I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving! I’ll be back to blogging on Monday.

Image: Ngoc Minh Ngo

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It’s raining here in Santa Barbara and days like this just make me want to curl up with a good cup of tea.

A tea party can be the perfect theme for a bridal shower or even a morning wedding affair.

Here a white tea service is filled with lilies of the valley, so pretty and feminine.

One pink peony would be beautiful as well.

Images: 1. & 4. Sandra Lane 2. Polly Wreford 3. The Velvet Garden

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Oh I am moving slow today… I just got back from Hawaii and I’m ready to go back to reading magazines on the beach. But anyway, I love this photo by the lovely ladies of Belathée Photography. The red shoes, the flowly dress, its all so dreamy…

Also, Elizabeth Anne Designs posted one of the DIY projects I did for a wedding back in August. You can check it out here.

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Since there was no Shoesday this week, I thought I’d come combine my two regular posts into one. I call this photo bling-o-rama (photo by Elizabeth Messina).

Stilettos plus diamonds, yes please! Photo by Allyson Magda.

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Thank you to all my guest bloggers! Be sure to check out their blogs for even more inspiration.

Image: Pistachio Press

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Our next guest is the lovely Cassandra from coco + kelley:

Whenever I get asked about where I find inspiration for my interiors and events, I only have one answer: everywhere. So, whether I’m planning a wedding or styling a dining room, I always tell my clients to send me anything that moves them. I’ve created rooms inspired by fashion spreads and weddings inspired by vintage posters. It’s really all about figuring out what it is about that piece that inspires you, and designing everything around it. Here’s how it works for me…

I recently moved back to Seattle from Los Angeles and have been completely infatuated by the amazing colors of the leaves changing all over the city. Patches of vivid reds, oranges and yellows are everywhere I look! I wanted to find a room that really captured the colors of the season while still remaining elegant…

This dining room by Stephen Shubel has always been a favorite of mine, and happens to be the perfect inspiration! I love how he designed the chairs in different colors to add a bit of playfulness to a more formal space. The dark rustic table and floors help warm things up a bit and keep the space grounded. So, now it’s time to translate this feeling into a wedding!

To me, there were a few key elements to keep in mind for this design – elegance, playfulness, and a dash of rustic. Keeping the color palette mostly brown and golden yellow with subtle touches of orange and red creates a sophisticated palette. Tying in the chandelier motif to the invitation also creates this sense of luxury. The feather accents, colorful lanterns, and lots of loose ribbons lighten the mood, while the setting itself creates all the rustic touches needed. And voila! That’s how I translate an inspirational room to a wedding!

Sources:
1) Ring pillow photographed by Studio Nouveau
2) Lanterns via {frolic!}
3) Ceremony site: by Karen Bussen
4) Chandelier invitations photographed by Belathee Photography:
5) Bridesmaid dress via Style Me Pretty
6. Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings
7. Boutonniere: Twigs & Honey
8. Shoes: J.Crew
9. Dress: Vera Wang
10. Chandelier photographed by Belathee Photography
11. Flower girls via Martha Stewart Weddings
12. Vintage car photo via Brides
13. Bouquet via Snippet & Ink

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Our next guest is Chelsea from {frolic}, an inspiring blog that you must check out. And if you’re in the Portland area Chelsea would love to help design your next event!

Kelly asked me to write a little about my creative process. I tend not to follow rules. But, I do follow a few tips. Whether I am working on an event or a photo shoot, I try to remind myself of a few things. Maybe these will be helpful to some of you trying to plan a wedding or party.

* Follow your instinct.

*Inspiration can be found anywhere.

*Consider the location and/or the purpose. Let ideas grow from that.

*Take a break if you are feeling stifled.

*Start over if necessary.

*Seek out an opinion (but not too many!)

*Don’t forget to have fun; it will help you stay inspired.

Here are a few of my current inspirations:

Donna Hay always inspires me [above & below].

Jane Packer’s website is filled with floral goodies.

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Roland Bello’s photography website is my first stop when I am looking for a little eye candy.

Lately I love pink. This image is from stylist Jane Roarty.

Thanks for letting me visit, everyone! Come say hello over at my blog, Frolic!

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