Please see Part 1 for the Moodboard for The Big Fake Wedding held at Willowdale Estate

Back to the Big Fake Wedding New England 2018 - As the bride didn’t want any typical centerpieces, I designed a centerpiece for a round table in a concrete container that I dry brushed with gold paint. Grapevine balls, moss, polished stones, succulents and painted gold leaves were tucked around flowering and foliage plants, such as orchids and anthuriums, that are typically found in a conservatory. Taking the table to an upscale (as opposed to a rustic) direction, I selected textured, clear glass plates rimmed with gold. A rose, resting on moss that lined a gold edged glass pyramid, brought color to each place setting. The perfect green linens provided by @xothegirls and unique printed designs of table number and menus from Jen Pepper @thechattypress finished the look.

My second table was a beautiful long farm table which begged for an elevated ‘jungle’ of orchids and greens. Phalenopsis and dendrobium orchids were tucked into a garland of greenery which extended down on to the table. Hops grown in my yard hung playfully. The table number was suspended from this in a floating gold edged frame. Additional plants and flowers in small glass vases were on the table.

Floral Sydenstricker plates were put on ivory china with a textured rim in a trellis pattern. At each setting, there were song lyrics or a title along with the author in floating glass frames and echeveria in a glass teardrop. Once again, thanks to Jen Pepper @thechattypress and @xothegirls for printed materials and linens.

The Big Fake Wedding was a great experience. All the vendors developed quite a camaraderie working in the crazy heat and then ridiculous downpour to pull this together. I would recommend any of them.

Photography: Emily Teresa Photography, Hourglass Photography, & Golden Aura Photography / Videography: Brian Nelson Films / Venue: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA / Day-of Coordination: Tasks@Bey Event Planning / Floral & Event Design for Bouquets & Boutonnieres and Tables 1 + 8: Floral Notes / Floral & Event Design for Ceremony Backdrop & TAbles 2 + 7: Orly Khon Floral / Floral & Event Design for Head Table & Tables 4 +9: Jasper & Prudence Floral & Events / Floral & Event Design for Registration & Tables 5 + 10: Designs by Sheila / Floral & Event Design for Tables 3 + 6: Tasks@Bey Event Planning / Hair: Beauty By LM / Makeup: Makeup by Kira / Invitations: JKF Design Co. / Desserts: Miam Miam Macaronerie / Doughnuts: The Dapper Doughnut / Cake: Pure Glamour Cakes / Event Rentals: XO The Girls / Marquee Letter Rentals: Your Love in Lights / Marshmallow Favors: Malvi: Marshmallow Confections / Sparkling Wine: SOCIAL Sparkling Wine / Table Stationery: The Chatty Press / Transportation: Skedaddle / Travel Agency: Seabrook Travel Center / Wedding Vow Art: The Standard Canvas / Guest Shuttle Service: Michael’s Limousine / Hotel: The Boxer Boston Hotel / Ballroom Dancing: Ballroom in Boston / Band: Hot Mess Boston / Ceremony Musicians: Hot Mess Boston / Menswear: Blank Label / Jewelry: Delezhen

The Big Fake Wedding is a bridal show alternative featuring a couple who renew their vows in front of guests (engaged couples) followed by food and dancing. The BFW staff developed a mood board for the vendors to follow. New England’s theme was a garden house/conservatory vibe using shades of green, clay, and orchid.

For the floral portion, four designers each got 2 tables and an extra area to focus on. I selected bouquets and boutonnieres. My bouquets were not typical of those seen on social media and were well received by brides visiting my vendor table after the ceremony.

The bridal bouquet featured a mix of interesting textures with an airiness and movement. Anthurium and orchids were some of the flowers added for the greenhouse touch.

Ribbon treatment includes hand-died silks from @honeysilkcophoto by @emilyteresaphotography — Ribbon treatment includes hand-died silks from @honeysilkco
photo by @emilyteresaphotography

Side view of bouquetphoto by @emilyteresaphotography — Side view of bouquet
photo by @emilyteresaphotography

Want something interesting? Here’s a new take on bridal bouquet shapes. Bridesmaid’s bouquet #1 was designed in a custom crafted wire structure. Wool and jasmine vine were captured by wire tendrils and butterfly ranunculus floated above.

Bridesmaid’s bouquet #2 was a clean, contemporary interpretation of a conservatory. Tropical flowers and foliage are grouped for emphasis.

The guys also wore a touch of the greenhouse vibe. The groom sported a white anthurium with kalanchoe and greenery. The groomsmen wore either an orchid with kalanchoe and greenery or a spray rose with tillandsia and seeded eucalyptus. A floral pocket square was also an option but the guys opted to wear vests and not jackets.

A modern take on corsages were worn by the gals during the reception with flowers magically worn on their wrists. It was a fun way for the gals to have flowers without carrying their bouquets.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where I’ll share photos of the table designs.

Notes from Floral Notes