I received two requests along the same lines for something rustic yet not sloppy. Here are the requests:
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Hi Grey!!!
I absolutely love your blog! Anyway, I really like the idea of a wedding with a rustic chic feel to it (think barn feeling but in an upscale venue) but I’m not really sure how to pull it off without looking sloppy. Whenever I come up with ideas that seem rustic, they just seem to be too low-key for the venue, which is a gothic stone building set on a lake. The wedding will be outside between the two. Do you have any ideas? Thanks!
-Erin
Hi Grey! Like Erin (3/5/09) I am also planning a wedding in a stone ‘castle’ set on a lake. I would love to see what ideas you come up with for her. I loved the “Lakeside Vintage” inspiration but there wasn’t enough color for me. I’m having a hard time finding a happy medium between the formality of the castle and the more relaxed atmosphere outside by the lake.
-Natalie
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Okay Ladies. Here’s the low down. In order to incorporate rustic elements without making it look sloppy, you do two things: lighting and juxtaposition. Lighting is super important, as it will add warmth and romance…notice all the settings I included that draw you in because of how beautiful the lighting is.
Second, juxtaposition. What I mean is that if you put a really shabby looking sign with the word “moonshine” painted on it, make sure the bar below is delightfully pretty, with flowers, candles, etc… Other examples: the chalkboard with your fancy menu written on it, or the piano sitting outside in the courtyard. This look is all about creating juxtaposition: mixing the rough with the soft, if you see what I mean.
Natalie…in terms of your desire for color, it depends on when you get married, but I love the bright lemons as an option. So lovely! Hope you all enjoy. Let me know your thoughts!
Sources: 1. Leigh Miller 2. Matthew Mead 3. Amy Loves Sweet Love 4. The Knot 5. Leigh Miller 6. Leigh Miller 7. Leigh Miller 8. Amy Loves Sweet Love 9. Amy Loves Sweet Love 10. Leigh Miller 11. Amy Loves Sweet Love 12. Leigh Miller 13. Leigh Miller 14. Kim Valee 15. Leigh Miller 16. Joy Marie 17. Brides 18. Joy Marie