What I love and cannot have

I may be a scientist, but I'm constantly inspired by many forms of art to include in the design style of our wedding.

Something I've been searching for desperately is botanical sketches of flowers to work as an underlying (dare I say it?) theme to the wedding design.

I absolutely love the food sketches of John Burgoyne on the back of my Cook's Illustrated each month! Wedding planning aside, I wish I could frame each of these sketches and hang them in my kitchen! The sketches really drive home a rustic, home-made feel, don't you think?

plus mushrooms are delish! if only I could incorporate chanterelles...

I've been looking on google now and then for hand-drawn sketches of poppies and lavender, but you know what? Botanical sketches are really hard to find! Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong place. Have you come across an inspirational botanical sketch?

Isn't this poppy just beautiful?

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My favorite botanical sketches are the ones made from early scientists (as the poppy, above). I love how the analytical science of the sketch blends with thoughtful curiosity and the intensity of having to look at a flower for so long.

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I've got a secret, too! We told our invitation designers about our idea of including botanical sketches (along with pressed flowers, as found on etsy here) - if I can't find it on google, I can contract an artist! :) I can't wait to share the results with you! And honestly, I can't wait to see them myself! While I would have loved to have someone from the states like Milkmaid Press make our invitations, the logistics (which I may go into later) proved to be quite a head ache. :(

When I was looking for more inspiring photos to give to our invitation artist, I re-stumbled upon Mrs. Cherry Pie's invitations. She had such beautiful simplicity! Kindred spirit, you're coming in handy, now! ;) I love how the sketch of the wheat and the flower marry so nicely ;). I showed these to our artist also, and requested he "marry" the lavender and the poppy.

I've got another secret about our invitations, too - but we're still waiting to see if it will pan out!

Sketches of botany introduce what I call "subdued elegance". Take these placemats from a wedding, for example - rustic elegance at its best.

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Have you been inspired by a particular form of art for the design style of your wedding? What's been your biggest inspiration source? (please tell!! :) )