MAGENTA, PERSIMMONS AND CRIMSON

A bright and vibrant color scheme brightened up Kohl Mansion on a beautiful summer day.

"CASCADE" BOUQUET, A COMEBACK?

Does anyone remember that famous cascading bouquet of Lady Di.  A huge waterfall of blooms by Longmans Limited of London. The very bouquet, one of three and was seen globally,  she carried during the ceremony, consisted of Odontoglossum orchids, Stephanotis, ivy and tradescantia leaves plus few sprigs of myrtle and veronica taken from the bushes planted by Queen Victoria.

The popularity of Lady Di's and Prince Charles wedding punctuated the 80's with her ankle length bridal bouquet, forever engraved in our memory, alongside football armor -wide padded shoulders, Madonna's "like a Virgin and big hair, really BIG hair. 

 A whole decade of Lady Di's bouquet copy cats ensued and eventually died down in the early 90's.  Because, as fashion identifies an era, the time was ripe for a floral and bridal bouquets makeover as well.

The time couldn't have been more perfect for domestic diva. Martha Stewart, who single handedly made a simple hand tied bouquet, which has been around for centuries, NEW again. She made it current and the modern brides, likes bees to a fragrant bloom, were all over them. They were coming to a floral consultation with Martha's Bridal Magazine in tow.  But as all conceivable bridal hand tied bouquets combinations have been done and featured in Bridal magazines, websites and blogs for over 2 decades, I am seeing a shift, as brides born in the early 90's are seeing the "cascade bouquet style" as nouvelle. Just like, Katie Briscoe Hahn, who had specifically requested a cascade bouquet for her wedding last June. How chic.

A hand tied cascade of phaelonopsis, peonies, garden roses, lisianthus

Images by Michelle Walker Photography

ALICIA AND JOE - LOG CABIN, PRESIDIO

This wedding was conceptualized by the bride, Alicia and coordinated  by the mother of the bride, Marci Signori. At our first meeting she brought with her a hurricane lamp. We initially had a slight difference in color ideas as I had suggested magenta and orange to go with their  burgundy theme. Although she liked the colors, she was unsure that it would work. I assured her that having too much reds in "log walled" venue (log cabin) might be too dark for a wedding reception plus the fact that reds don't show too well at night (unless you pair it with something bright or pin spot light it). Eventually she had given me the freedom to compliment their color theme and she couldn't be more pleased with that decision. here is what we came up with.

KATIE AND ADAM - A CLASSIC ALL WHITE AFFAIR

Mrs. Briscoe, who was then planing her daughter's wedding Katie to Adam Hahn, was referred to me by Kris Forbes, who I met through our mutual involvement at the annual "Holiday on a High Note" fund raiser at the Circus Club in Atherton

Early on Mrs Briscoe and her beautiful daughter wanted an elegant all white classic backyard wedding reception. Same with the ceremony at the "Church of the Nativity" in Menlo Park. After several meetings, slight revisions and additions with Pat, Katie and Melissa Panico of  MAP Events , the following images showcase our efforts.

 Church of the Nativity

VINTAGE, RUSTIC AND NOSTALGIC

     Rustic and retro inspired themes seem to be most popular with  brides last year and more so this year.

     From burlap linens, bows, wooden blocks to assorted weathered chairs, antique lace, mason jars, retro/vintage ambiance can be easily achieved. Gather up  just about anything that  reminds you of the past, mostly of  your parent's or grandparent's era, this could be personal. I believe, it's the nurturing lullaby of your grandma, the nostalgia of a calm voice,  unforgettable scent, music,  trinkets , memories  weathered photographs evoke  are just a few reasons why vintage/retro is endearing to us.

    To me , classic florals such as garden roses, sweet peas, herbs help achieve this feel with a few addition of seasonal flowers to give it a more updated look. 

Memorial day weekend of 2013, at the Log Cabin , Presidio, San Francisco. we were very

happy to be part of a wonderfully put together Vintage reception. It felt homey, nostalgic and simply beautiful.