Here Comes the Bride {aisle inspiration}

This past Saturday I talked with two different florists. Before doing so I gathered lots of inspiration and honed in on the look I wanted. I had been holding off on this because there are so many gorgeous options, I was having trouble committing to one. Creating a board with the things I decided on so far and adding in the flowers I was thinking about really helped me be sure I was going in the right direction. I sent the Pinterest board links to the florists and it helped them see my overall style and, more specifically, the flowers I had in mind (what did we do before Pinterest!?) One thing they both asked me on our calls was what my plan was for the aisle and ceremony space. I had been doing so much thinking about the flowers in terms of the tables and bouquets, I hadn't even thought of the aisles! So I asked them what they recommended and started searching and realizing there are endless options...

Source: left, right

Would love the candle look if I was having a nighttime ceremony.

Source

Source: left, right

Source

Shepherd hooks are really versatile and my venue has some I can use if I opt for this. No extra rentals =  money saved! But, you will be shelling out for the extra arrangements. One good option would be if you could move them to the tables after the ceremony for double duty!

Source

Source: left, middle, right

Source

And then there are petals. I love the look of petals along the aisle because it creates such a strong visual pathway. It's also romantic, timeless and (apparently) pretty cost-effective. One of the florists told me she could use the petals of a less expensive flower along the aisle.

When you have a gorgeous venue, I think you can get away with a more minimal aisle decoration. I'm thinking I will keep the ceremony decor pretty simple (we have Mt. Hood as the backdrop, so I think people will be looking at that), and put more towards the tables.

What are you doing to dress up your aisle and ceremony space? Did you have it figured out already when you talked to florists? Any cost-saving tips?

Something {Red, White, and} Blue

In honor of the country's birthday today (and one of my favorite holidays!), I wanted to share some 4th of July-inspired weddings. I'm not doing a 4th of July theme, but after looking at these pictures I am totally sold on the idea! Check out this inspirational shoot. I am loving the vintage, all-American vibe.

Source and more from the shoot

Here's another 4th-themed shoot. This one isn't a wedding, but it has all the adorable details of one.

Source

More Independence Day inspiration...

Source

Source

Source

Wishing you all a happy 4th of July!

{Pretty in Peridot} Backyard

Today we have the fabulous Erin and Jessica of "Two Wedding Belles" here to provide us with some incredible inspiration! Enjoy the first of 3 posts by Erin and Jessica using Peridot to create a wow-factor wedding day. Peridot is a unique color: a dark and stormier version of lime, with a generous dose of gold. It's a color that holds its own, but it plays nicely with others too. We took the concept of a wedding heavy on the peridot, perhaps for an August bride wanting to include hues inspired by the month's signature stone, and styled it three ways.

1. a backyard fete with a cozy feel and lots of earthy elements.

When we started out, we weren't sure if each board would be unique enough to stand apart. At first it was just a sea of green. But surely, pull in a bouquet tied with gingham ribbon here and add contoured lines of a table display there, and each concept begins to establish its own identity.

What do you think? Can you see working peridot into the color scheme at your chosen location or venue? ~Erin & Jessica, Two Wedding Belles

{Sources: gingham tied bouquet; aftershave; napkin rings; florals; lanterned reception; acorns; glasseseyelet cakebride with green shoes.}

Want to guest post for Engaged & Inspired? e-mail submissions@engagedandinspired.com with some post ideas to find out how to get your guest post featured!