Carley & Jordan Part II: Vintage Glamour and Croquet

Remember that supercute engagement photo shoot I featured back in September that featured the couple in the Minneapolis Public Library shot by Brooke Ringdahl of  ta'rooke photography?  Well here is their equally adorable wedding!  Enjoy!!

Great Late Summer/ Early Fall Color Idea

So, as I mentioned last week, I stood up in my cousin's wedding this past weekend and had the pleasure of sporting the lovely and unexpected color combo of purple, orange, and yellow.  I know your probably thinking it's a little weird (as I admittedly did too when I first heard my cousin's plan), but I was pleasantly surprised when the flowers arrived Sunday morning.  Our gowns were purple (or, as David's Bridal called them, "Lapis"), and our bouquets were a great combo of purple lisianthus, orange gerbera daisies, yellow spray roses, and purple limonium.  It was great way to tie in the dark autumn purple tones with the bright, summery yellows and oranges- perfect for late August.  Here are some photos...

Dresses by David's Bridal, styles F13185 and F12732

What do you all think?? Let EB know in the comments section below!!

Reception Trend Alert: Floating Flowers

So, three times now this week I've seen photos of suspended reception decor and figured that's a sign that it deserves it's own feature.  Here are some photos of the attention-grabbing trend...

Scarlet+Citrine: A Winning Combination

At the beginning of June I did a post featuring some fun color combination, one of which was scarlet and citrine.  Jill, a close family friend actually renewed her vows with her husband, Mike, of 25 years a few weeks later and used this gorgeous summery palette for her ceremony!  My sister-the-floral-designer did all of the floral arrangements for her, using white daisies, yellow roses, and red hypericum berries.  Jill submitted her photos to show EB readers how pretty this color combo can be! Enjoy!

The altar featuring not only the lovely floral arrangements, but also the couples original unity candle, napkins, and matchbook from their wedding day!

The bridal bouquet

A Case for What May Possibly Be the Best Flower Ever

My sister, Lindsay-the-floral-designer has taught me many floral-related things over the years, and so I've decided to take some of her sage wisdom and do a post on the many reasons why carnations (yes carnations!) make fabulous wedding flowers.  Like many of you, I used to have negative "bad prom corsage" connotations associated with carnations, however, my smart sis taught me that carnations may actually be the perfect wedding flower.  And here's why...

1. They're inexpensive.  Peonies typically run about $6/ stem, roses run about $3/stem, and carnations are about $1/stem.  That's adds up to be a huge difference.
2. They're non-toxic.  Meaning if your 3 year old flowergirl accidentally stops for a snack while dropping flowers down the aisle, it's perfectly fine!
3. They come in a ton of natural colors. As in over 30.
4. They have texture.  They have a great ruffle-y texture similar to peonies, lisianthus, or roses.
5. They smell nice.  Because it's important to smell good on your wedding day.
6. They are always in season.  You don't have to worry about them being next to impossible to get and ridiculously expensive if your getting married in say, January.
7. They take up a lot of space because they're a decent size.  Which means not only are they cheap, but you also use less of them.
8. They last forever.  Ok, not forever but definitely through the ceremony, the reception, and beyond!
9. They can easily be mixed with other flowers. Which means you can still have peonies or calla lilies or hydrangeas but you will save money without sacrificing the design look.
10. They have universal appeal. They pretty much work for whatever type of wedding your having- elegant or casual, indoor or outdoor because of their versatility.

Take a look below at some gorgeous carnation arrangements and see that I'm not lying!

Eat Drink Pretty

Mat & Shari: Autumn Riverside Wedding

"Ecole de Danse" Inspiration Board

In addition to being a huge fashion nerd, I am also a huge art nerd.  I have a poster of Edgar Degas' "Ecole de Danse" (French for 'School of Dance') tacked to my wall that my mom bought in New York City over twenty years ago at a Met exhibit showcasing his work.  As I was staring at it this morning, I thought about what I like most about this lovely work of art and decided that it is the vibrant Impressionist colors and the illusion of textures they give off.  Since these things translate perfectly into bridal style, I've decided to create an inspiration board based on the painting featuring ballerina inspired wedding gowns and rich colors and textures.

click to enlarge

"Ecole de Danse" by Edgar Degas, 1873 Oil on Canvas, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington

click to enlarge

Use Degas' "Ecole de Danse" and other dreamy Impressionist paintings as a jumping off point when styling your wedding, incorporating rich splashes of color, watercolor textures in your flowers and decor, and fabrics like tulle, satin, and grosgrain ribbon.

Top left gown: Vera Wang "Eliza" gown

Top row pink place setting photo from The Knot

Top middle wedding gown: Tara Keely "TK2059"

Top bridesmaid dress: Melissa Sweet "MS318"

Top right flowers from Martha Stewart Weddings

Middle left bridesmaid dress: Wtoo "883"

Middle yellow bouquet from The Knot

Middle ballet flat: Badgley Mischka "Reba" flat

Middle cake from The Knot

Middle wedding gown: Sottero and Midgley "ASM3184"

Middle right centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom left photo from The Knot

Bottom left wedding gown: Forever Yours Bridal "410105"

Bottom middle place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings

Flowergirl dress: Wawa "47819"

Bottom right bouquet from The Knot

Bottom right wedding gown: Modern Trousseau "Wallis"

{"Ecole de Danse" image via Google Images}

{All other images via the listed websites}

Share your comments below!!

-Alessandra

Happy Fourth of July!!

Happy Fourth of July to all of EB's American readers!! 

{Image via The Knot}

-Alessandra

Over the Rainbow

I can't believe Ethereal Bride has been up and running for almost three months and this is only my first feature on flowers!!  You see, I am not the only wedding minded person in my house.  My sister has been a floral designer for over six years and so, through her great floral wisdom, I have learned quite a bit over the years.  (Check out the floral creations she designed for this wedding!) So, here is EB's first flower feature, showing gorgeous, colorful bridal bouquets!  Enjoy!

Red

Red Lion Amaryllis, Amazon Roses and Chinaberries