Style Inspiration: A Patriotic Wedding

It's America's 237th Birthday today, and in honor of celebrating our beautiful country's history, we thought we would share wedding inspiration with red, white, and blue that subtly honor the country we are so blessed to live in.  This color combination and theme can actually be very sophisticated and grown-up without looking like another 4th of July party!  It is a perfect palette for a summer wedding and feels very American in the best possible way.

 

Some of the photos link to beautiful photo shoots or real weddings that have even more pictures! Have fun exploring...

 Photo Credits:
1. Love Art Photography
2. Melissa Biador Photography
3. Shadowcatcher Imagery
4. Elizabeth Anne Designs
5. Green Wedding Shoes
6. Green Wedding Shoes
7. Love Art Photography
8. Wedding Chicks
9. Wedding Chicks
10. Green Wedding Shoes
11. Elizabeth Anne Designs
12. Ruffled
13. Siegel Thurston Photography
14. Ruffled
15. Pizzazzerie
16. Wedding Chicks

Wedding Wednesday: Tracy & Mark Robertson

 Tracy and Mark Robertson were high school sweethearts and dated for an impressive 10 1/2 years before they wed. Along with the help of their families and expert vendors, they loosely themed their wedding as a mix between tropical romance and a laid back, So-Cal vibe - and it couldn't have been any prettier.  This couple that loves to travel fell in love with the San Diego Botanical Gardens, where they were wed, because it reminded them of one of their favorite places to travel: Costa Rica.  As a result, everything was centered around the natural beauty of the venue, and they did not need to put much effort in the decor so that their wedding venue could be spotlighted. They added bright colors, including coral, against the backdrop of the lush green and rich, dark woods.  Tracy and Mark added to their Southern California heritage by getting away in a family friend's '57 Chevy. The tropical, relaxed, and sophisticated vibe (and perfect weather) was fitting for the adventurous, California couple.

Ingredients:

Ceremony & Reception Location: San Diego Botanic Garden
Wedding Coordinator: N/A
Officiant:Bishop Marty Dye
Photographer: Sutography
Videographer: Sutography
Florist: Susan Jensen (family friend)
Linens: Allie's Party Rentals
Entertainment: Sound Prodigy
Catering: Barbeque 81
Wedding Cake: Flour Power
Invitations/ Stationery: DIY from Michael's
Hair: Cheri Joyner
Makeup: Chandra Campos Makeup Artistry
Dress: Prevue Formal & Bridal
Men's Formalwear: Friar Tux
Jewelry/ Rings: Jared
Rentals: Allie's Party Rentals
 

Tabletop Inspiration: Enchantment

The contrast of the rustic and romantic elements in this tabletop looks like it came straight out of a storybook.  The dark wooden elements amid the pink fabric draped in the trees, crystal chandelier, and dainty lace table adds hints of sophistication to this enchanted table scape.  Candles sitting high and candelabras covered in moss are key elements to make this table look classy but cohesive with the theme.  Keeping the chairs exposed further adds to the rustic look.  Romantic flowers like hydrangeas, roses, green orchids, Queen Anne's lace, and trailing burgundy amaranths are the perfect plants to adorn this type of table setting.

Credits
Coordinator and Florist: White Wedding Day Events
Photographer: Siegel Thurston Photography
Location: Maderas Golf Club
Linens and Chairs: White Wedding Day Events
Stationery and Paper Goods: Pink Star Designs
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
Cake Stand: Enticing Tables
Rentals and Favors: White Wedding Day Events

Shadowcatcher Photography is giving you a BONUS!

Everyone loves free stuff right? Well for a limited time and only to the first five people that book, Shadowcatcher Photography is offering a FREE CUSTOM GALLERY WRAP CANVAS for you and the love of your life! Stop wasting time...IT'S FREE!

Mangia Monday: Soft Pretzel Bites with Nutella

With a little inspiration from 24 Carrots, we discovered a yummy dessert that is mouth-watering just thinking about it.  Nutella-filled pretzel bites are a spin on the usually savory-snack.  We even found a recipe to make at home with the local San Diego food blog, Kirbie's Cravings!  The combination of soft pretzels and the 21st century's greatest invention, Nutella, means this sweet snack can't be anything short of delicious.

Optional twist: add a little caramel (off the recipe, but suggested by 24 Carrots)!

Recipe here