the b collective

Dresses: from the runway

2008-03-18T14:46:00.005-05:00

Check out InStyle online for their top picks from the spring runways that can cross over as wedding dresses. Great ideas here!

Paper: Pillow Boxes

2008-03-11T22:39:00.003-05:00

From a graphic designer out of Vancouver, BC, these small packages can be used for so many things. Favors, petals to throw down the aisle, name cards. The possibilities are endless. Find here on etsy.

Flowers: Cocktail Party Centerpieces

2008-03-10T20:09:00.002-05:00

Check out these great ideas for small centerpieces at a cocktail reception. The key is lower - stature and key - with a wink to the overall decor. And the addition of lots of small candles adds the cocktail vibe for sure. From The Knot.

Favors and more: Bell'occhio

2008-03-05T16:12:00.005-06:00

Oo la la. Bell'occhio out of San Francisco has a beautiful selection of paper and craft items. Featured here, a small red box, cocoa covered almonds, and wood tags. Take a look at their site for more items that will make you drool. Great ideas here for the DIY favors. as seen in DailyCandy.

Beauty: Oscars 08

2008-03-03T11:34:00.003-06:00

Barely There makeup was a definite trend at the Oscars this year. Here are some great examples - which by the way don't mean no makeup, but makeup that makes me look like I'm not wearing any. I love that. These looks would be great for your wedding day. My favorite trick in these is the white/silver pencil on the inside corner of the eyes...

Photos: The Traveling Photo Booth

2008-02-28T17:14:00.003-06:00

A fun add to a wedding is The Traveling Photobooth. These guys do a bang up job. The booth is modern but creates that frenzy of when you were a kid and wanted your picture taken on a strip. Guests get to keep their strip and you get an album of all your guests crazy faces. A great alternative to cameras on tables. Or something fun besides music.

Paper: O Check

2008-02-27T17:04:00.002-06:00

Out of Vietnam, O Check has fun light-hearted paper goods. Here, their "love box" made of wood can store your love letters and momentos, and the "love envelope" would be fun for a favor filled with goodies.

Vases: Ernest Miller

2008-02-25T16:22:00.003-06:00

These organic vases by Ernest Miller of Minneapolis are gorgeous. Perfect for a special centerpiece or gift. Or for an outdoor function, since they take their cues from nature.

Jewelry: Dawes Design

2008-02-21T09:10:00.003-06:00

Just when you thought "green" couldn't go farther - it does. Jennifer Dawes of Northern California creates "socially and environmentally responsible jewelry" using recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and responsibly mined stones. Her work is also just plain beautiful. The understated bands and stackable rings have a design sense not found in heavier diamond strewn bands. Found on BFF bridal.

Decor: The BlumeBox

2008-02-18T14:48:00.003-06:00

Does the idea of buying a bunch of vases that you 1. will never use again, or 2. have to figure out how to get to your reception location and back make you rethink flowers as centerpieces? Here's a solution...the BlumeBox. It's a recyclable vase that can be customized for your event. They come in bud size to 10 inches. An affordable and green way to use flowers at your wedding.

Jewelry: Emma Cassi

2008-02-15T09:21:00.004-06:00

Jewelry designer and stylist, Emma Cassi, is out of the UK. Here jewelry collection is gorgeous - and hard to get. Her pieces are delicate and feminine but with a statement. So pretty... Check out her styling pics too.

Sweet Gift Box

2008-02-14T16:53:00.002-06:00

How cute are these gift boxes! You actually buy the template to make these so it's a perfect DIY project. They'd be super cute with pretty paper. Or you could personalize it with a monogram. Designed by Patricia Zapata.

Unique Boutennieres

2008-02-13T08:55:00.004-06:00

Think different when it comes to boutennieres. They don't have to be flowers. In fact, there are options - like wheat, berries and mint here - that are just as beautiful and much more unique. And it's easy to tie these elements in to your bouquet or decor to make sure it all connects. From InStyle Weddings.

Cool Portrait

2008-02-12T21:48:00.005-06:00

This would be a great gift for a couple or for your significant other. A unique take on a photo, a bit more modern. On Etsy.

Most Beautiful Ceremony Location

2008-02-11T13:00:00.000-06:00

This gorgeous location is...Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis. I know, it's in a cemetery. But it is all handmade Byzantine tile in a small and intimate space. And you can't see any headstones from there. It's only available for weddings after 4pm during daylight savings time (Apr-Oct) and is reasonable to rent. Here, they didn't use any flowers inside as to not take away from the beauty within. Photo by Liz Banfield.

Flowers by Laurie Cinotto

2008-02-07T14:57:00.000-06:00

We found some more gems by yesterday's featured post - Laurie Cinotto. Not only does she do beautiful faux corsages, she does the most gorgeous actual flower work too! Her use of leaves and textures is amazing. Lucky are those in Seattle...

Cool Corsages

2008-02-06T16:15:00.001-06:00

How great is this corsage?! It's made from paper but looks so much richer. And it's a keepsake for after the wedding too. By Laurie Cinotto, you can find these and more on etsy.

DIY Wedding Centerpieces

2008-02-05T14:56:00.001-06:00

How cool are these DIY vases made from recycled light bulbs?! It's a great use for all those bulbs being replaced by low carbon ones. Simple. Cool.

Color: Pantone Fall 08

2008-02-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

With New York's Fashion Week in swing from Feb 1-8, 2008, Pantone released their colors for the season. "Fall is traditionally a time for subdued, quiet colors, but this season we are seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright exciting undertones." While blues and purples are not traditional shades you think of for fall, they can be a stunning choice for your wedding any time of year.

Thank You Notes:DIY

2008-02-01T10:22:00.001-06:00

Thank you notes, as well as save the dates and other stationary, can easily be made by hand. This example shows the use of a hand-made stamp to create notes. Check out details here on how to create your own stamp. You can also have a stamp made by a local printer or lettershop for $10-20. The effect is creative, relaxed and unique!

Just so pretty...

2008-01-31T14:21:00.000-06:00

Don't you think? It's from Gertrude and Mabel Photography. They've been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Town and Country, San Francisco Bride and more. Their work is relaxed and visually beautiful. We're just suckers for red shoes though...actually any great shoes.

Wedding Bling

2008-01-30T20:34:00.001-06:00

No, we are not talking about the typical diamond engagement ring. We're talking about ways to add some personality to wedding dress without doing the predictable colored sash. We like the idea of using something you could wear everyday but when paired with your dress it really comes to life in a way that says "you". Don't think you have to do the traditional pearls or crystals. Where colored shoes are more popular today, so is colored jewelry. Wedding "jewelry" can mean a necklace, bracelet, pin or even hairpin/barrettes. And the beauty of it is that it doesn't even have to be expensive...just you.

Venues: The Weisman Art Museum

2008-01-28T14:51:00.000-06:00

One of the coolest locations for a wedding ceremony and/or reception is the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The interior is so striking that you won't need much in terms of decor (or it would take away from the space). They have several spaces to use, including one with river views. And the grounds and building lends itself to just spectacular pictures. The rental fees are pretty reasonable as well - though you may not think it would be for a Frank Gehry designed building. Worth considering...

Trend: Pale and Embellishments

2008-01-25T13:55:00.000-06:00

Valentino's Spring Couture 2008 show brought with it some trends that have found their way into bridal fashion too. Some of the big ones are pale colors and embellishments. The dresses above show that range of pastel-inspired colors from pink to blue to yellow. Also, embellishments in all shapes and sizes are being shown - such as surface dimension in the yellow dress above or 3D rosettes or whirls. These influences can be seen in the spring collections for Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

Headpieces: Toni Federici

2008-01-24T20:33:00.001-06:00

We are clearly on a fashion roll this week. Here is Toni Federici, wedding headpiece designer. We are in love with his old-school wide mesh veils - whether it's a short over-the-face style like the first picture or a combination of wide mesh and tulle in the second picture (note: apparently on the married one of us can try on veils...). We also swoon for his feather hair combs. What a perfect accessory to a simple dress or for a sassy bride.

Wedding Dresses - Amy Kuschel

2008-01-23T19:54:00.001-06:00

Check out wedding dress designer Amy Kuschel. Her collections, called "clever couture", are all created in her San Francisco salon. Amy pours her creative energies into designing a collection of wedding gowns that have a combination of modern elegance, sophisticated sex appeal, and a couture quality - like the bride who wears them. And they run $1500 to $3400. She believes in offering value - it is unique to find a gown that is well crafted using the finest fabrics and trims and also well priced. Yeah! Her wonders are also available at other exclusive salons across the country (at Macy's in Minneapolis).

Vera Wang Sashes

2008-01-22T19:07:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we were at a Macy's Bridal event in Minneapolis (where it was so cold that they had a water main break and had to move some events up a level!). They had a great fashion show hosted by their trend correspondent, Laura Schara, (who's been featured in People and Cosmopolitan magazines). Here is one of our favorite finds. They are beautiful sashes from Vera Wang. They have flowers made from several types of fabric which are attached to either a velvet or silk ribbon. They also come in different neutral shades. Cost is $450-$595. While we are over the colored sash trend, this flower sash is beautiful subtle oomph. Match it with a simple low-cost dress for added interest - or to a more expensive dress to add a personal touch. Love, love, love this. (we actually want to buy one to wear with our jeans :)

Photography: Liz Banfield

2008-01-21T18:36:00.000-06:00

Among an elite group of photographers that wedding photo editors call when they are looking for imagery, Liz Banfield specializes in creating the fresh, uncluttered style favored by her clients. Her work is regularly published in all the major wedding titles including Martha Stewart weddings, Town & Country Weddings, Elegant Bride, and BRIDE'S. Liz Banfield also juggles a full schedule commercial and editorial assignments for clients such as Target and Parenting. She has also shot several books, including Southern Weddings (Gibbs-Smith) and Itty-Bitty Hats (Artisan).

I was lucky enough to have Liz photograph my wedding (I smile every time I think about it!). I can say from personal experience that not only is her work stunning but she is so fun to be around and just an overall amazing person! We asked her what were some of the most creative ideas she's seen in the weddings she's shot. Here are her top four:

Wheat bouquet - "I love the out of box thinking of this bouquet choice and it looked very elegant. The bride got married in New York City but wheat was a nod to her Kansas roots."

Unusual ceremony seating -- "This was the brainchild of celebrated wedding planner Tara Guerard of Soiree (www.soireecharleston.com). The site was utterly simple and so elegant."

Different but coordinating bridesmaids dresses -- "If you want to have a big bridal party why not select different designs that still work as a group? The effect was stylishly grown up."

Vintage stamps that coordinate with your wedding theme -- "They don't cost all that much more (this bride got them off eBay) and they make a powerful first impression to your guests."

These examples show again that uniqueness is in the details, not the cost...

Cool Cufflinks

2008-01-18T17:08:00.001-06:00

Here are some unique cufflinks found on etsy. Great idea for the groom or as gifts to groomsmen. The creativity of your wedding is all in the details...

2008 Trend: Fringe

2008-01-17T17:06:00.001-06:00

That's right. The favorite of the 70's is back, but in a new way. No leather fringe vests here. Subtle uses of fringe can be found in lots of fashion lines for the spring and summer. A way to incorporate this into your wedding could be in a bridesmaids dress (a fun flirty skirt with fringe would be a blast) or a fun wrap for yourself (the bride). Or there could be small fringe elements used in your flowers. Be creative!

Centerpiece: vase

2008-01-16T16:43:00.000-06:00

We love this vase by designer Yuri Fukuda. We saved this picture and wrote down the designer but now I can't remember where it was found! Ugh... Regardless, beautiful and a great inspiration piece.

Spring 08 Makeup Trends

2008-01-15T17:15:00.001-06:00

The eyes still have it this spring. While the smoky colors of winter are traded in for more vibrant colors, the eyes are still the focus with nude lips a secondary accent. Clockwise from top left, Givenchy, Revlon, Chanel, Shisedo.

Candle holders galore...

2008-01-14T19:15:00.000-06:00

Candles are always a great way to create an intimate feeling in a space. And are a cost effective centerpiece alternative.

DIY Wedding Centerpieces

2008-01-10T15:54:00.000-06:00

Look at these cool organic/nature inspired centerpieces that you can make yourself! From DesignSponge ,where there are instructions on how to make them.

Wedding Jacket

2008-01-09T21:27:00.000-06:00

Another find from the fashion show we were at: this super cool long jacket trimmed with ruffles all the way around. Even better - the price. $589! Can't you picture this worn at a beautiful winter wedding outside with some snowflakes coming down? From Emerald Bridal (and Dena Marie Bridal locally in MN).

We Heart Monique Lhuillier

2008-01-08T15:46:00.000-06:00

We were lucky enough to see a fashion show of Monique Lhuillier's Spring 08 dresses (one of her flagship stores is in Minneapolis - yeah!) Here are a couple favorites. The top one has a skirt of tufted flowers which adds beautiful volume to the dress. The second is a simple sheath dress with a gorgeous tufted shrug. The bottom is a dresses built on layers of tulle and organza with small tufted flowers/dots.

Wedding Lighting

2008-01-07T10:43:00.001-06:00

Dramatic lighting is an easy way to transform a space and create a feel you want for your wedding. Here are some gorgeous examples from colorful to understated. You can keep your table decor pretty low-key if you have funky lighting as well - everyone will be looking up. And just a cluster of lighting can have a great effect without having to cover every area of space of the venue.

More Monogramming

2008-01-04T14:50:00.000-06:00

What a modern way to use a monogram. You could have your name/names custom designed to use for your wedding. From word illusion.

Save the Date idea

2008-01-03T12:19:00.001-06:00

One of the first things folks do after getting engaged is send out a save the date. There are so many unique and inventive ways to do this. Here is one of our favorites from our friend Rachel and fiance Robert (whom we are also working with). We love how personal it is (hugging and laughing) and the black and white adds a classic quality to the whimsy of the pictures. Wouldn't you want to go to this wedding!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T10:50:00.000-06:00

Here's to a wonderful 2008 to all of you! New Year's always makes us think of champagne (possibly my favorite drink). It can be expensive to serve to everyone at a wedding, so here's a trick. You can ask your servers to pour you and your groom the Veuve and have prosecco, an italian sparkling white wine similar to champagne but a little fruitier and much less expensive, served to all your guests. Most people will just be excited for some kind of bubbly!

Not So Mellow Yellow

2007-12-21T18:22:00.000-06:00

This spring, you won't be able to get away from the color yellow. It was all over the spring 08 fashion runways. And it runs from pale yellow to true yellow to some neon yellow (can you say the 80's?!). Yellow is a great color for weddings too because it feels fresh and lively, has gorgeous flower options, and can be the star color or a complement to lots of others like green, red, blue or black. From the top: Jovovich-Hawk, Betsy Johnson, Veronique Branquinho, Rachel Roy, 2 from Roksanda Ilincic.

Best for Less

2007-12-20T11:22:00.000-06:00

Today we're thinking style and beauty for less. First, look at this gorgeous silk dress from JCrew for only $225! It's empire waist and v-neck is universally flattering to most figures. Add a gorgeous necklace or brooch to it to make it more you. Then there's the always perfect Cetaphil face wash for $5. There is no need to buy those expensive face washes when this cleans without drying out...and it's always a top pick by dermatologists. Finally, Rimmel mascara for $6.79. The genius woman who did my makeup for my wedding hands down recommended this over the expensive alternatives. And now I've replaced my $25 mascara with this one - and like it better! Moral of the post: sometimes the less expensive things are actually the best.

DIY: lots of uses

2007-12-19T11:26:00.001-06:00

A lot of times we think of print items for a wedding - invitations, save-the-dates, thank yous, etc. But video is an updated way to communicate creatively with people about your wedding. This video is very DIY (we could do it for you if you aren't feeling that adventurous...) and is a cool way to send out a wedding invite or a thank you or a flipbook of your wedding pictures or something else. Think flipbook meets video. A really unique way to set the stage for your wedding! Found on Black Eiffel.

Chandeliers: Inspiration

2007-12-18T11:00:00.001-06:00

Wow! We think you can tell a lot about a person by what type of chandeliers they like. It's like looking at flowers or dresses...it helps you define what type of style you are drawn to. The top two are from a designer named David Wiseman who uses influences from the outdoors to create these amazing chandelier designs incorporating the ceiling itself or a collage of many lights. The bottom two are from a shop in London, Graham & Green. They have tons of great home ideas for both indoor and out. We heart London... Anyway, remember inspiration for your wedding comes in all places. These chandeliers are one way to focus your style sense.

Centerpiece ideas

2007-12-17T10:48:00.000-06:00

Here are two centerpiece ideas. The lotus bowls from Pottery Barn are reasonable (on sale for $20/2), simple and beautiful with a floating orchid or other bloom. The orange tea pot is a quirky alternative, but the color and detailed features of it make it both useful (why not fill with green jasmine tea for guests) and beautiful. Especially for centerpieces, you can think super creatively - anything goes! As long as it feels like you and the style you are trying to establish.

Typography: Inspiration

2007-12-14T09:54:00.001-06:00

There are lots of places to get inspiration for your wedding. Even typography. Each of these types creates an emotion, a feeling that could lead your wedding choices. It's a visual cue that instantly relates a mood. And there are so many written elements to a wedding that it's a key decision to making your style come through for your event.

Dresses: Sonia Rykiel

2007-12-13T11:41:00.000-06:00

OK, when we saw these we couldn't resist sharing them. These dresses from the Spring 08 Paris show for Sonia Rykiel brought everyone to their feet. They are so feminine and fun. The chiffon flows with a breeze and the accents of chiffon flowers are beautiful. Add the amazing feather-like oversized shrugs and the palest of colors - grey, cream, rose - you have a great look for this coming season. While she may not be the "budget" choice, take cues from her lines, colors, fabrics and accessories. (If you do want to know where to find her dresses, send us a comment.)

Monograms

2007-12-12T17:31:00.000-06:00

Personal. Sweet. Sophisticated. Monograms can be used in all kinds of interesting ways to make the pieces in your wedding uniquely yours as well as tie together. Here are examples in soaps, type keys and the traditional cross-stitch. Also think about it in unexpected ways, like in a hair accessory or pressed into a cookie. So many possibilities...

Hand-drawn Maps

2007-12-11T20:13:00.001-06:00

We love these hand-drawn maps popping up - clearly a trend all around. It adds an element of personality to an event through the graphics, colors, and writing. We've done this for a few of our invitations and the invitees always love them - for the information and the sheer beauty and fun of them. What do you think? How would you picture your map?

Jewelry: Veiled

2007-12-10T16:30:00.000-06:00

This amazing jewelry collection called Veiled is from Yoko Izawa, a Japanese jewelry designer and maker. She describes her work in this way: "Veiled jewellery reflects my assumption that although certainty is often required in modern society, ambiguous expression has been the most distinctive characteristic found in Japanese values and religious beliefs." Not only beautiful and ethereal, it seems so appropriate for a wedding.

3D Fabric Centerpieces

2007-12-07T15:55:00.000-06:00

Look at these beautiful 3D fabric pieces. From textile designer Jessica Preston, she uses fabric to create origami-inspired pieces for fashion, interiors and public display. Imagine these on the center of your reception tables? They are so different and could be made especially for your look and feel. Love these...

Vintage Pins

2007-12-06T20:18:00.000-06:00

Here's a great alternative to a necklace or even a silk sash. A great vintage (or new yet looks vintage) pin. My daughter actually wore a vintage pin I found in Atlanta on her bridesmaid's dress sash - it was a beautiful touch that pulled all the colors together. Top pin from etsy, bottom pins from anthropologie.

Flowers: Red and not Roses

2007-12-05T21:51:00.000-06:00

We LOVE these flowers from Nancy Birch in Rhode Island. Using simple garden flowers like dahlias and hydrangeas mixed with berries can look modern vs. english garden-like. Plus the color combination of warm tones in dahlias and cool tones in hydrangeas play off each other so well. If you're lucky enough to have a farmers market nearby and are getting married in the warmer months, you can put these together yourself.

Invitation Ideas: business cards

2007-12-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

Take a look at these inventive business cards. We love the use of thread in the top one and the diecut in the second one. Using paper on paper is also a cool way to create contrast. And the last one is just so simple but genius - it uses debossing to get the effect of handwritten cardstock. All of these ideas could translate into your invitations. With just one changed element - like any of these - your invitations will be a unique take on you.

Dresses: Giles Deacon

2007-12-03T16:36:00.000-06:00

We just stumbled onto this cool fashion designer, Giles Deacon. Here are some of his pieces from his Spring 08 line. The feminine lines and materials such as tulle and satin feel ethereal together. And the colors and patterns add to that feel. Plus we're a sucker for those hats! Imagine these as bridemaids dresses or maybe longer as a wedding dress. And don't forget the hat...

Fashion Inspiration

2007-12-01T06:18:00.000-06:00

We found the coolest site! It's called Polyvore. It's a free web-based tool for creating collages. And a community of creative and stylish people. You can either look through all the amazing collages for ideas, or you can pick boards by a color palette! And all items are tagged so you know where they came from. Style outside of weddings can be great inspiration. Be careful on this site though, once you start looking it's hard to stop.

Old School

2007-11-30T19:39:00.000-06:00

There is something warm about this illustration. It's kind of Audrey Hepburn like. That retro feel is definitely something that a wedding could be planned around. Classic colors, classic lines, big band music. And this time of year, add snowflakes falling at night and it completes the vision. Or maybe all you need is a husband-to-be who looks at you like that... Card found on Red Stamp.

Beautiful Envelopes

2007-11-29T10:26:00.001-06:00

These gorgeous gift envelopes are laser cut, inspired by ancient Chinese papercut. According to the Chinese calendar, 2008 is the year of the rat which is what adorns this envelope. Designed by the team at Design Night out of Portland. The delicateness of it matched with the vibrant color is a great combination. Love it!

Sprinkles

2007-11-28T21:24:00.000-06:00

We love this for two reasons. 1.) Who doesn't love cupcakes?! This big bite-size dessert is a perfect serving, looks good in all colors, and even more festive with sprinkles on top. 2.) The packaging on the Sprinkles container is great inspiration for wedding design - the whimsical type, the color combination, the unexpected shape. Remember that inspiration can come from anywhere - even food!

Single Flower Bouquets

2007-11-27T22:28:00.000-06:00

Simplify your bouquet by using just one type of flower. You can get some at the local farmers market and wrap the stems with a silk ribbon. Even if you have a floral designer do it, you can still save money by using one type of flower. And they are still beautiful and even more striking in their simplicity...like these (from the knot).

Food Trends-Dessert Reception

2007-11-26T21:47:00.000-06:00

One idea to keep the costs down for your wedding but still keep it special is having a dessert & champagne reception. With a later ceremony, say 7pm, serving an array of mouth-watering desserts afterwards is a perfect compliment. And I would imagine that guests would prefer delicious and fun desserts over a just mediocre meal and cake. One idea for great desserts in Minneapolis is Turtle Bread. They specialize in amazing breads and decadent desserts ranging from cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies and even an opera torte! Can you say yummy?!

Champagne flutes

2007-11-25T12:54:00.000-06:00

Look at these amazing champagne glasses. They are modern, fun, and actually functional - they keep your drink cooler because of the inside out design. Designed by Alissia Melka-Teichrowe, these hand-blown glasses are finally available on Rarechic after being on backorder for some time. Only $60 for the pair, they are a must for the style seeking bride.

Centerpiece ideas

2007-11-21T15:22:00.001-06:00

Another different, beautiful and affordable centerpiece idea. Sugared fruit! Set in a shallow bowl on tables. It looks delicate and seasonal with muted colors to match your day. Plus they are edible! We found this great idea here - click to find the directions on how to actually do it. Yum.

Wedding Bands

2007-11-21T09:58:00.000-06:00

Do you have to spend a lot on a wedding band? The answer is definitely NO. There are so many beautiful and unique designs that can express your individuality beyond the diamond band. Here are two that Auto in NYC has - they commissioned 15 of their favorite artists to create a new wedding band. The first is from St. Kilda designed by Nora Kogan called the diamond princess ring and goes for $550. The second is from Philip Cragi called twist bands which go for $180. Some Minneapolis locations to check out for unique and affordable bands are the Walker Museum store and Gallery 360 - both who bring in designers from across the country to offer new options to us in the midwest.

Chandeliers

2007-11-20T21:45:00.000-06:00

I am in love with chandeliers lately. The lower one is from my FAVORITE location in Minneapolis, Bar Lurcat. I was also recently at Hotel deLuxe in Portland which had amazing chandeliers in their entry way. The upper chandelier is from Coco Chanel's apartment in Paris. There is something about the light reflecting off of crystals that creates a magical glow and environment. Everyone looks good in that light!

Buttons: Inspiration

2007-11-19T08:25:00.001-06:00

During this time of year it's hard to think that a red & green wedding combination wouldn't make people think about Christmas trees and Santa. But take a look at these vintage buttons we found on Etsy. By using a mixture of many shades of green with red and the addition of a metallic and maybe a bit of black, it becomes a rich mix of colors that could work for any celebration! Just steer clear of any holly...

Packaging as Inspiration

2007-11-16T18:48:00.001-06:00

I love this gorgeous packaging from Dewey Howard Paper and Brickhouse Soaps - a partnership between a paper/invitation company and bath and body product company. The floral design and colors could be a great base for a romantic wedding mood board. Nature meets modern. And you'd have built in favors all ready for you!

Inspiration Board

2007-11-13T20:14:00.001-06:00

This inspiration board is all about natural elegance. The blues and greens from the outdoors mixed with the champagne and browns feel earthy and comfortable. You can easily mix beading and roses with grass and bikes. Beauty can be relaxed. Weddings can be relaxed. Your colors and textures can help to set that tone.

Eco Vases

2007-11-12T18:50:00.000-06:00

How cool are these?! Artecnica uses recycled glass from wine and beer bottles to create these tranSglass vases, which are in the permanent collection of MoMA New York.

Stylish Organizer

2007-11-12T18:34:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this tote bag from russell+hazel! You can use it to store, save and organize all of your wedding files - from pictures of dresses to menus. And in white it is the perfect bridal accessory for the stylish-at-heart.

Centerpiece ideas

2007-11-11T19:07:00.001-06:00

Here's a great idea for a simple but beautiful centerpiece (from Martha Stewart)- gourd luminaries. The many varieties of gourds and pumpkins available in orange to blue to cream allow for texture and color which just glows beauty with the flame inside. Perfect for an autumn wedding! Unexpected and inexpensive.

Wedding Dresses - Jenny Yoo

2007-11-10T10:50:00.001-06:00

So how can you look beautiful for less? Check out Jenny Yoo's wedding alternatives. Best known for bridesmaids dresses, she's translated these designs into wedding dresses. They have simple beautiful lines and are made with rich fabrics like shantung silk and silk duponi. And the styles here are only $715! Add a stunning necklace and your look is complete. You don't need to spend a lot to look good on your wedding day...you just need to be you.

Patterns from Wallpaper

2007-11-10T10:41:00.000-06:00

How could wallpaper influence your wedding? Well look at these gorgeous patterns and color combinations. Wallpaper is making a comeback (probably because we've never put it up before and then had to take it down like our parents have). We'll bring you other wallpaper examples we see that could be inspiration for your wedding! Remember inspiration comes from everywhere...

Joynoelle dresses

2007-11-09T19:44:00.001-06:00

I love this Minneapolis clothing designer, Joy Teiken. Her line, Joynoelle, is amazing. Not only does she do wedding dresses, but couture and beautiful jackets. She travels the world to find unique fabrics which make her clothing extra special and rich. Plus the lines you see in these dresses show her genius in sophisticated yet girly design.

Bubble Necklace

2007-11-09T17:32:00.000-06:00

This necklace from the MOMA Store online reminds me of blowing bubbles as a kid. So delicate. This would compliment a modern wedding dress or be a fun juxtaposition with a more traditional dress - just to add a little levity! And it's not very expensive. Love it.

Modern Headpieces

2007-11-09T14:25:00.000-06:00

What amazingly modern headpieces. These are from Karen Henricksen out of the UK. She is a millner and makes all kind of inspiring hats and head pieces. These are so playful and elegant at the same time.

Invites from Fashion Week

2007-11-09T11:32:00.000-06:00

Look at these cool invites that came out of fashion week. The beautiful cut out design, the black and white imagery with the birds, and the cardboard with whimsical writing. They are all so different but gorgeous. Any of these cues can be used in a wedding invitation to make it uniquely yours.

Dinosaur Designs-Resin Beauty

2007-11-09T09:13:00.000-06:00

I love the jewelry from Dinosaur Designs out of Australia. Most of it is made out of resin, but it comes out in such creamy and vibrant shades. They have a store in NYC too, which is where I stumbled upon them. Check them out. Cool stuff. Definitely a beautiful add to a wedding, whether the bride wears a cuff bracelet or the vases are used for centerpieces.