With fewer big events this year, we are looking back on some of our past favorites. Like this elegant black tie affair we did in Kansas City. Tec Petaja gorgeously captured the event for us. We came to know our bride’s family when doing a wedding for her cousin several years ago in Greenville, SC. We are so lucky we often end up designing weddings for clients who are family members.
Lettered Olive crafted the paper suite and accessories, which included a custom wedding crest, hand drawn illustrations, and subtle patterns used throughout.
I so love this killer wedding welcome bag. A camouflage LL Bean boat bag includes a “mini bar” guests could indulge in without needed to break into the hotels’. Cocktails, accoutrements, snacks, and even a canvas “cure kit” with hangover remedies are included, along with drink recipes and supplies.
The bride chose an Oscar de le Renta gown- the Luvi, and classic Manolo bridal shoes; and our groom wore a Ralph Lauren Purple label tuxedo. Florals in creams and pale pinks worked well with the bridesmaids’ neutral full length gowns.
Following a ceremony at the bride’s childhood church, the couple greeted guests at a reception at historic Union Square station.
Escort cards are set on a table at the entrance to cocktail hour, so that guests find their names before getting too far into the party. And, the oversized floral urn makes a lovely greeting for guests.
In addition to passed hors d’eouvres and cocktails, Leon Lane’s Inspired Occasions set up a decadent seafood display. Including oysters on the half shell, crab claws, and a caviar display with every accompaniment you could imagine
Delicate lounge seating and cocktail tables are set for a lovely cocktail hour. In designing a space, I try to create different focal points and areas for guests to gather without over crowding. A piano set up on it’s own stage is just a simple movement, but makes a “grand” statement, for instance.
In the dining room, a custom wine display is made for the father of the bride’s curated wine collection. Decanters with handwritten tags allow guests to pour their own pairings during dinner. This is one of my favorite features from this wedding. Love always getting to incorporate personal details, but, luxury touches like this take special to the next level.
In addition to our favorite pretty touches, carpet is laid in the dining room to help with acoustics in the vast hall. Fabric curtains are also hung to help absorb sound. And, live greenery draped from ceiling softens what could be considered a large cold room. Soft linen tops the combination of long and square tables.
Along with candles, mini electric lamps provide ambient lighting. Low and lush florals fill the tables, and fresh greenery is a sweet accent for each place setting. Lettered Olive’s leather bound menu booklets have each person’s name branded as place cards. These also act a lovely take home for guests.
The cake is definitely still an important element of the wedding experience. But, it can add too much onto our dinner timeline. So, we like to have our couple cut it at the end of dinner service, but have the catering staff serve it on lovely plates and trays in the reception. Also, after a big dinner, it gives guests a chance to dance and work up an appetite for dessert.
Different seating vignettes allow guests lots of areas to steal away for conversation. And, for those who want a rest from dancing- even though the dance floor usually stays packed all night. The feeling in the lounge was to bring the outside in. Using fresh trees and greenery, for instance, offers a lovely decor moment. We also designed a custom woodland scene, which was featured on the bar.
After the bride changed into a Halston Heritage jump suit, the party was in full swing. We are always looking for ways to freshen up the feel to late night foods. So, we designed mock “food stalls”. Also, branded boxes add a custom feel to something that we are seeing at lots of weddings these days.
Streamer bombs pop off as the couple make their departure. But, the night doesn’t have to end with an after party!