SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Gems + Crystals

{Photo Credits} Centerpiece with Succulents + Gems via Ruffled, photography by Love is a Big Deal // Escort Cards via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Hazelwood Photo // Bride + Groom with Gems Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Perez Photography // Rings via Ruffled, photography by Evynn Levalley // Jewelry via Ruffled, photography by Alissa Saylor // Rock Candy Cake via Craftsy, cake by Sweet and Saucy

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Antler Love

Sooo... I have a love affair with antlers. I mean realllllly big love affair. They are my favorite. And my vendor-love-friends know it so much that when brainstorming a new styled shoot with a vendor friend she told me no antlers Nicole. Because she knows I love them. And she knows I would obviously try to find a place to squeeze them in. So anyway, now that it's finally fall... here is some antler love for all you fellow antler lovers out there.

{Photo Credits} Antler Bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Spencer Combs and Geneoh // Ceremony Teepee via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Cassidy Brooke // Dress on Antlers via A Charming Occasion, photography by Leo Evidente // Antlers on Table via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Ely Fair // Antler Monogrammed Napkin via Grey Likes Weddings, photography by Carrie Patterson // Antler Bouquet 2 via Ruffled, photography by Colagrossi Studio // Invitations via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Josh Goleman from The Wedding Artists Collective // Antler Chandelier via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Three Nails

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Fairytale Picnic Love

This is a little blast from the past wedding inspiration board from my old wedding + design blog! I have been really busy this past week finishing up all the details for the rest of our weddings this spring and planning all the vendor tours for Chris, myself, my parents, and Chris' mom for while we are in the top secret wedding location next weekend! It is a very exciting time but in the midst of all that I have not had as much time as I'd like to blog! Anyway, instead of being MIA for another week at a time I thought I'd share an old inspiration board I had done awhile back that was inspired by the most adorable shoot you will ever see on Green Wedding Shoes! Does this not just make you want to wear a paper crown like every single day? Because it kind of makes me feel that way...

{Photo Credits} Young Love Shoot via Green Wedding Shoes, girl's dress by Lullaby Birds, photography by Wildflowers // Princess & the Pea Anniversary Shoot via Love and Lavender, photography by Simply Rosie // Table setting via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Kate Harrison // Picnic via Love and Lavender, event design by Sitting in a Tree, photography by Tinywater  // Young Love Shoot // Bride & Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Brandon Chesbro // Princess & the Pea Anniversary Shoot // Crowns via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Kate Harrison // Young Love Shoot // Dress via Free people // Couple on bike via Green Wedding Shoes, event design by Romancing the Stone Styling, photography by Easy Dreamer // Young Love Shoot // Invitations by Minted // Paper Flowers via Green Wedding Shoes, from Paper-Source, photography by Wildflowers // Blush Dress via Green Wedding Shoes, event design by Romancing the Stone Styling, photography by Easy Dreamer // "Charmed" decor via Style Me Pretty, photography by Tinywater, event design by Very Merry Events, Young Love Shoot // Young Love Shoot // Princess & the Pea Anniversary Shoot

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!!! And this is all I plan to do for the rest of the day... I'll be spending Cinco de Mayo curled up on the couch with my fiance watching episodes of Shameless back to back. It is happening. Hope you all have a fabulous relaxing Sunday!!!! And obviously make sure you enjoy some tacos!!! 

{Photo Credits} Bouquet via Ruffled, photography by N Barrett Photography // Airplant favors via Garden Therapy // Papel Picados via Our Labor of Love - Matt // Drinks via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by This Modern Romance // Bride via Ruffled, photography by Delbarr Moradi // Bride and Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by This Modern Romance // Boutonniere via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Love Ala // Bride and Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Our Labor of Love //

{MAKING THINGS HAPPEN} What fires you up?

So this is another post I have been planning out in my head for probably a week now. I guess sometimes life gets the best of me and I run out of time to blog + instead sometimes I choose sleep, which obviously is not a bad thing to do considering lately I have been feeling slightly under the weather. But that's besides the point because I'm sure you don't want to hear about my runny nose + ear wax...

Last night I completed Part 1 of Making Things Happen Goal Setting (you can read that post here). So the 3rd step in part 1 was writing about what fires you up, and I listed off several things that get me excited but I want to expand on that a little more because I think this is really important in what inspires me to be a wedding & event designer. I can't think of much that makes me more fired up and excited than a wedding or engagement session that is not just pretty but that tells a story. Of course I love the pretty don't get me wrong, but when you can inject a part of your relationship, personalities, what you like to do together into your wedding and make it unique and have it really scream, _____'s & _____'s wedding! I mean that is some awesome stuff. That is what I strive to do while helping bride's and groom's design their perfect wedding. Because that is the wedding that you and your guests are going to remember afterwards.

Now after my blabbing on about what makes me fired up... I want to challenge you future brides and grooms to get creative (or if you hire me then let me get creative for you but you have to help). I challenge you and your fiance to really try to hone in on what makes your relationship special and unique. Here's some questions to get you going...

1. What do you like to do? Together and by yourself?
2. What do you love about your fiance?
3. What things fire you up? (This can be anything really... gold spray paint? ghost furniture? garden roses? Taylor Swift? anything & everything that makes you smile, makes you happy, makes you excited for life.)
4. How did you meet?
5. Where was your first date?
6. What is one of your favorite memories together?
7. What movie do you love to watch together?
8. When and where did you know you loved each other?
9. What was your best vacation together?
10. How did he propose?

See... the answers to these questions might just reveal how you can make your wedding unique. Say for example your fiance loves to brew beer, so why not have home brewed beer as favors for your guests. Or say your favorite movie you guys watch together is James Bond, so why not have a James Bond themed movie? Or what if you both knew it was true love while camping at Lake Tahoe, insert camping themed wedding at Lake Tahoe. Etc. etc. etc. These are not real examples... But I mean I would be so down if some clients came to me and said okay we want a James Bond themed wedding. Now for picture time of things I love that fire me up!!!

I know, lots of randomness but lots of things that make me happy and inspire me. Including two things we did: our geometric garland for our last shoot at the Jepson Center and the antler escort card display I designed for our styled shoot two days at Whitefield Chapel in Savannah!!! That was a real labor of love... tying up those antlers and making sure they're the perfect height using fishing line and a ladder was not easy. I almost fell off that ladder twice since the ground was uneven and I got that fishing line so tangled up in that tree it isn't even funny. Well it kind of is really funny... But anyway, hope this inspires some of you brides and grooms out there to get personal when coming up with how you want your wedding to look!!! Have a great Wednesday everyone! Part 2 of my goal setting coming tonight. 

{Photo Credits} Ghost Chair with Sheepskin Fur via Style Me Pretty // Cactuses via Emma Dime // Southern Weddings Magazine // Weddings Unveiled Magazine //  Flowers via Snippet and Ink, photography by Stylish & Hip Weddings // Yarn Wrapped Bottles via Awesome Craft Pins // Floral Halo + Horse via Chic Sprinkles // Gold Dinosaurs via The Glitter Guide, photography by Sarah Yates // Jennifer Lawrence via Gioia Magazine May 2012 // Antlers via Styled Shoot by Simply Savannah Events and Ever Thine Vintage Rentals, photography by Lone Pine Photography // Geometric Garland via Ruffled Blog, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Ace Hotel wedding via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Max Wanger

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Valentine's Day

Just to get into the mood for Valentine's Day.... here's a little red + pink inspiration. I hope all of our 2013 couples have a fabulous last Valentine's Day as an unmarried couple!!!!! 

{Photo Credits} Bride with Bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Michele M Waite // Flowers in Gold Urn via Style Unveiled, photography by Lindsey Hahn // Red Chair via Wedding Chicks, photography by Lauren Kinsey // Flowers via Wedding Chicks, photography by Lauren Kinsey // Boutonnieres via Ruffled, photography by Catherine Marciniak // Groom via Ruffled  // Bride via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Easy Dreamer Photography

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Wes Anderson

Being a wedding planner I swear I learn something new everyday. I don't know if it will always be like that? I mean maybe if I do this another 40 years there won't be anything else to learn. But lately it seems that everyday is something completely different. And I think that's why I love what I do so much. It's never the same thing + it keeps things interesting. That being said, the other day I got an e-mail in my inbox from a potential client who said if they could sum their wedding in 3 words it would be "Wes.... Anderson... Wedding..." I am not going to lie, I was beyond confused? Who is this Wes Anderson character? Well, let me tell you after googling 'Wes Anderson Wedding' I was instantly intrigued. I loved everything. I soaked it all up + was super excited about this theme. It is quirky, fun, unique, different. And some of my favorite things popped up... like the Ace Hotel, antlers, chalkboards, animals, animals + more animals... Love it. So I obviously had to make an inspiration board... enjoy!

{Photo Credits} Bunnies via Style Me Pretty, photography by Valeria Duque // Bride + Groom via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Max Wanger // Just Married Tent via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Meghan Christine // Save the Dates via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Photobooth via Style Me Pretty, photography by Abi Q // Cake via Style Me Pretty, photography by Abi Q // Mismatched Chairs via Ruffled, photography by Jen Huang // Deer Topiary via Style Me Pretty, photography by Abi Q // Props via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Delbarr Moradi // Map Invitations via Ruffled, photography by Love Me Do // Bride @ Ace Hotel via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Hollin Brodeur // Rings via Style Me Pretty, photography by Valeria Duque

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Paint

For all you who didn't know the man & I are in the process of moving! Everything has been pretty chaotic lately but I am so so so excited because they finally started painting! Our house we have lived in the past year has the most blaaaaah neutral colored walls & I hate them, so that was the first thing I wanted was every single room painted. So excited to share how it turns out! Anyway, I love getting wedding inspiration from my everyday life and so I figured why not do a wedding inspiration board on painting... Hope you enjoy! On a side note... anyone else freaking out that Christmas is only five days away!?!?! Agh!

Day 20: Paint

{Photo Credits} Invitations via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Love Me Do Photography // Cake via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Love Me Do Photography // Bride & Groom via Style Me Pretty, photography by Lakshal Perera // Table Setting via Rustic Wedding Chic // Escort Cards via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Harwell Photography // Bride & Groom Name Tag via Style Me Pretty, photography by L Photographie // Flowers via Style Serendipity

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Music

Day 19: Music

{Photo Credits} Invitations via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Anda Marie // DJ Setup via Style Me Pretty, photography by Anne Marie // House of Blues via June Bug Weddings, photography by Jason Mize // Napkins via Wedding Chicks, photography by Blue Window Photography // Groomsmen via Bridal Musings // Disk Guest Book via Stumble Upon // Bride & Groom with Disks via Blowout Party // Bride & Groom by Records via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by The Last Forty Percent // Table Number via Green Wedding Shoes, by Sean Flanigan // Bride & Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by The Nichols

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Pink & Romantic

I'm not sure blush pink and light shades of pink will ever get old to me. Although I did once feel the same way about hot pink... But blush pink is soooo pretty & romantic & soft & lovely. Don't you think? And how amazing would it be to have a floral wedding swing at your wedding? Just saying... 

Day 17: Pink & Romantic

{Photo Credits} Centerpiece via Wedding Chicks, photography by Megan Clouse // Love Letters via Elizabeth Anne Design, photography by Simply Bloom Photography // Wedding Swing via Wedding Chicks, photography by Papered Heart Photography // Lounge Area via Style Me Pretty, photography by MSP Photography // Bride via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jon Schaaf // Cake via Jenna Rae Cakes // Invitation via Oh So Beautiful Paper // Streamers via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by // French Macarons via My Sweet & Saucy, photography by Ashley Rose // Groom with Bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Jana Williams // Escort Cards via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Jana Williams

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Peach & Plum

Day 16: Peach & Plum

{Photo Credits} Flower Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jose Villa Photography // Bride via Style Me Pretty, photography by Vicky Starz // Cake via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Alixann Loosle // Vase via Stephanie Yonce // Table Number via 100 Layer Cake, photography by The Nichols Photography // Plum Boots via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jose Villa Photography // Peach Pie via Camille Styles // Bride & Groom Letters via Stephanie Yonce // Centerpiece via Platinum Weddings // Ceremony Arch with Streamers via Style Me Pretty, photography by Katie Osgood

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Peonies Flower Crush

I love peonies. I just adore them. Wish we could get them all year round here in Savannah...

Day 15: Peonies Flower Crush

{Photo Credits} Bouquet via Style Me Pretty, photography by Annie McElwain // Escort Cards via Style Me Pretty, photography by Marie Labbancz //  Drink Station via Style Me Pretty, photography by Bonnie Berry // Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Bonnie Berry // Boutonnieres via Nicole Hill // Bride & Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Dallas Curow // Wedding Cake via Real Simple // Bridesmaid Bouquet via Ruffled, photography by Swoon by Katie

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Snowy

Doubt I will have any snowy weddings here in Savannah... but it's nice to dream eh?? 

Day 14: Snowy

{Photo Credits} Escort Card via Wedding Chicks, photography by Lane Dittoe // Bride & Groom via Wedding Chicks, photography by Lane Dittoe // Bride via Bridal Musings, photography by Natalie Spencer // Bouquet via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Sara Culver // Wine & Antler via Ruffled, photography by Dallas Curow // Hot Cocoa via Intimate Weddings, photography by // Rainboots via Intimate Weddings // Tablescape via Rachel A Clingen, photography by Purple Martini Photography // Bride & Bridesmaids via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Benj Haisch

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: A Lacy Affair

I love how feminine and soft the look of lace is! I think it is so gorgeous and adds a very pretty look to any wedding... especially a rustic chic wedding! Some of my favorite wedding dresses are the all lace ones too. They are vintage and timeless. 

Day 13: A Lacy Affair

{Photo Credits} Invitations via Style Me Pretty, photography by Austin Warnock // Cake via Love Wed Bliss, cake by Sweet & Saucy Shop // Chair Cover via Style Me Pretty, photography by Sarah Kate // Lace Arch via Style Me Pretty, photography by Milk Photography // Bride with Horse via Ruffled, photography by Brumley & Wells // Garter Belt via Southern Weddings, photography by Haley Sheffield // Tablescape via Style Me Pretty, photography by Acres of Hope // Lace Cookies via Style Me Pretty, photography by Edison Photography

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Southwestern

I know this theme probably makes no sense to anyone but me. But sometimes you have to "Let your freak flag fly." -Celia Hodes (Weeds Season 1?). So this is something I love love love. Maybe a little too much. But I had to do it again because it's just one of those things I love so much. You can see previous examples of this here and here. SO... I love everything southwestern. I don't really know why, but it was kind of cute because when I was describing my dream wedding to my dad he thought it was the coolest thing ever. So I guess it all makes sense... I get my love of the desert from him. He actually spent a lot of his younger years growing up in Southern California and Arizona. I can still remember this neat trek we went on when I was really little in Arizona. So um yeah that will be happening at my wedding.... just saying.

Day 12: Southwestern

So... did you get that? Lots of succulents. Lots of desert everywhere. Maybe some kilim print rugs or print in the invitations. Maybe even some coyotes somewhere? 

{Photo Credits} Invitations via Charm & Gumption // Tablescape via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Jose Villa // Table Decor via Style Me Pretty, photography by We Heart Photography // Succulents & Vintage Bottles via Alexis Sweet Photography, styled by Nicole Rene from Simply Savannah Events // Tablescape via Ruffled, photography by Abi Q Photography // Bouquet via Ruffled, photography by Abi Q Photography // Succulent Favors via Ruffled, photography by Abi Q Photography // Tablescape via Ruffled, photography by Brushfire // Cake via Glamour & Grace, photography by Lindsey Gomes // Boutonniere via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Jose Villa

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Lemons & Oranges and A Business Announcement

Flowers are not cheap. I just ordered all the flowers for the styled shoot we have scheduled for this weekend... I cannot explain in words how excited/anxious/nervous I am! Anyway, back to the flowers... not cheap. Not one bit. But lemons & oranges are cheap. And colorful. See where I am going with this? I am not going to lie... this idea was inspired by some of the Instagram pictures I saw today from Engage 12. I am so envious of all the wedding industry professionals that got to attend! I will go next year! 

On a somewhat related note... I have a business announcement to make. Simply Savannah Events is going to be getting completely re-branded. I know I have changed it a lot so far and you may be wondering why I keep changing it basically on the monthly... well, the truth is I attempted to design a logo and look that I love but was unable to achieve what I really wanted. So, I have made the decision to work with a professional and get branded! I am super excited to get the process started and after looking at lots of companies I have chosen to work with Molly Jacques (seriously check out her work---incredible). We will be getting started on everything in February but I wanted to get you guys excited because this is a huge step in my career & the branding of the company! Enough of my blabbing... now time for some fruit & wedding inspiration!

Day 11: Lemons & Oranges

{Photo Credits} 'When Life Gives You Lemons...' via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Birds of a Feather // Table Decor via Style Me Pretty, photography by Wings of Glory // Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Picotte Weddings // Oranges in Box via Style Me Pretty, photography by Meg Perotti // Lemons & Oranges Cake via One Fab Day // Orange Favor via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jessica Charles // Fruit Candies via Der Zuckerbaecker // Lemon & Orange Garland via Project Wedding // Groom via Armorology, photogrpahy by Jill Thomas

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Nautical Prep

I love anything nautical and preppy. And navy blue is by far one of my favorite colors. I have actually even got it all planned out for my home office to-be in our new house. One wall... vertical navy blue stripes and the rest will just be solid navy. Anyway, my love for boating comes from my childhood. I grew up spending lots of weekends on my dad's yacht, "Nicole's Rainbow." (Named after a painting I drew of a boat in the river with rainbows and fish flying in the sky... which my dad then had a professional artist recreate to have put on the side of the boat.) I can remember my favorite place on the boat was sitting above where the anchor drops and I would dangle my feet over the edge while we rode around in the Willamette River. Such great memories. :) If I had some pictures here I would share but I think they are all back in my Portland home. Hope you enjoy this nautical prep wedding inspiration! I would love to someday work a wedding on a sailboat... now that would be amazing! 

Day 10: Nautical Prep

{Photo Credits} Bride & Groom on Boat via Grey Likes Weddings, photography by Gina Meola // Ring Bearer Pillow via Style Me Pretty, photography by Shannon Lee Images // Bride with Tattoo via Grey Likes Weddings, photography by Troy and Aimee Grover // Invitations via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Jessica Antola // Bouquet via Ruffled, photography by Alea Lovely // Escort Cards via Ruffled, photography by Lev Kuperman // Nautical Napkin via Style Me Pretty, photography by Andi Mans // "Just Married" on Sailboat Sign via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Joielala // Wedding Cake via Style Me Pretty, photography by Lauren Gabrielle // Sailboat Steering Wheel via via Grey Likes Weddings, photography by Troy and Aimee Grover

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Victorian + dinosaurs...

I have this one friend who is really pretty much amazing and is by far the funniest person I have ever known. She sends me great pictures and crazy things all the time. I laughed hysterically when she sent me a Thank You card that was victorian with dinosaurs on it. I told her I am all for planning her victorian dinosaur themed wedding. Anyway, Hallie this is for you! I hope you love it!

Day 9: Victorian (+ dinosaurs...)

{Photo Credits} Dessert Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Studio Fotografando // Donuts via Style Me Pretty, photography by One Love // Bride & Groom via Style Me Pretty, photography by Heather Roth Fine Art // Bride & Groom Chairs via Ruffled, photography by Amanda Watson // Reception Decor via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Dan O'Day // Wedding Cake via Every Last Detail, photography by Christina Gressianu // Gold Dinosaurs via Flickr // Birdcage via Ruffled, photography by Braedon

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Gray & Neon Pink

I find wedding inspiration in the most random places... and today's inspiration is from my Michael Kors purse and my Cole Haan wallet... which are gray and neon pink. 

Day 8: Gray & Neon Pink

{Photo Credits} Bride & Groom via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Paige Newton Photography // String Heart Decor via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Katherine Elizabeth Photography // Invitation via Bella Figura // Bride & Groom Shoes via Polka Dot Bride, photography by Natasja Kremer // Bride & Groom in Chairs via Bridal Musings // Bouquet via Oh Joy // Dinosaur via OWLY Shadow Puppets // Guest Book via The Knot // Ombre Bridal Gown via Ryan Roche // Place Setting via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Kelly Stonelake

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Pool Party

I know I know... you are looking at this inspiration board thinking it's not summertime anymore. But whatever, because the Savannah weather lately is basically summer to us native Oregonians. There is nothing I love more than laying out by the pool on a warm day reading a good book or even better... napping in a hammock. I love the idea of having a wedding pool party... how fun would that be to have your guests bring their swimsuits and hop in the pool after your ceremony? I think with the right guest list (think mature adults and not a bunch of screaming kids lolol) it could be a really fun unique wedding setting. One of my favorite venues in Savannah, the Mackey House, has a really neat pool on their patio. At one of our weddings there we had a floating canvas with their initials on it in the pool along with floating candles. Although the candles struggled at staying lit, it created a really nice soft ambiance. I think having loose flowers in the pool would also be a pretty way to spruce up the area if you are not going to have guests in the pool. Who else is now craving a warm summer day by the pool with a pina colada???

Day 5: Pool Party

{Photo Credits} Chevron Pillows via Style Me Pretty, photography by Valeria Duque // Flowers in Pool via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Jerry Yoon // Pool Party via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Captured by Aimee // Flowers via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Sarah Layne // Bride & Groom via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Sarah Layne // Fabric Flowers via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Cameron Ingalls // Sunscreen via Jesi Haack Design // Groom via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Studio Castillero