DESTINATION: TECH SAVVY WEDDINGS

WhatsApp. Facetime. Skype. Who knew that modern-day technology would find itself elevating modern-day destination weddings.

My team was elated to work alongside Nahid Global Events to design a grand multi-day wedding celebration for Pav and Akal at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton in Orange County, which is known for its luxurious five-star rating and sweeping panoramic views of the coast. With five back-to-back events to plan for this couple, we knew there could be challenges, being that the bride and groom to-be lived halfway across the world in India. I am a firm believer in establishing a solid relationship with my couples to guide them through the design process, so this was a job for the world wide web.

ENTER THE APP STORE.

After meeting the couple and their family briefly during their initial site visit and planning trip, we decided to communicate via WhatsApp, which conveniently translates languages, to share inspirational images and video samples from India. This was a game changer to help us connect despite any language barrier. We took it one step further and began sharing a design deck of color palettes I created. I uploaded it to Google Slides to share with them for comment, collaboration; it was a transcontinental conversation. Our meetings occurred over Facetime, naturally.

We had five events to execute for the 3-day wedding weekend, including:

1.    Welcome dinner at Club 19 at the Monarch Beach Resort (formerly the St. Regis Monarch Beach) on Friday evening.

2.    Mehndi Luncheon on Saturday morning on the lawn at the Ritz Carlton.

3.    Sangeet at the Ritz on Saturday night.

4.    Ceremony at the Ritz on Sunday afternoon.

5.    Reception in the Pacific Promenade, following the ceremony.

WelcomeDinner.jpg
Blog 1 Collage.jpg

Each event had its own design scheme.  We started with the welcome dinner for 70 guests and created all the tabletop centerpieces and arrangements for the food stations. The Mehndi luncheon was a slightly bigger event, up to 125 guests, where we installed hanging strands of marigolds as well as large floral pieces  to the outdoor buffet and tent lounges. Those were interwoven with all the tabletop decor designed in eccentric bud vases, interweaving fresh florals and paper flowers.

Blog 1 Collage 4.jpg
Blog 1 Collage 5.jpg
Blog 1 Collage 6.jpg

The Sangeet celebration was a grand affair in rich jewel tones with tall lanterns and candelabras embellished with floral centerpieces in deep burgundy and gold shades.

S-2.jpg
Blog 2 Collage.jpg
Blog 2 Collage 2.jpg

For the official wedding day, we designed an elaborately lush mandap framed in an array of ivory and pantone-approved coral roses mixed with specialty eucalyptus, and Phalaenopsis orchids in 4-column tiebacks. We included two front arrangements leading up into the mandap to balance out the blooms. Then the reception was yet another showstopper. It featured a candlelight backdrop draped in orchids with a textured blue and gold linen from BBJ that became the foundation for the sea of white floral table runners and globed centerpieces, with warm, romantic candle lighting all around.

S-Ceremony.jpg
Blog 3 Collage.jpg
Blog 3 Collage 3.jpg
Blog 3 Collage 2.jpg
Blog 3 Collage 4.jpg
S-3.jpg
Blog 4 Collage.jpg
Blog 4 Collage 2.jpg
Blog 4 Collage 4.jpg
Blog 4 Collage 3.jpg

It really came as no surprise when we saw this elaborate 3-day affair featured in DESTINATION: I DO Magazine. It was quite a prize to see that press because we put so much into making Pav and Akal’s destination wedding a dream come true for them. And we have to thank the power of technology for seeing this one through from start to finish.

Plus, of course, this wonderful team of vendors:

Photographer: Duke Images. Wedding Planner: Nahid’s Global Events. Florist: Adorations Botanical. Hair: Hair by Rami Haddad. Bridal Makeup: Dolled up by Lulu. Makeup: Makeup by Souad and Makeup by Samia. Mehndi Artist: Henna San Diego. Stationery: Calligraphy Katrina. Videography: Russell John Films. Linens: BBJ Linen. DJ, Lighting and Ceremony Music: Special Occasions. Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals. Rentals: Hire Elegance and SYNX Events. Catering: Monsoon Catering and Natraj. Bar Service: Hello Barman. Photo Booth: The Foto Box. Dance Floor: Platinum Pro. Carpeting and Mandap: NFP Events. Event Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Paper Flowers: Paper Ave.

Exquisite Weddings Magazine, behind-the-scenes

Hello!  Here we are, at the beginning of November, and it’s been quite a year.  I hope yours has been as productive and fulfilling as ours, though maybe not as crazy!  We have a lot of new projects and ideas brewing and can’t wait to share them with you.  To that end, I’d like to introduce a new guest writer - Jennette Wilson.  Though new to the wedding business, Jennette has had her work featured in several publications, and brings a true passion for both beauty and storytelling that we think will fit right in here at Adorations.  We’re so excited to welcome her to the team!

*

We passed through the entry of the country club, peering through doorways and down halls in search of our destination.  Following the buzz of conversation, we continued until we reached a bright, sunlit space, and I suddenly felt as if I had come into some sort of pocket world.  Encased by windows, the room glowed with morning light and energy.  There was an air of industry, but also ease; everyone seemed to know their place in this new world, and their purpose, and was glad to fulfill it.  LaVonne greeted us with a smile - friendly, cheerful, distracted by her own focus.  A well-serving focus made evident in her corner of the staging area, a corner spilling over with the wonderful organized flurry of an artist at work.

EW BTS Blog Collage1.jpg

The request was for greenery growing up along a windowframe, creating a sort of half arbor.  Enchantingly, the result looked as if it had been transplanted straight from The Secret Garden.  A wilderness of ninebark and huckleberry sprouted from the floorboards as if it belonged, and from this wilderness grew rose vines and pepperberry fronds in an easy, graceful arc.  A step away, a tarp lay scattered with clipped stems and blossoms, plucked leaves, and five-gallon buckets overflowing with surplus foliage.

Standing back, hands on hips, gesturing, the designers discussed the overall effect.  A spray of the pepperberry, apparently as feisty as its name suggested, had taken an awkward detour.  LaVonne was soon up the ladder to make the correction.

“Do you see that straight line?”

“What if we add more roses?”  

Ultimately, they decided against additional vines.  It is easy enough to fidget with a creative project until the end of time, but the arrangement was already well-balanced, and in no real need of adjustment.  Later, I learned the blossoms on the rose vines were both unexpected and not quite the prescribed color, but met with a little flexibility and a lot of enthusiasm, became a surprise of great advantage.

I watched, fascinated, as the setup progressed to completion.  Prop bouquets were photographed, extra flowers gathered and contained, and tools returned to their belts and boxes while the morning sun shone upon it all.  We carted the last of the supplies out to the truck and said our goodbyes.  The next step was teardown, but that would come later, after the photoshoot, and after coffee.

Screen Shot 2018-10-10 at 6.06.12 PM.png
EW BTS Blog Collage2.jpg
Screen Shot 2018-10-10 at 6.05.23 PM.png
EW BTS Blog Collage4.jpg
Screen Shot 2018-10-10 at 6.04.30 PM.png
EW BTS Blog Collage3.jpg

Written by Jennette Maynard

Behind the scene photography by Hannah Abad  l Editorial photography by Carrie McGuire

See it in Exquisite Weddings Magazine on newsstands now.

COASTAL OMBRE as seen in Ceremony Magazine

HELLO SPRING BLOOMS! The season of color is here and we could not be more exhilarated than to celebrate this reawakening with one of our favorite styled shoots that graced the pages of Ceremony Magazine

Shot at the stunning L’auberge Del Mar by Pam Scott Photography, this collaborative design was with my good friend and wedding coordinator Regina Young of Meant2Be Events, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

As she describes: "Taking inspiration from the vibrant energy of the coastal background, this crisp modern design was intended to be bold, harmonious and sophisticated while keeping the canvas clean. From the contemporary lounge furniture, to the playful overhead floral display, down to the details of the striking stationery, each element was carefully curated to create a chic stylish celebration. Martini, anyone?”

It’s evident our background at the stunning L’auberge Del Mar set our scene with the ocean in the distance and a combination of ombre flowers to die for! This arrangement was one of my favorites to create, starting with our vibrant purple phalaenopsis orchids to anemones drifting into pops of pink with frilly tulips, ranunculus into everyone’s favorite peony, then drifting towards the paler shades of roses, hyacinth, sweet peas and finally, the white orchids -- with such a lush profile of fleurs, this cascading centerpiece truly takes my breath away! 

To frame our tabletop design, we created a backdrop full of whimsy to highlight and complement the overall styling, comprised of oceanic teal chiffon draped asymmetrically with an artful installation of belles of Ireland, driftwood with falling orchids and yellow craspedia aka billy balls. A bar top added fun mini cakes, candles and vases with a touch of greenery to complete our setting.

Taking this inspiration into fashion, our model, Kimberly Daniels, posed in a gown from the White Flower Bridal Boutique and held a bountiful bouquet comprised of our incredible floral palette. 

This contemporary coastal ombre shoot fulfilled our aesthetic game plan and truly moved us to create a colorful spring masterpiece… one that we hope inspires you! 

Want more COASTAL OMBRE?

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Pam Scott Photography. Location: L’Auberge Del Mar. Coordination: Meant2Be Events. Floral Design: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Rentals: Classic Party Rentals. Stationery: Be in Love Designs. Cake: Piece of Cake. Model: Kimberly Daniels. Gowns: White Flower Bridal Boutique. Hair & Makeup: Jennifer Bueno.

Elle Fashion Show at The W Bridal Luncheon

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself” – Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel said it best. And isn’t it just the truth! We adore working with brides who want to show their true selves on their wedding day! It was so much fun to celebrate real bridal beauty at the Elle Fashion Show at W Hotel’s Bridal Luncheon. Ladies-in-waiting to say I DO dined in a gilded celebration before heading upstairs to the chic hotel rooftop for fashion inspiration on the runway.

Adorations was thrilled to be one of the floral designers featured at the Elle Fashion Show, which was hosted in part by our friends at the Lofty Wedding Collection – Elle Bridal Boutique, Garrett Richardson Photography and Posh Paperie. Krystel Tien and the girls at Couture Events coordinated this fabulous show incorporating the works of four San Diego fleurists. Leaf it to Lexi created the stunning runway backdrop that was designed with ombre pink roses making the perfect entrance for the models, while Compass Florals did an amazing job decorating the tabletops for the ladies luncheon. Along with our fellow florists and The Dainty Lion, we contributed two bouquets for the fashion show; both of course, in our signature texturized style.

Our first bouquet was fairytale-inspired and woodsy in charm with branches, scabiosa, peonies, patience garden rose, coneflower, dusty miller, kiwi vine and anemones.  Bouquet number two, romantic in nature, comprised of blush and white peonies, protea, dahlias and white o’hara garden roses.

It was just so exciting to see our fleurs working the runway in the hands of the beautiful bride models….especially with the paddle signs aligning the first row. Guests were able to flash a little  “Love,” “Yes, Please” and “FAB!” as the complete looks hit the catwalk.

Thanks so much to the wonderful team of vendors who worked together to make this one ELLE of a show!!!

VENDOR LOVE

Coordinator: Couture Events. Venue: The W Hotel San Diego. Photography: Garrett Richardson. Invitations: Posh Paperie. Bridal Gowns: Elle Bridal Boutique. Cinema: Anthology Films. Florals: Leaf It To Lexi. Florals: The Dainty Lion. Florals: Compass Florals. Florals: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Rentals: Classic Party Rentals. Linens: Concepts Event Design. Sponsor: Exquisite Wedding Magazine.

Adoring Astrid & Peter’s Feature in THE KNOT

We rang in the New Year showcasing Astrid and Peter’s glamorously modern rooftop wedding at the Andaz, as it was one of our very favorites! We couldn’t be happier than the bride on her big day to see this stunning affair featured in The Knot’s Fall and Winter Edition – ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!! 

f course we love seeing our couples-in-bloom IN PRINT and having worked with The Knot in the past as a previous designer for one of their inaugural San Diego events, this press is extra special to us! As you may recall on our blog post, Astrid and Peter’s wedding was envisioned by the great Thomas Bui, who sought to transform the venue from ceremony to celebration with a chic king-sized tabletop installation as part of their pure white color scheme. Elevated in suspension, the crystal clear Lucite embellishments allowed guests to see-through the grand centerpiece, drawing focus to the natural botanicals overhead. Their mono-floral groupings of calla lilies, hydrangea, roses and phalaenopsis orchids set the stage for sophistication– making this high-rise celebration one that is now IN THE BOOKS! 

Congrats to my fellow vendors for a fabulous feature!

Photography: LunaPhoto. Consultant: Thomas Bui Lifestyles. Floral Design: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Stationery: Wendy Ware Designer. Venue & Catering: Andaz San Diego.

COVER GIRLS Adorations Botanical Artistry & White Lace Events

Featured on Ceremony Magazine’s April Cover

I knew deep down at our photo shoot that THIS would be a cover.

We were cutting it close to deadlines for Ceremony Magazine’s 2015 print edition when I was asked to partner with Elizabeth & Krissie of White Lace Events & Design.

This was to be their first styled photo shoot with Ceremony, as they were in the midst of launching their very own wedding coordination and design company. Since I knew these vibrant girls well, as they were certainly no strangers to the wedding industry, coming direct from one of my favorite properties, L’Auberge Del Mar, I was thrilled for the collaboration!

Right away, E & K (as the White Lace girls are known) knew they wanted to incorporate a SWING, and I was all for it! This is the kind of work I feel eternally grateful to get to design. The shoot was a representation of that “loose, handpicked from the garden” vibe that doesn’t always get expressed within magazine editorials. Mixing unique elements like berries and pomegranates (which were in peak season) added another level of depth and texture to the styling, which is very much in line with our personal design philosophy at Adorations.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was the perfect location for this shoot as the natural romantic landscape lent so well to our entire design scheme. As E & K selected the farm table, chairs and tabletop accessories, including that signature “White Lace” runner, we built the swing to act as the “sweetheart seat” at the table for the bride and groom. We created the swing in bay laurel, seeded eucalyptus and Italian pittosporum leaves with a found vintage plank of wood.  The bountiful centerpieces and bouquet were crafted with lush peonies, dahlias, ripe red roses, garden roses, and ranunculus, all in various shades of burgundy, pink, and white with touches of pale gold for an unexpected lean in color.

I remember thinking when the talented Pam Scott took the shots of the bouquet on the swing, that Ceremony would love it! This really was a “fruits of love” moment for all of us and such an amazing debut of two very creative ladies.  I look forward to many more COVER-worthy designs with Elizabeth and Krissie as I know they’ll find much success with their business, White Lace Events & Design!


VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Pam Scott Photography. Coordination & Styling: White Lace Events & Design. Floral Design: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Stationery: Posh Paperie. Escort Cards: RLH Creations. Rentals: Classic Party RentalsLocation: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.