A few weeks ago I was walking through the woods with Mister Two Big Browns, my better half. It was one of those fairytale spots during one of my favorite times of year … right before the woods wake up again. Believe it or not, a bunch of waterfalls were doing their waterfall thang below us, and the tree cover overhead was thick enough that we were walking on nothing but pine needles, stones and moss. The only thing missing was a flock of manic bluebirds shrieking Zippety-do-something.
The colors were irresistible. I forced Mister Two Big Browns to snap a photo (he’s the official camera carrier). Of course, who knows where the pic is now, but everything was dreamy. All those subtle greens. Not trendy ones, mind you — no kermits or limes, but the softer, grayer greens of moss and lichen. These, on top of damp stones sitting around long enough to accumulate some plant life. And then the grace note: copper-colored leaves from last year’s efforts by the beech trees, waving in the breeze. It was unbelievable.
It made me think of ultra-romantic sea settings. And wonder why more beach-theme weddings didn’t go this route when it would be so very tempting. You know, with all the pirate/Titanic energy floating around from past years. Who could resist the allure of sextets, brass telescopes, pocket watches and cottage roses? Not me.
If I’d seen Titanic, which I haven’t (but certain images are burned into everyone’s brain), I’d be thinking of that lush Edwardian vibe. To me, the colors brought to mind The Tempest, one of Shakespeare’s most lyrical and fantastical plays.
If I were daring and went this route, I’d consider a gorgeous green gown. Green gowns are gaining ground (say that five times fast), quietly and stealthily. Think “green gown” and the reaction is probably “ew!”, but the reality is, a formal gown in an opaque sage is incredibly flattering and classic.
Other elements: not-too-fussy combinations of brass and copper. Even iron. Add in a hint of orientalism (throwing a bone to the Edwardians), like those birdcages and that cake. Victorian cameos, and distressed silver urns. Keep the flowers lush and old-school … can’t go wrong with roses. And make sure that there’s plenty of gray in your scheme for your greens and coppers to flow off; its quietness and richness is unbeatable. Finally, it’s hard to see in the pic, but that garden table at the top shows a Martha CP of creamy roses in moss-covered cylinders. Perfect!
So, what do you think? Would you go this road for a beach wedding, and what else would you add? For specific pic credits on this board, bounce over to Polyvore.
