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.