Contemporary Elegance

Jeri and Sean

October 2011

Normandy Farm

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Save the Dates, Flowers & Decor by La Petite Fleur

Photos 1,2,3,6,9,10 by Tyler Boye Photography

Jeri and Sean's wedding celebration was all about family, and the merging of eastern and western traditions.  We worked with the couple to infuse their event with modern details in their color palette of violet, fuchsia and sage. 

For their Save the Date, we designed an origami-inspired card, complete with intricate folds, and ornate patterned paper. Details for guests were printed throughout the panels of the uniquely shaped card.

Jeri and Sean's wedding celebration was held at the lovely Normandy Farm. Guests gathered in the silo garden courtyard for the outdoor ceremony, where two magnificent arrangements accented the iron arbor. Bamboo, massimoto asters and dendrobium orchids overflowed from ceramic urns atop ornate pedestals. The bride carried a bouquet of cymbidium orchids and looped grasses, while her bridesmaids carried bouquets in a similar style, but with tulips, orchids and roses.

After the 'I-Do's', guests proceeded to cocktails where they were greeted by a trio of modern arrangements -- complete with towering pink gladiolas, orchids, bamboo and wire accents in tall black ceramic vessels. Inside the ballroom, two different style centerpieces adorned tables, both in Ikebana design. The first, featured a fuchsia flower ball, atop a moss platform accented with rocks and looped grasses. The second was a tall arrangement of crossed bamboo, hanging votives, purple calla lilies, green hydrangea, violet blooms and sword fern.

A Refreshing Grape, Lime and Berry Cocktail

Katie and Tommy
August 6, 2011 

North Hills Country Club, Glenside, Pennsylvania

Flowers, Decor, Invitations, Event Planning by La Petite Fleur

Photography by Lori Gail Photography

Lighting and Draping by Synergetic Sounds and Lighting

Katie and Tommy share a crazy love that began with an unexpected first-date (and kiss!) south-of-the-border in Cancun.  As such, their wedding’s eccentric elegance played off their bright personalities— incorporating variety with bold colors, pretty patterns and fun features (fried Oreos anyone?).

 
That said, it’s not surprising that these unique urbanites chose wedding boutique La Petite Fleur (LPF) to design a vibrant, elegant affair for their August 6^th wedding at North Hills Country Club in their hometown of Glenside.  To architect vivid styling in a classically-styled venue, La Petite Fleur proposed a transformation using monochromatic tablescapes, an untraditional floor plan; as well as draping and lighting to achieve a beautiful design with bold personality.  LPF’s Leigh Karsch, Owner, and Ronald Giletti, Event Architect, ran with Katie’s bright color palette of grape, lime and berry—not to mention a collection of patterns and textures—and never looked back. 

 
The couple’s stationery suite debuted with pale and bright berry save-the-date “tickets,” which were followed by a custom-designed invitation, which featured a custom logo, layers of colored, metallic papers (and patterns, of course), and an “icing” return address wrap.  LPF designed a Moroccan-inspired monogram logo for the traveling sweethearts and incorporated it into the event’s full line of stationery, which included escort cards, round table cards (named for the couple’s favorite date and travel destinations), menus and programs.

 
Integral to the event’s overall color palette were the bridesmaid and maid-of-honor dresses, which were rich shades of aubergine, raspberry and cobalt.  And it was in this variety that LPF found inspiration for the reception and bouquets.  To marry the ladies’ look, LPF created two styles of green bouquets— that only varied in their accent blooms and ribbon-wrapped stems.  Katie’s bridal bouquet was a burgeoning gathering of more than two dozen raspberry garden roses, and exotic deep purple Vanda orchids. 

 
Katie and Tommy’s wedding day marked the first day of the rest of their lives and the first wedding on the greens of North Hill’s first tee.  White garden chairs— with wide grape and berry ribbon swags— framed the lush green grass aisle, which led the bride to her groom, who stood upon a blanket of rose petals in shades of purples and pinks.  

 
Following the ceremony, guests were greeted on the North Hills terrace by a signature cocktail bar that boasted a custom-designed top with Katie and Tommy’s logo—framed by a bed of limes. Served at the bar, of course, were violet TomKats (a.k.a. transfusions) and raspberry Maahs-itos (a.k.a. mojitos).  In fact, each of the appetizer stations also had a coordinated look and featured a framed custom sign.

 
However, the talk of the cocktail hour was the escort card ribbon wall, which spanned the entire length of the club’s solarium.  Tails of wide ribbon—in alternating colors of deep and light purple, fuchsia and pale pink— streamed from the ceiling to just above the floor. Suspended from each length of ribbon were square escort cards, which played- off the event’s bevy of beautiful patterns and colors.  

 
The transformation continued in the North Hills’ ballroom, where LPF collaborated with their colleagues at Synergetic Sounds and Lighting to implement a plan that included violet up-lighting around the room’s perimeter, a dance floor wash, and pin-spotting of each of the dining tables, as well as of the glass cylinders, which were filled with crystallized water and floating candles, along the 18’ long bar top.

 
The untraditional floor plan included two different sizes of round tables and a rectangular table, with each featuring a monochromatic (grape, lime or berry) tablescape.

 
The rectangular “grape” table was dressed in a floor-length aubergine linen and a white and purple-striped runner. The centerpieces featured ribboned white pillar candles atop white turned-pillar candle sticks in varying heights, upon which custom round table cards were suspended with patterned ribbon. Between the candle sticks were long, glass planters filled with a variety of purple blooms, as well as patterned ribbon-wrapped votives and a custom menu card.  Finishing the grape table’s look were aubergine napkins and clear chiviarri chairs with purple cushions.

 
The round “lime” table was dressed with a lime and white damask linen.  The centerpieces were full, round arrangements of primarily green blooms, including green hydrangea, cymbidium orchids and kiwi roses, placed atop tall white turned pedestals—from which, the round table cards were suspended with striped lime and white ribbon. Lime green chiviarri chairs with lime cushions and striped ribbon-wrapped votives finished the look.

 
The large round “berry” table featured a couture textured raspberry linen.  This table style featured a tall glass trumpet vase, with crystallized water, topped with arching pink dendrobium orchid stems and finished with a round table card suspended with helix patterned pink ribbon.  Dotted ribbon wrapped votives and berry chiviarri chairs with matching cushions completed the look.

 
Variety wasn’t only found in Katie and Tommy’s décor, but also in their event’s “special” features, which included unique food stations, such as the cocktail hour’s nacho bar and signature purple and pink cocktails; a photo booth; and a late-night snack station, which served-up fried Oreos, steak sandwiches and hot dogs to guests as they left the reception!

An Autumnal Affair with Flair

Alicia and Joe

October 2011

Penn Ryn Mansion, Philadelphia

Flowers, Decor, Invitations and Accessories by La Petite Fleur

This season, La Petite Fleur fell in love (all over again) with the “looks” of autumn as we designed décor for the October wedding of Alicia and Joe at Pen Ryn Mansion on the Delaware.

Good-humored and tech savvy, Alicia and Joe met online and it was love at first “site.”  Programmed with personality and style, these virtual lovebirds were as lovely to partner with as their warm palette of persimmon and bronze was to work with.  So with fall hues cued, the LPF design team styled an autumnal affair for the couple that exuded “traditional twists”— beginning with their engagement invitation and corresponding note cards. To follow, we collaborated with Alicia and Joe on a custom mocha metallic pocket invitation suite that featured pretty ecru inserts with calligraphic flourishes and a custom monogram, which would also be featured throughout the couple's wedding day stationery suite.

Fall-fabulous features were front and center on the big day, too— as evidenced by the bride's bouquet, which was an exquisite gathering of more than four-dozen mango and white callas that boasted a vintage brooch (a surprise from Alicia’s parents) on the stems.  The bridesmaids carried vibrant bouquets of roses, berries, lisianthus and celosia; while the bride’s and groom’s mothers carried specialty “glamilia” bouquets, which were single billowing blossoms created using individually-wired flower petals.

After the 'I Dos', Alicia and Joe celebrated with family and friends at historic Pen Ryn Mansion.  For cocktails, guests toiled through the parlor and adjoining rooms where LPF adorned fireplace mantles with cascading garlands of textured blossoms, leaves and grasses that coordinated with both the couples’ look and the mansion’s interior. Custom-designed escort cards printed on couture paper were centered around an oversized grapevine ball, perched atop a gold cube, that featured bright orange circus roses, copper beech clusters and weaved grasses.

Once inside the ballroom, the newlyweds and their guests dined at tables that LPF dressed with deep wine linens and one of two centerpiece styles.  The first, a garden-inspired cluster of violet, wine and white blooms, including hydrangea, copper beech and orchids, as well as branches and votives, was arranged in a tall trumpet vase that featured a mocha satin criss-cross wrapped base.  The second centerpiece brimmed with persimmon and bronze blooms in a metallic urn and also included branches with votives.  Table cards that coordinated with Alicia and Joe’s stationery suite finished the tables styling.

A Tasteful Event

Nationalities Service Center – Global Tastes

November 2011

WHYY – Hamilton Center Commons

Flowers and Decor by La Petite Fleur

La Petite Fleur is proud to have cultivated a new relationship with the Nationalities Service Center (NSC) through the organization’s annual Global Tastes event, which honors Philadelphia’s diverse communities through cuisine.

It was a pleasure collaborating with the fundraiser’s production sponsor Dunleavy and Associates to create a garden-inspired flower and décor plan for last week’s event.  In fact, the concept was an outgrowth of NSC’s new South Philly Community Garden and overall mission to provide immigrants and refugees the opportunity to establish roots and for growth.

LPF designed two centerpiece styles: a unique vegetable topiary comprised of greens punctuated by variegated Lady apples and deep magenta radishes for the low-top tables and, an earthy, yet elegant, arrangement of warm, muted-orange roses in a twig-wrapped glass cylinder filled with cranberries for the high-top tables.  The showpiece, however, was the soaring sign-in arrangement, that boasted tiers of brightly-colored vegetables and blooms, which was finished with garden tool accents and red sunflowers.

Many thanks to both the NSC and Dunleavy for inviting La Petite Fleur to participate.  And congratulations to the Nationalities Service Center on its 90^th anniversary and on a scrumptious-showing at this year’s soiree! 

Scarlett Sparkle

Jess and David

September 2011

Meadowlands Country Club

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Flowers, Decor and Accessories by La Petite Fleur
Detailed Photography by Lori Gail for La Petite Fleur

A note from the blissful bride:

"Thank you to you and all the staff at La Petite Fleur!!

We were thrilled to see the results on the wedding day! It was all beautiful and well done. Thank you for working with us and making our designs within our budget.  I especially loved the tall centerpieces and my bouquet."

A Pearled Party

Liz and Matt

Huntingdon Valley Country Club

Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

August 2011

Invitations, Flowers, Decor and Accessories by La Petite Fleur

Photography by SAS Becker Creative Photography

The late summer wedding of Liz and Matt at Huntingdon Valley Country Club epitomizes classic wedding style.  With a champagne and ivory color palette and sophisticated accouterments (pearls played the starring role); this La Petite Fleur-designed affair is best characterized as timeless.  

Guests were introduced to the couple’s and, subsequently, the wedding’s style by the elegant cream invitation that emerged from a black scrollwork lined envelope and formally requested their presence in a delicate black script.

The day of, Liz was stunning in an off-the-shoulder flounced gown, which inspired the design of her pearl-cuffed bouquet of creamy, petite roses, and soft white callas, which were nestled amidst grand white garden roses— with their ever-so-feminine scalloped petals. Black-centered anemones punctuated the pretty presentation. 

A traditional white satin aisle runner led Liz down the aisle, which was framed by burgeoning white hydrangea pew clusters that boasted pearl accents and long white satin tails, to a picturesque alter flanked by classically shaped urns filled with soaring white gladiolas.

In champagne dresses, the bridesmaids carried bouquets of crisp white ranunculus and soft white hydrangea— accented with anemones— that were finished with simple greens and tails of satin. 

To coordinate with his bride, Matt wore a simple white calla boutonnière, while the groomsmen’s lapels sported delicate, yet structured, Star of Bethlehem blossoms—all finished with black satin-wrapped stems.

With the couple’s desire for elegance in mind, LPF created a current look with stately style for the reception at Huntingdon Valley.  A bountiful white rose arrangement in the center hall greeted guests, while just beyond, French doors led well-wishers to cocktails on the veranda, which featured dramatic cabana-style draping, as well as white-washed pots with deep green palms. Cocktail tables were dressed in ivory and sheer copper linens topped with glass bubble bowls filled with swirled grasses and white orchid blossoms. It was also an orchid
(a catellaya to be specific) that graced the top of the wedding cake.

With its vaulted ceiling and grand fireplace, the ballroom’s décor included a floor plan with tables of varying shapes, as well as sizes and configurations— dressed in floor-length couture linens which alternated between ivory cloths embroidered with swirls of pearl knot-stitching and sandalwood cloths finished with white bengaline runners.  Each table also featured a bold black number simply presented in beautiful mother-of-pearl frames.

Three sophisticated centerpiece styles topped the luxe linens.  The first was a glass footed-compote filled with glistening water pearls and full arrangements of specialty Casablanca lilies—set-off by sets of pearl-wrapped glass votives. 

The second centerpiece featured a tall glass trumpet with submerged orchid stems and pearl strands—topped with clustered white hydrangea and arching stems of dendrobium orchids. On either side, champagne satin-wrapped cylinders brimmed with soft white hydrangea and creamy Vendella roses with pearl centers.

The third centerpiece in the trio was a duo of fluted vases with pearl-cuffs that were also filled with creamy Vendella roses and specialty greens. Each pair was situated atop a white bengaline runner which spanned the length of the sandalwood bengaline linen-dressed rectangular tables.  Rows of votives between the two centerpieces provided a luminescence that completed the elegant presentation.

To finish Liz and Matt’s timeless look, LPF adorned the 10’ tall mantel, which served as the backdrop to the couple’s table, with grand white palms, calathia leaves and hydrangea. 

 

The Romance of Sleek and Antique

Tanya & Matt

Colonial Dames, Philadelphia

June 2011

Event Styling, Flowers, Decor and Paper Accessories by La Petite Fleur

Photography by Rui Barros Photography

Tanya and Matt’s regal affair at historic Colonial Dames in Philadelphia made design history!

Drawing from the couple’s affinity for art deco design and the venue’s inspired architecture, LPF designed a look for their wedding that married art deco and colonial elements to create a romantically sleek, yet antique, style.   As such, the floral designs for both the ceremony and the reception boasted blooms with strong lines in a bold— albeit vintage— white, rich green and peach palette.

Colonial Dames’ lush courtyard hosted the ceremony, which featured an impressive willow arbor adorned with romantic, garden-style blooms and foliage in shades of green, white and pale peach.  Tanya walked down a rose-petaled aisle past garden chairs adorned with swiss dotted tulle ribbon-hung couture paper cones brimming with white hydrangea and guinea feathers. 

With stems wrapped in satin and lace, Tanya’s bouquet was the epitome of romance.  It exuded a vintage feel with antique white roses; white orchids, hydrangea and ranunculus; guinea fowl feathers; and simple greens. The bridesmaids carried feminine bunches of white and cream blooms, including roses and ranunculus, Star of Bethlehem, as well as trachellium and petite peach roses.

Perpetuating the sleek antique look were the men’s boutonnières. Matt’s unique, coordinating design used green and white orchid blossoms and ranunculus, as well as touches of guinea fowl feathers. 

The affair’s unique style even appeared in the entryway of Colonial Dames with a stunning arrangement of white calla lilies and oversized, rich green palms in a tall silver trumpet vase.  To welcome well-wishers, white rosewood wreaths were hung on the venue’s handsome French doors with wide, dark green satin.

Romance filled the famed venue as amber up-lighting—creatively installed by our friends at Synergetic Sound and Lighting—filled the reception. The perimeter of the celebration featured sweeping potted palms. Centerpieces varied between two styles and alternated between a trio of stemmed glass candle holders— some filled with swirled grass, crystals and a floating candle, while others were filled with white hydrangea— atop organic monsterra leaf chargers; and a silver revere bowl filled with white and green hydrangea that were accented with peach blooms, delicate orchids and Queen Anne’s lace, looped grasses, a regal collar of folded leaves and white ostrich feathers.  The presentation on both sets of tables was finished with candles and a custom-designed, hand-assembled art deco number table cards matted against dark green stock.

A custom logo featuring the couple’s initials in art deco lettering and their vintage color palette adorned the escort cards, Mr. & Mrs. signs, and the famed favors: delicate, lace candy cones that were filled with candy. And not just any candy… the “Blumenthal mix,” which is comprised of candies Matt’s family originally created… Sno-caps, Goobers and Raisinets.

A Sweetheart of a Soiree

Lindsay and Josh
Glen Foerd Mansion

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Flowers, Decor, Accessories and Invitations by La Petite Fleur

Photography for La Petite Fleur by Lori Gail

Catering by Conroy Catering

We’re sweet on this soiree’s style! This soiree has one of the sweetest looks— not to mention couples— that the La Petite Fleur team has had the pleasure of styling. In fact, designing the details of Lindsay and Josh’s summer sunset wedding at Glen Foerd Mansion was a true collaboration between our team and the bride and groom.

Our designers used the couple’s pale sherbet palette and their collection of quaint accessories, which included assorted glassware and buttons, as a springboard to fashion a sweet celebration that exuded sophisticated charm.

As guests arrived at the mansion’s doorstep, the front door proudly displayed a square moss wreath adorned with hand-folded paper wheels and vintage buttons. Also on the porch was the guest sign- in station, which included a cheery yellow and white stripe linen-dressed table displaying an antique- framed chalkboard sign that warmly welcomed guests to share well wishes with the Mr. and Mrs. on quilt patches.

Behind the estate, LPF set the scene for a picturesque riverside ceremony—decking trees with handcrafted paper pom-poms and setting-up a lemonade stand with an antique-framed sign that invited guests to “pucker-up with a cup.” Peach and yellow parasols were also perched nearby in white aluminum buckets with signs that encouraged guests to “hold them tight, for the sweethearts’ love is bright!”

A simple scattering of rose petals framed the aisle, which was flanked by white garden chairs— featuring petite clusters of picture-perfect petals, including pale yellow Lemoncello roses, which adorned ribbon-hung white-washed frames.

Lindsay’s bouquet was a garden-inspired gathering of lush white peonies, delicate dahlias and asters, blush pink garden roses and coral ranunculus—punctuated by hot pink gomphrina, with stems that were carefully finished with intricate lace ribbon and vintage buttons.

Perpetuating the whimsy of the day’s look were the various styles of bouquets and boutonnières carried by the bridal party. While each bridesmaid carried a unique composition of the blooms found in Lindsay’s bouquet; the groomsmen wore single-variety boutonnières that complemented Josh’s, which had a white dahlia, yellow craspedia and a touch of greens. And while the bouquets were finished with simple, varied greens and a yellow and white striped ribbon cuff closed with vintage buttons, the boutonnieres had raffia-wrapped stems also finished with buttons.

The indoor/outdoor cocktail hour featured tables dressed with yellow and white striped floor-length linens topped with a trio of eclectic vessels, including some from the couple’s collection, filled with single stems of white dahlias, yellow craspedia and coral roses.

Dinner and dancing took place in Glen Foerd’s expansive conservatory which, in days gone by, had been a tiered slate and stone porch. As guests entered the reception, they were met with an escort bottle display and a flower-shoppe inspired display of aluminum buckets filled with single varieties, including pink peonies, white hydrangea and coral snap dragons, which were sitting on a table draped in a coral linen and finished with a burlap “L-O-V-E” banner.

When it came to the sweetheart table, we also topped that with a yellow and white stripe linen and one of the bride’s blue mason jars (for her bouquet). White chiviarri chairs with pale yellow cushions and handmade Mr. and Mrs. flags finished the look.

Reception tables were dressed with coral floor-length linens and white chiviarri chairs (pale yellow cushions) and then topped with one of two styles of centerpieces. Half of the tables featured a round garden-inspired arrangement of pink dahlias, green hanging amaranthus, hot pink peonies, asters, yellow roses and a variety of greens in a glass compote perched atop a beribboned, white wood platform. Custom table cards were suspended from wide yellow and white ribbon accented with a vintage button.

The other tables featured a collection of containers with white ranunculus, pink peonies, and pale yellow roses on a white truffle stand topped with a cloche adorned with the same custom ribboned table card. Terra cotta pot satellite arrangements set-off the blooms beneath the cloche. Meanwhile, hand-folded wheels, in varying patterns, accented with buttons, sat atop the napkins at each place setting.

And although sunlight floods the conservatory during the day, LPF wanted the room’s look to evolve as the event progressed. So, as evening fell, Italian bulb lights twinkled over the dance floor (thanks to our friends at Synergetic Sound and Lighting!).

Bri and Kell's Sparkling Sweet 16

Bri and Kell

June 2011

Glenside, Pennsylvania

Espresso and Rose Soiree

Photography by Lori Gail for La Petite Fleur

Kevin York Photography

Vanessa and Jonathan

June 2011

Cairnwood Mansion, Bryn Athyn Pennsylvania

Flowers, Decor and Paper Accessories by La Petite Fleur

Detail Photography by Lori Gail Photography for La Petite Fleur
Kevin York Photography

 Robert Fair Caterers

Set against the picturesque setting of historic Cairnwood Mansion, the June wedding of Vanessa and Jonathan was simply… picture-perfect.

Exuding ethereal romance, the alfresco affair’s aesthetics boasted the best this beautiful venue has to offer— utilizing the lush, natural landscape as a springboard for its delicately sophisticated look.

To achieve this traditional, sweetly sleek concept, the design team from La Petite Fleur, weddings and special events, collaborated with Vanessa and Jonathan to fashion a style that married the mansion’s existing décor elements (inside and out) with the bride’s lavender, dusty rose and mocha palette.

As guests pulled up to the estate’s entrance, a soaring arrangement of blush and white gladiolas, with palms and grasses greeted them from atop a column in the fountain—letting them know they had arrived at what was to be a truly special evening.

Inside, Cairnwood’s great hall played host to a grand seating chart displayed in an oversized gilded frame, which coordinated with the custom-designed, hand-assembled white and mocha table cards that were named for the couple’s favorite hot-spots: the Florida islands!

A unique arrangement of dusty pink calla lilies, Esperance roses and exotic greens perched upon an oversized antique frame was suspended from the great hall’s magnificent staircase with pink satin.

The couple walked the rose petal aisle to exchange vows on the grounds of the mansion beneath an arbor elegantly adorned with blush pink gladiolas, white hydrangea, curly willow branches and assorted greens.

Vanessa carried a lush gathering of antique pink roses, mauve cymbidium orchids, sleek white calla lilies, as well as intricate white blooms, including bouvardia and hydrangea,. Her stems were finished with pearl-secured ivory satin.

Her bridesmaids held round bouquets of lavender bluebird roses, mauve calla lilies, and white hydrangea—accented with greens and blush pink satin-wrapped stems. A sweet pomander of mini pink carnations and pink spray roses with trailing pink ribbon tails was carried by the flower girl.

A grand white tent set the stage for the outdoor reception, which featured tables dressed in couture white and mocha linens, and then one of the three styles of centerpieces. This
flight of designs included coordinating blooms in unique presentations.

The first of which was an arrangement of white calla lilies and bear grass cascading from a coffee bean filled glass compote—accented with a beribboned cylinder of full, Bluebird garden roses. The second style used two heights of turned, white candlesticks finished with rich mocha ribbon; one topped with a bowl of cascading white dendrobium orchids, the other, with a lavender bluebird rose ball.

The third centerpiece in the trio was a lush, oversized arrangement of white hydrangea and snap dragons, dendrobium orchids, roses, curly willow branches and a variety of greens, atop a tall glass trumpet vase with submerged Bluebird roses and orchids in the neck. Each centerpiece was accented by the custom white and mocha table cards.

Infusing their special day with personality didn’t end with the table cards named for their favorite Florida islands. Their favorite pets also made an appearance at the affair as fondant fixtures on the wedding cake!

Congratulations, Adam!

Adam

Congregation Kol Ami

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

On Saturday, we had the honor of celebrating with Adam and his family. The special event's lively tree theme grew out of inspiration from a recent tree planting in Jerusalem, which Adam and his family dedicated in memory of his late Grandparents. 

Hues of bright blues and apple greens were displayed throughout the linens, flowers and other decor.  Tables were adorned with beribboned grass squares, with sprouting blue delphinium stems. Additional tables featured sophisticated chrome lanterns accented with birch branches and lemon leaves. Inside, oversized pillar candles were wrapped with custom-designed paper cuffs--featuring the Jerusalem skyline. A guitar aficionado, Adams sign-in station featured a blue acoustic guitar, with signage that thanked guests for 'playing a part' in his special celebration and beckoned them for their 'autograph'.

Don't Let a Layout Floor You

Photography for La Petite Fleur by Lori Gail Photography

Sure, your venue may say they’ve seated 250 guests, but was there enough space left for 250 dancing queens at that event? Or, were guests bumpin’ you-know-whats as they got up from the tables? Or worse… they weren’t even seated in the same room for dinner? Oh yes, it happens.

No matter how high the ballroom ceiling may be or how short your guest list is, a floor plan is vital to your reception. Think of it as a blueprint to a beautiful time. No, that’s not an overstatement... it’s the ugly truth (if not done right!).

The layout of your event— from cocktails, to dinner and dancing— hinges on not just space, but placement and flow.  As guests enter a space, it should be clear what is occurring where.  The room should have a focal point— be it an escort card display, bandstand, sweetheart table, or vodka bar.  It should also have balance, visual interest and enough space for you and your guests to enjoy every aspect of the affair (without getting too close and personal).

So now that you’re adequately overwhelmed by the prospect of mapping-out your wedding’s layout, let us also tell you that this task involves more than a seating chart. 

But never fear, the how-to on avoiding floor plan pitfalls is right here:

Size matters. And in the event of “an event,” it matters in more ways than one. The size of your guest list, the size of your venue, the size of your dance floor, the size of your tables is all relative. What you want is proportion.  Don’t squeeze too many tables in a room and don’t select too large of a space.

Know what you need to know. Ask your venue how many people it can comfortably accommodate versus maximum capacity. Then, ask how they set-up a room and how many seats it provides for a cocktail reception versus a buffet or sit down. And if given a range, ere on the conservative end. And, be wary of selecting a venue that can “just fit” your entire guest list and don’t ever select a location hoping that 40 people won’t be able to make it.

 

Mix it up. Add visual interest and, subsequently, more centerpiece options, by varying table shapes. Use rectangles with rounds, or even incorporate mission style tables.  Then you can use different, but coordinating, linens in addition to varying centerpiece styles for a bigger design impact.

Beware of bumper butts. Although nothing says chic like a cheek to the back of the head, butt kissing during dinner may be memorable, it isn’t desirable.  And speaking of being too close for comfort, avoid overcrowding tables. If using 60” round tables, then only sit 8 people at each; 72” rounds, 10 at each.

Put pencil to paper. If your venue doesn’t offer floor plans, then ask for the room’s dimensions (don’t forget the dance floor, bars & doors) and draw your own. You can do it all from scratch or search the web for a template.  Then, share this document with your event designer as you discuss flowers and décor, as well as with your maitre de to ensure everyone is on the same page. And if you’re planning on a seating chart or escort cards, you’ll most certainly need the floor plan for reference.  

And just so we’re clear, there is such a thing as too much space. Decorating and filling a room that can comfortably accommodate a 250 person reception, is not the right space for 70 guests. You’ll end up wasting time and money trying to make it intimate.

Spring Cleaning

Image courtesy of DeShelia Spann Photography

If you have been busy readying your closet for warmer weather-- anticipating blush pinks, bright yellows and turquoise-- you are not alone. The gang at LPF is super-psyched for everything the warm weather brings, including lots of weddings. As we prepare for a bustling event season—our moods and sassy attitudes are lightened by the thought of soon working with bright colors, the season’s new crop of flower varieties and, of course, the hottest trends.

Inspirations 'pop up' all over the place during the Spring. You see them in the magazines on your doorstep, emails in your inbox and spotlighted in store windows throughout malls and boutiques. As such, the trends and styles we see our brides accessorizing with, serve as inspiration for us when designing their big days.

So when selecting your attire for your special day, make to choose something that reflects your personal style. We love to see quirky accents like a fun colored shoe, or fancy clutch to add a touch of whimsy to otherwise 'stayed' traditional elegance.

And for the guys, try buttons or wire around boutonnieres to add a special flare. You can even consider a fun patterned ribbon or a vintage tie clip.

Don’t be afraid of bright colors-- if not with your shoes, or jewelry, try it with your flowers or invitations. Blooms are for a bride, after all, the most precious accessory next to your hubby-to-be. Give yourself the color, and have your bridesmaids all carry white. Or, give them each a different bouquet in varying shades of pink for an ombre-like effect. Then, gather all the varieties, for your bridal bouquet. Of course, the white bridal bouquet is fabulous, but consider mixing it up by adding a vintage brooch either in the blooms, or on the stems.

Photo by SAS Becker for La Petite Fleur

And let’s not forget paper… the possibilities are limitless. If you're event is taking place in the Spring or Summer, be sure to select a color pallette that feels light and crisp. Have fun with your invitations-- choose a pop of color for the lining of your envelope. Or, choose an all white invitation, with a reception card that features a surprising pattern or design element.

Then, get savvy with your summertime style infusion and select a signature drink that boasts a color fro, your palette. 

Color can play a pivotal part in a posh party, so pull one (or two in) for punch and panache! 

Burgeoning Blooms...

Beware: Big Doesn’t Beget Beauty

More flowers don’t give you more look— rather, they just give you more to look at.

Now, please don’t misunderstand us. We’re big on blooms… in fact, they’re at the root of almost everything we do (wink, wink)!

Courtesy of Smirnov Weddings for La Petite Fleur

A tall arrangement doesn’t necessarily mean high-style, so don’t blow-off collections of containers or centerpieces that utilize accessories, like specialty candle holders, when considering your centerpieces. And flowers are inherently beautiful, so the right variety, color and cylinder can make an impression without being over-the-top. So for a simply sophisticated look, stick with a cluster of uber-chic alliums in a pilsner vase and finish off the look with an assortment of cubes with floating flowers and candles.

Photo of Bouquet Designed by LPF, Courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

And as far as bouquets go, pretty and proportionate are the priorities. You invested some serious style energy (not to mention money) into your gown, so don’t be tempted to select flowers and, ultimately, a bouquet, that will mess with the dress. We implore you to share a picture, not just a description of your dress (and your bridesmaids’ dresses) with your florist to design a bouquet— sized for your stature— that complements, rather than competes with, your look. So, if your gown has intricate detailing, particularly flowers on the bodice— a bloom with clean lines, such as a calla lily, will offer just the right juxtaposition to be petal perfect.

However, at the root of our message is that size matters just as much as the beauty of the individual blooms. So whether you’re talking personal flowers or reception decor, ensure you discuss proportions with your florist because too sparse a look is just as un-fabulous as too much look.

Pattern Up Your Party

Photo courtesy of SAS Becker Creative Photography

Now, when we say “patterns,” we’re not talking about china.  We love when our clients transcend the stand-alone color palette for their wedding by infusing their décor with damask, swirls, caning and, even, textured fabrics.  It adds character and class. 

Patterns aren’t limited to stripes and polka dots, nor are these designs restricted to the preppy look any more. Alternating white and pale pastel stripes, and color-on-color oversized dots can be used to evoke a vintage look.  Meanwhile, wide stripes in a deep tone-on-tone presentation offer a sophisticated impression.  Of course, we also love damask in every size and color, especially because it’s fabric inspired, and goes so well with rich florals.

Photo courtesy of Wren and Field Photography

For sure, patterns can infuse traditional affairs with unexpected elegance and more casual or outdoor events with sophisticated fun. However, be aware that patterns can easily go awry. So, when you find yourself devoted to a design, refer to these rules for keeping your stripes straight and your cirques from swirling out of control.

• Find inspiration. For a bride, this can be as easy as looking at your gown or talking through your and your finance’s personal style with your event designer.
• Resist a rainbow connection. Don’t mix pastel and primaries, or vibrant with muted tones.
• Be mindful of your color palette.  Use related colors to tie the patterns together. Choose distinctively different designs-- like a wide stripe and a paisley in the same palette.

And now you probably want to know the right places for patterns in your party décor. Read-on you reception renegade:

• To start, the place and medium can be unexpected.  Let a pattern in on the action with your bouquets.  Blooms themselves can bring a design to the table, like the Vanda orchid, which appears to have polka dotted petals. Or, confer with your floral designer regarding ordering a custom ribbon to wrap your stems.
• Then remember, your stationery can say a lot about your event’s style, so it’s the perfect place to debut a damask with a specialty paper. Talk with your stationery designer about paper selections and/or designing a logo for your event that uses an element that you’d like to feature throughout your affair—from invitations and table cards, to a dance floor wash and linens. 
• Finally, flowers and décor are primed for pretty patterns. Talk with your floral/event designer about playing with (or on) the patterns from your stationery suite for to accent your room décors—from the linens and centerpieces, to the place settings and table cards—your reception offers a myriad of marvelous opportunities to infuse patterns and, subsequently, character.

La Petite Fleur is Blushing with Pride!

It’s official… La Petite Fleur is a 2011 ­­Winner in The Knot Best of Weddings!

The Knot Best of Weddings List is a special section in The Knot magazine and on TheKnot.com and is a must-have for couples when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources in their city.

So naturally, La Petite Fleur is blushing with pride!

And how does The Knot know the who’s who in the wedding biz in cities across the nation?  Well, each year, this leading wedding resource asks recent brides to rate and review their wedding vendors to compile the “best of wedding pros” list.

So how did it all happen for LPF, you ask? Well, you see, it went a little something like this:

The proposal: “Will you review us,” asked LPF of its client with sincerity?
The reply: "Yes,” said our brides (and grooms) enthusiastically!
The engagement: Couples logged-on to theknot.com following their weddings and posted glowing reviews.
The big day: On March 17th, LPF received a 2011 Pick Knot Best of Weddings award for Philadelphia/Delaware!

What now? La Petite Fleur lives happily ever after—designing weddings and events— as a proud 2011 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings!

And for us, the best part about being a “best of,” is having been picked by our very own brides and grooms… not to mention industry peers as well!

So in the end, what we really want you to know is how grateful we are for the couples who partnered with us on their special days because, as you can see, they are special to us, too!
 

We’re “In,” Again! (Oops, we did it again)

Our design team prides itself on being in tune with clients, in front of trends and once again… in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog with the fall wedding of Amanda and Wes.

When the artful eyes of Style Me Pretty’s editors caught a glimpse of the “Green & Aubergine Scene” La Petite Fleur made at Huntingdon Valley Country Club for this couple’s wedding, they wanted to see more.  And then, what they wanted even more was to share the event’s design with all brides- and grooms-to-be. 

And we, well we were smitten with the idea of showcasing not only one of favorite looks, but one of our most collaborative (and beautiful) couples! 

So with the help of Lori Gail photography, and Lorraine Dailey Weddings, we are “in” the prestigious blog with detail shots of Amanda and Wes’s delicate blooms, vibrant pallet and stunning style—which against the lush, classic backdrop of Huntingdon Valley Country Club— is both a bride’s and a designer’s dream!

So what are you waiting for… an invitation to the blog? Well, you’re in luck (even if you’re not Irish). 

We, the design team of La Petite Fleur, formally request the honor of your presence at the wedding of Amanda and Wes as seen on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book Blog.   

And while you’re at it, be style-forward… send these stunning scenes from Amanda and Wes’s big day to every former, current or soon-to-be-bride you know. Believe us, they’ll want to be in-the-know about who and what is in… style.

Hot Dog, Who? (Charlie, Take a Bow)

Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

This bologna's second name is C-H-A-R-L-I-E... Hot Dog Charlie, that is.

Forget bubbles and skip sparklers, Hot Dog Charlie Carts, Cheese Steak Stations, Water Ice and Krispy Crème Donut Bars are serving as the grand finale at many weddings. And we love every delicious one of them!

Not only are we big fans of creating a big "to-do" when sending-off the Mr. & Mrs., but when bidding farewell to guests, too.  The photo ops are fabulous and guests will feast on the served-up fun, particularly after 'cutting a rug' all evening.

We must warn you though that when selecting such tempting touches be sure they are kitschy, not "kiddy," as in you hired the weenie cart crew from your nephew's birthday party. Even the coolest of cheese steak carts can appear just that, cheesy, if not done classily.   

So, for a wedding finale with flare, follow our recipe for sophisticated fun:

• Keep it simple and offer just one type of food that can be eaten with your hands
• Dare to offer carb-concentrated fare, which hits the spot after cocktails and conga lines
• Be smart when choosing a cart and ask your venue or event designer for a referral
• Play with your food and rename the fare for the two of you or to tie-in a theme
• Talk with your event designer about creating a personalized sign, menu, wrapper, etc.
• Call an audible and request your DJ/band announce the cart's arrival and location
• Put your photographer on notice so he doesn't miss Aunt Faye feasting on a foot-long  
• Safeguard your schedule and have the cart serve guests as they're leaving, so as not to cut-into reception time 

Love's on Fire

La Petite Fleur was a hot spot this Valentine's Day! Our team warmly greeted waves of customers (new and familiar) throughout the holiday weekend with everything lovers love to give (and receive)-- from confections and jewelry, to blooms.

This year, our rose arrangements were wrapped in 'hugs and kisses.' Wraps are a design element we (and our events) are known for. And although we won't kiss-and-tell about how they're created, we will say they are nothing less than fabulous! High-quality, upscale design is at the heart of our every effort. So of course, our roses didn't stand alone in a well-dressed vase, nor did they "wear" the fillers many florists favor. Rather, our roses were arranged with lush hydrangea and tropical leaves, which made their way into many of our floral selections this season. What can we say? We like it (our design) hot.

Of course, our Love's on Fire Valentine's theme permeated our confectionary selection, which featured old-school Hot Tamales, couture hand-crafted chocolate hearts that read 'Light My Fire' and 'Hot Lips' by Anna Shea and Indoor S 'mores Kits by Three Tarts. We searched high and low for delicious, lovely packaged, tummy yummies and hit the jackpot.

Centerpiece and 'Perfect Match' table card design by La Petite Fleur. Photo by SAS Becker Creative Photography.

Photo of table scape designed by La Petite Fleur by SAS Becker Creative Photography

Lastly, igniting our hottest of holiday themes was our sultry window display, which boasted the ultimate sweetheart table-- complete with matchstick table number, "Mr. and Mrs." place cards, flame-inspired linens from Choice Party Linens, and chiviarri ballroom chairs and china by Party Rental, Ltd. At the heart of the display though was a massive tissue paper heart and "fireball" arrangements by the La Petite Fleur design team.

Photos courtesy of SAS Becker Creative Photography.

And although we're heartbroken to see this holiday go, we're psyched about what lies ahead.