Category: Pink

Inspiration Board: Watermelon Sunshine

by gaby

Board #2 for today! To be honest with you, readers, this board was as much a surprise to me as anything. When reader Tanya mailed me to ask for an inspiration board for her vintage rustic wedding at Groenrivier, my first thought was that I’d probably done one like this before. Then, when I went to look back through my archive, I realised that when I’d put pink and yellow together before, it had been in a beachy way, but I’d never thought of pairing the two colours for a rustic board. Of course, once I did I realised they’re an absolutely perfect combo for a rustic summer wedding. Yellow is one of those colours that always makes people happy, and it reflects the sunny mood of a farm or other rustic setting. Pink adds in softness, and stops the yellow from being a bit overwhelming. The end result is glad of heart and full of romance. Isn’t it lovely? Well done for picking it, Tanya – I’ve definitely learnt something new myself! Hope you like the board, and good luck with the rest of your planning!

Colours: Pink and yellow

Top row (l-r): Bouquet {P: Gresham Photography}; flowers close up {P: Caroline and Evan Photography }; naked cake {P: Meredith Carlson Photography; C: Labor of Love Bakery}; billy button boutonniere {C: A Day in May; P: Kai Heeringa Photography}; vintage chairs parking sign {P: Sunday Romance Photography }
Row 2: True love this way sign; bridesmaid in yellow stripes {P: Rebekah J Murray}; kraft love badge {Britt Croft Photography}; pink cocktail in mason jar {P: Troy Grover Photography }; sheepy {S: Captivating Events by Megan; P: Mirelle Carmichael Photography}
Row 3: Vintage dresser with cake & flowers {S: A Stunning Affair ; P: Krista Mason Photography}; flowers in watering can {F: The Flower Post; P: Simply Bloom Photography }; vintage typewriter on tree stump {P: Kina Wicks}; wood effect invitations {P: Jose Villa}; bride and groom {Stacey Ramsey}

 

Inspiration Board: Polka Promise

by gaby

I’ve had lots of requests from real brides recently for pastel pink and green boards – clearly this is one colour combination that isn’t going anywhere! These two colours always give me such a good feeling – they’re so balanced, but at the same time so pretty and fresh. They’re ideal for a (spring or) summer wedding, which is just what real bride Jeani will be having. She wrote to tell me of the elements they’re considering: proteas and herbs, lace, DIY details. They also want to include polka dots as a motif, which I think is super cute! The key to using something like polka dots is not to go overboard, but to use them carefully and then echo them in shape or texture. So I’ve suggested some gorgeous DIY dot garlands (Jeani can use these hanging in the ceremony area, as a backdrop to the cake table or main table, draped from the ceiling – lots of options!). I’ve also suggested a polka dot cake (how sweet and subtle is this one?), pink paper polka straws, and even a dotty dress (look closely at the image bottom left). Then the circles are reflected in elements of the protea and rose bouquet, and the fun balloon accents in the ceremony area. Other fun DIYs that Jeani and her man can try are origami heart place settings, lace-wrapped votives and jars, a pretty lacy ring dish and ribbon-tied chair backs (use this on just the bride and groom’s chairs if you don’t want to spend a fortune on ribbon). Add a pretty sash to a wedding dress, and carry that fresh green into herbs under bell jars and inside found objects like this old fashioned filing drawer. There’s lots here to play with, and it all adds up to handmade summer sweetness! Hope you like it, Jeani!

Colour: Pastel pink, green, cream and beige

Top row (l-r): Dress with sash {Lisa Poggi}; origami heart DIY; lace-wrapped mason jar vases; paper dot garlands; herbs under glass {S: Paul Lowe & Paul Vitale; P: Alexandra Grablewski}
Row 2: Protea bouquet; balloon ceremony area {P: Simply Bloom Photography}; herbs in drawers {S: Paul Lowe & Paul Vitale; P: Alexandra Grablewski}; lace-wrapped votives
Row 3: Bride & groom; polka dot cake; DIY lace ring dish; paper polka dot straws; ribbon chair backs {P: Rebecca Wedding Photography}.

Inspiration Board: Cape Dutch

by gaby

Oh I do love Inspiration Board Monday. These babies are one of my favourite things about running the site, and I’ve been getting lots of requests from you for boards for your weddings – keep ’em coming! Today’s scheme is one which is HUGE news in the South African wedding scene, and an awesome next step for brides who have loved the Victorian country vintage look of the last two years but want something slightly fresher. With this look, you can still use your proteas, still use your vintage touches, but instead of sticking to soft pinks and neutrals, you combine it with navy blue. My prediction is that you’ll see a lot of this colour next season. It reminds me a little of the Dutch still life themed tables which I have seen a few times recently, especially when combined with Delft pottery in blue and white. As I mentioned in my Love List this weekend, the look is particularly apt for the South African market, what with having so many wedding venues that include Cape Dutch architecture. Enjoy!

Colours: Navy, white, pink and neutrals

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids’ dresses {S: Amy Bridges Events; Verite Photography}; cupcake; bride {S: Kirkbrides; P: Arielle Doneson Photography}; books and watches {S: Kirkbrides; P: Arielle Doneson Photography}; protea decor {P: Love Made Visible}
Row 2: Delft table plan {S: Aleit; P: Glee Photography}; protea bouquet {P: Love Made Visible}; lace and navy invitation {D: The Paper Guppy; S: Revel & Bloom; P: Trulife Photography}; quails eggs {S: Canvas and Canopy; P: Braedon Photography}; navy tables {S: Engaging Affairs; P: Liga Photography}
Row 3: Curtain and chair {P: Exhibit Emotions}; protea; table decor with candelabra {P: Love Made Visible}; Delft plates; Cape Dutch homestead {Babylonstoren}.

Inspiration Board: Peach Blossom

by gaby

So, it’s Sunday as I write this, and I’m somewhere over the Karoo (probably) looking out from my aeroplane window and taking advantage of the Mango onboard Wifi. That’s a first for me – I have to say, internet has been my bugbear out here in SA (don’t even ask me how much I have spent on data), so it’s kind of cool to be experiencing an internet connection-related innovation before I leave SA. But apart from that, I’m feeling very sad today, as I have had to wave goodbye to my mom and dad (and our two delicious doggies) in Durban, on my way back to London via Cape Town. Never an easy thing to do, but worse when I’ve had such a long time out here rather than it just being the usual quick holiday. Still, what’s bound to be a big dose of homesickness that I’ve brought on myself was totally worth it. So Mom, if you’re reading this (and bless you, I know you do), thanks for a wonderful stay, and love you and my Dad and the little dudes lots xxx

OKAY, enough of the ugly-cry-inducing stuff. It’s time for prettiness! Today we’re working with a peach palette, and I have to say that I am absolutely LOVING this colour at the moment. It’s a slightly safer version of coral (which was one of last year’s breakout colours for me), but more unusual than pink and still works with most of the same colours. Bright oranges are everywhere (is peach even orange? pink? I don’t know) but not everyone can pull them off – this is the perfect way to make your wedding look contemporary and classic at the same time. One of my favourite combos is soft pastel peach with a flat foresty green – which I also think is perfect for this time of year without being too self consciously ‘autumn’. I also love the inclusion of lush blooms, handmade details and black wrought iron (inspired by the gorgeous shoot bottom left), as well as the pretty handfasting ribbons. What do you think? And don’t forget, I take requests for custom inspiration boards – find the link at the end of this post.

Colours: Peach, green, black, cream and gold

Top row (l-r): Peach centrepiece with medicine bottles {White Room Events/Pobke Photography}; peach bridesmaids dresses {White Room Events/Pobke Photography}; embroidery; hanging lanterns {Rebecca Reategui}
Row 2: Handfasting ribbons {Shannon Leahy Events/Larissa Cleveland}; blossoms; wrought iron ceremony chairs {Bliss Event Productions/John & Joseph Photography Inc.}
Row 3: Ballet wedding shoot {Ashley Baber Weddings/Aaron Watson Photography}; menu and place setting {Rebecca Reategui}; Vivienne Westwood shoes; peach centrepiece with suitcase {White Room Events/Pobke Photography}.

Inspiration Board: Pastel Protea

by gaby

Happy Monday my friends! Sorry last week was a little quiet – I’m afraid it was just one of those weeks. Anyway, today I have a board that I am SO in love with. And even better, I got to create it for a friend. The lovely Louise came into my dear friend Sven’s life a little while back and he was immediately smitten, so we were all thrilled when they announced their engagement. They’ll be getting married in Natal next year, and are planning a brunch wedding (so fun!). When Louise described what she was after, I immediately knew what she was looking for, since it’s a look that I’d had in the back of my mind for ages, and I think it came together beautifully. It uses soft pink and green, proteas, brown paper (how much do I love the table plan?), chalkboard and watercolour, and I’ve added in a few pretty paper details as well. Isn’t it lovely? Oh, and look out for brunch ideas coming your way this Wednesday if you’re also planning a morning wedding!

Colours: Soft pink, green and neutrals

Top row (l-r): Bride with single bloom protea bouquet (Jose Villa); brown paper escort cards (Katie Stoops); pastel table arrangement (White Room Events/Pobke Photography); chalkboard pancake menu (Green Wedding Shoes/Lauryl Lane/My Bride Story/Birds of a Feather); wish jar (White Room Events/Pobke Photography)
Row 2: Tablescape (White Room Events/Jennifer Sando); watercolour wedding invitation suite (oh my deer); bride and groom with pancakes (Green Wedding Shoes/Lauryl Lane/My Bride Story/Birds of a Feather); papel picado decorations (Erica Velasco)
Row 3: Brown paper menu/favour bag (Nancy Liu Chin via Snippet & Ink); protea bouquet (White Room Events/Jennifer Sando); brown paper table list; doily details (source unknown); bride with bridesmaids (Jose Villa)

Inspiration Board: Just Peachy

by gaby

Happy new week, friends! Hope you had a lovely weekend. I spent it catching up with friends and indulging in a little side of rugby – what did you get up to? I wish weekends could last forever, but here we are, back at Monday, *sigh*. On the upside, Monday means pretty inspiration boards, and today’s is exactly that. I love peaches as a motif for a wedding – not only are they symbolic in Chinese culture of marriage and longevity, but in Renaissance art a peach with a leaf attached represented truthfulness and speaking from the heart. Plus, they’re totally pretty and a little bit rustic. Soft peachy pink goes beautifully with a warm coral orange and green, and pair that with brown neutrals like wood, craft paper and even copper, and you have the perfect combination. I just LOVE the idea of these peach pouches at each place setting – a totally sweet and affordable favour – but you could also treat your guests to homemade peach jam in pretty glass jars. For escort cards, try this sweet rustic option of little labels tied to birdcages – the cages can also be used to house gift envelopes from your guests.

{Pssst! Like this? Check out our Rustic Peach & Apricot board as well.}

Colours: Peach pink, coral, white & green

Top row (l-r): Peach pocket; outdoor ceremony area (Jesi Haack);peach jam favours; flowers in copper pot (Simply Bloom Photography)
Row 2: Tie; kraft/brown paper menu and wooden utensils (Austin Gros);folk art wedding invitation; peach shoes (Troy Grover Photography); bouquet with lace accent (Simply Bloom Photography)
Row 3: Bride & groom (Austin Gros);fruit cooler in mason jar; bridesmaids; birdcage escort cards (Jen Huang).

Inspiration Board: Candyfloss & Lemonade

by gaby

Ah, summer. There’s nothing like it. And for the most part, this British summer has been nothing like it. Which is why I’m off to Greece on Friday, woohoo! But in the meantime, I’m dreaming of a lighthearted beach wedding in shades of candy pink and warm yellow, with candyfloss and pinwheels and bunting and ribbon and stripy straws, and everything that makes a day at the beach carefree and wonderful transported into a wedding. You could even have a cake made to look like a sandcastle, and why not? Compliment your decor with soft flowers including cute Billy balls, and dress your bridesmaids in adorable alternating pink and yellow dresses. Oh, and don’t forget the popsicles/lollies! I love the idea of making alcoholic versions of these and serving them to your guests instead of cocktails. How cute would that be?

Colours: Pink and yellow

Top row (l-r): Candyfloss; flip flops (Natalie Spencer); bride door sign (Kristen Weaver Photography); pink and yellow bouquet (Honey & Poppies); heart sweets (Creative Push)
Row 2: Summer love sign (Sarah Layne Photography); sunglasses; beachy dessert table (Party Dreamz/Frog Prince Paperie); pink and yellow bunting (Stephanie Cristalli); lollies
Row 3: Bride with bridesmaids (Kai Heeringa); ribbon garland (Party Dreamz/Frog Prince Paperie); ribbon wands (Cameron + Kelly/Sedona Bride); lemonade with stripy straws.

Inspiration Board {1 Theme 3 Ways}: Vintage Safari

by gaby

This week we’re featuring three safari-themed inspiration boards to show how a single theme can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Which one is your favourite?

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Thursday, hooray! Almost the end of the week. You’ll have noticed by now that the blog schedule’s been shaken up a bit what with 3 inspiration boards due to appear this week and then the unexpected quiet day on Tuesday. But whatever, let’s just go with it. So today I have the next in our inspiration board series, and the latest trend roundup due this afternoon. And tomorrow is going to be jam packed, so be sure to keep checking back!

I’m really excited about today’s board, because it’s a reader request as well as the second variation on the safari theme I’m featuring this week. Simone contacted me to help with ideas for her game farm wedding. She didn’t want the ‘typical’ safari decor, with animal prints and Big Five table decorations, but preferred vintage decor and softer colours. (It should go without saying that this is a style reference to Sydney Pollack’s Out of Africa, rather than suggesting any kind of glorification of colonialism, obviously.) You’ll remember a few weeks back we touched on this as part of the Blog Around the World post, and Alicia put together that look so perfectly that I couldn’t help using a few of her images again (click here and follow round all the blogs to get all the pictures) but I combined them with a palette of sage green and soft coral which I hope Simone will love. It’s inevitable that there are going to be lots of brown neutrals in a bushveld environment, and these colours lighten and modernise things up a little and complement them perfectly. The real key to this look is in the interplay between wild natural surroundings and classic fine dining elements, so for table settings you’ll want patterned crockery, crystal glasses, silverware (I love the idea of using old silver to contain flowers) and pressed linen. The really fun part is in including lots of found vintage objects – gramophones, compasses, storm lanterns, binoculars, and of course old suitcases (which you can use as props in a number of ways). Scout around your friends and family’s homes to begin with – you may find some gems! I’d have the bridesmaids in floaty, slightly vintage green dresses, and the bride in a gorgeous vintagey gown (birdcage veil is a must!). Fill your table with lush white blooms and pops of coral, and a few succulents. And don’t forget the cocktails! This is the perfect place to serve a classic (and delicious) G&T.

Colours: Sage, coral, white, beige and bronze

Top row (l-r): Bouquet; bride with giraffes (Fancy Fin Photography); bride with binoculars (Fancy Fin Photography); safari tent
Row 2: Out of Africa book cover; cocktail; compass escort cards; table setting (Jose Villa); hurricane lamp with jewellery (Fancy Fin Photography)
Row 3: Bridesmaid dress (Nadine Photography); gramophone (Justin & Mary); flowers (Jose Villa); boma reception; vintage suitcases.

 

Inspiration Board: Message in a Bottle

by gaby

Happy Monday lovelies! I’ve been dreaming up this inspiration board for months, ever since I saw the line of dresses in the second row. I just love how the soft pinks and blues work with beach neutrals and a touch of dark grey, and it reminded me of a beautiful beach sunset. There’s a dreamy, castaway feeling to this palette, and it would make for the most romantic of seaside weddings! As always, the key is in the textures – a billowy bride’s dress, fabric floating in the breeze, and coloured glass, contrasted with rustic touches like raffia, coral and shells, and indigenous foliage like brunia. I’m obsessed with the astilbe bouquet, and I think it would be perfect to complete the look. Plus, don’t you love the sailor’s knot favours/escort cards? I pretty much just want to dive into this board and stay in it forever. If only… ;)

Colours: Pastel pink, blue, white and slate grey

Top row (l-r): Beach sunset with boat (Millie Holloman); sailor’s knot favours (Simply Bloom Photography); couple on beach (welovepictures); bottles (Millie Holloman)
Row 2: Dresses (Lane Dittoe); astilbe bouquet (Windy Dougall); urchin place setting (Elizabeth Messina); cake (Elizabeth Messina); torches (Elizabeth Messina)
Row 3: Couple with banners (Bella Sera Event Design/She Wanders); map (Bella Sera Event Design/She Wanders); flowers (Simply Bloom Photography); ceremony seating (Elizabeth Messina).

Inspiration Board: Pewter & Rose

by gaby

Today’s board is another reader request – my favourite kind! Natasha emailed looking for help with her chosen palette of pewter with a rose or dusty pink. She’d had trouble finding an inspiration board using these colours that embodied the romantic elegance she was looking for from her wine farm wedding, with a touch of formality. I have to say, I LOVE these colours! Pink and grey are very hot right now, but there are many different shades of both colours to work with and pewter is absolutely gorgeous. I think the colours on their own embody the romantic (pink) combined with the more formal and elegant (pewter), which will really help to create the atmosphere Natasha wants.

There are some key foundations to the look I’ve built up here. One is the use of lots of white (since too much pewter could be a little dark), with soft, floaty textures and classic white stationery. A second is the use of calligraphy, which again adds that romantic but formal touch and ties everything else together beautifully. Use it on everything from fun fortune tellers (these make super cute orders of service or place settings) to a table of pretty escort cards to understated place settings (don’t you just love the pink ribbon?). Of course, bringing in the metallics is equally important, which I’ve done here on the wedding dress (I die for this Vera Wang, but a sparkly belt or even brooch detail on a dress would also work beautifully), in the pewter vase and in the bridesmaids’ dresses. Of course, you could just as easily go for soft pink dresses or even a combination of pink and dove grey, but I loved these formal, full-length pewter gowns. Combine with pink bouquets to get both colours across. And speaking of flowers, I adore the single oversized bloom trend and think it would be perfect for this wedding! It adds that little something quirky and different. However, if Natasha chooses to go more traditional, then roses, peonies and anemones are all possibilities, combined with other soft pink and white blooms.

Natasha also asked about favours, as she’s considering white fans for the ladies but is a bit stumped for the boys. One thing to bear in mind is that men tend to forget to take their favours home with them, so in my experience giving them something they can use on the night is ideal. I’ve suggested cigars to play into the elegant theme, but if you don’t want them all disappearing for a little while at some point, then scratchcards, alcohol minis or something edible also work well. Otherwise you could consider bottle openers (in line with the winelands setting), playing cards, or even mini hip flasks.

Hope you like your board, Natasha! And don’t forget, if you would like your own inspiration board, just drop me an email!

Colours: Dusky pink, white and pewter

Top row (l-r): Invitation; Vera Wang Dorothy dress via The Knotty Bride; cigar favour (Joanne Markland); getaway car (Jose Villa)
Row 2: Pewter jug; bridesmaids’ dresses (Kristin Vining); ribbon place setting (Nastassja Harvey); fortune teller; rose shoes
Row 3: Outdoor vineyard ceremony (Jose Villa); calligraphy escort cards; large single bloom bouquet (Imago Vita Photography); fan favour (Brett Buchanan); pink and pewter cushions (Jeremy Harwell).