Beautiful Botanicals

Today's inspiration board is all natural. 

I've seen a few Botanical Gardens/Glasshouse Weddings and Receptions recently, and LOVE the idea.

All that natural light allows for some amazing photographs, and there is nothing quite like lush green to set a beautiful backdrop.

Here is my botanical inspired board.

Think, re-cycled, vintage, rustic with a splash of teal [or bright colour of your choice!] to add a little quirkiness.

Enjoy!

glasshouse, invitation suite, bouquet, bride, bridesmaids, jar, groomsmen, reception

Inspiration Board; wait for the summer. . . .

It has been a while, sorry everyone! Life is bust right now, so unfortunately The Ivory Dahlia has to take the back burner. However, if we have time, we will certainly post info on Vendors and inspiration for you as we get it. =]

For today, there is a little inspiration board for you. 

It has been rather cold and wet recently, and I am just holding out, waiting for the warm summer nights, where the daylight fades late into the evening.

Enjoy, lovelies!

reception table, bride, sign, macarons, shoes, groom, bridesmaid dresses, chairs

Big Trend 2012 - Glitter!

There is something about glitter that brings out the little girl in all of us. 

I noticed the local spotlight stocks mod podge..... I'm trying to refrain from glittering the entire house & all our belongings! Not sure Husband would approve!

With that said, at an event you don't want to go overboard, and have EVERYTHING doused in glitter, but below are some ideas for creative glittery elements to your big day!

Enjoy some glittery gorgeousness!

Isn't it all so glam! I love the cutlery idea, would be an ideal cute decor addition for any occasion!

nails, dress, bride, cake toppers, banner, champagne flute, pegs, cutlery

Versatile dusty pink

I have a lovely friend who is getting hitched in just a few months and she has just taken the big step of purchasing her dress. It's always such an amazing thing for a bride to find the 'one'. I am excited to see her in it. I won't name names or be too descriptive because of course it needs to be a surprise for her guests but I put together a few colour palettes that she might find handy.
Also you might like to check out this gorgeous wedding...so romantic!

Happy planning pretty lady!!

dress + bag dress bridesmaids suit

groom dress roses

shoes, flowers, groom, centrepiece

plate, flowers, dress, shoes

Party like a beauty school drop out

I have been both a hen (bachelorette/stagette) and a henee (organised a hen's party) and I have to say, they can be quite a puzzle! You want whoever plans your party to know you very, very well. Although boozy nights out where you can't remember where you left your bra certainly have their place there are many much more grown up and pleasant ways to say adieu to your single life.

Here's a cute idea. The fifties are huge right now and why not get your piece of the cherry pie by having a beauty school picnic. Spend a full day with your gals. Pampering and prepping at home, chewing gum, painting nails and pouffing up your tresses while listening to Bobby Darin followed by a day out at the park or beach or even a secluded meadow somewhere chomping mini burgers, fries and cupcakes (washed down with champagne of course ) while gossiping about that popular girl who thought she was so hot and reminiscing  about the dreamboat you used to date in high school.

My tip for those organising a hen's party....
Talk to your bride about what she would like... I bet she has a lot of her own ideas!!

Phone

Pretty cardi

Picnic

Basket, shoes

Burgers

http://www.missdixiebelle.co.uk/about_miss_dixiebelle.htm

http://jackarbizu.tumblr.com/

P-p-p-Peplum

The Peplum.

 

A classic short Peplum is a seriously easy way to add Vintage style to an outfit, and is quite possibly the most popular trend of 2012.

Peplum tops are all over the place, and I have started to see more and more garments with a  Peplum in recent times.... and I LOVE it!

A Peplum is also a great way to accentuate the waist and give the illusion of curvy hips. Try to avoid flouncy, full Peplums if you are already rather curvy, and stick to a sleek, fitted style that will flatter your natural shape, accentuating all the right curves. 

Here are some of my favourite Peplum dresses;

 
 

Which is your favourite Peplum from above?
{mine is Aishwarya Rai's Elie Saab look!}

Parisian plum and ink

Brrrr it's cold out there!! We have already had the first snow of the winter and it's about 3 months earlier than we expected. But winter has it's magic and I love the cool weather tones like rich plums and deep, dark navy. This is a mood board as much as a colour board, and has a nostalgic aura. I hope you feel inspired.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Renee and Jayden

When I clapped eyes on the images from Renee and Jayden's wedding it was love at first sight. The soft tones and the simple elegance make this wedding a true pleasure to look at. Here is a little bit about the beautiful couple.

Renee: Jayden and I met when we were studying together eight years ago and started going out not long after that. Jayden surprised me with an engagement ring on my birthday in December 2010, and the rest is history!

Highlight of the day was definitely the weather! Especially since all our plans involved being outdoors. The sun came out and it was amazing all weekend. When we were getting ready we had the air-con turned up; one of the only times this year I can remember needing to have it on. Second was having so many of our family and friends make it; 90% of our guests were from out of town including from Canada and Australia, and all over New Zealand.

I only have good things to say about all our vendors, but it was our family and friends that helped out with so many little details that made the day special.

Jayden's parents spent so many hours in their garden, it ended up being the perfect setting. Auntie Jo baked our delicious cake. Our Best Man, Leo at Chalkd and his fiancée Anna crafted the chalkboard table numbers and speech bubble chalkboard. There are so many more that I can't list them all.

Apparel:My dress is Kate Sylvester and my engagement ring is Karen Walker. Our wedding bands both belonged to my Nan. Venue: The ceremony was in the garden at Jayden's parents house, and reception at Christchurch Park. 

DIY: The invites were a joint effort between Jayden and I, and I did my own make-up.

Flowers: Done by Miss Feaver Florist. 

Catering  Kiwi Cuisine.
Photography: Grey Area productions.

 

Thanks so much Renee and Jayden for sharing your wedding with us and everyone at The Ivory Dahlia wishes you a wonderful marriage!!

Real Wedding; Helen & Vish Pt II

My Bridesmaids were given "Dark Blue, and a dress you would wear again" - I think the mixed dresses looked fabulous, and everyone got something that flatters their shape.

The boys had brown shoes, grey trousers, blue shirt, grey tie.

The Garlands and Villaku {the lamp} were such amazing quirky touches to the day, incorporating a bit of the East to a predominantly Western affair.

My parents organised an AMAZING Vintage White Jaguar for me!

Real Wedding; Helen & Vish Pt I

At last, the time has come!

We married in November last year, outside beneath an old Oak Tree, on the most beautiful day.

I didn't realise how fast the day was actually going to go!

Our Photographer Haran did a wonderful job capturing the day for us, we have received so many compliments on the photos!

David Adams, our celebrant was SO nice, and made the day so special and unique for us.

Here is the first look at our Wedding! Enjoy....

More coming soon. . . . . . . . . .

{Vendors}

Celebrant: David Adams 

Photographer: Haran Photography

Make Up: Lisa Tunnicliff

Lisa did a truly amazing job, I felt like a princess, and my make-up lasted ALL day, 11am - 1am, and she is SO lovely. {Lisa does not have a website, but her contact details are in the sidebar, and under the vendor list!}

Venue: Riccarton House & Bush - Christchurch.

Catering:  Riccarton House Bistro.

Hair: Hair On Victoria - Rangiora

Cakes: Divine Cakes - Christchurch.

Put a Spin on it.....

I have a tiny jealous Bride living inside me, who goes all green with envy every time I see a Wedding which has elements I adore and wanted.

Today's example, a Wedding where a bride is wearing a coloured wedding dress. By coloured, I mean straying from the norm of White, Off White and Ivory!

I haven't a problem with Brides in coloured Dresses, and that just IS my problem. I get jealous. So, So jealous because they look so good!

If I had a big anniversary, I'd probably have a gathering with friends and celebrate. I may just be inclined to buy a second Wedding Dress. Teehee!

These are my coloured favourites!

One. - BEAUTIFUL Lela Rose creation, unfortunately at a 'too many dollars for me' price. But A Girl can dream. . . . . .

The watercolour print caught my eye - flashy and different without taking too much away from the idea of a Bridal Dress. It also allows you to have fun with your theme for the big day! How about bridesmaids each wearing different colours featured on the dress?

Available from NET-A-PORTER

Two. - This one shoulder dress is LOVELY. I adore interesting shapes and different necklines in Wedding Dresses. This would be great for an Intimate Wedding, teamed with some sparkly gold heeled shoes to showcase those legs!

Available from Suzannah

Three- Little bit Glitzy & Glam with the sequins, but also a little quirky with the blush rose colour. Not so good for Busty Brides with the ruffles on the front, but Ideal for you petite ladies out there!

available from Rachel Gilbert at NET-A-PORTER

Four - If you have learnt one thing about me, it is probably that I LOVE Grey. This dress is no exception! The neckline is so beautiful, and would flatter so many shapes. The shade of grey is to die for. You could go simple, or accessorise to the max!

Available from J.Crew

Which is your favourite?

Have a great week, lovelies!

Inspired - Lavender and soft peach

I'm really not a girly girl but whenever I put together an inspiration board for a wedding it invariably ends up looking soft and pretty! I just can't help myself. Here is a wee colour board using my favorite peach and a little lavender.

{image links}

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

A pretty pair - cakes and bridesmaids

So as I was browsing through Modcloth and Ruche as I do on a monday evening I was fair drooling over all the yummy dresses and as we have done posts before where we have paired cakes with flowers I figured why not pair cakes with dresses just for fun! And it was very fun for me. Hope you like them!

dress cake 

 cake  dress 

dress  cake

 dress    cake

 dress   cake

cake    dress 

 cake   dress

Inspiration Board; Fawn & Sky

Happy Easter!

How Adorable is this vintage Postcard?!

It is completely the wrong time of year for Pussy Willow over here, but Easter is paired with spring. So I went ahead anyway, and did an Easter/Spring Inspiration Board based on the colours in this gorgeous postcard! Enjoy!

1 ,2 ,3 ,4 ,5 ,6 ,7 

Hope you get lots of chocolates. Have a Fabulous Weekend!

DIY Moss Graffiti.

Lets just admit it, everyone loves lettering at Weddings.

Wether it be the Newly-weds initials, an inspiring quote above the makeshift altar....

We also adore Moss Covered Letters;

But I have actually fallen in L O V E with Moss Graffiti! {click images for links}

There is a simple recipe from WikiHow to make your own Moss Graffiti Paint.

Find a board, and paint your design. Spray with water and watch it grow. I suggest giving yourself a few months ahead of the big day to a) get it right with practice, and b) give it time to get super Mossy and delightful!

It would make such an amazing backdrop with your married name like above, or a touching quote or song lyric.

For a touch of whimsy try some animals, bunnies and deer have great silhouettes. an outdoor wedding would really suit this!

How about table numbers on handmade wooden signs?

You could do whatever you wanted with this idea! What would you create?

DIY Projects - Real Wedding.

The Wedding Posts are nearing completion!

Excited? I hope so. =D

My Wedding had a whole lot of DIY. 

I would not have been able to do it all without the help and support of my Husband, my Maid of Honour & Bridesmaids, My Dad and his handiwork {not to mention his printer!}, Our very own Laura, and last but not least my AMAZINGSUPERTALENTEDRESOURCEFULANDBEAUTIFUL Mum!

Some of the DIY projects included a Photo Booth, put together lovingly, and stressfully by my Father and his Son in Law!

The Invitations, which I designed myself using free graphics sourced from various places on the web{namely pixels & ice cream.} and tediously printed, trimmed and posted.

The flowers - helped by Laura and the bridesmaid crew.

Favour Bags expertly filled and decorated by my trusty MOH, Sarah!

Blackboard signs, constructed by my Father and decorated by the MOH and myself.

Photographs all my own.

I would never have put it all together without the help from everyone involved. I did try to do it all myself at first, but there comes a point where you just have to let it go and take whatever help people will offer.

The moral of the story?

Do not be afraid to ask for DIY help!

People willingly oblige 9 times out of 10. Usually just to ensure that the Bride doesn't have a meltdown!
Ultimately, my Wedding Weekend came together beautifully, if not without a few hiccups and stresses - but what event is stress free?!

We would love to hear about any DIY projects that you may have done or be doing for your Wedding. Feel free to share with us on Facebook, or contact us via the 'Share Your Wedding' tab at the top of the page!