Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Wedding | Alana + Aaron

Alana and Aaron could not be happier that they were able to say their “I Do’s” right before everything shut down due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Although they lost a bit over two dozen guests who could not travel, over 100 family, friends, and loved ones came to witness their joyous union at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony overlooked the Atlantic where the couple said their vows under a most magical chuppah. Cascading florals of phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids, hydrangea, roses, matthiola, and wisteria covered the traditional structure. The bride carried a classic gathered bouquet made with roses, miniature calla lilies, baby orchid florets, and finished with crystal accents while the bridesmaids held coordinating French-wrapped bouquets. Guests were greeted into the reception with a champagne seating wall designed with faux hydrangea. A combination of  lush low arrangements with tropical foliage and tall floral bridges abundant with more cascading flowers and candlelight made for a most romantic ballroom. It was a wonderful evening of gratitude, love, and light… and a great reminder that one must always celebrate life even in the midst of darkness.

Venue/Caterer: Conrad Fort Lauderdale 

Decor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators

Photographer: Emily Harris Photography

Event Planner: Absolute Event

Band: Drew T.

United Kingdom Bar Mitzvah | Waterstone Resort, Boca Raton

A bloody good time was had at Joe’s “United Kingdom” themed Bar Mitzvah. Instead of going across the pond, guests went over the Camino Real Bridge in Boca Raton to the Waterstone Resort & Marina. The resort ballroom was transformed to an English hot spot replicating the family’s hometown. From the multi-dimensional London Bridge place card table to the iconic UK phone booth, no blighty detail was overlooked. The color palette was red, white, and blue with the Guest of Honor’s custom logo inspired by the British flag. The logo served as a focal point on the wrapped dance floor and was used on other personalized items as well. Large graphics featuring Joe in British garb filled the space alongside plenty of red roses. Lounge seating groups were placed in the teen area while adult guests enjoyed their themed tables. Red and blue up-lighting cast the perfect ambiance around the perimeter of the room. Besides traditional catering fare, guests were treated to some unique English noshes before they were knackered out from dancing all night. Cheerio!

Venue: Waterstone Resort & Marina 

Decor: Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators

Event Planner: it Events By Julie

Photographer: Toni Jade Photography

Entertainment: Pure Energy Entertainment

Caterer: Waterstone Resort & Marina

Photo Booth: Lou Santa Barbara

 

The Highs and The Lows of Wedding Planning

A major component of wedding reception decor are the flowers. Regardless if a bride wants a romantic, whimsical, traditional, or modern tone, beautiful flowers combined with ambient lighting and plenty of candles can create the mood and the look to follow the ceremony. Generally, decor takes up a large part of the budget but always provides the biggest residual. Flowers make a grand statement and can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rule of Thumb, Number One

It is important to remember that guests spend much time at their tables, so choosing the right centerpieces are a must. Be sure that centerpieces do not block your guests’ view across the table. They need to allow for eye contact and conversation. A respected florist will be sure that the largest part of the arrangement will be low enough or high enough to follow this rule.

Learn the Lingo

When determining the type of centerpiece(s) you want with your florist, you will often hear the words “highs” and “lows”. Florists use the words interchangeably, but just be aware that this references the height and not the cost.

Tall or Short

The venue, the guest count, and the size and shape of the table really determine what centerpieces work best.  If the venue (ballroom) has high ceilings, tall arrangements (i.e. high) will fill up the empty space between the ceiling and the table. Additionally, they draw the eye up, create a more formal look, and add a “WOW” factor. Short arrangements (i.e. low) are usually less expensive and typically used in a more intimate setting. Long tables (royals) look best with linear centerpieces (low or high) whereas round tables look best with circular arrangements. However, using a combination of both “highs” and “lows” will help the budget go farther and create a much more interesting look in a large space. For a large wedding with many tables, it is recommended to have two to three various centerpieces which all complement each other.

27 Bouquets

Finding a bridal gown can be challenging enough, but searching for the right gown for multiple girls and body types can prove to be even more difficult if not handled correctly. As with everything else, there are many items to be considered especially if one has a large bridal party. So before rallying up the entourage, it’s best to do some online research and shopping. Also, choosing a color and possible styles ahead of time will alleviate headaches just the same.

Time Frame

Keep in mind that dresses may take up to six months to order with alterations possibly adding on another four to six weeks. Respectively, it is advised to start shopping at least eight months in advance.

Cost

Although it is your special day, be mindful of your bridemaids’ budgets and lifestyle. When one accepts the coveted position, they know that many extra costs are involved. But, it is nice to select affordable dresses and not to add to their financial burden. Sometimes, selecting a color and allowing them to find their own dresses is an option that many appreciate.

Selecting a Shade

Unless brides choose all black or all white, finding the perfect shade can be tricky. However, it doesn’t have to be if you select the color off your wedding date, floral palette, and venue. Fall weddings look great with rich hues of emerald and burgundy, whereas spring and summer look better with pastels or jewel tones. If you already made your floral selections, use them as your guide. Take a good look at your venue. It sets the tone as well.

One option some brides like is an ombre look where dresses range from light to dark. This type of look will also allow your squad to choose what suits them best. Selecting a shade that works with a variety of skin tones is also a good idea.  Flattering colors such as blush and beige as well as metallics like gold, silver, champagne, and bronze typically look good on everyone. Even though it is not their big day, everyone wants to look and feel their best while they stand by your side.

The Flowers

Once the dress is selected, try to get a fabric swatch to bring to your florist. If one is not available, be sure to have photos. A respected florist will want to make the appropriate suggestions based on your selection.

Should the bouquets be tight or loose? Should the color match or pop? Which flowers work best? Should it contrast with the bridal bouquet? Should the colors be inverted? Do not sweat over this decision, bridal party bouquets are one size fits all and perfect for any size wedding party.

 

 

 

 

Table for Two, Please

Historically, the bride and groom sat at a very long royal table which included their parents and bridal party at their wedding reception. However, nowadays, most brides and grooms prefer to sit by themselves. This table has been affectionately labeled the “Sweetheart Table” and is typically placed nearby the dance floor. By choosing this type of table, the new “Mr. and Mrs.” are “front and center” and can be seen by all their guests.

The “Sweetheart Table” also eliminates many stressful decisions and arguments as to who is sitting where and with whom. Both sets of parents are then placed at tables on each side of the couple while the bridal party are sprinkled around the dance floor. Although the bride and groom are barely sitting, they get to enjoy some alone time together when listening to speeches and such. Photographers love this arrangement as well since it is easier to capture intimate moments of the newlyweds.

Like the place card table, this “head” table requires a bit of attention too. It should complement but stand out from the other guest tables. It is a great idea to have a special linen, one with perhaps some texture and weight. Chairs are another detail to splurge upon if the budget allows. These can be significantly larger in size which really show where the royal couple should take their seats. The florals should also coordinate with the rest of the space. Some prefer simplistic candles and small bouquets while others want to showcase and define the area with a grander centerpiece and maybe a backdrop such as a hedge or flower wall.

Ask your floral designer for suggestions on how to create the perfect table for two.

 

Home Sweet Home | North Palm Beach | Arielle + Geoffrey

Arielle and Geoffrey’s wedding was intended to be in a Palm Beach synagogue with over 300 guests, but COVID-19 had other plans. After much uncertainty, the planning continued, but the venue ultimately shifted to the bride’s home. The backyard was to be transformed to host the most romantic ceremony and reception.

The color palette was simply white. So, roses, hydrangeas, dendrobium orchids, and matthiolas were perfect choices to frame the custom papercut silk chuppah canopy. The guest tables received nosegays of white roses while the bridal bouquet was a lush bunch of white peonies. After an intimate ceremony, the guests were served a lovely dinner before witnessing an unbelievable parade. Everyone relocated to the front of the home where the band played as the cars drove by spreading confetti and good wishes. The hora was held in the street between cars before the newlyweds had their first dance in the driveway under the stars and twinkle lights.

The evening was simply magical and proved that even in a pandemic LOVE conquers all!

VENUE/Client Home
CATERER/ VIP Caterers
PHOTOGRAPHY/Emily Harris Photography
CHUPPAH CANOPY/Jeanette Kuvin Oren

See video clip with link below

Kickin’ Up the ‘Bouts

Traditionally, a wedding is focused all around the bride. However, modern day grooms are much more involved and like the spotlight just the same. One example that singles the “man of the hour” out from all the other men in tuxedos is a boutonniere.

Le Bouton

Boutonniere is derived from the French word meaning “buttonhole flower”. Just like the bride’s bouquet, they were worn by men in the 16th century to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In the 18th century, they were worn more as fashion statements by being placed in the buttonholes of frock coats. By the 19th century, they became part of the Romantic Movement and in the 20th century after the wars, they became a symbol of honor, elegance, and masculinity. Today, they are worn for special ceremonies and occasions.

La Mode

Throughout the years, these floral accoutrements were typically a rosebud with a leaf and baby’s breath. However, the times have changed and so have men’s suits. Smaller sleeker boutonnieres look much more contemporary than what they used to be. And, they certainly look much better when paired appropriately with today’s stylish clothing. Pocket squares are extremely popular and can be worn with or without a boutonniere. Regardless if using a handkerchief or a flower, both are worn on the left lapel. The groomsmen’s boutonnieres should all be the same, but the groom’s should be more distinguished.

La Fleur

The perfect boutonniere shares a common flower with the bride’s bouquet. Just like the bridal bouquet, choose flowers that can withstand many hours without water. Also, be cautious and select a flower with a slight fragrance as opposed to one with a strong scent such as a gardenia. A few great alternatives include roses, orchids, mini calla lilies, lisianthus, and hypericum berries.

These little, yet significant floral accents can also pay homage to the groom’s heritage. For instance, if the groom is Irish, Bells of Ireland may be a small and personal way to recognize his country. Colorful ribbon may also be attached to the stem for more symbolic meaning. The bride and groom’s fathers, grandparents, and ring bearer should also have one just as mothers and grandmothers have corsages.

Just say, “Oui” to a boutonniere and your floral designer will help determine what works best for you and your wedding.

Bonne Chance and Felicitations (Good Luck and Congratulations)!

 

 

Welcome ~ Take a Seat

One necessary design element showcased at a wedding is the seating-card, escort-card, or place-card table. Whatever one calls it, it is the first “WOW” factor of your event that guests see. Therefore, it should be treated with upmost care. Make a grand statement by selecting a special linen and floral centerpiece. Of course, this should coordinate with the rest of the décor in the ceremony and the reception.

Besides the color, also think about the texture and weight of the fabric when choosing this particular linen or overlay. This one can be a bit more dramatic than the ones you choose for your guest tables. Whether it be one large vase with an assortment of florals or a grouping of vases with bunches of flowers, the floral arrangement should be a bit grander as well. Candles, rose petals, and lighting are also great features to include.

The cards themselves can be presented in different ways. The obvious is an alphabetical arrangement around or across a table. But if you want to get creative, they can be suspended from branches with ribbons, placed in trays of sand or grass, or laid out across various height risers to make a unique presentation. Some brides like to add a few personal touches by placing sentimental items such as photos or family heirlooms along with a guest sign-in book.

There is no right or wrong way, your florist can help you design the right one for your style and your event. Finding your seat never looked so good.

 

 

The Wedding Detail That Takes the Cake

The wedding planning process always starts with big-ticket items such as the venue, the caterer, the music, the photographer, the videographer, and the decorator. Subsequently, a highlight to follow is finding a baker. Although it is probably the most fun and the most delicious appointment, choosing a cake can be confusing, and even stressful if you are not prepared. Each cake is priced on the complexity of the design, flavor, filling, the number of tiers, and of course, the number of servings. The baker will ask a series of questions, so it is best to be knowledgeable of terminology and most importantly your budget. But it is also a good idea to bring photos from bridal magazines and online resources, and even fabric swatches.

Buttercream vs. Fondant

Buttercream frosting is always a favorite with its creamy and fluffy texture that may be used inside and outside a cake. The classic “pastry” icing contains egg whites, sugar, butter, and pure vanilla which can be flavored with chocolate, liquors, citrus, mocha, and so much more. Whereas fondant is a thick pliable paste made of sugar and water which wraps around a cake. It can be flavored or colored and acts as a canvas for other decorations to be placed on top of it. It is easily moldable into decorative embellishments too.

Ganache

This decadent filling or frosting is made from melted dark chocolate, heavy cream, and sweet creamery butter. It is also known as “truffle filling” and a top pick for chocolate lovers.

Naked

A hot trend that continues to go strong is the naked cake. The exterior is exposed which makes the interior the focal point. Minimal icing is used therefore, the focus is on the filling and other décor accents like fruit and/or florals.

Storybook

This new trend works well with a fondant base on a multi-tier cake. The happy couple’s story is also created with fondant and placed on each layer starting at the bottom tier from how they met up until the wedding day.

Fillings

Once you have determined the cake’s exterior, the filling is just as important. The choices are endless: fruit purees, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, chips, coconut, cream cheese, cannoli, custard….

It is recommended to stay away from nuts and choose maybe two crowd-pleasing options for the different layers giving guests variety.

Sugar Flowers vs. Real Flowers

Many high-end bakeries can create edible flowers from gum paste. Even though they may be realistic, they contain wire and are accented with luster dust or an airbrush spray which can make them bitter to the palate. If you remove them and keep them away from moisture and light, they can make great keepsakes.

Authentic florals guarantee that your entire wedding is cohesive from start to finish. The same flowers used from the ceremony to the reception will also be implemented on the cake to ensure that everything is picture-perfect. Ask your bakery if your florist can provide the flowers for your cake. These are typically placed on-site at the venue prior to the event by your baker.

Other Important Bites

Your cake contract should include a sketch, all the details, number of servings, proper delivery information, and any fees associated such as delivery and set up. Find out if take-home boxes are provided and if a top tier box for preservation is also included.

Above all, like anything else in the wedding planning process, select your bakery based on reviews and your venue or caterer’s recommendation.

By doing your research, finding a reputable baker should be a piece of cake.

 

Bouquets for Days

You found your dream wedding dress and secured a reputable florist, so now it is time to think about one of the most symbolic elements of the wedding day. Besides the rings, the bridal bouquet is another extremely important component. These florals tie the dress and veil all together to complete a bride’s overall look. Additionally, the flowers you choose will give your florist direction to design your ceremony and reception. When deciding on the type of flowers and style consider the following…

The Wedding Gown

Because the bouquet style should be designed to coordinate with the type of gown selected, your floral designer will most likely ask to see a photo of your wedding dress. If the dress is simple with no frills, a natural bouquet with one or two types of flowers is all that is needed. However, an elaborate beaded gown can handle more texture with a few types of florals and more greenery. Heavy fabrics and embellishments do not showcase some florals and they will get lost if not created properly. This is not to say that an uncomplicated nosegay will not work with a simplistic ball gown.

Silhouette

A good rule of thumb is that the silhouette of the gown should work with the shape of the bouquet. For instance, long-stemmed cala lilies or a cascade of roses and orchids will look best with a long, lean, and clean dress which perhaps has a long train and veil. These types of bouquets will not complement a short dress which does better with a smaller bunch.

Proportion

A petite bride who is 5’2” and a size 2 would be overwhelmed by a large cascade-style bouquet just as a tall bride would look silly carrying a tiny bunch of roses. The shape of a bouquet can also accentuate or deemphasize an area of the body if designed correctly. For example, a teardrop bouquet can elongate the hip area, whereas an enormous pavé arrangement can widen the same area.

Popular Bouquet Styles

French Handwrap

Most brides love the look of hand-tied stems. These florals are arranged in a florist’s hand and have the most natural look. An heirloom handkerchief, locket, or other memento can easily be incorporated with this style.

 

Pavé

This tailored look arranges flowers to create a tight and even surface. This is a great way to make inexpensive florals look like a million bucks.

Cascade

Throughout the decades, this long, loose look never seems to go out-of-style. A variety of flowers are wired together and molded to create a dramatic look. A shorter cascade is often referred to as a teardrop bouquet.

Brooch

The ornamental jewels are often placed in a Pavé style bouquet and have become increasingly popular.

Whatever you choose, make the bouquet about you.