Board#227: Red Hot Summer

Well if this doesn't have you feeling all summery like nothing will!!! It's definitely getting that way around here now; the cicadas are out, flowers are in full bloom, the humidity is on the rise, and the supermarket's are stocked with cherries... a sure sign Christmas is upon us!! This board makes me so happy!!

Photos from top left; Cake | Jen Huang via Southern Weddings Mag, Bride with Nectarines | Logan Cole, Shoes | J Anderson Photography, Hibiscus Bouquet | Jose Villa, Dessert | Anice & Cannella, Model | Alicia Swedenborg, Page Boy & Flower girl | Jose Villa, Wedding Sign | Eric Kelley via Southern Weddings Mag

Board#220: Dahlia Delight

Sometimes it just takes a couple of small touches of colour in your wedding palette to elevate it from dull to delightful (although being a big fan of neutrals I am in no way saying that having no colour is dull... quite the opposite!). I love how this otherwise classic green and white look is just lifted with a couple of pops of red in some of the details. And of course you could substitute that red for any colour under the sun. If you follow me on facebook you would have seen me post this gorgeous bouquet by the fabulous Jacin of Lovely Little Details and I just had to whip up a board based on it!

Photos from top left; Bouquet | Jacin Fitzgerald, Ivy Basket | , Boutonniere | , Wooden Sign | , Sign with flowers | , Old Letters | , Wreath | , Couple | Jana

Board#208: Summer Sorbet

Photos from top left; Macarons | Aaron Delesie, Bouquet | Haute Horticulture (photo by Annabella Charles), Lemon | Windy Dougall, Invitation | Ruby & Willow, Cherries | Haute Horticulture (photo by Annabella Charles), Citrus drinks | Helen Norman, Bridal party | Allyson Magda

Board#204: Blushing Crimson

Our poor wee Charlie is going in for an op today to get speyed! I feel bad for her. Sorta hoping it's going to calm her down a touch, although most people have said it didn't make a difference to their pups. Anyone had any experience with that?
I love all these muted warm blush and mocha tones with the punch of a coraly (I know, not really a word) crimson, so pretty without being uber girly... if that makes sense? I think the neutral tones lend an earthy touch to it. I also really love the concept of having big rugs scattered on the lawn for your guests to kick back on, and the touch of lantern light just makes it magical. I think this is the perfect palette for a very chic but relaxed garden wedding.

Photos from top left; Bridesmaids | Braedon Flynn, Girl with red heart | Elizabeth Messina, Outdoor seating | Amy & Stuart, Galvanised tub of apples | Kirsten Ellis, Peach tumbler | Avery House,  Pencils | via Style Me Pretty, Invitation | via Style Me Pretty, Cake | Elizabeth Messina

Board#200: Afternoon Delight

We got back from our lovely weekend break to Melbourne last night, and were very happily reunited with Charlie who went a little nuts when she saw us!! Although it would seem she was thoroughly spoilt by Jon's parents while we were away! It's crazy how much we missed her over three days... I hate to think how many times we talked about her and wondered what she was doing. A wee bit obsessed perhaps? Are all you puppy owners out there like this? 

Well we're about half way through winter now and I'm hanging out for the days to start getting a bit longer and warmer. I'm loving the idea of a fun afternoon soiree dressed up in pretty frocks (love that word!!), sipping yummy cocktails and nibbling tasty treats off pretty vintage crockery. Sound pretty appealing huh?

Photos from top left; Vintage plate | Claire Mossong, Table setting | Jose Villa via Once Wed, Shoes | Claire Mossong, Drinks | via Pippin Hill Farm Website, Girls dancing | Leo Patrone, Stationery | Linea Carta, Pink Cocktails | White Loft Studio, Strawberrys | My Tartlette

Lobster Bake Inspiration Board

I had the honour of guest posting for Chandra from Oh Lovely Day last week, and I shared this fun summery Lobster Bake board. I've always wanted to have a holiday in Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard and of course these colours transport me there! I think having this as a theme for your wedding would be SO much fun... have any of you considered this idea?

Popsicles | Sutherland Kovach for {MAG}rouge, Couple on beach | Trent Bailey, New England Tablesetting | Trent Bailey, Invitation | Ruby & Willow, Stripy Straws | Elizabeth Messina, Aqua Drinks | Sutherland Kovach for {MAG}rouge, Sorbet | Cannelle et Vanille, Starfish | Stacey Hedman

Board#185: Bon Appétit

I hope you're hungry this morning cause today's board is all about food, food, glorious food!! Who says you need to have just wedding images to inspire your big day? I don't know about you but the colours of these food shots do it for me. I'm a little obsessed with food styling these days... isn't it incredibly how appealing they make it look... although I'm quite sure this all tastes just as good as it looks. So given your choice what would your first and second options be amongst this lot?

Photos from top left; Butter cubes | Ellen Silverman, Cheese table | Sunday Suppers, Coffee Cake | Fresh New England, Cherries | Sunday Suppers, White desserts on cake stand | Sunday Suppers, Mushrooms | Chris Court, Strawberry Tarts | Cannelle Vanille, Dried Pears | Chris Court, Sponge Cake | Tina Rupp, Chocolate Cake | Tartlette, Caramelised Pears | Chris Court

Style Files: MochaRougeCaramel

Today see's the start of a new 'column' here on Magnolia Rouge... I thought it would be fun to pull together some items to work with the board I posted yesterday. What do you think of this style of post? We do them in the magazine, and I know as a reader I've always loved these sorts of pages... they're so attention grabbing to me. I would love to hear your thoughts?

Boots | Lipgloss | Dress | Nailpolish | Bread Bin | Jacket | Bracelets | Trousers | Charger | Flats | Wooden Canister

Board#183: Mocha & Rouge

Doesn't this board have you wanting to rug up and wander the streets of _______ (enter European city of your choice!) stopping in at cozy cafes to sample the local fare and drink warming hot chocolates? It does for me! Mine would be Salzburg by the way! All things going well I will be walking the Tongariro Crossing today... a beautiful 20km walk across stunning Volcanic mountains (for my non-kiwi readers!). And we end up at the stately Chateau for the night so if it turns cool, I'll be doing just this!

Photos from top left;Couple on street | Benj Haisch, Cake | I am Baker, Pinecone | Sarah Hasstedt, Buttons & Spool | Styling by Jill la Fleur, photo by Jose Villa, Cheese Cake | Segerius Bruce, Couple | Benj Haisch, Cheese | Sunday Suppers, Cookies | Fresh New England, Shoes | We love Pictures, Coffee Cups | Sunday Suppers

Board#180: Country Fair

It's been a while since I've posted an inspiration board so I thought I'd go for some all out colour! How gorgeous is that bouquet full of texture and the little birds nest? This colour scheme would make for such a fun outdoor or barn style wedding.

Bouquet | Apryl Ann, Vintage Label | What Katie Ate, Bride | via Style Me Pretty, Invitation Suite | via Green Wedding Shoes, Fruit | Cannelle Vanille , Fruit & Flowers in Crate | via Style Me Pretty, Lemons on Hay Bale | Jenny Haas, Programs | Katie Day, Car with Paper Pomanders

A colour story - Red, Pink & Teal

Annnnnnd we're back!! Sorry things have been a little quiet around here... fallout from the magazine release you could call it!! And a wee thing called Charlie that came into our lives last week. If you follow me on Instagram (rubywillow) or Facebook you've probably seen this gorgeous gal over the past few days and you might want to be prepared for an onslaught of puppy pics!! We've spent the weekend getting to know her, lots of playing, lots of cuddling, and getting in on the training early!! Mostly she's been very good... except for getting hyperactive last night and knocking over a freshly made cup of herbal tea... thankfully not on herself! But after 10 minutes of whining she made it through the whole night without much of a whimper so I'm very proud of her!! Today will be interesting thought as it's a miserable rainy day and of course we can't go and frolic on the lawn so indoor games it is!

I wanted to share with you the colour story from our recent issue that I worked on. For this one I set up a little dinner for two in my back yard. I absolutely love doing these and if time allowed I'd do one once a week, but they're always far more time consuming that I estimate them to be! But I do have fun with them. And of course I just love the colours in this one! And those mints were so good... confession: I went through about three packets before I eventually did the shoot!! Addictive!

Board#177: Ruby & Sage

I love the contrast between these soft sage greens with just a pop of red throughout. Use a touch of it throughout your flowers, pop some red heels under your dress, sprinkle red text throughout your stationery. I think the key is not to overdo it, just keep it to a handful of elements.

Check back in later for a very exciting giveaway!!

Photos from top left; Dress | Lisa Warninger (styling Chelsea Fuss), Bride | Adam Barnes, Bridemaids | Abby Jiu via Style Me Pretty, Flowers in vintage tin | White Loft Studio, Tablesetting | Veranda Mag, Red Peony | Elizabeth Messina, Model | Stephanie Williams for Ruche, Cupcakes | Fresh New England

Sneak Peek and Sponsors...

Morning all... and a happy weekend to you!! I want to end the week by saying a HUGE thank you to all my new readers. The past couple of weeks the readership has increased hugely so thank you, thank you for coming along and checking out my goings on (and of course all the beautiful work from so many talented people!!). I appreciate it very much!!
I was going to post this shoot last week but it's been 'elevated' to the magazine :-) so for now just a peek of my colour story...  and a bright and cherry one at that! And yep here I go again with the red (I must be in denial!!). Also just a note about sponsors... I've been asked many times over the past year or more about accepting sponsors/advertisers and I just haven't gone there as yet, however I do have plans to in the coming months, so if you are interested please shoot me a mail. Otherwise I will announce it on here once I've had time to sort a few things out with the blog. (I know I seriously need a search button on here!!). Have a wonderful weekend everyone. K xo

P.S. be sure to check back in Tuesday (New Zealand time) for a fabulous giveaway... one I'm not so secretly hoping I win myself :-)

Check out these posts from earlier in the week...
The sweetest of engagement shoots from Danelle Bohane

A little fruity Valentines Inspiration Board

An incredibly romantic surprise proposal shoot

A fun whimsical woodlands wedding complete with animal masks!

Outfit of the week

An Orange & Yellow Colour Story

A southern style seersucker Inspiration Board

Board#175: Fruitful Romance

H-h-happy Valentines!! Surely you knew a V-day style board was coming up right? I couldn't let the day slip by without something related. I have to say that for someone who always professes to not be 'the biggest fan of red', I sure have been using it quite a bit of late, especially in my own little colour story shoots. There are certain ways which I'm most definitely (and quite strongly) opposed to it I guess you could say, but there are ways in which I think it's fabulous and it really adds 'oompf' to a look. This is one of them! But for me it would be crucial to bring in touches of kraft or straw colours rather than just have the ivory. Somehow that makes it ok for me :-)

So we don't get big into the whole Valentine's thing in my household. We do a card always but don't go overboard on gifts or anything. I do however have a nice meal planned out, and to be honest I think that would be as much appreciated as any gift!! I'm very spoilt through the year to be honest so no complaints from me.
Check back in a little later when I have the sweetest of surprise proposals caught on camera!!

Photos from top left; Bouquet | by Kathleen Hyppolite (photo by Scott Clark via Grey Likes Weddings, Apples | Andrea Dozier via Postcards & Pretties, Cake | Jose Villa, Popsicles | Jubilee Photography, Icecream & Strawberry Flan | Canelle et Vanille, Couple | Jose Villa

Board#166: Melon Sorbet

Doesn't this just scream summer? Summer... hmm, we're supposed to be in the thick of it but it doesn't even feel like it's started. I would say we've had a handful of summery days at best. In the seven years since I've been back living in New Zealand, this is by far the worst it's been... we were so incredibly spoilt last year with hot sunshiny days. Here's hoping it's late to start and stretches on well into autumn!!

Teal and red, baby blue and melon, aqua and coral... they're all such fun colour combinations. This calls out for a wedding that doesn't take itself too seriously. How much do I want one of those drinks trolleys? Just to pull around my house when I have guests!! And that melon sorbet is looking tempting no matter what the weather is doing!

Photos; Sorbet | Cannelle et Vanille, Bridal Party | via Style Me Pretty, Melon on plate | Martha Stewart, Beach scene | Olaf Szczepaniak, Drinks Trolley | Brides.com, Invite | Hello Lucky, photo by Abby Jiu, Outdoor table and caravan | Polly Alexandre

A colour story - Apricot & Red

I had so much fun working on this colour story for {MAG}rouge!! Inspired by the amazing Mangosteen fruit, I love the combination of the rich red with caramel, apricot and peach tones. I had this gorgeous apricot floral fabric that worked perfectly with them and from there it took shape. Don't you think this would make for such a pretty wedding colour palette?... and that's coming from someone who is not the biggest fan of red in weddings.

All photos by Ruby & Willow

Christmas Candy Inspiration Board

I haven't had a whole lot of time for blogging this week but hopefully you don't mind me reposting this board and some of this shoot from Simply Bloom that I posted this time last year...  I'm sure you won't as it really is just gorgeous Chrismasy inspiration! This is where my friendship with Vania & Christine began, when they asked me to create stationery for this delightful shoot. I love the colours in this board for Christmas... a modern twist on the traditional red and green. In fact I'm using two of these colours myself this year? Can you guess which one I'm leaving out?

Photos from top left; Stationery | Ruby & Willow, photo Simply Bloom, Fruit in Bowls | My Tartelette, Lollipops | Chelsea Robbins via Postcards & Pretties 2nd row; Bride & Groom on beach | Q Wedding via Style Me Pretty, Menu | Sunday Suppers, Fruit cups | Cannelle et Vanille, Chairs | Abby Jiu via Style Me Pretty 3rd row; Candycane Jellies | Chelsea Robbins via Postcards & Pretties, Converse | , Stationery | Ruby & Willow, photo Simply Bloom

and a closer look at the stationery...

Board#163: Apple Pie & Ribbons

I know, I know, I kinda launched a magazine and all but disappeared!! But this week I'm back with some stunning real weddings and a couple of inspiration boards. I'm trying to get all my stationery jobs in order before taking a few weeks off over the summer (that is if summer ever decides to arrive!! Seriously it's been the windiest three months I can ever remember, and now the next 10 days... rain, rain and more rain!!). I also plan on getting some things done around the house and garden... have finally made major in roads in my dining room decor which is VERY exciting, and will hopefully finish decorating my office too. We will also be working on Issue number 2 of {MAG}rouge which is very exciting and I will spend some time catching up on photographing stationery jobs from the past six months (see aforementioned weather rundown as to why I'm so behind!!) as well as releasing some new designs. With the addition of the magazine to my work load I'm going to take some time out to reassess Ruby & Willow and the direction I want to take it in!
Don't the colours in this board just make for the most fun wedding? And really who doesn't want a rope swing with ribbons at their wedding? 

Credits from top left; Apple Pie on blue chair | Lisa Lefkowitz via Style Me Pretty, Ties | General Knot & Co, Centrepiece | Jen Huang, Swing with ribbons | J & M Marantz, Paper Ephemera, Couple with Truck | Union Photography, Cake | Jose Villa

Board#160: Enchanted Whimsy

I completely fell in love with the whimsical nature of this table setting with the vibrant cushion on wooden logs... would you not just love to attend a lunch in that setting? I think it would be a must to dress as a fairy though :-) I am so glad it's Friday... it's been another long ol' week!! If you're waiting on an email from me please know that's it's coming today... first up on the agenda is to blitz the email box so I promise... it's on it's way :-)

And remember today's the last day to enter the stationery giveaway... leave your comment here.Winner will be announced tomorrow!!

Photos from top left; Table setting | via Saras Party Perfect Blog, Couple | via Polka Dot Bride

2nd row; Cake | Andrea Dozier, Groomsmen | Duston Todd, Cake | Elizabeth Messina

3rd row; Green Dress | Stephanie Williams for Ruche, Bouquet | Jose Villa, Couple | Meg Perotti

Have you liked {MAG}rouge yet?

Board#157: Love in the Orchard

Morning!! How are we all? Nice weekend?... did anybody attend a wedding? The weather here wasn't especially wedding like unfortunately, someone's lost the memo that summer is meant to be on it's way! I had a lovely afternoon and evening with this super special lady on Friday... so nice to take time away from my desk to relax... even if we did talk weddings much of the time! We hit the Mexican cafe and had a few too many mojitos... although we stopped just in time to not embarrass ourselves on the dance floor with the Salsa experts!

Doesn't this board just make you instantly think of carefree summer days!! ahhh I'm yearning for them ! (MUST work on my plan to take 3 weeks off over Christmas to actually experience summer this year!!) There really is something about a fruit orchard that makes it so appealing as a wedding venue. I think it takes us back to 'romance' of picking fruit as kids! The places I used to go and do that are all built up and industrialised now which always seems so sad!
Here's to a fabulously productive week!

Photos from top left: Green Bottles/Vases | Anna Kern, Sorbet & Fruits | Cannelle et Vanille, Menu | Meg Smith

2nd row; Red Converse | Loreta Blog, Escort Cards | unknown, Couple in Orchard | Elizabeth Messina

3rd row; Summer fruits | My Tartlette, Invite | Ruby & Willow, Flowers | Jose Villa