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I’m Putting a Ring on It

  • February 3, 2010 at 11:50 pm

I don’t think I’ve told you yet about Mr. Spaniel’s wedding ring, so gather ’round; it’s story time!

Once upon a time, Mr. Spaniel was reluctant to go shopping for a wedding band. He’d gotten the idea somewhere that the only acceptable men’s ring is a plain white band.

(source)


While I really like the simple, modern but also classic style of a platinum or white gold wedding band, it didn’t strike me as being particularly Mr. Spaniel—which he confirmed by his lack of enthusiasm for it. Instead, I figured I knew Mr. Spaniel better than he knew himself, and dragged him along to another jewelry shop to get him to try on rings. I had a feeling that if we found the right one, he’d get excited about the prospect of wearing it, and doesn’t everyone want their partner to be happy wearing their ring? I also had a feeling that the right ring would be two-toned.

(source)

As it turns out, we were both wrong! A plain platinum band actually never touched his finger (he had no interest at all once he saw all the other options), and he seemed to gravitate toward more “interesting” and complicated designs all on his own. But he didn’t go two-tone…

personal photo

He threw some rose gold in there too and went three-tone.

That Mr. Spaniel. Such a diva.

Did your FI have any preconceived notions about the wedding band? Did the choice surprise you?


This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

Board #459: Squeeze and Kiss

  • February 2, 2010 at 11:30 am

Get it? Like you squeeze an orange? Anyway…

Citrus fruits are so perfect in winter – they’re such a bright and refreshing note on otherwise cold and dreary days. And though I would never limit citrus to one season, I do think it’s perfect for a winter brunch wedding. At least, that’s what I had in mind when making today’s inspiration board. Buttery yellow and warm white act as a clean backdrop for bright pops of various citrus colors, from grapefruit pink to tangerine. Instead of a full bar, how about a few citrus cocktails and variations on the classic mimosa? Let vintage botanical prints inspire your stationery, or perhaps act as table numbers (I love them in the white frames on the wall in the top left corner). Ribbon wands are a sweet alternative for flower girls, instead of confetti or rice, or even for lining the aisle in an outdoor ceremony.

Mood: cheerful and sweetly sophisticated
Palette: grapefruit, lemonade, blood orange, tangerine, lime

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Top row from left: citrus centerpiece by Ariella Chezar for Martha Stewart Weddings, citrus cocktails from Callahan Catering, butter yellow cake on Frances Palmer cake stand
Row 2: vintage citrus botanical print from Vintage Printables, dress from Charleston Weddings
Row 3: calligraphy by Tara Jones, velvet ring boxes from Martha Stewart Weddings, kumquat place setting from Fiore Designs
Row 4: suit with orange necktie from Martha Stewart Weddings, ribbon wands by Chelsea Fuss, orange bouquet with small cup daffodils by Ariella Chezar for Brides

As I was getting this post ready to publish, I took a little break to catch up on some of my favorite blogs, and came across this gorgeous post. I guess I’m not the only one with citrus on the brain!

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.

Board #458: Orchid & Silver

  • February 1, 2010 at 11:30 am

These days I seem to be drawn to lots of neutrals, white flowers, and subdued colors – I apologize to those of you looking for wild or unique color palettes! Today’s inspiration board is mostly white and silvery grays – a minimalist palette that allows for more ornate details, like the millefeuille skirt, the ornate silver frames, and the whimsical calligraphy. Things that might seem over the top* in outrageous colors.

(*This is not to say that you can’t have both a riotous color scheme and ornate details – it’s just more difficult to do so tastefully.)

Mood: simply refined
Palette: winter white, silvery gray (with bits of chocolate torte and orchid leaf)

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Top row from left: wallpaper table runner with potted orchids from Wedding Style Guide, potted trees from Martha Stewart via This is Glamorous, tiered mini dress from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: gray invitation with calligraphy by Betsy Dunlap, monogrammed chocolate tortes from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: chocolate truffles from Coco Delice, framed photos via Curious Sofa, Mindy Rice bouquet photo by Jose Villa, pocket flower from The Sartorialist

When you’re trying to make every single element in your wedding totally original, you’re more likely to end up going crazy with DIY projects, or to spend tons of money hiring professionals to personalize everything for you. And if you know this going in, and still want to do it, then go right ahead. For everyone else, focusing on just a few special details should help to save sanity, and maybe even some money. Since simplicity is currently my favorite wedding word, here are some of the doable special details I had in mind when creating today’s inspiration board:

- Hire a calligrapher to create your invitation for you, then have them offset printed. They’ll look both custom and tasteful, and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
- Tables are dressed up with a wallpaper table runner (some good wallpaper sources here), and a row of potted orchids. Orchids can get pretty pricey, so look for a nursery near you and find out if you can get a deal for buying more than a few plants.
- Is it just me, or have boutonnieres become as big as corsages? Instead, how about plucking a single flower from your bridal bouquet, and tucking it in to your groom’s buttonhole or pocket?
- Display parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos in beautiful antique silver frames. It’s a lovely, thoughtful touch (and less self-centered than a slideshow or photo display of the bride and groom).
- Instead of paying more for a wedding cake, purchase decadent chocolate tortes from a local bakery and personalize them with monogram stencils and cocoa powder. To continue the chocolate theme, place brioche molds filled with truffles on each table.

This article was originally posted onSnippet & Ink.