Board #480: Poppy and Field

After a month-long hiatus, inspiration boards are back! Thanks to all of you for being so patient and for stopping by to check in with Snippet & Ink, even when posting has been a bit inconsistent. I hope this summery orange poppy wedding board brightens your Monday...

Mood: soft and bright, summer light
Palette: summer field green, orange poppy, whipped cream

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Top row from left: poppy fields via Little Brown Pen, orange silkscreen stationery by Igloo Letterpress via Oh So Beautiful Paper, pale green dress via Dress Design Decor
Row 2: miniature cakes from Blah Blah Blahg, sweet tea with monogram napkin and butterfly paper lanterns both from Martha Stewart Weddings, vine-motif save-the-date by Austin Press
Row 3: cake topper by Dolci Odille, photo of wreaths with orange ribbon by Duston Todd, photo of hummingbird seating cards by Lisa Lefkowitz, white garden chairs from Wedding Style Guide
Row 4: photo of kraft paper favor bags with orange ribbon by Jagger Photography, vintage getaway car via Charleston Weddings, photo of romantic wedding dress by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Board #475: Orange Float

How about a little retro for your day? Not that I'm not loving this springtime, but when I saw this photo of an orange cream float on Beth Helmstetter's blog, I could not resist a quick detour into summer. And, if you want to enjoy one of these treats without designing your entire wedding around it, here's a recipe from Country Living. (It really would make a cute party, though.)

Mood: tangerine dream
Palette: orange and creme

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Top row from left: orange float via Beth Helmstetter, photo of white and orange table by Corbin Gurkin, orange tissue paper poms from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: dahlia boutonniere from Martha Stewart Weddings, rose in bud vase via The Sweetest Occasion, retro-inspired invitation by Bird & Banner
Row 3: calligraphy hand fans by Betsy Dunlap and orange tulip bouquet both from Martha Stewart Weddings, frozen orange bombe photo by Aya Brackett, dress from J.Crew
Row 4: orange flower headband by Handle & Spout, vintage dress from Seesaw Vintage, photo of garden roses by Concrete & Honey

Board #459: Squeeze and Kiss

Get it? Like you squeeze an orange? Anyway...

Citrus fruits are so perfect in winter - they're such a bright and refreshing note on otherwise cold and dreary days. And though I would never limit citrus to one season, I do think it's perfect for a winter brunch wedding. At least, that's what I had in mind when making today's inspiration board. Buttery yellow and warm white act as a clean backdrop for bright pops of various citrus colors, from grapefruit pink to tangerine. Instead of a full bar, how about a few citrus cocktails and variations on the classic mimosa? Let vintage botanical prints inspire your stationery, or perhaps act as table numbers (I love them in the white frames on the wall in the top left corner). Ribbon wands are a sweet alternative for flower girls, instead of confetti or rice, or even for lining the aisle in an outdoor ceremony.

Mood: cheerful and sweetly sophisticated
Palette: grapefruit, lemonade, blood orange, tangerine, lime

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Top row from left: citrus centerpiece by Ariella Chezar for Martha Stewart Weddings, citrus cocktails from Callahan Catering, butter yellow cake on Frances Palmer cake stand
Row 2: vintage citrus botanical print from Vintage Printables, dress from Charleston Weddings
Row 3: calligraphy by Tara Jones, velvet ring boxes from Martha Stewart Weddings, kumquat place setting from Fiore Designs
Row 4: suit with orange necktie from Martha Stewart Weddings, ribbon wands by Chelsea Fuss, orange bouquet with small cup daffodils by Ariella Chezar for Brides

As I was getting this post ready to publish, I took a little break to catch up on some of my favorite blogs, and came across this gorgeous post. I guess I'm not the only one with citrus on the brain!

Board #457: Tomatoes and Twine

Today I'm skipping right over spring and into summer, with an inspiration board that I think could work just as well for an intimate dinner party as for a larger wedding celebration...

As much as I'm a sucker for gorgeous floral arrangements, I also know that they're not always friendly on a budget. Splurge on a gorgeous bouquet for the bride, smaller nosegays for bridesmaids, and then save by choosing non-floral centerpieces. Tomatoes (accented with breadsticks and olives) are not only eye-catching, they're also totally budget friendly when used in-season.* Send them home with local guests at the end of the party. Display a small layer cake on a beautiful stand that you'll be able to use over and over after the wedding is over; use this cake for cutting, and save by serving several less-expensive sheet versions of the same cake. Twine in all its forms is an incredibly cheap element that can be used throughout the wedding, from the invitations to the bouquets to the utensils.

*Buy little baskets like these from the Texas Basket Company for around 50-cents apiece (good for any kind of farmers market centerpiece or favors, from tomatoes to berries to nuts).

Mood: summer simplicity
Palette: tomato, gold, buttercream

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Top row from left: tomato and breadstick centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings, buttercream cake on wooden cake stand by Herriott Grace, Twigs & Honey tulle veil photo by Elizabeth Messina
Row 2: twine-tied vintage silverware from Napa Style via Bonbon Oiseau via Elizabeth Anne Designs, bouquet with roses, dates and kumquats by Matthew Robbins for Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: twine-tied menu from Sunday Suppers, long-sleeved lace dress via Kiss the Groom, signature cocktail photo by Marla Aufmuth (coaster by Hello Lucky*), monogrammed linens from Idee Online via Design Shimmer

*Snippet & Ink sponsor

Modern Red and Orange

Long before I ever started Snippet & Ink, I was drooling over the floral designs of Ariella Chezar, and the photography of Meg Smith, two of the most talented women out there. I can probably list about five people whose work inspired me to start this blog, and Ariella and Meg are two of them. So I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when they sent me several gorgeous and inspiring wedding shoots, and how honored I am to share them with you here on Snippet & Ink.

I'll post a new one each week for the next several weeks, starting today with this fabulously modern tablescape. The contrast of hot red and orange against the stark white studio is such a sophisticated look - I can just imagine wedding guests coming in from the cold to find this burst of flame red and orange. I also love a bride in a chic white pantsuit.




Ariella used parrot tulips, ranuculus, nerines, clivia and Icelandic poppies in the bouquet and centerpieces.








Orange Chiavari chairs and other rentals from Classic Party Rentals.

If you are looking for an amazing floral and event designer, or an incredible photographer, you have to head over to Ariella Chezar's and Meg Smith's websites to see more of their work - but make sure you have some time, because it's easy to spend hours browsing both of their portfolios...

Board #440: Kumquats & Orchids

I know it's still the middle of autumn, but I was so inspired by this orchid and kumquat and couldn't wait to create a chic winter wedding board with it in mind. Crisp white is the perfect backdrop for this unique winter palette of evergreen and orange. Though it's not a minimalist look, the details are simple and not over done. It balances classic and modern, for a timeless yet updated look. If you wanted to add a holiday touch to this winter wedding, without being too obvious, unembellished white crackers would be a good choice.

Mood: modern elegance, winter chic
Palette: dark evergreen, white orchid, kumquat orange

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Top row from left: centerpiece with orchids and kumquats and green wedding invitations both from Martha Stewart, modern orchid centerpieces from Wedding Style Guide, kumquat boutonniere photo by Blonde Tulip
Row 2: white bridal headband from Brides, cascading orchid and vine bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, floral gown by Reem Acra, escort cards with jasmine display from Michelle Rago
Row 3: green and white ring pillow by Maihar Design, calligraphy favor box from Martha Stewart Weddings, kumquat arrangement and citrus desserts photo by Aya Brackett, Location 05 modern loft studios

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 #436: Peach and Flame

After two years of making a new inspiration board almost daily, I definitely have those periods when I feel less than inspired, so I do hope you'll forgive the lack of consistent inspiration board posts lately. I also hope you've been enjoying the real wedding features during the week - it's great to have a chance to showcase more of the amazing submissions that come into my inbox. Anyway, thank you for understanding! And keep an eye out later today for the NYC Photo Shoot finalists, when you'll be able to read their stories and vote on a winner...

Now, today's inspiration board. I've been drawn to orange lately, but I don't think I've ever done such a bold wedding palette. I imagine this would be an amazing - and dramatic - event to attend in the middle of autumn or winter.

Mood: bold, dramatic
Palette: flame red, vermilion orange, hints of golden peach

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Top row from left: red wine label, rose and calla lily bouquet photo by Kate Webber, table with tall candlesticks from Ariella Chezar
Row 2: vermillion and white striped tented ceiling via All Things Lovely, Vera Wang gown against ornate wallpaper from Martha Stewart Weddings, gold, orange and peach wedding invitation by Enfin La Voila
Row 3: bold orange bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, key with orange tassel via Style Court, peach and marigold truffles via Cake and Commerce

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 #431: Sleek Orange & Gray

Wild pops of orange against a cool gray backdrop and modern minimalism (that is still somewhat whimsical) define today wedding inspiration board, which was largely inspired by a little sneak peek from Amy Atlas' upcoming dessert buffet (truffles arranged on a Missoni-inspired graphic print). For those of you aiming for a modern look, how are you achieving it? What's inspiring you?

Mood: sleek urban chic
Palette: cement gray, orange peel

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Top row from left: orange dress via coco + kelley, dandelion in bud vase from Brides, tables and chairs with orange cushions via Apartment Therapy, orange calla lily bouquet photo by Red Ribbon Studio
Row 2: architectural wedding cake, orange bouquet and gray escort cards all from Martha Stewart Weddings, orange Jil Sander flats from Net-a-Porter
Row 3: strapless dress by Jenny Yoo, modern centerpiece by Artfool, orange blossom invitation by Egg Press for Minted.com, white chocolate truffles from Amy Atlas

Board #423: So. Much. Color.

So. Much. Color. There's not much more to say than that. I'm guessing it either works for you or it doesn't, though I think it would be hard to pass up a fiesta in these colors, even if you can't imagine it for a wedding...

Mood: uncompromisingly bright and fun
Palette: super-saturated yellow, blue, green, orange

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Top row from left: streamers photo by Our Labor of Love, "There Will Be Cake" photo by Meg Smith, bouquet photo by Anna Kuperberg, lollipop photo by Lisa Lefkowitz
Row 2: photo by Jose Villa, photo by Steep Street, swizzle sticks from Martha Stewart, kumquats and bird by Flush Designs
Row 3: seating card toys from Mary Mix Events, flowers via Lily-G, save-the-date, flowers by Ariella Chezar

Board #422: Graphite & Tangerine

Thank you to Bret Cole, whose gorgeous orchid bouquet photo inspired today's wedding board... that soft gray velvet, the pop of orange ribbon, and of course the orchids. I think this palette is surprisingly versatile - the darker gray allows for a more formal event, while the orange keeps things playful. White is a crucial element, too, for making sure this look stays fresh, instead of heavy. Blending somewhat traditional materials and motifs (velvet, pearls, satin) with such a modern color scheme, I think the result is entirely unexpected.

Mood: bold, modern elegance
Palette: charcoal velvet, sweet tangerine, orchid white

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Top row from left: orchid photo by Bret Cole, short dress from J.Crew, seating cards and bar both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: mirrors via Coco + Kelley, photo by Next Exit
Row 3: stationery by Pancake & Franks, gray suits photo by Jose Villa, ribbon and pearls via The Bride's Guide
Row 4: cake photo by Union Photo, orchid centerpiece from Wedding Style Guide, Parker Palm Springs photo by Jose Villa, orchid and stone centerpiece by Red Orchid Design

Also... Leila from Inspired By This let me know that starting today, there will be 25 beautiful pieces from Adorn Brides exclusively featured on and available to rent from The Knot. You can see them all here. This is a great option if you want to wear diamonds on your wedding day but don't want to break the bank...

Board #417: Soft Summer Sunlight

You know that light that comes toward the end of a summer day? Between afternoon and evening, when the sun is no longer glaring, but it's not quite dusk yet either? Siesta time, maybe. Anyway, that's the light that I was thinking of when I created today's inspiration board. Soft and warm, and apricot sweet!

Mood: summer light and sweet
Palette: apricot jam, strawberry blonde, late summer green

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Top row from left: rosemary apricot shortbread from Tartelette, ranunculus photo by Kerry Okra via Oh Hello Friend, fence and field photo from La Tartine Gourmande
Row 2: flowers by Ariella Chezar, apricot place card from Rebecca Thuss, floral Victorian labels from Martha Stewart Crafts (no longer available for purchase)
Row 3: bedroom via Boatshed Chic, photo from Ruche look book

Board #409: Tangerine & Lemon Drop

Hi all! Sorry for bailing on you yesterday and this morning - even though I can take my laptop with me when I go visit family, it's so hard to pull myself away from good books and good meals and good laughing to put up a new post! Anyway, I apologize for disappearing yesterday, and hope that this cheerful inspiration board, with its super-saturated candy color, will make up for it...

Mood: young and cheerful
Palette: tangerine, lemon drop

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Top row from left: photo via Moodboard, flowers by Ariella Chezar, cherry lemonade from Martha Stewart, boutonniere photo by Paul Rich Studio
Row 2: stationery from Present & Correct, flowers by Ariella Chezar, cupcake from Martha Stewart
Row 3: flower photo by Meg Smith, favors via Oh Happy Day, bouquet from Brides, envelope via Oh So Beautiful Paper, yellow dress by Nadinoo via Nibs

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 #399: Marry-Go-Round

What is it that has me posting two carnival inspiration boards in a row? All I can say is that it's summer, it's hot, and I think everyone can use a dose of fun no matter what. Stripes seem to be a recurrent theme this week, as well - maybe they're the new damask, which would be alright by me! Oh, and how about these cute dresses for your flower girls?

Mood: vintage carnival whimsy
Palette: old fashioned candy

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Top row from left: balloon photo by Josh Goleman, Hatch Show Print for Anthropologie, lemonade photo by Alexandra Grablewski, May Day flowers via EmilyStyle
Row 2: vintage dress via Please Sir Blog, carousel photo via Little Brown Pen, candy buffet with bunting by Amy Atlas, calligraphy by Jenna Hein
Row 3: pennant flags by Something's Hiding in Here via Oh Happy Day, bouquet via Grey Likes Weddings, yellow cake
Row 4: carnival treats from Rebecca Thuss, madras bowtie by J.Press, dress photo by Mel Barlow

Board #391: Seaglass and Velvet

I love the colors found in this photo of old jewelry boxes - that pale, barely there seaglass blue, and that orange! I would call it rust, but it's far to soft and velvety for that. I think this would make for a beautiful summer palette - it's fresh, yet there's something classically romantic about it. Perhaps for a wedding in the desert, or on the beach.

Mood: fresh romance
Palette: seaglass, orange velvet

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Top row from left: jewelry box photo by Johnny Miller for Martha Stewart, bouquet photo by Kate Webber, photo by Allyson Magda
Row 2: Martha Stewart stationery for Crane & Co. via The Bride's Guide, note board via Weddingbee
Row 3: flowers via Lily G, photo by Bliss Photography via Polka Dot Bride, cake toppers from Martha Stewart Weddings, centerpiece by Modern Day Design

Board #379: Vintage Orange Grove

I was totally inspired by Stephanie Williams' recent vintage-style photo shoot, especially this shot of the couple in front of an orange tree, and thought it would make for a beautiful look for a wedding. This is another example of how a gorgeous venue requires very simple decor.

Mood: vintage rustic
Palette: Valencia orange, almond, rust

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Top row from left: photo by Stephanie Williams, photo by Ericka McConnell, table under the trees by Laurie Arons and Stanlee Gatti (from InStyle Weddings), invitation from Wedding Style Guide
Row 2: drink table by Pollen via {frolic!}, vintage orange crate
Row 3: orange almond cake from Martha Stewart, hors d'oeuvres buffet from Rebecca Thuss, flowers by Napa Valley Celebrations, photo by Elizabeth Messina
Row 4: rusty truck photo by Jasmine Star, gold locket photo by A Bryan Photo, photo by Stephanie Williams, Ariella Chezar flowers photo by Meg Smith

Board #350: How fair is a garden

I knew when I saw this bouquet by Ariella Chezar in an issue of Well Wed that I had to include it in an inspiration board - some kind of secret garden, that bursts into color and life as soon as you discover it behind a hidden garden gate. And I would make sure that there was a swing like this, with ribbons tied to it echoing those tied to the bouquet. The palette and venue make this a flexible enough wedding to work in spring, summer or fall (personally, I'm dreaming of spring these days...). And though it could certainly be applied to a larger wedding, I'm thinking of a more intimate party in a special little walled garden.

Mood: vibrant, secret garden
Palette: satsuma orange, sweet peach, garden green

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Top row from left: bouquet by Ariella Chezar from Well Wed, photo by Meg Smith from Martha Stewart Weddings, cherry lemonade from Martha Stewart, arrangement by Michaele Thunen
Row 2: nasturtium centerpiece from Well Wed, garden table and chairs via Desire to Inspire
Row 3: photo via Moodboard, garden gate from Artfool, blood orange cheesecake from Martha Stewart, flower girls photo by Laura Negri, dahlia centerpiece by Ariella Chezar
Row 4: invitation by Ceci New York, votives from Cox & Cox, Ariella Chezar bouquet photo by Meg Smith, seating cards by Linda & Harriett

Board #346: Citrus Sorbet

These bowls of citrus sorbet from Cannelle et Vanille and the sweet flats from J.Crew make for such a sweet, feminine palette. And such an edible one!

Mood: sweet, bright
Palette: citrus sorbet

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Top row from left: sorbet via Cannelle et Vanille, shoes from J.Crew, program photo by Liz Banfield, bridesmaids from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo via Perfectbound, bouquet by Philippa Tarrant, chandelier photo by Jose Villa
Row 3: ribbon curtain by Rebecca Thuss, poppies via Happy Cavalier, groomsmen from Martha Stewart Weddings