Board #495: Champagne and Cake

The other day, I was revisiting one of my very favorite blogs, Faye & Greer. It was one of the first blogs I read, and it was one of the reasons I decided to start Snippet & Ink. Though it's been "out of service" for nearly three years, I still find ideas and inspiration there when I stop by and browse the archives. On this visit, I came across an inspiration board they made for a champagne and cake wedding, and I thought I'd expand on that look and idea for today's post.

Having a champagne and cake reception is such a sweet and sophisticated way of saving money on your wedding. Though I imagined a venue with a rustic feel to it, this type of wedding could easily translate to a garden setting, church hall, or historic building. Splurge on two or several gorgeous (and delicious) cakes, and buy champagne in bulk (some places will even let you return unopened bottles). Fabric rosettes appear on the bride's dress and the table linens, lending a feminine and romantic touch. Not that good wedding cake needs improvement, but vintage forks with mother-of-pearl handles are a glamorous detail. Send guests home with pretty packages of chocolate truffles.

Mood: romantic and warm (with just a touch of rustic and vintage)
Palette: champagne, sugar, rosé

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Top row from left: rustic ceremony photo at Mankas by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, wedding dress with rosettes from Rebecca Thuss, photo of peach ranunculus by Aaron Delesie, vintage-inspired wedding cake with sugar anemones by April Reed
Row 2: coconut cake slices from Rebecca Thuss, photo of peach and gold dresses by Cherry Blossom Girl via Dress Design Decor
Row 3: chocolate truffle wedding cake by April Reed, photo of champagne bridesmaid dresses by Aaron Delesie, classic pink stationery by Sugar Paper, mother-of-pearl flatware
Row 4: pink ranunculus centerpiece by Saipua, champagne chocolate truffles from Martha Stewart Weddings, photos of champagne bottles and rosette linens both by Aaron Delesie

Board #493: Blue & Spanish Moss

I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only bride who gets caught up in all of the zillions of pretty wedding things popping up all over the internet. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed, and to lose track of what's right for my own wedding - in going through my inspiration files, I realize that there are so many ideas I've saved that just plain don't fit with my own personal style. So I've been thinking about what exactly my personal style is, and I think if I had a motto* for my wedding it would be "timeless with a twist." Or maybe "classic not cookie cutter." I don't want to look back on my wedding twenty years from now and roll my eyes at how trendy it was, but I do want to feel like we made it our own. And though today's inspiration board is entirely different that what my own wedding will be (we're getting married in San Francisco in December, not in South Carolina in the spring), I think those two mottoes apply perfectly here.

(*I was going to say "aesthetic motto," but actually, this applies to our ceremony choices, too. Putting our personal touch on tradition.)

Mood: something old, something blue
Palette: brown paper, cream, faded Tiffany blue

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Top row from left: photo of oak trees with Spanish moss by Liz Banfield, photo of boy in seersucker suit by Sarah Rhoads, blue cardigan with vintage brooch styled by Shana Faust
Row 2: miniature pecan pies and red velvet wedding cake with sugar magnolia flowers both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: blue chairs via Oh Happy Day, magnolia flower photo by Alicia Bock, black and white photo by A Bryan Photo, vintage Mississippi stamp
Row 4: photo of vintage blue car by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, photo of vintage guest book journal by Jenny Liu, blue and lace ring pillow and paper-wrapped grits favor both from Martha Stewart Weddings

Make sure to stop by later for a beautiful wedding in the English countryside!

Board #492: Love and Surf

I was having so much fun thinking about where my honey and I might go on our honeymoon, and then we found out we might not be able to take one right away. So disappointing! But, one thing inspiration boards are good for (aside from helping to pull together a look for a wedding) is imagining, so I imagined up a trip to Hawaii...

Mood: Hawaiian casual
Palette: sand and surf, red and yellow

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Top row from left: surfboard photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, vintage surf postcard, tropical fruit wedding cake from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: tropical orchid bouquet by Matthew Robbins, photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, beach wedding from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: beach and palm tree photo from Real Weddings, popsicles via Ruby Press, red and yellow hibiscus in bud vases by Nancy Liu Chin via Green Wedding Shoes
Row 4: pink Hawaiian quilt from The Quilt Complex, ukelele photo by Dave Robbins, signature cocktails with dried pineapple garnish from Martha Stewart Weddings, surfboard and food truck photo by Ericka McConnell

Real Wedding: Megan & Eric

I just love the venue where Megan and Eric held their March wedding, the Farmers Market building in Oklahoma City. Says Megan, "We didn't really want the whole traditional wedding in a big fancy church. I really wanted something rustic and vintage with a lot of natural elements, and the OKC Farmers Market was absolutely perfect for this. It's big and old, with a lot of worn down areas that just add romance and character. The lighting at night is absolutely amazing, and there's a view of downtown behind the stage."






From Megan: Eric and I decided to see each other before the ceremony, and I am SO glad we did this. It helped calm both of our nerves and we didn't want our guests to wait a long time for us to take pictures in between the ceremony and reception. Also, I'm glad that Eric got to see me in my dress before all of our guests did.






My favorite moment was communion with Eric. It was literally the only moment where I felt like it was JUST us. It was such an intimate moment and I feel like I fell even more in love with him during it.


My sister, mom and I collected candles and glass candle holders in a variety of sizes, tied them with ribbon and twine, and lined the windowsills with them.







Photography: Josh McCullock

Venue: Farmers Public Market in Oklahoma City

Bride's dress: Maggie Sottero

Groom's suit: Men's Wearhouse

Music: DJ Pro Oklahoma

Congratulations Megan and Eric! Check out more from their wedding day over at the slideshow here on Josh McCullock's website.

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 #478: What's Old is New

I recently read an article (cannot for the life of me remember where I read it) about the resurgence of vintage style, and the desire for artisan, hand-crafted things, and how almost anywhere you look you'll see anachronistic jumbles of designs and things reminiscent of bygone days. Not that I needed to read an article to tell me this, but it did get me thinking about how this trend is certainly present in the wedding world. That, combined with this film about the inspiring architecture and design firm, Roman & Williams, plus my desire to incorporate Root Liquor into an inspiration board, all led up to today's post. Not everything here comes from the same era or region, but there's a common thread in the palette and feel of each element, and I don't think any of it takes itself too seriously except for that love of hand-crafting and thoughtful design. It's all mostly somewhat masculine, but I think the tiniest bit of blush pink could balance it nicely.

Mood: vintage, vintage, vintage
Palette: caramel, whiskey, leather

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Top row from left: peeling theater poster via Decorology, dapper gentleman via The Sartorialist, Leica camera via Dress Design Decor, Root Liquor from Art in the Age
Row 2: photo of picture frame wall by Elizabeth Messina, Western Union telegram wedding invitation by Greenwich Letterpress via Once Wed
Row 3: gramophone photo by Justin & Mary, brown and white striped necktie by Billy Reid, salted caramel and chocolate cake by Baked via Amy Atlas, cocktail ring photo by Johnny Miller
Row 4: Tobacco Warehouse photo by Raquel Reis, bistro table via The Bride's Guide, photo of apothecary jar "bud vase" by Tec Petaja, nude blusher veil by Che Bella via MSP Magazine

Board #470: Ivy & Brick

If you're just at the beginning of your planning, browsing around the internet for ideas, I'd like to make a suggestion. Instead of starting with a look or "vision" in mind, and then trying to find a venue that fits that vision (because if you're anything like me, you'll drive yourself totally bananas when you realize that the perfect* place doesn't exist), start with a budget, a guest list, and a date or two. Find a venue that fits those things, and then develop a vision from there. I know that some venues aren't inherently inspiring - more like blank slates - but if your venue is (inspiring, that is), why not let it spark your vision? That's what I had in mind when creating today's inspiration board, which is based entirely around the idea of an ivy-covered, brick-walled venue.

Mood: vintage urban
Palette: brick and ivy green

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Top row from left: topiary in terra cotta pot via Design*Sponge, ivy cascade bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, buttercream cake with olive leaf decorations photo by Jose Villa, ivy-covered brick wall photo by Anna Boudreau
Row 2: rose petal toss from Wedding Style Guide, bride and groom on balcony photo by Rebecca for Millie Holloman, rustic seating card display photo by Jose Villa, ivy plant wedding favor via {frolic!}
Row 3: galvanized tub of wine bottles from Brides, ivy covered basket photo by Belathee, banquet table in brick courtyard from Jo Gartin, vintage stamps

*A note on this word, perfect. Back when I was planning my wedding in what I like to call "Round 1," the biggest source of stress (okay, insanity) for me was the idea that my wedding had to be perfect. That it could be perfect. Perfect in the sense of perfectly scripted, costumed, directed, produced. But here's the thing. That's not a wedding day; it's a movie. An impossible goal, and you will make yourself crazy trying to achieve it - and miserable when it doesn't happen. For myself, I'd rather focus on having a day where I get to marry my best friend, hopefully surrounded by the people who love us, and hopefully followed by cake. I'm not sure it gets more perfect than that. (If you need more convincing that going for perfect isn't where it's at, Meg's got a great post on it over here.)

Board #469: Nest and Petal

It's been awhile since I posted a rustic barn inspiration board, and since it finally felt like spring here yesterday, I thought that today I'd post one that combines those two things. A lucky horseshoe motif on the invitations hints at the country location - and maybe set up a horseshoe pit for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour. We see so many autumn barn weddings, but white flowers, blossoming branches and chocolate quail eggs (in a little nest!) mean Spring, which I think is a nice "theme" for a slightly formal ranch wedding.

Mood: rustic, elegant spring wedding
Palette: nest brown, petal white

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Top row from left: formal table from D Magazine, barn photo by Weeks Photography, water bottle table number from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: horseshoe invitation suite and white cascade bouquet both from Wedding Style Guide
Row 3: branch and blossom arrangement by Artfool, peony centerpiece photo by Elizabeth Messina, buttercream cake photo by Union Photo, cocktail tables photo by Kimberlee Miller
Row 4: photo from Brides, twine-tied vintage silverware from Napa Style via Elizabeth Anne Designs, chocolate quail eggs from Martha Stewart Weddings, white flowers in zinc pots photo by Bret Cole

Board #451: Cotton & Blue

Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had delightful holidays, and maybe some left-over treats to make this Monday back at work a bit sweeter. I thought I'd pick up where we left off in December, with inspiration boards that take a less-is-more approach to wedding planning...

I absolutely adore this beautiful dress by Elizabeth Dye, and when I noticed the "nosegay" of raw cotton* in the model's hand, I was inspired to create this quaint winter wedding board. This would have been pretty in just brown and white, but a small amount of the faintest Tiffany blue adds a bit of visual interest, and allows this look to work as well in early spring as in winter. The tea-length dress, birdcage veil, locket, and champagne coupes are the perfect touch of vintage - sweet, not theme-y. Glassine envelopes filled with rice look pretty either plain or embellished with a custom rubber stamp. And how about this for a twist on DIY? Write out your wedding invitations by hand. It doesn't require craftiness or creativity, just nice enough hand-writing, pretty ivory paper, and good black ink. Not only is it traditional, it will also be a delightfully unexpected surprise for your invitees. Depending on the tone you're trying to set, you can either use traditional wording or you can write a personalized note to each guest.

(*Raw cotton is a wonderful decorative element during winter months when fresh flowers are either unavailable or frighteningly expensive, and it makes for unusual bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as beautifully rustic wreaths and centerpieces. You can order it online, or if you live in an area that grows cotton, see if a local farmer might let you have some on the cheap.)

Mood: sweet and quaint
Palette: cotton boll white, chocolate truffle, barely-there blue

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Top row from left: custom Beatrix dress by Elizabeth Dye, twine-bound letters photo by Elizabeth Messina, miniature bundt cake and wooden cake stand by Herriott Grace via Darling Dexter, birdcage veil by Twigs & Honey
Row 2: cotton branch wreath from Blue Moon Events, glassine packets of rice from Martha Stewart Weddings, chocolate truffles photo by Elizabeth Messina
Row 3: vintage locket from Deanna Littell's Charm School (published in Martha Stewart Weddings), champagne coupe photo via Kiss the Groom, country chapel photo by HH Fine Arts via {frolic!}, cotton boll bouquet from New York Magazine

I'm still totally smitten with the idea of a simple ceremony followed by a reception of champagne and dessert. It works with any number of guests - champagne and dessert makes for a perfectly lovely gathering of just a few close friends and family, but it's also not going to break the bank if your guest list is considerably bigger. Also, this type of reception doesn't require professional event planning experience. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely admire the beautiful work that event designers do, and have so much respect for the skill of planners and coordinators. But not everyone can afford (or wants) to hire one of these professionals, and for those who are planning a wedding without one, a dessert and champagne reception is manageable with help from a few friends and family members. Bake or purchase some pretty cakes and treats, pick up some chocolates from your favorite local shop (if you're in San Francisco, the caramel truffles at XOX are my personal favorite), buy some nice champagne in bulk, and borrow pretty cake plates and candy dishes from aunts and godmothers. Plus, there's something charming in a wedding that doesn't seem "produced."

Board #450: Gingerbread and Lavender

This is sort of a mini-inspiration board - it just worked better this way than with any of the other images I tried to fit into it. Sometimes less is more...

If you're a winter bride who loves lavender, how about a bouquet of dried lavender, wrapped in soft velvet ribbon? After the ceremony, treat your guests to dessert and champagne (I'm dead set on bringing this type of reception back, can you tell?). Gingerbread linzertorte is a perfectly appropriate, yet totally unexpected, winter wedding "cake." Each dessert certainly doesn't need to be color coordinated, but the table also doesn't have to look like a middle school bake sale. Arrange things thoughtfully, maybe with a small vase of flowers, and let this table of sweets be the focal point in the room. Unless you're lucky enough to hold your reception in a room with a working fireplace - that would be the perfect focal point for a winter wedding. You'll have one less thing to worry about if you skip the party favors, though you might make small glassine bags available for guests to take some chocolate truffles home with them.

So what do you think? Can you still get a sense of this wedding with only 6 images?

Mood: sweet and simple
Palette: gingerbread, faded lavender, rosé

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Top row from left: winter bride and groom from Brides, champagne coupes filled with rosé and chocolate truffles both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: gingerbread linzertorte from Martha Stewart, dried lavender bouquet with velvet ribbon photo by Elizabeth Messina, snow-topped church

Things are winding down here at Snippet & Ink - this is the last inspiration board of 2009! I've still got a few beautiful posts lined up for you, though, before heading out for the holiday. Later this morning, I'll be posting a beautiful shoot that Janie Medley, Courtney Spencer, Katie Stoops, and some other talented folks put together just for us! It's full of winter and holiday inspiration for a wedding or dinner party, so don't miss out on that. Also, don't forget to enter in the Ban.do giveaway before Thursday at midnight!

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 #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 #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 #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 #414: Kraft Paper & Twine

What could be simpler than kraft paper and twine? They are two of my favorite materials - so simple, yet so substantial, and each with such great textures. Hence this inspiration board, with its neutral - yet textured - color scheme, and uncomplicated look that would work equally well in a minimalist urban loft, or in a rustic old barn.

Mood: minimal, neutral
Palette: white, twine, kraft paper

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Top row from left: spoon via Brown Turtleneck Sweater, clothing by Eileen Fisher, flowers via Sunday Suppers
Row 2: flowers by Ariella Chezar, miniature ice cream cones from Paula LeDuc, numbered staircase via Mary Ruffle
Row 3: package from Hello Handmade, chalkboard photo by Tec Petaja

Board #412: Day Trip

As summer starts winding down, I keep thinking about road trips. They are one of my very favorite things, and I think the whole feel of a summer road trip - or even just a quick day trip - would make for a lovely wedding or party. Set up a table outside, put some flowers in whatever container you have on hand, feed your guests and laugh. Sometimes less really is more.

Mood: summer road trip
Palette: meadow, oak, sepia, cream

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Top row from left: black and white photo via EmilyStyle, table via This is Glamorous and Clover & Bee, oak tree and hammock via Decorology
Row 2: road trip photo, calligraphy by Bluebird Studios
Row 3: cherry photo by Kathryn Kleinman, hydrangeas on fence photo by Carey MacArthur via Once Wed, shoe photo by Myrtle & Marjoram

Board #408: Peaches & Pigs

I was recently reminded of this darling pig note card by Black Pearl Press, and though it would be a fun starting point for a summer barbecue wedding reception. Simple and sweet, with jam and pies and peaches and barbecue. Oh, and mustaches on a stick, just because they're fun!

Mood: summer barbecue
Palette: blush, sepia, pie crust, sage

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Top row from left: pig note card by Black Pearl Press, flowers via A Backyard Wedding, pies from The Knot, bridesmaids from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: bags of peaches via Always A Bridesmaid, photo by Positive Light, jam jar by Chelsea Fuss, lunch baskets via A Practical Wedding
Row 3: pig and peach confetti photo by Angelica Glass, photo by Once Studio, flower photo by Paloma Images, place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: rose via Automatism, sachets from Martha Stewart Weddings, mustache-on-a-stick photo by Robert Sukrachand, photo by Tec Petaja

Board #404: Equestrian Elegance

It must be all this time I'm spending here in Montana that's inspired two horse-related inspiration boards in a row. Whatever it is, I love the simplicity of this palette: the gray of aged barnwood, the green of summer grass and trees, and the rich brown of old iron keys and horseshoes. Refined rustic is one of my favorite looks, because it can be classic and unfussy at the same time.

Mood: equestrian elegance
Palette: gray barnwood, green pasture

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Top row from left: barn photo by Traci Griffin, stationery from Wedding Style Guide, bouquet by Ariella Chezar, key seating cards photo by Alisha Clark via Lucky Me!
Row 2: cake from D Magazine via Hip Hostess, photo by Punam Bean, photo by Meg Smith, photo by Martha Manning
Row 3: table from Brides, centerpiece via {frolic!}, lemonade and sweet tea photo by Cooper Carras, table number from Alison Events
Row 4: bouquet photo by Katie Stoops, wedding sign photo by Elizabeth Messina, photo by Millie Holloman, photo by Brooke Schwab via Little White Book