Cheerful red

Just a very pretty tree for fall inspiration.

Unique decor idea.

Photograph by Eric Kelley via Style Me Pretty

Cute backdrop right? It's a shower curtain!  Another creative decor idea that's useful after the wedding. 

Autumn Sunset, Inspiration Board

Chilly autumn weather has arrived. The days are growing shorter but the setting sun is just as stunning. An autumn evening sunset was my inspiration for this board. Browns and creams with some deep orange, pink and jewel tone blue accents. I would plan a menu of seasonal foods including brussels sprouts, apples, figs, leeks, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and parsnips.

Top row from left: Love sparklers, caramel wafer coffee warmers via Martha Stewart, Wheat wreath from Martha Stewart weddings, Veuve Cliquot Champagne Row 2: Bridesmaid with sash from Martha Stewart weddings, Mum peach and orange bridal bouquet from All Things Lovely, Autumn bride from Sane wedding planning Row 3: Mums invitations via papersource, Henry and Kate framed silhouette from This next Row 4: Orange dahlia boutinere from Martha Stewart weddings, Cashmere cap sleeve sweater by English Dept. via This next, Jewel tone blue and orange candlesticks from Martha Stewart Weddings, Wine Cork place card holder photo by Justine Ungaro

Wedding day at the races, Inspiration Board

I've always adored the 1964 musical film, My Fair Lady. It's a timeless romance between a snobbish professor and a simple flower girl set in both high and low society London. The Ascott opening day race is one of my favorite scenes and that is the inspiration behind this board. Black and white mixed with some feminine details.

Top row from left: Bridal party from On Your Day Events, Charming Go Lightly invitation from Cheree Berry paper, Bouquet Photo by Justin & Mary via Style Me Pretty, Charbonnel et Walker Pink Champagne truffles via Polyvore

Second row: My Fair Lady race day photo, My Fair Lady movie poster, Box full o' engagement rings from Martha Stewart Weddings

Third row: Bentley from Big Entertainment, I Spy game photo by Laura Ivanova via Style Me Pretty

Bottom row: Patio reception photo by Lori Paladino, Dinner Party by Greedy Girl, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, Horse Race by Handicaphorseracing.com

Opening Day at Ascott:



Eliza blunder cheering:

Glam

Here's a free invitation for download by the talented designers at Betsy White via Ruffled. Perfect for a bachelorette party.

Ribbons and bows

Loving these bows from the shop at No. 144 via Something Old, Something New. They're so simple and feminine. Also, unexpected. 

More for the bookish...

I recently saw this library theme wedding featured on Style Me Pretty and I had to mention it. There are so many lovely details including the I Spy game pictured above. Way to bring the colors and theme together for the little ones. All pictures by the talented Laura Ivanova.

Making your own bouquet

Here is a great video and directions on how to make your own bouquet via Style Me Pretty. 

A dancing dress

My cousin got married this past week-end and it was a beautiful wedding. My favorite detail of the wedding was her dress. It was a formal gown but the long skirt detached to reveal this chic sheath dress. Perfect for dancing. 

Love.

Big Sky.

Photo by Nickel Images via Ruffled Blog

Le sigh. Oh that Montana sky.

"The sunflower is a favorite emblem of constancy" ~Thomas Bulfinch

Photo by Aaron Snow via Style Me Pretty

Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy bouquet.

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness...

Photo by Anna Wolf via 100 Layer Cake 

Check out the biscuit bar from this southern style wedding shoot. I'm a sucker for these salty treats and their jam, jelly and honey toppings. 

This would be a fun addition to a menu or perhaps instead of cake. 

Kate and Joe wedding feature

All photos by Alex of FedorovFoto

My little sister got married a few weeks ago and it was such a wonderful occasion. Kate and Joe had been dating for over four years and they are very much in love. Kate's mantra through the entire wedding planning process was, "I just want to marry Joe". They were totally and completely focused on the marriage and obviously put a lot of thought into the ceremony which took place in a beautiful botanical garden. Afterwards our families mingled in a glass palm house over punch and a delicious piece cake (or two).


On the morning of the wedding, we all pitched in to help set up and it was a lot of fun to work together. Kate was relaxed, happy and so organized that we barely needed direction. I made the bouquets and boutonnieres. My cousin set up a pretty collage of family photos. My fiance' and brothers took charge of getting lunch distributed and the rest of the family set up the tables. 

One of the highlights of the wedding was her amazing photographer, Alex of FedorovFoto and his wife Natalia, who were creative, talented and friendly. They flew from NYC to Ohio on their anniversary week-end to shoot Kate's wedding because they wanted to help a young couple who wouldn't be able to hire a photographer otherwise. They took beautiful photos and gave them to her for FREE! It was a very generous gift that will remind them of their wedding day for the rest of their lives.

My favorites from the rehearsal dinner the night before:

Check out Alex's blog for more photos.

Planning the music

Looking for advice on whether to plan your own music or hire a professional? First, check out DIY DJ: Is It For You? at DIY Bride. It includes a good list of questions to help you prepare. Also, How to DJ your own wedding from A Practical Wedding provides some good tips. 


Hiring a professional is less work but a little less expensive. If you do hire a professional, make sure the DJ gets your style. I've been to many weddings where the Bride or Groom has to interrupt the DJ during the reception because of a tacky game or poor song choice. Also, make sure there is a variety of music because grandma and grandpa won't appreciate the latest Kayne song but some Frank Sinatra will make their night.

More Accessories

Here are some DIY accessory ideas and instructions from Grey Likes Weddings. 

The Perfectly Charming Dress

Photo by Natalie and Dan of Watson-Studios

I love short wedding dresses! They're comfortable, simple and perfectly charming.

Photo via Project Wedding

Vivienne Westwood dress via Pinker 33

Short dresses can be fancy. You might recognize this Vivienne Westwood dress from Sex in the City. 

Photo by Jimena Roquero via Snippet and Ink

And they're ideal for city hall weddings, backyard celebrations and eloping. 

IPOD Playlist ideas

Photo by Edward

A reader at 2000 dollar wedding recently shared her ipod playlist and I thought it was a pretty good music selection. It's worth a look if you're doing your own music.

Scenic view

Photo by Christian Oth Studio via Style Me Pretty

A friend of ours got married this week-end and it was a wonderful celebration. I was inspired by the bride's room which included a veranda like the one above. 

This New York wedding was beautiful. Check out the photos on Style Me Pretty.

Paper trail...

I recently discovered The Paper Studio. It isn't cheap but they have some very pretty decorative paper.