Megan and Justin at River House

Posted on July 10, 2026 by jlammerts

When this couple approached my company, A Day Like No Other, for help with planning their wedding, they had already done a lot of venue search and identified a number of constraints. No wedding in Fall, out in nature, preferably under towering Redwood trees, with sufficient shade against the California sun, a polished event venue, close-by accommodations for their numerous out-of-town guests, not too far away from Silicon valley… and if that wasn’t tricky enough, their respective parents had overlapping date conflicts. In short, this was not easy! Until… enter River House, a fairly new event venue in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It checked most of the couple’s requirements, AND it had suitable event dates still available. BOOKED!

With just under nine months to go (and demanding work schedules for both bride and groom), we had our work cut out for us. The wedding planner provided by the venue helped with local connections and vendors. After a whirlwind of sourcing, comparing and booking vendors, food and cake tastings, showroom visits and lounge furniture selection, organizing a Tea Ceremony preceding the Western festivities and an afterparty close to the wedding venue…. the Big Day had finally arrived!

Given the mid-morning Tea Ceremony to start the day, the bride and her bridesmaids and the mothers had to get up VERY early to have their hair and makeup done (DesignHerImage).

The traditional Tea Ceremony was held at the Hilton Scotts Valley hotel which served as the “home base” for the couple, their family members and many of their guests.

After that, the Western part of their wedding day started… with transit to River House, the local wedding planner taking over and bride and groom getting into Western wedding attire.

Beautiful romantic bouquets in pastel Spring colors (Laurel Canyon Farms) were waiting for the bride (and her bridesmaids…)

… who were themselves wearing assorted pastel Spring colors.

The groom and groomsmen were dressed up for the celebration as well:

Ready for their First Look – all captured by the One Love photo team and Curio videographers.

Always such an emotional moment…

This should be their official wedding photo, don’t you think?!

But there was still the ceremony to come! Guests were arriving via shuttle (Corinthian Ground Transportation)

Here comes the bride…

… for her romantic wedding ceremony in the outdoor pavilion, serenaded by Innocenti Strings.

Just married!

YESSSS!!

And while guests got to enjoy not only the usual cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Love Creek Catering), but also ice cream and a veritable British High Tea (!), lounging on vintage furniture pieces by White Rabbit Event Rentals, the newlyweds went off to take even more photos.

Isn’t that pretty?! Guests were then invited to dinner in the lavishly decorated Barn with tables, chairs and tabletop items from Alexis Party Rental...

… where they also had their choreographed First Dance to tunes by Santa Cruz DJ …

… their ceremonial cake cutting…

… and a LOT of wild dancing with their guests!

And the Grand Send-off with sparklers …? That was just the send-off to an afterparty!

Keep partying, Megan and Justin! Wishing you continued happiness!

Andrea’s and Alex’s dream come true – a wedding at Kohl Mansion

Posted on July 8, 2026 by jlammerts

Andrea and Alexander had found their absolute dream venue – the historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame – and then they realized that a lot more had to be done to actually host their wedding there… so they turned to my company, A Day Like No Other, to help them fill in all the myriad details that, in the end, come together to a great wedding celebration.

We had eight months to make it happen – and this time went by very quickly. On a breezy, sunny Friday in April, the Big Day had finally come!

For bride Andrea and her bridesmaids, it began with hair and makeup services (Beauty by Cherie); then, with the help from her bridesmaids, she stepped into her elegant wedding dress… and look how radiant she is!

Time for photos (by Frank J. Lee Photography)!

What’s missing? Her bridal bouquet, of course! (All flowers by Narose).

Now she’s ready for her First Look…

… on the main staircase of the Mansion.

Every single time, this is such a special, intimate moment between bride and groom. Truly priceless.

And now, it’s couple’s portrait time! Having fun …

Peekaboo!

On to more official wedding photos…

… like this…

… or this…

… or that one!

Soon enough, guests were arriving (all 200 of them!!)…

… and the ceremony began in the elegant Green Room of Kohl Mansion, with a friend of the couple officiating.

The Kohl Mansion staff under the leadership of Events Director Denise Severi had done the complete setup – not only for the ceremony, but for cocktails and dinner as well, florist Narose had prepared impressive altar arrangements, and our DJ/MC Paul Burchfield of Big Fun Disc Jockeys provided beautiful music – while photographer Frank Lee and videographer Martin Meyer of martinFILMS captured it all.

Meanwhile, Lucia’s Bar Company had set up the bar in the Courtyard, ready to serve guests right after the ceremony, and Ginger Cafe Catering was ready to serve hors d’oeuvres.

The newlyweds had, of course, even more photos to take:

Time for dinner in the double-height Great Hall at Kohl Mansion!

The dinner table centerpieces by florist Narose were literally glowing in fresh Spring colors, and the Sweetheart Table got special treatment.

What’s happening after dinner? Cake Cutting! The cake and an impressive dessert buffet had been provided by Always Your Bakery Cafe – look, how pretty!

There was one more highlight of the celebration, of course: dancing – and for those who’d take a break, a photobooth.

One thing’s for sure: Andrea and Alexander GOT their dream wedding! Congratulations!

Shall We Dance?

Posted on May 21, 2026 by jlammerts

Catherine’s and Jacob’s one-of-a-kind wedding at Kohl Mansion

A bagpipe band for the processional? Check.

A Scottish Highland dance performance to entertain the guests? Check.

Authentic Scottish-only flowers for all bouquets? Check.

All the gentlemen in kilts? Of course!

And so on, and so forth. This wedding was “one for the ages!” Bride Catherine, of Scottish-Danish heritage, and an accomplished professional Scottish Highland dance instructor, pulled all the stops for her authentic, traditional nuptials – and historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, with its double-height Great Room and dark wood paneling, was the perfect setting for her vision. And Jacob, her groom, was fully onboard with this vision from Day One!

So we (at A Day Like No Other) got started, with nine months to go. Selecting authentic Scottish Highland flowers took intense, deep research (by Laurel & Vine) – sourcing these flowers (or their closest substitutes) in California was yet another story… Bride Catherine took responsibility for all other things Scottish, especially the gentlemen’s traditional attire (kilts in the bride’s family tartan!), a bagpipe band (complete with kettledrums!), a Scottish Highland dance performance … AND a traditional Danish wedding cake (to honor the “other side” of her cultural heritage). Suffice it to say that planning this wedding was very intense and involved, and we just made it to the finish line!

Finally, the big day had arrived, and Catherine began the day with hair and makeup services by Tiffany Chiang of Design HER Image, then getting into her classic, very feminine wedding dress.

Here she is, at Kohl Mansion, in timeless beauty – and poise:

She could easily be royalty, don’t you think? Time for a very emotional First Look with her Dad…

… followed by a First Look with her groom, Jacob.

Had you told me that this was the wedding of a Scottish duchess at her castle – I would have believed it!

Next came a lot of photos of the happy couple, all by RK Honey Photography…

Of course, there were also photos of the bridal party…

… and of the radiant bride with her flowers!

Soon enough, guests were about to arrive, and they were greeted in style by the Macintosh Pipe band:

… something definitely so far unheard-of at this venue! As the wedding fell in the colder season in California, Catherine and Jacob held their wedding ceremony indoors, again accompanied by bagpipe tunes.

“With this ring, I thee wed…”

The mandatory signing of the marriage license literally “sealed the deal…”

… and the newlyweds had more photos to take…

… while their guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour outdoors, protected by a tent (from Hensley Event Resources)…

… and entertained by more bagpipe music!

All the while, dinner preparations were underway behind the scenes – fast and furious! The team of Continental Caterers had the dining room set up (with beautiful rental items from Hensley Event Resources) and the kitchen going; florist Marie of Laurel & Vine set the long rows of dining tables with green garlands and a profusion of candlelight; DJ Paul of Big Fun Disc Jockeys was setting up sound and light both for speeches over dinner and then, of course, for dancing; and my production team of A Day Like No Other orchestrated it all.

It was a feast of epic proportions, hearkening back to times long past… and utterly romantic!

But the highlights of the celebration just kept coming – the next one being the authentic Danish wedding cake, a “kransekage” (from Copenhagen Bakery) – a delicious tower of marzipan-like layers, topped with a heart-shaped cookie for the newlyweds.

Having cut and shared this gorgeous cake, the newlyweds went on to what they love most: dancing.

Of course, their First Dance was a highly choreographed routine (by the bride – who else?!), and the same held true for the Father-Daughter Dance.

Guests were invited to join in the fun with a traditional ceilidh…

… and they left the dance floor ONLY to help themselves from the huge dessert buffet (also from Copenhagen Bakery)!

The rest of the night was spent just dancing, dancing, dancing – and celebrating!

So – one thing is for sure: this was unforgettable. Keep dancing, Catherine and Jacob, and celebrating your happiness for many, many years to come!

Texas wedding venues: Commodore Perry Estate

Posted on October 9, 2025 by jlammerts

An incredible discovery today: a historic mansion, literally minutes away from downtown Austin in a quiet neighborhood – and once you pass through the wrought-iron gate onto the flagstone driveway, you find yourself in a different world.

The Mediterranean-inspired architecture of the mansion with its neoclassical influences, the surrounding manicured park with mature trees (many magnolias among them!) and the peace and serenity of the 10-acre estate transport you in a zen-like state of mind; I guarantee it.

An additional building of the same vintage – the 1920s – houses a gym and spa, and then there is a hotel building with 52 rooms which looks and feels exactly the same; hard to believe it’s just a few years old! Designer extraordinaire Ken Fulk managed the nearly impossible – both for the mansion which was gently renovated while preserving its historic charm, and for the new hotel building which was constructed using historic materials including encaustic tile and reclaimed wood floors and a classical architectural vocabulary like this interior courtyard surrounded by arcades. Nothing is “fake” – it all breathes authenticity and luxurious understatement.

And then – did I already say that it’s the most exclusive wedding venue in all of central Texas? With just over 30 wedding events per year – maximal 6 of them buy-outs – the venue makes sure that each couple and their guests receive the full attention and effort of the dedicated staff. In short, they are treated like royalty!

Indoors, the mansion exudes the quiet charm of its beginnings a century ago, with period furnishings and decor, but without the feel of a museum; rather like a well-aged private home, handed down through the generations and lovingly cared for.

The property, under the umbrella of the luxury hotel group Auberge, prides itself on extraordinarily good food: from the same kitchen and the same chefs who run the onsite Michelin-starred restaurant.

For all its elegance and sophistication, it’s a cozy, warm and welcoming space with a French-Mediterranean atmosphere – and it even has a patio with outdoor seating.

Back to weddings! There are several outdoor ceremony areas to choose from…

… all equally beautiful and with the option to use the back facade of the mansion as the gorgeous backdrop for your vows!

Just imagine the possibilities… with draping and flowers and and and…! And if you’d rather not chance the weather, you can have your ceremony in the former chapel which otherwise serves as a stylish space for dancing. In short… you can have it all, and all here, onsite – a complete, unforgettable wedding weekend with your guests. For me, Commodore Perry Estate was a true revelation. I’m charmed!

Contact: cpe.events@aubergeresorts.com

Round or rectangular – that is the question!!

Posted on August 27, 2025 by jlammerts

When planning your wedding reception, you might be in doubt what’s better, more beautiful, more practical – round or rectangular dining tables?

While there is certainly no “right” or “wrong” and no “one-size-fits-all” solution – there are several aspects to consider.

1.) How much room do you have, relative to your guest count? Rectangular tables are more “space-economical” than round ones.

2.) What’s the shape of your dining/ballroom? Square or very open spaces (like, e.g. a lawn) look better with round tables, narrow rectangular floor plans look better with rectangular tables.

3.) How formal is your event? Round tables signal more formality, while rectangular tables, especially if arranged in long rows, are considered more informal.

4.) What’s your design vision? Tall, round floral centerpieces are best displayed on round tables;

floral/greenery garlands look best on long rows of end-to-end rectangular tables.

5.) Practical necessities: aisles need to be 36 inches wide for guest movement and for waitstaff/service.

Advantages and disadvantages of round tables:

They facilitate interaction between guests and feel more intimate, but as we stated above, they take up more space than rectangular ones.

Advantages and disadvantages of rectangular tables:

Guest interaction is more limited to the persons seated to the immediate left and right and to the person across the table. Rectangular tables are great for buffet set-ups, food stations and bar set-ups and for very structured dinner layouts, but they might need some extra dress-up in order not to look too basic.

Can you mix round and rectangular dining tables?

YES! But it should not be done haphazardly, but preferably in a symmetrical pattern. Look how beautiful this can be:

I hope this all will help you in envisioning YOUR perfect dinner setup!

Planning a Green and Sustainable Wedding

Posted on August 21, 2025 by jlammerts

Weddings are joyous celebrations, but they can also generate significant waste and carbon emissions. Fortunately, couples today are embracing eco-friendly choices that reduce environmental impact while keeping the day just as magical. A sustainable wedding is not about compromise—it’s about creativity and conscious decision-making.

Eco-Friendly Venues
Choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability is a powerful first step. Outdoor settings like gardens, vineyards, or family properties minimize the need for excess décor. Many venues now integrate renewable energy, water conservation systems, and waste reduction programs—making it easier for couples to celebrate responsibly. But even forbidding disposable serveware and plastic-bottled water in favor of real china and real glassware ONLY (like, for example, several high-end venues in the SF Bay Area do), is actually a great step towards less waste.

Sustainable Décor and Florals
Instead of single-use décor, couples are opting for rentals, repurposed items, or natural elements. Locally grown flowers reduce carbon footprints while supporting nearby farmers. For an eco-chic touch, consider potted plants that can be gifted and that will live long after the wedding – something I frequently recommend. Potted orchids in particular are a hit with my couples! Here are a few examples from previous weddings:

OR you could use your dessert in lieu of a floral centerpiece! We’ve done it last year – have a look:

Conscious Catering
Food is often the largest contributor to waste. Sustainable catering emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and plant-forward menus. Farm-to-table food is fresh and delicious – the way to go! Especially for Cocktail Hour appetizers and dessert bars (see below an example from one of my weddings), it is so easy to do that. Donating leftovers to local shelters ensures that nothing goes to waste while extending the joy of your celebration to the community – this is something we do on a regular basis.

Attire and Accessories
From renting gowns to choosing ethically produced fabrics, fashion choices can also go green. Brides and grooms increasingly select attire they can wear again, or they repurpose vintage pieces—giving garments a second life. These two of my brides had a wedding dress re-tailored: Ali right below wore her grandmother’s dress, and Nicole had her mother’s wedding dress cut short and taken in – and it fit her like a glove!

Invitations, Escort Cards and Favors
Digital invitations and RSVP platforms dramatically cut down on paper waste. For those who love tangible keepsakes, recycled paper or seed-embedded stationery is both stylish and eco-friendly. As for favors, you could gift experiences, offer edible treats (macarons or chocolates!), tree seedlings or seed packets (which could actually do double-duty as escort “cards!”) or donations to environmental causes instead of disposable trinkets. The photo below is from the wedding of a dog-loving couple – they made a donation to an animal charity on behalf of their guests.

By weaving sustainability into each detail, you can create a wedding that not only celebrates your love but also honors the planet—leaving behind cherished memories, not excess waste. We at A Day Like No Other have been doing this from the outset (some of the photos in this article are 13 years old!), and so we have gained extensive experience with environmentally friendly practices. Plan your wedding with us! We’ve got the ideas, the experience AND the expertise!

Sarah and Justin – cherished traditions for their wedding

Posted on May 30, 2025 by jlammerts

A couple very mindful of their cultural and religious traditions – AND of family tradition! They got married in exactly the same spot where the bride’s parents had tied the knot, 35 years prior. Only difference: this time the weather was much better!

The “spot” was Thomas Fogarty Winery, an elegant event venue perched on a ridge high above Silicon Valley, with endless views to the San Francisco skyline, and surrounded by producing vineyards – the wines from these vineyards were, of course, served at the celebration!

But I am getting ahead of myself…

After a year of planning with my company, A Day Like No Other, the big day had finally arrived.

After hair and makeup styling at her parents’ home, Sarah was driven to Fogarty Winery where she would dress up and present herself to her future husband officially for the first time – a “First Look.”

The quintessential mother-daughter moment with the mother preparing her daughter for getting married.

Florist Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs provided Sarah with her bridal bouquet…

… in elegant white-on-white, textured and with a feminine softness – and there she is in all her finery!

Groom Justin, meanwhile, was also getting ready for the big moment, supported by his brother and the other groomsmen.

Immediately after their First Look on a balcony overlooking the vineyards and the valley, Sarah and Justin read their personal vows to each other – a very tender and unforgettable moment for both of them.

While both were taking lots and lots of photos with photographer extraordinaire Gavin Farrington and his assistant Paula, all the other vendor teams were hard at work with preparations.

The ceremony area was set up with chairs, a chuppah and lavish floral decor (by Green Petal Designs),

Immediately preceding the wedding ceremony, the couple signed their ketubah.

My assistant Quan and I set up the elegant WELCOME sign that the artistically gifted bride had created herself, along with all other wedding stationery; and there were a myriad of other details to take care of…

The team of Culinary Eye Catering set the tables in the open Pavilion, DJ .Zhaldee of Entourage Events was setting up sound systems, Rabbi Debbie Pine arrived for the ceremony, and violinist Joyce Lee got settled to accompany this ceremony with classical tunes.

Guests arrived via shuttle buses (from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and soon we were ready for the long-anticipated, big moment. Here comes the bride!

After a traditional (but light-hearted!) Jewish ceremony…

… Sarah and Justin broke a glass, also per tradition …

… and were declared “husband and wife.”

Just married!! And soooo happy…

Next? More photos, of course – and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Culinary Eye Catering) …

… for the guests who were asked to write their well-wishes and messages for the newlyweds on vintage travel postcards, to be gathered into a keepsake album.

“Travel” was a big theme at this wedding as this is the couple’s shared passion – they got engaged in Kenya, for starters! And that’s why tables were named after some of their favorite destinations, “Nairobi” rubbing shoulders with “San Francisco…” and “Cancun” with “Tahoe!”

Sarah and Justin used the time not only for many more portraits…

… but also to rehearse their choreographed First Dance one more time.

Dinner time! Guests found their assigned tables on a mirrored seating chart…

Dinner was set up in the open Pavilion…

The table settings were elegant…

… and the food (by Culinary Eye Catering) incredible.

The couple opened dinner with their Grand Entrance and…

… subsequent First Dance…

… and after dinner, it was only dessert …

… and more dancing!

Of course, the newlyweds had their traditional Jewish Hora Dance during which they were hoisted high up above the dancing crowd in jubilation.

As a nod to their beloved cat Lorraine who sadly could not participate in the celebration, all guests got a custom “Lorraine” t-shirt as a present!

What a day, and what a night… Congratulations and a long, happy life together to Sarah and Justin!

Sally and Chris – a Persian/American fantasy

Posted on May 24, 2025 by jlammerts

Two super-busy young professionals, living out of state, planning an elaborate wedding at Nestldown Estate just outside Silicon Valley – it’s clear they needed assistance! I was so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the planning and design, and the bride’s parents took over the tasks of site visits and tastings that had to be done in-person. After a year of planning and designing, everything finally came together beautifully under blue skies and a warming May sunshine.

For Sally and her friends, her sister, mother and mother-in-law, the day began at the elegant Hotel Los Gatos…

… where they all received beauty services by Felicia Wei and assistants of Bun Bun Bridal Lab – and look how gorgeous the results were! Photographer Gavin Farrington with second shooter Paula captured the whole day from start to finish – however, for the time being, all we have to show are my cellphone shots. Just wait until you see the professional photos!

At Nestldown, meanwhile, several vendor teams (including myself and my associate Stephanie Hui) were hard at work to get everything ready for the celebration; Ephraim of Apis Florals and his crew put up gorgeous floral arrangements…

…. a gilded circular arch, decorated with a profusion of flowers, and a sofreh-aghd, the traditional Persian wedding spread (the bride is of Persian heritage), in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the Redwoods at Nestldown, where all ceremonies are held.

Guests were arriving via convenient shuttle service (by Corinthian Ground Transportation) and making their way to the lavishly decorated ceremony area.

Time for the ceremony!

Here comes the bride, with her parents, serenaded by the Corelli Strings trio. The unique Persian-American ceremony was officiated by Sally’s best friend from college, together with Sally’s sister, with participation from her uncle, nephews and nieces, and a friend of the couple. This was a very personal, heartfelt moment for all.

The sofreh was a labor of love by the bride’s parents – her father built the table himself, her mother supplied all the symbolic items that are displayed on the sofreh, and her sister contributed to the ceremony with explanations for all guests who might not be familiar with the Persian wedding customs.

As part of the wedding ceremony, female family members shower the couple with sugar, rubbed over their heads, symbolizing the sweetness of marriage.

Just married!!

While Chris and Sally had to take more romantic photos – and video by Two4Tea – on the beautiful grounds of Nestldown…

…their guests enjoyed cocktails (by Bacchus Wine and Spirits) and hors d’oeuvres by Wylder Space Catering at the “Apple Knoll” event space – under a pergola hung with crystal chandeliers!

Another personal touch: Chris’ and Sally’s beloved canine Neville was cheering guests from the cocktail napkins…

… and Corelli Strings again provided the elegant musical background.

A truly elegant affair! Come dinner time, guests were invited to Nestldown’s Main Lawn …

… where tables with elegant floral centerpieces…

… a seating chart arranged on a huge mirror….

…..and place settings with individual leather name tags awaited them.

After a delicious dinner (by Wylder Space Catering) and heartfelt speeches by their parents, everyone moved inside the “Barn”, the central event space at Nestldown, for cutting the wedding cake and enjoying Persian desserts (by C’est Si Bon Bakery)…

… and for a huge surprise for the couple: a saxophonist whom the bride’s sister had secretly hired to play alongside DJ Woody Miraglia (of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – a dream come true for Sally and Chris! Saxophonist Justin Ward, a musician through and through, accompanied the newlyweds’ First Dance under the giant crystal chandelier…

… and from that moment on, it was only “dance, dance, dance” for the rest of the evening. A Grand Send-off with shimmering bubbles was the last high point of this incredible celebration, before the couple was whisked away in the authentic vintage London taxi which is one of the special perks at Nestldown.

Keep celebrating and dancing, Sally and Chris – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

Posted on April 27, 2025 by jlammerts

The dream of Nestldown

30 yrs ago, a young couple starting their family purchased 180 acres of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains and, through persistent hard work, they “moved a mountain” in the literal sense of the word; they transformed it into their vision of a garden oasis, for themselves, their children and ultimately, for wedding celebrations. They built a huge (elegant!) barn – already planned as a fully outfitted event space – where their children could play; a storybook cottage for their girls, a life-size train for their boys (father and son), a tree house… and over the years added innumerable extra touches to what is now the ultimate elegant wedding destination in the Redwoods. With a natural Redwood “chapel” for ceremonies, ponds, meadows, 36 acres of manicured gardens, mature trees with permanently installed twinkle lights casting a magical glow at dusk – Nestdown has become the perfect combination of elegance and natural beauty. It is still owned and managed by the same family, meanwhile supported by the children who had the good fortune growing up in this magical place.

I have been honored to be included in the small handful of wedding planners allowed to work at this exceptional venue, and here are images from the many, many weddings I have been privileged to plan, design and produce there. Let me show you around…

The “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the redwoods, paved with flagstones for the most romantic ceremony spot imaginable.

These are the wedding photos you want to see again and again, down the road, in twenty years…

Of course, you need a photo with the Fairytale Cottage…

… and with the train… and the tree house… while your guests are enjoying cocktails!

Dinner on the Main Lawn is magical, as dusk is falling…

… and after that, it’s dancing, dancing, dancing under the enormous crystal chandelier in the Barn.

And at Nestldown, the Grand Send-Off of the newlyweds is definitely one of the highlights of the event!

Through a “tunnel” of cheering guests, the couple departs to a waiting authentic London taxi!

Bon voyage and a lifetime of happiness – which started on this magical day at Nestldown.

Expert interviews: florist Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine

Posted on March 17, 2025 by jlammerts

Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!

What is your specific strength as a florist?

I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”

– What is your style? Your approach to your work?

My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.

– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?

Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.

What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?

Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”

Why are wedding flowers so expensive?

Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.

Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.

What else would you like to add?

If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.

Wedding Woof

Tag Archives: venue