I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We had a blessed Christmas and our daughter (who's now 3) loved it. There's something special about the holidays and it always makes me feel so good when I can help out those less fortunate . . . whether it's donating money to Salvation Army with my daughter, sending a stuffed animal to children who will be spending Christmas in the hospital or just sending prayers to those that might need them, there's such a joy in the air for me this time of year. And, I can't think of too many things that are better than seeing the excitment in a child's eye when they wake up and see a twinkling tree with presents beneath it. And, our daughter loves to sing, so for her church was a highlight of the holiday and she even sang along when her favorite carols were sung by the choir.

This week, I'll be taking a break from work while I spend time with family and get everything in order for 2010. Please come back though, as I'll have inspiration boards {M-W} from years past that would be perfect for those planning winter weddings. Today's two inspiration boards would be perfect for a wedding in January or one during the holiday season, maybe even New Year's Eve.

To see the original post of the following inspiration board {with image links and shopping resources}, please click here.

To see the original post of the following inspiration board {with image links and shopping resources}, please click here.

Update: there is now a coordinating purple beach wedding invitation in my etsy shop that is customizable with colors and wording of your choice. See it below . . .

To coordinate with the destination wedding bouquet featured earlier today from Minoo Hersini of Au Ciel Design Studio, I could't resist putting together a mini inspiration board. I envision this beach wedding being simple and elegant, light and airy. I'm loving the white and brown shades with the colors of the bouquet being used subtly.
Images Credits and Resource Links:
Starfish Wedding Invitation from My Personal Artist, Chocolate Bloom Truffles from Martha Stewart Weddings, Tablescape from Beach House Decor, Placesetting and Cupcakes from Designs by Gollum, Mini Monogrammed Cakes in boxes from Martha Stewart Weddings

the coordinating invitation available for purchase

With today being December 1st, I thought what better way to start the holiday season than with a winter inspired inspiration board - with tartan red plaid. My inspiration was created by the lovely top row of photos from a wedding photographed by Caroline Tran. If you're having a wedding that will be taking place in a chilly location, why not provide your guests with wool plaid blankets to stay warm? If you're looking to go rustic, you could use picnic tables and place wool blankets on top as the tablecloths. I'm loving the idea of not having bridesmaids in the typical dress . . . why not let them wear a plaid skirt with a fancy black cardigan? And, of course, red velvet cake seemed like the perfect sweet treat for this type of wedding.
Image Credits and Resource Links:
Red Shoes, Invitation and Rings from Caroline Tran's Wedding of Kristin and Eric, Wedding Bouquet from The Knot, Plaid Dessert Plates from Country Living, Red Velvet Cake from Tastespotting, Plaid Silk Skirt from Pendleton, Vintage Ribbon Wrapped Package from Matthew Mead Style, Tartan Table Linens from Architect Design

Today's inspiration board began while I was planning my daughter's 3rd birthday party {which I can't believe is this Saturday already}. In my search for all things in red and white polka dots for a Minnie Mouse party theme, I came across some images that got me thinking about weddings. So, from my birthday party planning, here's a wedding inspiration board using red and white polka dots, but with a bit of aqua blue added in and just a touch of retro.
PS: While I didn't include this in the inspiration board, I did come across the perfect coordinating gift for your bridesmaids . . . the BELLA vintage inspired red and white polka dot full apron from Boojiboo on etsy. And, for a sweet treat display, Bake It Pretty carries a wonderful assortment of polka dotted items, including paper doilies, cupcake wrappers, cellophane bags and more.

Image Credits and Resources:
Cake with Matching Cupcakes from Utah Bride and Groom {cake from carriescakes.com}, Guest Book from Martha Stewart Weddings, Retro Wedding Invitation from Izzy and the Bean Design, Sweet Little Polka Dot Shoulder Bag from iSew, , Polka Dots Organza Bags from Beaucoup, Red Dots Dishes and Serveware from RosannaBridesmaids in Aqua Dress with Red Bouquets from Project Wedding, Red Polka Dot Shoe from Your Shoe Store, Necktie in Red Pin Dots from Me and Matilda

With Halloween coming up this Saturday, I had to put together a little board in celebration. The colors are the typical orange and black, with the introduction of grey and white for a little more elegance. For the floral design, I was envisioning either feather bouquets or maybe even carnations to match the pom poms. My personal favorite from this board is definitely the Vera Wang dress with the adorable feather wreath coming in a close second. Would you consider a Halloween inspired wedding? If you are, what colors will you be working with?
Image Credits and Resources:
Sweet Dessert Buffet Table from Brides {created by Amy Atlas Events}, Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Kit from Martha Stewarts Crafts, Black tissue organza strapless dress from Brides {from Vera Wang Bridal House}, Artisan Chocolate Halloween Ladybugs from John and Kira's, Halloween Invitation from Trendy Treasures Design Company on etsy, Happy Halloween Feather Wreath from Victorian Petals on etsy, Interior room from Apartment Therapy