Just Peachy Wedding Inspo

June 25, 2020 by An Ion Creative Leave a Comment

When things are peachy, they’re wonderful. And we want things to be absolutely wonderful for your wedding. So right now we are presenting a color palette of peachiness for your viewing pleasure. Something about soft peach tones is so comforting and joyful. And feminine. And sophisticated, too, somehow. Join us for some Just Peachy Wedding Inspo as we dive into this dreamy hue!

This soothing color story works well for outdoor ceremonies (the best setting for your ceremony with the way things are in the world today.) Peach pairs perfectly with all the lovely greens and browns found in nature.

To complement your luminous peach color scheme we suggest billowy Peach Pampas grass or an arresting arrangement of palm fronds, hydrangea, and baby’s breath:

For your beautiful face, we love makeup palettes that offer a dose of sweet peachy goodness. Like this Baby Got Peach palette, by Colourpop. At just $12 this pastel peach monochromatic set is better than basic. With 9 shades and 3 different finishes, you can create a soft peachy look perfect for your special day:

And Two-Face’s Sweet Peach Glow Palette is an illuminating, blushing, and bronzing palette. This one provides the natural radiance of a gorgeous glowing peach sunset and makes your skin appear bathed in the most beautiful peachy golden light. Exactly how you want to look on your wedding day:

For your wedding cake, we propose something delicate, like this luscious one layer ombre confection:

For your decor, consider an extravagant display of paper lanterns and streamers. Paper Lantern Store offers a nice array of affordable options.

A collection of varying height vases would be amazing for your tables. And, you could incorporate them into your new home after the wedding:

EQ3 has a stunning selection of versatile ceramic vessels. How neat does that pop of yellow look paired with the peachy tones of the other vases? #idea

Rattan furnishings are a major trend and they would pair well with a peach theme. Incorporate a few pieces around your ceremony site. Our pick, this boho beauty from IKEA:

A signature peach cocktail seems reasonable, doesn’t it? We adore the White Peach + Rose Lemonade Refreshing Signature Drink we spied on mountainsidebride.com (but we might add the teensiest splash of vodka or champagne):

3 cups white peaches, chopped into pieces
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from about 7 lemons)
3/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons rose water

Directions for 4: Place chopped peaches, water, and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow to cook down, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then run through a blender until pureed. Pour peach mixture through a fine sieve and place in refrigerator until chilled. Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from lemons. Once the peach mixture has chilled in a pitcher combine with lemon juice and rose water. Serve chilled.

To set the tone for your guests, send them invites which hint at your theme, like these Pampas Grass lovelies from Coral Balloon:

And for some final inspiration, we leave you with a pretty (and peachy) poem by James Whitcomb Riley :

The Ripest Peach

The ripest peach is highest on the tree —
And so her love, beyond the reach of me,
Is dearest in my sight. Sweet breezes, bow
Her heart down to me where I worship now!

She looms aloft where every eye may see
The ripest peach is highest on the tree.
Such fruitage as her love I know, alas!
I may not reach here from the orchard grass.

I drink the sunshine showered past her lips
As roses drain the dewdrop as it drips.
The ripest peach is highest on the tree,
And so mine eyes gaze upward eagerly.

Why — why do I not turn away in wrath
And pluck some heart here hanging in my path? —
Love’s lower boughs bend with them — but, ah me!
The ripest peach is highest on the tree!

They’re Back! Dried Flowers Are Trending for Weddings in 2020

February 27, 2020 by An Ion Creative Leave a Comment

They’re Back!

Dried Flowers Are Trending for Weddings in 2020

This old school floral trend from the 70s is making its return in elegantly rustic arrangements. Lots of couples are decorating their wedding venues with free-spirited and affordable dried flower arrangements using the traditional flowers they’ve always loved — just dried instead of fresh. Brides are walking down the aisle with unique dried bouquets and grooms are adorning themselves with darling dried boutonnieres. We are 100 percent on board with this old is new again trend.

This trend is something completely different from the traditional fresh flower-filled wedding. But more and more engaged couples are turning to dried florals for their nuptial centerpieces and bouquets. They are in search of something unique, rustic, a little bit nostalgic, and chic.

Boho Vibes

Dried bouquets have a wild and free boho vibe. And, we just love the color stories that dried arrangments deliver. They are a soothing blend of neutrals, and they bring an earthy, natural feel to a wedding.

BOUQUET BY ANTHEIA FLOWERS | PHOTO BY MARIA SUNDIN PHOTOGRAPHY VIA JUNEBUG WEDDINGS

And they are breathtakingly beautiful.

Dried florals work well for site decor as well. Look how perfectly this mix of fresh and dried flowers works for a beach wedding:

And can we please stop and swoon over this achingly romantic dried floral swag for a minute?

Dried flowers keep, too. So your beautiful wedding florals can live on in your home decor.

Carry the theme through to your favors with individually packaged dried flowers for your guests:

Preserved blooms bring a fresh perspective to weddings indoors or out.

They also work well in any season. This summertime bride carries an armload of uncomplicated long stem flowers.

PHOTO: JAYE KOGUT

Surprisingly chic, dried flowers provide punch to place settings.

And table arrangments are understated yet elevated with the addition of preserved blooms such as off-white hydrangeas, loose greens, branches, and berries.

PHOTO: kirstensmithphotography.com

This bouquet is a showstopper in shades of beige, brown and blue.

The beauty of nature is apparent in a multi-textured grouping of flora and fauna.

This wedding day aisle is made magical with the addition of tall dried grasses and flowers and loads of white candles.

Dried arrangments can be simple or elaborate, but either way, they are generally more affordable than fresh blooms.

This decadent arch is lavishly swagged with dried flowers, ferns, and branches.

Resources

If you are into this really cool, retro floral trend we’ve gathered a little intel on the subject from the web. Type in “dried floral arrangements” in Pinterest and you will be rewarded with loads of eye candy. If you’d like to purchase some ready-made goodies for your wedding, one amazing place to order your preserved blooms is driedflowersforever.com.

We found several amazing blog posts about dried arrangments, too, if you’d like to see more.

Budget Savy Bride Flower Alternatives: Dried Flowers

Martha Stewart Weddings 24 Dried Flower Arrangements That Are Perfect for a Fall Wedding

One Fab Day The Hottest Wedding Flower Trend: Dried Flowers

Wedding Floral Trend 2020: Spray Painted Bouquets & Arrangements

January 17, 2020 by An Ion Creative Leave a Comment

Wedding Floral Trend 2020:

Spray Painted Bouquets & Arrangements

We are absolutely wild for this stylish new trend in the floral world. Florists are using spray paint to transform ordinary floral designs into something out of this world and spectacular. They are taking the natural beauty of flowers, leaves, and branches and elevating them to dizzying new heights. We’re pretty sure this trend will be taking the wedding world by storm in 2020. Brides looking for something a little “extra” and unique will gravitate to these striking arrangements. We’ve found some of the most brilliant floral designers embracing this style and are happy to share them with you all:

The incredible Boston flower artist Krissy Price,

owner of pollen

Krissy Price uses her massive artistic talents to create amazing works of flower art. She’s known around Boston for her amazing “flowerbombs” whereby she installs surprise floral moments using leftover blooms from weddings and events. “As an artist, it’s an opportunity to do something truly special and I hope that a lot of people can enjoy it. Instead of it being something that’s done for a corporation or a wedding, it’s truly giving back to the community,” she says.

She also is a master of this year’s trend, with works like this one, which incorporates subtle hints of light blue and pink spray paint:

She makes the most glamorous tablescapes and hanging installations, as well. We are in love with this dreamy boho pampas grass and palm creation:

The exuberant maestro of flowers, Manu Torres

Manu Torres, a Portland-based florist, is gaining international attention for his expressive, otherworldly floral styling. His energetic, eclectic and bright arrangements are truly works of art. Torres combines natural elements (like flowers, grasses, feathers, fans, and leaves), and accentuates them with custom spray-painted accents and DIY elements.

For example, his Monstera leaf installation would make a stunning backdrop for a tropical-inspired wedding:

His arrangements are both exotic and softly romantic at the same time. We love the delicacy of the babies breath mixed with the vibrantly painted leaves:

Pretty pastel colors elevate this arrangement to the extraordinary:

Manu’s creations are intoxicating! How gorgeous would this be as a bouquet?

You can purchase Torres’ work, even if you’re not based in Portland, by using his exuberant wedding and event invitations for your special day:

The Daring Designs of Bridget Vizoso

New York City florist Bridget Vizoso is using paint to bring her unique floral visions to life. Carefully hand-painted designs and Jackson Pollock-inspired splatters are her work’s signatures, resulting in florals “unlike anything you have ever seen before,” she said.

Bridget crafted this amazing ceiling arrangement with a rainbow of pretty colors:

Even her more traditional work is insanely beautiful:

How to Incorporate The Trend

It’s easy to incorporate this look for your wedding day. Search out inspirational pics on Instagram and Pinterest. Find a local florist with loads of artistic flair and show them your vision. They’ll love the opportunity to do something so creative and exciting.

This bold bridal bouquet from Weddingomania: delivers major tropical style with pink blooms, orange touches, and a pineapple spray-painted pink:

The Prettiest Ways to Put Pumpkins in Your Wedding

August 30, 2019 by An Ion Creative Leave a Comment

The days are getting shorter, leaves are beginning to drift from the trees, mornings have a just a hint of frostiness, there are pumpkins lined up at the grocery store and Bath & Body Works fall-scented candles have hit the shelves. These are all tell-tale signs that glorious autumn is upon us. Since the season has arrived we thought we’d pay a little homage to the star gourd of the season, Punkins! Pumpkins are associated with so many nice things. They conjure up good feelings about fall holidays, family, Thanksgiving, togetherness, joy, and most importantly pie. It’s no wonder that they turn up in so many fall weddings. They are not only beautiful, but they are also super versatile: you can eat them, carve them, and decorate with them. Affordable and easily available, pumpkins come in a variety of beautiful shades, shapes, and sizes that work great for this season’s weddings!

Pumpkins make a great style statement at the entrance of a wedding. Since they are so affordable it is best to use a lot of them for the most impact. Whether lining a walkway adorned with falling leaves or grouped with baskets of flowers and other produce, pumpkins announce a seasonal feel to your guests. We love that pumpkins come in a range of colors including white.

You can also line your pathway down the aisle with loads of pretty pumpkins:

Hollowed out pumpkins make fantastic flower vases for fall-themed events. This wonderful whitewashed pumpkin is filled with luscious white and pale blush roses, pods, and greenery.

Pumpkins look amazing amassed as a centerpiece. We love the moody tones of black and white mixed with pale blue and gold on this tablescape.

Pumpkins can deliver a more delicate design as shown below, where white and pale green gourds are paired with babies breath and soft greenery.

Pumpkins can be transformed into lavish candleholders with the help of stencils and some handy knifework. These gorgeous light green ones would look amazing for a fall wedding.

You can even use carved out pumpkins for drink coolers.

They make adorable placeholders, too. These mini pumpkins guide guests to the proper table with a simple name card tied with twine.

Since pumpkins are easily painted any color, they can pair with any design scheme. These tiny ones go glam with a coat of gold!

For a great tutorial on how to transform plastic pumpkins into heirloom versions in beautiful colors visit SoMuchBetterWithAge. The pumpkins below are amazing transformations of dollar store items!!!

Pumpkins are easily embellished with decor items. Look at these sweet pearl punkins which would look amazing scattered on the cake table:

You can even use mini pumpkins for your wedding cake topper:

There are even tons of wedding invite options featuring the fall squash:

Heck, the bridesmaids can even carry pumpkins down the aisle instead of bouquets:

How about the world’s easiest fall guest book? Just have your guests sign a pretty pumpkin!

However you choose to use them, pumpkins can bring the spirit of fall into your wedding in so many wonderful ways.

Marvelously Magnificent French Macarons are Made for Weddings

August 10, 2019 by An Ion Creative Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard of Macaroons (MACK-A-RUNES) and you’ve most likely seen stacks of beautiful Macarons (MACK-AH-ROHNS) in your Insta Feed, but did know these popular cookies are nothing alike? Besides being spelled pretty much the same and both tasting scrumptious, macarons and macaroons are actually very different cookies. First off, macaroons are coconut-based, whereas macarons are meringue-based. Macaroons are extremely sweet while macarons have a just a tiny hint of sweetness. So although we have nothing but love for the lumpy, dense and yummy macaroons, today we are going to delve into the delicate loveliness of french macarons.

Marvelously magnificent French Macarons are the perfect cookies for weddings. They are light sandwich cookies consisting of two rounded disks made from a batter of egg whites, sugar and almond flour surrounding a sweet filling of either jam, ganache or buttercream. They are dainty, not overly sweet and can be made in an endless variety of colors and flavors.

Macarons can be any shade of the rainbow AND they can be further decorated with artistic designs and toppings.

Macarons are beautiful to look at, they photograph well plus they are tidy to eat as they are not too crumbly. Macarons make nice wedding cake alternatives. A couple of options below feature tiers of the cookies on their sides as well as a wedding cake topiary with macarons:

We adore this whimsical tower of pale pink cookies decorated with lush florals and greenery:

And this luscious version with extravagant blooms and a sophisticated color palette is just gorgeous:

Macarons make delightful favors for your wedding guests. There are many specialty bakers like La Reine des Macarons who specialize in creating unique favors like these:

The Vintage Kitchen creates amazing gourmet French macarons. All of their cookies are made fresh in Arkansas and they are happy to personalize them just for you by incorporating your wedding colors, the flavor of your wedding cake, or even by hand-painting your initials onto each macaron!

Another adorable favor option (which will last much longer than a cookie) are these precious Macaron Limoge Trinket Boxes by Two’s Company:

Or if you want to serve Macarons as a dessert option for your guests you could do something along the lines of this lavish selection of flavors and colors. A large selection is key since everyone will be unable to resist tasting multiple flavors:

Food Network has an intricate macaron recipe with lots of different flavor profiles for all you DIYers with mad cooking skills:

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 cup almond flour

3 large egg whites, at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup superfine sugar

2 to 3 drops gel food coloring (see below)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla, almond or mint extract

Assorted fillings (see below)

Directions

Special equipment you may need:

Oven with convection setting, 4 baking sheets, 3 silicone baking mats, Fine-mesh sieve, Pastry bag with a 1/4-inch round tip

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F using the convection setting. Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. Measure the confectioners’ sugar and almond flour by spooning them into measuring cups and leveling with a knife. Transfer to a bowl; whisk to combine.
Sift the sugar-almond flour mixture, a little at a time, through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to pass through as much as possible. It will take a while, and up to 2 tablespoons of coarse almond flour may be left; just toss it.
Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to medium-high; gradually add the superfine sugar and beat until stiff and shiny, about 5 more minutes.
Transfer the beaten egg whites to the bowl with the almond flour mixture. Draw a rubber spatula halfway through the mixture and fold until incorporated, giving the bowl a quarter turn with each fold.
Add the food coloring and extract (see below). Continue folding and turning, scraping down the bowl, until the batter is smooth and falls off the spatula in a thin flat ribbon, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Holding the bag vertically and close to the baking sheet, pipe 1 1/4-inch circles (24 per sheet). Firmly tap the baking sheets twice against the counter to release any air bubbles.
Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the tops are no longer sticky to the touch, 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the humidity. Slip another baking sheet under the first batch (a double baking sheet protects the cookies from the heat).
Bake the first batch until the cookies are shiny and rise 1/8 inch to form a “foot,” about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat, using a double sheet for each batch. Peel the cookies off the mats and sandwich with a thin layer of filling (see below).

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

Almond-Raspberry:

Tint the batter with 2 drops neon pink gel food coloring; flavor with almond extract. Fill with seedless raspberry jam (you’ll need about 3/4 cup).

Mint-White Chocolate:

Tint the batter with 2 drops mint green gel food coloring; flavor with mint extract. For the filling, microwave 3 ounces chopped white chocolate, 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon mint extract and 1 drop mint green gel food coloring.

Blueberry Cheesecake:

Tint the batter with 3 drops royal blue gel food coloring; flavor with vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons blueberry jam.

Lavender-Honey:

Tint the batter with 2 drops violet gel food coloring; flavor with almond or vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon ground dried lavender.

Pineapple:

Tint the batter with 2 drops lemon yellow gel food coloring; flavor with vanilla extract. For the filling, press 3/4 cup pineapple jam through a sieve, discarding any large pieces.