Inspiration Board: Copper, Orchid & Navy

It’s hard to believe this year is already winding down (where did you gooooo, 2014?) and that it’s almost time for a new Colour of the Year to steal the Pantone crown. I’ll be sorry to see this year’s favourite, Radiant Orchid go – although of course, it won’t go at all, just take a step back in the colour inspiration stakes. But I really liked how this pinky purple played so well with others – it really made for some unusual and gorgeous combinations. Today I’m mixing a soft orchid with one of my absolute fave metallics, copper, with a bit of grey and slate and a hint of navy thrown in. I think the combination is amazing! I especially love how the copper gleams next to the other shades, and how the navy adds that extra little bit of depth. Somebody choose this for their wedding, pretty please? ;)

Colours: Lilac, light grey, slate grey, copper & navy

Top row (l-r): Centrepiece in copper vase {Catherine Mac Photography/Fleur Le Cordeur}; rock sugar with rings {MLKL Photography}; bouquet {Aaron Delesie/Nisie’s Enchanted Florist}; navy bridesmaid dresses {Miki and Sonja Photography/XOXO BRIDE}
Row 2: Table number {Catherine Mac Photography/Fleur Le Cordeur/Seven Swans}; copper dish; copper & grey thank you cards {cocorrina}
Row 3: Bride in grey dress {Petronella Photography/Ashley Gerrity Photography/Aribella Events}; navy wedding shoes {Erik Maziarz for Carla Ten Eyck}; centrepiece {A Bryan Photo/Gathering Floral + Event Design/Kristin Newman Designs}

 

Inspiration Board: Radiant Winter

It’s been a little while since I did an inspiration board with this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid – while this lovely bright lilac-ey purple immediately lends itself to a summer wedding, I wanted to show that it’s just as much at home in the wintery months. In fact, paired with a few other purple tones, grey, white and silver, it’s absolutely perfect for the bride and groom who want to create a winter wonderland with a trendy touch. Add a few pinecones and a smattering of snow (well, we can dream, can’t we?) and you have the makings of a beautiful wedding – a radiant one, in fact!

Colours: Radiant Orchid, plum, lavender, silver, white & grey

Top row (l-r): Bride & groom {Steve Gerrard Photography}; invitation suite {Aneta MAK}; place setting {Greta Kenyon/Leaf & Honey}
Row 2: Silver shoes; purple calligraphy escort cards; pinecone place holders
Row 3: Radiant orchid bouquet {Fleur le Cordeur/Catherine Mac}; purple dress & feather bolero; dried roses; winter landscape {Fiona Conrad}.

 

Radiant Orchid In the Vine Wedding by Cheryl McEwan {Kelly & Michael}

It’s funny how quickly some terms become part of your vocabulary in this industry – a few short months ago, radiant orchid was just a dramatic description of a flower for me, but now it’s the shorthand to a gorgeous, glowy purple, Pantone’s colour of the year, and all the lovely shades of pink and purple that complement it. And of course, radiant orchid wasn’t even a thing when today’s bride Kelly picked her colours, but it just shows that her style is equal parts classic and of-the-moment. I love how her basic wedding design is an elegant white on white, with pretty embelishments like candles and pearls. The use of colour is sparing, but it really makes it pop when it shows up! I also love that Kelly is a short-hair bride – I wish we saw more of this, as she looks every bit as gorgeous as her long-haired counterparts, and it’s clear that groom Michael thinks so too – he only has eyes for his lady! One of our favourite photographers, Cheryl McEwan Photography, was the couple’s choice to snap these romantic portraits of their big day.Read More