Board #415: Tumbleweed & Chili Pepper

I'm back in Austin - how could I resist a Tex Mex inspiration board! String up some party lights and papel picado, dump some ice and beer into big coolers or buckets, invite all the cowboys and cowgirls you know, and you've got the beginning of a great party...

Mood: hot and dusty
Palette: tumbleweed, chili pepper

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Top row from left: tumbleweed photo by Jose Villa, Sol beer photo by Joel Flory, cowboy photo via Creature Comforts
Row 2: photo by Twin Lens, flowers by Salt Harbor Designs, quesadilla photo by Sabine Scherer
Row 3: chili pepper photo by Duston Todd, wagon wheel photo by Tanja Lippert, Hatch Show Print from Diversion Design's flickr

{This is an original Snippet & Ink post.}

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 #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 #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 #395: Butterflies on the Coast

Something sweet and romantic for a summer wedding - maybe something on the coast, with touches of Victorian romance. And the word whimsy is unavoidable here!

Mood: warm summer romance
Palette: apricot, peach, butter, cream, twine

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Top row from left: butterfly lanterns from Martha Stewart Weddings, flowers by Ariella Chezar, photo by Elizabeth Messina, Lyford House photo by Cooper Carras
Row 2: dress via Moodboard, mail boxes photo by Elizabeth Messina, punch photo by Jose Villa, corsage via Amorology
Row 3: flowers by Coty Farquhar, Bienvenue truck from Dee Merz, miniature cakes from Martha Stewart Weddings, bouquet by Nicolette Camille
Row 4: jacket and shirt from Wedding Style Guide, bouquet by Ariella Chezar, Love stamps via Things Are Better With A Parrott

Board #383: Red French Poppies

Dearest readers! I cannot tell you how blown away I am by your sweet comments on my big announcement last week! If you've read this blog for a while, you probably know that I rarely include personal details here, and I'm still figuring out how much of my own planning and wedding I will post here, and how I will include it. And of course I want my wedding to be somewhat of a surprise, but I promise I won't keep you entirely in the dark. All of your well wishes mean so much to me, and I know that I will likely reach out for your support and advice as I go through this process of planning. So thank you thank you thank you!

And now, after a week of real wedding features, back to inspiration boards! A little trip to the French countryside, fields of poppies, vintage linens, champagne, baguettes... Something simple and quaint, yet totally refined.

Mood: cheerful countryside chic
Palette: poppy red, pale pink, French linen

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Top row from left: poppy field photo by Yves Samuel, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, attendants via {frolic!}, French linen napkin from Vintage Weave
Row 2: veil via Nancy Liu Chin, Cynthia Warren menu photo by Aya Brackett, cherries from Oh How Charming, champagne cork by 13 Creative
Row 3: calligraphy by Maybelle, photo by Yves Samuel, calligraphy by Maybelle, breakfast photo styled by Pamela Duncan Silver
Row 4: croquembouche from InStyle Weddings, ring pillow via LHEverything, French poppies, canopy and tables photo by Elizabeth Messina

Board #372: The Heartland

In this Midwestern wedding board, pale pastels work well with golden wheat. Cross-stitch invitations and quilts play up folk-art traditions. Overall, a charming and low-key wedding in the heartland...

Mood: feminine folk-art, rustic charm
Palette: wheat, blush, cream

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Top row from left: bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, bread photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, wheat field photo by Emily Quinton, "American Gothic" photo by Weddings By Two
Row 2: wheat centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings, cross-stitch invitation by Hello Lucky, quilt photo by Liz Banfield, wheat from Brides
Row 3: country bride from Martha Stewart Weddings, candle photo by Calla Evans, boutonniere from In Style Weddings, photo by Quaint Handmade
Row 4: cross-stitch heart sampler by Miniature Rhino, cake from Martha Stewart Weddings, rose wreaths photo by Red Ribbon Studio, vintage-inspired postcard by Linda & Harriett

Board #368: A Desert Fête

Since the Kitschy Key West post was such a hit, I thought it would be fun to post some more regionally-inspired wedding boards. I've reworked one of my very first inspiration boards for today's post. Instead of the obvious desert reds and oranges, this southwestern wedding board draws its inspiration from Georgia O'Keeffe's trumpet flower (and it's name from Jamie's blog) with sage green and hints of turquoise against a backdrop of neutral sand and chalk white.

Mood: cool desert chic
Palette: sand, chalk, sage, hints of turquoise

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Top row from left: trumpet flower by Georgia O'Keeffe, jewelry and succulents both from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Next Exit via Black Eiffel
Row 2: church photo by Elizabeth Messina via The Bride's Cafe, cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings, dress from Brides UK, succulent boutonniere from In Style Weddings
Row 3: bouquet by Pam Zsori, save-the-date by Peter Kruty, cookies via Cannelle et Vanille, pressed paper invitation from Invite Site
Row 4: calligraphy by Betsy Dunlap, cactus centerpieces from Life + Limb, branch place setting photo by Gemma Comas, aloe photo by Ericka McConnell

Board #360: East of Eden

Growing up, my family would take summer picnics into the California hills north of our house. Those golden hills, dotted with dark green California oak trees, are still one of my favorite things in all the world, and they inspired today's wedding board. A casual, California picnic in late summer - utensils wrapped in brown twine, a simple meal of fruit, baguette, and cheese, local wine, and miniature almond cakes in place of a traditional wedding cake. Bentwood chairs around a rustic farm table fit perfectly in this space.

Mood: easy-going, gourmet rustic
Palette: wheat, almond, oak

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Top row from left: oak tree photo by Ian Grant, photo by Allyson Magda, wine photo by Johnny Miller, mailbox from Grapevine Paperie
Row 2: twine-tied utensils photo by Bill Kingston, box of snacks from Martha Stewart Weddings, oak tree photo by Ian Grant
Row 3: bentwood chairs from Oh How Charming!, invitation from Martha Stewart Weddings, dress by Kate Towers, bouquet by Artfool
Row 4: bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, invitation by Wiley Valentine, mini almond bundt cake from Martha Stewart

Board #326: Love and Warmth (and a winner...)

First off, since I still haven't heard from the winner of the Beau-coup giveaway, we've got a new winner! Bo who said, i love the whole leaf tea sachet favors. they are in such elegant pyramid shaped boxes with a leaf sticking out on top. i picture them being used as favors in a winter wedding with a lunch reception, along with vintage teacups. Bo, email me to claim your prize!

I know we had a whole week of winter wedding boards last week, but how could I resist a snowy log cabin, deer-topped cupcakes, and kissing in the snow! In my mind, this intimate wedding takes place at a cozy inn, with a day of cross country skiing followed by a ceremony (maybe a short one outdoors!) and a reception full of cookies and eggnog.

Mood: warm and cozy
Palette: eggnog, nutmeg

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Top row from left: bride photo by Aaron Almendral, note basket from Better Homes and Gardens, silhouette cookie photo by S&J Photo, log cabin photo by James Carriere
Row 2: eggnog, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, votive and basket of flowers both from Matthew Mead
Row 3: pearl ring photo by Jessica Claire, cupcakes by Baked NYC via Creature Comforts, invitations from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: notecards by Moderncard, bouquet from Brides, kissing in the snow photo by Grazier Photography, yellow bedroom

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the first installment of the 2008 Snippet & Ink gift guide!

Board #319: Waitin' on a Sunny Day

After spending the day driving through the drizzle and fog of the Pacific Northwest, I was really in the mood for this warm and sunny inspiration board. A casually rustic wedding in late summer or early fall, with picnic baskets and pie and cocktails. And a fabulous feather in your hair! How are you keeping warm with winter setting in?

Oh, also! I managed to mis-label one of my images here and can't find the proper source, so if you know who made the sweet tree card, leave a comment so I can add a link.

Mood: warm, rustic
Palette: iced tea, yellow, cream

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Top row from left: wedding sign photo by Stephanie Williams, hair feather from Martha Stewart Weddings, Marin Headlands Center for the Arts
Row 2: centerpiece by Ariella Chezar, cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings, coat hangers via Once Wed, tree card
Row 3: gift basket from via Oh So RB, table from Outstanding in the Field, pie from Martha Stewart Weddings, suit from The Sartorialist
Row 4: calligraphy by Bluebird Studios, car photo by Melanie Mauer, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #285: Budget Friendly #17, Sunrise on the Beach

There are pros of having a year or two to plan your wedding (plenty of time to gather ideas, book the vendors you want, complete do-it-yourself projects) and there are cons (lots of time to second-guess decisions comes to mind). But just because you don't want to spend 16 months planning (that's the average engagement length in the U.S.), doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful, meaningful wedding. Today's budget friendly inspiration board takes this idea and applies it to a sunrise wedding on the beach with a breakfast reception at home or in a favorite local restaurant, and get friends and family to help you pull it together - if you're an easy going couple, this might just be the way to go.

Who says...you have to spend months and months planning?

Mood: spontaneous, carefree and casual
Palette: pale blue, sand

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Top row from left: headband from Martha Stewart Weddings, tiki torch aisle from Brides, blueberry corn muffins from Martha Stewart, driftwood photo by Sugar Love
Row 2: bouquet photo by Dana Gallagher, ric-rac invitation by Bird & Banner, dress from Watters, photo by Bella Rose
Row 3: plaid blanket, dress photo by Jude Mooney, emerald ring by Sarah Perlis, thermos photo by Nicole Hill styled by Chelsea Fuss
Row 4: driftwood and seaglass, blueberries from Martha Stewart, sunrise photo from On Site Clicks' flickr

The Paper: Depending on how last-minute your planning is, you might skip invitations and just send out an email or make phone calls. But if you do have time to make some invitations, at 80-cents per yard, ric-rac is a nice touch and a change from ribbon. When you're short on time, you'll probably skip the RSVP cards and ask your guests to respond by email or phone, which is an easy way to save - and for such a casual wedding, it's totally appropriate!

The Fashion: You can have this beachy dress by Watters for only $630. Personalize it by adding a tiny blue heart to the train - a simple detail that won't cost much. A Swarovski vine headband for only $30 is a darling way to accessorize, and will dress up outfits even after your wedding. The groom can get away with khakis and a nice shirt that he already owns, and if he doesn't, it's a good excuse to buy some! For a reasonably priced and wonderfully unique ring, how about this emerald ring by Sarah Perlis for $750?

The Decor: For around $12, buy some tiki torches - or pull them out of your backyard - to create an aisle on the beach. It won't be pitch black just before sunrise, but a little flicker of light is a nice way to walk down the aisle. Ask your guests to collect sea glass and driftwood from the beach and use the found objects to decorate the breakfast tables.

The Flowers: If there are no prohibitions against it, make an impromptu bouquet from wild grasses and flowers picked at the ceremony site, and tie them together to carry down the aisle. It definitely fits in with the casual, spontaneous feel of the wedding, and it's certainly budget friendly.

The Food: If it's chilly on the beach early in the morning, have thermoses full of coffee and hot chocolate to serve your guests. Follow your sunrise ceremony with an incredible breakfast - fresh seasonal fruit, a variety of (warm!) breakfast breads, eggs make for a cheaper meal than most lunches or dinners. And at an earlier hour than even brunch, you can get away with skipping cake.

Other Details: If hot chocolate isn't enough to keep your guests warm, make sure you have blankets on hand - they don't have to match, you can just use what you already own, or borrow some from family if you need to.

Splurges: Go for it and splurge on a photographer! A good one will be able to capture the most memorable moments of your wedding beautifully, no matter how little planning went into it. Also, by booking at the last minute, you might not be able to get exactly the photographer you want, but you might be able to get a deal - especially if your sunrise breakfast wedding happens on a Sunday.

For Free: It's a beach wedding - go barefoot! Well, and the sunrise is free, too...

Real Wedding Inspiration: A Bodega Wedding and Jeordis & Mathias both via A Practical Wedding

Well friends, today is the last day of budget friendly wedding boards for now - I hope that you've enjoyed them and that you've been able to find some ideas here. No matter what your budget, it doesn't hurt to save where you can, and I hope that these inspiration boards have proven that you don't have to go into debt to have a beautiful, creative wedding!

Board #256: Blueprints

Not many flowers come in blue, blue signature cocktails look like Windex (I'm sorry, but nothing you're supposed to eat should be that color), but blue patterns - both on fabric and on paper - are some of my favorites. And, largely inspired by the darling blue church photo by Laura Dombrowski, I thought I'd play with blue in a more rustic setting.

Mood: rural sophistication
Palette: china blue, khaki

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Top row from left: photo by Punam Bean, photo by Paloma Images, photobooth favor bag via Little White Book, flowers from Matthew Mead Style
Row 2: china from Matthew Mead Style, blue church photo by Laura Dombrowski, bouquet by Saipua, cake from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: hydrangeas and crate photo by Heather Forsythe, photo by Stacey Kane, blue checkered napkin via Once Wed's flickr, dress by Joules
Row 4: blue Converse photo by Worthington Photography, Mast Brothers Chocolate via Hey Susy, invitation photo by Holland Photo Arts, lemonade photo by Cooper Carras

Board #252: Love's a Beach

Hi friends! Sorry for the late post today - I am finally completely moved! Today's wedding board was inspired by the incredible tent in the top corner, both for color and for the feel of it. I don't know that a destination wedding would be for me, but either way it's nice to have a little getaway in the middle of the week.

Mood: warm, exotic
Palette: orange, turquoise, lime green, sand

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Top row from left: tent via Topsy Turvy, bouquet by Ariella Chezar, photo by Vallentyne
Row 2: sand dollar seating cards photo by Jennifer Dery, lemonade caipirinha from Martha Stewart
Row 3: bouquet from Brides, ceviche from Ariella Chezar, photo by Elizabeth Messina, beach ceremony from Alison Events
Row 4: invitation by Ceci New York, beaded ring by Kuoting, flowers by Ariella Chezar for Brides, Oscar de la Renta dress via Zoe Lingard

Board #247: Mustard & Taupe

Gosh that sounds ugly. Mustard and taupe. But those are the colors here, and I do think they look nicer than they sound...

Mood: playful, quirky
Palette: mustard yellow, taupe, white

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Top row from left: stack of books from Martha Stewart Weddings, bridesmaids photo by Jessica Johnston, chapel photo by Sugar Love, yellow rose wreath from Rebecca Thuss
Row 2: bud vases via Armelle Jewelry, veil from Martha Stewart Weddings, cookie buffet from One Girl Cookies
Row 3: cupcake tiers from Soiree, bouquet photo by Ann Hamilton, monogrammed tie from Martha Stewart Weddings, striped tent drapes from Maria McBride
Row 4: envelope via Brooklyn Bride, frames photo by A Beautiful Day Photography, billy buttons photo by Cooper Carras

Board #240: Big Sky Country

Montana is one of those places that is really a part of who I am. I grew up spending summers there, with lots of extended family and friends, no television, and a good look at something that was utterly different from the Bay Area where I lived the rest of the year. I just spent the last two weeks there, and it was as hard to leave this year as it always is, so how could I not make a Montana-inspired wedding board? I'm sure this might work for other places, too, but for me it is unquestionably Montana. (I think everyone has a place like this - what's yours?)

Mood: rustic, unfussy
Palette: whatever nature has to offer

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Top row from left: gate photo by Billy Winters, wildflower bouquet via Style Me Pretty, marshmallow campfire, formal cowboys
Row 2: wedding sign photo by Tara Kelly via East Side Bride, wildflowers photo by Teri Lyn Fisher, photo by Twin Lens, big sky tent
Row 3: truck bed buffet and sparklers both from Country Living, horseshoe seating cards from Oh How Charming!, mason jars and table number photo by Leigh Miller
Row 4: woodgrain invitation by Alee & Press, bouquet from Custom Event Group, pie table from Steven Moore Designs

Board #237: Feminine Rustic

I love a rustic look, but I also love a garden look. Here, I've softened a rustic venue and its more rugged elements with pale pinks and blues, plenty of beautiful flowers, and pretty calligraphy. In lieu of a traditional guest book, let guests write their notes on address cards and then file them alphabetically in an old recipe box - or use this as a way to organize escort cards instead. Cover some favorite hardbound books with kraft paper. It's a simple and cost-effective decorative element which can double as a favor for guests to take home.

Mood: feminine, rustic
Palette: pink, blue, tan

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Top row from left: photo by Jen Siska, bouquet and table both from Martha Stewart Weddings, custom dress via Kim Gray
Row 2: truck photo by Eleise Theuer, kraft paper covered books from Oh How Charming!, vintage style cake via Once Wed, musicians photo by Jose Villa, bouquet by The Green Vase
Row 3: mason jar centerpiece photo by Heather Forsythe, lavender lemonade from Martha Stewart, escort cards on twine photo by Karen Wise, ceremony seats photo by Lisa Lefkowitz
Row 4: envelope via Brooklyn Bride, pink pashminas from Jo Gartin, wood recipe box, pizzelle ice cream cups from Martha Stewart Weddings

Board #232: Old Time Photographs

Today's board was inspired by that beautiful yellowed tint that old papers take on, or the sepia tones of old photographs. I imagine a wedding with lots of warm filtered light, faded yellows, and a slightly vintage feel. Not vintage, but at least a sense of it. And I am absolutely in love with that dress.

Mood: warm, light
Palette: faded yellows, cream, sun-bleached white, sepia

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Top row from left: Ristarose dress from Martha Stewart Weddings, cake from Rebecca Thuss, flowers from Laurie Arons, chuppah photo by Twin Lens
Row 2: floating dahlias from Artfool, escort cards photo by Mantas Wright, ring bearer photo by Mark Staff, bouquet by Blumengarten
Row 3: pressed cookies from Martha Stewart Weddings, linen ring pillow from Kate Headley's flickr, photo via {frolic!}, photo from David Tutera
Row 4: Moschino suit via Nibs, white roses, eyelet note cards by Pistachio Press via Poppytalk, photo by Lisa Leigh

Update! Look at this beautiful project from Victoria at sfgirlbybay - perfect for this wedding.

Board #224: Red and Peach Country Charm

I love red when it's softened by another color - peach in this instance. I think this wedding inspiration board contains both rustic country charm and whimsically elegant details, and would work well in late summer or early fall. Fruit pies could take the place of wedding cake, or maybe alongside a buttercream cake decorated with seasonal fruit. Roses and dahlias are the main floral element here, but ranunculus would work, as would bittersweet berries later in the fall.

Mood: rustic, elegant country charm
Palette: red, peach, cream, tan, brown

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Top row from left: picture frames via A Practical Wedding, dahlia photo by Cheri Pearl, car photo by Our Labor of Love, photo by Positive Light Studio
Row 2: photo by Kimberlee Miller, photo by Union Photo, envelopes from Martha Stewart Weddings, flowers by Isari Flower Studio
Row 3: Morgan Le Fay lace skirt from Brides, flowers by Saipua, tent and table from Fete NY
Row 4: shoes photo by Elizabeth Messina, peaches, save-the-date by Design des Troy, pie photo by Eleise Theuer

Board #221: Northern California Beach Wedding

You may have picked up on this already, but when it comes to beach wedding boards, I tend to lean toward a natural look and neutral colors. This may have something to do with growing up in Northern California, where colors on the coast are muted and the weather is moody. To me, that type of beach is beautiful and familiar, low key and laid back. And so that's the wedding board I've tried to create here.

Mood: nature-inspired, low key
Palette: neutrals

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Top row from left: photo by Gertrude & Mabel, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, seating cards from Kathleen Deery, photo by Jude Mooney (thanks to Meg!)
Row 2: stationery by Linda & Harriett, bread photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy via Style Me Pretty, torches from Brides, blankets via Black Eiffel
Row 3: recycled vases via Ritzy Bee, photo from Brides, cake photo and favor box photo both by Union Photography
Row 4: rustic table and menus from Lyndsey Hamilton, photo by Mel Barlow via The Bride's Cafe, twine-wrapped mason jar, bouquet by Artfool