Good morning, SouthBound Brides, and a special welcome to all the new readers with Valentine’s Day proposals! You know, as you all start planning, some of you will find that you have a clear vision – a palette you’ve always loved, a style that’s distinctly your own, a venue that dictates where you go with your decor. But for others, it’s harder. You like some of this, some of that. I get the feeling that the bride who requested today’s pretty board falls into this category (and if you do too, worry not – it’s completely normal!) In her mail, Shylet asked for a board for her summer Zimbabwean wedding. She wanted it to be chic and contemporary, but she also wanted it to be vintage. She wanted extravagant centrepieces and a cake, but she also wanted DIY. It could be a bit of a mishmash, but I think I know what Shylet is after. See, what many brides now think of as vintage – lacey, girly, prettiness – doesn’t have to be old fashioned at all. And items can be DIY without looking crafty. It all starts with a great palette, and Shylet definitely has that covered – with purple, yellow and grey as her colours (I opted for a pretty violet that goes so nicely with a fresh lemon zest yellow!). In putting the board together, I immediately thought of this SBB wedding – notice how the tables have dramatic tall arrangements (made of baby’s breath, which saves a ton) as well as lower arrangements for colour. It’s a very effective look. The bride also chose an amazing cake, which was a replica of the stunning Peggy Porschen creation below. Team this with soft bouquets and frosted lemons on platters for a really elegant look. I’d limit DIYs to things like this pretty wall of table plan frames, or maybe to interesting favours (Martha Stewart’s Good Things are the perfect place to look for this sort of idea) – that way you can feel that you’ve made your personal mark without changing the overall sophistication of the look. Hope you like your board Shylet!
Colours: African violet, lemon zest, grey
Top row (l-r): Table setting {Adene Photography/Marina Moorcroft}; bouquet {Lavender & Twine Photography/Flowers By Roni}; cake {Nick Tucker/Peggy Porschen}; bridesmaids {Alejandra Vidal at Imaginale Design/Lettie Peterson at Rust and Lace}; dress with sash {Christian Oth Studio}
Row 2: Sugared lemons {Martha Stewart}; boutonnieres {Martha Stewart}; letterpress thumbprint invitations {Essie Letterpress}; peony centrepiece {Kate Preftakes Photography/Flowers by Fancy}; lemons {Jessica Schilling Photography}
Row 3: Bridesmaid’s bouquet {Jackie Wonders/Kristen Tencer}; shoes {Veil and Bow/Salt Harbor Designs}; table plan frame wall {Martha Stewart}; lavender champagne {Debra McClinton}; flower girl {NK Photography}.
