Whew!! So sorry for the posting delays. As I hinted, I’ve been working on four “finalist” inspiration boards for Kate and Cormac’s August island wedding. I wanted to wait until I had all four ready to go before I debuted the first one so that you could see them all in quick succession, as I’ll be asking for your opinions after all four go live.

The overriding challenge was this: the wedding is on an island, so a certain amount of “nautical-ness” is not only almost impossible to avoid, but desired. However, the vibe we’re going for is really more upscale picnic/fun garden party. Keep in mind that the ceremony and reception will be in the afternoon.

Without further ado, our first option:

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This is pretty much your classic red, white, and blue nautical board. Kate really likes the idea of navy, so that’s one of the dominant colors here. She also has decided on a smorgasbord of mini, upscale picnic food for the menu (hence the cheeseburgers). We also love the idea of rope boutonnieres and blueberry jam favors, and I’m rooting for red-and-white striped maids’ dresses (as I’ll be wearing one!). The pennants are an easy DIY and add a fun punch of color, while the getaway boat is pretty much perfect for the location, don’t you think?

Thoughts below, please!

The Details
First row, left to right: slip knot boutonniere photo by Stacey Kane from The Knot, ceremony photo by Erica Lyn via Weddingbee, gallette photo by Alison Miksch

Second row: paper goods from Ceci New York, blueberry jam from 100 Layer Cake, cheeseburger photo by Thorsen Photography via Weddingbee

Third row: pennant photo by Kristen Marie Photography via Southern Weddings, maids dress from The Knot, boat locker portrait by Jenny Ebert

Fourth row: wreath photo by Melissa Schollaert, balloons, boat getaway photo by Browers Photography via The Bride’s Guide

To me, this board is all about the romance: soft pink, soft blue, and dramatic navy and ruby all mixed together with swash-filled stationery, old cameras, and dusty books. And aren’t those rose-filled ice cubes beautiful?

The Details
First row, left to right: bridal party from JL Designs, tuxedo strawberries from Martha Stewart Weddings; tie photo by Justin and Mary Marantz

Second row: guest book from MSW; tablescape photo by Docuvitae via Style Me Pretty; pomegranate dessert photo by Lara Ferroni

Third row: pom via Weddingbee; “Monogram” invitation by Mika78; rose-filled ice cubes

Fourth row: old books photo by Laurie Frankel; cake by Ngoc Minh Ngo; Gourmet Invitation via Style Me Pretty; vintage camera via 100 Layer Cake

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One last look at Halloween before we move on to Thanksgiving (!) and Christmas (!!). Keep it classy by mixing metallics into the more expected black and orange and for an extra punch, try a fanciful head piece. What do you think? For the right couple, this could just be the perfect wedding look!

The Details
First row, left to right: front door from Country Living; calligraphed menu by Love, Jenna; ceremony photo and ruffly cake photo by Clifford Brunk via Style Me Pretty

Second row: invitation calligraphy by Calligraphy Katrina (photo by Meg Perotti) via SMP; arrangement by JL Designs (photo by Meg Perotti) via SMP; orange candy bar from Martha Stewart Living; coasters by Love, Jenna

Third row: gilded pumpkins from Country Living; hair accessory via Coco + Kelley; heels photo by Artisan Events via SMP

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Bond. James Bond. Isn’t the dinner jacket in the upper left so 007? It served as the inspiration for this classic black and white soiree, made a bit more complex with touches of cream, camel, celery, and blush. The clouds of baby’s breath, too, get an updated look in this board.

The Details
First row, left to right: dinner jacket photo by Leigh Miller; crinoline photo by Shyla Photography via Once Wed; cupcake from Martha Stewart Weddings

Second row: classic car photo by Jose Villa; buffet spread by MSW; centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings

Third row: baby’s breath bouquet and ceremony decor by Leigh Miller; cheese and crackers from Country Living

Fourth row: cake from Brides; chair decor via Classic Bride; heels photo by Leigh Miller