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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: wedding

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style

14 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Advice & Inspiration, Bridal Party, The Bride & Groom, Weddings

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Tags

BHLDN, bridal dresses, bridal gowns, bridal party, bride, free people, maid of honor, ModCloth, ruche, style, Three Floor, wedding, wedding colors, wedding fashion, wedding style

Pairing it Up

There are plenty of things to get in order and figure out when planning a wedding. I think the most important thing to “get right” is making sure everything from the decor to the bridal party style is cohesive. It doesn’t have to be matchy, matchy but it definitely should look like it all belongs together. That is one thing people notice right away, at least I do. When things don’t make sense, it looks like you didn’t put the time in to make sure it did or just don’t have the ability to do so.

There really isn’t much of an excuse for this considering there are plenty of people you to can go to for help. If you don’t feel you have the design eye to piece your vision together, than its time to bring in a designer. If you have a friend or know someone who does this kind of work, even better! Working alongside someone you are close with makes the experience that much more fun.

When it comes to the checklist of things to do, finding the bride’s outfit for her special day definitely comes before the maid of honor and bridesmaids. Even if you don’t wind up deciding on something or purchasing it yet, you should definitely have a good idea of what style you want. This includes shape, cut, fit and fabric. it’s all in the details! Then you can move forward to the bridal party with the same details.

Although all the bridesmaids dresses are different tones, they are all within the same color choice and keep with the neutral theme. They are all different dresses as well, which works because they stick within the same style and have the same flowy feel.
Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Photo Credit: Inside Weddings

I’ve been to weddings where I thought the bridesmaids just didn’t really match the bride and its kind of makes a big difference. I mean, the bridal party should look like a bridal party, not just a couple of guests hanging out next to the bride and groom. It’s really quite simple. You just take some of the elements of the bride’s dress and extend those ideas to the others. If the bride is wearing a flowy lace gown than the girls should have at least a little bit of lace or some type of detail that reflects that. It should also be light and airy and have somewhat of the same shape. Not harsh and sharp looking.

This bridal party style works because the style of their gowns match the style of the bride. You can also see that the fabric & sheen is cohesive as well.
Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Photo Credit: ISPWP

Another thing to consider is making sure the outfits look good on the girls who are wearying them. Everyone should be comfortable and feel great in their dress. You obviously chose them to be in your bridal party because they’re awesome so why not make it special for them as well. Having dissatisfied bridesmaids is certainly a bummer.

Unique and theme related, this bridal party style maintains its elegance and vintage appeal while giving each bridesmaid their individuality. Each dress is within the same color palette and the ones that have patterns, are similar to each other. Even though the bride is in lace gown, its an antique style so it works well with all the others.
Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Photo Credit: My Wedding

Sometimes this may be tricky so I created some inspirational pairings along with color palettes that would go with the style of the dresses. My picks came from a few shops I like and may be more untraditional than most but either way, you can get the idea. Enjoy!

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
BHLDN-Beams of Light Dress & BHLDN-Nine Muses Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party StyleBHLDN-Omelia Gown & BHLDN-Tea Rose Dress

3
Free People-Kristal’s Limited Edition White Dress & Free People-FP New Romantics He Loves Me Best Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
BHLDN-Thalia Maxi Dress & BHLDN-Niceties Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Ruche-Gemma Lynn & ModCloth-Rose Quartz Reverie Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
BHLDN-Ortensia Gown & BHLDN-Idlewild Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Free People-Jill’s Limited Edition White Story Dress & Free People-Audrina Maxi Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
ModCloth-Beautiful & Unique Snowflake Dress & ModCloth-Moonlight Marvel Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Ruche-Nadine & Ruche-Hydrangea Pink Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
BHLDN-Calla Lily Dress & Anthropologie-Aurelian Brocade Dress

Pairing it Up: Bridal Party Style
Free People-Ana’s Limited Edition White Summer Dress & Three Floor-Flourish Maxi Dress

Inspiration Photo Friday: Maine on my Mind

01 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

air, anniversary, clouds, lighthouse, Maine, nature, new england, ocean, sea, sky, travel, vacation, wedding

My husband and I love Maine. We first visited the beautiful state a few years ago and said we would definitely go back. Since our first year wedding anniversary is coming up in May, we have been thinking of places to go for vacation to celebrate. We can’t afford anything crazy so dream trips like going to Italy are out of the question, sadly. But the other day I thought of Maine and how much we loved it. It kind of made sense to go back and explore the things we didn’t get to see last time.

It will be our first trip with our new dog, Jenny, which should be cool. And yes, we bring our dogs with us on vacation. They are a part of the family aren’t they? I think I would be a wreck if I was away from them for more than a few days, never mind a week or two. So, a family trip it will be!

I am hoping for two weeks away, which would be so nice. I could use the time off for sure. Now that winter seems to be slowing down a bit, hints of spring are near. It’s making me anxious for the warmer weather. Spring, I must say, is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a time for rebirth and growth. The flowers start to bloom, gardening gets fun again, the trees come alive – its just so beautiful.

The last time we were in Maine, it was late September and pretty cool over there. Now that we are planning to go in May, it is going to be such a different experience. I can’t wait! The cool crisp air and warm sun, the gorgeous blue skies and soft ivory clouds, the amazing landscape that always surrounds you. Maine is so close to our hearts and we are so excited to give our love back once more.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Maine on my Mind - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: BFF’s Rule!

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

best friends, childhood, friends, friendship, growing up, love, wedding

Everyone has those special people in their lives they will always love and feel connected too. These can be family, friends and of course someone you are in a relationship with.  I can probably count on my two hands the people I consider great friends in my life. They aren’t acquaintances or people I just met, they are the ones that I have known for years and will always be close with, no matter what.

My wedding day was a fantastic memorable day. I was so happy my friends could be there to celebrate with Dan and I and be a part of it all. Capturing these special moments was really important to me so I tried to get all the pictures I could. Of course I was all over the place and overwhelmed so I didn’t get as many as I would like but there are a few that truly make me smile.

This photo is one I will cherish forever. I am so thankful to my photographer, Lauren Elle, for capturing all of us so perfectly. I have known the people in this picture since middle school and have had the pleasure to grow up with them with and be a part of their lives. We were a crew back in the day and had gone through so much together. Although none of us really see each other that often, when we get together, its like we were never apart.

I only have one other photo with all of us together and it was taken in 2006 after I graduated. Now, six years later, we are still best friends and know that we will always have each other, no matter what. I can’t tell you enough how much I adore this photograph. I think back to when we were kids and how long its been since we all first met, over 20 years ago.

Meg is now a mom to a beautiful 6 year old girl, Hernan is working and focusing on his music, I am recently a Mrs., Joe is doing great with his partner Dan and having a blast traveling and living life, and Val is a new mom to a gorgeous little girl and engaged to the love of her life. I couldn’t be more happier.
© 2012 Lauren Elle Photography
Starting from the left – Meg {my maid of honor}, Hernan, Me, Joe & Valerie

This other photo captures what my girls and I have shared for so many years, a love for music. Asunta and I have known each other since 1996 when I moved to Florida. We have been great friends ever since and she even lived with me for awhile a few years ago. To the right is Heather, we’ve been close ever since I moved to Long Island back in 1996 {before Florida}. She was the first girl I was ever in a relationship with and I will always love her. We are still best friends and see other often as she lives only 25 minutes from me. Her present girlfriend, Brytni, is next to her, whom I adore greatly. They have been together for a number of years and I think she is awesome.

I have gone through a lot with Asunta and Heather throughout the years and we have so many great memories to look back on. This photo is one of my favorites though. It’s up on my wall with the other one, for all to see.
© 2012 Lauren Elle Photography
Starting from the left – Asunta, Me, Brytni & Heather

Remember to keep your true friends close to your heart. They are the ones that will be there to pick you up when you are down and give your life a special happiness only they can provide. BFF’s rule!

New Items in the Shop

10 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Invites & Save the Dates, Shop Gray Star Design, Weddings

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Tags

bridal shower, classy, Creamy Damask Bridal Shower Invite, Creamy Damask Thank You Card, Deco Inspired Save the Date, fall, fancy, flowers, forma, garden, gray, gray star design, leaves, modern, Modern Gray Flourish Wedding Invitation Suite, nature, rustic, Rustic Leaves Wedding Invitation Suite, table numbers, traditiona, vintage, Vintage Rose Table Numbers, wedding, wedding decor, wedding invites, woodland

I just wanted to share some of the newest items I now offer in my shop. I try to incorporate different styles into my designs so they can appeal to everyone so I hope these newbies are liked among many. Feel free to click on the images to view the item in my shop for purchase.

My Rustic Leaves Wedding Invitation Suite is the first square invite I designed. Although simple and clean, they have a rustic feel that is perfect for a nature inspired wedding. If you are planning a fall event, these would really be nice. It’s available in brown and gray.New Items in the Shop

New Items in the Shop

New Items in the Shop

My Modern Gray Flourish Wedding Invitation Suite is modern and classy. Perfect for any traditional style event or a wedding that is simply grand.
New Items in the Shop

New Items in the Shop

New Items in the Shop

New Items in the Shop

This super fancy and modern Deco Inspired Save the Date will certainly impress your guests and get them prepared for the event of the year. With a beautiful chandelier design on the front and decorative elements on the back, they bring a nice touch to your special day.
New Items in the Shop

My new Creamy Damask Thank You Card is a pretty way to say thank to all your guests who shared thoughtful gifts. Perfect for a bridal shower and wedding. By using a flat card you also save trees. They also match my Creamy Damask Bridal Shower Invites.
New Items in the Shop

Perfect for a garden wedding or rustic styled event, my new Vintage Rose Table Numbers would make a beautiful addition to your guests tables. Instead of numbers, they feature a different flower on each. Of course they can be customized to whatever you would like them to say but the unique touch of these nature lovelies will make everyone smile.
New Items in the Shop

 

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