All-White Color Palette

Nothing excites me more than a colorful inspiration board, but there's another side of me that ADORES an all-white color (or lack of color) palette. There's something so pure & clean about it. White on white on white is something I can't get enough of. Being in the middle of summer, it's easy to get caught up with the endless color combinations, but it doesn't hurt to consider something all white.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Here is some inspiration that is vibrant & can easily be incorporated in an Orange County wedding. Think reds, golds, oranges, & yellows. These rich colors definitely put you in the mood to eat, party, and be cheery. I did this inspiration board last year, in preparation for some Cinco de Mayo inspiration. For more, you can also check out: Inspiration: Cinco de Mayo, Prepping for Cinco de Mayo, and Thirsty Thursday: Margaritas Galore!

{clockwise from upper left corner: candles on tray via Brides; bouquet via InStyle Weddings; mariachi trumpeter by Stephanie Williams; juice pitchers via Brides; BM cards via Martha Stewart Weddings; red flower in hair via Elizabeth Messina; beachside mariachi by Stephanie Williams; confetti via Martha Stewart Weddings; table setting via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Yellow Color Palette

Wedding season is in full swing, and so is spring. I thought I would share some yellow inspiration to brighten your day. Three years ago, I would have very much been opposed to using yellow in a wedding color scheme, but times change... and yellow is so hot right now! It's also very cheery. From lemons & lemonade for a refreshing drink to bright yellow blooms of marigold, billy balls, and daisies.


{left to right - row 1: Tinywater Photography, Julie Mikos, Sweet Monday Photography; row 2: Linda Chaja Photography, David Schwartz Photography via the Bride's Cafe; row 3: Boutwell Studios, Stephanie Williams Photography {bouquet}, Shelly Kroeger Photography {bridesmaid in yellow dress}, Jonathan Canlas Photography {shoes}; row 4: Martha Stewart Weddings, Mary Jane Photography, Caroline Tran}

Apparently, yellow floral arrangements symbolizes new beginnings, happiness, & friendship. They say you can't help buy smile when seeing the color yellow. Have a great weekend!

Looking for favors?

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been getting a bunch of requests from my brides as to what direction they should go in as far as their favors are concerned. I was digging around in my archives & found this post. What I love about wedding favors is the fact that there are no limits to what you can do. Anything goes!

{left to right - row 1: Bonnie Tsang Photography, Keiko Niwa Photography; row 2: Tinywater Photography, Ryan Phillips Photography; row 3: Duke Photography, Twin Lens}

You want to make a statement, right? Well, as long as you keep your favors personal, where it represents you as a couple, it will make a statement, regardless of how much you spend on it! Really! Whether it's in a box or tied with a bow, as long as it's relevant, it will make that statement.

Colorful palette

With spring in full swing & flowers blooming left & right, I thought I would share a colorful inspiration board I put together a few months ago. I love the pinks, blues, greens, & purples... I suppose muted versions/shades of these colors are ideal for spring and the more vibrant versions are perfect for summer.
What colors are you incorporating into your big day? How did you pick your color palette?

Makeup Artist - Chelsey B

Chelsey B is one talented lady. She is a hair stylist, makeup artist, and wonderful person to chat with. I had the pleasure working with Chelsey as she prepped me for my own photoshoot. I would describe her style as very clean & not too fussy. Who hates cakey makeup anyway? I love how Chelsey takes so much pride in her work & has a genuine interest in making your true beauty radiate. She wants you to go with your best face forward (if that makes sense). I would recommend any of you ladies looking for a professional to do your hair and/or makeup on your big day (or for any special occasion for that matter) to give Chelsey a call.
What should every bride not forget to have on their wedding day, as far as makeup? False eyelashes. It will make the eyes stand out so much in photos!

The excerpt above was from my post about Chelsey. Be sure to check it out to learn more about Chelsey's background, her pet peeve, & her list of wedding day must-haves for every bride (I know, right? Who doesn't love secrets from the pros or finding out more about them?)

Inspired by a pink color palette

Pink is probably (most definitely) my favorite color, and always has been. I have stated time & time again how one shade of pink can create a different type of atmosphere than another shade (like it does for shades of blue, green, & red for me). A pale pink evokes something gentle, delicate, and romantic. Hot pink reminds me of a rockin', fun party. Strawberry shortcake pink reminds me of summer. What is your favorite shade of pink?

{left to right - row 1: Erin Jean Photo, Amelia Lyon Photography, Stephanie Williams Photography; row 2: Amsale, The Modern Type Photography; row 3: Jennifer Skog, Braedon Photography; row 4: Jasmine Star Photography, Amy Squires}

This color palette inspiration board is what I called 'romantically ruffled pink'.

Jomygoodness to the rescue - incorporating damask to your tables

As I try to get comfortable double-blogging on here and my own blog, I figured I would address some of the forum questions I see here every so often. I recently saw this forum post from an Orange County bride desperate to find a way to incorporate damask into her almost-definite tablescape (ok, "desperate" may be overly dramatic on my part, but you get the idea). So here is a summary of her dilemma:

Bride is 60% complete with her tablescape vision. Colors are fuschia & silver. Silver pin-tuck tablecloths with hot pink napkins, white chairs, and natural-color redwood manzanita tree branches for the centerpiece. Recently fell in love (x3) with damask & wants to include it on her table, replacing the silver tablecloth.

{Jennifer Skog}

Well, it's doable, ladies. Granted , I have no idea what the budget is or if a florist and/or stylist has been contracted. My suggestions would be:

• If you're stuck on having damask print tablecloths and you're able to find the perfect print (like a neutral or black & white damask color scheme), you can alternate the tables where some will remain silver while the rest are damask. Damask on all the tables may be a bit much. Or you can have a tablerunner with a damask print & a solid tablecloth.
  
• You can always subtly incorporate damask on your papergoods, like table numbers, escort cards, placecards, and menus. If you decide to have your favors be at each placesetting, rather than a separate table, you can incorporate damask with the favors.
• You might, if it's not too overwhelming or too all over the place, want to include damask in your vases or whatever you have to hold your manzanita branches.
• Something that doesn't have anything to do with your tables would be a damask patterned ring pillow, or damask ribbon to wrap your bouquet.

{styling by JL Designs; linen from Wildflower Linens; rentals from Classic Party Rentals; photo by Barnet Photography; for Ceremony Magazine}

P.S. I love hot pink & damask. Do you have questions? Send them my way.

Organic Outdoor Wedding Inspiration

I posted this inspiration board on my blog in 2009, but I thought it would be fitting since SPRING is officially upon us. Take advantage of the beautiful weather spring has and have an outdoor ceremony or even reception. Imagine a lovely afternoon wedding, where your wedding is perfect because of the ideal weather and amazing natural light. Use seasonal fruit as inspiration, and, in abundance, they make fitting decor.


{clockwise from upper left corner: candle jars by Joy Marie; placecards in the grass via JL Designs; little old church by Carrie Patterson Photography via The Bride's Cafe; tin by Adlers Photography; fruity centerpiece via Martha Stewart Weddings; bouquet by Imaginitive Studios; bundt cake with ribbons via Martha Stewart Weddings; lemonade station by Lisa Franchot via The Bride's Cafe; standing by the truck by Kate Headley; peach placard via Martha Stewart Weddings; clothespin seating card via Brides.com}