Board #490: Poppy & Mint

For the third inspiration board in my mini red, white and blue series, I thought something a little retro and sassy would be fun. How about a ruffled tea length dress and a blue birdcage veil for the bride? And lots of fun patterns in bold colors, on bridesmaid dresses, table runners and letterpress coasters. For more inspiration in this color scheme, check out Joy's pretty post on "a medley of mint and tomato."

Mood: retro, bold
Palette: mint blue green, poppy red

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Top row from left: red carnation centerpiece and grapefruit mint mojitos both from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo of aqua birdcage veil by Silvana di Franco
Row 2: photo of toile dress with red necklace by Tara Whittaker, peony stem photo by Elizabeth Messina
Row 3: vintage car photo by Kate Murphy, teal wedding cake with pleated paper decorations from Martha Stewart Weddings, ruffled wedding dress photo by Duston Todd, calligraphy tag by Betsy Dunlap
Row 4: shoe painting by Janet Hill Studio via Blah Blah Blahg, Lomography Diana camera from Urban Outfitters, letterpress peony coasters by Ruby Press via Poppytalk

Real Wedding: Lisa & Ben

There's just so much to love about Lisa and Ben's charming Brooklyn wedding - the vintage dress, the skateboarding bride and groom, the city hall ceremony. From the bride:

We were married on May 5, 2010 at City Hall in Manhattan. 2 guests, 2 photographers. Our friend, Chris'tine stopped by on her lunch break to join in on the wedding fun. We couldn't imagine planning a big event and we decided to make it a relaxed fun day, ambling over the Brooklyn Bridge on our way to City Hall. Just me and Ben having fun, like we always do.


Lisa found her vintage dress just two weeks before the wedding, at Bopkat Vintage. "Like a museum, the selling floor only displays part of the entire collection. Just ask and dresses will appear. The owner pulled out handfuls of gowns from the back. I scored mine, an authentic 1950s prom dress for $150 and it fit with no need for alterations. The hat was customized to match the dress by Margaret Duncan of Bridal Veil Falls. Margaret (being super talented!) was super detail oriented and would not let me take the hat home until she had had a look at the dress first. She designed the flowers on the hat and added the net to give it more pizazz. She was very accommodating and had the hat ready for me within a day. So couture! And only $90. (I secretly LOVE hats. If I ever win the lottery, I'm going to buy lots and lots of vintage HATS)."




Ben and I are skaters, so our photographers, Charles and Tatjana of Wrinkle in Time Photography, suggested incorporating our longboards into the wedding day. We were all for it!




I picked up some white peonies from the Flower District on West 28th Street for 1/3 the cost had I gone to a conventional florist. Bound them up with ribbon for the bouquet. Then a stop at Key Foods grocery store to pick up an orchid to make Ben's boutonniere.




City Hall had their chapels renovated so you can plug in your iPod or iPhone and walk down the aisle to the tune of your choice. We walked down the aisle to "Let's Get Busy" by Rocket From the Crypt.


My favorite moment was putting that ring on his finger!






We had a gold airbrushed opera cake from Almondine Bakery in Dumbo. Because we were walking across the bridge before the ceremony, we didn't want to bring our own wine, so we bought some at a corner pizza shop. Buying it at the last minute meant that it was still nice and chilled when we served it.






Everywhere we went, we were greeted by enthusiastic tourists and locals alike, giving us their well-wishes and congratulations. New Yorkers often get a bad reputation for being rude, but we only received smiles. We were even cheered on by large groups walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Our family and friends are happy for us, but how amazing to feel on that day, that the entire city was happy for us too! Receiving that wave of happiness was an awesome way to begin our lives together.

Bride's dress / hat: Bopkat Vintage / Bridal Veil Falls

Bride's heels / skateboarding flats: Annie / Rocket Dog

Groom's suit: Joseph Abboud

Cake: Almondine Bakery

Congratulations Lisa and Ben! Wishing you all the best, and thank you for sharing your sweet wedding with us. And thank you to Tatjana and Charles from Wrinkle in Time Photography for sharing these beautiful photos.

Real Wedding: Valery & Chauncey

Valery and Chauncey's uber-stylish Jamaican wedding makes me wish I had been there! Either that or hop on the next plane to the Caribbean. I saw a few pics from their wedding in New York Weddings awhile back, and wanted to know more. Cappy Hotchkiss was kind enough to indulge me with a ton of beautiful photos, and Valery shared some fun details about the swanky destination wedding:

Our wedding was a celebration of everything we love: family and friends, music, and pampering our guests! Jamaica is a place that Chauncey and I have visited countless times over the course of our relationship and we have truly grown to love it's unique spirit. When it came time to plan our wedding we knew we wanted to share the island's magic with our guests. For the amount of money we would have spent for one night in Manhattan, we did four days of festivities in Jamaica over Memorial Day weekend - a Thursday-night cocktail party, a Friday beach barbecue, the wedding, an after-party that went until sunrise, and a Sunday lunch.

We were weren't afraid to mix up the expected flow of the day. Our wedding started with the cocktail hour! This allowed us to mingle with our guests and relax before our ceremony. We took all of our formals prior to the cocktail hour, so we could relax and focus on enjoying the rest of the day. After the cocktail hour, our guests were all seated at their respective dinner tables and we had a "dinner theater" style ceremony where we stood in the center, surrounded by our guests. It was intimate and offbeat, and was perfect for us as we didn't want the usual processional down the aisle.




Welcome bags were woven by a local Jamaican artisan.








For portraits and the cocktail hour, Valery wore a short dress by Alice by Temperley, shoes by Pierre Hardy, and a fabulous bridal hat by Gina Foster Milliner. Chauncey looked dapper in an island-appropriate seersucker suit by Etro and wingtip shoes by Tom Ford.



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Round Hill Hotel was originally a private refuge for style icons like Cole Porter, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Kennedy. "It has very old-school glamour," says Valery.






Rum punch was our unofficial signature cocktail; we like the numb, happy Carib buzz it gives you. When planning food and beverage, it’s key to know your crowd: Do they drink a lot? Ours drank us out of house and home!


These shell chandeliers cast a sexy glow over the festivities, and the best part? They were dirt cheap!


Valery's little brother was the ring bearer.



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As Chauncey and I are both jazz musicians (he plays the sax and flute; I sing), we opted to provide the cocktail hour entertainment ourselves. With the help of some of our talented musician friends (who also happened to be guests) we put together a six-piece jazz combo and dedicated meaningful songs to each other: Chauncey performed Art Blakey’s 'When Love Is New' and I did Cole Porter’s 'You’re the Top' and the Etta James version of 'Nature Boy.' It was a great way to include our passion for music in the wedding and share it with our guests.


For the ceremony, Valery changed into a dress by Catherine Walker and Co. and green sandal flats by Christian Louboutin.


I wanted native ginger flowers. They have a thick stem so I thought I’d just hold one, but the florist surprised me with a bouquet.


We opted not to have a wedding party; rather, the morning of the wedding, we each hosted the meaningful men and women in our lives for separate thank you brunches. I treated my friends to pedicures and Chauncey treated his to massages. It was a great way to show our appreciation for them.






Since Round Hill has a clubby old school atmosphere, we opted for a retro supper club menu: iceberg wedge salad, Oysters Rockefeller, lobster tails, filet mignon, and Baked Alaska.






Music was especially important to us, so we placed most of our budget in securing our phenomenal band, the incredible Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, as well as our two amazing DJ's. If I had to choose a favorite moment, aside from the ceremony, it would have to be our after party. We rented a gorgeous mountainside villa not far from the resort and hosted an all night throw down. Our DJ, Quantic, kept our friends on the dance floor until 6am - it was completely wild, and ended with a sunrise swim in the pool. I will never, ever forget it.

Venue: Round Hill Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Save-the-date: Ceci New York

Wood veneer invitation: Oslo Press

Paper invitation inserts / menus: Albertine Press

Bride's cocktail dress / shoes / hat: Alice by Temperley / Pierre Hardy / Gina Foster Milliner

Bride's wedding dress / shoes: Catherine Walker & Co. / Christian Louboutin

Groom's suit / shoes: Etro / Tom Ford

Band: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

DJ's: Quantic / Queen Majesty

Planning: JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions

Valery's advice to brides is exactly what I needed to hear this week:

Also, be true to who you are and don't get sucked in by pressure from others. It is so easy to go into "please everyone" mode, but you'll learn quickly that this is an impossible feat. It is entirely possible to be both a gracious host and also remain on track to creating a day that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Also - enjoy yourself! It really is a remarkable occasion. Rarely will you get to see all your loved ones gathered in one place. I tried to look around and soak in that moment as much as possible.

Happy Anniversary this month, Valery and Chauncey! Thank you so much for sharing all of these incredible details with us - it sounds like an absolutely amazing time! And thank you again to the talented Cappy Hotchkiss for sharing all of these fabulous photos with us - it was impossible to choose just a few!

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 #474: Hot Pink & India Ink

Can you think of another color that's more fun than hot pink? Pair it with ink black, and it becomes utterly cool, and even a little sexy. I mean, how fabulous would a bride look in Jennifer Behr's sassy headband? This palette certainly lends itself to a more modern look, but here it takes on a vintage/retro vibe.

Mood: vintage sexy cool
Palette: hot pink and India ink

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Top row from left: confetti photo from Jalouse, stationery and envelope liners by Mr. Boddington's Studio, photo of bridesmaid with pink favor box by Elizabeth Messina
Row 2: pink cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings, hot pink headband by Jennifer Behr, cafe sidewalk sign via Little Brown Pen
Row 3: photo of vintage getaway car by B & G Photography, photo of fuschia peony bouquets by Our Labor of Love, photo of pink papel picado by Jonathan Canlas

Board #461: Let's do it, let's fall in love

A little more Valentine inspiration for you, with this retro-toned sweetheart inspiration board, inspired by the red heart shoes in this photo by The Alf Memoirs. Grab your honey, some cupcakes, and an instant camera, and have yourselves a fun date. Or a wedding!

Mood: playful retro sweethearts
Palette: faded polaroid, retro red

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Top row from left: jumping groom photo by Daniel Kiyoi via Grey Likes Weddings, red sprinkle cupcakes from Martha Stewart Weddings, polaroid photo by The Alf Memoirs via Ritzy Bee
Row 2: red ribbon bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" notecard by Paper Pastries
Row 3: retro car graphics by Stephane Massa-Bidal via A Cup of Jo, white rose and doily table from Project Wedding, striped paper straws* photo by Brooke Schwab via Once Wed

*Find similar straws at fort & field's Etsy shop.

Board #424: Retro Yellow, Black & White

Hi all! I hope everyone had a nice long weekend. My friend's wedding was just beautiful, and it was great to get home to San Francisco for a couple days. I'm headed back to Austin today, so I might be a bit slow (yes, even slower than usual) getting back to emails. But I promise I'll catch up as quickly as possible!

When I first saw the beautiful floral pieces by Emersonmade, I knew I'd be incorporating them into some inspiration boards - they're irresistible! The black and white checked tie with the cute yellow carnation pinned to it inspired this wedding board which includes retro elements and a bold yellow, black and white color scheme. It would work in spring or summer, but I'd love to see it as an autumn wedding - there's almost a bit of a back-to-school feel to it that I just love!

Mood: retro, bold
Palette: dandelion yellow, daisy petal white, licorice black

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Top row from left: frozen ginger lemon drop cocktail and daffodil and daisy centerpieces both from Martha Stewart Weddings, checked tie with carnation by Emersonmade, modern cake by Flour Patch Bakery from Brides
Row 2: vintage camera photo by A Bryan Photo, striped envelope liner by Mr. Boddington's Studio, Shasta daisy bouquet photo by Karen Wise
Row 3: vintage California state handkerchief ring pillow photo by Weddings By Two via 100 Layer Cake, daisy pom by R. Jack Balthazar, retro car license plate photo by Jose Villa, black-belted dress from J.Crew

Board #400: Wild, Retro West

Can you believe this is the 400th board that I've posted? Honestly, I think it's absolutely crazy. Though there are times when I'll revisit a previous theme or palette, I hope that you feel inspired in some way every time you visit Snippet & Ink. So, for my 400th trick... a retro cool wedding in the desert of the Old West.

Mood: retro cool meets Old West
Palette: cactus green, dusty blue, tumbleweed

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Top row from left: succulents from Custom Event Group, couple kissing via East Side Bride, cake via Style Court, photo by Erin Hearts Court
Row 2: invites via 100 Layer Cake, cocktails from Lulu Events, program photo by Jose Villa, cactus jar photo by Sarah Yates
Row 3: photo by A Desert Fete, photo via Ritzy Bee, tequila photo by Elizabeth Messina, Bonneville photo via Simple Lovely

Board #363: Kitschy Key West

A little spring break for those of us who didn't take one this year, inspired by Anna Melcon Bond's fabulous photo of the Sunken Gardens motel. I'm thinking whitewashed beach cottages, once-bright colors faded by salty air, and bare feet, decorated with a fair amount of beachy Florida kitsch. And if you did go on a spring break this year, or plan to, do share so the rest of us can live vicariously through you.

Mood: lazy, breezy
Palette: white sand, seaglass, seashell

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Top row from left: photo by Karen Wise, vintage Florida postcard, bouquet by Artfool, photo via Rifle
Row 2: salty dog cocktails by Matt Bites, printed napkins by The Lettered Olive, sandals via Something Old Something New, vespa photo from Brides
Row 3: poppies from Saipua, seahorse invitation by Pearl & Marmalade, photo by Anna Kuperberg, glass fishing floats via More Ways to Waste Time
Row 4: photo by Ericka McConnell, photo by Stephanie Williams, van photo by Amy Squires, seashell salt dish from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #354: White Picket Fence

If you're lucky enough to have a lovely home with a pretty backyard, it could be the perfect place for an intimate wedding. For this wedding board, I was inspired by the retro feel of this bride's dress and veil - maybe a little picket fence, glossy white mailbox, suburban nostalgia? For the ceremony, drape a basic patio umbrella with fabric and garlands. Afterward you've said your vows, invite guests to lounge on picnic blankets, eat watermelon and homemade cake, drink lemonade and play croquet. And have plenty of pink balloons for the kids!

Mood: home sweet home
Palette: picket fence white, lawn green, buttercream yellow, hints of pink

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Top row from left: bride from Martha Stewart Weddings, lily of the valley photo styled by Heidi Johannsen, watermelon and croquet mallets from Well Wed, white mailbox
Row 2: pocket watch photo by Union Photo via Style Me Pretty, sink-side flower via This is Glamorous, umbrella ceremony canopy from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: bouquet and vintage stamps both from Martha Stewart Weddings, peony bud photo by Ericka McConnell, girls with balloons via {frolic!}, cake photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Real Wedding Saturday: Lexy & Jared

Heather Balliet of Amorology shared her cousin's wedding with me, and I thought it would be so much fun to share with you! Planned by the bride's mother, the sweet, vintage prom-inspired reception is full of fun and thoughtful details.


Lexy's dress was by Tadashi. A dressmaker in Utah added sleeves, removed sequins and made the veil. Lexy's mother designed and made the silk belt and rosette, and added vintage buttons from Lexy's great-grandmother's collection down the back of the dress (and on her aqua shoes).


Twigg Botanicals designed and made all of the bouquets.




The bridesmaids each wore a different vintage pastel prom dresses.




The reception took place at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, California.


The many balloons were provided by Top Hat Balloon Werks.


Tables were numbered with significant years: the years Lexy and Jared were born, the years parents and grandparents were married, and the year Lexy and Jared will celebrate their 50th anniversary.




Guests took home buckets of goodies: homemade cookies, personalized pencils, miniature Yahtzee games, and a deck of cards.




The cake was made by Sweet Art Bakery in Pomona, California, 909-392-3890.












You know how much I love wedding parades! All of the wedding guests did a conga line to the bay where Lexy and Jared made their getaway in a gondola.



Congratulations Lexy and Jared - thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Flint Photography for sharing these photos, and to Lexy's mother, Jill, for sharing all of these great details.