Some Inspired Ideas

Here we are, Tuesday afternoon--what's new: I started training/working last Friday, and so far it is going well. It will take me a while to get the hang of the routine! I feel so pleased to be going to work, learning new things, and making myself productive. Plus, the feeling of accomplishing something of responsibility has me feeling good about taking on some of those personal side projects I ignored for a long time. For instance, I rearranged the furniture today (it's almost been a year, holy smokes!) We'll live in it a couple days and let you know if it's an improvement.

I've also had fun putting together these inspiration boards! I've been saving many of these images and ideas for a while, and now with our engagement, it's fun to imagine how they might come together for a wedding someday. These two boards are focused on the same idea: a late summer, outdoor Iowa wedding. That transitional time of summer to autumn, September/October, has always been my favorite time of year in Iowa. As a kid it was the start of school, Friday night football games, and upcoming Halloween. It is still warming in the sun, but the summer heat has given way to fall's crisp, cool air and those beautiful colors.

Board no.1 started with my favorite fall treat--caramel apples! Thinking an orchard would be a lovely outdoor setting, it made sense to go from there. Trees carry much of their own symbolism that could be incorporated (like the family tree), and the rougy, burnt reds in apples would be a gorgeous palette...plus, apples make for a sweeter Iowa theme than corn! ;) This board is styled in a more rustic, romantic way.

Board no.1

row 1: kate towers, life archive, jcrew; row 2: martha stewart, martha stewart, saipua; row 3: dresses by etro via style.com, sign and table via martha?

Board no.2 also follows the seasonal theme, but is more about the fun of late summer. It appeals to my love for things crafty and homemade, as well another great Iowa tradition--the fair! (I might have already promised Nathan we could have funnel cake at the reception.) Here I've tried to strike a balance between casual, comfortable, and elegant. I think of it as the best of country kitsch! :) I especially like how these images show that laid back, everyday things, like the glass mason jars and bandannas, can be quite stunning as a collection! There would be games at this party, oh yes.

Board no.2

I've accidentally lost the sources for most of these! :( tablecloth, flags (and ribboned chairs?) via martha stewart, lemonade jar is crate and barrel, mason jars via apartment therapy?, funnel cakes were googled

xo