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}.

{Click to enlarge!}

Two days late for Valentine’s Day, but because I’m a proponent of celebrating love every day (not just on February 14), this seems appropriate. Jenifer Altman’s photograph of love notes crammed in to soft leather pouches was my inspiration for this board, but I had a really hard time with this one, because as lush and gorgeous as pink and red are together, they risk veering into a big romantic cliche.

What do you think – does this board work? Or have you had your fill of pink and red for the year? Would you use this palette for a wedding, or should it only inspire, say, Valentine’s Day parties?

The Details (No elaboration this week.)
First row, left to right:
Love-letter filled pouches photo by Jenifer Altman, ruffly centerpiece by Artfool; meringue heart ice cream sandwiches by Martha Stewart

Second row, left to right:
Slip dress by Martha Stewart, vintage stamps from The Little Chicken Coop, favor pouches by Papier Valise’s flickr via Creature Comforts

Third row, left to right:
Bouquet by Martha Stewart, lounge area by Brides, leather books photo by Laurie Frankel

Fourth row, left to right:
Ephemera from perfectbound’s flickr; blooms from danske’s flickr, dresses from Martha Stewart

{Click to enlarge!}

As promised, a dark, luscious, magical inspiration board to enliven your Monday! The many hues of blackberries – deep plum, navy, the green pop of leaves – set the tone for this sophisticated soiree. I love this wedding for the juxtapositions it presents: it’s simple, it’s serene, it’s a black tie event in the backyard.

The Details
First row, left to right:
Graceful old oaks add their own brand of formality to a ceremony space {photo by Tanja Lippert via Southern Weddings}; tuck blackberry brambles into a bouquet of full, romantic blooms like dogwood and ranunculus {Rebecca Thuss}; another bouquet option from Junebug Weddings via Style Me Pretty; photo by Francine Zaslow

Second row, left to right:
An ivy-covered couch is not practical but it is lovely {photo by Debi Treloar}; it’s hard to find blue flowers but a small posy like this would be darling for bridesmaids {Leigh Miller Photography}; again, the trees steal the show: what’s more romantic, elegant, and atmospheric than dining under aged oaks lit for the occasion? {Leigh Miller Photography}

Third row, left to right:
Silhouettes are everywhere right now, so it’s nice to see them simply as an accent {photo by Leigh Miller Photography}; for dessert, try a cake topped with dark plum hydrangeas {photo by Leigh Miller Photography} or petite individual blackberry tarts {Jupiter Images}

Fourth row, left to right:
A simple bolt of cream cloth looped over wooden dowels creates a classy spot for appetizers or cocktails {Rebecca Thuss}; make sure your photographer captures detail shots of the dress {photo by Tanja Lippert via SW} and the rings {photo by Sarah K. Chen}

P.S. If you haven’t figured it out from this board, I love Leigh Miller’s photography. It’s fresh, elegant, and emotional. See for yourself: go check this lady out.

{Click to enlarge!}

Though there is not one strictly coffee image in this board, I maintain that the title nicely sums up the mood I tried to create. I want this wedding to feel almost like having an afternoon latte with your best friend: intimate, luxurious, dreamy. I would suggest keeping the guest list small, which would free up the budget and allow room for cozy details like rich calligraphy, DIY garlands, and mini biscotti bites.

The Details
First row, left to right:
Drape windows, doorways, or mantels with a garland made {ingeniously!} out of coffee filters, or use it as a runner down the center of a long table {via Once Wed, originally by Pam Garrison}; vintage napkins can be found for pennies apiece at flea markets and garage sales – stock up to avoid the hassle of renting {photo by Francine Zaslow}; for a twist on tradition, order your names in elaborate calligraphy, then add the .jpg file to an otherwise plain text invite {Betsy Dunlap}

Second row, left to right:
Antique {or antiqued!} chandeliers add elegance to any space, including this open air pavilion {I’m almost positive this photo is from Southern Weddings, but I can’t for the life of me find it on their site}; look for ruffly blooms in a color range of shell to the deepest blush – for added effect, darken the palette as the event progresses {photo by Jenifer Altman}; a simple dress can be jazzed up with a layered necklace, or layers of necklaces (think ribbon on top of pearl on top of chain) {J. Crew}

Third row, left to right:
Bridesmaids or flower girls or even a laid-back bride would look casually chic in a sweet eyelet shift {photo from i.anton’s photostream}; thick coffee and delicate slices of biscotti make for a delicious parting snack {photo by Jennifer Altman}; ruffled brown dresses are another attendant option {photo by Chelsea Fuss}

Fourth row, left to right:
Birch, wire, burlap, sticks, and beeswax candles mingle beautifully in this rustic, whimsical centerpiece {by Joy Thigpen and Emily on Once Wed, photo by Our Labor of Love}; rich satin ribbon at the fold of the programs deepens this palette {Style Me Pretty}; dream-ily processed photos help you remember the feel of the day as it unfolded {again, I’m almost positive this is from Southern Weddings, but I would love to credit the photographer if anyone can help me out!}