Grey Likes Weddings

Meghan and Michael’s beautiful wine country wedding comes to us from FILM photographer, Bret Cole! Bret’s work is always breathtaking and as you already know–whenever I see tuxedos, I get a little weak in the knees.

Venue: Wente Vineyards, Livermore // Linens: Napa Valley Linens // Dress: Amsale, blue label // Shoes: Valentino Garavani

My sweet friends, Bonnie Tsang (photographer), Lauryl Lane (botanical stylist), and Megan Gonzalez (paperie proprietress of MaeMae Paperie) recently put together a feature on the Language of Flowers. I love the nod to the Victorian tradition of using flowers to convey meaning. Today, we harken back to the days of Austen for a peek at the art of an unspoken message.

First published in Paris in 1818, Charlotte de La Tour’s classic Le langage des fleurs first brought floral meanings to the masses. Although meanings had long been associated with different floral specimens, the Victorians, in particular their poets and artists, used the meanings of flowers to convey messages in art, literature, and even in day-to-day settings. de La Tour’s book gathered known floral meanings rooted in ancient history and laid those meanings out, creating a reference guide that we still draw from today. While we no longer attend balls carrying nosegays that can indicate if we are unattached or not, we can definitely use the lost language of flowers to convey meaning through a simple gift.

Photography by Bonnie Tsang
Floral Styling + Text by Lauryl Lane
Graphic Design by MaeMae Paperie
Location at Palihouse, West Hollywood

Floral meaning resources:
Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers
Wikipedia Language of Flowers
FlowerMeaning.org

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity of attending an “Edible Auditing”, hosted by the most chic caterer, Room Forty. Alexa of Sterling Engagements designed the entire event, and I was absolutely bowled over! I sat with some of the industry’s best wedding planners and ogled over all the genius and inspiration ideas! Are you ready for some spectacular pretties and ideas (all shot by the absolutely wonderful Ryan Garvin Photography)?

First up, check out the beautiful invites design by Prim and Prixie:

Vibiana is the most stunning possible venue in existence!

All the florals by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design were jaw dropping. I loved that the decor was very inspired by the food! You can see a Kale arrangement, and an artichoke below. There were also bunches of rosemary and mint scattered along the table. We even received herbs to plan as part of our favor.

Room Forty also has a mixologist on staff who creates custom drinks for pairings! This “Orangerie Punch Bowl” cocktail featured hibiscus, jasmine and even included an edible flower as a garnish!

I love how Room Forty serves their food! And it’s hilarious on the right–do you see all of us shooting the food with our phones??? It was just so beautiful!

Below are my two favorite elements of our TEN course meal! On the left is just the garnish for a delicious soup. The actual soup part was poured at the table out of a beautiful pitcher! What fun! On the right is a whiskey cocktail that had real smoke wafting out of the glass. What an amazing experience to really grasp the smokiness in the whiskey. I’m not much of a whiskey lover, but it was an amazing cocktail!

All the napkins embroidered with lace and place mats were created just for the event by Dahlia of Designer Specialty Linens.

We enjoyed live classical guitar from ESPIMUSIC Entertainment. It was amazing!

A little gift box to take home, which was delicious salad elements, home made vinaigrette and a recipe!

Below left is a shot of Steve, the force behind Room Forty, and me after our meal. I was so full, I barely made it home!

It’s always amazing to share with you the best of the best in the industry, and give you a chance to see what vendors can dream up if you give them room to dream with you! These are also amazing vendors to contact if you are in the industry, or a bride planning a wedding!

First up for today is Erin (the beautiful photographer behind Lovisa Photo) and Grant’s sunny sweet wedding with simple details, a gorgeous bridal party, and lush florals! I think my favorite element, however, are the groomsmen’s suits! Fabulous! All these gorgeous images shot by Shannen Norman Photography.

Photography: Shannen Norman Photography // Event Planner: Events by Evelynn // Floral Designer: Rae Florae // Reception Venue: Temecula Creek Inn // Cake Designer: Sweet Layers Cakes & Pastries // DJ: LSM Entertainment Inc. and DJ Tasos

Happy Mother’s Day, loveliest ladies! This beautiful image of the bride, Jillian and her mom comes to us from Paul Von Rieter, who beautifully captured a cherished moment we’ve never seen shot so well. To see more of this wedding, head here.

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother’s Day!