Happy Thursday, dreamers.  I hope you’re ready for a little indulgence today.

Whether it’s the antics of celebs like the Hiltons and the Kardashians, or the mystique of trust fund generations such as Athina Onassis, let’s face it:.  As an audience, we are intrigued with the lives of socialites.  Today, I’m inspired by the fantasy life of a young fashionista whose indulgences in delicate jewels, effortless haute couture and the exhaustion of having absolutely nothing to do but look gorgeous, make for an amazing wedding dream palette.

Inspiration: Indulge Me.

(Above: Photo by Eugenio Recuenco)

Dream Palette #73: SOCIALITE FANTASY

Colors: Hazelnut; Mustard; Dark Olive; Olive Green

(Above:   Mustard dress by Armani Prive; Baby’s breathe bouquet photo by Leigh Miller ; Toast & Marmalade photo by Ulrika Ekblom; Social building & Olive green sofa photo by Leigh Miller; Flower Sandals by Badgley Mischka; Ring by Jesse Danger; Vanity Chest; Champagne photo by Paul Joseph Hopper; Bride veil by Lori London via In Style Weddings; Suit & Tie; Flower Centerpiece by Flores Del Sol; Chaise Model photo by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia)

Plan the spring socialite wedding of your dreams.  If you missed our winter & autumn socialite palettes, visit here.

I’m besides myself with excitement over today’s dream palette request, inspired by the powerful and sensual dance of Flamenco.

Inspiration: Spanish Vogue

(Above: Photos by Alexi Lubomirski via Vogue Germany Dec ‘08)

Bride’s Story: Let me tell you about Mirabel.  After falling in love with Madrid during an exchange program, Texan native -Mirabel decided to take a job teaching English in a small village in the country side.  After moving into a remote cottage, she became quickly known among the townspeople as the English school teacher from the states.  Then, like the prologue to a juicy romance movie, she met and fell in love with the son of a local wine maker…and the rest is history.

Wedding Date: Their Spanish style wedding will be in Barcelona in the fall of 2011.

Bride’s Colors: Purple & Red

Dream Palette #72: FLAMENCO & FIERCE

Colors: Plum, Pomegranate, Fire Orange and Lilac

(Above: Boutonniere photo by Carlie Statsky via Rock ‘n Roll Bride; Flamenco dress by Melisa Lozano via here; Fan via Snappy Scrappy; Guitarist photo by Shawna Herring; Bride gown by Lila Couture; Stationery by Pancake & Franks; Table setting; Cake by Stephanie Williams Photography; Courtyard; Bouquet by Stephanie Williams Photography; Married Couple; Model with flower; Illustration by Britsketch)

Just another way to explore your sensual side.  For more ideas on Spanish Wedding Customs, visit here or here.  If you’d like to submit a dream palette request, email me.

Every single one of Eduard Erlikh’s illustrations enlivens the spirit, does an infectious tango with the soul…quite simply: Makes me wish I were a canvas.  It’s the colors, the silhouettes, the contrasts, the simple strokes that speak a thousand seams and languages.  As promised, here’s a destination dream palette inspired by his work.  Because seriously, doesn’t his work make you want to jet set to…well, anywhere?

Inspiration: ILLUSTRA-CHIC

(Above: Illustration by Eduard Erlikh)

Dream Palette #71: CARRIBEAN OASIS

Colors: Ocean blue, Green and Citrus Yellow

(Above:  Beachfront Estate by Brian K Crain Photography; Bride dress by Meiling; Strap heels by Allan David; Sugar cane by Brian K Crain Photography; Lemonade stand & Yellow/green napkins by Chris Lynn Photography; Stationery via Tha Hotness; Rum cake; Lemon drink by Jess Swazey; Fruit basket; Couple in shed photo by Leigh Miller via Green Wedding Shoes; Hat by Diva Delicious; Mojito cupcakes via Vegan  Yum Yum; Blue/green dress by Zadd and Eastman)

Have a wonderful Monday.

Today’s excitement is the result of three illuminating discoveries: A true Story, a illuminating album and a dream palette to top it all off.  Very seldom do I have the pleasure of hearing an amazing true story, listen to an eclectic ensemble of soulful folk music, and get inspired to do a dream palette, all in the same vein.

(Above: Mexican dancer photo via SPD; Celtic Dancers by Michael Pfammatter via here)

The Story

I’m talking about the tale of the notable countrymen of Ireland who deserted their army to fight with the Mexicans, during the Mexican-American War of 1846.  I’m talking about courage, history’s secret, bravado and the coming together of two cultures.  I’m talking about the fusion of Irish spirit and Mexican soul in a way that’s never been told…until now.  Yes, I’m talking about the expatriate soldiers of  St. Patrick’s Battalion, who paid the ultimate price to follow their hearts (deserting their home country), and remain martyrs in many eyes, till this day.  To read the full story, read here.

The Album

Ever heard of Irish/Mexican Music?  Guitarist and six-time Grammy award winner, Ry Cooder (Buena Vista Social Club) partners with The Chieftains, Ireland’s ambassadors to music beyond borders, in the release of their newest album: San Patricio by Concord Music Group.

Inspiration: SAN PATRICIO

(Above: San Patricio Album)

Some of the other artists on the album include Lila Downs, Los Tigres del Norte, Spanish piper Carlos Nuñez, Los Folkloristas, the Bay Area-based Los Cenzontles, the 90-year-old cancion ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, as well as Latin-music-attuned American musicians Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas. The music is an  explosive celebration of Latin rhythms, Celtic beats, and folk ballads that transcend mainstream sound, and blend elegantly like harmony to one’s ears.  The album is available for pre-order, here (On sale March 9)

The Palette

Dream Palette #70: IRISH FIESTA

Colors: Moss Green, Citrus Orange and White

(Above: Church photo by Yazyjo; Boutonniere via Our Blog of Love;  Guinness Bridesmaids photo by Stéphane Lame; Cake by Amorology Weddings; Cake topper photo by Jonas Peterson; Reception photo by Marie Labbancz via Bride’s Cafe; Mexican Cookies; Celtic Emblem; Bridal bouquet by Event Success [Photo by April Greer]; Fruit bowl & Punch photo by Ulrika Ekblom; Green & Orange Papel Picado via Good Housekeeping; Kilt; Bride with Band via Weddings by Color; Bride with floral headpiece by Richard Dunkley; Moss centerpiece via Brides [Photo by Wendell Webber]; Green Bridesmaids; Flower aisle decor; Donkey via Brides [Photo by Jim Bastardo])

Okay, I’m off to listen to San Patricio.  I hope you get to experience the fusion inspiration through music, history and now dream palettes.

Mid week, and we’re on a roll this Wednesday.  I hope you’re ready for a journey back in time.

With all the hype over the 82nd Annual Oscar Awards on March 7th,  I thought I’d dig deeper into one of the nominees in particular.  (Hope you didn’t miss the Avatar dream palette.)  Nominated in the categories for Best Costume design, Art Direction and Make-Up…and a popular theme among wedding styles, it’s only natural that a dream palette would be in order, inspired the movie The Young Victoria.

Inspiration: VICTORIAN SECRETS – EURO CENTRIC

(Above: Vanity Fair)

Emily Blunt plays the role of young Queen Victoria, monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland for over 63 years.  She was also the ruler in a time of intense global colonization of other countries such as India, Australia and many countries in Africa.  Needless to say, the Victorian era harbors a lot of emotional contradictions even today. Yet in spite of this reality, Victorian style is still very much a vast exploratory palette when it comes to art direction, design, fashion, and wedding style.

Dream Palette # 69: VICTORIAN & BLUSH

Colors: Black, Blush & Cameo

(Above: Dining Room & Busts via Topsy Turvy; Bride gown by Vivienne Westwood; Necklace; Lace gloves by La Camelot; Parasol by Pamela’s Parasol; Bedroom photo by Living Etc via Design is Mine; Pink House; Invitations by Hello Lucky; Lace Ankle Boots; Earrings & Pendant by Amedeo Inc. via Martha Stewart Weddings; Cake by In Style Weddings; Paper & Envelope; Typewriter by Salt Harbor Designs [Photo by Millie Holloman Photography]; Silhouette Mantle by Cutarts; Rings by Eric Norleen; Pink Bathroom)

In true Wedding Nouveau style it doesn’t end here.  We’ll take things a step further, dreaming in culture of course, to offer a fresh and unique approach to Victorian aesthetics.

Coming up later today, the alter ego of this eurocentric palette.  Trust me, it’ll blow your mind.

I finally watched James Cameron’s Avatar!

As a valentine’s day present to my husband and myself, my family volunteered to watch our 10-week old daughter, granting us our first date “sans bebe,” since last November.  We decided to go to the movies, something that I absolutely live for, previews and post credits included.  Three hours later, my world had been changed forever.

Coming from someone who prides herself in having an extensive palette on movies and a very critical standard…I was transported into a vortex of childhood imagination, giddy excitement for a potential sequel and absolute awe over every singe detail of graphic design, color scheme, plot and character.  Put simply, Avatar was “Slap-Me-it’s-so amazing” great!  So much so that I was inspired to draft up a wedding dream palette in continuation of our Reel to Reality series.  Didn’t think I’d go there, did ya!

Inspiration: AVATAR

(Above: Source)

Before you run for costume cover, trust me when I say that today’s dream palette redefines that whole “Something Blue” saying in a way that could make for a truly memorable event.  Remember, it’s an inspiration not a replica of the film (which should apply to all your wedding boards).

Dream Palette #68: CINEMA & FANTASY – AVATAR

Colors: Cobalt, Lime Green & Aqua

(Above:Yellow Tree House Cafe via here; Flower; Couple on bridge photo by Nine Photography via SWS Mag; Candle in water by Enchanted Florist; Blue eyeshadow; Tribal Wooden bracelet; Archer; Bride with braids via The African Bride; Love Carving photo by Punam Bean; Runway model with beads & Blue dress by Jean Paul Gautlier via here; Tree; Butterfly; Perfume bottle; Avatar Face via here)

The Breakdown

Where are my manners?  I’ve spewed words of excitement over Avatar, assuming that everyone reading this has seen it.  Since I detest movie spoilers in the crowd, I’ll keep my synopsis to a PR-approved minimum.  In this epic action adventure fantasy, we voyage to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination, called Pandora. We follow the journey of a reluctant hero as he embarks on a journey of redemption, discovery and unexpected love — as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. Avatar is exactly what innovative story telling should be by taking the best of the best in computer graphics as a support for excellent story telling.

REEL TO REALITY

Color and Composition:

(Above: Avatar; Candle in water by Enchanted Florist; Arched Ceiling photo by Angelica Glass; Flower; Butterfly )

Sometimes inspiration can come from just one shot, like the one above.  A palette of sensual and seductive color combinations can be enough to spring board into your design aesthestic.

Hair and Make Up:

(Above:Top Left- Avatar; Top Right- Avatar; Runway model with beads & Blue dress by Jean Paul Gautlier via here; Bride with braids via The African Bride; Blue eyeshadow)

Taking beauty elements and  re interpreting them to fit your style is always a plus.  If you missed the feature on ideas on alternative head pieces, visit here.

Props and Favors:

(Above: Avatar; Archer; Love Carving photo by Punam Bean; Brooch by Kirna Zabete via here)

Okay, so you don’t have to take the whole “robin hood” theme literally.  But incorporating the bow and arrow into your wedding as mini favors, jewelry and or decorative accents can make for unique touch.

Location, Location:

(Above: Avatar; Tree; Yellow Tree House Cafe)

I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.  The Yellow Tree House Cafe out of New Zealand is a gem for architects, foodies and nature enthusiasts.  If you’re no where near Kiwi country to book an event there, here are some examples of other exotic tree house locations for your wedding or honeymoon.

It’s dream palette Wednesday, an inspirational distraction from tomorrow, as I will be embarking on my first flight with my 10-week old daughter.  Fortunately my husband will be coming along to keep me sane.  We’re off to San Francisco to visit with family and to attend a rockin’ concert in which he’ll be performing.

If you’re in the bay area this Friday, do check out Tribal Disco Noise, part of the City of Hope Benefit Concert….

….aaaaand we’re back!

Inspiration: Red and Green Cider

(Above: Source)

In the spirit of the northern California region, I thought it’d be perfect to celebrate vineyards.  Today’s dream palette was requested by bride-to-be: Wendy.

Bride’s Request: Wendy is a Chinese American bride who is planning her August wedding to her fiance who’s “German, Irish, English, Scottish & American.”  You can be sure this will be the perfect blend of traditional style and modern romance.  Because her heritage and culture is a huge part of who she is, Wendy is hoping to create “a fine balance for their inter-cultural wedding.”

Date & Location: August 2010 in a Vineyard

Dream Palette # 67: CIDER & ROMANCE

Colors: Candy Apple Red, Grape green and Fresh Linen White.

(Above: House by Good Earth Cooking via The Swishlist; Bride and Flower girl photo by Laura Bruen via Project Wedding; Red bouquet photo by Emilie Inc Photography via The Knot; Cake photo by Jonas Peterson; Seating card photo by Gene Higa; Champagne glass photo by Bryan Johnson; Shoes & Grape photo by Marie Labbancz; Green shoes by Luxe Event Productions via It’s a J’aime Thing; Fruit crate; Vineyard ; Invitation by Leigh’s Wishing Well; Signage on Lawn photo by Jonas Peterson; Mannequins by Paul Joseph Hopper [Photo by Nick Watt]; Red sash photo by Laura Bruen via Project Wedding; Wine barrel photo by Leigh Miller)

Things to consider when picking a Fusion Palette:

The same rules apply to regular weddings as they do to fusion weddings.  When picking your color palette, it’s always easiest to fine tune your selection of hues to at most – four.   Of course the laws of nature dictate that more colors will innately be included, but typically as accents, details and complements NOT main colors.  Just because a color is symbolic of a certain culture, doesn’t mean you have to go with it, if it doesn’t speak to your emotions.  Fortunately in this case, Wendy’s main color (red) is one she likes.

I’ll let Wendy describe how she decided on her color palette:

“Red plays a huge part in Chinese weddings; it’s the color of luck! You see it everywhere during Chinese New Year, in red envelopes (lai see), the traditional Chinese wedding outfit is red. So it was a no brainer that red would be a dominant color in our wedding theme.  White is of course the dominant color of American weddings, white wedding dress, etc.  Being at a vineyard the color green was an easy one to choose as our accent color.”

Color Palette Ideas:

(Above: click here for details)

(Above: Click here for details)

For more asian inspired color palettes, click here.

For a more extensive breakdown of traditional Chinese wedding customs, visit here.

Wendy, I hope this sends you off on a confident note.  Happy Planning!

Who doesn’t love the summer, the season of sunshine, garden parties and fresh fruit?  Our fourth and final installment of this week’s Valentine’s day dream palette is all about berries.  Whether it’s black, blue or strawberry it makes for a sexy and playful dream palette.

Inspiration: Couture Sorbet

(Above: Dress by Atelier Aimee via Paper Olive; Women in Purple and Red by Badgely Mischka via here [Photo by Annie Leibovitz]; Dessert via  Martha Stewart Weddings)

Dream Palette # 66: LOVE ME IN BERRIES

Colors: Purple, Strawberry and Lilac

(Above:  Garden reception by Paul Joseph Hopper; Face Model via Bride and Bloom; Purple and red bridesmaids photo by Leigh Miller; Red cottage photo by Jen Huang; Purple Heart Ring; Bride photo by Kelly Herring via Sarah Kaye; Berry Buffet via Red House Design; Coasters photo by Suthi Picotte; Valentine’s Day Stationery by Rifle Paper Co.; Cake via Broke Ass Bride [Photo by Lucida Photography]; Two Bridesmaids; Plate Setting via Better Homes & Garden; Flower girl and cart photo by Leigh Miller)