Charcoal Grey + Raspberry - A Wedding Color Story

The bright palette of hot pink and orange takes a modern twist when grounded with the neutral color of charcoal grey.  We love the idea of adding in this darker shade to bring a sense of sophistication to an ordinarily whimsical color scheme. 

When putting together this palette, don't be afraid to take advantage of the different shades of pink and orange to add depth and texture to your florals, table centerpieces, and decor.  Adding in lighter shades of pink and pops of marigold and yellow will bring your look from homemade to custom made.

Photo Credits: Grey and Pink Wedding, Photo booth prop, Streamers, Margaritas, and Shepards hook, Orange Balloon Centerpiece, Striped Wedding Invitation, Chair back and table setting, Wedding Dress with Lanterns, Groomsmen

Unique and Unusual Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes are more than just dessert. They are one of the most memorable parts of your reception. Couples have always chosen cakes that had a certain "wow" factor, but lately it seems like brides and grooms are looking for a completely custom cake that is as unforgettable as it is beautiful and delicious.  Cake artists are rising to the challenge and creating gorgeous confectionary masterpieces that are unique and sometimes a little unusual. We've chosen some of our favorite cakes that are distinctive yet still dazzling. We also broke them down into a few different themes that have recently caught our eye.

Inspired by Art

Lovers of fine art will appreciate these wedding cakes inspired by famous works of art from the likes of Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt.

Image Credits: Starry Night from Rosesen, Tiffany from Maggie Austin Cake, Gustav Klimt from Finishing Touch

Colorful Confections
Gone are the days of the pure white or ivory wedding cake. A pop of color is what brides want to see these days, even if it is just in a small decorative touch like the patterned bunting on the cake below.

Image Credits: Ombre Hearts from Erica Obrien, Colorful Bunting from 100 Layer Cake, Cubes from Project Wedding

High Romance

Frills, flowers, and a blush of pink are all details we love in this romantic, victorian look. Your hubby-to-be might demand a more masculine version for his groom's cake, but that would be a fun compromise that could only set off the feminine beauty of these ruffled desserts.

Image Credits: Ruffles from The Cake Blog, Roses from Peggy Porschen, Pink Love Letter from Martha Stewart

Playful Cakes

Nontraditional colors and shapes can come together to create a wedding cake that cheerfully defines the personalities of the newlywed couple.

Image Credits: Topsy Turvy from Pink Cake Box, Nautical from Pink Cake Box, Whimsical Cake Tiers from Confetti Cakes

Things We Love - Darling Doily Wedding Decor

When you think of doilies you're probably reminiscing of childhood crafts, homemade Valentines or maybe even grandma's house. Although all these memories are certainly sweet, they don't coincide with the elegance that you are picturing for your wedding. Now don't underestimate the versatility of the doily, for it can be artfully crafted into something of unquestionable beauty. When used tastefully, doilies can look elegant, romantic and even whimsical. Incorporate doilies into the decor at your wedding and prepare to wow guests with each and every darling detail.

Showcasing  doily decor in your wedding is the perfect opportunity to utilize your DIY skills, for most of the above decorations can be created quite simply on your own. Some DIY doily ideas include garland or table runners made from either paper doilies or cloth ones sewn together artistically.  Have your reception dinner menu printed on large paper doilies and set on each guest's dinner plate. Doilies can be displayed pinned to a frame and used as guest escort cards. Doilies can also be formed into beautiful centerpieces, votive holders and hanging lanterns by simply shaping them around balloons or balls and using a little fabric stiffener. Combine doilies with romantic candle light by lining mason jars or paper bags with doilies. The light will shine through and highlight the intricate design of the doily. (Use battery operated votives when using paper bags). If the bride wants to incorporate this theme into every aspect of her wedding she can add some doily flowers to her bouquet or wear a single one in her hair. So if this wedding theme sounds like you, start combing garage sales, antique shops and grandma's closet to collect an assortment of doilies. The more different designs you find the better, for this will add interest to the decor. Click on the links below to find directions to the doily crafts above or further inspiration.

 

Image credits: Doily place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings, Doily garland, Doily wedding dress from Gia Canali Photography, Doily menu by Susan Stripling Photography, Half doily votive holders and mason jars, Round candle floral doily centerpiece, Doily bouquet, Large hanging doily lantern, Doily table runners from Ashley Ann Photography, Doily paper bag lanterns from Martha Stewart Weddings, Doily escort cards from Studio Castillero

Romantic Elizabethan Wedding Dress Inspiration Board

The romance of the Elizabethan era inspires many brides today to look to the past for wedding inspiration. The styles shown in this inspiration board below are truly romantic and perfect for your fairy tale wedding theme.  Elizabethan wedding dresses can be purchased by many dress designers. Most of the dresses below are by Ian Stewart and as you can see he puts a modern twist on a romantic classic. View all styles below to find the perfect dress of your dreams.

Whether you add a modern twist or go with the complete Elizabethan theme, you are sure to leave your guest speechless when you enter the ceremony wearing one of these elizabethan inpired wedding dresses. Good Luck!

Photo Credits: Photo 1: yourvintagewedding.com, Photo 2 & 5: eraofelegance.com, Photos 3,4,6, 8 & 10: weddinginspirasi.com, Photos 7 & 9: romanticthreads.com.

Wedding Reception Tropical Centerpiece Ideas

We are a little obsessed with the latest terrarium trend creeping up in wedding reception decorations.  They have a sort of urban jungle feel that is particularly great for destination weddings and tropical themed centerpieces (especially when styled with bamboo leaves and vibrant florals). 

Inspired by this latest trend, we've put together a few of our favorite tropical centerpiece ideas to spark some inspiration for your own wedding decor.  From vibrant florals and coral to leafy tropical scapes, we hope you will be just as inspired we are!

Photo Credits: Pincushion proteas and succulents, Cupcake tower, Starfish in sand, Coral and hydrangeas, Bird of paradise, Terrarium, Terrarium table setting, Orchids in vases, Sand in vases, Apricot place card, Ceviche in seashell, Bird of paradise and bamboo, Starfish and coral, Bird of paradise in blue gel vase, Calla lilies and grass, Hand fan, Bamboo and roses