Textured Whites

This post is devoted to all things white, because I've been really drawn to its clean, fresh look it gives off in just about anything...whether it's clothing, accessories, dishware, walls, flowers, you name it! My boss gave me a couple of bridal magazines she thought I'd enjoy (sweet, right?!), and I was inspired by a page they featured on textured whites. So I thought I'd go out into the blogosphere in search of my own source of textured whites that really spoke to me. Here's what I found.....

Photos from TwigsandHoney.com

I discovered this blog called Twigs and Honey, and they have the most ephemeral style in their gowns and accessories. Such dresses, headpieces, headbands, and other dainty items to drool over, that you have to check out!! I really love the flower resting in the hair -- so dreamy and lovely, it reminds me of A Midsummer Night's Dream!

"Winter Whites" inspiration board; Photo from mercinewyork.blogspot.com

I love this medley of photos. I stumbled across so many gorgeous photos just like this -- all with their own color schemes and details, but this one really caught my eye. It's called Merci New York. A wedding blog definitely worth checking out. (Been around for a while, too -- as I literally got stuck inside its many layers of images for longer than I intended!)

Pearl clutch, sondraroberts.com

 

 

I love clutches. I wish I had more of them...and more use for them! This one is the epitome of a "textured white"! I would love carrying this one around all night, feeling the layers of pearls beneath my fingers. A wonderful sensation. (No, I'm not a weirdo...it actually feels great. Trust me, and try it.)

Inspiration board, mercinewyork.blogspot.com

Each one of these photos has such detail. The bottom corner photo with the candles is an especially soothing image, and the feather headpiece is so refined. Even though I'm not a huge fan of wearing feathers, it does give off a nice, lightweight appeal -- and says vintage glamour to me! Something I can't get enough of lately!

Frosted floral candle, shop.getmarried.com

Candles will definitely be a big part of our reception area -- that's one aspect I do know! How much more romantic can you get than flickering candlelight? My thoughts exactly. While I'm not sure about the longer candles -- I'm partial to tea lights and smaller votives -- these are quite pretty. And the frosted little leaves on the side of the candle is a nice detail.

dandelionandgreyblog.com

I had to include this photo -- how dainty! Reminds me of wardrobes the women wore in The Great Gatsby. I know, two literature references in one blog post...I can't help it! I'm a Creative Writing major!

dandelionandgreyblog.com

You may say that those vases aren't 'white,' and yes, they are rather clear. But clear counts as a textured white...in my book at least! Even without anything in these vases, they make a sweet, subtle statement. Mike and I are thinking of doing something similar with our reception tables -- only filling clear jars and vases with smooth, river rock and birch branches...

dandelionandgreyblog.com

The textured tablecloth paired with the cinching of the shoe's fabric is a superb combo for this photo! Plus, peep-toe shoes are adorable. These textures say so much, even though the color in each is so neutral. By the way, I think I've found a new favorite wedding blog! Dandelion and Grey has so many wonderful images and inspiration, I wish I could have included many more photos here!

dandelionandgreyblog.com

dandelionandgreyblog.com

These last two dresses are so subtle yet very inspiring. I love the one solitary rose bud the model is holding. I always say "Less is More" and textured whites have proven that statement correct! I'd love to incorporate many of these same ideas into our wedding....

End-of-the-Week Inspirations

This week seemed to draaaggg by for some reason, and so there was plenty of time to browse the web for some inspirational photos I couldn't resist posting here! The past week or so I've been in the creative mood, and am currently trying to redecorate our little "office" room at the back of our house. Redecorating on the cheap takes some major creativity, and so I've been browsing other blogs and websites for ideas.

I stumbled across these photos in the process, and the different styles struck me as something that would be beautiful wedding details!

I can definitely see myself wearing this stylish and delicate bolero into the evening on our wedding night! The most perfect cover-up.

This photo (and many down below...) is from my favorite decorating blog -- Decor8. She has the most amazing photography included with her even more amazing decorating ideas!! I love these vases and flowers mingled amongst each other on the windowsill. So elegant and fresh. I would love to have those lanterns harboring a single flower bud on a table at our reception. Simple yet exquisite!

As soon as I saw this cute little ring, I smiled from ear to ear. It's so adorable! And anything with a French word I can actually understand (admittedly, I took 5 years of French!), I love. This ring has just the right amount of quirkiness -- it's not over the top but still grabs your attention.

Another photo from Decor8 -- did I mention I love that website?? The creator, Holly Becker, has a brand new book out, Decorate (appropriate name, don't you think?), that I am saving up for! This armoire is so colorful and unique that it immediately caught my eye and I wanted to share it with you....it's like opening up a door to quiet little secrets. Its tropical flair adds a burst of something unexpected when you open the doors. Reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia's wardrobe!

I just love this veil. So fun. The little polka dots don't scream childish to me at all and I especially like how it just falls effortlessly over the hair. Plus, I love the lipstick and makeup she's wearing! Very natural yet glamorous. Giving me ideas...

Red pumps -- how vibrant and fun! Why do something normal like wear white heels on your special day when you can wear bright red?! I'm digging this foot candy...a dash of color underneath a long, white dress is a dash of the unexpected. 

These photos are the very essence of springtime. But the fields of grass reminds me of fall, too. I love the slight details in these photos.

Hope these images give you the inspiration they provided me. Have a lovely, relaxing weekend everyone! I really hope it goes by slow, so I can start some projects I've been meaning to do at home!

Chocolate makes everything better

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting up with my good friend Casey at Asheville's hippest chocolate cafe — the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Opening the doors to its richness, I immediately fell in love with the space. Its ambiance was warm and cozy with a dose of urban chic. Tea lights gave every table a soft flickering light, and exposed brick really gave the space a rustic feel.

I had to try their hot chocolate — which was ever so rich, and also tried one of their "Spicy Brownies."

Their Spicy 'Nibby':

 Photo courtesy of French Broad Chocolate Lounge

See the little red specks on top? Yeah, that's cayenne pepper! Let's just say, this little brownie has a KICK! At one point I accidentally inhaled the pepper and had a little coughing spell. But completely worth it! Casey chose to get a Maple Butter slice of cake and a hot chai tea — a perfect combination.

There were so many adorable truffles and chocolates to choose from, that it took a while to choose on my brownie — but I will definitely be going back for some of their famous truffles. They are the perfect size to pop in your mouth. That's when I realized they are the perfect wedding favor idea, and c'mon — who doesn't like chocolate?? Here were some of my favorites as I was perusing the merchandise!

Fresh Raspberry Truffle

 Photo courtesy of French Broad Chocolate Lounge

First of all, this truffle is so pretty, it would be difficult to eat! The red of the raspberry really pops, and would look so cute in the center of guests' plates at the end of the meal! Mmmmm....

Lavender and Honey Truffle

Photo courtesy of French Broad Chocolate Lounge

I love the simple beauty of this one — plus, I love love love lavender and honey!

Truffle World Collection

Photo courtesy of French Broad Chocolate Lounge

 

What a treat it would be opening up this box. Such treasures inside!

Chocolate Bars

Photo courtesy of French Broad Chocolate Lounge

 

The packaging on these bars of chocolate are just heavenly. If it was me, I would save these wrappings and use them on some crafty project! So pretty!

The lounge was so inviting, Casey and I ended up staying well over two hours! With three different levels, it was the perfect place to enjoy a cup of steamy hot cocoa — and admire the chocolaty scenery! I will most definitely be going back.

Help in the design department

You may have noticed that my blog looks a bit different — or maybe you haven't! But even still, I happened to stumble upon my good friend Jennifer's ultra cute blog, Tid Bits & Pieces, and instantly admired her sweet background on her web page.

I had to do my own bit of research before I found the designer — Aqua Poppy Designs. It is the cutest little website where you can download free blog backgrounds! How helpful is that! So, for me — not a blogging aficionado — it is extremely helpful. And extremely pretty!

The background I chose has a simple elegance and beauty to it, that I just had to have it! The birch branch with the cute little birds resting on it is the exact look as some of our wedding invitations! And the vintage feel is just the kind of mood I want to evoke on our wedding day and night. Thank you Jennifer and Aqua Poppy Designs!