My favorite part of these inspiration shoots is knowing that the ideas that look so beautiful in the photographs, are actually REAL steal-able inspirations that you can incorporate into your own wedding. Even if you can’t set up pretty picnic tables outside, you can still collect vintage vases and fill them with pretty Spring hues. Even if you aren’t sure if the sun will be shining on your big day, you can still bring in elements you love and use them in unconventional ways to make your day even brighter. Thank you so much to Beth Helmstetter, Steve Steinhardt, Laura Hooper, Holly Flora and ALL of the vendors involved for inspiring us to no end…
From Beth Helmstetter …Some DIY elements from the shoot included the lace overlay which was literally purchased directly from the fabric store, cut by the store clerk and thrown on the table. A material that beautiful didn’t need anything else to distract from it’s natural look and feel. While, Holly has an incredible ability to make flowers that have taken hours upon hours look incredibly effortless, don’t be intimidated to try to arrange a collection of your favorite vessels filled with simply cut flowers. I don’t advocate any bride working on her wedding day, but it could be a great project for your bridesmaid’s luncheon or any other entertaining you do in the future. Lastly, if you aren’t afraid of a handcrafted look, give a hand at baking. By putting what would appear to be common desserts into beautiful tea cups or on top of lovely trays, you can really make something so basic look delicious.
While, I hope it would be easy to see that anyone could recreate a simple style like this one on almost any budget, overall, what I would encourage most to the brides out there is to really take inventory of what they already own, love, can’t get enough of, etc. and find a way to incorporate it into their day. Start collecting vases and vessels that inspire you or prints that you love from the local fabric store. Take the thought of “Does this go with the other vase I bought?” right out of your little mind and just literally collect what you love. No limitations. For us, the brand spankin’ new lace that I couldn’t get enough of paired with stationery that felt more like an introduction to a lady’s tea party than a wedding, got my wheels a spinning. For you, it might be a favorite wallpaper or postcard you once received from a traveling friend. No matter what, trust your self and your sense of style and don’t dismiss any elements that draw you in when you are starting to design your big day.
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Designer: Beth Helmstetter / Florals, Rentals & Venue: Holly Flora / Photographer: Steve Steinhardt / Stationery: Laura Hooper / Custom Linens / Homemade Desserts / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhullier / Shoes, accessories and men’s attire: J. Crew / Bridesmaid’s dress: Vintage / Hair & Makeup Stylists: Fiore Beauty / Bridesmaid Model: Nina Fehren with Wilhelmina Models