Have you talked about what you will call your in-laws yet?  Mom… Dad… or maybe everyone would prefer to keep it on a first-name basis allowing the possibility of Mom or Dad to be an acquired term of endearment… perhaps one that comes with the passage of time, holidays and children?

For some, calling your soon-to-be in laws Mom and Dad may not come easy~ for any number of reasons. It’s no surprise that every family system is different but as soon as you say “I Do” you’re related! Now what?

Perhaps the best approach is to simply ask your in laws what they prefer to be called before the wedding day.  Will you be comfortable with whatever that is?

Tell us, how are you deciding what to call your in-laws?

Color is celebrated in modern weddings.  The colors you choose will be the beautiful thread that will weave  your wedding together ~ from your attire to your decorations and embellishments and through your wedding stationery.

But where do you start?  How about letting van Gogh or Frieda Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe or Monet… be your initial guide.  The ultimate painter of color… I chose Starry Night by van Gogh to illustrate my point (which I’ll make soon, I promise).  If you don’t have a favorite artist, simply take a walk with your digital camera and take photographs of images of colors that inspire you… a field of flowers a garden theme, sand and seashells a beach theme, the inside of a funky boutique or antique store for a retro or vintage theme … You get the idea.

Then, upload your photo into a color palette generator like this one.  When I uploaded Starry Night, it generated this palette~  an excellent place to begin.  Using a color wheel might also be helpful in determining color relationships to making your palette pop: complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) Harmonizing colors (colors next to each other).  Neutral tones give you a backdrop to work with. Monochromatic colors are different shades of the same color.

But, there’s more, of course.  Take your time and reflect on the season and time of day you’re getting married.  How are your venues decorated? What kind of light is available?  What is the mood you want to evoke? Take into consideration the skin tones of your wedding party and take them with you when choosing their attire.  Keep your primary colors to around three; there is confusion when a palette becomes unmanageable with too many colors.  That said, have a blast putting it all together…

How are you choosing your wedding colors?  Where did you gain inspiration?  Make my day and leave a comment! You know I love hearing from you.

Photo Source: Van Gogh painting: Wallyg

It’s hard for most of us to imagine what military couples go through to get married and stay married~ being apart, raising children, moving, finances…  Based on a few family and friends and watching Army Wives, I really have no idea what this lifestyle is like on a daily basis.  What an honor… what a blessing… and what sacrifices these couples must make for themselves and their countries.  The following images are of Joe and Tiffany~ at Joe’s deployment.  Taken by the oh so talented Cathy & David Photography, these images capture emotion and stoicism so beautifully.  Ye be warned~ tears may very well find their way out of your eyes and onto your keyboard… they did mine.

More of these incredibly touching photos can be seen at Cathy and David’s blog.  Go… they’re wonderful!

Resources:

Military Designs offered by MagnetStreet Weddings for Save the Dates, Invitations, Thank You Cards, Address Labels and Seals.

I love to curl up on my couch with a cup of tea and a good magazine!  That said, I am enjoying the 2009 edition of Real Simple Weddings.  Uncluttered, the magazine is filled with inspiration, lovely images and comprehensive information for every aspect of the wedding.  If you’re a fan of Real Simple magazine… you’ll find Real Simple Weddings for $13.95 a helpful resource.

p.s. this is a simple review of the magazine~ without affiliation or sponsorship.