For the Love of Pink

Megan and Steve 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 2013

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Ceremony: Saint Luke’s, Glenside
Venue: Knowlton Mansion
Stationery, Floral Décor and Coordination: La Petite Fleur
Lighting: Synergetic Sound and Lighting
Entertainment: Silver Sound DJ
Photography: Main Line Wedding Photography
Transportation: Secrets Limousine
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Brimming with personality and charm, Megan and Steve came to La Petite Fleur for a coordinated, professional approach to infusing their wedding at Knowlton Mansion with sweet, all that is pretty in pink. 

Naturally, we were tickled pink to collaborate with the couple from day one through the day they became one— assisting with contract negotiations, creating and executing a flower and décor plan, and designing their save-the-dates and table cards.  LPF also had the pleasure of teaming with the bride and groom on coordination to ensure every last detail of their day was implemented with perfection.

Our design story begins with Megan and Steve’s custom save-the-date, which was created to coordinate with their invitation— using their engagement photo and shades of pink color palette. LPF’s think pink approach to the couple’s event was applied to not only the stationery, but to the flowers and décor, too! 

Megan walked down the aisle carrying a round, tailored presentation of blush pink garden roses with ivory satinfinished stems with crystal buttons, while her bridesmaids carried striking, variegated bouquets of pink ranunculus and hot pink attaché roses with gold satin-finished stems.  To coordinate, Steve wore a garden rose boutonnière with black satin finished-stems, and the groomsmen sported hot pink rose boutonnières.

Following their ceremony, the Mr. and Mrs. invited guests to celebrate with them at the regal Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia.  Upon arrival, guests were greeted in the foyer by a trio of gold vases, in varying heights, with full, single-variety arrangements of white hydrangea, and Esperance and Baroness roses.

As well-wishers moved through the Mansion, they were met by an escort card display that boasted a dramatic presentation of blooming cherry blossom branches— accented with hanging votives— and cocktail tables adorned with eclectic collections of bud vases filled with individual varieties of pink blooms, including ranunculus and boronia.   

LPF had the mansion aglow with warm pink lighting illuminating the pillars and flooding the dance floor, courtesy of our colleagues at Synergetic Sound and Light.  Then, to punctuate the prettiness, we created three sophisticated, yet sweet, table-scape designs.  The first of which featured a rounded arrangement of Princess roses, as well as Esperance and Baroness roses in light, hot and rich shades of pink— in a muted gold cube. To complement this stunning composition, LPF added a gold turned candlestick, topped with a floating candle.

The second table-scape featured a footed-compote with a mounded arrangement of garden blooms, including white hydrangea, boronia, pink ranunculus, and pink Hot Lady roses and, for a hint of yellow, buplerum.

The final design in the table-scape trio was an updated take on a traditional composition of pink Hot Lady roses, dendrobium orchids, bright pink hydrangea and specialty grasses atop a pilsner vase.

To complete each table’s look, LPF custom-designed table cards, which featured pictures of Megan and Steve at  the age specific to the table’s number, matted against metallic stock.

For a final pop of pink, LPF finished the tiers of the couple’s cake with roses.

Pink Charming

Michelle and Michael

Cairnwood Mansion, Bryn Athyn
September 2012

Bridal Fashions: The Wedding Shop of Wayne

Ceremony and Reception: Cairnwood Mansion

Caterer: Feastivities

Invitation and Stationery Accessories: La Petite Fleur, weddings and events

Flowers and Décor: La Petite Fleur, weddings & events

Couple's Photographer: Robert Wood

Detailed Photography: Lori Gail for La Petite Fleur

Entertainment: EBE

Michelle and Mike’s September sunset celebration at Cairnwood Mansion in Bryn Athyn had guests swooning from the start. Think pink… and not just any shade… lipstick pink. La Petite Fleur finessed the playful palette to establish a baroque, yet contemporary, styling for this charming couple’s alfresco affair.

This style-story starts with LPF collaborating with the couple to create a stationery suite that resonated with refined flair. The sweet save-the-date hinted at the forthcoming invitation wardrobe, custom-designed and assembled LPF.

With couture paper stock and expert typography, LPF created a piece that included a black metallic pocket, within which the palette was artfully represented with a black and white damask-backed invitation card and tiered soft-white inserts printed with the event’s signature pink and soft black text. in mixed fonts. Closed with a custom monogrammed seal-- the unique invitation exuded personality-- reflecting the fun, classy feel guests could expect the day-of.

Charming white garden chairs, adorned with black and white polka dot ribbon-tailed pomanders (in a kissable shade of pink), beckoned guests to have a seat before the mansion’s majestic double doors, which proudly displayed “M” and “M” magenta flower wreaths. The doors, serving as the backdrop to the nuptials, were flanked by pedestal urns filled with grand arrangements of soaring stems, including pink and fuchsia roses, hydrangea and stock.

The bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink blooms, including dahlias and phlox— with black satin-wrapped stems.  The flower girl excitedly carried a sweet pomander of lipstick pink blooms— with a black and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon.

Michelle carried an elegant, rounded bouquet of lipstick pink and white blooms, including attaché roses, peonies, lisianthus and ranunculus— finished with white a satin-wrapped stem. The groomsmen wore pink kalanchoe boutonnieres, while the ring bearer wore a petite version of Michael’s tailored ranunculus boutonniere finished with a black satin stem.
 

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy cocktails on the Mansion’s terrace amidst tables topped with sleek black glass blooms filled with more rich pink blooms. Cocktails extended into the garden where Sheppard’s hooks cradled white lanterns which framed the reflecting pond. Hot pink gerbera daisy blossoms and pillar candles in submerged glass cylinders.

As part of the event’s stationery suite, LPF custom-designed and printed a bridal party sign-- presented in a “blinged” black  frame, as well as patterned table numbers displayed in white easel frames.  And as for the escort cards, mini wine bottle labels were customized with each guest’s name and seating assignment.  The “escort bottles” were displayed atop an apple-lined glass-top table, accented with rounded arrangements of rich red apples and fuchsia blooms in black ceramic vases.  

 
For the reception on the Mansion’s tented terrace, LPF created three centerpiece designs. The first featured a trio of black ceramic candlesticks: two topped with pillar candles in glass cylinders wrapped with pink satin; the third, an arrangement of pink roses and white hydrangea.  
 

The second tablescape featured an over-sized pink flower cluster beneath a glass cloche— finished with votives. The third tablescape design included a trio of ribbon-wrapped glass cylinders (of varying heights) each filled with a different variety of pink blooms, including roses and phlox.
 

As the sky grew dark, Michelle and Michael, along with their friends and family, enjoyed dancing and celebrating in the glow of  the dining tables’ twinkling, beribboned votive candles.

Something Blue...and Bright


Laura and Andrew


September 8th


Glen Foerd Mansion, Philadelphia



Design and Accessories by La Petite Fleur

Lighting and Entertainment by Synergetic Sounds

Catering by Conroy Catering

Photography by Faith West 

Laura and Andrew’s personalities are as bright as the flowers and décor that La Petite Fleur used to style their fall wedding at Glen Foerd Mansion on the Delaware. From floral design, to stationery accessories, LPF helped the couple set a bright scene.



Along the riverside, Laura walked down an aisle framed with sweet ribbon swags in varying widths and shades of yellow. She was aglow carrying an elegant bouquet of tightly clustered white and butter yellow orchids, snap dragons, hydrangea, tulips and bupleurum— accented with petite trailing greens and satin-finished stems. To coordinate with his bride, Andrew wore a tailored boutonniere of petite yellow roses—accented with simple white blooms and greens. Even Glen Foerd’s famed black Labrador statue was dressed to impress with a collar of coordinating blooms and ribbon.

While the bridesmaids carried loosely arranged bouquets of yellow roses, tulips, mums and blue delphinium— finished with yellow satin— Laura’s maid-of-honor carried a gathering of deep blue delphinium and yellow blooms. Complementing the ladies’ flowers were the gentlemen’s boutonnieres in shades of blue with a touch of greens.



Guests enjoyed cocktails in the Mansion’s music room, where LPF adorned the mantle with textured greens and vintage mercury votives to frame the couple’s family photo collection. LPF also designed two centerpiece styles for the cocktail tables. Half of the tables were topped with a glass bubble bowl filled with swirled grasses and floating yellow blossoms; the others featured a collection of garden vases filled with single varieties, including delicate blue delphinium; and whimsical, yellow craspedia.

The escort card table boasted a stunning arrangement of Manzanita branches trimmed with leaves, hanging crystals and votives—surrounded by custom-designed pale yellow escort cards with raised navy ink and the couple’s logo.



Laura and Andrew hosted well-wishers for dinner and dancing in the Mansion’s grand conservatory where LPF presented two tablescape designs. One centerpiece featured a low, square glass planter with floating bright yellow mums— accented with moss and river rock clusters at the base— and mercury glass votives, for a touch of shimmer. The second centerpiece had a trio of glass vases, including a beribboned cylinder with submerged blue delphinium stems, and two garden-style bud vases with bright yellow tulips— also accented with moss river rock clusters and votives. To finish the look of each table, LPF placed custom-designed pale blue table cards, mounted to contrasting stock.

A Pretty Peony Party

Melinda and Matt

May 2012

Cairnwood Mansion

Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania

Flowers and Decor: La Petite Fleur

Caterer: Jimmy Duffy Caterers

Venue: Cairnwood Mansion

Mod Sunshine

Congratulations, Eleanor!

May 2012

Congregation Kol Ami

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

Sunflowers, lemons and agapanthus, oh my! This sunny celebration's details shined with contemporary florals and citrus accents. What fun it was to take Eleanor's mod-sensibility and translate it into chic decor, florals and paper accessories that spoke to her vibrant personality.

Dream a Little Dream

DreamSpace Event Design

Flowers, Decor, Stationery and Event Design by La Petite Fleur

Lighting, Draping and Dreamspace by Synergetic Sounds and Lighting

Last month, the La Petite Fleur team was invited to transform the new Dreamspace at Synergetic Sound and Lighting for their open house and designer series. As the inaugural event scape (the space is now featuring a rotating cast of design professionals) we chose to punch up the color and do something hot to delight and inspire!

We styled a ceremony aisle, adorned with fuchsia rose petals, ribbon embellished chrome lanterns and custom designed programs, which hung from the backs of ceremony chairs. Above the aisle, oversized lanterns, pinspotted in berry and violet, created a billowy texture. Cascading from the lanterns strands of pearls danced in the air to add elegance and drama.

After guests 'walked down the aisle', they were treated to two complimentary, but unique table scapes. A purple metallic-styled rectangular table, featured arrangements of tropical leaves in tall purple ceramic vases with bling cuffs. Interspersed within the arrangements were beribboned white candles on mod white candlesticks. The scape spanned the mirrored table top and were accented by an abundance of purple mercury glass votives. Purple botanical patterned placemats accented the sleek placesettings, atop which were custom-designed menus, tucked into purple napkins with bling buckles. An antique violet pintuck linen completed the look.

A pink and pewter table, featured grand orchid pomanders, accented with monsterra leaves and crystallized water. Vases of varying heights were illuminated with floating candles, while each placesetting featured a unique diecut pink menu card, with custom designed 'isn't love sweet' favor boxes.

For seating assignments, we designed a berry and violet ribbon wall, from which patterned placecards in coordinating colors were suspended.  A juicy signature bar w featured a monogram placard and lime bar top. Sexy cocktail tables featuring bling lamps and orchids accented the bar area.

A Flora and Fauna Affair

Julie & Lionel

November 2012

John James Audubon House

Flowers, Decor, Lighting and Paper Accessories by La Petite Fleur

(detailed photographs by Lori Gail Photography for La Petite Fleur)

Catering by Jeffrey Miller

Photography by Swoonoverit

Passionate about animals (and one another!), Julie and Lionel exchanged vows at the John James Audubon Center in Audubon, Pennsylvania on a brisk, yet bright, November afternoon.  To create a celebration that reflected their love for nature and one another, they collaborated with wedding design firm La Petite Fleur.

With the lovebirds’ affinity for nature and animals in mind, LPF created an ethereal design with rustic, yet feminine, flora and fauna features for the couple’s autumnal alfresco affair.

The ceremony took place in the Audubon Center’s open pavilion— where LPF framed an aisle with white garden chairs and oversized nickel lanterns atop beds of oak leaves that led to the altar at the fireplace hearth. 

The mantle was adorned lanterns intertwined with a grapevine-style garland comprised of a variety of greens, including magnolia leaves, bittersweet, kale, copper beech and roses. On either side of the raised hearth, grand tall glass cylinders filled with lush arrangements of magnolia leaves, ornamental white kale, copper beach and rich orange oak leaves, as well as birch branches with hanging votives, were placed.

Julie’s vintage-style bouquet of deep and light hued blooms offered a variety of textures and featured purple dahlias, dusty rose astilbe, quicksand roses, peach berries, succulents and simple greens— loosely gathered with butter cream satin and lace. The maid-of-honor carried a soft-colored bouquet of lavender dahlias, petite purple flowers, peach berries, thistle and dusty miller— tied with honey satin.  The bridesmaids wore wine and dusty rose, and carried sweet gatherings of specialty persimmon orchids, petite Lemoncello roses, dusty rose and lavender blooms, berries and dusty miller— finished with a honey satin ribbon.  The flower girls carried charming grapevine pomanders of petite Lemoncello roses and eggplant asters with honey satin ribbon tails.

Lionel wore a handsome complementary-style boutonnière of thistle and berries, accented with dusty miller and finished with tan raffia.  His groomsmen wore boutonnières of persimmon blooms, accented with dusty miller and tan raffia-wrapped stems.

 

A vintage custom sign post was fashioned out of distressed fence boards, pointed guests in the direction of the nuptials and celebration (and also back to New Haven, where the couple calls home) .The walking path between the Audubon’s Pavilion and the Barn, where the reception was held, was highlighted with charming mason jar lanterns, which served to light the way as the November evening played on. 

Greeting guests at the barn was a series of weathered, white-washed shutters and reclaimed paned windows— featuring custom escort cards folded over burlap lace ribbon.  LPF custom-designed square cards using kraft stock that featured muted full-color images of Julie’s favorite Audubon animals, including owls and squirrels. The guests’ names appeared in classic black script.  

After plucking their cards from the display, guests entered the reception through the barn’s double doors, which were adorned with a pair of oversized grapevine wreaths with pheasant and quail feathers, lotus pods, red oak leaves and bows of lace and burlap.

 At the heart of the reception’s intimate atmosphere were long family-style dining tables, which framed the dance floor. The bridal party table sat at the “top” of the dance floor, in front of the original barn door and under a canopy of twinkling grapevine balls in varying sizes— as amber up-lighting warmed the perimeter of the barn’s exposed interior walls.  A highlight of the rooms décor was the oversized bistro menu board that LPF illustrated with the many seasonal libations and treats prepared by Jeffrey Miller Catering.

 

Guest Tables were dressed in ecru linens vintage lace runner, provided by LPF.  Two styles of centerpieces spanned the tables, topped with mismatched vintage china. They each featured a  central lush, garden arrangement of richly-colored, cascading blooms with varying textures, including succulents, kale, bupleurum, dusty rose astilbe and orchids. Accenting the focal arrangement were mismatched budvases (some in milk glass) which were filled with berries and other wildflowers. Finishing off the look were a variety of shapes and sizes of mercury glass votive holders and succulents in terracotta pots—all of which “runners” of décor down each dining table.  After dinner, guests danced to music under a café light-draped dance floor by our friends at Synergetic Sound and Lighting.

The happy occasion’s happy ending consisted of showcasing family wedding photos along burlap ribbons in an antique gold frame, which was sweetly situated next to a reclaimed plant-stand-turned-cupcake-stand accented with mason jars filled with Queen Anne’s lace, and purple and persimmon blooms.

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.

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."

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!

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.

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.

Setting Your Sights on a Single Site?

Planning on getting hitched at one of the Philadelphia-area’s fabulous historic estates? Or thinking of tying the knot in a rustic suburban barn?

We’ve seen a lot of non-traditional wedding venues in the past year. In fact, we’ve seen a lot untraditional approaches to the “big day” recently. Many couples are moving away from ceremonies at a place of worship-- opting to exchange vows on the links, by the river, in quaint gardens and along ocean fronts. 

Photo of Cairnwood Estate, courtesy of Lori Gail Photography

So, if you intend on saying 'I Do' at the same location you do your first dance, ensure single-site set-up a success with these steps:

Invest in an insightful invitation. Invitations are a fabulous way to give your guests the information they need in advance to really enjoy themselves. Perhaps include a card with the history of your venue, and a little snippet about why it’s the perfect place for your special day. Be sure to include specifics about special requirements for parking and travel arrangements. Or, consider including details regarding attire—for an August wedding in the garden, guests should plan to dress comfortably.

Take care, hire a coordinator. Never underestimate the value that an on-site coordinator can bring to managing the logisitcs of your day. This is especially critical in the single location wedding. You might be thinking that it would be easier to manage if everything takes place in one spot. Not necessarily. Challenges could arise--especially when you're just renting a space without a built-in kitchen, furniture or caterers. Someone needs to be the point person who directs your vendors and guests, and helps manage your timeline. 

Walk this way. Especially when you're celebrating in a non-traditional way, consider that your guests may not be familiar with the venue or how you've planned your day. Consider custom signage (in addition to point-people) to help inform and guide your guests where to park, leave their belongings, and enjoy a cocktail.  You may even want to offer a floor plan of the mansion, with information about where food stations and entertainment are located.

Elegance in Bloom

Zakia and Bruce

July 2010

Cinnaminson, New Jersey
The Merion

Month-Of Wedding Planning by La Petite Fleur
Flowers, Decor, Invitations and Accessories by La Petite Fleur
Videography by James Boburka for La Petite Fleur

Photography courtesy of smirnovweddings.com

Proud as a Peacock

Proud as a peacock, La Petite Fleur is pleased to announce that we’ve received a 2010 Bride’s Choice Award for Flowers and Décor.

We’re even more excited to say that this honor was bestowed upon us by our clients. Through the gracious, rave reviews posted by past brides and the surveys of over 500,000 newlyweds on www.WeddingWire.com, La Petite Fleur stands tall as a preferred provider.

In short, we’re in the top five percent of this online vendor community, which consists of more than 100,000 wedding professionals nationwide (hence the pride!).

We’re thrilled about this award, but it’s the creative, collaborative process we engage in with our brides, grooms and their families that is so very rewarding. So, many thanks to our brides and grooms for your respect and feedback and for making La Petite Fleur the proudest of planning partners!

Curtain Up!

Not one event has inspired us more this year than the wedding of Jessy and George. Its various design elements, and the collaboration amongst the people involved, completely energized us and made us feel terrific about being a part of all that wedding planning has to offer.

For the inaugural post of Inspired Aisle, our new blog about the weddings we do and the people we meet, we thought it fitting to begin with this shining event--featuring a couple who is enchanted with the silver screen.

Enter Jessy and George. This couple came to us at La Petite Fleur approximately 10 months in advance of their big day. When we first met with Jessy and her Mom, Judy, the conversation began with a discussion of their ideas about flowers and their vision of a glowing, tree-like reception. We decided on peonies, hydrangea and french esperance roses for the personals, and branchy centerpieces. These sparce wooded scupltures featured curly willow, from which hung clustered balls of hydrangea, blush pink roses and green amaranthus. The table arrangements were accented with hanging tea lights. All this set the scene for twinkling 'old hollywood' feeling they wanted to create.

After establishing the color scheme and theme, together we designed a ticket-themed Save the Date with information about their wedding date, location and hotel accommodations for their Center-City Philadelphia affair at the esteemed, The Ballroom at the Ben. In the months following, we worked together to custom-design their bridal shower and wedding invitations.

In order to pull-off a downtown Philadelphia wedding for over 200 guests and a large wedding party, Jessy and George worked with our wedding planner to handle coordination of all logistics. Two meetings, a 5 page itinerary and many, many phone calls later, I's were dotted and T's crossed. On June 21, 2008, it was finally the big day.

The result of months of creative teamwork was a fabulous Saturday in the City of Brotherly Love. Guests enjoyed a lovely wedding ceremony at St. Patrick's Church, and then were shuttled over to the reception site. All were greeted by a reception table featuring a movie marquee displaying couples names in lights, along with their most beloved film. Theater-seat placecards with the names of family and friends instructed them to be seated at tables named after the couples' favorite flicks. After a number of heartfelt toasts, and a unique father-daughter dance routine, guests partied until dawn.