn Days

Hello friends! I'm sorry about the late post today - I finished this inspiration board on the later side last night, and since I'm coming down with a cold, I couldn't bring myself to stay awake long enough to post it. But, despite my head being in a total fog, here it is. This is what I consider a perfectly refined - without being fussy - yet rustic autumn wedding board for October first. Though I've used it before, I wanted to pull together another inspiration board around the barn in the upper left corner, but nothing seemed to work until the very talented Elizabeth Dye posted about her clever cocktail dress made from an old wedding gown. Once I saw that, I knew just what this autumn wedding board should look like.

Mood: unfussy refinement, autumn rustic
Palette: barnwood, pumpkin-gold, plum red

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Top row from left: barn from Brides, calligraphy by Maybelle, bench photo by Elizabeth Messina, dress by Elizabeth Dye
Row 2: centerpiece styled by Molly Findlay via Oh So RB, steel guitar photo by Abigail Seymour, getaway car from Brides, vintage mailbox "guest book" from Grapevine Weddings
Row 3: candle photo by Gertrude & Mabel, old-timey poster invitation via Black Eiffel, fall foliage bouquet and tiered Madina Vadache dress both from Brides
Row 4: stack of gold rings by Hannah Clark, monogrammed bread by Poilâne via La Dolce Vita, Pennington Berry Farm jams

Board #133: Raney's Tennessee Wedding

Raney is a friend of my dear friend Elizabeth, and she's getting married in September in Tennessee. As far as the wedding goes, Raney's way more excited about being married to the love of her life than planning all the details - which, if you're going to be excited about one or the other, is definitely the way to go. And there's people like me who love the details, so that works out well! I hope this board is helpful to you, Raney!

Mood: charming and bright
Palette: tan, chocolate brown, bright yellow

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Top row from left: Lena Corwin's invitations via Brooklyn Bride, car pom poms from Martha Stewart Weddings, bouquet by Ariella Chezar, photo by Leigh Miller
Row 2: truffle cake by April Reed, flowers by Ariella Chezar, photo by Meg Smith, mini cookie jar favor from Rebecca Thuss
Row 3: bridesmaids and ceiling lights both from Jo Gartin, J.Crew dress from Brides, boutonniere via {frolic}

Board #127: Acorn Stash

Loving green acorns!

Mood: eco-chic, woodsy
Palette: green, brown, ivory

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Top row from left: bouquet from Michelle Rago (photo by Dasha Wright), Lara Helene dress from Brides, invitation suite by Bird & Banner, Marie Labbancz photo via The Bride's Cafe
Row 2: photo from Lena Corwin, cake by The Cake Girls, bouquet by Artfool
Row 3: acorn wreath by Ariella Chezar, seating card from Brides, photo from Jo Gartin, boutonnieres via Sew That's It

Board #75: Rustic Cranberry and Orange

This board is for Adana, who is having a rustic September wedding. Her color scheme is cranberry and tangerine, and she wants to incorporate fruit rather than floral centerpieces. Here is my take on that idea.

Mood: warm, rustic
Palette: cranberry, tangerine

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Top row from left: dress from J. Crew, box of fruit photo by Dasha Wright, image from Stephanie James, bouquet by Pico Soriano Designs
Row 2: tie from The Knot, bouquet via Oh Happy Blog, dress from Brides, boutonniere via {frolic}
Row 3: bouquet from MS, photo from Flickr, cake via Style Me Pretty, Christine Farah via An Excited Bride
Row 4: photo from Washington State Tourism Pressroom, bouquet, origami guest book from MS

Update! Take a look at this fabulous envelope and liner by Atelier Isabey via Brooklyn Bride. I think it would work perfectly for this event.

Board #73: Autumn Vineyard

Love the fall. Love vineyards. And they're oh so pretty put together...

Mood: vineyard rustic
Palette: green, deep purple, brown

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Top row from left: bouquet by Ariella Chezar, dress from Stephanie James, photo from Perspecta Photography, grape sorbet and grape pie both from MS
Row 2: boutonniere via An Excited Bride, centerpiece from Dandelion Ranch, vineyard grapes, photo by Anna Kuperberg
Row 3: table setting from MS, table number via House Martin, cake from MS, invitations by Karisa Winkel

Board #51: The Apple of My Eye

Yesterday I posted a board based around one flower. Today's board is based around another single element: apples. Apples are so charmingly rustic, and you can make them part of an equally rustic event, but they can also work perfectly at an elegant wedding: tiny candied apples passed by servers, as place cards with paper leaves, sugared as a cake decoration. I would also use a vintage apple crate label as inspiration for wedding stationery to keep the theme running throughout.

Mood: rustic elegance
Palette: apple colors (red, green, gold, brown), white

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Top row from left: shirt and skirt from MS, escort cards from Brides, table and candied apples both from MS
Row 2: dessert buffet from Rebecca Thuss, photo via {frolic}, photo by Alan Maudie, cake via Brooklyn Bride
Row 3: photo by Mel Barlow, photo by Aaron Almendral, apple blossom card by Sarah Parrott
Row 4: ring pillows from MS, vintage label from The Label Man, envelope labels by Two Girlz Stuff

Board #48: Autumn on the Beach

I've had a request for a beach wedding, in the fall, with deep pink as a main color. Here is how I imagine that type of event. I don't know what beaches are like in other places during the fall, but where I grew up they're pretty cold and foggy. Deep pink can really warm things up, and chocolate brown echoes other fall colors. I also love the use of indoor furniture outdoors - setting up a comfortable lounge area or "living room" on the beach is so unexpected and pretty. I would definitely supply guests with blankets, and a bonfire once the sun goes down would be fantastic.

"Didn't she just post a pink and brown board?" you ask.

Sure, but this one is different! Isn't it incredible how the same color palette doesn't necessarily mean the same mood or feel of a wedding? I think it's great to have color in mind, because it helps keep things focused, and it helps pull the event together, but there so many other factors that go into creating an event (setting, season, formality, etc.).

Mood: intimate, picturesque
Palette: deep pink, chocolate brown

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Top row from left: cake from MS, photo via, flowers by Ariella Chezar, cupcakes via Black Eiffel
Row 2: boutonniere from Brides, Oscar de la Renta dress from Brides UK, bouquet from MS, photo via Black Eiffel
Row 3: pink ranunculus, outdoor "living room," seashell chocolates from Wedding Things
Row 4: calligraphy by Linea Carta, table number from Brides, Dear Olive seashell card via Love Made Visible, bouquet from MS

Board #24: October Gave A Party

Have you had enough Autumn inspiration yet? Clearly, I haven't! This post over at Toast and Tables motivated me to create yet another very Autumn board. This one seems a little more refined than the others, without sacrificing any of the harvest style the season demands.

Mood: gracious abundance
Palette: brown, orange, gold

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Top row from left: pumpkin seating cards from Brides, amber ring from Talisman Jewelers, hairstyle from The Knot, bittersweet wreath from Marston House
Row 2: apple ciders, calligraphy by Betsy Dunlap, photo via Toast and Tables, Sarah Arnett dress from Brides UK
Row 3: cake from The Knot, photos via Toast and Tables, photo from MS, Simonetta at Brides UK
Row 4: Dean and Deluca pumpkin whoopie pies, bouquet from Brides, gift wrap from Carolyn Roehm, bouquet from Brides

If you want even more inspiration, take a look at these lovely quotes about Autumn. Any one of these could make for a nice addition to an invitation or program.

Board #21: Homespun Charm

Outdoor weddings are common in spring and summer, but how about an outdoor wedding to celebrate early fall? Sweaters, bobbing for apples, and a simple backyard feel for close friends and family.

Mood: homemade, delightful
Palette: red, green, brown

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Top row from left: photo by Susan Stripling, bouquet from Brides, bakers twine from The Paper Princess, photo from MS
Row 2: envelope from Jam Paper, photo via Brooklyn Bride, photo from Brides, Phillipa Lepley from Brides UK
Row 3: locket photo from The Knot, Pronovias from Brides UK, caramels via Oswego Tea, cake from Rebecca Thuss, lights via Black Eiffel
Row 4: tweed clutch via enjoy: {the blog}; grill, benches and wagon photos all from Brides

Update! Check out this adorable picture over at {frolic} - it fits the feel of this board so well.