Sometimes I get the COOLEST requests for inspiration boards, and I have been looking forward to this one for a while. Reader Leigh-Anne mailed to tell me about her trendy urban meets country chic summer wedding, with bold black and white stripes and punches of yellow. The relaxed but elegant celebration will feature a number of fun touches to reflect their hip personalities, including black Converses, a braai menu, orchids, peonies and a Vespa! Wow. The board kind of created itself! First stop was a great table setting (check out this wedding for more) – I love the striped table runners and the yellow chargers, and bringing in an organic yellow (lemons) is a fun nod to the country chic aspect. I love the soft flowers, especially this yellow orchid bouquet, and the white painted mason jars are the coolest. Stripes of course are a big motif – as well as the table runners and invitations (how stylish are those envelope liners?), I have fallen in LOVE with these striped Bruno Frisonis, but alternatively you could pair a yellow shoe with a striped sash (I know Leigh-Anne is planning some Louboutins). Bridesmaids could also do stripes, but I love these black belted yellow numbers (especially if paired with soft white bouquets) and stylish heels. I love the idea of the groom in a yellow bowtie and suspenders (reflecting the stripes) – and they go perfectly with the Converse look. I love the sound of a braai menu, and it made me think of what photographer Christine Meintjes told me about her sister’s wedding, where they had a braai station with all sorts of mini braai treats during cocktail hour. So cute. Finally, for equally stylish guests (and fun photos), give cheap shades as a favour, and then ride off into the sunset on a yellow Vespa. Just one last tip for Leigh-Anne, not pictured here, is to grab some black and white striped washi tape – there will be a zillion fun last-minute uses for it. Good luck with the rest of your planning Leigh-Anne, can’t wait to see your wedding!
Colours: Black, white and yellow
Top row (l-r): Place setting {Stephanie Saul Photography/Jessica Frey Photography/House of Flowers}; flowers in white mason jars; escort cards {Erin Hearts Court/La Partie Events}; yellow orchid bouquet
Row 2: Dress with striped sash {Erin Hearts Court/La Partie Events}; striped envelope liner invitation {Cheree Berry Paper/Edyta Szyszlo}; yellow bridesmaids dresses {Krissy Allori Photography + Courtney Jade Photography/Double Take Event Styling}; groom in Converse {Marianne Taylor}
Row 3: Bride and groom {Aaron Shintaku/JL Designs}; shoes {Bruno Frisoni}; sunglasses favour {Marianne Wilson Photography}; yellow Vespa {Carla Mendes}; braai station {Catherine Mac}.
