arboretum wedding, part II

the bride really wanted the ceremony to be understated, especially because the flora and fauna at the Dallas Arboretum already provides a beautiful backdrop. so, in keeping with the casual new orleans meets frenchy couture theme, the ceremony decor was kept simple, but stunning.

gorgeous kimberly queen ferns contained in cast iron urns sat atop a pair of ivory columns. pale pink linen overlays featuring the bride and groom’s first initials were lined with ivory satin ribbon and draped over the front and the back.

though simple, the details really made the setting special: perfect workmanship in the moldings and finish on the handcrafted columns, the monograms handpainted by a local artisan to match the script on the wedding invitation, the extra lush ferns that i had been drenching with water since march and the $2 worth of quarters in the corners of the overlays (wouldn’t have the same effect if they blew like crazy in the wind!)

wait until you see the details yet to come at the reception…

*click image for a larger view

arboretum wedding, part I

bride calls. not sure about wedding flowers.  not very excited either. enter BranchingOut. meeting with bride. bride gets excited. bride says, “i trust you.” and I get excited, too!

Katie Kowalski was a dream bride. i could tell she had great style from the moment she sent me links to her dress and shoes. any bride willing to pull off a short, flirty wedding dress has to be fun. she just needed some help in the event design department.

after looking at pictures, Katie found that she liked very casual table settings. her one request, keep it simple and unfussy. and when she told me the caterer was serving Cajun food, my idea wheels started turning. i came up with a “Couture French Country meets Casual New Orleans” decor theme. lots of ferns, linen, cast iron urns and lots of vintage bottles.

on the big day, the flowers and decor got Katie’s approval immediately. and at the end of the evening, her dear Mom gave me the nicest complement ever. “Debby, this is just gorgeous! All of our friends and family have been telling us how incredible this wedding is all night. One friend even said, ‘I’ve been to hundreds of weddings and this is by far the most beautiful one I have ever seen.’ ”

and i thanked them both for being dreamy clients and trusting my vision!

congratulations Katie and Derek!

*click on image to enlarge

(more pictures to come)

chic floral handbag

long ago when i first started meeting with brides, i often heard, “i’d like something unique for my bridesmaids.” that’s when i created my first floral handbag.  i’ve used white flowers, colored flowers, feathers, beads, ribbons, even incorporated meaningful family heirlooms. as an alternative to corsages and flower petals,  i have also designed bags for the mothers and flowergirls.

the handbag featured here is a garden style design, complete with a dark brown bamboo handle (affixed with secrets only a floral designer would know). the rum pink carnations are perfectly massed together to provide a gorgeous base, which is then detailed with plumosa fern sprigs, a gerber daisy and a wooden bird lapel pin.  unique, modern and chic.

(click on image for a larger view)