Citrus Zest: How to Bring Yellow Into Modern Wedding Design

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

We’ve been seeing quite a number of weddings and events incorporating vibrant bursts of yellow lately, and each and every time we’re left in serious awe. However, yellow isn’t a typical color seen in airy wedding palettes or those with blush hues…so we understand that it can be a bit *daunting.* Well, in order to combat the fear of the lively color, event designer Forrest and J teamed up with Cyd Weeks Photography to bring us today’s modern editorial!

The Nursery By Southwinds in Irvine provided the perfect space to bring together this modern design with a citrus twist. Jenny of Forrest and J shares: My zest for life was incorporated through every aspect of the design. We wanted saturated backdrops in almost neon-like yellows, modern floral installations that still had a touch of tradition, and a pop of orange sprinkled into all the decor.

Let’s see how they mixed modern with zesty citrus hues, shall we?

The Details

yellow wedding invitation

Setting the stage for the modern design elements, Darla Marie Designs fused citrus with a poppin’ contemporary aesthetic.

Willow By Watters Dress

Talk about gorgeous posies! We are LOVING the way Not Just In Novels incorporated some peachy pinks and neutral hues into the bouquet to round out the boldness of the yellow blooms.

The Ceremony Space

floral arches

What a way to frame the space!! The location is already STUNNING with the verdant trees, but to add in the accent of those floral towers that turn in is absolutely brilliant!

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Willow By Watters Dress

Oh, and that Willow By Watters dress? It’s contemporary yet boho, don’t you think? Digging that fan-like quality of the lace.

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Adding in an industrial yet sort of luxe element, Happily Ever Etched crafted the darling sign above—which personally, we think is perfect for the big day…and such a sweet momento for after!

The Modern + Vibrant Lounge

cocktail bar cart

We’re convinced we need this craft cocktail station in our home. Cali Craft Cocktails, you in? ;)

signature cocktail

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

To complement the cocktail station, the team styled this fun lounge with pieces from Sundrop Vintage.

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

They totally pulled this look off because once again, they rounded out the boldness of the yellow with neutral hues and a pop of pink.

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

seating chart

And, of course, when the theme is citrus…why wouldn’t you incorporate actual fruit into the décor?

The Citrus-Themed Tablescape

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

THAT TABLESCAPE. Why does this work so well? They framed the space with the hanging lanterns (dig this as much as us? Check out this Love is in the Air! Hanging Floral Installation Ideas for the Wedding), and carried the yellow florals from above to the tablescape.

orange reception chairs

The yellow is contrasted by the accents of black, and then they chose a very modern and contemporary design for the chairs. Even though the colors were bold, everything felt very grounded and complementary.

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

So absolutely dreamy!!

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

We ADORE the texture in the florals and the use of palm fronds for the natural touch, which is contrasted by the modern signage and black candlesticks.

yellow peony

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Jenny shares a little tidbit about the styled shoot (for those that are planning): Not everything goes right… Our groom model was a no-show the day-of, and we all scrambled to find another during set up and shoot time. It came down to the fact that our bride would be playing it solo for this one, but it turned out epic!

She totally stole the show and showed, who needs a man to make a wedding look good? Haha, well, I guess you kind of need a partner for the real deal, but hey! When life gives you lemons!

Willow By Watters Dress

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

Why does this work? The contemporary aspect is brought in with the cool shapes of fabric Michelle Rogers Styling draped on the wall behind the dessert station. She expertly picked up the color palette and used hues found in the florals!

Zesty Citrus Wedding Inspiration

pink and red macarons

Sugar Crush Sweets crafted the cutest lil’ sweet treats for the day.

white wedding cake

And then…there was this masterpiece of a cake + scene!! How INCREDIBLE is this?!

This team proved you can fuse citrus hues with contemporary design. Well done, creatives!

photography: Cyd Weeks Photography // venue name: The Nursery By Southwinds, Irvine, California, USA // event design: Forrest and J // planning: Forrest and J // florals: Not Just In Novels // wedding dress: Willow By Watters // hairpiece: Prism Boutique // bride's shoes: Prism Boutique // bride's ring: Prism Boutique // hair stylist: Meghan Valerie Hair & Makeup // makeup artist: Meghan Valerie Hair & Makeup // paper goods: Darla Marie Designs // calligraphy: Darla Marie Designs // cake: Sugar Crush Sweets // desserts: Sugar Crush Sweets // furniture rentals: Sundrop Vintage // linen rentals: Willow Ship // models: Bailey Jane // laser cut signage + small details: Happily Ever Etched // dessert station fabric backrop: Michelle Rogers Styling // bridal accessories + bridal suite decor: Prism Boutique

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