Since both Ann and Brad are graphic designers, they were probably better than most of us at using color creatively. The flowers they chose were especially fantastic. Check out the big pic of Brad’s boutonniere. It is a combination of chocolate cosmos, rosemary and, (I think) that is an oak leaf backing it all up. The colors compliment his tie and the whole thing looks manly and distinctive. Ann’s bouquet is an eye-popper, too. From the pics, it seems like her bouquet is composed of samon-color roses, dark red and yellow dahlias, more of the wonderful chocolate cosmos, and I think I spy some sunset colored callas in there too.

The geniuses at Blum created these flowers. You wouldn’t go wrong requesting something similar for your late summer wedding.

One of the interesting things about this wedding at the Viewpoint Inn was how wonderfully beautiful yet uncontrived it was. While some couples use a color scheme as a starting point and then choose flowers, decor and perhaps even clothing based on that decision, I had the feeling that Roger and Lynn were guided by simply chosing what they loved. Rather than strictly “matching”, the flowers, decor, cake and setting were all unified by being standout beautiful. The flower arrangements were mostly green and white with a tiny hint of pale pink. The junior bridesmaids wore vivid salmon, the cake was decked with pale pink, light green and chocolate brown. The the limpid green of the rolling lawns and the soft setting sunlight played a unifying role–bringing all those gorgeous colors together. 

So remember Lynn and Roger if you’re deciding on wedding details. You can’t go wrong if it makes you happy.

Certain colors like apricot, are real chameleons. This soft pale orange is one of the colors that can look soft or striking, classic or modern. It can “pow” or “meow” depending on how you use it.  I think in this case, the look is fantastic. It’s fresh and modern-looking even though the shapes are quite classic. My favorite part is how the stronger corals and salmons in the b-maids flowers look against the chocolate brown in the dresses and groomsmen’s vests.

Windy’s accessories were chunky glass beads and a feathered hair ornament, which both complemented the clean look of her a-line strapless dress. Dan’s richly brocaded tie looked scrumptious with the rusty bronze vests that he and the g-men were wearing. Oh, and their cake was super cool–very simple and rustic and perfect for this setting. (Check out the gallery below for a cake pic.)

Anyone can make a great looking wedding by combining apricot + green + almost any other color. Pink? Mocha? Periwinkle? Try it, you’ll see it nearly always looks fantastic.

Mary carried a bouquet of mostly pale roses, with the slightest blush of pink at their centers. I can’t recall if the other flowers were sweetpeas, freesia or white lysanthia. August’s good-looking boutonniere was a single white rosebud with blueberry buds. The table decor was especially pretty: gold chargers accented white on white linens and floating candles in the centerpiece.

I think going pale is the perfect look for a more formal wedding. What do you think?

Steph’s maids wore simple knee length black dresses (wouldn’t  a girlfriend appreciate that!) and the guys were outfitted in basic dark suits. It was classy, stylish, personal and sharp without being too tux-ey or too matchy.

Check out the great colors from this September wedding in Portland. All the warm colors were there: red, orange, yellow, tangerine. It was like all of summer’s vibrant palette in one big dose of fabulosity. The venue was the Sculpture Garden at the Portland Art Museum. We’ve shot events there before, but never had we seen the area tented off in such a cool manner. EJP events and The Prop Shop collaborated on this decor, including this billowing entryway, which effectively screened the celebrations from the street. Just inside the entrance is the area where the ceremony took place and then later was transformed into an outdoor cocktail lounge with ottomans, tables and outdoor heaters. Geranium Lake Flowers created the floral decor. That fantastic cake was from the now-defunct Joseph’s Dessert Company.

I’m still swooning from the decor at this wedding. It’s definitely the prettiest set up I’ve ever seen at the Oregon Golf Club. Here’s some of the details straight from Amanda’s mom, who oversaw the details of this lovely event.

First, they replaced the black rear wall pipe and drape with white drape and an overlay of sheer organza. Small pink uplights gave the organza a barely-there tint that made everything (and everyone) in the room look stunning. Swan Island Dahlias did a magnificent job with the flowers. I heard that over 7000 peonies went in to this scrumptious look. The centerpieces, composed solely of peonies, were a simple contrast to the tall arrangements, which looked like they had roses, gladiola, stock and other yummy stuff in addition to peonies and candles.

Here’s a secret about cakes: Lamb’s Thriftway. Don’t tell anyone. It’s the insider secret to save you a bit on your reception. They can make just about any style of cake you can dream up. They can do sleek and modern, bright and vivid, polly-esque and cheeky, and of course, lush and traditional. And will probably cost you a third of what the top drawer wedding bakeries charge.

Other details that made this party pretty: silver chargers under white plates, white chair covers fastened with a single peony blossom, twinkle lights to set the mood, votives sprinkled on the table tops, and small bouquets of flowers as curtain tie-backs on the tent walls. Maybe you’ll think pink for your reception?

This time of year, I hear that many brides are planning fall or winter weddings. Thinking ahead to November or December, I can’t imagine anything more romantic than red as a color inspiration. Here’s some pics from a late fall/early winter wedding.  Besides the romance of it, there are other good reasons to choose red as a color theme for a winter wedding. Classic red roses are quite available all winter long. Also, a little red goes a long way and small touches will have a big impact. For example: consider rose petals scattered on white linen, a single red blossom tucked behind a chingon, ‘maids in basic black cocktail dresses accented with red shoes. Dramatic.

After not seeing navy in wedding style for a while–the last two weddings we photographed each used gorgeous blue to very good effect. To my eye, navy is luxurious, substantial and rich. It can look crisp with white or ivory or blend nicely with other rich tones like burgundy or chocolate. And for maid’s dresses, navy is often easier to wear for most girls than black. For guys, a vest or tie in midnight blue can add pop to a black suit without looking flashy. Here’s a few from an April wedding.