Be Bold!

I have spent a lot of time looking at ideas for decorating my home.  I've been really inspired by Jonathan Adler.  In his "manifesto," Adler says, "we believe colors can't clash" and "minimalism is a bummer."  Many of his designs involve mixing bold patters and colors.  Adler also suggests mixing the "fancy with the frisky." Decor that is too formal will make you sad, however too much whimsy will leave you feeling less-than-chic.  Therefore you should "embrace a mix, pairing the chic classical foundation...with a layer of playful punctuation."  Here are some of examples of Adler's design:

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 After looking at Adler's work, have fallen in love with classic patterns in bold colors:

Imperial Trellis, Chevron Stripe, Greek Key, Damask

How can one incorporate these ideas into wedding design?  I went on a search to see what others have done before.  Check out some inspiring images:

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I love the bright yellow chevron table runner paired with pink chavari chairs!  Less keen on the denim "vases," but I do like the color and texture they bring to the table setting.

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I heart chevron!  This print can be incorporated into anything, the invitations, the table cloths, the cake, the napkins...  Just have to use your imagination.

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Damask is such a classic print.  But, when done in bold colors or mixed with modern elements, the formality is taken down a peg and it becomes more modern and fun.

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I love this wedding!  First, what a beautiful bold color pallet.  Bright orange, hot pink, vibrant teal...  Then throw in a bold pattern, black and white stripes and, hello, chic has arrived!  I adore the small elements of black and white stripes- the groom's bowtie and boutonniere, the brides bouquet and dress.  It's important to incorporate a theme through out the wedding without overdoing it.  They certainly kept it balanced!

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This decor is fabulous.  Mixing pink, orange and fuchsia with bright white and a Greek key pattern is fantastic.  Also a well balanced mix, repeating the white on the planter boxes keeps the decor cohesive.  This is an example of an analogous color scheme.  Remember to consult your color wheel (or read my blog post on color theory) when choosing a wedding color pallet.
 

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This wedding may be my favorite of them all!  I love how they used so many bold prints (stripes, trellis, dots) in different colors.  And they mesh perfectly together.  Although the prints are bold, they work well together because they all utilize white.  And, clear chavari chairs!  (Swoon!)  So much style in this wedding decor.

So what are some things we can take away from Mr. Adler and the inspiring photos?
1. Don't be afraid to use prints and stripes.
2. Use classic design elements in bold colors to keep a balance of formal and modernity. 
3. Use these prints and colors throughout the decor (and elements of the attire) to keep things cohesive.
4. Consult a color wheel to keep the color pallet harmonious.
5. The patterns don't all have to be the same scale.  Mix a bold wide stripe with a small dot, etc.
6. You're wedding should be your style, so if you want it to be bold and modern, go for it!

Happy Designing!

Real Inspiration: Ashlea & Keith

Ashlea and Keith got married last spring at Grey Rock Mansion, located just outside of Baltimore in Pikesville, MD.  Their photographer, Perskie’s Photography, caught some great pictures of the happy couple's wedding. 

 

Ashlea's gown was designed by Da Vinci.  You can find this line at several local retailers.  Her shoes came from Zappos and the rings came from Kay Jewelers. 

The bridesmaids dresses, by B2, came from Francesca's Bridal Salon.  I love the contrast of black bridesmaids dresses with red and white flowers!  I also love black dresses, the girls will definitely get a lot more wear out of them!  Plus, black is flattering on everyone.  The beautiful flower bouquets came from Flower Expressions of Perry Hall.

One way to save money (and have more people be a part of your wedding) is to get friends to help out in ways that come natural to them.  Have a friend good with arranging flowers?  Making invitations as a hobby?  Why not enlist their help?  Ashlea had her talented mother make the centerpieces.  She also had a friend make the programs.  And she borrowed the cute lanterns from a friend!  

 

Congratulations Ashlea and Keith!

Custom Wedding Aisle Runners

As you may have already realized, I love customized things!  I make custom jewelry for brides and think each customized detail makes a wedding.  So, I was thrilled to come across hand painted aisle runners!  Check out Customized Wedding Creations.  They make customized wedding decor including these beautiful aisle runners!

Etsy Find: Timeless Paper

Timeless Paper is owned by Emily Arrison, a University of Baltimore graduate.  She designs amazing place cards, table numbers and gift tags for weddings.  Timeless Paper has been featured in Instyle Weddings, Style Me Pretty and The Knot, just to name a few.  She has a very interesting style which is fresh and whimsical!  Check out some of my favorites:

Lets get nautical!

I decided to try this summer party decor idea from Martha Stewart.  This would be perfect for a nautical themed wedding!  It turns out adorable, but does take a lot of time.  Here's what I made:

It looks a lot cuter hanging, but I just didnt have time to take the photos.  Also I apologize for the photo quality, I was limited on time!

Here's what I did:

I bought grograin ribbon, drapery cord (the smallest available), fabri-tac permanent adhesive, yellow fabric paint marker.  And you'll need a ruler, scissors and patience with getting glue all over your fingers (and work area).

 I wasn't that happy with the ribbon I was able to find, so I decided to make some alterations.  I bought black and white stripped ribbon, then colored in the white stripes with the yellow fabric paint marker.  This was way easier than I thought!

I also made blue and white stripped "flags" but adding a smaller piece of blue grosgrain ribbon to a larger white grosgrain.

I cut all the ribbons into 4" pieces, applied the glue and folded them over the cord.  I spaced them out 1 - 2," I wasn't exact.  The glue is pretty tacky and sets fairly quickly, so I was able to easily move onto the next ribbon.  A small clamp of some sort may have made this a little more time-friendly.  But overall this was a very easy project, just time consuming.

I also bought some lanterns ate JoAnn Fabrics, they're currently 50% off!