I love challenges. Like really, really love them. I try to do as many as possible in all areas of my life - health and wellness, writing and blogging - and now, design. Thanks to Lia Moore of Full Circle Eventi, I am exercising my creative muscles with her 30 day designer challenge. I'll be designing a new wedding-related inspiration board every day for the whole month of January, based on different criteria, in the hopes to inspire all of you brides who are searching for unique wedding ideas.
If you're interested in hopping on board, you can sign up at Full Circle Eventi. And don't forget to check back here every day this month to see my interpretation of Lia's daily challenges.
The challenge for day 1 was to design a wedding using the Pantone color of the year - radiant orchid! I decided to pair this purple-pinky shade with mint green and gold, along with dark wood accents for a bohemian lovefest filled with vintage, organic, and quirky details. I hope you love it!
PHOTO CREDITS
BRIDE:
Image found via Once Wed
Photography: Brumley and Wells | Concept and Styling: Ciara O’Halloran of Style Serendipity | Floral Design: The Informal Florist | Hair: UpStyle Junkie | Make Up: Annette O’Brien | Dress: Little White Dress | Model: Lauren of Andrea Roche
LOVE HANGER:
Image found via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography: Claudia Rose Carter Photography | DIY created by BerinMade Illustrated Paper Goods
LOUNGE:
Image found via Weddingomania
COLORED STRING LIGHTS & CENTERPIECE:
Image found via Weddingomania
VW BUS:
Image found via Style Me Pretty
Photography: Jose Villa | Event Design: Moon Canyon Design | Floral Design: Rose Mattos of Foret Bespoke Floral + Sierra Knot
GROOM:
Image found via Ruffled
Photography: Stephanie Yonce Photography | Event Planning: Honeydew Events
| Floral Design: Honeydew Events, Vogue Flowers
BRIDESMAID:
Image found via Callie Rose
Photography: Mikki Platt Photography | Floral Design: Callie Rose Floral & Event Design
PLACE SETTING:
Image found via Green Wedding Shoes
Photography: Lavender & Twine | Event Design: Twine Events | Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Handmade Goods: Bramble Workshop
CEREMONY:
Image found via Inspired By This
Photograhy: Abby Jiu | Event Planning: Kate Harlan, A Simply Chic Event | Location: Woodend Sanctuary Wedding
I was on my way to Island Farm on Elihu Island in Stonington, CT to meet with a potential 2013 bride as well as one of my May 2012 couples, when I saw the email from photographer extraordinaire, Anna Sawin. How perfect that I was headed to the exact location where it all took place, which just so happens to be one of my most favorite places in the entire world. At that moment all of the emotions and wonderful memories came rushing back.
Working with Amy and Tim has been
one of the highlights of my career. They are the sweetest couple (not to
mention, gorgeous), full of love and gratitude, and can literally light up a
room (or a Sperry tent in this case). Their wedding was the epitome of rustic bohemian chic, and was full of personal details and all things pretty. The design plan stemmed from the gorgeous ikat stationary created by the amazingly talented Lucinda Wesson of Chocolate Creative Design, which was inspired by the dozens of images Amy shared with us that captured her overall vision.
I used these unique paper pieces, as well as the natural beauty of the Island as a jumping off point and created this inspiration board to capture the essence of our vision for the day.
INSPIRATION
Inspirational photos found via: Party Rental Ltd., The Knot, Flickr, The Knot, The Knot, Cupcake City, The Knot, The Knot, The Knot, The Knot, Alanas Vintage Collectibles, Modernepress, The Knot, Lovelyish
From there we dove into the details. The escort cards were polaroid pictures of EVERY guest that we hung from a clothesline and wrapped around a tree, perfectly executed by Kate the Great, my fabulous assistant and owner of Oh, The Days. The fact that Amy had a picture of every single guest just shows the type of person she is. The favors included a packet of saffron and her grandmother's paella recipe printed on artwork designed by her grandfather, and all bundled together in textured sacks stamped with a custom design by Lucinda. The guest book was a map of Stonington that everyone signed, and that I'm sure is hanging in their home now.
We made pillows and table toppers
out of purple ikat fabric and burlap for the cocktail area, wrapped votive candles in shimmery burlap and lace, and decked
out the kids table with jewelry, play-doh, and coloring books. We also created custom wooden signs that were dispersed throughout the Island directing guests to the ceremony, cocktails, dinner, dancing, and even beers on the beach.
Gourmet Galley served a scrumptious selection of food and drink, which included a PICKLE BAR! Hana Floral Design created the most gorgeous flower arrangements, which I won't even begin to describe since that wouldn't do them justice - you just have to see them to believe it. And New York City Swing rocked the dance floor all night long. All under a perfectly lit Sperry tent, while guests and the bridal party, beautifully made up by Jennie Fresa and the W Salon, hung out and smoked cigars in the pimped out vintage Ford pick-up truck.
Check out the photos below by Anna Sawin Photography, and don't forget to visit the feature on Style Me Pretty, which includes an unbelievable video by Buzz Media Company. Plus see all of the amazing photos in the full gallery.
REALITY
Amy and Tim made my job
so enjoyable, and we had such an amazing time designing the day together. All of the vendors worked together in
perfect harmony to give Amy and Tim the night of their dreams and we celebrated
under the September stars. As happy as I was for Amy and Tim, I was sad to see
the wedding (and our time together) end. I wish them a lifetime of happiness –
they certainly deserve it!
Thank you to the amazing team of people who made it all happen - you all rocked it!:
Venue: Island Farm on Elihu Island
Tent: Sperry Tents
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited & Party Rental Ltd.
Paper (save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menu cards,
map, cupcake tags, favor bags) & Truck Design: Chocolate Creative Design
Photography: Anna Sawin Photography
Cinematography: Buzz Media Company
Floral Design: Hana Floral Design and Boutique
Catering: Gourmet Galley Catering
Makeup: Jennie Fresa Makeup and Skincare Boutiquerie
Hair: W Salon
Ceremony Music: Golden Scroll Soloists
Reception Music: New York City Swing
Guest Transportation: Livery Limited
Toilet Trailer: Country Portables
Generator: Power Posse
Pastor: Reverend Ron Lake
Babysitter: Caitlin McCoy
Event Planning & Design (pillows, table toppers, candles, wooden signs): Ruffles & Tweed +
Assistant: Kate Troxell -
Oh, The Days