This board is for Kristin, a friend of a friend. I may have some of the details she’s decided on wrong {because I heard them secondhand} but I believe she’s planning a July wedding in upstate New York with a palette of navy, white, and gray. To that, I added cream and a silvery blue. I believe the reception is in a sort of glass conservatory, which led me to imagine a classically elegant, fabulously stylish celebration. Add a towering, snowy white cake to the mix, and you’ve got a seriously chic celebration on hand. Tweak a few details and this palette could work for winter, as well.

The Details:
First row, left to right:
The photo that started it all, via perfect bound. This fantastic image is a great reminder to pencil in enough time for portraits. A grand, open space begs for large scale arrangements, and a black-tie event wants for something chicer than balloons. Bare manzanita branches and sterling lanterns fit the bill {photo by Our Labor of Love}. Sleek navy dresses can be mixed and matched and still maintain a formal feel {dress from Priscilla of Boston’s Vineyard Collection via Style Me Pretty}

Second row:
I can’t think of anything more chic at the end of the night than slipping away in a cream vintage car {from J. Crew via simplesong}. Simple calligraphed boxes serve dual duty as both favors and place cards {Martha Stewart Weddings}. They don’t have to sport a big name to be hugely chic, but you can’t go wrong with Manolo Blahnik sandals {photo by Our Labor of Love}.

Third row:
This photo by Tim Evan Cook largely inspired this board’s color palette: its shades of navy, cream, white, blush, and silvery blue seemed irrestistably stylish yet understated to me. Luxurious engraving, delicate flourishes, and rich navy ink set the tone for an elegant evening in this invite by Ceci New York. Traditional calligraphed table numbers bring the elegance into the reception {from carmelscribe’s photostream; calligraphy by Jane Farr}. Serve white-peach sangria either before the ceremony or during cocktail hour. Blackberries are a tasty garnish {Martha Stewart Weddings via Snippet & Ink}.

Fourth row:
Skip the more common exit photo op and light the sparklers during dessert. White-tie waiters hoisting small cakes overhead add considerable excitement at the end of the night {Fete}. Neatly painted river rocks add a natural element to an otherwise opulent table setting {Martha Stewart Weddings}.

Quiet start to my Monday morning and this photo, from one of my newest favorite photographers, seemed appropriate. Inspiration board coming up next!

{Photo by whitebox weddings}

{c/o Jena Ardell}

I’m going thrifting this afternoon. This picture makes me want to find a red rotary phone, bring it home, put on a polka dot dress, and call up a long distance friend.

Have a lovely weekend! See you back here on Monday for a classically elegant summer wedding board.

I love getting mail. I’m sure you love getting mail, too {who doesn’t, I ask?}.

Which is why I was so excited when Sarah, of Things Are Better With a Parrott, emailed me about her newest venture, Press and Post. {Remember the calendar I ordered from her?} Sarah writes: “As a Press and Post participant, you will receive one limited edition letterpress card, at least two, often more, vintage postage stamps, and one kraft envelope – a pretty little package to drop in the mail.”

Here are a few more reasons this is perfect for me: you already know I love vintage stamps, and you may remember that I have a goal {no. 10} which involves the postal system. I’m sure you all have reasons of your own to fall in love with Sarah’s idea!

I enjoy hearing about exciting new ventures Etsians are trying, and Press and Post is no exception. You can sign up for one month, three months, sixth months, or one year. A subscription would also make an elegant and thoughtful gift for a friend – and maybe, if you’re lucky, said grateful friend would send one of her monthly notes to you!