Shana Faust

Shana Faust is a former Martha Stewart Editor and her portfolio is absolutely amazing (which I happened to find via the fabulous Oh Joy!). What’s to expect but anything near perfection? Here are a few of my faves from her site, which you must head to immediately!

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Lady Aloha

MaeMae Paperie just posted images of her new collection, aptly named, “Aloha!” I seem to have caught the Island Bug, which in my world means an obsession with the desire to sip on Mojitos. While in the sun. Barefoot (obviously). Specifically in the vicinity of waves and sand. You must go check out her new collection, but I thought I’d put together an inspiration board based on her little goodies.

Come check back at noon today. I have a super fun announcement!!!!

Sources left to right, top to bottom: 1. MaeMae Paperie 2. ffffound 2. The Club Room 3. Flickr 4. MaeMae Paperie 5.  5. ffffound

Tiffany Blue Bridal Shower

This Tiffany blue bridal shower is absolutely gorgeous. Bet you’d never guess it was done on a budget! With the combined talents of Nanci at So Happi Together, Jane at Olive Hue Paper, Melody at Sweet and Saucy, and a few other vendors (see below), the result is absolutely lovely. Thoughtful, well-executed details (and some Trader Joe’s peonies) are all it really takes! Connie M. Chung Photography took these photos! Thanks gals for sharing!

Special thanks for the provision of: Chiavari Chairs – Chiavari Chair Rentals | Linens –  Elegant Design Specialty Linens

Mother’s Day Picnic

For Mother’s Day this year, we celebrated my mom as well as my sister, who is a mom for the first time this year. I thought I’d share our picnic with you, because I think if you are hosting a small wedding, an outdoor picnic might be a fun alternative to brunch the morning after the wedding. You can even use leftover flowers and decor from your wedding! A picnic might also be a great idea for the afternoon of your rehearsal dinner. Lunch in the park and lawn games with out-of-town guests and family could be the perfect antidote to wedding stress and jitters.

The photos are by T&H Photography and myself. Flowers and styling by Grey Likes Weddings.

For the recipe and photos of these lemon tartlettes we made for the picnic, check out Grey Likes Nesting!

Grey Likes Yellow (and Grey, of course)

I’m starting the week off with something a little simple, yet no less stunning. I’m so inspired by the grey bridesmaid dress shot by Stephanie Williams. It got me thinking I always appreciate when brides take great care to choose a bridesmaid dress that really is special and worth featuring.

Sources: 1. Stephanie Williams 2. Design Lovely 3. Flickr

A Neutral Stance On the Matter

I have a hankerin’ for neutrals + metallics as of late, so I channeled my desire into bridesmaid inspiration à la J.Crew. I tend to use jewelry for unexpected bursts of color to compensate for the modest palette.

[1] Seraphina Dress | Beechwood, [2] Layered Crystal Glace Necklace | Metallic Blush, [3] Superskinny Leather Belt | Pale Gold, [4] Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan | Warm Wheat, [5] Shimmerveil Leather Ballet Flats | Platinum Gold, [6] Crystal Glamour Bracelet | Metallic Blush

And the finishing touch: Saipua

Thanks for stopping by.

-a

Yellow and Eyelet

I know this inspiration board is really simple, but sometimes, that can be a good thing. This conveys how an incredibly simple idea–eyelet lace–can easily be relied upon for all your inspiration. The elements in this inspiration board play off one another and you can see how even the tiny daisies mirror the look of the eyelet lace.

Sometimes, all you need is a very simple, straightforward idea to direct the rest of your decor! It doesn’t take a crazy intricate inspiration board and TONS of crazy components. For those of us that AREN’T designers, and that stress out about the thought of decorating our wedding, stick to something simple like this. It gives you one main element to repeat throughout your wedding. Eyelet Lace? Use those paper lace doilies as cones for petals to be thrown down the aisle. Use them to embellish gift wrap, or hold your favors. Find old crochet lace to spice up your tables, wrap it around bouquets, vases and mason jar candles, and throw it behind anything you might be framing. It’s one element that you can use in several different ways. Simple, easy, and doable!

How else might you use eyelet lace? Any other ideas?

Sources: 1. Sue Stemp via Design Sponge 2. via Image Spark 3. Flickr 4. unknown via Image Spark

Winter’s Glory

I got an email from Emily Merrill of EmmyJeanne Photography last week and it honestly felt like opening up a Christmas present. Her photos of Natalie Bowen Designs‘ winter bouquet ideas are pure magic. For you gals planning a winter wedding, seasonal options are often a quandary, which is why I so appreciate Emily and Natalie for collaborating on a project that focuses specifically on winter ideas. And whoever said winter has to be white? All of these bright pops of color are beyond decadent.

Here’s what Emily and Natalie said:

We decided to collaborate together and produce a series of photographs that would inspire the winter bride’s bouquet. The color palette and seasonal flowers were carefully considered.  Juicy berry “red charm” peonies are complimented by pale sea green “hen and chicks” succulents, while the paper white narcissus, spider mums, and blue thistle add a snowy winter addition. The blue satin ribbon seemed to be the perfect contrast to the richness of the peonies and the starkness of the white. The vintage blue broach was a sweet, personal touch. Working together on this project was so much fun and inspiring. We hope you enjoy!

Collaborators included stylist Akasha Enkil, model S.I. Fran and of course Natalie Bowen of Natalie Bowen Designs and Emily Merrill of EmmyJeanne Photography. Make up by Danica Green.

Sunday Suppers & Amy Atlas

Sunday Suppers teamed with Amy Atlas for their recent event and henceforth completely blew my mind. The photos of the Morroccan inspired table were shot by Karen Mordechai are just unbelievable. Additionally, Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille contributed some of the desert creations, as did Ali Kantor. The cake is by Love Street Cakes, goodie bags by Thoughtful Day and the flowers by Rountree Flowers. I SWOON! Can these folks get together to do my wedding?

photo by Aran Goyoaga

photo by Aran Goyoaga

Red All Over

Happy 4th of July! I am giddy with visions of barbecue, beach, bikes and fireworks. Can’t wait!

Sources left to right from top: 1. Zinke Design 2. EAD 3. Sweet Paul via Hostess Blog 4. Exceptionally Inviting 5. via The Knot 6. Erin Quon 7. Sweet Paul via Hostess Blog 8. via EAD 9. Creature Comforts