So Blue by Megan

So Blue by loveplusmarriage

This wedding inspiration combines so many of my current loves. This statement necklace by Alexis Bittar was inspired by Queen Victoria and it is the centerpiece of this whole look. All of the other elements - the modern dress and color scheme - were inspired by the necklace. Three years ago, I interviewed with Alexis Bittar and I barely knew of this line of jewelry. Instead of moving to Brooklyn, my soon-to-be husband moved to Seattle. What an opportunity I missed. His jewelry is amazing, take a look!

Because of the blue in the necklace, this is also a perfect time to introduce the idea of colored stones in an engagement ring. The ring pictured is an aquamarine custom designed by Faye Cullen. I wish I was born in March so I could be showered in aquamarines every year on my birthday.

I envision a formal reception taking place in a chic backyard with a sparkling blue pool, passed champagne, cocktails and hor's douerves. Bell Harbor would also be a lovely location, overlooking Elliott Bay and the Seattle cityscape.

Now all you need is your something old, something new and something borrowed. Your Something Blue? That's been covered.

Love + twinkling blue eyes,
Megan

1950 by loveplusmarriage

I am just dying for the day when I get to help plan for a 1950's themed wedding. I love the timeless femininity and all of the textures. Looking at the dresses, I can feel the frothy tulle in my hands.

The bridesmaid's dresses are all vintage pastel prom dresses. They are each unique but together they look like so much fun and go perfectly with the theme. Even the wedding dress fits with it's layers and layers of tulle and pink satin sash.

Though the claim that the coupe champagne glass was molded on Marie Antoinette's breasts has been discounted the sexy shape of the glass and the bubbles that float up its hollow stem remind you of a certain lady's charm. The cake is a decadent, swirly, frosted piece of heaven. Let them eat cake!

Escape away in a classic car. My sister and her husband were driven to their wedding reception in a convertible white Cadillac and were greeted with horns and waves from people on the street. Create memories to cherish, for fifty more years!

Love + pink tulle,
Megan

A Breakfast at Tiffany's Wedding by Michele

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Michele Simmons
So today's theme is Breakfast at Tiffany's and shame, shame and double shame on me for never seeing the movie. I used to work at a picture framing place and I've framed the poster 100 times but never saw the movie. So I went out and rented it and LOVED IT!

Your dress is something you might find in the movie. A white vintage tea length that will wow him 'til morning! Of course a fabulous up do and vintage hair clip. Long white gloves totally add that Breakfast at Tiffany's look. You are wearing an awesome pearl necklace, one that has several strands and a diamond (cubic zirconia of course) the size of a walnut! You definitely do not have any of the mean reds!! The bridesmaids are wearing similar dresses but in black with long black gloves. Instead of hair clips they are wearing fabulous floppy black hats!

Your cake looks like a giant Cracker Jack box with a ring on top! Cracker Jack boxes are also given to each guest as they arrive. In each box they will discover their own special prize!

Bourbon and other "gentlemen" type alcohol is served at the bar. For a lighter touch maybe a Tom Collins or a Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers, pop or just water!

On each side of the "alter" and at the entrance there are stacks of vintage suitcases. I love that touch. On each table is a different scene from the movie. For fun there are also several masks at each table for each guest to take with them, either a dog,cat or sleeping mask. Inside the mask is printed with you and your honey's name and date so your guests will always remember what a great time they had with you on this day!

Who says you can't lose your heart to a wild thing?......

In Flying Colors by Megan

In Flying Colors by loveplusmarriage

This inspiration board looks very similar to yesterday's board. I don't normally get pink stuck on the brain but apparently, this weekend, I am feeling it. Today is all about color, even though I am looking out on a grey Sunday afternoon. Probably, because of Seattle's grey.

Yesterday at the Seattle Wedding Show, I saw a cake by Tallant House with butterflies on it. The various colors of butterflies and the fact that a wedding is a big transformative event (caterpillar - butterfly, single people - marrieds) it just seems appropriate. And how fun to incorporate butterflies in a really classy, refined way.

The bouquet, by Bella Rugosa is glorious with purple feathers! The photo captures the detail and was snapped by La Vie Photography who are located in Seattle and also took the photograph of the location inspiration.

The dress is, of course, influence by Gwen Stefani's wedding dress which was the first time that I remember seeing a shockingly colored dress look appropriate for a wedding. This one is by Badgley Mischka via Something Old, Something New. I would lose the flower at the bust to keep it from vearing into cutesy.

Love + fading to pink,
Megan

Click on the Polyvore board for more details.

For the Love of Color by Michele

Color Wedding by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is color. As easy one for me indeed! No white walls in my house! Every room has color! Fall is probably my most favorite time of the year since there are so many beautiful shades of reds, oranges and yellows.
This wedding takes place in late summer, early fall.

Your dress is a strapless, A-line ball room length and white. A orange flower in your hair. Your bridesmaids are in burgundy, orange and yellow. Each dress different just like each of them.

Your flowers are gorgeous and are in all the colors of the season. The colors against your white dress seems to make them come alive!

Your event takes place in the local park under the canopy of fall leaves. The sunlight dances through the leaves and the warm breeze invites your guest like a campfire invites you on a cold night. There are picnic tables scattered about. Each table has a white table cloth on it. Each table has a different centerpiece some have a jar of flowers and some a bowl of oranges, lemons, apples.

The BBQ's are cooking up good ole' hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken. There is nothing better than the smell of a barbecue and your guests can not wait to sink their teeth in! In the mean time they can quench their thirst with bottles of lemonade or pop.

Your wedding cake is white, tiered and decorated with a paisley pattern. A real work of art and yummy too!

After the wedding and reception you and your groom get into daddy's classic Mustang and drive off to your favorite "make out" spot before venturing on to your honeymoon!!

Pure Poetry by Megan

Pure Poetry by loveplusmarriage

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Poetry Wedding by Michele

Poetry Wedding by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is Poetry. As I browse the library shelves and the collection of poetry books I keep coming back to one in particular. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. Such fond memories of reading to my boys like "Warning" about your finger getting lost up your nose. Or "Sick" too sick to go to school. Or "For Sale" about selling your sibling. Laughing our loud in the library it was an easy choice! So instead of the more serious readings of Emily Dickenson or Robert Frost mine tends to fall on the silly or whimsical end.

Tattooed On My Heart by Megan

True Love Forever by loveplusmarriage

One of my favorite images of all time is a photograph taken by Bob Gruen, titled "Joe Strummer & Gaby - Kiss On Car." It is in the center of this inspiration board and features the lead singer of The Clash, and his long term girlfriend. It is timeless, a moment captured on film, and when I look at this photo, I want to be THAT girl.

Recently, a close friend married his girlfriend and they didn't have a traditional wedding. They were married at the courthouse, with a few close friends present and afterwards everyone met up at the local pub. They dressed a few notches up from their daily style but kept their same cool style.

The adorable Save the Date Card sets the tone of the wedding and introduces the theme. True Love is a common phrase in tattoo Flash (classic style) and it mixes well with the rockabilly style. This STD card was made by the bride so if you have graphic design knowledge, try your hand at making your own.

When looking for images to fit the inspiration photo, many of them tend toward costume. But I have seen this look done well. I recommend not going too far into kitsch-ville and keeping all of the clothing high quality, authentic vintage. The groom style is based on a young Elvis, think gabardine suits. Try vintage stores or online. The bride's dress is a remake of a vintage pattern and can be found at a great price and worn again and again. I love the fitted silhouette and the fact that this dress is $137 and comes in sized Small through 3X. Curvy girls rejoice!

All the details are subtle but classic. Red lipstick, a black feather fascinator, fishnet hose and diamond earrings give retro glamor. The swallow necklace (another common Flash motif) is available at Seattle vintage jeweler, Isadoras.

Consider taking photos at Old School Pin Ups. Surprise your hubby with a book or playing cards with your saucy image!

Your crew will look so good, the barman will give a round on the house. Cheers to you and the mister.
Love + retro cool,
Megan

True Love by Michele

True Love Wedding by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is true love. You hear stories all the time of true love. You hear the story of "the moment I met you I fell in love" or "I knew the moment I saw you I would marry you". But when I think of true love I think of the couple who have been married for 20 + years. The couple who still hold hands or snuggles together. So today I would like to focus on a marriage vow renewal wedding, the real true love.

Your dress is simple off-white and short. Just enough wow to show that you still got it after all these years! Your husband is in a suit with standard tie. He is looking just as handsome as the first day you met him.

The event takes place in your backyard with all of your closest friends and family present. A large tent is set up for the ceremony and reception. This is an afternoon event and we do not want any of our guests getting too overheated. Beautiful fabric is draped throughout the tent with paper lanterns above. The sunlight dances on the fabric and lanterns creating a cool ambiance.

The reception is a catered event. After all this is a big deal! The long tables seat your guests comfortably family style. Lemonade, ice tea and light beer quench the thirst of your guests. Your cake is a combination of white and chocolate and topped off with calla lilies.

Your bouquet is made up of flowers from your garden. Calla lilies, one of your favorites. Your husband planted it for you in your garden the first year you were married.

Instead of exchanging rings for this vow renewal you both exchange Rolex watches. Resembling your time together unforgettable, so precious. Your past, present and future.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin. "Love is the beauty of the soul." --St. Augustine

The Loveliest Resolution by Megan

The Loveliest Resolution by loveplusmarriage

I love the idea of a New Year's Eve Wedding! Each new Year's Eve finds me celebrating with friends and family. Midnight phone calls and text messages wishing each other joy and happiness. So because it is always a party, the bride is wearing a short, flirty wedding dress with snazzy back-seamed pantyhose and killer red heels. Big statement jewelry adds to the party look and the bright color scheme of rich reds and pinks just shout "party!"

The biggest joy comes from incorporating your guests into the event. Drape a curtain and have your guests pose with silly costumes, feather boas, party hats and 2009 glasses. Check out the Smile Booth on Our Blog of Love, and while you are there, click over to their wedding photographs. These Georgia-based photographers are some of the best wedding photographers. If you can splurge, fly them out!

For a guest book, have your friends and family write "resolutions" for you, their ideas for a successful life, love, and marriage. These will be fun to read for years to come. You can even create a book with the Smile Booth photos and the resolutions side by side. How much fun?

With a glorious wedding cake, a candy bar filled with specialty sweets and the evening topped off with cupcakes and heart-shaped indoor sparklers, your guests will be in heaven. It's going to be a good year!
Love+ kisses at midnight,
Megan

New Years Eve by Michele

New Year's Eve by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is a New Years Eve theme. How totally fun and totally not traditional! Love it! With all the other events and parties going on that night be sure to plan early!

I would plan to get married at a hotel downtown Seattle. Somewhere where you can marry and then you and your guests can stay. Typically you can book a bank of rooms for such events. (the planning early would definitely be beneficial here!)

I love the dress. This short, flirty silver cuteness would surely dazzle all who see you in it! Your ball earrings mimic the ball that is dropped in Times Square in NYC! Your bouquet is small but flirty and fun with colored roses and peacock feathers! Wow!

This would be a later in the evening affair so no dinner served at this wedding. Instead some simple snacks and lots of champagne! Plus a full bar alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

As you say your vows everyone in the room is given a champagne glass that has a number on it from 9 to 1. The excitement builds as you and your groom wrap up the vows and the clock is counting down and then as the countdown nears the guests chime in each with the corresponding numbered glass and continue the countdown to number 1 when you and your groom seal the deal with a matrimonial kiss!! What a great new year this is going to be!!
Fireworks are going off in the distance as well as in your hearts!

Cameras are scattered about so the guests can capture all the candid shots your photographer won't. I love this idea because you get to see your event from someone else's eyes. Unless your kids get a hold of one of the cameras and take pictures of themselves doing silly boy things.....but that's a whole other story!! : )

Modern Love by Megan

Modern Love Splurge vs. Steal - Behind the Veil by loveplusmarriage

This Inspiration Idea is close to my heart. As I said in my previous post, my husband is from New York. We met when I went to visit a friend from college and she invited him to hang out with us for a night in the city. When I think modern, I think of urban spaces and high fashion. I love that it is possible to create a high fashion feel with a smaller budget. Modern brides get to think outside of traditional ideas of weddings...a short dress? Why not? Black stiletto heels? Sign me up! Big open industrial spaces...just waiting to be warmed up by some hot lovin'.
This wedding includes one best girl, the matchmaker perhaps, to stand next to the bride and it is a small, intimate ceremony. It could even take place at a courthouse....a courthouse in NYC, of course!
The "splurge" photos below showcase a couture gown by a Seattle designer...Madina Vadache. Wait...couture in Seattle? Yes, ma'am. I die for those feathers. The "steal" wedding dress is still a bit spendy but it is unique and it is for a wedding so the price is fully justified, especially when the hair piece is all of $12!
The lovely MOH dress is a "splurge" but one that could be worn again, a classy little black dress. But, we can't discount the "steal" MOH dress. It's really cute and can be picked up at Target for under $40.
When discussing cakes, one major cost cutter is choosing buttercream over fondant. Buttercream actually tastes yummy so what you sacrifice in perfect fondant detailing, you make up for when your guests bite into a creamy slice. Creme de la Creme in Renton made the "steal" cake and they have very affordable pricing and constantly receive high ratings from local brides.
Save major money by renting items that you might not need again soon - if ever. A designer men's tux can be rented for less than $200 and adorable plates and serving ware can be rented from Seattle's Totally Tabletops.
The "splurge" wedding takes place in New York at an industrial loft but the downtown Seattle Public Library allows private events and a chic, modern couple could easily create the feeling that they are splurging, without having to turn that cute clutch inside out looking for spare change. The pictures alone, I'm just imagining....
Love + fabulocity,
Megan

Modern Splurge vs. Steal by Michele

splurge steal by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is Splurge v.s. Steal Modern. I appologize because this one is going to be short and sweet.

There are many ways to get a steal of a bargain when it comes to your wedding day. The best advise is to keep an open mind. Think outside of the box. Many ordinary everyday household items can be used with just a little addition here or there your guest might think you purchased them from a high end store.

Splurge? Well if you can, the sky is the limit. If you can go for it!

Royalty Realized by Megan

Royalty Realized by loveplusmarriage

All of the gossip pages are predicting who Madonna and Guy Ritchie will date next now that their marriage has ended but there is still something beautiful to be salvaged from their failed union. Inspiration!
The wedding, which took place in Skibo Castle in Scotland, was fit for a queen and her king. It is possible to recreate the feel of a royal wedding at Thornewood Castle just outside of Tacoma. In fact, the castle features interiors that were imported from a 15th century English mansion. The preferred caterer at the Thornewood Castle is Gallucci's Catering. Gallucci's catered my wedding last May and they are very professional and have endless menu possibilities.
For flowers in the Tacoma area, J.Robbins Florist is a must. Jennifer is immensely creative, has an strong sense of style and fashions memorable bouquets and arrangements. Most of all, she is so much fun to talk to, just like a girlfriend!
The dress that most comes to mind when I think of a castle wedding is the gown that was worn by a Weddingbee blogger, "Mrs. Lovebug". Her Monique Lhuillier gown looks like it was made to be worn by a queen and the stunning jewels compliment the beading on the dress.
The diamond encrusted tiara that Madonna wore at her wedding can be easily replicated with a rhinestone tiara that can be found in local bridal shops such as All About Weddings in Tukwila. A veil with lace detailing completes the stunning look.
Stella McCartney designed Madonna's wedding gown and served as her maid of honor. I chose to go with a blush pink Marchesa gown which compliments but doesn't compete with the wedding gown and matches the formality of the event to perfection.
This royal wedding is full of luxury but maintains its class and regal style. Above all else, the love of the couple will shine through, brighter than any crown jewels.
Love + legacies,
Megan

An Invitation to a Royal Event by Megan

Royal Invitation by loveplusmarriage

King + Queen Madonna Style by Michele

King & Queen Wedding by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is King and Queen Madonna theme. So what girl that grew up in the 80's didn't totally love Madonna. Idolize her, know the words to all her songs? All the girls that I know. So today's theme was gonna be great but then I decided that I couldn't go there. The 80's I did love just not all the clothes...

So this is what I've come up with a Madonna like wedding.

First let's start with the place. I think a castle is appropriate. Madonna was married in a castle and there are so many hiding here and there. If you are determined you will surely find one. And even if you don't you can always have a theater group possibly make a castle facade for you.

This dress I absolutely LOVE! It is so goddess like with silver embellishments. Add some silver bangles and a huge diamond ring and you are definatley the queen of the night! Any queen would be without her crown or tiara right? This tiara is similar to what Madonna wore to her marriage to Guy Ritchie. The handsome king is in a white tuxedo and confident as can be ready to sweep the queen right off her feet.

The cake is royalty for sure! With silver and gold it is sure to be a jewel of the night. A separate cake with gold and silver crowns is just right for the cake cutting event.

For fun I found these fantastic crown rings. Wouldn't you and your king be all the envy of the Kingdom?

Bound Together by Megan

Bound Together by loveplusmarriage

I can't talk about a book themed wedding without pointing you to Mrs. Lovebug on Weddingbee. She is a writer and incorporated her love of books into her wedding in such unique and inspiring ways. She was planning her wedding when I was planning mine so it was always fun to read about her DIY projects and decisions she was making. You can read all of her posts here, she is an engrossing writer, and you also get to see pics from her photographer which are in-credible. Here are a few...

Mrs. Lovebug by loveplusmarriage

The best spot for a book themed wedding in Seattle is the Library Bistro. It has a comfortable elegance and when your guests receive the invitation, complete with calligraphy flourishes, the theme will develop naturally. A typewriter guest book is a must and I just loved Mrs. Lovebug's idea to have guests type their wishes, crumple them up, and throw them in the wastebasket. What writer hasn't done that?! Plus, when you and your husband un-crumple de-crumple smooth out the pages, they will have the well-aged, well-loved look! Really, really, pretty vintage typewriters can be found at 20 Twenty in Ballard. Go there!
An idea I love is to carry a favorite book, of love poems perhaps, down the aisle in place of a bouquet. There will be lovely flowers all around but this day is all about your loves, your man and your books.
Love + a new chapter,
Megan

Love of Books by Michele

Love Of Books Wedding by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is the love of books wedding. A love story. There are so many great stories from Guinevere & Lancelot, Romeo & Juliet, Bonnie & Clyde, The Notebook, Titanic and even Lady & The Tramp!

The invitations read you are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss and Mister to share the start of their next chapter together in the greatest love story of all time....

The wedding and reception are at one of the most beautiful libraries around, the University of Washington Sozzalla Library. The warmth of the wood surround you and your guests. The star paper lantern strung throughout the area create a magical glow.

Each table is set with different book, a different tale of love. The table cloth is made up of pages from that particular book so your guests can read bits and pieces and reminisce.

The place cards double as a favor. They are book marks with a collection of pictures of the bride and groom on one side and a list of their favorite books. Something each guest can take with them and remember this special day and maybe even pick up one of the books listed and share it with the one they love.

The groom is handsome in a tan suit with chocolate accents. Your cream colored dress is tiered and fits you perfectly and compliments him to a tee! This is a match made in heaven!

Your bouquet is made of of colored roses of browns and creams. It is a round bouquet of perfection.

Even your wedding rings keep with the same color scheme. Chocolate diamonds! Yes, chocolate diamonds. I recently fell in love with these and can't wait for my own!! (hint-hint honey!)

My First Love...FASHION by Megan

My First Love...Fashion by loveplusmarriage

What will be the most fashionable day in your life? I'm sure for any girl, your wedding day will top the list. You want to look and feel your best on this momentous day. You can allow yourself a few little extravagances but it is entirely possible to take inspiration from high-priced fashion spreads and reinterpret them for the size of your wallet.
Feeling like splurging on your wedding day loungeware? Visit Nancy Meyer in downtown Seattle, on Fifth Avenue. However; there are many steals to be found online when looking for loungeware. I found an adorable version for only $50. I also recommend checking out any of the area Nordstrom Rack stores.
A corset will make a wonderful difference in the fit of your wedding gown. In order to push the ladies up and suck the tummy in, sometimes it takes a little something sexy. You can splurge on an Agent Provocateur corset but for a more reasonable corset, consider a search online at Frederick's of Hollywood. Later in the night, when the dress comes off, your new hubby won't know what hit him!
The $6,900, Oscar de la Renta wedding gown is gorgeous, a frothy dream of a dress. Surprisingly, the David's Bridal gown is a wonderful alternative for only $950! The d'Orsay pump by Monolo Blahnik will definitely have you walking tall and proud down the aisle but consider Dyeable's d'Orsay pump for a savings of $550. Both pair have the broach detail that coordinates beautifully with the feminine detailing on the dress.
The going away outfit was completely inspired by Blair on Gossip Girl and her outfit at the White Party. As soon as I saw her in the white Marc Jacobs mini dress I was obsessed. The headband, the shoes, the whole outfit is just adorably chic. Imagine running for the airplane in this little getup, all eyes will be on the bride!
Love + adoration,
Megan

Fashion Splurge vs. Steal by Michele

Fashion Steal v.s. Splurge by Michele Simmons
Today's theme is Fashion splurge v.s. steal. I had fun with this one because I love trying to find a bargain but if I had the money would totally be a fashion freak!
The venue: I choose the Museum of Glass for both my splurge and steal sets. This is such a beautiful site located along the waterfront in Tacoma. Your guests can stroll along the sky bridge and the waterfront taking in the scenes prior to the wedding. Chihuly is the inspiration behind the museum and an awesome artists and many of his pieces are showcased along the sky bridge.
Your splurge would be reserving the museum for a full day with opportunities for your guests to stroll the exhibits and the hot shop. Your steal would be reserving your wedding date on an off date such as a Sunday or weekday and only for an hour or two keeping your costs down.
The dress: Researching the hot trends for 2009 and wedding gowns I found that tiers are one of the new hot things! I love this because tiers are so versatile for all body types. My splurge dress is a Jenny Packham for $15,000 or a similar, just as pretty gown by David's Bridal for $700.00.
The favors: I love both of these favors! I love glass! The glass hearts are made by Bedrock Studios and are a simple memento of your special day for $6.00 each, definitely a steal! The triangle glass vases are hand made by Dehanna Jones and are $185.00 each.
Dinner: Your splurge dinner would have to be a sit down event. With prime rib and maybe a halibut dish. The place card holders are soo cute! An art easel with an erasable canvas! For your steal I would suggest a buffet style with a salmon and a chicken dish, still delicious but not as spendy.
Music: Your splurge would be hiring a band to perform for the entire event. There are many local bands for hire that offer a variety of sounds from your walk down the isle to dancing the night away. For your steal a DJ or even an I-Pod plugged into your favorite music can do the trick!
Flowers: To keep your costs down on flowers use one type of flower such as roses. Most roses are fairly inexpensive and come in so many colors, at about $1.00 a stem they can be used in so many ways! For your splurge go for the hard to find exotic flowers. Mix and match the exotics with common roses and such.
The cake: Your specialized baker can create this tiered cake for your wedding day. White cake with fondant and embellishments it is sure to be eye pleasing. For a steal wedding your clever relative can bake yummy cupcakes and use special filigree liners to dress them up. You can display them on a tiered serving tray to keep with the tiered theme.