I love when couples draw inspiration from nature and incorporate it into their wedding decor.  These days I can't get enough of trees, branches and twigs.  I love how simple and effortless it looks and yet so chic at the same time. There are so many different and amazing things you can do with them too!

Images courtsey of Elizabeth Ann Designs, Martha Stewart, Design Sponge, The Knot, Wedding Bee and Ayoska

First off, how beautiful is this!

Image courtsey of Country Living

I found this DIY project on Re-Nest last week and couldn't wait to share it with you!  This is so fun, easy and creative!  I mean first off, whose mother doesn't have about a hundred of these lying around somewhere....well, maybe that is just my mother but I swear doilies are fairly common.  If you and your mother don't have some then you can bet your grandma probably does! :)  Growing up in my house, the funny thing about doilies and lace was that we had so many of them (a drawer full mind you) and that is exactly where they sat... in the drawer.  Sure they came out for special occasions but it was few and far between. Well, had I known about this DIY project when I got married I would have put them to good use! 

I love the idea of draping it over a vase you already have.  It is so simple and yet so elegant. This would compliment the decor at any vintage wedding but I also love the idea of putting it on a table next to your guest book!  Another great way to incorporate this into your wedding decor is to use it as a centerpiece.  The doily is so intricate that you would actually want very simple and minimal flowers in order to showcase the piece.  This would probably save you a lot of money on centerpieces as a result!  If you are interested in this DIY project, head on over to Re-Nest for the full DIY tutorial here.

Ecospheres are pretty amazing in my opinion.  They were originally developed by Nasa and are a completely closed and self-sustaining system.  Filled with algae, shrimp and bacteria an ecosphere truly is a miniature little world and requires minimal effort on the owner's part (no feeding required). They would make a pretty incredible and eco-friendly centerpiece for a green wedding, especially if paired with some votive candles and branches on a reception table.  I think they would look beautiful if contrasted against a dark navy or grey linen as well.  They can be purchased at Target, Brookstone and even on Amazon but unfortunately they run on the expensive side, starting at $60 for a 4 inch ecosphere and ranging up to $200. If you are on a tight budget and can't afford to buy one for each table you could always buy a few and place one on every other table or every third table as well. I think they would make a pretty amazing centerpiece and your guests could take them home after the reception and enjoy it throughout the year.

Images courtsey of Target, Amazon and Brookstone

If you are trying to think of ways to be more green with your wedding using potted plants instead of cut flowers in your décor is a less expensive and more sustainable choice. However, many couples worry about the style aspect of potted plants, especially because they tend to come in terra cotta pots.  While terra cotta pots are not necessary that stylish by themselves, look at all the things you can do with them!  I love these ideas because they allow you to get more creative and showcase more of your style and personality.

 Tie ribbons around the terra cotta pot

Paint them to give them a vintage feel

Surround them in birch or decorate with twine and other plants

Paint them plainly and still look how goregous they are with the right plant

Images courtsey of Country Ribbon, Catherine Lyons, Mrs Jones Painted Finishes, Accent they Party, Wedding Bee, The Knot and Northern Hollow

Monica and I are currently working with a client whose wedding reception is this Spring. The groom’s aunt owns a lavender farm outside of Seattle, Washington and we have been playing with various design ideas and ways in which we can incorporate lavender into their reception.  These images have been inspiring us.  I love the idea of potted lavender plants but then I also love the centerpiece that mixes lavender with mint!  It just sounds and looks so delicious!  What do you think?

Images courtsey of: Flickr, Wedding Bee, My wedding flower ideas, DIY weddings, and Entertaining Anytime