C+K SPONSOR: PROJECT WEDDING

If you're a bride-to-be or a stalker of fantastic wedding ideas (just waiting for that ring to land on your finger!), then you know that there are tons of websites and blogs out there to offer inspiration for your big day. I've found, though, that many of them can be challenging when trying to track down resources for items or instructions on DIY projects. That's why I absolutely adore Project Wedding! They literally have thousands of photos and projects for you to peruse and save, making wedding planning just a little easier.

Looking for pretty little centerpiece ideas? This is one of my favorites from contributor and blogger Chelsea Fuss of {frolic!}. Pretty little newspaper wrapped potted violets! So sweet for a country wedding or a bridal shower!

 Also adoring this DIY idea of vellum paper mobiles to dangle over your tables, by Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day! I'd love to see it in an entryway - or maybe even trees if you're outdoors - in gradations of pink to red or green and aqua - so easy to personalize to fit your wedding colors.

For anyone planning a wedding, bridal shower, or any event needing some fresh ideas, I'd highly recommend popping over to Project Wedding for endless hours of inspiration.

*If you are interested in being a sponsor on coco+kelley, please contact us for more information!

WEDDING INSPIRATION: HIGH DRAMA

All this talk of black+white the last few days reminded me of a wedding palette I had started on quite some time ago based on a post I did on the fabulously dramatic and unexpected combination of coral+black. I thought it was high time I finish the inspiration board and share it with you all!
I adore the idea of an elegant soiree with a little Spanish influence. Casually thrown together but vibrant floral arrangements in a candlelit castle. An intimate little affair with a slightly sexy side. The coral is such a fun and original pop. Can you picture it?

*images (clockwise) via: saipua, amorology, rifle paper, southern weddings, amorology, and unknown.

SWEET SLICES OF INSPIRATION

I've always loved this editorial from Martha Stewart where bits of ribbon, paper and more are put together to create inspiration for wedding cakes!
This first one is my favorite - black and white stripes, kelly greens and aqua blues - what's not to love? Of course, I never like to take anything at face value, so this board? This board is the perfect inspiration for my office space. Soothing, but inspirational, with my signature color.
Now, this board would actually work for my favorite wedding colors! Corals and pinks with warm greys and browns... but wouldn't it be lovely as a living room too? Not to mention half my summer wardrobe... And this simple, fresh board? This is for the breakfast nook... or maybe the guest room? Layers of antique eyelet and french blues ... let's be honest, this one could go just about anywhere! It's an instant classic.

*images by johnny miller

HELLO DOTTIE

Absolutely in love with these confetti-themed wedding ideas...
A perfect way to tie in a few different colors into your scheme... and just a hint of glitter with that metallic background. So fun and festive!

*by martha stewart via ariel gordon

Tufting + Blue

If these aren't the most fantastic slipcovers for an event, I don't know what is. The faux tufting is killing me!
And so are the draped walls and the chandelier. A truly genius little idea! And possibly a very ambitious DIY project for a willing bride (and her helpers).

*photography via jennifer kloss

Wedding Inspiration: Lilac + Aqua + Emerald

The latest issue of Harper's Bazaar features the fabulous Alberta Ferretti and her home - one photo of which I could not resist! The stunning colors that captured the designer by her pool inspired this wedding board of lilac, aqua and emerald...
I love the cool but playful palette! There are so many ways to incorporate colors into a wedding, but for this board I kept them in blocks - the colors stay mostly separate from each other by using them in different areas of the wedding instead of combining them in bouquets or tabletop decor. What do you think? Have you ever seen a wedding in this scheme?

*sources: pool via michele waite, drinks by martha stewart, cake via rebecca thuss, flower aisle by kathy wright & co, wedding party by michael norwood, teal tabletop unknown.

Wedding Inspiration: Vintage + Pastels

One of the largest trends we've seen in fashion in the past few years has been the return of the vintage dress. The wedding world is no exception, and I have to say that after seeing this wedding over at Snippet & Ink, it's a trend I can get behind!
I mean, how awesomely fun does this group of ladies look with each of them wearing such unique dresses, pulled together by the tulle shoulder wraps and beautiful bouquets?
I know when I hit the vintage stores in Seattle I always spy some fun 50's style dresses that I would love to have an excuse to wear! There are also some great ones on etsy...
Imagine assigning your maids with the simple task of finding a fun vintage piece in any pastel color they adore... these could all be options.
There's also the option of going for a little vintage inspiration in new dress, like these gorgeous creations from Samuelle. Just look at that detail! So dreamy.

And for the bride? Well, of course, there's always white. But, I might just have to suggest this amazing yellow gown to top things off...

While it would certainly take the right personality to pull this whole look off, I do think it's such a fun idea - and probably much more affordable than most wedding and bridesmaid dresses! What do you think? Could you handle it?

*etsy dresses clockwise from left: here, here, here and here

Picking A (Wedding) Palette

I've been working with a client who is getting married in Maui this summer, but will be having her reception here in Seattle in October. Going from sunny beaches to the possibly rainy fall skies sounds like it would be a tough transition to make, but it's actually been very fun, thanks in part to the bride-to-be's open mind and whimsical ideas.

Part of the process was creating these two mood boards incorporating elements that she really loved: lots of paper and handmade details, lanterns, and a palette based on the aqua+chocolate brown that she's chosen for the wedding. I took these ideas in two directions - one above and one below - for her to base a palette and feel from.

The first board is a bit more whimsical with the addition of orange (a nice fall color) to her palette and uses more of the paper elements and lots of birdies and nests that add a cozy feel. The second board is a bit more beachy and soothing, adding some neutrals to the mix, but using more natural elements like succulents for a soft green, and seashells in soft pinks - an elegant an fresh take on the beach theme.

I actually loved them both, and am excited to work with the one she chose (incorporating some elements of both, actually!). Which would you go with?

*for sources please click photos

Happy (Scattered) Weekend!

This morning I'm heading off to meet with a bride-to-be who needs a little design assistance for her wedding decor...

The couple will be getting married in Maui, with the reception here in Seattle in late October. I'm hoping to mix some subtle beach style in with her favorite idea - lots of paper flowers - by taking a cue from this gorgeous arrangement by Modern Day Design.

And, back on the topic of boots... I've been thinking about how I can transition my favorite grey ones from this never-ending winter to the spring I'm dying for...

These funky little bands from the 2 Bandits are a cute possibility! Especially paired with a vintage little prairie-inspired dress. They have a fun variety of designs (I am, of course, loving the equestrian style!), and some of them are on sale... but today is the last day, so get clicking! (PS - their blog is pretty darn cute too!)

And since it's almost the big day...

This might be my favorite Valentine's message. Dudes. I love you all. (From the talented Sarah Gardner).

Happy weekend!! And, don't forget to enter this week's giveaway! I'll be drawing the winner tomorrow, so if you're lucky you'll be getting an extra special Valentine's Day present. xoxo

Under The Sea, Over The Top?

In the process of going through the latest couture shows, I discovered designer Zuhair Murad's collection of gowns dripping with coral, starfish and other ocean-inspired details...

While this dress makes a fabulous entryway, I don't know that I'd have an appropriate occasion to wear it to in my lifetime. I do, however, wonder what you think of the rest of these as 'alternative' wedding dresses...?

An all-white tabletop set with starfish at each place setting would compliment this gown's somewhat subtle, yet sparkly starfish detailing.

This dreamy dress would flow beautifully on a sandy beach with its pale aqua beaded coral weighing down the bottom. An au natural tabletop with a hint of beach glass blue would do perfectly to match.

Or, imagine a more dramatic contrast with a constructed mermaid dress in grey and a modern, elegant beach reception. Who says you can't get fancy in bare feet?

Well, would you do it? I have to say... I just might!

Wedding Inspiration: Ruby + Aquamarine

Months ago, I had filed away this ruby and aquamarine ring by Julius Cohen because the I thought the colors would make such an original scheme for a wedding board...

sources: dress isaac mizrahi, dress lyn ashworth via brides uk, ring julius cohen, invitations lyn butler via frolic, clutch j.crew, tabletop by modern day design, flowers via domino

Then, yesterday, I stumbled upon the most beautiful wedding that fit this theme perfectly!

Photographed by Joel Flory, Loralie and Kevin's wedding has been featured on a few blogs lately, and I instantly fell in love with their intimate style, her custom made dress, and their choice of small venues...

How sweet is the little gardenia in her hair... and check out that gorgeous view!

To top things off, their reception is my idea of a perfect way to celebrate with friends - a dinner party at my favorite little restaurant. And how about those cute place cards? Total perfection.