We are in the dreary last weeks of winter.  There are only about four more weeks until we start seeing those greens popping up from the ground followed by bursts of color and the return warm weather.  Until then, I am going to make the most of winter by celebrating the monocromatic view outside my window.  The combination of black and white can take on so many different tones, and while you can mix it with another pop of color from the rainbow, today I'm going to let black and white, the polar opposites of the color wheel, shine on their own.  

For your consideration, a black and white wedding inspiration board:

Row 1 - Invitation; Party Favors

Row 2 - Shoes (photo by Gladys Jem Photography); Cake

Row 3 - Centerpiece (photo by Pam Scott Photography; Groom

Row 4 - Bride; Cupcakes

Row 5 - Bouquet; Guest Book

Today for your consideration, I have an inspiration board inspired by the fact that you can't swing a backpack without knocking over a display of back to school supplies.  Ahhh, freshly sharpened pencils and crisp notebooks, how I love thee.  Apples, blackboards, and a splash of yellow ala schoolbus is what got me going today.  Check it out!

Being that we are midwestern gals (most of us reading this...), could we pull this kind of wedding off?  Apples, a little chalkdust, and a hint of school m'arm?

Okay, so I'm not a runner, but that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy our yearly festivities brightly and boldly displayed throughout the Bix Fest! 

Such an exciting time of year celebrating a great man's legacy and such a great event through which to wander and let your mind turn.  Doing what I do, I can't help but try to tie in what I observe going on through all my senses and try to make it fit into a wedding inspiration board!  If you are a jazz lover, or really any kind of lover, might you consider a Bix Beiderbecke jazz inspired wedding?  This is what I imagine it would look like...

Anyone feel like marching through town miming a trumpet?  Gotta admit, I'm tempted.  Here's to love, laughter, and all that jazz!

The inspiration for this photo hunt came from the picture of the beautiful little girl with the laurel wreath on her head.  From there, I gathered a bunch of pictures showcasing what I envisioned to be a wedding where this little girl would be a flowergirl.  Tres jolie, n'est-ce pas?  Where in the Quad Cities would this wedding take place?

Where would you hold this wedding?  The Botanical Center Gardens?  Vanderveer Park?  Lavender Crest Winery?  Man oh man, I'm in love with these colors and the relaxed beauty.  Please, someone, make this wedding come to life! 

Realistically speaking, a new year's eve party and a wedding reception aren't really that different when it comes to decor.  A set of colors, a theme, or a common element are decided, and the rest builds from there!  With new year's eve gearing up to start in about 24 hours, here are some last minute DIY decor ideas that could work whether you're getting hitched or just looking for that kiss at midnight:

1) Use etching materials (~$10) and simple champagne fleutes (~$1 ea) to etch your guests' monograms, and make their toasts truly a personal experience.

2) String large scale pieces of glitter, construction paper, or left over wrapping paper onto fishing line to create a truly glitterati-worthy garland.

3) Cut some branches from your dormant trees in your backyard, and use some spray adhesive and glitter to make them dazzle as sparkling centerpieces.

4) If you have flooring that provides for easy clean up, sprinkle fine glitter throughout the party area for a glowing floor.

5) Hang a giant sheet of white or black or silver paper, and provide sharpies of varying metalic colors with which your guests can write their resolutions! 

And here are some pics that I threw together that make me think of a new years eve wedding!