Category: Red

Inspiration Board {From the Movies}: The English Patient

by gaby

Happy Monday, everyone! I thought it was high time for another film-inspired board, and I’ve picked one of my favourites. I have to admit, the first time I saw The English Patient I thought it was rubbish – I had so many unanswered questions and Kristin Scott Thomas’ character really irritated me. Then I read the novel (which I totally recommend) and saw the film again, and this time I fell in love with it. Not just with the story and characters, but with the pre-war North African setting. There’s an incredible romance to the desert, and although I’ve travelled to both Egypt and Tunisia I still want to go back one day and spend more time in the Sahara. That’s what I was trying to evoke with this board – a bit vintage, a bit exotic, a tiny bit adventurous. I think it could make for a sophisticated and romantic wedding, with fabulous Middle Eastern design details – a more refined take on the Arabian Nights party theme. Moroccan Warehouse (+27 (0)21 4618318) is a great place to find this sort of thing in Cape Town, so check it out if this appeals to you.

Colours: Maroon, chocolate and sand

Top row (l-r): Flowers (Belathée Photography); Moroccan lamp; carpet; Alexander Wong Freja bootie via Magnolia Rouge; Amanda Wakely Desert wedding dress
Row 2: Maroq light garland; vintage map; thimble necklace; cave swimmer painting from The English Patient; fruit (Kate Triano)
Row 3: Scene from The English Patient; invitation; scene from The English Patient; dress (Kate Webber).

Inspiration Board: Snow White

by gaby

I’ve been wanting to do this inspiration board ever since I saw the winning dessert table design in the European Sweet Table Contest by Belle Amour. Debs took a vintage fairytale approach, and with that forest wallpaper and the blood red, snow white and black as ebony colour scheme, it was simply stunning. I thought it would be a great starting point for a winter wedding. Obviously you want to avoid Disney cheese, but you can take design elements straight from the story – dozens of mirrors lining the walls, red apples at every place setting – just try to avoid the temptation to dress your seven bridesmaids up as dwarves! ;) Colette Dinnigan currently has a Snow White bridal collection, and this pretty dress has the perfect mix of drama and whimsy. Pile on the red lipstick, and you’re sure to be fairest of them all!

Colours: Red, white, black, grey.

Top row (l-r): Snow White dessert table; wedding dress; bride with ornate hairband
Row 2: Red shoes picture by Elizabeth Messina; ‘fairest of them all’ ring; red apple place setting; glass ring box; invitation
Row 3: Red apple picture by Love Made Visible; mirrors; baby’s breath; cranberry red bridesmaid’s dress.



Inspiration Board: Valentine Red

by gaby

Happy V-Day, readers! This is going to sound weird, but Valentine’s Day always makes me think of my dad. When I was little, he made my mom and I gorgeous (and witty) homemade cards, and always signed them from a secret admirer. So no matter what, I always had a valentine from somebody and knew that I was loved. And the great thing is, even once I grew up (and moved overseas), my Dad hasn’t stopped. Every year, I know I’m going to get some kind of valentine from my ‘secret admirer’ and it always gives me such a big smile to receive them. (Thanks, Dad! Love you!) So, whatever you’re doing this Valentine’s Day, I hope you have a special time celebrating the love in your life, in all its different forms.

Here’s a fun little board to set the mood inspired by Rob Ryan, who is just my favourite favourite (also note the gorgeous bridalwear from new Anthropologie label BHLDN which launches today). And here we’re celebrating the holiday with an awesome giveaway from Little Pink Book! Check in later to enter!

Colours: Cherry red and white

Top row (l-r): Rob Ryan artwork: We Had Everything; cherry butter; red ruffle shoes
Row 2: Hanging tin heart
Row 3: Grosgrain ribbon; heart-shaped red velvet cake; BHLDN dress; champagne with cherry garnish.

Inspiration Board: Cherries & Gingham

by gaby

It’s miserable weather in London at the moment and summer seems a very long way away, but only 3 weeks until I get to fly back to Cape Town and enjoy some South African sunshine (the best kind!). So I thought it was time for some cheerful, summery inspiration. I’m a great lover of cherries, which have been popping up (like other fruit) in a few weddings recently, and I think they go perfectly with pretty black and white gingham print. Add a bit of hay and burlap, and you have the perfect rustic combination!

Colours: Red, black, white and beige

Top row (l-r): Cherry punnets & white flower; wedding dress; lantern; gingham ribbon; cherry favours
Row 2: Cherry pie; gingham napkin; tulips; vintage truck
Row 3: Table number; cherries with flowers; red barn; wedding cake; wooden sign.