Today’s inspiration board is a classic color combination. These three colors have been used together for years.  You can pair up this trio with strong patterns such as damask or stripes, or tone it down with a pretty floral or vintage whimsy.

{movie poster save the date by Etsy seller LittleLadyCompany; bridesmaid dress from Celebrate Milestones; four-tiered card box from Etsy seller EmmaLeighDesigns; cake toppers by Etsy seller RedLightStudio; tablescape by Stuart Rental; cufflinks by Etsy seller blockpartypress; wedding photo by Ashley McFarlane Photography; reply card by Decadent Designs; photo of wedding cake by Charlotte Geary; favor boxes from Py-on-i Designs; black wedding dress from My Black Wedding Dress}

I have grown up in a home where Martha Stewart Living is one of the most oft-read magazines and, since I was old enough to truly appreciate weddings, have been a faithful purchaser of Martha Stewart Weddings. I have enjoyed the inspiration, the fabulous diy ideas, and the beautiful spreads. Martha Stewart Weddings, both the print magazine and the website, have been some of my greatest sources of wedding inspiration. As you well know, I often share information, ideas, and photos from MSW here on my blog.

However, I feel I would be remiss if I did not share my great disappointment with the current issue. As part of the large portion of the population who strongly believes marriage should be between one man and one woman, I was rather taken aback to see a homosexual wedding featured in the Winter 2010 issue. I may not always agree with the lifestyles and life choices made by all the people featured in every publication I read, but I do not appreciate picking up my favorite magazine to see photographs of homosexual couples being affectionate. For someone who believes that same-sex marriage is wrong, such articles and/or photos are offensive – and something I certainly would never knowingly pay money for.

I understand that one reader’s views, opinions, and purchases can not change the course of an entire magazine. However, I believe that I speak for a majority. A very large majority. As marriage amendments protecting marriage as between one man and one woman have been passed across the country, the facts speak for themselves – America as a nation does not support same-sex marriages. If you are also disappointed in this article as much as I am, I would encourage you to write to MSW and let them know. A magazine without input from its readers is not serving its readers.

***Note: I just wanted to clarify that I don’t hate homosexuals. I actually know a couple gay and lesbian people and they’re great folks. This, however, does not mean that I agree with their lifestyle choices. I don’t un-follow Twitter feeds or unsubscribe from great blogs just because the writer believes that same-sex marriages are fine – differences are differences. However, as a paying customer of Martha Stewart Weddings, I would like to be able to read the magazine without having to see photos of homosexual couples being intimate. Now, I understand that if I don’t like it, I should just stop buying it. And, if MSW continues to feature same-sex weddings, I likely will. But I do have the right to express to them my preferences for the magazine. As for my comments about being in the majority, those who said that the majority is not always right are absolutely correct. I’m not saying I’m right. I’m saying this is what I believe and that the majority of the American population believes the same. That is not just something I think, it’s a proven fact. Since so many of the folks who are for same-sex marriages have been boldly proclaiming how happy they are about this featured wedding, I thought it only fair that those of us on the flip side of the coin be allowed to share our opinions as well. Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts on the issue with respect for another view.***

{I don’t mean to open a debate over whether or not homosexuality is right. What I do mean to do is express my opinion. As this is my personal blog, that’s perfectly acceptable. I am a Christian and hold to God’s design for marriage being between one man and one woman. I am not ashamed of it. You are most welcome to disagree with me if that’s what you choose, but I do ask that you refrain from attacking my beliefs in your comments. Please, if you leave a comment, whether you are for homosexuality or same-sex marriages or against, remember to speak gently.}

Andrea and Peter are on a mission – they’re recycling aluminum cans to pay for their wedding! At 18,000 cans so far, they’re a little over 4% of the way to their total goal of 400,000. That’s over 5 tons of aluminum! That much recycling will give them about a $3800 wedding budget, something they hope to have achieved by July 31, 2010 – their wedding date. Check out their progress at WeddingCans.com.

This UK shepherdess designed her dress and had it created with wool from her own flock. It’s not quite my cup of tea, but I still think it’s done beautifully. The new Mrs. Fairburn looks like she could have just stepped from the pages of a fairytale! You can read the entire story here.

{photo by Jon Corken via Daily Mail}

My friend Elisabeth married her sweetheart in August. Before the wedding she had a bridal shoot with her friends Jonathan and Carrie of Blue Castle Photography. Elisabeth’s handmade wedding dress and bouquet (made from the pages of a Jane Austen novel!) were created due to a tight budget, but reflect her style and persona perfectly – and Blue Castle Photography captured all that in their beautiful photographs. The photos were taken at the Hanson Country Inn in Corvallis, Oregon. Here are a few of my favorites.

{Elisabeth is not partial to lots of flowers, but she adores books, so she handmade all the bouquets using writing from some of her favorite authors. The bride’s bouquet was created from the pages of a Jane Austen novel and the bridesmaids’ bouquets were made from Edgar Allen Poe books.}

{The bride and and one of her bridesmaids made Elisabeth’s wedding dress over a weekend. The lace trim was hand-crocheted by the bride. The hat/veil was a thrift store find that Elisabeth altered to her liking.}

{Elisabeth’s gloves were a thrift store find. When I asked her if that’s where the shoes came from she replied, “I wish I found the shoes at a thrift store! That would have been far more economical than the truth. I ordered them from Nordstrom. (But they were on sale!)”}