OR Bride Magazine
On news stands now is the current issue of Oregon Bride Magazine which includes a featured design project Hitched was asked to create. Since we are seeing a trend of brunch weddings this coming wedding season, OR Bride wanted me to design a reception table based on the theme “garden brunch.” Perfection, I immediately knew what I wanted to base my decor around! When it comes to event styling, I typically find a single item or photograph that I pull my inspiration from to create an overall event. For this project, I had found this vintage wood ladder in a SE portland antique shop and I was having dreams of suspending it from rafters and dripping it with floral. This idea I thought would be a perfect way to bring the outdoors, indoors for a “garden brunch.” I contacted my talented friend Rosemary Stafford and our creative juices began flowing.
Like most of my ideas, there are challenges in order to achieve them! You should of seen me trying to suspend this ladder in the studio from 17 foot ceilings! I had to place a huge wood plank from the 2nd floor and hang the ladder with invisible wire to place it just center on the table. This would have been way easier at an actual event, especially if you are using a tent! Well I did it and it turned out pretty great.
Now for the details!
Floral: Rosemary Stafford Floral Design English garden roses, ranunculus, dahlias, geraniums, snapdragons, mint and kale. For the centerpieces, I took glass tall candlesticks form Pottery Barn and turned them upside down. Rosemary was then able to place an arrangement on top of each one. When using a ladder or anything suspended from the ceiling that is meant to be horizontal, you need to ensure you place enough weight on each side to balance the overall look. This can be very time consuming and takes planning and patience.
Paper Details: Alesia Zorn Calligraphy Alesia is so talented! I wanted to pull in the romance of music as a detail to my garden brunch theme. I came up with the idea of creating a seating chart written on traditional sheet music. Alesia wrote the guests names in the perfect Script font. She created our favor boxes that you see on the tables where I placed mini jars of jam with the Bride & Groom’s name and wedding date on them. We blow up the sheet music to create place mats for each setting where you could also write the individual guests name at the top for an extra special touch. 
Bites: Art of Catering Garden delights infuse the meal as well, with floral print plates and fresh berries accenting the egg soufflé with fresh shaved truffles. Don’t forget to provide the cocktails! We used just the perfect combination of fresh juices with Champagne to match the color platte.
Bird Nest Chargers, Glass Candlesticks, Mercury Candle Votives, Floral Plates & Etched Stem Glasses: Pottery Barn NW 23rd
Linens, Gold Flatware & Music Stand: West Coast Event Productions
Chairs: Eden
Bird Nests: 3 Monkeys
XOXO~
Holly
Bow Ties Oh My!
Hi Folks!
Some of you know that I also work with Nordstrom specializing in dressing men for all types of occasions; sporty, business, chic casual, relaxed modern and traditionally formal. I recently worked with a new client, a local SE Portland restauranteur who organized a dinner requiring all male guests to wear bow ties. Fabulous idea, except he didn’t own a bow tie let alone know how to tie one. Insert little personal stylist Holly J! This of course got me thinking about how bow ties are making a HUGE comeback in the business world but also in the wedding world. I thought it would be fun to share a little demo on how one ties a bow tie and maybe it will inspire some of your men out their to branch out and try something new.
Happy Planning!
Holly with Hitched
Lots of “how to” videos on You Tube but this kid made me giggle.
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