The Perfect Affair at Battery Gardens

Esther and James were married in the Spring at Battery Gardens in the historic Battery Park. In case you did not know, “Battery Park is a 25-acre public park located at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City, facing New York Harbor.” (Wikipedia) Loved this beautiful location and designing the perfect arrangements for this affair!

The bouquets featured coral peonies, and were central to the design. This beautiful flower has limited seasonal availability making it a very special choice. When coupled with the peach garden roses and white-toned flowers, the peonies really pop from these color complements. I was inspired by this couple’s sophisticated arrangement choice, and thought their look went perfectly with the awe-inspiring venue. So much health and happiness to Esther and James!

Planning & Inspiration

Bridesmaids 2.0

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While those who we might choose as our bridesmaids at our weddings may not change with the seasons, the trending wedding apparel we see for bridesmaids is always transforming. The choices are dazzling and endless. For that reason, narrowing down how you make your choices, and being aware of what your bridesmaids may want and need, is a decision that requires some extra consideration.

Ruching

Firstly, you want your bridesmaids to feel beautiful in what they are wearing. The dresses should be flattering and comfortable. No amount of makeup or jewelry can complete a look more than confidence and appeal. One stylistic element that works on just about everyone is ruching. Ruching’s diagonal pattern brings the focus of the eye inward, creating a stream-lined silhouette.

Throwback Thursday: The Renaissance Style Wedding

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Today I could not help but feel inspired by Shakespeare. I already posted one blog article earlier that managed to incorporate a wedding-esque version of Hamlet’s speech (“to sit or not to sit” is indeed a question) but I just was not ready to be finished with this guy! Being an actress in my freetime, I have a special place in my heart for Shakespeare. I may not always entirely understand what he is saying, but I do enjoy saying it. That’s what matters. There is no question there. So, continuing with my Shakespeare-kick, I decided to look into wedding trends that would represent a (Thursday) throwback to his era. What I discovered fit my love of Shakespeare well: the trend of his time reimagined for today’s wedding is aptly described as “Renaissance.” How might I describe the Renaissance style? Luxurious, epic, and majestic. With gowns featuring brocade fabric elements, enchanting v-necklines, corset-style bodices, and dual-layered dress-skirting, I could not help but experience a rebirth of my love for all things Renaissance, Shakespeare, and wedding-oriented. The jewelry is intricate and softly ornate, standing as a reflection of the high-gothic art that once hailed across Europe during this time period. Color choices in bouquets, centerpieces, and overall design elements are deep, lush, and earthy, connoting power, strength, and solidarity. Above all, what strikes me as most significant about the influence of this time period on wedding fashion is the fascination with details, artistry, and a true enduring love of beauty. The Renaissance represented a time-period when the European world opened it’s cultural eye to new possibilities and ideas. The art of this time period reflected this new enlightened way of seeing the world. It is no surprise then that within its echo in today’s wedding styles, we see an enthusiastic love for fine art exalted through the celebration of love that is a marriage.

Planning & Inspiration

Wedding Etiquette: Seating Your Guests

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To sit, or not to sit, that is the question. Well, ok maybe Shakespeare isn’t necessary for pondering the significance of who to seat where at your wedding reception. Then again, there are probably some heavier-esque things to consider. Firstly, be aware of any issues of physical ability. If grandma is in a wheelchair, be sure to seat her near an entrance/exit for easy access in case of fire, or in case of something more mundane, like needing to use the restroom. Also consider theproximity of her location to meal and beverage if you are doing a buffet-style reception. Even if she is not making her plate up herself, someone else will be no doubt assisting her, and so the distance to travel should be considered. Now remember, other family will also want to sit near her, like mom, and maybe even yourself, so you’ll have to consider her seat in relationship to other people, as well as her needs.

Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Palm House

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June 8th, 2014 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The marriage of Tracy and Michael. Photography by Emma McDonald Weddings. Floral Design by Bride & Blossom.

When Tracy first approached us with her floral design request, we were more than delighted to be able to work with her. She picked out a beautiful array of flowers that suited her unique style, as well as fun and festive summertime wedding colors. Her look also connected to a very vintage feel, which went perfectly with the ceremony and reception venue at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, as pictured above. Tracy’s bouquets and centerpieces featured a wide-variety of flowers, including peonies, garden roses, spray roses, orchids, succulents, and dusty millers. Her bouquets were lush, vibrant, and made a marvelous complement to her the style of her wedding dress, as well as the look of her bridesmaids, and one adorable flower girl.

Planning & Inspiration

Spotting the Perfect Wedding Invitation

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I have this wonderful morning ritual. It only recently became a ritual, and it began by accident. Still, the importance of it I cannot shake. When I first wake up, before I am even thinking about my cup of coffee, or better yet, that crisp shower and fresh towel, I go downstairs. I sit on the living room couch, gaze out the window and wait usually no longer than 30 seconds before my adorable dog, Peaches, joins me.

Now, there is something truly special about Peaches to me. Before I had Peaches, I was rather afraid of dogs. As anyone who knows anything about dogs can tell you, the worst thing about being afraid of dogs is that that makes them more likely to do the things that make you afraid of them to begin with. Being ancestors of wolves, dogs smell fear as part of their way of understanding who belongs in whatever position in the pack hierarchy: there is always a dominant, or alpha male-female pair, and then subordinates, in the pack. They come to depend on everyone upholding their roles, especially those in the alpha position. When they smell fear, they attribute it to a lack of pack-stability, and attack that which is afraid to establish some kind of dominance and to let them know who is charge. Read More

Weddings