A Wine Country Wedding for Michelle and Matt

Before I start, I must say that I am rather proud of our amateur photography work! Blake and I recent adopted a new camera, and are having a blast with it!! I cannot wait to see Jen Molander's professional shots... Anyhow onto the BLOG

Recently we had the honor of creating Michelle and Matt's wedding flowers.

The couple got married at the beautiful BV Estate: Beaulieu Gardens in sleepy Rutherford, CA.

For those who are not familiar, this venue is absolutely amazing, featuring manicured gardens, rustic statues and fountains, and a shady canopy covered in twinkle lights. Michelle and Matt opted for a Family Style Dinner. Centerpieces were scattered along the length of each table. Small votive vases held individual rose blooms for each guest.


A rustic fireplace was put to perfect use! Although Michelle and Matt met as young adults, they found that as children they played at the same playground. Both parents had photos of the bride and groom as tots at this playground. These individual photos flanked a picture taken of the two together as adults at the same jungle gym! What a small world! Floating candles and rose petals brought romance to the fireplace as well.

Michelle, the talented owner of Pad and Paper, wanted a natural garden feel for her wedding. Matt and Michelle planned to have a fun and carefree evening, which we mirrored in the floral arrangements. Daises, Roses, and Hydrangea were some of Michelle's favorites. Accents of bupluerum helped to create a wild garden feel.

Attention to detail was key at this beautiful event. Some of our favorite details included pomander balls! These small floral balls fit perfectly with Michelle's wedding style.

Pomanders of Sage Hydrangea, White Daisy, and Red Spray Roses adorned the bridal chairs, ceremony aisle chairs, as well as a wooden bridge that welcomed guest into the reception area.

The bouquets also complimented this wedding's carefree spirit with fun and whimsical floral choices while keeping a traditional elements to honor the day. Small Daisies, Roses, and Sweet Freesia along with Seeded Euc made for fresh and easygoing bouquets.

Michelle's something old was an antique locket which we fastened to her bouquet. Pearl beads wrapped "corset style" further embellished the bouquet. Inside the locket were photos of the couple's puppy Murphy as well as her beloved pup who had passed away. Unable to have their furry friends at the ceremony, this was a special way to include them in their wedding.

A closeup of Michelle's maid bouquet shows the bright and cheery blooms. If images could smell, the orangy-red Freesia would offer a sweet aroma! This natural and fragrant bloom is one of my personal favorites!

No wedding would be complete without DESSERT! A cupcake tower of delicious Sweetie Pie cupcakes was the perfect choice. Chocolate, Vanilla and Red Velvet cupcakes adorned the creative cake-like stand. Of course a pomander ball was the obvious cake topper!

Cheers to the Happy Couple!! Thank you Michelle and Matt for letting Gillian Marie Event Design be a part of your magical day!

Vendors:

Florist: Gillian Marie Event Design

Caterer: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

Day of Coordination: Yong Suk Willendrup

Photographer: Jen Molander Photography

Cupcakes: Sweetie Pies

A Laid Back Reception for Wendy and Mike

Mike was a childhood neighbor, so I was especially excited when his beautiful wife Wendy contacted me about their upcoming wedding reception.

The two were married in an intimate wedding in Maui last year, but wanted to celebrate their union with an outright BASH! Their ease and excitement was infectious, and the hawaiian party fit their laid back style to a T.

This reception was unforgetable! Setting up the flowers, we were surrounded by the sweet smell of tropical flowers and the familiar tunes of the band warming up. We all sang along with a smile on our face! It was quite the day!

Here are some of my favorite photos!

A ivory pillar candle was set in modern arrangement of dendrobium orchids. Placed on a graphic monastera leaf, these cocktail arrangements were a hit!

The tropical centerpieces reflected Wendy and Mike's easygoing and fun spirits. Flowers included some of my favorites: fragrant stargazer lilies, glossy alstromeria, delicate dendrobium orchids, and fun spider mums.

I noticed that Wendy's giftcard box needed some tropical flair. Loose flowers and greenery are a perfect solution to a bare box.

A hawaiian party wouldn't be complete without a surfboard. We anchored a floral adorned surfboard to the middle of the pool.

Congratulations Wendy and Mike!

BLOGGING: A Fall Resolution

Summer came and left without much time to enjoy the sunshine.

I admit that blogging took a backseat to the busy wedding season.

As the leaves change color and the air cools down, I am given a few extra minutes to sit down and reflect on the busy summer and upcoming holiday season. While most wait until the New Year to make a resolution... I am declaring mine early. I will no longer be a deadbeat blogger!

I have never been good at keeping up with resolutions to stop drinking sodas or to exercise more, but who knows. Hopefully this resolution will be different!

I cannot wait to share some of my favorite photos from this past summer.

Wishing you all a fabulous fall season!
Gillian