While looking through the January issue of Brides New Jersey for like the 8th time (great issue & not just because AAB:NJ is featured!), I re-discovered an article that made me smile. It was simple, fun and nostalgic. The article was about how children’s storybooks can make for great wedding inspiration. I love taking it back to the good old days, so what a great concept. Yep, we’re all grown up now but there’s nothing wrong with remembering a time when your biggest woes were somehow related to silly putty.
Being that sadly my horrible memory leaves me with little recollection of my fave stories of old, I called upon my ridiculously awesome intern Stacey to give it a whirl. As to not bombard her with the trials that can sometimes occur whilst creating an inspiration board, I had her pick her inspiring literary piece and told her to dig deep and tell me what and why this was where she took it. She sent me her goods and let me have some fun!
This made me smile, a lot. I hope it does the same for you. In Stacey’s words…
“Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey, published in 1941, is a story about two ducks name Mr. and Mrs. Mallard who have decided to raise their family in Boston’s Public Garden. After their eight ducklings hatch on the Charles River, it is up to Mrs. Mallard to safely lead her children to their nest by the lake in the Public Garden. However, this journey requires the crossing of several busy streets. Fortunately, Policeman Mike comes to the rescue and escorts the family through their travels.
Why I chose the book:
My freshmen year of college I attended Northeastern University in Boston. For my birthday that year, my mother sent me this book because of its setting in Boston and specifically the beautiful Public Garden. I quickly fell in love with the story as not only is it an adorable tale on its own, but also provided a small bridge linking my home to my new environment and giving me that comfort every new college student living away from home needs.
When/Where:
The great thing about the colors and feel of this book is that it has the potential to inspire an event that would work in both the spring or fall. The golds, greens, and browns are great colors for either season, though the springtime does have the advantage of greenery that would only add to the translation. An outdoor ceremony would really capture the book’s tone, especially if it’s near a lake! The water backdrop would make beautiful pictures. For the reception, a switch to an indoor venue would be ideal for the cooler evenings. But in order to maintain nature’s presence,I would incorporate plants into centerpieces and other decor and experiment! Flowers aren’t the only choices – cattails and willows are unique and will definitely reflect the story.
Dress by Valentino Sposa for Pronovias to me has a vintage style that reflects the stories setting http://www.pronovias.com/
Bouquet of yellow roses and brown pheasant feathers by Beautiful Blooms are the same colors as a duckling. http://weddings.theknot.com/RealWeddings/29179/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=29179
Cake with fondant cattails, by Cakes of the Lakes, resemble the lake where Mr. and Mrs. Mallard have created their home. http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/59316/detailview.aspx?id=59316&type=3&Colors=Green
Brown escort cards with oak leaf graphic fit into the color palette as well as park theme. http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/63633/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=63633
Stationary by Print Icon features the same gold and brown coloring as a recently hatched duckling. http://www.printicon.com/
Grass-filled pots by Steven Moore Designs in the ceremony space create an outdoor tone. http://www.stevenmooredesigns.com/
Satin bridesmaid dress with boat neckline has the classic elegance of the time period. www.davisbridal.com $99
Pair Badgley Mischka “Randee” High Heel Ruffle Flower Sandals with your bridesmaid dresses. The gold resembles the duckling’s feathers while the flower gives a garden tone. www.bloomingdales.com $215
Curly willow and cattail centerpieces, by Lime Greenery, not only reinforce the outdoor mood but also use the same color pallet as the illustrations in the book. http://limegreenery.com/
Stacey, thank you for proving that just because you are moving on, doesn’t mean you can’t look back.
xx
Stacey & Sal
