Earth Day Etc.

Earth Day it is. We've listed many green tips for hosting your wedding or event on our Web site www.animaginedreality.com. Please use them freely and help keep our home a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Also, please send in your ideas for green events to events@animaginedreality.com or post them as a response.

Come and visit us at The Great Bridal Expo in Charlotte on May 4th. We'll be there so you can meet us in person and get some info on our services. We're looking forward to meeting to you!

Lush of the Irish

Southern Living is one of my favorite places to go for down home inspiration.
This month they are showcasing some great recipes that pair delightfully with beers to boot.
Bottoms Up: Patty's Day Inspired Dinners

St. Patty's Party Tips:

Uh...wear green
Have a beer bar with high end or creative beers
Have classic/inexpensive beers on hand to bolster your supply
Make taste testing fun with blindfolds and offbeat brewskies
Serve Irish inspired foodies (check out the Southern Living link for ideas)
Have green favors for your guests to spread the Irish spirit: glasses, beads, buttons, hair accessories, bracelets, themed t-shirts (Kiss Me I'm American???)
Play Irish themed movies in the background
Do NOT dye everything green. It's just weird.

Fashion Week

It's fall fashion week. Fun. Though I'm not big on women who don't eat on a normal basis (and by normal I mean like 6 six times a day and 3 of those meals should be sugar ladened), I do like fashion week for a few reasons:
1. male models (my hubby could be one if he weren't a physician which is why I can say that!! MWAH, Honey).
2. celebs (I think it's funny that they go to these shows, yet have stylists who will dress them for the important events anyways and then when they do dress themselves they wear oddly printed, ill-fitting t-shirts, sunglasses, and dull scarves no matter the season).
3. inspiration (I find runway outfits to be better inspiration for events than for my day to day duds.
Here's a great place to get the downlow (do people still say that?) from the week.
NY Mag

I'm liking this for a party pallete!

Fun Flea Finds

One of my favorite things to do is to scour the local flea market on a gorgeous day. I haven't made enough time lately to do such things but splurged this weekend and spent Sunday afternoon browsing booths beneath the sun and sky.
I love feeling like I own a piece of history and can store it in my house or even use it in an event. I also love sipping huge cups of sweet tea and noshing on the best bar-b-q in the south while weaving in and out of my favorite dealers and booths.

Sunday proved to be a successful trip. Check out these fun finds!


A little birdie told me that I must have this here sign. It may be serving as focal point for an upcoming inspiration board!!


I love this school house style desk. This one was ten buckaroos! It serves as a very cool end table plus seating! A two in one! Also, my son actually finds doing homework here a bit more exciting!
What a cutie side table! It was a must (and a lust).

Bride's Blues

Bride's Blues
Originally uploaded by taracargleashcraft

Blues are usually paired in a classic palette such as blue and white and though you can never go wrong with the ever stylish combo, here is a slight twist. The palette is primarily inspired by the platinum and blue couch by Anthropology.

Inspired

A recent article in W magazine, "Can I Borrow That" written by Vennessa Lau addresses the issue of fasion designers borrowing (being inspired) by other fashion designers. Essentially the consensus of the article is that creativity and inspiration breeds better, more creative, more client friendly designs. In the event design community, we are also finding that this is true. Albeit, always giving credit where creidt is due. Today I found an ezine created by Design For Mankind. Check out the post and the ezine istself. It is a great, complimentary publication.

Strawberry Chic

Strawberry Chic
Originally uploaded by taracargleashcraft

Blue Orchid presented a challenge to us designers who are all about the inspiration board. Her task: do not use actual wedding photos in your boards. We're bringing creativity back (please read/hum/sing that to Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back for the full effect). Some of us who are used to using wedding photos are having trouble with the challege: see the white chairs in this board!! Yikes. I'm trying.

Cocoa, Canteloupe and Carolina

A natural setting (minus rain) is my favorite backdrop for a wedding. Here is a natural combo of cocoa, canteloup, and carolina blue hues.
Credits:
Chocolates from The Knot
Blue Lantern from Domino
Pillows and Vase from Pottery Barn
Coaster from Wedding Favors
Other images from Brides

Pretty In Pink

Pinks and greens are a classic and natural spring and summer combo. Making the palette personal is what will make it shine. The flower balls hanging from the trees are just gorgeous. Check out the funky bouquet. I'd add a green ribbon to "tie" it all together.
Loving the idea of the curtained cereomony area. Also, the hanging flower motif can be intertwined here as well.
Get your groom to wear pink! It is so hip and hot!!!
Second wedding, out of the ordinary bride? Wear a pink dress! I love the pink princess shown here. It is stunning and sweet.

For more colored dresses, click here!

Credits
The canopy is courtesy of the Bridal Guide..
Pink and green garden-inspired dresses from The Knot.
Other images from Brides

Daily Candy posted a great little piece about Live Wire Farm. As part of our Go Green campaign we've touted the wearing of wood rings. Check these out by Live Wire Farm. Guess what? They are only 30 bucks! Sounds like a great V-Day gift.

Fancy Fruits

Yummy combo of raspberry and tangerine. A great color combo for early fall or late spring or even summer depending on your details.
A deep shade of raspberry as pictured in the primary dress photo makes the combo fall ready. Lighter hues of raspberry are appropriate for spring and summer.
The strawberry shortcake in the picture makes this a summer delight. Add some orange slices and you're totally in your palette!
The butterfly motif throughout this board is just plain fanciful. I imagined the butterflies hanging from the ceiling of the reception site or in a tent.
The flower girls also have butterflies in their hair. Too cute.
Remaining in the fruit motif, check out the adorable little pots of raspberry sorbet. If you're looking for something not so "wedding cake-ish" the pairing of the fruity desserts pictured here are a delightful change of pace.
Perfect location? A butterfly garden of course!

Credit Where Credit is Due:
Flowers found in J.Crew
Sorbet containers from Vivre
Flower Sachets from L'Artisan Parfumiere
All other images from Brides

Winery Wedding

The winery wedding is a fun and classic theme. We've mentioned before that purple is a hot and happening hue for upcoming weddings. The winery wedding is a perfect opportunity to let shades of grape dress the event. Check out Pottery Barn for new corky products.

Credits:
Invites by Kate Spade
Cake by Publix
Cork Candles from Uncommon Goods
Other Images from Brides


I love, love, love wisteria. It is so gorgeous and enchanting. It is a perfect natural addition to a winery wedding. It blooms in the spring so plan accordingly.

Fab Find of the Day
Wisteria
What lovely objects of desire. I'll take one...or two or three of everything!
Here are some of my faves.

Platinum Power

Combining two hot hues, olive and platinum are a dynamite duo.
Favorite Things: What a fabulous tent!!! The decor goes beyond your basic fabric liner and is truly a brand new space. The chandeliers are gorgeous without being ostentatious. Clearly, to customize the tent to the palette, there would need to be a focus on the olive hue, but it should stay clean.
The platinum suit!
Crystal embellishments in the bouquet. Look for a local jewelry maker who can create crystal embellishments appropriate for your style.
Credit Where Credit is Due:
Olive Dresses by David's Bridal.
Other images from Brides magazine.

Caribe Chic

I'm back! Yep, after a week of relaxation and rest (siestas to boot)I'm back online. Not only did I have a fabulous time in Playa del Carmen sipping carribbean cocktails, visiting the Mayan ruins, shopping, sleeping, and sunning, but I was also greatly inspired by the culture and area of Playa and its surroundings. The laid back yet totally chic lifestyle will be woven into upcoming designs. Can't wait to share the vibe. Here are few pics from our getaway.

Canary, Cobalt, and Cocoa

What a beautiful palette this is. Perfect for fall and doable for spring. I've always been a huge fan of the shades of chocolate, but was looking for a different spin than I've seen lately. Hope you like it.


Credits:
Color Blocks from Pottery Barn
Canary Flower Girl Dress from Sweet Beginnings
Cobalt Dress on right side from Group USA
Cobalt Dress Couture Collection
All other images from Brides
Do Me A Favor:
On the left hand side, you will see a selection of chocolates. For any bride who is including this rich and warm color, chocolate favors are a definite must. I love having a variety of chocolate for guests to choose from. A chocolate bar with candies, cookies, and cupcakes would be one sweet spot.

Rethink Red

Red is a power color (ask Tiger Woods who only wears red shirts on the last day of golf tournaments) sorry, I digress. According to Info Please red is "the most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love." We use it for Valentine's Day, hearts, and to represent the passion of love. So, it is a perfect color for weddings. The great thing about red is that it can be used in so many various palettes. This one of turquoise and radiant red is totally fun and tres chic!
Credit Where Credit Is Due:
Red and turquoise dresses in board from Impression Bridal.
Placecards from Wedding Favorites
Red Tini from Brides
Red flowers in white bowl from Pottery Barn
All other images from InStyle Weddings
Individual red and turquoise dresses from JCrew
Cup, Saucer, and Chocolates from Cox and Cox

Go Green! Organic Beauty Products Marie Claire has reported on some of their favorite green beauty products.

Sun and Sand

As my hubby and I are gearing up for a trip to Playa del Carmen in the upcoming weeks, I can't stop thinking about sun, surf, and sand. Clearly, the inspriation for today's board.
Credit Where Credit is Due:
Passport to Love (paper products including plane ticket invite, reply postcard, booket with love story, wedding weekend info)from Inbox Design
Flower cupcake from Short Street Cakes
Shell cupcakes from Confetti Cakes
Blue Fish plate from Dee Things
Pillow and Vase from Shanghai Tang
Orange Invite from Mia Carta Stationery
Luggage Tag from Baekgaard
Hibiscus Invite from Mountain Cow
Other images from Brides
What I Love:
The Starfish esocort "cards." They triple as favors and table decor!
Boutenaire-The coral and tiny ribbon are more "manly" than flowers and tie the theme together seamlessly. The seersucker suit it is attached to is just to die for! You have to have one fashionisto fiancee to get him into it, but it would be worth it!
Check out Kenzie Kate for more sun and sand inspiration.
Fun Stuff:

Daily Candy featured some tres chic bags on their site. Check them out at poketo for purchasing info.

A Shade of Their Own

Loving the bridesmaids in various shades of purple. This is an awesome trend and creates a gorgeous one color palette for your event.

Thanks to:
Cupcakes by Short Street Cakes
Dishes by Mikasa
Invites by Luella Press
Other images from InstyleWeddings

Do Me A Favor: Two great ideas here. One that doubles as decor which is always a plus. The small potted violet can be used as part of a centerpiece and then given away to guests as a token of your appreciation (plus it's eco-fab). Also, the small bags of purple candies are sweet and in the palette!




Check out Parisian Events' green tips of the day!

An Apple a Day

Being an addict of immediate gratification, I forged my old school ways, and created this inspiration and creation board online (hold your applause). My bonus daughter brought my red throw from downstairs and threw it onto my black, white, and apple green bed. I have dark oak furniture with black accents. Suddenly my room went from good to great. The red made the room. Thanks to my Punkin' for her decorating assistance. I'm in love with this red, brown, and green combo.
Thanks to:
Bouquet from Sage Painted Bouquets
Bridesmaid Dress and Flower Girl shoes from J.Crew.
Invite from Wedding Paper Divas.
Apples, Barn, Pine cones, Chocolate all stock images.
Do Me A Favor:
Why not give away an apple for a late night snack...or for those of us who forgo fruit for something more dangerous, chocolates are a perfect sweet ending to an event.
Inspired Ideas:
Fruit makes for gorgeous centerpieces or anywhere decor. For this event, I would go with rustic wooden buckets full of both green and red apples. This is a great cost-saver...especially if they are then used as thank you favors.

Green Day

I create my inspiration and creation boards as old school collages. I thumb through mags, books, newspapers, and catalouges of all kinds and cut away. I know it is old fashioned and maybe one day I'll change, but doing it this way inspires me. Plus, I also get lots of "assistance" from my 2.5 year old bonus daughter....that said, if I miss credit someone or something, please let me know. Hope you enjoy this greenspiration.
Favorite Things:
The Cake (searching desperately for bakery responsible for this delight. will keep you posted)
Wooden Rings by ANDM
Invites by Kate Spade
Dress by J.Crew
Wooden candle holders, white distressed tin, potted play by or found in Pottery Barn
Chocolates, escort cards (use recycled paper and house in organically grown grass), planted favors, boxed/Polaroid guest book, boutenaire all from Brides
Potted tree from Martha Stewart
Do Me A Favor: Love the potted plant idea as a green favor for guests. These are also inexpensive ways to give to your friends and fam as well as Mother Earth.
What You'll Need:
Small Clay Pots
Small plant
tag/label/ribbon (Stay in your palette and personalize the message)
Inspired Ideas:
Grow your own organic grass and use for all sorts of displays at your event or even in your home. Grass adds a fresh punch of color!
The wooden rings pictured in the board are beautiful and inspired me to look for more:
dragonmooncrafts
Simply Wood Rings

Kona Kool

Inspired by other bloggers, designers, and those who love all things beautiful, I've decided to create my own boards for inspiration and creation! A special shout to Snippet & Ink for their daily dose of beauty!
Credits:Today's images were found in Brides and Brides Honeymoons and Weddings Away. Thanks to them for their great work.
I love the warmth that this board radiates. If it is as cold in your neck of the woods as it is here, then you will also appreciate the heat radiating from this piece. Love how the yellow theme is carried out from the bride's dress to the many other details you'll find here.
Do Me A Favor: Kona Coffee for All
What it is: Kona is famous for their amazing coffee beans. What better way to welcome and wake up your guests than with bags of Kona beans beans ready for brewing?
What You'll Need:
White Craft Bags
Kona Coffee Beans
Yellow Stickers/Ribbon/Labels