What Inspires Me: Shells, Part 2

I think shells are a delightful accent, especially when they've been collected by the couple or remind them of a first date spent sitting on a nearly deserted beach enjoying a sunset.

The shells in our house are from my travels across the US - California, Texas, Alabama, and Florida. There are other shells in the collection that were purchased from the Shell Shoppe in Morro Bay when we visited my grandparents. As I said earlier, the shells you find in our place are part of my story, not our story. (If you follow my food blog, you'll get a glimpse at my collection next week.)

If shells are part of your story and you'd like to include them in your wedding, here are some things other couples have done.

Credits (from left to right): Styling by Flowers on the Green, spotted on Sparkle & Hay; Martha Stewart Weddings by Sandals Resorts - Seaside Serenade Package, spotted on I "Do It" Yourself; Photographed by Erin and Fredrick of Aregrayline Photography, spotted on Delightfully Engaged. 

Credits: Left - Photographed by Henry + Masci Photography, spotted on Glamour and Grace Weddings. Middle Top - Design & Styling Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations (via Lollipop Event & Design), photographed by John Schnack, spotted on Alchemy Fine Events Blog; Bottom - Photographed by Brett Harkness, spotted on Love My Dress. Top Right - Photographed by Jonathan Wherrett, spotted on Polka Dot Bride; Flowers by Wedding Flowers by Nichole, photographed by Geneve Rege, spotted on Ruffled.

Credits (from left to right): Photographed by Brett Harkness, spotted on Love My Dress; Cake by Veronica's Sweetcakes, photographed by Henry + Masci Photography, spotted on Glamour and Grace Weddings; Cake by Casual Gourmet, photographed by Geneve Rege, spotted on Ruffled. 

Did you incorporate shells into your wedding? How?

What Inspires Me: Shells

Pottery Barn's Summer Catalog arrived in the mail yesterday and I'm in love. If you've ever been to our place, you'd notice shells tucked into all sorts of corners. On a shelf in our linen closet. On top of built-in drawers. On a ledge above our shower. (We didn't incorporate shells into our wedding as shells are my thing, not our thing, as I grew up less than a couple of miles from the Pacific Ocean.)

If you're planning a summer beachside wedding, flip through the pages of this season's Pottery Barn catalog. There's some neat ideas that you could use for an escort table display or for your centerpieces.

Pottery Barn's Summer 2011 Catalog

Where do you draw inspiration from?

If you're looking for ideas of how shells have been used in weddings, check back this afternoon for Part 2 of this post.