summer color: inspiration for a driftwood and coral wedding

Today, I wanted to share one of my all time favorite summer wedding inspiration post! This one first appeared on the blog back in 2012. I still love the muted colors and gentle seaside theme.

Most of the time, I try not to be too literal with the themes in my wedding inspiration posts.  But "driftwood" gray was just begging for some beachy details, and some actual driftwood... and my foray into the wedding blogosphere became a lesson in giving in to distraction.  From driftwood I wandered to beach grass, lanterns, and shades of coral, slate, and succulent green.  While this post was inspired by gray, it's hard for me to brainstorm for an event that isn't filled with color!  For what it's worth, I still tried to keep it more evocative of a beach destination rather than in-your-face beach themey.

Wedding Paper Divas

Ruffled

Destination brides are blessed when it comes to bridal 

portraiture.  How about a shoot on a boat in the harbor?

Style Me Pretty 1 | 2

A beach wedding calls for candlelight.

Green Wedding Shoes

Another example of the mismatched bridesmaids' dress

trend done right; I love the muted colors in this photo.

Style Me Pretty

The succulents and eucalyptus make this bouquet so interesting.

A Low Country Wedding

Don't these paper lanterns look like sea anemones from below?

Rehearsal Dinner Guide | Pinterest

For a beach destination wedding, I think it's important 

that centerpieces fit the setting without making it look

 like Captain Jack Sparrow is on the guest list.

This Modern Romance

The Knot

Flavored sea salt would be a nice favor for guests to take home

 from a beach wedding - here's how to make your own.

Have you been lucky enough to attend any beach weddings?  How did the bride and groom incorporate the beach setting into their attire, flowers, and decor?

If you would like to add any of the images from this post to Pinterest, please use the link below the picture to visit the original source and pin from there.  Thank you!

Oscars 2016: Favorite Trends

This year's Oscar red carpet was a true reflection of current fashion trends, with several of Pantone's colors of the year for 2016 seen on leading ladies - and gentlemen. After SO MUCH TAUPE last year, it was refreshing to see lovely jewel tones dominating the fashion coverage. Here are some of the major color trends that went from the runway to the red carpet. For image sources, check out my Pinterest board (and pin from there rather than from this post, please!)

Best Dressed

Soft colors will always win me over (like Anna Kendrick's simple coral halter dress from last year), and this year I was infatuated with Cate Blanchett's gown in a color Pantone calls Limpet Shell. The appliques make it similar to the dress she wore to the 2014 awards, which makes sense - both are Armani Prive and make her look like a princess. The shape is so flattering on her and the color is gorgeous on her.

Blue Violet

My favorite colors made a big impact on the red carpet this year - Best Actress winner Brie Larsen wore a ruffled dress with a camisole neckline, and Mindy Kaling's black sheath dress featured a blue violet train that was really unique and lovely.

Naomi Watts and Tina Fey both rocked purple on the red carpet. I think this is the most elegant I've ever seen Tina looked and I liked how both leading ladies paired their strapless dresses with statement necklaces.

Trendy Taupe

This shade of cerulean has been dubbed Snorkel Blue and was spotted on both ladies and gentlemen at this year's Oscars. Both Sofia Vergara and Patricia Arquette chose flattering shapes in this color that looks beautiful on every complexion.

I have gone on record in totally loving dudes in blue tuxes (see Jason Sudeikis in 2014 and Eddie Redmayne last year). Among the handsome gentlemen wearing Snorkel Blue with black were Aaron Rodgers (escorting girlfriend Olivia Munn) and Best Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo. Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Michael Strahan also wore this color on the red carpet.

Classic Black

A black gown is always appropriate for Oscar night, and Jennifer Garner's was one of my absolute favorite looks of the night - so elegant. I also liked Julianne Moore's gown with geometric accents.

White Florals

Isla Fischer and Priyanka Chopra would both look great wearing paper bags, but look so lovely in white dresses with floral motifs. Isla's dress features romantic chiffon, while Priyanka's was figure-hugging, sheer, and J. Lo-worthy.

Marsala Shades

Variations of 2015's Pantone Color of the Year are still very popular at Hollywood events. I loved television host Zuri Hall's form-fitting gown and unique necklace, and Chrissy Teigen continues to be the most fabulous pregnant person probably ever.

Copper and champagne were the trendy metallic shades at last year's Oscars, but this year the pendulum swung back to classic silver and gold. Margot Robie clearly loves 70's-inspired dresses with plunging necklines and tassel details - her look this year hit many of the same notes as the black dress she wore last year. Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley wore a silver tea-length sheath that was elegant and youthful.

What were your favorite looks at this year's Oscars?

sunday simplicity.

Sylvie Gil Photography via Style Me Pretty

“My soul is full of longing

for the secret of the sea,

and the heart of the great ocean

sends a thrilling pulse through me.”

― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

sunday simplicity.

Jessica Lorren Organic Photography via Southern Weddings

"Fireflies are dragging the hush of evening

                                           up from the damp grass.

Into the world’s tumult, into the chaos of every day,

Go quietly, quietly."

- Charles Wright

clicks of note: color in the snow...

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

• A modern white farmhouse kitchen makeover at D*S.
• EAD features a Pittsburgh wedding with sweet florals.
• A sweet mint and gold Southern Wedding in Florida.
• You MUST check out Alica K's Airstrem office on SMP.

REFLECT.

• Helen Jane writes about language and "trying on" Lent...
• and here are 40 ideas for Lent from Rachel Held Evans.
• From Into Mind, how to structure a day for less stress.
• Digging Jessica Lawlor's lessons from 100 yoga classes.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I rounded up my blog loves and shared my favorite Oscar fashion, hair, makeup, and accessories.
• Two years ago I featured my favorite looks from the Oscars, easy cupcake decorating inspired by Gold Rush, rounded up City Hall wedding inspiration from around the web, and showed off my winter in Instagram photos.
• Three years ago I shared inspiration for a feminine wedding in shades of blue, purple, and gray.
• Four years ago I featured my favorite folk and heritage style and classical instrumental music for weddings.

 

clicks of note: i'm making a beautiful day...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN. something new for your playlist

• One of my best friends from college came to visit us at the townhouse this weekend, and we packed so much fun into one weekend it was ridiculous - brewery visiting, tater tot eating, live music listening, puppy dog playing, and even the musical episode of Buffy.  This is my last week of summer break, and it feels like it has been all too short. Joshua Radin's "Beautiful Day" sounds exactly how I want this week to feel.  I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos - check it out if you'd like to discover some new tunes :)

SWOON. my favorite pretty links this week

Edyta Szyszlo via Style Me Pretty

• Jennifer Blair shot this totally gorgeous mint and pastel fête.
• Style Me Pretty features such a lovely pink winery wedding.
• A sweet hot air balloon styled shoot over at Wedding Chicks.
• Wish I could write like: "The body sings the vows" at APW:

"When we spoke to each other, he held my hands so tightly my fingers ached. His arms shook. My knees trembled, invisible under ivory tulle. I listened to his voice—my husband’s voice!—an ancient hillside on which I lay, finally rested, soaking up joy."

SMILE. all things funny, cute, and quirky

• Buzzfeed's roundup of high school Snapchats is hilarious.
• Bridal Musings' blog branding-inspired photoshoot is so cute!
• The Nostalgia Machine gives you a playlist of childhood jams.
• Love this 30th birthday gift idea from You Are My Fave.

FLASHBACK.  where was I again?

• Last year I participated in a Sunday Social all about food, shared beach bag essentials in bright shades of red and blue, rounded up quirky ceremony backdrops, and shared my summer blog loves.
• Two years ago, I got to see President Obama speak in Roanoke, shared summer and fall wardrobe inspiration in shades of gray, rounded up inspiration for a destination beach wedding, and participated in a fun Sunshine Blogger Survey.
• Three years ago I shared my thoughts on what makes a wedding fun and inspiration for traditional, modern, eclectic, and rustic weddings with a gray and yellow color palette. 

My July Favorites

Disclaimer:  Amazon links contain an affiliate code.  Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

Here's what I'm loving this month...

1. J. Crew Factory Collector Tee - After collecting all of my tropical style inspiration in one place before vacation, I got to that gotta have it place regarding a pineapple top.  I felt like I was seeing girls in pineapple shirts wherever I went.  Williamsburg Premium Outlets to the rescue!  I love the gold pineapple print and can't wait to style it!  My pineapple mania is not quite cured, but I feel much calmer :)

2. J. Crew Factory statement necklace - Unfortunately, this necklace no longer seems to be available online.  I almost didn't buy it, but Mr. Q reminded me that outlet shopping is a YOLO situation, and the color scheme went perfectly with a lot of the things I bought that day.  The coral, mint, and navy makes me really happy.

3. Oana Befort desktop wallpaper - I installed this bright fruit illustration as the background on both my laptop and phone and it cheers me up every time I look at it.  An added benefit is that it reminds me to eat healthy food!

4. FitSugar's 21-Day Flat-Belly Challenge - I totally overindulged on vacation to the point that I am actually afraid to weigh myself this week.  Instead, I am trying to detox with lots of fruit, veggies, and lean meats along with drinking lots of water.  FitSugar's breakfast and exercise recommendations came along right on time!

5. Biotin - I started taking the supplement after reading another blogger's "secrets for great hair and skin" type post.  After taking it for a couple of months I'm starting to notice a difference in how healthy my hair, skin, and nails are.

6. Veggie chips - Now I can satisfy my chip craving in a way that makes me feel less guilty.  Yum yum.

Linking Up With:

Friday's Fab Favorites at Style Elixir
Little Friday Link-Up at The Grits Blog
Social Media Mixer at A Peek Into My Paradise

Sunday Funday with The Foley Fam

Summer Color: Mint and Gray

For me, summer break is a time to break free from routines, start new healthy habits, and explore.  Next week, I'll be heading off to volunteer at summer camp, but this week is all mine.  I'll be spending time with some of my best friends, doing some cleaning and organizing here at home, and planning the rest of my summer adventures.  These mint and gray pieces really complement my attitude this week!

View this set on Polyvore

1. Lucky Brand flats from Belk  2. ASOS sandals 
3. The Lion and the Lark adventure print from Etsy  
4. White tea and mint travel candle from Bliss Home and Design
5. Express triangle bracelet  6. Zazzle chevron pillow  
7. The Lion and the Lark arrow printable from Etsy 
 8. Enelle chevron earrings from Wolf and Badger
9. Vintage clock from Etsy  10. Forever 21 nail color in Seafoam  
11. Sonia Kashuk nail color in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" from Target 
12. New Balance sneakers from Athleta

Linking Up:
Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Three-Fer Thursday at Perfectly Coutured

clicks of note: now I know the things I didn't know...

get your week off to a colorful start...

Y'all, I'm turning 29 on Thursday and I haven't decided how I feel about it.  It's also the last week of school, and I know exactly how I feel about that, so I guess it all evens out.

LISTEN.

• Ray LaMontagne's new album Supernova has a retro feel, which made more sense when I read that it was produced by the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.  I'm especially drawn to "Drive-In Movies" since I just finished reading The Outsiders with my students and feel a little bit stuck in the 1960's right now.

SWOON.

Becca Borge via Ruffled

• Intimate Weddings spotlights some creative takes on the classic tuxedo.
• This bohemian-meets-vintage Florida wedding from Ruffled is magical.
• Purple Wedding of the Week: this colorful, fun celebration from SMP.
• Swooned features beautiful gowns by Hayley Paige - so many ruffles!

SMILE.

• Creative storage ideas for your beauty products and makeup (Cosmo).
• Doesn't a cookbook club sound like a fun idea for summer? (Goop).
• I really wish my yoga class could take over an art museum (HuffPo).
• At The Sweetest Occasion, Cyd rounds up cute pieces in dazzling blue.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared a summer-themed Sunday Simplicity, celebrated my cousin's homecoming from Afghanistan, showed off my favorite top, striped dress, and sparrow necklace for Whitney's We Love Target link-up, rounded up some of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow, and shared my entertainment favorites from May.
• Two years ago I featured confetti-inspired wedding inspiration.  
• Three years ago, I rounded up ideas for signature cocktails, memorial day party inspiration, and the ways my "venue twins" styled their weddings, and shared our wedding invitation design!

clicks of note: tell me i'm not going home...

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• Sony is the king of beautiful, colorful, and innovative advertisements - remember the bouncy balls spot for the Bravia?  Now they've filled a volcano with eight million flower petals to promote Sony 4K.  The song featured in the video is called "Berlin" by RY X.

SWOON.

Austin Gros via 100 Layer Cake

• A rustic-meets-glam Wisconsin wedding over at 100 Layer Cake - so pretty!
• Swooning over this mint and yellow inspiration board at The Bride's Cafe.
• Style Me Pretty features a sweet pastel San Francisco engagement session.
• Just in time for the Derby, Wedding Chicks shares pretty equestrian inspirtion.

SMILE.

• Daisy Mae Belle's floral monogram DIY is beautiful for spring.
• This Airstream trailer makeover from Design*Sponge is so perfect.
• Emmaline Bride features a tutorial for lovely gold leaf macarons.
• Hairspray and High Heels' Mean Girls themed link-up?  I can't wait!

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared inspiration for how to pull off my eternal favorite spring trend: mixed prints.
• Two years ago I featured backyard wedding inspiration and ideas for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

paper chase: the best mint wedding invitations

Yesterday, I pictured a dreamy spring wedding with lots of mint.  But let's just

say the girly pastel thing isn't quite right for you.  Mint is one of the most popular

hues for weddings this season, and it's easy to find an invitation that suits

your style - whether you want to save yourself the fuss, support independent 

designers, or DIY by printing your own invites at home.

Woodland Kraft invitations by Olivia Raufman for Elli

Woodland themes have been gaining popularity over the last few years, 

and this invitation would be perfect for a March or April wedding at a 

little chapel in the forest or a summer camp setting.

Chalkboard Invitations by Alethea and Ruth for Minted

As you know, chalkboard details are a favorite of mine - so I 

absolutely love this design's totally modern take on chalk art.

Boxwood Invitations by Penelope Poppy for Minted

It doesn't get much more classic than a boxwood wreath tied

with ribbon, and the rest of this design is simple and sophisticated.

Floral Invitation by Behold Designz on Etsy

This floral invitation pairs a mint-infused jade green with this spring's

popular orchid for a fresh, feminine design.  This is one of my all-time

favorite wedding color palettes.

Oldani Photography via Style Me Pretty

You have to check out this wedding on Style Me Pretty - the bride

is a DIY queen who designed most of her wedding decor herself.

I love the banner design on these modern pastel invitations.

Forever at Last Invitation by Rio Grange for Minted

This design is one part dreamy and whimsical, one part sophisticated - 

perfect for a city or destination wedding.

Celebration of Love invitation by Miranda Lyn for Minted

This pretty, retro-inspired design is definitely eye-catching and

sets the scene for a wedding day that isn't too serious.

California Dreamin' invitation by Cadence Paige Design for Minted

This invitation's postmark-inspired design would be perfect for a

destination wedding, and I love the confetti-inspired details and

modern text.

Hearts and Polka Dots printable save-the-date from Wedding Chicks

For the DIY bride, it doesn't get much better than the cute

polka dot and interlocking hearts in this design - and the design

can be customized to suit any wedding's color palette.

Confetti wedding invitation by SuitePaper on Etsy

Finally, I'm loving everything about this design from SuitePaper - 

it's got confetti, it's got retro-inspired typesetting, and it's got

arrows!  The perfect invitation to set the scene for a fun wedding.

Which of these designs is your favorite?