Baby Shower for Ariella

Okay, so it's not a wedding, but it is a party - and it's beautiful! And I thought it fitting for the Saturday before Mother's Day. Kristi Amoroso sent me these gorgeous photos, by Meg Smith, of a baby shower she held for their friend Ariella Chezar. Is that enough fabulously talented women in one sentence?

Here's what Ariella had to say about this special day:

Kristi blew me away- not surprising, a class act that gal, always. I figured lovely baby shower at her beautiful pad in Sonoma- and it was, but REALLY lovely.

She had set up a Raj tent in the back yard, my dear friend Max Gill (who does the flowers at Chez Panisse and Quince) decorated it with stunning arrangements. There was beautiful Indian food, various gold rimmed plates, rugs, cushions and Moroccan drinking glasses. Janel Claire had done all the paper goods and they were stunning as ever (she is SUCH a talent). Janel arrived in a gorgeous old red convertible (whose make I don't recall) looking glam as ever.

Unwrapping all those cuter than cute little items added to what was already an intense excitement about what lay ahead. But more than anything, I felt so blessed, and so lucky to be surrounded and celebrated by such dear friends in such a magical environment.

Paper items by Janel Claire.




Tent from Raj Tents.






Flowers by Max Gill, 510-459-5831.









Thank you to Kristi and Meg for sharing this lovely baby shower with Snippet & Ink, and happy Mother's Day to Ariella and all the other mommies out there - including my own very special one!

Sneak Peek: Ariella's Baby Shower

Check in tomorrow for a special Mother's Day post!

And the winner is...

Kayla, who said:
Congratulations on your 200 posts! I'm newly engaged and read snippet & ink first thing in the morning when I get to work! I've read all 200! The inspiration boards are a treat for my eyes and have helped me a lot with the design of my wedding! I can't wait to read your next 200 posts... even after I say 'I do'!

Congratulations Kayla on your engagement, and on your Wishing Well from Zinke Design! Email me with your mailing address and I will send that off to you as soon as possible.

Board #203: Vintage Pink & Green

One of the sweet comments on my giveaway post was a request for more pink and green. I guess I consider pink and green so classic for a wedding, that I'm always a little afraid that an inspiration board in those colors will seem cliche. But, it's a classic color combination for a reason - because it's lovely - so I challenged myself to create a board that used pink and green and still seemed fresh. Here, the green comes mostly from the outdoor venue, and pale pink is in the flowers and other details, such as ribbons tied around glass stems. Vintage elements, such as antique spoons for dessert or coffee, clear drinking glasses, Victorian floral labels, and of course the historic venue, add an extra something special.

Mood: vintage charm
Palette: pale pink, cream, green

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: Oak Alley plantation house, photo via {frolic}, peony from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: antique spoons, champagne from Brides, Carmela Sutera dress from Charleston Weddings
Row 3: parasols via Black Eiffel, peonies by Grandiflora, "photobooth" from Brides UK, cake by Lovin Sullivan
Row 4: drinking glasses, tables photo by Mallory Samson, Victorian garden labels from Martha Stewart Crafts, bouquet

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who entered the 200th-Board-Thank-You Giveaway sponsored by Zinke Design! I will announce the winner of the giveaway tomorrow morning, but in the meantime I thought I'd share some of your comments, the ones that really summed up what I aim to do everyday on Snippet & Ink, or that made me laugh.

Laura said:
I read because of the constant reminder that there are endless ways of combining colors, textures, and themes to create a beautiful and unique wedding. That gives me confidence that I can make my own wedding personal, lovely, and memorable.

Sarah said:
I am planning my wedding pretty much single-handedly and this has given me a touch point. An inspiration in how to make the glamorous simple, and the simple glamorous. Thanks for that!

Jecca said:
I read because I am so overwhelmed by everything that is out there. Your posts let me breathe and relax and see that there is a way to have a theme and cohesion AND have it be relevant to real life. Wonderful.

Mariam said:
I read snippet & ink because it is the best wedding blog out there. The woman behind it all must be fabulous! (full disclosure: Mariam is my best friend and has to say that.)

Kristina said:
I read this blog because I don't want the same old cookie cutter wedding.

CastaldiK said:
I read for the following reasons:
1. I am obsessed with the boards.
2. I am a true DIY bride and with 620 days until the big day you keep me excited even though I am a long way off.
3. I hate my job with a passion so coming to work is made a little bit better with a large Dunkin Donuts coffee... and Snippet&Ink in the morning!

I even found out that I have some male readers - wonderful! Every single one of your comments made my day, and made me look forward to the next 200 inspiration boards on Snippet & Ink.

Board #202: Let's Get Married!

The crazy beige tulle bow in the top row was the initial inspiration for this wedding board - any bride who would wear that has got to have a great sense of humor. Her wedding would have to include fun elements like novelty toy favors and miniature donuts. And why shouldn't a wedding be fun! To me, this palette looks like a late summer or early fall wedding, but if you turn up the pink it could easily work in spring, or if you add more white you could use it in winter too.

Mood: playful, warm
Palette: pale peach, tan, brown

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: Tiburon Audubon Center from Brides, tulle bow from Watters, novelty toy favor via Black Eiffel, coffee and stroopwafels from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: arrangements by Ariella Chezar, suit from via East Side Bride, french fries from Mi Mi Design, rose photo by Victoria Pearson
Row 3: miniature donuts by Callahan Catering, hand lettering by Betsy Dunlap, bouquet by Ariella Chezar, getaway car from Maria McBride
Row 4: boutonniere from Mi Mi Design, Romona Keveza dress from Brides UK, faux bois tags by Lemon Loves Paper, bouquet by Housemartin

Board #201: White & Lime

I'm sure by now you all know how much I love a green and white inspiration board. For this wedding, I imagine a cool couple with modern style and a playful side. The cake stands, invitations, and bird cage (for holding notes from guests) incorporate a bird motif without going overboard. Wouldn't this make a beautiful and refreshing spring or summer wedding?

Mood: modern, playful
Palette: crisp white, lime green

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: urban loft venue, bird cake stands by Whitney Smith (purchase here) via Modern Vintage Design, bird invitation by Austin Press
Row 2: green nectarines via Matt Bites, coconut sandwich cookies via Sweet Paul, point d'esprit veil from In Style
Row 3: place setting by Isari Flower Studio, calligraphy by Linea Carta, Etro suit via East Side Bride, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 4: ring pillow by Anna Whitford, dress by Jenny Yoo, lime sorbet via Whisk, birdcages via Mteriors

Board #200: Under the Trees

I can't believe this is my 200th inspiration board! Snippet & Ink started as a fun way for me to fill extra time, and has recently turned into a full-time job. Thank you for that, readers! There is no way that I would have continued to blog if not for your encouraging comments and thoughtful emails. I can't always respond to everything, but please know how much your words mean to me. Check back in later today for a 200th-Post-Thank-You Giveaway, sponsored by Zinke Design...

Mood: intimate, rustic
Palette: brown, green, purple

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: photo by Aaron Delesie, arrangement by Artfool, table from Oh How Charming!
Row 2: arrangement by Ariella Chezar, car from Brides, White Rose dress from Brides UK, calligraphy by May Belle
Row 3: pear favors from Martha Stewart Weddings, bouquet photo by Roper Photo, votives from Cox & Cox, table number from Alison Events
Row 4: cake from Sharla Flock, boutonnieres by Artfool, embroidered napkins photo by Mulberry Photo, bouquet from Rebecca Thuss

Board #199: Cinco de Mayo

I think this inspiration board would work for a destination wedding in Mexico (clearly), or even a wedding or rehearsal dinner at a Mexican restaurant or with a Mexican theme. It could even be translated into a non-wedding party! I love bright, bold colors, and I think that a mostly warm palette makes perfect sense, but here I balanced it with white and an unexpected pale turquoise. Miniature piñatas would be a fun favor, at the kids' table or for everyone. And this save-the-date by Bird and Banner would definitely set the tone for a fun, Mexican-themed wedding.

Mood: sassy fun
Palette: yellow, red, pale turquoise

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: fish tacos from Blueprint, photo by Lisa Lefkowitz, papeles picados decor by Ariella Chezar via {frolic} (photo by Dasha Wright), bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: invitation by Saturate Design, chili dusted mango wedges from Martha Stewart, photo from The Knot, beer photo from Pacific Weddings
Row 3: cocktail from Matthew Mead Style, tissue flower from In Style via Jacaranda Home, photo from Brides UK, cake topper via Santa Barbara Wedding
Row 4: parasols from Brides, centerpiece from Todd Events, cake by Bakery Bar, photo by Vallentyne

Real Wedding Saturday: Kate & Tom

This beautiful wedding, shot by the very talented Lisa Lefkowitz, may be familiar to some of you already from the most recent Elegant Bride. But when Lisa sent me these photos, I couldn't wait to post them - they're just too beautiful to pass up!




Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens.






Dress by Carolina Herrera.


Flowers by Nancy Liu Chin.












Catering by Barbara Llewellyn Catering.




Shoes by Christian Louboutin.

Thank you to Lisa Lefkowitz for sharing these gorgeous photos with Snippet & Ink, and thank you to Kate and Tom for sharing your special day with us!

{to submit a real wedding, email me at kathryn@snippetandink.com}

Snippet & Ink on the Wedding Planning Audiocast

If you're looking for a way to spend 15 minutes, check out my interview with The Wedding Planning Audiocast.

This website has tons of interviews from some of the best in the wedding industry, and they've added a new series called Meet the Wedding Bloggers, giving a little behind-the-scenes look at the people behind the wedding blogs. It was so fun to listen to interviews with Christy from What Junebug Loves, and Abby from Style Me Pretty, and I can't wait to hear the upcoming interviews with Janie from The Bride's Cafe and Maria from Ritzy Bee. Go here to listen.

Sneak Peek: Kate & Tom

Stop by tomorrow to see this beautiful wedding shot by the talented Lisa Lefkowitz!

Board #197: Early Spring Sweetness

More than any other colors, pale blue and yellow make me think of spring, especially early spring. This board probably would have been perfect closer to Easter, but I so wanted to make an inspiration board using the beautiful Italian cotton ribbons from Angela Liguori!

Mood: soft light, sweet spring
Palette: pale blue, pale yellow, white

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: peony nests via Toast and Tables, rain or shine umbrellas from Soiree Charleston, photo by Ann Hamilton via The Bride's Cafe
Row 2: floral headband by Twigs & Honey, Italian cotton ribbons from Angela Liguori, Alan Hannah dress from Brides UK, hydrangea bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: egg arrangement from Martha Stewart, photo from Brides, balloon decorations from Martha Stewart Weddings, boutonniere photo by Lisa Lefkowitz from The Knot
Row 4: photo via {frolic}, monogrammed cookies from Martha Stewart Weddings, cake by Trophy Cupcakes, telegram card from 16 Sparrows

Update! How sweet is this photo by Cameron Browne - and the colors match this board exactly!

Board #196: A Little Bit Country

Pink and brown is one of those combinations that has almost been done too many times. But, as with anything, you can take something classic or even common, and make it new and fresh. How is a pink and brown color palette made into something unexpected? When it's paired with a gray accent, and applied to a rustic ranch venue. I didn't want the ranch theme to be too much here, so I kept it to boots for the bride and a cake decorated with different cattle brands. Photos hung on an aged barnwood wall and a rusty old mailbox for collecting notes from guests play up the rustic feel, while pale pink softens things. And I know I did a pink ranch wedding not too long ago, but this one definitely looks different. I'm telling you, there are an infinite number of ways to have a beautiful wedding, even if the colors and theme have been done before!

Mood: rustic, romantic
Palette: pale pink, brown, gray

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: photo by Mulberry Photo, stationery by Hello! Lucky, bouquet by The Green Vase, boots photo by Sara Remington for Anna Kuperberg
Row 2: flowers by Prudence Designs, pashminas from Love Luck and Angels, mailbox "guest book" from Grapevine Weddings, photo by Jose Villa
Row 3: thank you note by Chewing the Cud, porcelain milk bottles by Alyssa Ettinger via In This Instance, wine glasses from Bellissima Vita, cattle brand cake by Sweet Pea Bakery
Row 4: photo line from The Knot, photo by Anna Kuperberg, dress by Coren Moore

Board #195: Rust and Navy

This board is for Laura, who needed some help visualizing her wedding in the colors she and her fiance had chosen. They imagine a wedding that is fun, elegant, and modern - no ruffles or frills here! Laura also mentioned an affinity for bees, so I tried to work that in as well. Another fun detail about this wedding: they're getting married at the ruins of these cloisters in Paulinzella, Germany. What a unique and beautiful venue!

Mood: elegant, modern, fun
Palette: navy, rust orange, ice blue

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: lanterns photo by Wedding Day Art from Lola Event Production, shirt and tie from Coles Shirtmakers, ribbon bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Kate Webber
Row 2: initials from Martha Stewart Weddings, busy bee invitation by A3 Design via Black Eiffel, photo by Vallentyne, beehive cake topper by Wren Handmade
Row 3: photo via Project Wedding, ranunculus via Toast and Tables, table numbers from Mi Mi Design
Row 4: calla bouquet from Red Ribbon Studio, ribbon boutonnieres from Martha Stewart Weddings, hair pin by Twigs & Honey, calligraphy by Laura Hooper

Real Wedding Saturday: April & Mitch

Kristi Amoroso shared this beautiful vineyard wedding with me, and I had to share it with you! The wedding was held at the bride's family's winery, Gargiulo Vineyards, and these photos by the talented Tari and Albert Lewis from Mulberry Photo capture the day beautifully.


April wore her grandmother's triple-strand pearl bracelet and her mother's earrings.


When the wedding was being planned, the winery was under construction. At the time of the wedding, it hadn't been completed, but that didn't stop the couple from having a beautiful ceremony! The ceremony took place in the unfinished winery addition, with tons of jam jar votive candles lining the unfinished walls.




Flowers and event decor by Sillapere.


April's dad is a musician, and wrote a song for her that he performed as a surprise at the ceremony.


















Catering by Peter Hall, 707-944-1920.


Family friends performed during and after dinner.








Gargiulo "Aprile" vintage from a few years ago, named for the bride.


Pistachios were pressed into the sides of the cake, by Alexis Baking Company.




Dress by Reem Acra.






The Gargiulo Family Winery in Oakville, California.


Lighting by Twilight Design, 707-570-0101.




Congratulations April and Mitch! What a perfectly beautiful day. And thank you to Kristi Amoroso and Mulberry Photo for sharing this gorgeous wedding with Snippet & Ink!

{to submit a real wedding, email me at kathryn@snippetandink.com}