Inspiration Nation: May 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Shades of Yellow Completely Transform This Chic Wedding Design

I’m always amazed how a little pop of color can infuse so much style and whimsy into a wedding. Take this day designed by Laurie Arons where she helped the couple pull off an unexpected color palette of shades of mustard yellow paired with midnight navy blue. From the Sarah Winward’s florals to A Day in May Design’s invitations, they carried the palette throughout and the drop-dead gorgeous gallery is from none other than Jose Villa.

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From Laurie Arons Special Events…Our bride Wilhemlina loved the idea of using a bold and unusual color combination for her March wedding. Knowing that flowering mustard is prominent in Napa Valley that time of year, we decided to use bold mustard yellow, complimented by beautiful midnight navy, on the printed materials.

Since their venue Durham Ranch is in many ways a clean palate, we could really let the flowers be the design statement of the wedding. Each aspect of the wedding received a stand out installation of floral that progressed in richness of color.

Starting with the ceremony, Sarah Winward and her team created a full dramatic arch for the couple’s backdrop. The arch was constructed of incredible blooming white branches, which are only available for a couple weeks during the season. After cocktails, guests moved into the barn at Durham Ranch for dinner under a magical ceiling installation of green vines and delicate hanging lights. It covered 40 feet of ceiling and was a labor of love for the teams from Sarah Winward and Got Light, who executed it to perfection.

To close out the night, we revealed a dance tent built over the Durham Ranch pool that was full of bold yellow flowers. My favorite part of the tent was the bright yellow entryway valance Sarah constructed out of forsythia. It was unexpected, yet so perfect to set the fun tone inside.

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Why Flower Bars Are the New “It” Bridal Shower Detail

Hi SMP Brides! It’s Jess of Dressed by Jess again and today I am so excited to share my garden-inspired bridal shower with you. First, let me start out by saying that I was so completely overwhelmed with love and joy on the day of my shower. The feeling of having all of the special women in your life, in one room, gathered to celebrate your soon-to-be marriage, is indescribable.

I cried many happy tears! My bridal shower was not a surprise, I was aware of the date and location, but my girls kept a lot of secrets from me which made the day extra special. My mom, sister, bridesmaids, and future mother-in-law did such an incredible job planning the day for me. From the flower bar, to the custom flower crown station, to the floral photo booth, my eyes didn’t know where to settle first upon entering the room.

My shower took place at the Madison Hotel in the Conservatory room, which features floor to ceiling windows, opulent chandeliers, and rich greenery. It was truly stunning! The invitations were accentuated with pretty pastels, pops of fuchsia, and a whimsical garden-inspired design by Sugar and Grace Paper. The reverse side of the invitations included the saying “Please join us in the garden for love and laughter before the happily ever after.”

We spent the day sipping on mimosas, enjoying delicious food and all the fun festivities my bridesmaids put together. We laughed over the clever games and cried over the sentimental moments. I really enjoyed the He Said/She Said game. It was fun to listen to all the guests’ responses.

The flower bar represented my love for florals, and it also served as a favor station. Each guest was able to pick their favorite flowers and put them into jars to bring home. Another fun touch? We used the flowers to create flower crowns! This station was a hit. I couldn’t pull my friends away from it if I tried to. It kept them very busy when I opened gifts.

The photo booth was very non-traditional and my sister worked with Angela of Floriography Designs to hang flowers for the backdrop. At the end of the day I really enjoyed looking back at all the photos of my friends and family. It was such a sweet touch.

I opted to keep my ensemble fairly traditional for the shower. I wore a long-sleeved lace white dress from Allen Schwartz and completed the look with a Marchesa clutch from Rent the Runway. I worked with Michelle from Up and Out to create a bohemian-inspired fishtail braid. We styled it with a delicate Violette Garland hair accessory from Hermione Harbutt. I felt the dainty pearl flowers nestled along the gold branches truly fit in with the bridal shower theme.

Board #426362 Board #426365 Board #425564

It was a floral-filled afternoon and I was surrounded by so much love. I’m so thankful for those who helped me celebrate. I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my bridal shower. Huge thank you to Jessa of Love & Light Photographs for capturing every moment. Stay tuned for more pre-wedding details. xx Jess.

Flower bar tips from Floriography Designs

Find a floral expert that can provide the flowers, tools, and expertise. In the case of DIY, do research about flowers and find a good flower market provider.

Create a concept. Choose your color theme and floral style. You could go from French market, urban chic, to rustic and country style. Try to pick flowers according to your bridal shower theme.

Select the right flowers that will be easy to pick for your guests that can be arranged in small bud vases. Preferably no thorns and clean stems.

Don’t forget to prep! Order your flowers ahead of time. On the day before, unwrap and prepare buckets with clean water and flower food to condition and feed them. Clean the stems removing thorns or any unnecessary leaves. Arrange them by bunches.

Set the stage. Get creative by designing and decorating your flower bar with buckets for your guests to pick the flowers. Prepare the bud vases with water and floral food ahead. Set up some small working tables for your guests to work on with tools to cut and arrange the flowers.

Follow Jess’s Journey:

Meet the Bride | Margarita + ‘Maids | Planning Inspo | The Dress

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Monday, May 30, 2016

SMP Salutes Our Soliders

Nothing (and we mean, nothing) is better than a handsome man in uniform. And today? We’re honoring just that. As we salute, and remember the fearless men and women who’ve defended our country and sacrificed for our freedom. A salute to our soldiers with an ode to military weddings, both big and small. It’s our way of saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service.

Men in Uniform

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