Board #494: Blackberries & Lemonade

Though blogging definitely has its perks, I miss the summers I had as a school teacher (or as a student for that matter). Right now I'm imagining a lazy summer afternoon, drinking lemonade, picking blackberries, reading a book outside - and all of those things have made their way into today's inspiration board. Serve a signature cocktail made with fresh-squeezed lemonade, and pull the color yellow into other details like the bridesmaid dresses, groom's attire, and bouquets. Use blackberry postage stamps to give your guests an idea of what's to come, include blackberries in your centerpieces (and even in bouquets and boutonnieres), serve blackberry pie instead of wedding cake, and send guests home with jars of blackberry jam. Finish it all off with some vintage touches, like a guest book fashioned from an old book cover, delicate lace parasols, and a fabulous vintage getaway car. I think it sounds like the perfect summer wedding - I mean really, can you imagine anything more summery or pleasant than sipping lemonade and lolling around in the grass?

Mood: lazy summer afternoons
Palette: lemonade yellow, blackberry purple, summer field green

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Top row from left: reading books in the grass from Marie Antoinette, lemonade with personalized swizzle sticks from Rebecca Thuss, photo of centerpiece with blackberries by Eric Cable, photo of yellow bow tie and straw hat by Justin & Mary Marantz via Style Me Pretty
Row 2: blackberry jam favors from Brides, mini blackberry pies and typewriter menu both from Martha Stewart, vintage roadster via Real Weddings
Row 3: front porch, Sally Holmes rose bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, letterpress invitation by Golden Rectangle Press
Row 4: vintage lace parasol from Pink Frosting, blackberry bush via Life in the Family Patch, yellow vintage-book journal by Marigold Journal via Creature Comforts, blackberry postage stamp

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 #489: A Summer Picnic

Another relaxed summer wedding inspiration board for you, with a touch of red, white and blue to continue this week's color motif. And what's more summery and Fourth-of-July than a picnic? Print save-the-dates or invites on brown paper lunch bags to give guests the idea of what's to come. Set up a swing and some lawn games, and maybe decorate with some paper lanterns hung in the trees. And again, if this idea seems too informal for a wedding, it would be perfect for a welcome party or rehearsal picnic luncheon.

Mood: breezy summer picnic
Palette: brown, green, red, pale blue

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Top row from left: picnic baskets and pies (via Dress Design Decor) both from Martha Stewart, "games" wooden sign photo by Jose Villa
Row 2: swing photo from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo of sandwiches wrapped in paper by France Ruffenach via Santa Barbara Chic
Row 3: brown paper bag picnic save-the-date by Sesame Letterpress, tea towel wrapped bottles from Martha Stewart, photo of basket of cherries by Kathryn Kleinman, tulip and daisy bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: photo of blue convertible VW Bug by Duston Todd, red punch jar from Custom Event Group, vintage handkerchief ring pillow photo by Lisa Lefkowitz, bride with blue shawl photo by Meg Smith

Board #433: A Purple Picnic

Gosh it's late - the day is almost over! But I promised you an inspiration board, so here it is. I'm not sure it turned out quite the way I was hoping, but I do think it gives you a good idea of the color scheme and the relaxed backyard feel, which is really what an inspiration board is all about - the ideas. I had Jordan Ferney's darling purplic picnic box lunch in mind when I pulled these images together, and though there is something Spring-like to this look, I think it could work for a late summer or early fall picnic wedding reception too.

Mood: relaxed, sweet
Palette: grape sorbet, deep red cherry

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Top row from left: photo by Jessica Kettle, concord grape sorbet from Martha Stewart Weddings, lilac centerpiece (from Nole's beautiful wedding!) photo by Punam Bean, magenta envelope with calligraphy photo by Corbin Gurkin
Row 2: dahlia and strawberry centerpiece by Studio Choo, purple felt ring pillow by ssdksy, little cake via Twigs & Honey, purple dress with belt by Ban.do
Row 3: pinwheels from Hatch Creative Studio, lilac bouquet by Claire Bean for Brides, purple picnic box by Jordan Ferney for Project Wedding

Board #396: A Picnic Jaunt

Have you guessed by now that I absolutely adore vintage elements in a wedding? And picnics? Oh gosh I love picnics! I love that they require simplicity, and that they can be super casual or gourmet and elegant - and everything in between! I really hope you're not bored of vintage and picnics, because this is certainly not the last you'll see of them on Snippet & Ink!

Mood: simple vintage picnic
Palette: field, sepia

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Top row from left: photo by Samuel Lippke, botanical sketches, photo by Jonathan Canlas, typewriter guest book via Brooklyn Bride
Row 2: vintage photo via EmilyStyle, photo by Lisa Lefkowitz, peony bud photo by Ericka McConnell, boutonniere from Amorology
Row 3: save-the-date by Linda & Harriett, picnic basket photo by Kathryn Kleinman, Modern Day Design bouquet photo by Jose Villa

Board #394: Kitschy Kamper

Today's wedding board was totally inspired by this darling retro camper - the red and white, the urge to hit the road, and something fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. Red and white checks play a big role in this inspiration board, turning it into something like a traveling picnic wedding. Whether this is the kind of wedding you're going for or not, I hope it gets you ready for summer!

Mood: casual summer simplicity
Palette: picnic red and white

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Top row from left: retro camper via Daisy Pink Cupcake, flowers by Artfool, sodas and horseshoes both from Wedding Style Guide
Row 2: children from Martha Stewart Weddings, wooden utensils via {frolic!}, box lunch from Martha Stewart Weddings, cherry invitation photo by Emilie Inc.
Row 3: cupcakes from Martha Stewart, bouquet from Amorology, photo by Whitebox Weddings, bride from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #387: Jadeite and Lawn

The beautiful weather we've been having has me itching for a picnic. As much as I love a casual picnic, I think a more dressed up version is also appropriate for a wedding. In today's inspiration board, I drew inspiration from this Kate Spade ad, using jadeite and lawn greens to create a fresh springtime palette.

Mood: garden picnic
Palette: jadeite, lawn

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Top row from left: Kate Spade ad campaign, photo by Meg Smith, bouquet and cufflinks both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: ring pillow from Martha Stewart Weddings, vintage stamps from Things Are Better With A Parrott, ponytail bride photo by Jonathan Canlas
Row 3: RSVP cards by Austin Press, jadeite dishware via Classic Bride, photo by J'M Photo

Board #380: Pretty Pretty Picnic

So sorry for the late post today friends! Some inspiration boards are easier to finish than others, and for some reason I had the hardest time finding just the right images to pull this look together. I was going for a picnic wedding, but with a slightly different feel than some of the other picnic inspiration boards I've posted. This time, instead of a retro kitschy look, I wanted something that was a little bit bold and utterly feminine. Maybe with a bit of a woodsy feel to it? Anyway, I hope you enjoy and that it was worth the wait!

Mood: relaxed romance, flirty fun
Palette: oak leaf, raspberry, marigold

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Top row from left: beribboned tree, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Ericka McConnell, family photo clothesline display by Nicole Hill
Row 2: ring pillows from Martha Stewart Weddings, dessert table photo by One Love Photo, flowers in tin can vases via Earth Friendly Weddings, vintage stamps from Chelsea Fuss via Once Wed
Row 3: picnic blankets via Oh Happy Day, picnic meal on Mottahedeh tin plates, sodas from Kate Parker Weddings
Row 4: tart photo by Valls Photographic, flowers via Toast & Tables, photo by Liz Banfield via The Bride's Cafe, bride with roses in her hair via Black Eiffel

Board #343: Backyard Picnic

Some bright and cheery picnic inspiration for you today!

Mood: picnic casual
Palette: red, green

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Top row from left: sour cherry pie from Martha Stewart, flower and shoe photos both by Jose Villa, milk bottle "vase" styled by Paul Lowe
Row 2: photo booth photo by Meg Smith, poster invitation via Southern Weddings, lunch boxes and strawberry shortcake both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: bouquet by Saipua, vintage veil from i speak film's flickr, wagon from Brides
Row 4: truck via Sweet Paul, invitation from Poppies for Grace, lantern photo by A Bryan Photo

Board #279: Budget Friendly #11, Picnic in the Park

Ever since I first saw this spread from the Summer 2006 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, I have been in love with the idea of a picnic wedding. You can dress it up or keep it casual, and either way, it's an unexpected idea for a wedding reception. If you love the idea but want a more formal, traditional wedding, this can work just as well for a rehearsal lunch. You can easily spend a chunk of money on picnic food, but you don't have to. I mean...

Who says...a meal can't cost under $20 per person?

Mood: playful, casual
Palette: yellow, red, white

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Top row from left: yellow cardigan photo via Brooklyn Bride, letter-style invitation from Martha Stewart Weddings, bench photo from flickr, bowl of berries and chamomile from La Tartine Gourmande
Row 2: lunch boxes via Lucky Me!, ring pillow photo by The Studio Nouveau, cherry lemonade from Martha Stewart, flying a kite
Row 3: shoes from Zappos, wheelbarrow cooler photo by Heather Forsythe, picnic blankets photo by Liz Banfield, chamomile from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: yellow ceremony program photo via {frolic!}, cakes photo by Jessamyn Harris, bouquet from Brides, sign photo by White Box Weddings

The Paper: Set the tone for a playful, casual wedding with an invitation meant to look like a hand-written note. Either use your own handwriting, or employ someone with handwriting you like to do it for you, then have it printed and mail it out in a colorful envelope. Simple ceremony programs are trimmed with pinking scissors and tied with ric-rac to give them a fun touch.

The Fashion: Buy a simple dress and embellish it yourself, with appliques, pleating, ribbon, or even tulle flowers. Accessorize with a vintage cardigan and simple jewelry. Zappos is a great resource for shoes - this pair of cute yellow flats is only $60 - and they offer not only free shipping on orders, but also free shipping on returns.

The Decor: Holding your wedding in a public park (or anywhere that is already attractive on its own) is a great way to save on decorations, and can be a cheaper venue than many others. Check out local public parks as well as state parks in your area. Paper lanterns or crepe paper streamers hung in trees are a cost-effective way to add some color to your venue.

The Flowers: If your guests are eating at picnic tables, decorate with simple arrangements of chamomile flowers or small bowls of summer fruit (check IKEA for bowls under $1), which are both pretty and edible. For your bouquet, mix pricier flowers, like garden roses, with cheaper ones and tie it with a pretty eyelet ribbon.

The Food: Serve picnic lunches in gable boxes or even simple brown bags for as little as $10 per person (you can make them yourself, or ask a local cafe or deli about their boxed lunches). Ask your friends and family members to contribute homemade desserts for a dessert buffet - you can even have bags for guests to take extra cookies home. A wheelbarrow makes for a clever cooler for drinks, and a large jar is a pretty way to serve punch.

Other Details: Save on a DJ or band, by having fun activities for your guests instead of dancing. Ask them to bring kites and set up a game of horseshoes or badminton. If you have a knack for sewing, you can make your own picnic blankets, or you can do what my mother used to do for school auctions: buy moving blankets for $6 apiece and paint large floral designs all over them with acrylic or fabric paint. Not only will they provide your guests with a place to sit, but they make for great favors.

Splurges: Rent a photobooth! The photos are fun keepsakes for you and your guests, and some companies have a flat rate with as many photos as your guests can take. Or, you can set up your own photobooth with a backdrop of interesting fabric and a Polaroid camera.

For Free: At my cousin's wedding this summer, when the officiant asked "Who gives this woman/man?" the entire bride's side and groom's side responded with "We do!" respectively. What a fun way to include your loved ones! You can let your guests know their line at the front of the program.

Real Wedding Inspiration: Michelle & Noah, via A Practical Wedding and The Bride's Cafe part one and two; Amanda & Eddie via A Practical Wedding

Board #2: Summer Picnic

Summer is officially coming to an end, and I could think of no better way to bid it farewell than with a fabulously fun picnic. I wonder if a picnic reception is so much better in theory than in practice? Ants? Abundant flashing from sitting on the ground?

Palette: tangerine, yellow, lime green
Mood: playful

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Top from left: sour cherry pie from MS, pink wraps, MS almond honey favors, green pinwheels from Brides
Row 2: Boylan sodas, ruffly dress via Oh Happy, bouquet from Ariella Chezar, barefoot groom from Paul Johnson Photography
Row 3: poppies, picnic blankets via {frolic}, yellow invitation from Linda & Harriett
Row 4: butterfly lanterns from MS, cake from Lovin Sullivan, yellow bridesmaid skirts via {frolic}