From Inspiration to Reality: Translated

February 8th. 2010 by Abby Larson | Filed Under | 29 comments

So it’s just fine and dandy looking at these beautiful pictures, filled with beautiful people, and beautiful details. But how do you translate it into a wedding design, where there are 10 tables to fill and a limited amount of funds to devote to styling. Well, we have some ideas. Ideas that are gorgeous and that won’t break the bank. A HUGE thank you to James Christianson Photography, RSVP Shindig, Anna Be Bridal Boutique and Delilah’s of Denver for providing such a fun day of inspiration.

modern wedding

modern wedding

modern wedding

The Color Palette. This color palette is so insanely striking. It’s girly without being over the top. It’s modern while still being totally timeless. To get the same look, start with a patterned black and white fabric (or rented linens). If you don’t want to splurge on the entire table covering, head to your local fabric store and buy bolts, trim them down and use EZ hem to create large square place mats for the center of each table. Alternatively, a raspberry colored linen would look just as fantastic.

color palette

To add that amazing pop of pink, go for brightly colored roses or carnation, tightly packed into a large bowl. Carnations will save a bundle but you need to make sure that you really pack them in there. Accent with black napkins and you’re good to go.

The Chic Decor. We found these amazing black picture frames at IKEA for $24.99. We loved them so much, we bought them ourselves! Perfect for your wedding signage. Long pillar candles in silver holders like these to accent the tables, along with petite silver clocks each add to the drama.

The Fashion. We loooove the Vera Wang dress that the model is rocking, but it’s pricey. So if you are looking to save a few, we all fell madly in love with this one by Galina. Or, go even flirtier with a cocktail dress by our latest obsession, Ciarla bride. Add to that a cute pair of hot pink pumps and bridesmaids who are wearing their own little black dress and you have the recipe for gorgeous.

The Invitations. We spotted these cuties on 4th and Folded. Printed in Blossom with the Lexington liners…total perfection. And, at $55 for the templates, um…hello bargain.

The Food and Drinks. Save on your bar bill by just doing a signature cocktail (or beer, wine and a cocktail). For this look, a cold glass of champagne or a champagne cocktail is ideal. We can totally see a dessert and champagne reception with perfect French macarons and sweet crepes. Love, love, love.

So now we want to hear from YOU! Got any other great ideas as to how we can translate this picture perfect shoot into an actual wedding design?

Photography by James Christianson Photography / Event Design by RSVP Shindig / Fashion by Anna Be Bridal Boutique / Delilah’s of Denver / Sweet Letter Press / Carissa Beauty / Venue, Clock Tower Events / Video by Kevin Von Qualen / Headpiece by Sarah Gabriel / Calligraphy by Designs Girl / Sweet Treats by D Bar Desserts / Rentals by Butler Rents / Linens BBJ Linen / Belt, Earrings and Bracelets by Haute Bride / Shoes by Prada / Bridesmaids Dress by Jenny Yoo / Bridesmaids Earrings by Meg Jewelry / Men’s Ties by Kannon’s Clothing of Wendell / Wedding Gown by Vera Wang

Anna Bé, James Christianson Photographer and Jenny Yoo are members of our Little Black Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
Jenny Yoo, Sara Gabriel and Vera Wang are members of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
 

29 Comments about “From Inspiration to Reality: Translated”

  1. leanne says:

    Great budget ideas! This is definitely one of the best posts I've seen on here!

  2. Jane says:

    I loved the post - Delilah's flowers are fresh, elegant & traditional - the single shot of the bouquet is great and her dress is so unusual! Well done!

  3. Stephanie says:

    Love the pop of color...and that dress is BEAUTIFUL.

  4. This whole shoot was gorgeous! And I'm lovin' the ideas for translating it to a real wedding!

  5. Love love love that Vera dress! She is just unbelievable The macarons look delicious too!

  6. Jessica says:

    If you are looking for a dress similar to the Vera checkout Tadashi's new spring line. There is a dress that looks almost exactly the same but I am sure is more than half the price. The great thing about Tadashi, if you can find a store, is that they will make any dress in any color fabric that they have available. Just got my bridesmaid dresses there.

  7. One thing I loved about the original inspiration board was the painted white and black bar. This is such a great way to infuse style into a setting while spending very little - measure the high bar at your venue, buy plywood/wood in those dimensions (don't forget the sides!), assemble, paint white, then add black edging detail with paint.

  8. For a budget take on the silver centerpiece vessels/bowls, pool together the antique or heirloom silver pieces from family members (I did this for my wedding), its not only free but also lovely and FREE. Also scour thrift stores - I picked up three genuine silver bowls last week for $1 each at a local thrift shop.

  9. Okay one more idea from the board and shoot that I loved and did at my own wedding was using magnolia garlands as decor enhancers. There are some great fake magnolia garlands out there, at decent costs too (we ordered mine through a wholesaler) but even having one or two up and putting some flowers into them really makes a statement.

  10. Brit says:

    Abby - I am so glad you featured this shoot! I'm just now seeing the photos, but know that the team who worked on this really loved how things turned out. Very awesome!

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  12. Yeah, I think you should post how much that sucker (the dress) costs...I'm sure it's both arms & both legs!! :)

  13. Wow...that dress is gorgeous. The colour palette is unbelievable! The pics are great too!...Mmmm those macaroons are making me salivate!

  14. love it! awesome work James! Awesome idea to do these "inspiration to reality" series!!

  15. April says:

    Oh my what a gorgeous dress and such a stunning bride. Quite a lovely match! The photos are so beautiful and well-captured. Love the over-all wedding floral decors!!!

  16. Lisa says:

    The dress is amazing.. I may be biased but one of the best ways to bring richness to any wedding is to incorporate higher end vintage elements.. Even the palette can be created with vintage linens and fabrics. I love your blog!

  17. Yolander says:

    Gorgeous gown and a very photogenic and beautiful bride. This wedding was just lovely for words!

  18. Priscila says:

    I´m in love with this dress.
    Kiss Kiss

  19. Pat says:

    great blog, love the pictures!

  20. Tiffany says:

    Abby, thanks so much for doing the leg work on finding the photoframe! I love the idea of using the frame somehow! It's so chic, and different!

  21. Cait says:

    Thank you for this amazing shoot! Any idea where the silver centerpiece vase is from? I am in love.

  22. So excited that everyone loves this shoot. We had an incredible team to work with. Everywhere I pointed the camera I got a great image. This dream team made it easy.

  23. Absolutely amazing! I love seeing things come to life like this! Her gown is a work of art, and the glam/romantic sensibility of this shoot has stolen my heart. Fabulous!

  24. sherri says:

    It just so happens I cut this spred out of Elegant Bride last year. Here is my version I bought blk and wht damask fabric from Warehouse fabrics and am making runers, which will go on long tables. The under fabric will be blk and the napkins will be deep rose pink. I am also renting blk glasses and blk chagers for the tables. And will be serving pomagrant martinis as well as cahmpagne and wine.

    I have a collection of silver water pictures to hold the center pieces. The CP will be mixed florals but the bouquets (3) will be a little more edgey Sex and the City. I am carrying a small dome shaped bouquet of Yves Piaget roses. They are the fabulous darker shade of pink and look like a Peoney but are half the price. My niece is carrying dusty pink tulips and my sister rapberry ranaculus(another budget friendly flower). I like the tip on the carnations I did not think of that. I am having custum table numbers and place cards by Laua Hooper. And am doing something ulta eco friendly for the invitations: email invites. I will have Laura write a few hand written invites for the few oldies that don't use email. I have a friend that was usaing an invite from a wedding we were in as her dust pan and decided there was no point in spending thousands of dollars on am item that will mostly go in the trash. Netter to spend the money where it counts: great food, decor and a kick-as band.

  25. Sarah says:

    Easy tip - you can find old ornate mirrors and picture frames (some with pictures you can just take out) at St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill, Savers, and thrift stores and then paint them all with a high gloss black paint. I wouldn't recommend spray paint as you won't get the shine.

    Making your own table runners is easy - you can even make napkins and hand them out as your favors if you'd like.

    Damask fabric is also great for a photo op location for your guests - just add a fun "antique" couch or chair in front of it and you're all set. (a lot of time people make everyone stand but it's more fun to give them options and people are more relaxed if they can sit down if they feel like it -- It's less like prom that way.)

  26. Jenna says:

    Does anyone who the name or style # of the Vera Wang dress?! I neeeeeedddd it.

  27. obviouschild says:

    truly beautiful, love the lighting coming off over the shoulder. who says a little lens flare can't be cool

  28. Gwendolyn and James says:

    You can get awesome glossy spray paint from places like Ace hardware...you just have to buy the enamel kind...I've done a few kitchen chairs in glossy red and blue and believe me they look FANTASTIC! If you want more glossy let the spray paint dry for 48 hours and then paint a clear coat of gloss topcoat.

  29. carey says:

    The dress is in the new collection from vera wang (its the eleanor) but it won't be in stores until the end of this month. I called VW in NYC and they said its 5500 sans belt. SOOO PRETTY, love the whole spread

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