Last week I received an e-mail from Carmel, a bride in New Zealand planning a wedding with a theme I just couldn’t resist. She’s combining her love of vintage fashion with the clean, minimal lines of a New York loft style gallery space. Be still my beating heart! She asked for a little help finding ideas and putting together an inspiration board, and I was more than happy to comply…

Top row: Carmel’s dress is by Temperly London, the same dress that the lovely Jennifer Garner recently wore to her movie premiere, except Carmel’s is ivory with clear, beaded glass crystals. Instead of a bouquet she will be a carrying this blue clutch to match her Art Deco style wedding ring. I thought these gorgeous Oscar de la Renta blue and purple crystal ribbon sandals from Net-a-Porter.com would fit right in with her bridal look.

Second row: For her wedding and reception decor it’s all about glass and candles, adding warmth to the stark white interior of the gallery. Glass in vintage inspired shapes like these candle holders from CB2 will blend the modern and vintage vibes together, and simple bouquets like this white Cattleya orchid bouquet from Martha Stewart can decorate the tables in clear glass vases.

Third row: Make the most of the dramatic architecture and interesting spaces with some clean white benches and pillows for guests to lounge on, and small sparkling votives covering every surface like in these romantic photos from GH Kim Photography and J. Garner Photography. Get the groom into a classic black tuxedo, for a sharp look that never goes out of style.  

Fourth row: Glittering chandeliers will bring an old fashioned glamour to the minimal loft space, and great deals can be found at Gallery 802. 

Fifth and sixth rows: Instead of a traditional wedding cake, try a dessert buffet with candies, cookies and petit fours piled high in vintage jewelry and gift boxes like in these sweet photos styled by Paul Lowe via Vivian Artists, or colorful Parisian macaroons in glass dishes like these from Paulette Macarons in Beverly Hills.

Seventh and eight rows: Carmel’s wedding party will be dressed to the nines with the men in handsome tuxedos, and the women in varying styles of jewel tone dresses like Marc Bouwer’s GlamIt! sapphire sateen gown, and Vera Wang’s navy satin belted gown, delphinium deep v-neck gown, and fuchsia charmeuse halter dress from Bluefly.com. Add some sparkling jewelry like this Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski feather cuff from Net-a-Porter.com for an elegant antique inspired touch.

Thanks Carmel! Keep us up to date on all your exciting wedding finds; we can’t wait to see how it turns out!