A Chill in the Air

Maybe it's because tonight is bit on the windy & cool side - a rarity in the midst of this crazy-hot summer.  Or because I made comfort food mashed potatoes & meatloaf for dinner. More likely it's because I spent a few hours today helping one of the most wonderful people on the planet plan her October wedding, which will be filled to the brim with all kinds of warm, cozy, fall wonderfulness.

For whatever the reason, I can't get these embroidered pashminas out of of my head.

 { Jasmine Star via Style Me Pretty }

I'm right now dreaming of wrapping myself up in one as the sun sets and the wind picks up off the ocean.
Nearly decadent when given out to every female guest; more practical as a bridesmaid gift.

Summer Cool

Blue and green is my favorite summer color combo. It's like diving into the ocean - a refreshing bit of Summer Cool.

This little kermit mum and blue Mason jar centerpiece is epitome of good summer things. 

{ via House of Turquoise }

Cape Cod Wedding Venue: Holden Inn, Wellfleet

Nestled in the middle of heart of Wellfleet is the Holden Inn, which, like so many inns on the Cape, was originally a sea captain's house.  The original cottage was built in the 1840s, and it's operated as an inn since at least 1924.

The rooms are small and quaint, and, especially in the "Lodge," a bit rustic (twin beds & shared restrooms). Through the trees there's a peek-a-boo view of Wellfleet Harbor, and the marina is just a 100-yard dash up the road. The innkeeper has the full white beard and perma-tan of a salty olde Cape Codder. 

It's a thoroughly charming place and has always reminded me of summer camp.

So I was thrilled to see this wedding, posted recently on Style Me Pretty. A perfectly executed brightly colored fun summer camp wedding at the Holden Inn!

Bunting, painted wooden signs, ribbon nametags, yard games, delightfully tabletops, vintage china and  handpicked wild flower centerpieces. Delightful. Pictures by Davina + Daniel.

 

 

Just One More

Just one more accessory... headbands for the flower girls. This Hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head is really taking shape! (And I can spend hours looking through Etsy.)

{ Etsy seller PetitCalla }

Thursday Purseday?

I got to thinkin'. (This is often dangerous and typically expensive.) But don't the blue shoes for the Hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head need a fabulous purse accompaniment? 

So today is Thursday Purseday around the Shoreside. Perhaps this is the start of a new trend?

This is what I have in mind:

{ Etsy seller Ma Belle Cherie }

Inspiration: Hydrangeas

To inspire your own Cape Cod wedding full of hydrangeas, a visual representation of the Hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head:

{ Top: Hydrangeas down the center by Mimmo + Naz via Style Me Pretty; 

Can I have the wedding here? The Hydrangea House on Shore Street in Chatham

Middle: A cartful from Porchlight Interiors; 

Perfectly simple centerpieces by Natalie McComas via 100 Layer Cake

Bottom: Bridal bouquet via 100 Layer Cake; Lining the aisle from frolic!; 

Petals to toss via 100 Layer Cake }

(Hydrangea) Blue (Not Necessarily Suede) Shoes

Next item on the agenda for the Hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head are shoes, as today is widely and popularly known as Tuesday Shoesday.

For the rehearsal dinner:

{ Badgley Mischcka }

For the wedding. Just a peek of blue:

{ Pour La Victoire }

For kickin' it at the after-party:

{ Lauren Jones }

For Sunday, to rest my tired tootsies:

{ Barefoot Tess }

A Week-ness for Hydrangeas

Is there anything more synonymous with a Cape Cod wedding than blue hydrangeas? Like many Shoreside brides, I have a particular weakness for these exuberant mop-headed flowers, which are blooming the most glorious blue this summer.

I'm going to share the hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head with you this week, starting with invitations from Parrott Design Studio, because I am fairly certain the hydrangea-themed wedding that exists in my head started with these:

 

{ See more here of the invitation suite here. }

From the kraft paper envelopes, to the baker's twine, to the little shorebird on the RSVP card, these are a such a fresh and pretty update of traditional Cape Cod styling. 

Here's to a great week! (And someone please tell me you, too, have weddings that exist in your head.)

Gettin' Ready

I'm getting ready for the Brimfield show tomorrow. Has anyone ever been? My mom and I will be going for the first time and have been scouring blogs for tips on how to best take it -- i.e., thousands of antique & collectibles vendors -- all in. Posting will be a little light this week.

And how this for a place to get ready?  Little dressing rooms courtesy of Sperry Tents.

{ via Sperry Tent's West Coast brother, Zephyr Tents }

Love at the Beach

An engagement session on the beach courtesy of Forget Me Knot Weddings and photographer Lisa Devlin.

Charming little setup

For a Shoreside tea party

Or for gazing out at the ocean

Followed by a walk

And a little beach graffiti

These engagement sessions with their adorably styled vignettes and super-cute props seem so relaxed, candid and fun.  It seems like a good idea for someone (um, me) who does not at all like having her picture taken to be distracted from the pressure of posing for pretty photos.

1-2-3-4

Spotted on The Wild Bunch Studio's blog:

1)Table numbers created with tiny seashells. Another DIY idea to add to the file.


2) Terrariums. Seriously. Terrariums. Brilliant.

3) Black, white & coral color scheme.

4) See even more pictures of this thoroughly creative wedding by florist Katie McConnell

here.

Fan Yourself

I'm a big fan of anything that serves dual purpose at a wedding: placecard/favor, food/centerpiece decor, awesome shoes/something blue...you get the idea. I'm also a big fan of staying cool on hot days like this.

So of course I'm the biggest fan of wedding programs/fans.

Check out this easy-peasy wedding program/fan template at Intimate Weddings Blog:

And what makes it even better, it has even another purpose: Wedding program/fan/pre-ceremony entertainment.

Madlibs! Or crossword puzzles or word searches.

Finish off the project by attaching a tiny pencil with ribbon.

Check out the DIY instructions here.

And stay cool tonight, y'all.

Happy 5th!

I spent my Fourth of July watching baseball, sitting at the beach, seeing fireworks, eating food off the grille, lounging in an Adirondack chair perched in the shade and licking ice cream cones. I hope your weekend was also full of fun, relaxation, and other good All-American things.

{ Via the amazing duo of Christine & Andy at Bello Photography }

  

I have to admit, a Cape Cod 4th of July wedding holds great appeal...The color palette, down-home wholesome food, fireworks and sparklers.

According to experts, a 28" sparkler is really the best option for weddings. (Who knew there were experts in such things, but there you go.) They burn longer, meaning they are safer and your photographers can get cool shots. Get some here. 

And go out and enjoy this warm summer night. 

For the Girls

Cute blue, red and white dresses for cute flower girls. (Aren't they always cute?)  

{ Vintage Americana }

 { Pops of Red }

{ White Eyelet Lace. Can it be any more charming? }