Inspiration Tabletop

Isn't this fresh garden tabletop perfectly inviting?!  And it's so simple to achieve.  Using white and blue linens, lush greens on the the table and from above, and bread and cheese to start off the evening will create an ideal setting for an outdoor rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.  I love that you don't even need flowers to create a gorgeous tabletop!

{Image: Donna Talley via 79 Ideas}

What to wear...Brights!

I spotted this photo of these fab bridesmaid dresses yesterday on Creative Montage FB page, and it inspired me to post about wearing brights.  This is such a gorgeous picture--eclectic group of pinks and coral to create not only a stunning photo but a wonderful example of how your bridesmaids all have individual personalities and styles that can come together in quite a beautiful showing!   Brights are everywhere this year, orange being the citrus forerunner, so you might as well take advantage of this fun trend while you can!  And don't be afraid to give your best girls choices--lay down some guidelines such as tones, fabrics, lengths of skirts and even a specific designer or pair of designers, and leave it to them to create a colorful array of pretty maids!  Oh and a quick note on the shoes:  go nude.  If you are being bold on top it's a perfect way to tone down the outfit and make your legs look long and lean!

1. D&G, Diane Von Furstenburg

2. Mara Hoffman, Mara Hoffman

3. Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi

5. Both Halston Herritage

6. Ports 1961, Halston Heritage

7. ADAM, Rory Beca

{Bridesmaid Image: Jill Thomas via The Sweetest Occasion, Dress Images: Shopbop.com}

The Green Vase

Check out these gorgeous paper flowers from The Green Vase.  They have graced the covers & pages of Martha Stewart Weddings more than just a couple of times with their stunning floral designs and styling, but for all of you who can't fly them out for your wedding, they offer this wonderful collection of paper flowers, bouquets and cake toppers.  The pink poppy bouquet above is my favorite!  And soon to arrive is their exclusive designs for BHLDN--cannot wait to see what's coming!

{Images: The Green Vase}

Loving...hanging baubles!

Good morning!  I'm always on the lookout for fresh ways to pretty-up outdoor spaces, and I've fallen for this one!  Gorgeous glass baubles (or they could plastic which would be much lighter) that mimic the look of hanging light bulbs, but to soften the modern feel of the bulbs, a little flower is perfectly placed in each one.  Hanging these from trees would give the effect of airy bubbles floating around in your reception or ceremony--so magical!

{Image: Tana Photography via Style Me Pretty}

Gown Friday: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2011

For this spring break Friday, we have Monique Lhuillier's fall 2011 collection.  I have to admit, it completely slipped my mind that the first day of spring was this week...could be all the rain and wind we are experiencing!  Nothing says bridal like Monique.  She fulfills the fantasy of every girlie girl's dreams of a white wedding.  I especially love the dress with the off-the-shoulder sleeves and sheer overlay.  Such a beautiful neckline--simply stunning!  

See you next week!

{Images:  Martha Stewart Weddings}

Loving: book page wreath

I've been a little out of it this week due to a lovely double ear infection and sinus infection.  What?!  Yeah, I have no idea how I go it, but I'm getting better each day! Anyway...love this book page wreath DIY project from Lisa Storms.  So creative! The endearing detailed edges give it such a wonderful texture that makes it pop off the wall.  It's a perfect item to hang these from the ceiling, in windows, or on backs of chairs for your wedding.  And talk about cheap.  Lisa hit up the dollar stores for random books and made a work of art!  Check her out here for the full DIY instructions.

Thanks, Lisa!

{Image: Courtesy of Lisa Storms}

Easy Breezy Beach Wedding

Morning!  Ooh, I adore this beach bum wedding for so many reason.  The ease of the decor, the textural layering of different natural & vintage elements and because I so love the beach!  Check out The Pretty Blog for a complete look.

{Images: Cari Photography via The Pretty Blog}

Gown Friday: Melissa Sweet Fall 2011

Yay, it's Friday! Check out Melissa Sweet's Fall 2011 collection.  Always feminine.  Always playful.  Always chic.  And I love the short and sweet dress above.  I don't know about a wedding dress but it would be fun for a bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner!  See you next week...

{Images:  Martha Stewart Weddings}

Inspiration: tabletop

Love this tabletop inspiration from French Larkspur.  Beautifully shabby chic!

{Image: French Larkspur}

Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2011

As I pine for spring (yesterday there was a tremendous hail storm that battered through parts of the greater Portland area--oh my!), I can't help but dream over the 2011 spring collection from Alberta Ferretti.  Blossoming flowers and fantasy-like draping and fabrics create a stunning feminine perfect for spring-time...if only it would arrive!

{Images: Millionlooks.com}

BHLDN Hair Adornments

Have you spent some time looking through BHLDN's hair adornments?  Oh my, it's just as you would expect: stunning.  My favorites?  The Marzipan Halo Headband in ivory (above right), the Voluminous Silk Headband in pink (above left) and the Pompom Rose Headband in deep blue (below right).  But really, they are all amazing...

{Images: BHLDN}

Loving: butterflies!

I know I just recently posted a feminine tabletop with a sweet butterfly plate, but there is something about this delicate, fluttery creature that just makes me happy!  And this cake is no exception--you can't help but smile when you see it :)  Check out Amelie's House for more of her wonderful creations.  

{Image: Natasha Collins of Amelie's House}