Peacock Wedding Theme with Copper and Teal Blue

Early in my daydreaming about what our wedding could look like, I found myself liking the idea of using peacock feathers to add a little flair to a wedding of rich jewel tones. I have since dabbled with peacock palettes and themes a few times, but never quite put it together in a way that I thought really clicked for me. What I came up with for today's board is a little bit different take on peacock wedding themes, because I focused primarily on an almost exotic feeling color combination of shimmering copper and dark teal blue. You could certainly add the emerald green, chartreuse, deep purple, bronze and navy blue to accent the gorgeous iridescence of the peacock feathers. I just decided to simplify it by streamlining the color palette a bit and choosing two of my favorites. I also think that texture plays an especially big role in today's board.

Something I really love about the deep teal is that I think it could be gorgeous on darn near anyone.

In an early engagement splurge purchase, I bought an eBay auction lot of copper tablecloths because I've been fascinated with that color and was convinced I could make it work. (I also bought them for a better price than I could've rented white linens, so what the heck.) I have second guessed myself to infinity and beyond, but I think this palette is an example where the copper really does work beautifully.

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One of my favorite parts of this board is the fabulous Kayla dress in teal chiffon by Thread. I love chiffon. I love empire waist. I love the satin sash with the draping bow. And I love that color!

The second dress is a Rhinestone Pin Satin Halter Gown that I found on Amazon for only $70. Satin is another great fabric for this palette because it seems so rich and elegant. The shoes are Two Lips Vivacious Teal Wedges from Endless.com.

The center picture of the table is from Gamboa Photos.

The copper tablecloth on the bottom row is actually a picture I took of one of my tablecloths.

The sparkling rhinestone peacock feather hair comb is something that I found on eBay.

That brings us to my Etsy finds:

The pretty antique copper and teal glass sea scallop earrings are called Atlantic Bay by The Moss Garden. I know they're supposed to be sea scallops, but the shell shape is pretty similar to a peacock with it's feathers fanned out, so I kind of cheated there. I like the little rhinestone spacers, too. It dresses them up a bit.

The Glamorous Peacock Eye Feather Rhinestone Hair Clip in the center of the bottom row is by Dana Castle. I like that it's simple, but with a little rhinestone embellishment to add some sparkle.

The Tamara Peacock Feather Hairpins on the bottom left corner are by Piper Riley. Her hair accessories have pretty details because she uses little bits of other bold feathers to make them interesting.

The Contessa Peacock Headband in the bottom right corner is by sweetgrassmill. This one is a little more funky, but most girls who would chose a peacock theme for their wedding could probably pull off a little funky. Plus, that headband looks like it would match perfectly with that Thread dress!

The Satin Flower Brooch is by dollmeat. I deliberately left flowers out of this board, because I think the feathers are almost a floral alternative when it comes to bright, colorful accents in the wedding decor. This satin flower brooch with the darker blue jewel goes nicely with the theme, and adds fun texture without taking away from the colorful peacock feathers.

Oooo, and I just found this teal dress and this peacock dress at Nordstrom.

Slate Blue, Cream and Silver

I couldn't make up my mind on what to call this palette. It could be slate blue or steel blue, the cream could be ivory, champagne, eggshell, pearl... the list goes on and on. At least the silver was pretty clear cut!

No matter what you call it, it's a color combination that I really like. Blue is supposed to symbolize love, fidelity, faithfulness, and purity of heart -- who wouldn't want those things included into their wedding? I think this particular shade of blue is sophisticated and elegant.

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Both of the lovely dresses are by Jim Hjelm. The one on the right with the flutter sleeves is actually a shorter gown, so it would be perfect for something like morning wedding with a brunch reception.

The two photos of the gardenia cake, and the succulent boutonniere are by Stephanie Williams Photography. I love the creamy gardenias. They're a beautiful flower to use on their own, and the bonus is that they're very fragrant.

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found the jewel encrusted cake, but if someone does know, I'd love to give the person credit.

Etsy finds for today:

The slate blue mystic quartz accent necklace by ANORIGINALJEWELRY would be a lovely, simple "something blue."

The slate blue and rock crystal drop earrings are from Stacy Harkins. You've probably noticed by now that I'm fond of drop style earrings and I think these are a nice balance of crystal, silver and blue.

The Nephthys mystic slate blue quartz earrings on the far right by Blue Scarab Jewelry are another pretty option, especially if you're looking for a softer, more subtle blue.

Patriotic Theme for 4th of July!

Today is the perfect day for an outdoor picnic or BBQ. I decided to make a 4th of July inspiration board that can be used for an informal wedding, or just a weekend party!

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I think getting married on the 4th of July does have some unique appeal -- just imagine your outdoor wedding reception with a spectacular fireworks display over head! Plus, if you or your fiance are in the military, it might be an especially meaningful date to celebrate.

The Patriotic Jels are from Keepsake Favors. They're even fun flavors. The red is strawberry, the white is champagne, and the blue is blueberry. Cute and tasty!

Most of the patriotic decorations on this board are from Oriental Trading Company. Patriotic paper lanterns, paper plates, candleholders, and even an inflatable beverage cooler. They really have a ton of inexpensive decorations.

The bow-tie is from JPress. If your groom isn't wearing his dress blues, I think a lightweight tan suit and this bow-tie could be really cute and simple.

The firework / sparkler wedding invitations are by Wedding Paper Divas.

The luscious berry desserts and the layered sand candle centerpieces are from Martha Stewart.

And don't forget to try that peach, mozzarella and basil salad this weekend. I served it at a dinner party this week and it was a definite hit!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Aqua / Tiffany Blue Inspiration Board

I was originally inspired by Martha Stewart's cute cappuccino and banana honey cupcakes. When I started searching for color coordinated wedding ideas, it was harder than I expected. There are so many variations on this color. Teal, aqua, Tiffany blue, robin's egg blue... It gets complicated to find good color matches!

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The I Do decorated shoes are Jimmy Choo's. They aren't exactly budget-friendly, but you could do that on any wedding high heels. The aqua sandals with the rosettes are by Nine West. At a fraction of the cost, that's much more budget-friendly!

The bridesmaid dresses are all by Watters.

I think the DIY sugar crystal chandlier from Once Wed is fantastic. (I wanted to call it sweet, but I caught myself.)

The other pictures were found at The Bride's Cafe.

I think this could be a really versatile theme. It'd be great for warm weather, but I actually think it could be a nice winter theme, too.

Oregon Coast Intimate Wedding

With Dylan's graduation looming (YAY DILLY!), we've both been fantasizing about another trip to the Oregon coast. If you've ever been to the Oregon coast, you know how beautiful and relaxing it is. Rather than trying to coordinate a fancy shindig, I wanted to keep the details low-key and natural. As much as I love wedding planning and all the beautiful details, the idea of a small oceanside ceremony does have a strong appeal.

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Most of the beach pictures were taken by us somewhere between Lincoln City, Depoe Bay and Newport, Oregon. The lighthouse picture is from Yaquina Head in Newport. The picture of the deck overlooking the ocean is from Stonecrest Bed & Breakfast -- we haven't been there yet, but it's on my list of places I'd like to check out.

I will note that if you're fantasizing about a barefoot beach wedding, do your research on the weather and temperature averages before you choose your date. We went during spring break last year -- that's me freezing my butt off in the eskimo hood.

The sand dollar cookies are from Grandma Lulu's -- you can buy a whole case of them for a surprisingly reasonable price!

The cute cake topper and seashell picture frame / placecard holder are from Island Wedding Shop.

I LOVE the shell bouquet idea. I've seen it done several ways, but I thought the all white had a nice, simple elegance.

And last, but not least, the amazing wedding invitations are by Printable Press. I love how detailed and ornate they are. They seem much more artsy and upscale than the standard "beach" theme invitations I usually see.


I have a few additional ideas for the couples who want to keep things less formal (and maybe even a little extra fun.) I am OBSESSED with Williams-Sonoma specialty bakeware. I have found some of the cutest baking pans lately, and several of them are PERFECT for a beach event. The shell tea cakes are just about the cutest wedding favor / snack for a beach wedding. If you want to keep things super simple, I think the sandcastle cake would be an adorable cake option. And if you're especially playful and whimsical, I vote for the octopus cake. It makes me want a beach wedding just so I can have that cake. Maybe as a groom's cake? Love it!

The message in a bottle from Hanson Ellis can be sent out as invitation, but I also think it could be a cute way to send a wedding announcement if you decide to sneak away and elope.