One thing I’ve seen other brides do, and felt curious to try myself, is taking a look at how the actual wedding compares to the original inspiration board. Our goal for our wedding style was part Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and part Father of the Bride. We wanted the whole evening to feel more like an elegant backyard dinner party than a wedding. Here’s our inspiration board, or what I liked to call our “reality check board,” at the time:
Photo credits: (Left to right, top to bottom) 1. Personal photo, 2. Personal photo, 3. Domino Magazine, 4. Style Me Pretty, 5. The Photo booth Experience, 6. Watters, 7. Style Me Pretty, 8. Classic Party Rentals, 9. Style Me Pretty, 10. Style Me Pretty, 11. A Boxed Event, 12. Style Me Pretty, 13. Jose Villa, 14. Evrim Icoz Photography, 15. Martha Stewart Weddings, 16. Style Me Pretty, 17. Martha Stewart Weddings, 18. Style Me Pretty, 19. Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, 20. Personal photo of backyard, 21. Martha Stewart Weddings, 22. Style Me Pretty, 23. Personal photo of veil
And here’s how it all came together in real life:
All photos by the fabulous Chloe Murdoch, with Mike Larson Photography, Inc.
I am really pleased with how our wedding turned out. There are definitely some differences in the details, mainly due to DIY projects I gave up on toward the end, like having a cool guestbook. But I think the overall feel of the event was exactly what we had hoped for and more! What do you think?
Married hive members, how do you think your weddings compared to your original inspiration?
I love seeing the inspiration and the results!
And for what it’s worth, I think your results are even more beautiful than what you envisioned.
I always love seeing the inspiration vs reality, your wedding was beautiful as was your inspiration.
You totally nailed it!! I love to see all those detailed shots of your wedding, all together!
Reality>inspiration. You had such a gorgeous wedding, Turtle.
Agree with everyone else – the reality trumps the inspiration! 
I’m so impressed with you ladies who surpassed your inspirations! You had so many lovely details at your wedding.
Wow, Turtle! Your real life board is a million times prettier than what you were even imagining! Amaze!
Loved your wedding, Turtle! And you did a fantastic job turning your vision into your wedding dreams!
Thank you all for the kind words!!
@bRooklynRocks: Haha, the difference is that the first board consists of pictures from other weddings and the second board IS our wedding. I’m flattered that you think I followed my inspiration that closely!
@Mrs. Tartlet: Look who’s talking, Tartlet! Your wedding pictures look like a photo shoot with models!!
P.S. For some reason the colors in the first board look funny. Everything that looks bright purple-y is more light pink! (They’re accurate in my “reality check board” link!)
I think you went above and beyond your inspiration! You should be really proud of all your hard work!
I definitely agree with everyone else, inspiration < reality! Your wedding was so pretty (:
ahhhh, the turtle wedding photos always make my heart sing. reality board is five gazillion times more fabulous. bravo, T!
Your wedding turned out a thousand times better than your inspiration board!
I love seeing the inspiration boards compared to actual wedding photos. I see that you had a really clear vision of what you wanted. And I really like the dresses that I believe are bridesmaid dresses.
I LOOOOVEyour wedding and your inspiration. I think it came together beautifully. I’m so glad you were a bee. You were such a gorgeous bride and your taste is a-may-zing!
Mrs. Turtle, Central California Age and Occupation: 21, Art Student/Teacher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English Student Engagement Date: August 16, 2008 Wedding Date: July 2010 Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CA About Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
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