Wedding Inspiration at Anthro...{around the corner}

The other week, I happened to stop in at Anthropology.  I don't do that nearly enough.  

It's always been one of my favorite stores, but I don't usually have the time to stop. However, when one of my dear friends had her birthday, and I wanted to treat her to a little something from her favorite store, it gave me more than enough reason to visit.

As soon as I walked in, I had to start taking pics. Not just because it was beautiful, or because it welcomed me in with her wonderful smells...but because I couldn't stop seeing wedding inspiration.

centerpiece material

These fun things have DIY written all over them.  It doesn't have to be bought at anthropology!  Wrapping yarn around cylinders and putting different candle holders inside with buttons could be all of $2 for a unique centerpiece!

eclectic decor ideas

grab some cool old bottles and books and set them out to add to the decor of your event.

unique jewelry for bridesmaids

whimsical fall foliage wrapped in gold paper

another DIY vision!

polaroid picture display

I love finding creative ways to display pictures at weddings.  Polaroids make such a statement, and I love the way Anthro hung theirs here. You could find a spot to hang pictures of the past, or to show off the fun from the day of the wedding.  Your guests will have fun taking and viewing them for the entire time!

i may be the only one that thinks wedding all the time, but hopefully, it will give you a little inspiration!  are there stores that you find yourself feeling refreshed and inspired?

Day 4: Thinking Outside of the (Berry) Box

If you're just joining us, we've been on our journey of...

If you need to get caught up, here's the list by Day:

Day 1: 31 Days to an Artful Event

Day 2: The Haves and the Have Nots

Day 3: A Few of My Favorite Things

This week we are looking at how we turned a business dinner from just an average event, to a memorable evening for everyone there!

Once we had decided on a menu, we could develop our design for the table. Knowing that we were going with traditional southern fare, I knew that I would be able to bring in the rustic elegance look that I love.

Because I have several things around the house that fit into this style, I began looking around. I gathered anything that I saw that reminded me of that style into a pile. Then, I started figuring out what items could be used and what things I would most likely do without.

I also always try to think about the time of year it is, and stem from that with the design. I loved these few things to bring in a bit of Autumn, without going too overboard.

Keep an open mind when you're looking for items to design your event. You can use anything that fits into your vision. It doesn't have to be a "bread basket" to hold bread. You can make a bread basket out of a huge wash stand bowl. (gasp!) Or why couldn't a vintage berry basket hold your utensils instead of just laying them on the table?

Or your books for that matter?

(i know it's a completely different event, but it's a perfect example!!)

I love thinking outside of the box when it comes to how to showcase the necessities. Remember, you're an artist. You were made to create, so have fun with making your event however you want it!

Ooh La La... Bottles & Burlap!

Blogs all over are doing inspirational posts on bottles...

because bottles make for some beautiful inspiration!

In honor of one of our upcoming autumn brides, here's a little spread full of rustic and vintage photo inspiration. This particular bride is in love with vintage bottles, and for her barn wedding bottles and burlap are a must!

Bottles, mason jars, and vases of all shapes and sizes, placed together create the most beautiful and unique centerpieces, while a little or a lot of burlap will give it that country presence.

Be sure to check out all the links to get even more vintage, rustic inspiration ;)

Images: header, 1. Julie Pepin, 2. Once Wed, 3. Green Wedding Shoes, 4. Ruffled ,5. Ruffled, 6. same as 4, 7. Style Me Pretty, 8. Apartment Therapy, 9. Design Sponge

Restoring Beauty

One passion my hubs and I both share is restoring discarded junk to beauty.

The past couple weeks he's been gradually crafting,

and painting

this formerly old, warped drop leaf table that was left for junk

into a beautifully restored farmer's table.

Any takers? We'll put her in a local gallery this week,

but you know...first come first serve.

Ooh, La, La!

I'm busy this weekend with an amazing wedding that I can't wait to show you pictures of, but in the mean time, you can feast your eyes on this...

This wedding is absolutely gorgeous. And all of their flowers included amazing succulent bouquets complete with cameos to adorn each.

I love the wooden signs and the touch of vintage mixed in with the rodeo theme. It's always fun to see other people's artsy wonders. You can really mix vintage with almost A-NY-THING and make it look fabulous.

all picture credits to ashleymaxwellphoto.com