Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wedding: Initial Plans

Since our wedding ceremony and reception will take place in a charming garden, we're striving for a quaint romantic feel. 

The primary colors will feature gold with soft pink and white. The softness of pink and white will be offset by shimmer and sparkle. 

The entire wedding will take place on grass so my favorite sky high heels aren't the best option (plus they shorten my dress). So, I'm looking for fabulous wedges and flats for the big day (stalking the web for these old Miu Mius).   

Our budget won't accommodate a professional photo booth so we're setting up a DIY photo area where guests can use these cute Instax Mini cameras to snap fun pics (one as a favor and one for us).  

More color inspiration (so me!). 

One issue with our location is that only the garden is provided. There's not even a sink for the caterer. To save costs we're playing with the idea of plastic ware for the tables. It's not extremely glamorous but doable for a garden. We're also trying to let go of our preconceived notions of what's "expected" for a wedding and just stick to what's right for us.  

Romantic garden dresses for the bridesmaids--I love the idea of a soft ethereal look for my girls. This cute dress would be lovely in a soft pink. 
Joey and I both want a simple wedding with a twist. We want to have a few fun elements. For example, offering my favorite Sofia bubbly in cans with funky straws. 

Since we're still in the initial planning stages many of these ideas could change. Part of the fun is gathering tons of inspiration--especially since we're planning it all ourselves. One thing that is set in stone is my dress. I bought it last weekend! It's not exactly what I initially pictured for myself but it's pretty close. I love it. 

Joey and I are working extremely hard to keep our wedding budget friendly. It's important for us (and our families) to stay out of debt. Since, my whole career is based in online inspiration I think it's going to be interesting to see how a wedding can be planned based off sites like Pinterest and Tumblr without the help of a designer. Wish me luck! I might be insane?


{images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

116 comments:

Hannah said...

those miu mius are gorgeous!

wtfwhatthefashion.blogspot.com/

Anastasia said...

Good luck! The Miu Miu shoes are fantastic and I find the idea with the camera's brilliant!
x

Tiffany Kadani said...

These are great ideas to keeping it budget friendly. As Jo March said in Little Women, "Necessity is the mother of invention."

Kim said...

So in love with this!!

-kim
found the route

With Style and Grace said...

oh lady, i LOVE everything you just shared! it's going to be the most beautiful wedding EVER, no doubt about it! love you two ~ xx

Daisy said...

i love all your inspiration photos! im sure youre wedding will be beautiful :)

Particularly Practically Pretty said...

You have wonderful ideas so far for an absolutely beautiful wedding! No official planner needed for girls like you (and me!) who can find all the inspiration on our own! :-) You go, girl!

Sophie said...

Miu miu wedges for you:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Miu-Miu-Glitter-Wedge-Heels-/180790913994?pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item2a17fa6bca


Love the theme! Have fun planning!

nicole said...

Lovely, indeed. Small and intimate is the way to go. That's what my husband and I did! Have you set a date? xo.

Maria Matiopoulou said...

No, of course you're not crazy! You have passion for eclectic design and aesthetics, its going to be amazing.
I hope it all goes as you've imagined it!

Maria

http://www.unidentifiedlifestyle.com

Taylor Sterling said...

Sophie, Thank you! I saw those. So perfect if they were my size. I am an 8! :(

PinkGlitter said...

I pinned a lot of the same pictures as above on my pinterest as future wedding ideas :) I love your idea of the cameras and those wedges are beautiful!

Erin said...

100% right about letting go of wedding expectations. doing it your own way is the best way! love the inspirations.

x
http://thesparkle.net

Sophie said...

Taylor: Aww.. Such a shame! Oh well, you still have time :D

Good luck!

Chelsea Mac said...

I absolutely love everything! It will be positively stunning! Can't wait to hear more as the plans continue!! Happy planning!!!

Chelsea (www.hautechildinthecity.com)

Caryl @ www.heycaryl.com said...

Love your ideas. For the food - check out think garnish. They have great disposbile wear depending on what you want to do. Think berry baskets. :) Love your website. :)

Kimberly said...

You are NOT insane - we planned our whole wedding ourselves (and on a budget)...it is doable, but it does help to let go of the little things that aren't so important (like swapping glasswares for plastic) and focus on the key elements that matter most (like your dress & the location). Good luck - I'm sure it will be AMAZING! :)

http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

Emma C said...

Your wedding is going to be amazing! you have such lovely taste and great style its going to be fabulous and doing it on a budget isnt crazy! that's what I plan on doing when I get married! x

this free bird said...

Taylor I don't think you're insane at all. Combining your imagination with realistic expectations and love will result in a wonderful celebration for the two of you and your friends and family. Good luck!! xo

jenn said...

love all the ideas taylor. everything will be gorgeous. the sofia bubbly with curly straws is such a cute idea ;). xo.
jenn
www.upmysleeve.com

Unknown said...

We planned an outdoor wedding on a budget as well and it turned out so lovely and sweet. Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book blog just featured it last week. It just takes a little creativity and a great florist :) I posted the photos on my blog the other day-
http://www.soosisloose.blogspot.com

Good luck! Etsy was a HUGE affordable resource for me as well.

beth said...

Good luck, Taylor! I designed and pulled off my entire wedding myself from online inspiration. You can certainly do it! Loving your look and can't wait to see everything unfold!

xo,
beth

www.modernlovely.com

ginger said...

Everything is completely beautiful! You don't need any luck, have fun!!!

Jill GG said...

NOT insane... more like inspiring! I can't wait to see more... so far I really like what I see :) PomLove on Etsy makes really fabulous confetti (big pink dots) that I bought for my daughters birthday party - it was so simple, but could ve a fun addition to seated tables, food tables, gift tables, invites or down the isle!

http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com

Aya said...

Oh those Miu Mius!! I love them!

Taylor, I know you're going to do a fun, creative, beautiful job. I can't wait to see.

Anonymous said...

It i going to be such a beautiful wedding! It's so important to just focus on what you want and forget about all of the expectations that others want you to follow. Love the plastic cutlery idea too, esp since now there are so many pretty and colorful ones. Enjoy all of your planning, it's stressful, but so worth it when your vision comes through.

gi-gi said...

Weddings have become big business and no longer about the couple. Good for you for doing what feels right. Planning should be fun, not a chore. Enjoy all the special touches you will bring to your wedding day.

Anonymous said...

the color scheme of your upcoming wedding is very light, soft and ethereal. very calming. it's beautiful! i think that it's great that your are being money conscious. in my opinion, the focus should solely be on the marriage and not on how lavish and expensive a wedding should be. and throw the preconceived notions out the widow and do what make you two happy and it will be great!

Sarah Sekaran said...

I just know your wedding will be beautiful. Wishing you the best of luck in all your planning!

keepcalmandcarrylipstick.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Wow so beautiful!

-Lyndsay
http://craftanista.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lsenerch

Caitlin said...

How beautiful! I love the color scheme. But if I'm being honest, I just got overwhelmed imagining planning my wedding all on my own. You have such great taste, it'll be amazing!

XO,
Doux Rousse
www.douxrousse.com

jules said...

you can definitely do it all yourself! my cousin got married this summer, it was a total diy wedding and it turned out spectacularly! if you're interested, here are some pics of what she did: http://www.ilovefarmweddings.com/2011/11/01/farm-wedding-michelle-mitch/

best of luck!

julesinflats.blogspot.com

Victoria said...

What all beautiful ideas for your pink, gold, garden themed wedding. I love all your inspirations and can't wait to see your final product! Great job!

xoxo,
Victoria
http://thestylistadiaries.blogspot.com

blue roses said...

i love the miu miu wedges, they are absolutely stunning and opulent. super tall heels do not always look the best with certain dresses; though these lack height, they are no less dramatic.

some of my friends have chosen a color and a length for their bridesmaids, then let them select their own. the result is always stunning, since each girl knows her style and body.

http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/

Adiel | Rose Gold Lining said...

I think it's wonderful that you're being true to not only your sense of style, but your budget. Too many people are willing to go into debt to live up to some crazy notion that weddings (or even wardrobes) need to be top-of-the-line, movie-set perfect. Truly refreshing perspective, Taylor!

fashion415 said...

you are basically planning my dream wedding! I love that you guys are keeping it down to earth and personal. Gorgeous and inspiring!

fashion415.blogspot.com

Krysta said...

Girl, I am right there with you! Currently planning a budget-friendly wedding (as my beau and I are footing the bill ourselves), at a private residence (read, no staff) and doing it all ourselves! Love all of your ideas and looking forward to reading along as you plan. We are in the final stages, getting married in about four months, and it's so interesting to see which ideas stick around after your plans evolve.

Anonymous said...

you can't afford a photo booth but you can afford the miu miu's that no one will see?

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

Ohh, these weddings look truly amazing! <3 I love the idea of lots of beautiful hanging lights or lamps!

x
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog

Kelsie said...

You're budget friendly wedding is so perfect! Love the soft pink theme

Taylor Sterling said...

The Miu Mius are old and were on sale for 200 last time I saw them and may be cheaper soon.

Meagan {Melange by Meagan} said...

Hi Taylor! I was just reading your wedding post and remembered this dress from Mod cloth-it goes great with your wedding theme! perhaps a option for a rehearsal dinner..?

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/sparkling-cider-dress

Rory said...

Sounds like such fun! <3
Rory
www.WearAboutsBlog.com
CHICTOPIA

The Purse-a-holic said...

Sounds lovely! cannot wait to see the final product

http://girlsnextbestfriend.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

These ideas are fantastic. If I ever getting married (first I need to find a boyfriend), I plan incorporate pink & or gold as well. Congrats & happy planning!!

Tiffany
http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

Gabriella said...

Everything from the color scheme to the bridesmaid dress inspiration to the fun elements (like the fun bubbly drinks) makes for the perfect romantic wedding. Did you always envision a garden wedding or is this a relatively new idea? Either way, it all sounds lovely!

xo

Anonymous said...

routing for you! looks like it'll be a beautiful wedding

R said...

your blog is so lovely! *following*

Unknown said...

I love all of your ideas Taylor! It's so funny, I have many of these pictures pinned on my pinterest board as inspiration for my wedding as well. Our colors are also white and blush pink!

xo Julia
galmeetsglam.com

Lainey said...

I wish you so much luck Taylor. Weddings can be very very hard to plan on your own. But my best friend is doing it right now… Her wedding is on March 3rd and she planned everything with her fiancé with no wedding planner. And so far things are looking good. And as far as you're planning goes it looks pretty perfect to me! I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Urban Nester said...

I love the pink and gold! It's gorgeous [and so you]!

x.
http://alwaysamrsforeverakidd.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

well if the inspiration is any indication of how your wedding will turn out, it will be amazing!
Girl in the Poodle Shoes
Girl in the Poodle Shoes
Girl in the Poodle Shoes

Annie Chang said...

beautiful shots!

Bises,
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/

Joie de Viv said...

Oh no Taylor, I think your wedding WILL be SO gorgeous and perfect with you planning it! When I got married there was no Pinterest and such few online inspiration sources other than The Knot and Weddingbee. I think the challenge today is to not to get overwhelmed and try to do everything you see online!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

Christina said...

I think you can definitely do it. My sister got married on an apple farm. It was one of the most beautiful, unique and memorable weddings I have ever been a part of.

Anonymous said...

Aww lovely! The colors that you've picked are in deed very you! The invitations are so cute, and the shoes? love love love!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

The Fancy Teacup said...

I commend you on try to have wedding without accumulating any debt, that's what I am aiming to do with mine! Lots of DIY for the wedding. Your's is going to be so cute and chic, can't wait to see the final results!

www.TheFancyTeacup.com

Josie said...

Taylor, I have zero doubt that everything about your wedding is going to be sparkly and beautiful!
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Claire Harris said...

My husband and I just had a garden wedding last summer. Here is what we did:

http://kimchitaco.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-etsy-wedding.html

Happy planning and best wishes!

Luna S said...

this is going to be beyond lovely! my absolute favorite is the polaroid idea xx

luna
lunaoffduty.blogspot.com

Heidi said...

Sounds like your getting well organized! I am getting married as well! :)
Our colors are light blue, gold and white. We were originally going to have the wedding & reception too in the garden but we are getting married in Florida which = TOO HOT!! Haha. So we are moving it all indoors. But I am happy with what we have planned so far.

Good luck! Can't wait to see the final pictures! I found my dress too and I can't wait to wear it!!

- Heidi
http://msfashinista.blogspot.com

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

SO hard to keep weddings budget-friendly, but you are certainly on teh right track. Prep is key.

Beautiful inspirations. All the pink reminds me of my own wedding. Such lovely colors.

http://www.thegirlieblog.com

Unknown said...

Such pretty inspirations I really like the idea of the DIY photography =]

Roma is Love said...

No your not insane! This project is perfect! :) Good luck on your wedding plans.

Frannie Pantz said...

I am getting married in September and I have had so much fun/headache/freakout/excitement/inspiration as well. We are getting married in a garden too, but in a historical house. We, too, are on a budget and I am doing a lot of DIY for the wedding. Glad that I have someone else to follow through this blissful madness ;-)

Ava said...

You're going to do a fantastic job :) Can't wait to see how to all plays out. xxx

Natalie Suarez said...

so amazing! i love this :)

xx

natalieoffduty.blogspot.com

Kayla said...

In LOVE with those miu mius! I think if anyone can plan a successful & adorable wedding without any outside help- it's you!


http://girlbhindthereddoor.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Instead of plastic utensils, consider scouting garage, estate, goodwill, and consignment for old flatware. It doesn't have to be fine silver wear, it just has to look old. You can mix and match different patterns to give the tablescape an unique feel. You might also be able to find great old dish sets. I found a wonderful set for 60 bucks several years ago that ware red & cream, which could be mixed with standard cream.

Stacey said...

i can't wait to see your wedding, it's going to be so beautiful! I hope you find the miu mius they're stunning!

xoxo
Stacey

http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.com/

Gabby / En Route Photography said...

Oh how fun! Everything sounds amazing so far! Do you have a photographer already??? I´d love to put myself forward for the task! I´ve been following your blog(s) for years and would be honored to shoot your wedding. I´d just want you to cover my travel + accomodation costs, so it would definitely help you save some bucks! ;) Let me know what you think! ;)

Unknown said...

Oh gosh that is just lovely inspiration!
I think it can be so hard to stick to your guns and make the day what you want it, not what people expect, but it really is worth it. It is your day and if you are happy, your guests will be.
I just posted about the first part of my sister's wedding on my blog. They married on new years eve and had a really low budget so we did so much ourselves! Alot of work, but so worth it in the end
xxx

Gawgus things... said...

FAbulous choice of colours! How exciting!!

Emma xx

Kristen said...

i had those sofia champagne cans at my wedding and they were a huge hit. people still email asking where to find them. :) looks beautiful!!
kristen
mikie and kristen

Kate said...

Aw, Taylor, this is shaping up to be such a beautiful wedding! All of these images are so gorgeous, and just so you! I cannot wait to see what you pull together! I feel like I saw gold plastic cutlery somewhere over the last few months... it's got to be out there! I love that you are sticking to a strict budget, so many people go so crazy with their weddings! As long as it's special to you, that's all that matters.

Sara said...

I think all your ideas to start are fantastic! There are so many things you can do yourself, on a budget, that look phenomenal. Budget never has to mean cheap. I can't wait to see how everything turns out!

❤Sara

Sunny Blonde Studio

Anonymous said...

A beautiful, fun, and budget conscious wedding planned yourselves is possible! This blog helped us navigate planning our wedding this past year and gave us plenty of ideas - hope you find it useful as well!

http://apracticalwedding.com/

Lisa Griffin said...

i don't think you're insane at all! tons of people plan their own weddings and it looks like you are off to a great start!
in dramatic fashion

Circa Style said...

so gorgeous! i'm planning my wedding without a designer, using the internet for inspiration, and on a budget too! i don't think it's insane, i look at it as more personal. happy planning! :)

Unknown said...

All of this inspiration is so dreamy! Your wedding is going to be stunning.

aislin said...

love love love everything about these wedding plans! funny enough, my future home office has the same colour scheme [hopefully!!]

Ambyr said...

I was memorizing (for my comment) which inspirations were my favorite but seriously I'm in love with pretty much everything you've picked so far. And don't worry with the plastic table settings, I think the gold rimmed pieces are great and will match perfectly!

xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

Bonjour! said...

,,,you're not "insane", you're smart to not go into debt for a wedding. your wedding will be beautiful, i love your inspiration thus far,,,

Katya said...

love these inspiration pictures

Erica said...

I think you have some great ideas for your day. If they are based off these photos, I think it will be just dreamy!

http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com

Jennifer Bower said...

There are companies that make either biodegradable utensils or ones that are made of recycled plastics. I went to a friend's wedding and she had ones made of bamboo. Not only are they better looking than plastic, they are enviro-friendly!

http://bioselect.com/shop/category/cutlery/

http://www.biocutleries.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=1&gclid=CMaprq3-yq0CFQpV7AodCXLziw

MICHELLE said...

So exciting! Can't wait to see more inspiration posts to come...

Alyssa {Second Floor Living} said...

Not insane at all...someone with your sense of style will have no problem! You should check out the many printable photo booth props and ideas on ohhappyday.com of you haven't already. I think they'd be perfect for you guys!

Katrina said...

Love all these inspiration photos. can't wait to see how it all comes together!

xx, Katrina
Sparkle is a Color

Anonymous said...

I love youe planes and that you are thinking to do it budget friendly, it will be more real for many of us. I can't wait your dress! Have a good luck;)

Alysson said...

I LOVE your ideas!!! I also love that you're keeping it budget friendly and doing things yourselves...that makes it much more personal. It's so easy to get wrapped up in what a wedding is "suppose to be" and instead your staying focused on what a wedding is for you two! LOVE it! You've inspired me to also stay focused on the same thing...the wedding day should define you and the relationship. Your day will turn out just perfect!

http://simplicityisultimatesophistication.wordpress.com/

Unknown said...

makes me want to get married all over again! So classy and gorgeous!!

~Heather
www.perpetuitystyle.blogspot.com

Kate Sims said...

Sparkly DIY photobooth! This is perfect for you!

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/12/sequin-photobooth-diy/

Katelyn Block said...

That is essssentially the same wedding style I've been looking at. I LOVE the idea of having it in a garden, it is so much more *mystical* and utterly romantic with hints of natural beauty and green scenery. Especially the metallic with pale pink & white -- those are my COLORS sista! xoxo

Elle Croft said...

These ideas are all just beautiful! You're definitely not crazy - you can make a budget-friendly and incredibly unique and glamorous wedding if you set your mind (and Pinterest) to it!

Kristen said...

Can not wait to see how it turns out!!! I'm sure it will be divine. I had a garden reception and think they are stunning :) Pretty much obsessed with your color palette as well :)

Bettina said...

Really like that you said you're going to keep with what it is you both want, and not what is expected of a wedding, it is after all a celebration of you both!

Collections said...

Love those glitter heel!!

Collections

Constance Murphy said...

How cute! Love the Miu Miu heels!

Jain Fiorella said...

amazing ideas!!! hope we see some pics!!! wish you the best time of your life!!!

http://profdrskinnybitch.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Oh so stunning!! I love the atmosphere you've set for the wedding. Very romantic and beautiful!

Tobe | BIA said...

haha! you ARE insane...but so was i when we planned our small orchard B&B wedding (and came out debt free), and i survived :)

your inspiration is stunning - i'm sure it will be gorgeous, and perfectly YOU. ox

Chic Coles said...

Love your inspiration, congratulations!

Unknown said...

sounds like we are going through the same EXACT process. happy planning!

cheryl denise said...

great inspiration! i can't wait to follow your wedding plans...as i'm planning my own right now as well :)

a peek of chic

Neysa Bové said...

what gorgeous IDEAS!!! amazing style! I adore your blog! and congrats!! <3

Anonymous said...

http://greenweddingshoes.com/
Great inspiration on that blog!

Vanessa {www.vanillaroseblog.com} said...

I love your color inspiration! I've always thought that pink and gold accents are the PERFECT wedding combination! Good luck with the rest of your planning!

cait - pretty and fun said...

Love those colors!! It really is all the little details that give a wedding that "wow" factor.

Chelsa said...

I love this and you just gave me so much inspiration for my own wedding. I was thinking similar colors as well and my wedding is going to be a outdoor event as well. I also love love love the cabbage roses! This is my favorite post of yours yet!!!

melissa anne said...

Sounds lovely! I can't wait to hear more creative (& budget friendly) ideas, by the way...where is your location? Bay Area?

Unknown said...

I think it's so admirable and inspirational that you're donig a budget-friendly wedding. I think it's a mistake to think that it's the most important day of your life and to spend all your savings on it. The real point of a wedding is to kickstart a healthy lifelong marriage and to celebrate with friends and family. And with your personality and divine savvy, it's going to be beautiful and fun no matter what! I'm an architect by trade and did our wedding for 125 people for under $15,000 and even though it was tough, it was also really rewarding to outdo every challenge we met together. And dare I say, no one suffered because we didn't spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on our wedding :)

Rhiannon Bosse said...

Those invitations are from my Kate Spade inspiration shoot! :)

Anonymous said...

Ohmigod Taylor, no way! Pink and gold are our wedding colors too! Cray-cray! Follow me on Pinterest if you need more inspiration.

rebecca said...

your wedding looks to be fabulous. there are SO many good things on Pinterest and bridal blogs, for sure you can do it on your own!
I for one would LOVE to have been your wedding photographer! Sounds like it's going to be a great shindig ;)

Jaclyn said...

I love it all. The thing I love the most is that you're planning your wedding your way. I'm also in the first stage of planning my wedding & now I feel even more inspired.

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