Wedding flowers by Scarlet Petal Florist Chicago, IL

Beyond the Basics: Aisle Runners

When our brides come in to chat about their ceremony décor, most request a traditional white aisle runner. Historically, white aisle runners date back to the days where guests were forced to travel through muddy, unpaved streets to attend a loved one’s wedding.  Once inside the church, paths of muddy footprints were tracked across the floor. The last thing a bride in a white gown would want to do is walk down a muddied pathway, hence the white aisle runner. Groomsmen and the like would draw down the runner just before the bride was led down the aisle.

Well, times have changed and so should your runner! I welcome you to become inspired by the collection of photos below. We created a gorgeous runner for a wedding we just did recently at the Chicago History Museum. I have also pulled a few from other various sites on the web (click on the photo for more information).

Remember, the sky is the limit!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicago History Museum Wedding, Scarlet Petal

Fabulous Shoes!

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!  Think beyond the basics when selecting the perfect shoes for your wedding day and go with color! Carrie Bradshaw said it best, “The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” I couldn’t agree more! Colored shoes speak wonders in photographs. They not only reflect your personal style, but also serve as an expression of your mood (being one of the happiest days of your life). Take a look at some of the fabulous shots below and become inspired!

 

 

 

{Photos by jessicalyn402, style me pretty, jose villa}

French Floral Design

If you’re searching for something fresh in floral design, consider the French approach. The French have a fabulous way of combining beautiful floral with natural elements used in unconventional ways.  The textures, overlays, and clustered components result in floral designs that are remarkable!

I have been following one florist for some time and absolutely love the way she creates masterpieces out of basic things like myrtle, green moss, and orange peels. One can also consider this type of design to be very “green”.  Even what most florist consider to be scraps can be used to create textured and lush vessels for a gorgeous floral arrangement.

I have included a few examples of this type of design below. To view more, visit lauradowling.com.

W Hotel City Center Wedding

We just wrapped up a fabulous affair at the swanky W City Center Hotel in Chicago. For those who haven’t been, the décor is innovative and ultra modern from the moment you arrive into the lobby.  There are high-style floral arrangements climbing the walls of the foyer.  In the distance are a series of check-in kiosks illuminated in revolving neon colors of indigo, fuchsia, and lime green.  It was a perfect setting for what the bride and her mom set out to achieve, and what I ultimately interpreted as being avant-garde.

 

W City Center Hotel, Chicago

W City Center Welcome Desk

Photos: Starwood Hotels

Lexi, her mom and I had so much fun creating the ambiance for her wedding. We decided to fuse exotic floral with natural elements like bleached white manzanita and black birch branches.  The dichotomy of the two worked well within the surroundings of the ceremony and reception space, both held at the W.

Lexi loved vanda blue orchids. Their rich indigo color rarely found naturally in any other flower couldn’t be replaced, so we went with it and created 10 bridesmaid bouquets for her attendants. It was a stunning contrast against their black cocktail dresses. She carried a dense cluster of white cymbidium orchids and Patience garden roses bound in fabric from the bridal gown. (Professional shots of these to follow.)

Lexi’s ceremony required a chuppah, but not a traditional one. Instead, we added a luxurious crystal curtain to accent the frame and tied back the panels of the chuppah with wide black bands of fabric. Indigo uplights were brought in to add drama and over 24 pillar candles illuminated the fireplace set right behind.

 

 A black aisle runner was drawn down the processional aisle and adorned by patterned cymbidium, dendrobium orchid blossoms, and crystal gems.

The escort card table itself presented a different shape.  Rather than using your typical 6ft table, we paired two and staggered them. Then we took 12 vases exhibiting submerged cymbidium orchids and adorned the tops with a long stream of black birch branches, calla lilies, and cymbidium orchid clusters.

Finally, the interior of the reception room displayed 3 different minimalist designs amongst 12” black, square pillar candles. It was beautiful!

 

Congratulations to both Lexi and Mike! We wish you a happy and healthy future.

A quick note to share from the bride:

"Oh my gosh, Esther you guys did SUCH an amazing job last night!!  I was blown away. Like a hundred people asked me who my florist was.  It was everything I wanted AND MORE.  Thank you so much for creating the perfect setting!!  I am so thrilled."

Beyond the Basics: Feathers and Flowers

Not too long ago I used to detest feathers. The thought of pairing them with my fresh flowers made me quiver. As of late, I have to admit, feathers have become one of my most favorite elements of decor. I love how the colors and textures enhance the simplest palette.

This upcoming weekend we are producing an Old Hollywood wedding at the Newberry Library. We designed large scale ostrich feather sprays to adorn the lobby space alongside over sized palm plants. It reminds me of an old Audrey Hepburn film, like Breakfast at Tiffany's. She was stunning!

Here is an inspirational board for you to consider while planning your own enchanted evening.

Photos Collected:Flowerella.com,myweddingflowerideas.co.uk,picodesign.com,aperfectengagement.com,hostessblog.com,blogforthebrides.com

Beyond the Basics: Table Napkins

There have been lots of discussions lately focused on table linens and how they affect the napkin.  We get thrown questions like, “Should the color of the napkin match the color of the linen?,” or “Can we bring in a different color napkin to add more to the table decor?”.  Given there are so many options to choose from, I have conjured up a list of questions you can ask yourself during the decision making process.

1.       What theme am I trying to create? If it’s whimsical, then I say add more color. If you’re a modern bride then consider going with a monochromatic palette and play down the napkin. You can also create a defined scale by color blocking and have two defined colors between your linen and napkin.  If it’s traditional, then most likely you will be considering a basic palette of ivory, white, or muted tones in which case the napkin will most likely coordinate with the tablescape itself.

 

2.       What does my place setting look like? If it’s a standard setting of white china, then a whimsical bride might use this opportunity to brighten up the plate with a colorful napkin.  Modern brides might choose to select a cohesive color that won’t draw the eye to the napkin, but more the balance between it and the table linen.  If it’s an ornate setting, a neutral napkin like ivory or white is probably best. Again, the napkin is a piece of décor only if the tablescape requires additional assistance.

 

3.       Will I be displaying favors or floral décor upon each place setting? If so, then I would definitely consider how the napkin will enhance the gift to your guests. The photos below will help to illustrate how one affects the other.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

All photos by BBJ Linen

Beyond the Basics: Votive Varieties

Here in Chicago, the city fire code requires that all natural candlelight be enclosed in glass (given our city’s history!).  Luckily, most venues across town offer complimentary, enclosed votive candles for use at your special event (most offer up to 5 per table).

When simple white votives aren’t enough, consider these alternatives:

 

Damask Votives by Favorcreative.com

 

Cinnamon stick wrap with raffia by Curbly

 

     Handpainted by Cursive Design

 

Corn husks bound with satin ribbon by Martha Stewart

 

Vellum wrapped glass votives by The Knot user mskoala

 

Wooden box by Curbly

Votives are also a very cost-effective way to illuminate your guest tables.