I love how the movement of the ring is captured. Photo by Amelia Lyon.

I’m signing off for the week and running out to get the very last present on my list. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Images by Chris Everard.

Lately, I’ve had quite the love affair with gray & yellow. For this board I decided to branch out a bit and pair gray with a deep red. The invitation in the upper right hand corner by Peculiar Pair Press served as inspiration. Enjoy!

Description: Gray, deep rich red, silver accents, modern lines

Images: top to bottom {Column 1} 1. Shoes via Brides 2. Rings by Anna Kuperberg 3. Lounge by Laura Novak 4. Christmas Lights by l.anton’s flikr 5. Gray Draping by Michelle Rago {Column 2} 1. Invite Photo by Anna Kuperberg 2. Cake by The Cake Girls 3. Orchids in vase by Kate Mathis 4. Suit via Brides

This ring shot by Whitebox Weddings cracks me up.

On Tuesday, Sidney of SBB Catering hosted a lovely little Holiday party for Santa Barbara wedding vendors. The food was delicious (lobster canioli- yum!) and the service was impeccable. Stop on over to their website for more information.

I’m taking a page from Kathryn at Snippet & Ink and Cassandra from Coco & Kelley and posting my first inspiration board on my blog. Every Monday I’ll be posting a board so if you have any specific color requests or themes please leave me a comment!

Here’s the photo that inspired the board.  Photo by Chris Everard.

And here’s the board:

Description: Gold, Holidays, 40s vintage, candlelight, glamorous

Images from left to right: {Row 1} 1. Vintage car by Parker J Pfister 2. Winter Couple by Jenna Walker Photography 3. Tabletop design & photo by Kelly Oshiro Events {Row 2} 1. Gold Cake by Jeff McNamara Photography via Brides 2. Bella Figura invitations 3. Bouquet by Michelle Rago Ltd. via Brides 4. Bass by Jose Villa {Row 3} 1. Gold Shoes by Jasmine Star 2. Candles by Artfool 3. Ring shot by Leigh Miller Photography

I like when an element of the event design can be used in a couple of different ways. I love this modern and simple centerpiece made of painted manzanita and faux birdies.

From the super talented Rebecca Thuss are these adorable favors.

These birdie themed sticks are suppose to be plant labels, but how cute would they be as seating cards?

Gotta love any clutch from Red Ruby Rose!

And a wedding cake also by Rebecca Thuss. Its perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Images: 1. Tina Rupp 2. & 5. Rebecca Thuss 3. The Modern Gardener 4. Red Ruby Rose via Etsy

Lanterns are some of my favorite ways to add drama to any event design.

I love the way driftwood branches form a psuedo-tree on which the lanterns hang. How pretty would this be as a backdrop for a beach ceremony?

White accodrian lanterns strung in between palm trees; so simple and pretty.

The spiky shape of these star lanterns are so fun and funky. Paired with tons of candles you’ll have instant dramatic lighting for your wedding.

I like when lanterns are different sizes and shapes but still have the same look.

Two Morrocan lanterns paired with a modern and clean white table. So chic.

Images: 1. Chris Everard 2-3. Leigh Miller 4-5. Ben Dearnley

Christian Louboutin. Fabulous.

Photos by Ryan Phillips Photography.

I’m a big fan of using interesting and unique ways to display seating cards and table numbers. Table numbers in particular are one detail that I think really needs to be thought through. There is no easier way to detract from a beautiful table than using a utilitarian and boring table number holder.

Wine bottle numbers are both pretty and practical. I love details that do double duty.

The seating cards don’t have to be individualized per guest, instead you could use a rustic chart. It’s a great way to save paper, time, and it can be an easy way to add a dash of style as your guests enter the reception.

If you do prefer the individual seating cards, I like to use calligraphy envelopes with the guest name on it and then I tuck the table number inside. This way, last minute seating changes can be accommodated with ease. Tucked onto a flat of grass, this presentation is perfect for a spring wedding.

Its not always necessary to have a place card (must couples just assign their guests per table) but in certain cases, particularly a formal event or if you’re seating guests at one long table of 20, than I highly recommend place cards. I love the simplicity of this option.

For a fall wedding this would be such a cute detail.

Feathers, rocks and sea shells are other great objects that can really bring together your whole wedding design.

Images: 1. Via Snippet & Ink, Cheri Pearl photo by 2. Via Snippet & Ink, photo by Red Photo Co. 3. Snippet & Ink photo by Myrtle & Majoram 4, 5, 6 Gemma Comas

There is nothing more classic than a pure white palette for a wedding. I’m a big fan of playing with proportion and textures in order to make a classic white wedding more contemporary.

A bunch of white hydrangea is always pretty and timeless.

Images: 1. Mark Lund 2. Lisa Lefkowitz

I love when a bride and groom have fun posing with their getaway transporation. Here again, is another place to add a personal touch to your wedding day…

Hot vintage sportscar and a hot couple, need I say more?

Baby blue bike and a just married sign, such a lovely detail.

Fun couple + Vespa = one of a kind photo

A tandem bike? Even better!

1. Halberg Photographers 2. Elizabeth Messina 3. Red Photo Co. via Snippet & Ink 4. Jose Villa

I love the deep jewel tones of peacock feathers. And used in a subtle way, it could be the perfect element to bring your wedding’s design together.

I love how this hair piece uses the peacock feathers with a tiny cluster of crystals at the base.

For bridesmaid’s dresses you could use aqua and deep blue colors from the peacock feather.

For a clutch, this peacock print bag is perfect.

Images: 1. Photo by Arrowood Photography, tabletop design by Camilla Svensson Burns 2. Sweets n Lo 3. Left, Monique Lhuillier, Right Jcrew 4. Red Ruby Rose

Pink flowers are so soft and romantic, and are the perfect accent to a garden wedding.

I love this bouquet with three different types of roses.

For this poesy, the florist wired together pink cymbidium petals to create a large “flower” called a composite.

I love the simple footed white vase against the different shades of pink flowers.

This arrangement features only one large pink dahlia, but the crocheted cozy around the simple glass vase creates such an interesting and pretty texture.

I love the subtle contrast of the pink cymbiums of this bouquet paired with deeper jewel tones and the subtle purple accents.

Images: 1. Sandra Lane 2. Once Wed 3. The Green Vase 4. Jo Tyler 5. Rose and Radish 6. Camilla Svensson Burns Couture Floral & Event Design

Signature drinks at weddings are a great way to welcome guests and provide a pop of color and interest at the bar. Best of all, coupled with serving wine and beer, it can help keep your alcohol bill under control.

To me, a signature drink does not need to be a new drink, but rather it should be a favorite drink of the couple. The best way to make your signature drink memorable is is to pay attention to presentation.

I like to have a good 20 drinks setup on a separate table from the bar or tray passed. This helps prevent a long line at the bar (one of my biggest pet-peeves), and all the drinks lined up with their beautiful garnish is just so pretty. Make sure your caterer gets the drinks set them up a little before guests arrive so your photographer can get a shot of them.

All signature drinks don’t have to be alcoholic. Refreshing cucumber water or a great lemonade are perfect for a pre-ceremony welcome drink.

So have fun creating something personal and refreshing for your guests to enjoy at your wedding.

Images:1. Gemma Comas 2. Frances Janisch 4.Feastivites Catering 5. Anna Williams