burgundy

Floral Artistry

This past September, I had the pleasure of working with Mimosa on a table top design they created for Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. I arrived early to help determine the best spot for the table with regards to lighting. So I was able to watch Teresa Fung and her talented team work. Oh my! What a treat. They are such artists, only instead of painting with oils or watercolors, they paint in three dimentions with flowers and plants, with linens and tableware. As they were working, I observed and I documented; I was captivated.

Our story starts at Mistral Restaurant, the location for our shoot. Their very chic private events space and wine room was the backdrop for the table.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- mistral restaurant rehearsal dinner venue, boston ma

Teresa had already prepped some of the floral before she arrived. In particular, the very time intensive work of attaching orchids to willow branches.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- orchids on willow branches- floral design with pink and white- mistral, boston, massachusetts

Some pieces had to be assembled on site. I was fascinated by these clear gelatinous balls that are nearly clear when you add water.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- florist prepares centerpieces for wedding floral design- boston massachusetts

They allowed plants, such as these succulents, to appear as if they were floating in a glass vase.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- purple and blue succulent suspended in glass container for floral design arrangement- boston ma

So creative, this design used glass candelabras as containers for floral.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- florish prepares green flowers to drape below white orchids for centerpiece and table arrangement for wedding style magazine- boston mass

Teresa is very hands-on. She would look at the design from every angle and make adjustments to the flowers or the linens or the glassware, seeking perfection.

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Even the tiniest details were thought of. These miniature flowers were strung around tall vases.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- details of mini roses draped around glass vases for floral arrangements- go wedding style magazine- boston ma

Pinks of all shades.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- pink roses and fragrant flowers details from centerpiece boston ma mistral restaurant wedding venue

Love the burgundy calla lily on the square plate. (Idea for Valentine’s Day?)

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style-square plate with burgundy calla lily and diamond napkin ring- go wedding style magazine- intimate wedding- boston ma

Gorgeous. Gorgeous flowers.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- pink flowers- intimate wedding venue- mistral- boston ma

Even the linens had a floral feel. And Teresa had two options so that she could see how the whole look came together- one lavender and one this deeper fuchsia color.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- magenta fuchsia burgundy chair linen for floral design and room arrangement- wedding style magazine- boston ma

Another look as the pieces are coming together.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style-teresa fung arranges flowers for her floral design at mistral

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- details of white orchids and green flowers in candlesticks- boston ma

Sometimes it just takes four hands to get the flowers to cooperate.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- florists put finishing touches on centerpiece at mistral wedding venue

And finally, everything is complete. Simply magical. Love the arch and how it frames the candles and softens the wall in the background.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- detail of willow branches and orchids with candles in background- wedding inspirations- pink white green lavender burgundy

Romantic glassware.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- wedding floral inspiration orchids roses amber glassware-

The vision. I couldn’t get over how beautiful this was. I know I would feel immensely special eating a meal at such a beautiful table.

grace-ormonde-tabletop-mimosa-style- completed design

And ultimately published in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. Congrats to Teresa and the whole Mimosa team. Such an absolutely beautiful work of art!

GO cover 2011NE table top and cover- published grace ormonde wedding style- mimosa style- floral design- boston ma- mistral

Many professionals contributed products and services to bring this look together. Special thanks to all those involved:
Venue: Mistral, Boston, MA
Table and Floral Design, Glassware: Mimosa Fresh Flower Design, Boston, MA
Linens: Wildflower Linen, Buena Park, CA
China, Flatware and Chairs: Rentals Unlimited, Stoughton, MA
Vases: Tommy Wholesale, Boston, MA

Thank you to all of our colleagues!

Science Museum Soiree

Last night, I had the pleasure of sharing the photos from Becky and Neil’s wedding with them. It was such fun catching up, hearing about their Hawaii honeymoon adventures, and of course, reminiscing about their day as we looked through the photos. And what a day it was! You know it’s good times when scientists get married at a science museum.

First of all, there is romance. The Washburn Pavilion let in beautiful afternoon light and provided views of the Charles River as Becky and Neil exchanged their vows.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- washburn pavilion wedding ceremony at the mos, boston, mass

Their parents and friends were alternating between smiles and tears. And sometimes both.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- groom's parents during washburn pavilion wedding ceremony in boston, mass

Becky and Neil chose red, black and white for their colors- formal with a splash of fun. They also happen to be the colors of the Museum of Science, a very nice tie-in. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of red roses and wore red sashes.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bridesmaids bouquets during ceremony at washburn pavilion, mos.org, red roses

Loving this moment just before the kiss. Such joy!

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bride and groom laughing during mos wedding in washburn pavilion- boston

Then there is the fun- it’s a museum and a fun one! I mean, really, what could be better than a museum that has stairs that play music?

After the ceremony, we took a quick tour of the museum to capture some portraits of Becky and Neil in and among the exhibits. Our first stop was the dinosaurs, but on the way, I wanted to capture Becky and Neil in the midst of it all.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bride and groom portraits in mos- escalator to blue exhibit hall- boston

We just had to play around with this big ole dinosaur. This reminds of the TV show Land of the Lost.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- newlyweds portraits escaping the dinosaur- land of lost photo at mos- boston massachusetts

And then of course, there was this super cool physics machine/toy and the sky at dusk.


becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- couples portrait at mos- colorful physics game- boston massachusetts

When we returned, it was time for the reception. Becky and Neil kicked things off with their first dance. They were great. They took lessons and had the dance choreographed; they totally sold the dance with their energy and connection to each other.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- choreographed first dance by bride and groom in the mos tent overlooking the charles river- boston ma

Their guests were understandably mesmerized.

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Becky’s maid of honor toasted the couple…

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- moh toast at mos reception- under the tent by the Charles River- boston, mass

And brought tears to Becky’s eyes.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bride tears up during moh speech at mos tent reception- boston

Enjoying a moment with her parents.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bride checks in with mom and dad during reception at mos- under the tent overlooking charles river

At their sweetheart table, they steal a kiss.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- peeking into the mos tent during reception- bride and groom kiss- boston

As Becky danced with her father, her mom watched on.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- mom and brother watch bride dance with her father at mos reception- boston

Becky had a very special treat for Neil. Becky had actually sung with the band they hired for their wedding a couple times.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- boston's mos reception- guitarist plays with band

So she decided to serenade Neil with a special song. How cool is that!

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding-cambridge-ma- bride sings to groom at boston's mos reception

For us, the evening came to a close after her song. What a treat it was to be able to spend this day with Becky and Neil. To our newlyweds- you guys are fabulous and your friends and family are lovely. What a truly wonderful day it was! We are so grateful we could be there to document it for you.

Also, special thanks go out to all of the professionals who helped create an amazing day for Becky and Neil:
Getting ready site: Austin Horn from the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge
Ceremony and reception venue: Leigh-Ann French from the Museum of Science
Caterer: Keith Mahoney from Wolfgang Puck
Floral design: Darlene from Kaleidoscope Florals
Ceremony musicians: Kristine & Steven Kirby of Alla Breve Duo
Band: SirTunes (aka Pete Massa Band)

Definitely check out more from Becky and Neil- their engagement session, sneak preview, and wedding slideshow.

Fit Like A Glove

When two people fit like a glove, their wedding day is an affirmation of what everyone present knows and trusts- that they belong together and that it couldn’t be any other way. So it was with Becky and Neil. From the very beginning, Becky and Neil found they had so much in common- there was the obvious passion for chemistry, but also less obvious things like their style and approach to the world. Being a part of their wedding day was such a joy. They were truly relaxed on the day and each of them was so excited to get to marry the other.

Becky and Neil started their day at the Royal Sonesta, where they each got ready. Dave spent most of his time with Neil and I got to hang with Becky and the ladies. I started off with a few details. Becky’s color theme was black and white formality with a splash of red to spice things up. She even had a red sash added to her wedding dress.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- brides wedding gown at the royal sonesta- white with a splash of red

The white and ivory bouquet of roses and freesia for Becky; the red roses were for the bridesmaids.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- brides bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets- white and red roses at the royal sonesta

Becky helped her dad (who also happened to be her officiant) with the boutonniere.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- bride helps dad with boutonniere

And as Becky did a few finishing touches, her bridesmaids watched on.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- bridesmaids look on as bride gets ready

Meanwhile, Neil was getting gussied up himself.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- groom getting ready at the royal sonesta in cambridge ma

One of my favorite parts of the day was actually the "transportation." As they had chosen to get ready at the Royal Sonesta which was literally around the corner from the Museum of Science, their wedding venue, they elected to walk. So fun.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- groom and groomsmen walk along the Charles river to get to the mos for their wedding

It was a brilliantly gorgeous day, perfect for a stroll. Along the way, Becky was treated to honks and hollers of congratulations from passers by.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- bride walks with brother and bridesmaids and mob from royal sonesta hotel to mos for ceremony in cambridge ma

Not a bad view from the pavillion at the Museum of Science.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- view of duck boat and charles river from ceremony site- pavillion at mos

And we were ready for the ceremony to begin. Neil walked down the aisle with his mom and dad. I love how all three of them look so proud and so happy.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- groom walks down aisle with mom and dad

Becky soon followed, escorted by her mom and her brother.

becky-neil-museum-of-science-wedding- bride walks down aisle at mos with mom and brother, cambridge ma

She and her mom exchanged a kiss, with smiles from her brother, before she greeted Neil as her groom.

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Want more from Becky and Neil? Check out their engagement session.

The Perfect Couple

But what is a perfect couple? I am sure we may each have our own definition, but here’s mine. They are a couple that laugh and cry together; hold each other; play with each other; enjoy, admire and appreciate each other. They are two people who have their own unique interests, but find other interests in common. They help each other grow. Christina and Vincent are one such couple. I love the way they interact with each other- completely at ease, each so much a part of the other person. Their wedding was filled with smiles, laughter and love. It celebrated who they are as individuals and who they are together.

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As Christina and Vincent were both getting ready at the Boston Harbor Hotel, we were able to spend time with both of them. Christina had already had her hair and make-up done at a salon near her mom’s house so the ladies came to the hotel to get into their dresses and complete a few finishing touches. The crew was very relaxed and pretty much just enjoyed the time together. Lots of laughter here.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- bride enjoys her friends during her getting ready in her room at the bhh- downtown boston ma

One of the ways Christina and Vincent chose to share a bit of themselves was in the theme of their wedding- wine and chocolate. Sounds good, no? So they chose to incorporate deep reds and purples- burgundy, merlot, wine- into their color scheme. Check out the bridesmaids bouquets alongside their garnet dresses.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- wine and chocolate theme leads to cranberry dresses and bouquets with purple burgundy merlot calla lillies and roses and other flowers for the bhh wedding

We had a little time before Christina was scheduled to meet Vincent for the first time so we captured a few portraits of Christina and a few details. She looked stunning in this halter style Vera Wang gown. So elegant.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- bride looking out towards window above boston waterfront and wharf room

And the veil with ribbon edges was a perfect match.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- brides veil details ribboned edge in her room at the bhh- waterfront hotel

Dave popped into the room where Vincent was hanging with his boys and captured this portrait of Vincent waiting for his chance to see Christina.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- groom portrait as he waits to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day at the bhh downtown

Then it was time. Vincent was waiting in the Rotunda with his back to where Christina would enter. As she left her room, she gave her girls a high-five. Such a perfect moment.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding-bride gives her bridesmaids a high five on her way to see her groom in the rotunda- downtown boston, ma

As Christina approached Vincent, her mom and bridesmaids peeked around the corner to watch.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- bridesmaids and mother of bride look on as bride and groom see each other for first time in rotunda at bhh

Vincent’s huge smile when he sees Christina.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- bride and groom all smiles when first see each other in the rotunda before their ceremony- boston waterfront, mass

Christina’s joyful tears when she sees Vincent.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding-bride tears up after seeing her groom in the rotunda for the first time on their wedding day- downtown ma

Then they enjoy a few moments together amidst the architectural beauty of the Rotunda.

christina-vincent-boston-harbor-hotel-wedding- bride and groom in the rotunda after seeing each other for the first time- waterfront massachusetts

And that’s just the beginning. More to come soon from their beautiful Boston waterfront wedding.

Want to see more from Christina and Vincent? Check our their stormy engagement session in Beacon Hill.

Fashionable Floral

You’ve probably already noted that Amber and Tyler‘s wedding at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel above Union Square was all about city sophistication and classic style. She continued the look and theme with her floral design; limiting the type and color of flowers highlighted the texture and gave the whole look a cohesive feel.

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For her own bouquet, held here by her bridesmaid during the ceremony, she chose white orchids with yellow centers.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- brides bouquets of white orchids held during ceremony by bridesmaid

Her bridesmaids’ bouquets were also a single flower type and color- all merlot calla lillies. They just feel like an flower for an evening event.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- bridesmaid's red calla lillies bouquet held during wedding ceremony in san fancisco

Together the ladies looked great- white on white for the bride and deep red with chocolate brown for the bridesmaids.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- bride and bridesmaids with their flowers- her's white orchids, theirs burgundy or purple calla lillies

Corsages for the moms continued the look- deep red orchids.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- mom of the groom's corsage with red orchids match personal flowers for this fall san fran wedding

To add to the elegance of the ceremony in the Borgia Room, white candles of varying heights and types were places on the mantle over the fireplace. They were surrounded by garnet roses and greenery.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- candlelit mantle- with votives red roses and greenery- floating candles- san fran hotel wedding;

For the reception table decor in Alexandra’s, multiple containers were used on each table. Each had a different single flower type in complimentary colors; all the containers were varing sizes. The monochromatic look came together in a sophisticated way.

Up close…

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- sf wedding centerpieces- multiple arrangements of red flowers- different types in different containers- orchids, calla lillies

From a distance…

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- tall red orchid floral arrangements during reception in sf, cali

One of my favorite touches was this monogram. The bride and groom’s formal initials laid on a bed of flowers- roses, dahlias, lilies, orchids- with lights around the edges.

at-westin-st-francis-wedding-floral- bride and groom's monogram on a bed of red flowers- gerbera daisies and roses- at reception by union square, california

Congrats to Jeffrey from J Floral Art for creating such a stunning look for Amber and Tyler.

London => Paris => Boston

When last I wrote about Erin and Darren’s fabulous Boston wedding, I shared their story up to the ceremony. Picking up where I left off… the ceremony was held in the Wharf Room at the Boston Harbor Hotel, with views of the waterfront as the back drop.

Having spent their courtship in London, it was only fitting that they import their rabbi, a former Bostonian himself who now lives in England, to perform the ceremony. Their close friendship with their officiant made for a very special and meaningful ceremony under the chuppah, with lots of personal stories and lots of smiles.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- bride smiling at groom during ceremony

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- mother of the bride watching with smile during ceremony

This picture totally makes me laugh. All eyes are on Darren, except for Erin’s mom, who can’t take her eyes off her daughter.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- all eyes on the groom during ceremony

Fortunately, Darren said the right thing. He stomped on the glass and sealed the deal with a kiss. And Erin and Darren exited with absolute joy.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding-bride and groom joyous during recessional

We then ventured upstairs to the Rotunda, my absolute favorite part of the hotel, for cocktail hour. Some guests enjoyed the views on the patio outdoors. Others mixed and mingled indoors. Many hadn’t seen each other in a long time. Family members reminisced and passed around old photos.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- guests look at family photos during cocktial hour

All were ushered downstairs for the reception to get underway in the Wharf Room. Erin and Darren kicked off the party with their first dance and guests soon followed suit.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- guests dancing during reception in ma

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- guests dancing during massachusetts reception

As Erin danced with her father, her mom looked on.

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Erin and Darren listened as toasts were given by their closest friends and Darren’s brother.

erin_darren_boston_harbor_hotel_wedding- bride and groom listen during toasts given by friends- wharf room in boston, ma

Fun, fun, fun. Following some of the formalities, a little Irish dancing. Which as it turns out is a lot like Jewish dancing only with different music. It is just as fun and crazy and enthusiastic. And for these two, it melted into the hora, which culminated in this men’s group dancing in a wild circle.

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Our final photos of the evening were a few that Dave imagined and created. Focusing on their connection to Paris, we brought the Eiffel Tower into the mix.

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With that, I have a few thank you’s and kudo’s.
First, special thanks to all of the professionals who made Erin and Darren’s day amazing:
Michael and his team at the Boston Harbor Hotel, the beautiful venue with the amazing staff
Teresa and her talented crew from Mimosa Style for their floral creations
DJ John Dudley for the reception entertainment
Lisa Husseni for the ceremony music
Vows and Anahit Alterations for helping Erin find and perfect her dress
David’s Bridal for the bridesmaids gowns
Jean Yves for the groom and groomsmen attire
Judy at Four Season’s Hair
Make-up by Caitlin Murphy

Erin and Darren, you two have been absolutely wonderful to work with through and through. I was going to title this entry Beauty and the Beast, as I thought "Beauty" aptly described Erin and "Beast" alluded to Darren’s life as a wrestler, but I couldn’t do it, because there really isn’t anything beast-like about either of you. Thank you so much for welcoming us into your day!

For anyone who would like to see more, you should definitely check out their slideshow.

Putting on the Ritz

A few weeks back, I had the opporunity to document the work of David Tutera at the Ritz Carlton in Westchester. David was invited to create wedding reception table displays. He designed a suite of arrangements, from small to grand for each, that represented the four seasons.

ritz_showcase- summer wedding flower arrangement- pink green white

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