This Week I'm Loving ... Enchanting Weddings

It seems as if my inspiration for wedding design is just growing by leaps and bounds lately.

And, why not? Inspiration is not only everywhere I look in day to day life professionally, but with the various social media sources that are at our fingertips!

This week, I'm loving the use of foliage and greenery in wedding and event design. I'm currently designing a gala for this upcoming March with this very concept in mind.

I have sensed a notable shift in design priorities with my clients of late. Many want to maintain an elegant, sophisticated vibe with more "grounded" elements ...Event design ingenues such as Preston Bailey can always help us dream it to the next level!

Dare I say, Kate and Will may have had something to do with this?

Whatever the case, I'm just loving the lush and flourishing options-

How enchanting! xo

Friday Chic Style Sheet: April 25, 2008

In keeping with the Earth Week vibe, I thought it especially appropriate to share a recent wedding we here like to call Organic Opulence...

Again, borrowing my it doesn't have to be "all or nothing" philosophy on the use of organic or green materials to reduce your carbon footprint, I feel our clients' desired style was ultimately achieved.

The clients had a very organic sense, their story even began this way as they met on a mission trip in Africa. The design story was told in that very way with the use of natural ferns, burlap, moss, stone, branches over the dance floor and raffia. The linen was even an organic twirl overlay and breathtaking! The decor was beautifully executed by Awny with Unique Option and Flourish Floral Productions.

A natural, sun-drenched wedding ceremony outside on the DaVinci Lawn at the Ritz Carlton transported us all to where we could only imagine was paradise for them.

I have included more fun images from the inspiring Curt Littlecott with Nu Visions in Photography for you to enjoy as well. I also could not forget the enormous talent of Beautiful Music and DJ Carl; thank you!

My message closing out this week and every week: Definitely do your best to go green, but STAY CHIC!

Update: Blogger is having difficulty with uploading photos currently. I'll keep trying and check back soon!

I'm Seeing GREEN!!!!

Okay, so we all now it's Earth Week and that yesterday was Earth Day...

I think the message if "going green" is quite an amazing movement, but it is EVERYWHERE right now! All of the television talk shows, magazines, blogs and the like-

Rather than inundate you with the same jargon you have been hearing all week (and hopefully all year as this no longer a trend, but a way of life) I thought I'd share some "real people" (okay--maybe just mine!) thoughts and visuals...

Like it or not, we as a society, have spoiled ourselves into a pretty posh way of living. In the end it seems as if this may not be as beneficial to Mother Earth as it probably could be. What's a "real" person to do?

May I take the brazen liberty to tell you to R-E-L-A-X?? I certainly want to do my part in reducing my carbon foot print (I did borrow that phrase from Tommy Murphy!) and really make a concerted effort to do so. I recycle, ride my bicycle to the supermarket and other errands when I can, look for organic materials and food, use soy candles and the like.

On the other hand, I'm a girl who likes real diamonds as opposed to simulated!!

Preparing for my most recent segment on The Daily Buzz for tips on a Green Wedding got me to really thinking...

Does it really have to be all or nothing??

I love the information that's out there. I love my fellow bloggers and industry leaders who are doing their part to get a positive, environmental message out. I promise I recycle and conserve and I am teaching my daughters to do the same. I have encouraged couples planning their wedding with "green" interest to go for it and have fostered some of their personal style with my creativity and a balance in eco-friendly and "traditional" design elements. (Natural woods, soy candles and back-yard greenery for a natural bridal bouquet such as the images from recent weddings above) I love to offer a hearty pat on the back for those who take even the smallest step to making a difference.

I also love my shoes!