exceptional photography • cameron ingalls

my best friend, an avid photographer and lover of vintage cameras, was recently married in paso robles, california. naturally, her choice of photographer was a critical decision for her wedding.

as with all things creative, she impressed me with her keen eye and her brilliant selection of cameron ingalls — one of the most talented and original photographers i've ever worked with. what's more? he's fun, flexible, and up for anything.

cameron's eye for color, light, detail, and for capturing genuine moments is just stunning. i love that his canvas for each wedding includes artfully posed photos mixed with whimsical candids, as well as beautifully fresh, abstract, even off-the-wall shots.

browse through his slide show and you will be summarily impressed and surprised. cameron is available in california, and for travel throughout the globe.

signature cocktails • signature colors

i love putting chic idea tapestries together, but for this post, i couldn't decide between sharing my latest color inspirations or one of my favorite wedding elements: the signature cocktail.

so, i figured, why not both? after all, shouldn't your signature drink be a reflection of your motif?

orange and brown are classic combinations. this board features a tequila-spiked chimayo cocktail that not only coordinates, but tastes delicious. apple cider gives it a kick and its unique color.

sandy champagnes, muted golds and a playful seaside / beach theme keep the overall palette from seeming too formal. our starfish beach wedding invitation also blends well with the theme, staying upscale in a relaxed way.

for the daring couple who wants vibrant color, aqua and cherry are exceptionally harmonious. the pop of red against a calm blue background is at once fun, eye-catching, and sophisticated.

the cherry blossom wedding cake by amber in norfolk is stunning — and, it's vegan! it is also the perfect complement to our peony wedding invitation, lined with japanese cherry blossom paper.

the cocktail here is just as bold: a boston pops martini garnished with cherry pop rocks. can you stand it? so cool! like the palette, it's a choice for the totally hip.

orange & brown image credits
• invitations – paper olive
• cocktail – myrecipes.com
• cake, dress, flowers, tablescape – the knot

aqua & cherry image credits
• invitations – paper olive
• cocktail – yumsugar.com
• cake – nicole michael
• tablescape, favors, candy bouquet – brides.com

citrus silk and lilly pulitzer • the perfect floral dress

okay, new obsession. lilly pulitzer.

i have always adored her signature one-of-a-kind handbags, but after hunting for the perfect dress for summer wedding season, i was reminded of a second reason to love this refreshingly trend-setting designer — lilly pulitzer's saemus silk beaded dress.

it's a total throwback to the classic shift dress of the 60s, but at the same time it's modern and feminine and totally playful. the caftan neckline, bishop sleeves and citrus-hued beading make this more than a simple day dress, but a retro closet must-have.

i first saw this little lovely at neiman marcus, but it is also available directly from lillypulitzer.com in sizes 0 - 14. now, i just need shoes to match. hmm...food for another blog?

paper olive featured in fifth ave magazine

we are proud to announce that paper olive has been featured in fifth ave magazine of naples, a luxury publication that caters to naples and southwest florida, and covers all topics from fashion to philanthropy with an insider's point of view.

our feathered wedding invitation is currently a feature in their may weddings issue, which is dedicated to highlighting the best in 2009 designer gowns, hot invitation trends, elegant cakes and luxe honeymoon spots. if you don't have a subscription, you should definitely have a look.

please join us in our excitement, as we love fifth ave magazine!

vera wang giveaway from weddings unveiled

weddings unveiled has partnered with vera wang to give one lucky completely unveiled blog follower a gorgeous dress from the vera wang maid to order dress collection, now available online at verawangonweddings.com. the vera wang maids collection ranges from the perfect lbd (little black dress) to lovely floor length evening gowns, all impeccably designed by vera wang.

and what's more, the winner gets to choose the dress she likes in the color she'd like. to learn more and to enter, visit the completely unveiled blog. good luck!