white on white.

These wedding details from Green Wedding Shoes hightlight the beauty and simplicity of going back to basics. White on white, calligraphy, paper flowers, tarnished silver + mercury glass and a sweet garden party feel. Pretty inspiration for a sunny June morning.

{erica}

al fresco.

We are in the process of painting our house {there is a God. goodbye teal and purple} and sprucing up our deck. With the cost of doing it right with the best restoration paint company {and pretty great brother-in-law!} it leaves little else in the way of budget for decor. Some of the coveted deck lounges, tables and grill {I love the side burner for corn or lobster to avoid the stove and indoor steam in summer} may have to wait another season. These images are a healthy reminder that the loveliest outdoor dinner parties have nothing to do with having the best furniture. This summer, we may just have to invest in mason jars, eclectic linens and bistro lights instead. Leaves more room to focus on good food and friends....

{erica}

lawn games.

If September continues to give us the long, temperate Indian Summer Days we all deserve- then warm weather wedding ideas will keep flowing. Lawn games are a personal favorite for all sorts of celebrations- something so delightfully simple, old school and lazy about Bocce and Croquet make them ideal for social gatherings. It is the perfect way to bring together all generations with a healthy dose of competitive spirit and laughter. But it was these from Sage Inspired by Life that are so unique and worth passing along. I love Connect Four- a lifesize version with wooden construction and brass fittings----seems there could be no better reason to throw a September celebration!

casual groupings

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I find casual groupings of brightly hued flowers a beautiful alternative to the large (blocked sight lines) centerpieces. It allows for easy conversation across the table and an opportunity to incorporate personal elements from the couple. As lovely for a Manhattan loft reception as it would be for a simple and elegant farm table at a vineyard wedding. My personal favorites are dinner plate dahlias, antique hydrangeas, spray roses, peonies and garden/cabbage roses. Use of mason jars, antique glass china and votives in odd numbers (three or five items seem to work) bring the look together. I highlighted other low and lovely ideas this winter but here are a few more....

{erica}

a pop of floral.

These silk and fabric florals as hair and dress accessories are just right. They will stand the test of packing in carry-on luggage (destination wedding), wilting heat (August weddings just around the corner), and flowers not in season on your wedding day (how frustrating that peonies are only for June brides?). I love the hair piece for a garden wedding from Handle and Spout via Bliss blog and the other two courtesy of Martha.

june weddings.

These images evoke such simple elegance for the perfect garden party.
I love the delicate and feminine peonies of June, outdoor dining and the big floppy sun hat as a summer wedding veil alternative.