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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: weddings

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

07 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Awesome Shops, Featured Artists

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Tags

animals, antique, Bettula, birch bark, Couture by Ayca, etsy shops, events, felt, Hindsvik, Le Box Boutique, packaging, Peaches Products, Postscripts, rustic, shopping, stuffed animals, supplies, vintage, weddings

If you haven’t checked out my resources list on my website, you definitely should. Here is where I feature handpicked shops and artists that are awesome and they all offer really unique items. From weddings and events to home decor and design items, you can find it all here. I have always believed its important to support independent artists and the small business community and that is why I am sharing my favorites.

There are also some who have kindly offered discounts to my customers which I am very thankful for. I am happy to help people even more by extending a hand through these shops. They truly rock!

Bettula
All the beautiful items in this Michigan shop are nature inspired and have a rustic feel. Birch bark is the main ingredient and through all the pretty designs it surely shines. You can even find jewelry and special gifts. Find the coupon code for 10% off your order on my website.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Le Box Boutique
This Missouri shop carries a lot of eco-friendly supplies and packaging items as well as washi tape, which they love. You can also find unique artisan goods. The shop has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and Martha Stewart Magazine. How cool is that! Stop by my website to get the coupon code you can use toward your order.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Couture by Ayca
You can find many different handmade paper garlands in this European shop that would be great for any event. Even if you wanted to dress up a space in your home, an item by Ayca can add just the touch of whimsy it calls for. You can find her coupon code on my website as well.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Postscripts
You can find a ton of rustic and nature inspired items in this Colorado shop. Even if you just need some inspiration, this is a good place to find it. From wood cake stands and decor to invites and other paper items, there is so much to see. I highly recommend you check out this shop if you are having a more unique and natural wedding, for sure. Just mention Gray Star Design when you place your order and they will give you 10% off your order.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Peaches Products
Who doesn’t love adorable stuffed animals? Well, the unique items you will find in this New York shop are all handmade, hand sewn, needle felted and totally cute. They make great gifts for just about anyone, especially kids who really appreciate the beauty in handmade items. Find her coupon code on my website to receive free shipping on your order.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Hindsvik
If you love vintage pieces that have unique style than you will love this Canadian shop. You can find an array of items from kitchen goods to furniture and all have beautiful appeal. For 15% off your order find the coupon code they created on my website.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

 

Make Pie Not War
I love all the jewelry pieces in this shop. They are graphic and unique and very fairly priced. A perfect place to shop for gifts. Check out the code to receive 10% off your order on my website.

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

Invite Inspirations

02 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Color Inspiration, Invites & Save the Dates

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Tags

anchor me, antique, chalkboard floral, floral, invitations, lively bouquet, nature, nautical, neutrals, peacock plume, sparrows and arrows, vintage, wedding paper divas, weddings

Invite Inspirations

Usually when planning a wedding, you figure out your theme and color palette before sending out invitations, which is the best way to do it. Well, I teamed up with Wedding Paper Divas to create some colorful inspiration from a few of their wedding invitation designs. So working backwards for a moment, take a look into some beautiful invites I’ve chosen to feature and hopefully they can spark many great ideas for your own event.

{You can click on each palette to visit that particular design}

I love the rich blues and greens in this design. They are balanced with vintage neutrals of creams and browns and accented with lighter tones. The design as a whole is soft, feminine and artsy. A great inspiration for a wedding or any event.
Invite Inspirations: Peacock Plume

Here are a few examples of how to use this color palette:
Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Leboxboutique

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Frosted Cake

This color palette is fun and whimsy without being too childlike. The dark gray is a beautiful backdrop for spring’s soft peachy tones and with touches of mustard and white, the design stays fresh and modern.
Invite Inspirations: Chalkboard Floral

Here are a few examples of how to use this color palette:
Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Southern Weddings

Invite Inspirations

Invite Inspirations

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Brides

Although this palette is simple, its strong and to the point. You can take these three colors anywhere and it would be successful. The style of the invite is somewhat traditional in its text but the layout of the design is fun and cleverly organized. Mixing hard lines and flowy elements always work nicely if done right, balance is key here. The muted blue, rich brown and faded beige make a perfect trio of color inspiration.
Invite Inspirations: Sparrows and Arrows

Here are a few examples of how to use this color palette:
Invite Inspirations

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Slice at a Time

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Sweet Designs

I couldn’t resist featuring this design. The colors pop and immediately scream “happy” which is appropriate for a wedding invite, for sure. The soft watercolor illustrations present the bright color palette beautifully. With different tones of pink and yellow layered like a piece of art, they really make an impression. The gray text helps balance out the design and give it weight and focus. This is a brilliant palette for a wedding.
Invite Inspirations: Lively Bouquet

Here are a few examples of how to use this color palette:
Invite Inspirations

Invite Inspirations

Invite Inspirations

Not everyone loves nautical style but I certainly do. With different shades of blue that are reminiscent of the open sea and pops of red and white, this design is truly successful. You can create a beautiful ombre effect with these colors and even bring in some creams that would really make it come alive. So if red isn’t your color of choice, you can pick any other color and it would work.
Invite Inspirations: Anchor Me

Here are a few examples of how to use this color palette:
Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: The Little Canopy

Invite Inspirations
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

Team of Experts

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Advice & Inspiration, Featured Artists

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Tags

art, brytni dawson, craig webb, design, DJ, dj ello, events, experts, gray star design, heather mondello, hernan faraci, jen lombardo, joseph mondello, lauren elle photography, makeup, massage therapist, massages, weddings, what productions

If you haven’t checked out my team of experts yet, you should. I am so lucky to know such a talented group of individuals, for sure. If you are looking for a photographer in the NY/Nj area and beyond, you’ve found her. Need a makeup artist for an event? Look no further. Having a party and need a dj? I know the guy to call. The creative arts are pretty much covered as well. Plus, I cna recommend a skilled massage therapist that will   regenerate your body like no other.

Team of Experts

Let me introduce some pretty rad people you seriously should know and would love to work with. These, my friends, are my team of experts.

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Team of Experts

Claire la Faye: Dreaming Bridal

11 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Bride & Groom, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bridal, bride, Claire la Faye, dresses, events, getting married, gowns, marriage, weddings

Claire la Faye

Claire la Faye is one of my favorite bridal designers because she creates gowns that are unique, beautiful, romantic and simply lovely. Her work screams glam without all the drama and glitz, which is hard to come by. I have never worn one of her dresses but I can imagine you feel like a queen floating on clouds. Maybe one day I will have the honor but until then, I am in awe.

Claire la Faye
Photo Credit: Claire la Faye

Graduating from Parsons School of Design in NYC, Claire’s career evolved from a line of reconsructed tee’s and soon enough, success was knocking at her door. Because her bridal line is so skillfully made and uniquely created, you wouldn’t think she entered the wedding curcuit just two years ago. But thanks to her, non traditional brides everywhere can wear her whimsical pieces and not only feel on the top of the world but prove like heavan is a place on earth.

Today Claire lives and works in Portland, Oregon. Here are some of my favorite gowns that are simply irresistable.

Claire la Faye
Some Kind of Wonderful

Claire la Faye
Midsummers Night Dream

Claire la Faye
Angels Dance

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