Orchid Opulence

When Laura came to us with her ideas for an asian-inspired wedding, we were excited at the opportunity to add our modern flair to her florals. Little did we know that we would also fall in love with the Gatsby-esque vibe at the Cairnwood Mansion. It's grand architecture was the perfect backdrop for the simple elegance that Laura and James intended to create.

Over the course of just a few weeks, we worked with our couple on the use of orchids throughout personals and centerpieces. The result was fabulous (if we do say so ourselves)! Laura carried a rich, elegant bouquet of white cymbidium orchids. Her bridesmaids carried black fans, adorned with a simple spray of white dendrobium orchids--lovely!

When Laura and Jim said their vows, they were flanked by oversized potted palms in black baskets. These coordinated with the table centerpieces that were enjoyed by guests during dinner, and as a take-home--potted white phaleonopsis orchid stems adorned each table.

We loved the effortless statement made by pairing modern, exotics in a traditional mansion venue. The contrast between the two, made for an amazing display--reminiscent of the 1920'a. And our bride, groom and their family and friends 'roared' the night away.

Flowers: La Petite Fleur
Photography: Nick Gould Photography
Catering: Jimmy Duffy Catering

Consider this Concept: Daisy-Chic

Consider this Concept: Black and Yellow

LOVE, Philadelphia-Style

With a passion for their hometown of Philadelphia that runs as deep as their own love, Kelly Vile and Jeffrey Riley did their wedding “Philly style”… complete with the Eagles fan-mobile to fly the lovebirds and guests between the day’s venues.

As the planning process got underway with the Glenside event boutique La Petite Fleur, it became evident that the Mr. and Mrs.’ big day wouldn't be complete without a nod to the City of Brotherly Love. With a theme both in-mind and at-heart, they decided to emphasize their love of each other and all that is Philadelphia starting with the stationery.

Setting the scene for this spirited event, La Petite Fleur owner Leigh Karsch designed custom invitations that were rich in concept and color – featuring deep hues of red and pink and the infamous LOVE logo that’s synonymous with Philadelphia (and now Kelly and Jeff). The text within this unique pocket invitation detailed the specifics and asked guests to join the couple for dinner, dancing and whistle-wetting.

La Petite Fleur’s execution of the Riley’s vision of love was classy and, at times, unexpected as evidenced by the reception table cards, which were adorned with the word “love” in multiple languages. The boutique’s floral design was also called into play with the tables showcasing magnificent red twinkle centerpieces comprised of bountiful curly willow braches lovingly strewn with dangling crystals and orchids.

The bride and groom were ushered into their reception by none other than the Philadelphia Mummers, and guests were encouraged to ‘show some love’ at a photobooth set up in a corner of the ballroom.

For Mr. and Mrs. Riley, their June wedding was not only one of the hottest days, but one of the most romantic as well. Even with a record-high temperature, Kelly and Jeff’s “love affair” paid homage to LOVE with a wedding that was classy, happy and nothing less than Philly.

Invitations, Menus, Signage: Custom designed by La Petite Fleur
Flowers and Decor: La Petite Fleur
Photos: Sweetwater Portraits by Julie Melton

Sea of Love

A three-day celebration, Mare and Joe’s wedding brought together two vibrant families in honor of their one true love story.

In love with the beach as much as they are one another, the Mr. and Mrs. chose to mark their union with a destination wedding at Congress Hall on the beach of Cape May, New Jersey. In doing so, they wanted to punctuate their event with a host of details that recalled their affinity for sand, travel and adventure. This historical setting, coupled with the blue and black décor of the venue’s interior, provided a lush backdrop for the couple’s nuptials.

Inspired by the stage that had been set thus far, Mare and Joe envisioned serene, yet striking elements to compose/accent their special event. They engaged the expertise of designer Leigh Karsch, owner of the event boutique La Petite Fleur, to realize their vision/theme through custom invitations and related printed pieces. Karsch worked directly with Mare and Joe to create a “suite” of sand dollar wedding stationery, which included an invitation – featuring an itinerary for the weekend’s festivities – a program and CD cover. Musicians themselves, Mare and Joe created a soundtrack of their love-story as favors for their guests. Unique elements of this stationery suite also included beribboned sand dollars for place cards and one-of-a-kind table cards noting the couple’s favorite vacation spots. The reception featured other fun elements to tie in their theme, such as a guitar ice sculpture a sand dollar gobo for the dance floor.

Photos: L Ment Photography
Invitations, Programs, Placecards, Favors: La Petite Fleur
Wedding Dress: Something Old and Something New, Ocean City, NJ
Entertainment: Synergetic Sounds
Flowers: Quinn Florists

Making a Cameo Appearance

Consider this antique and classic theme for a bridal shower or tea. We featured a cameo-style silhouette on the event invitation; backed it with beautiful uncoated stock and wrapped it up in a polka-dot bow. Once at the event, guests are greeted with coordinating placecards, and a reception table featuring clusters of hat boxes and vintage-inspired ceramic candlesticks. For table decor, we played off of the colors on the invite, and dressed our table with ivory, pink and black. As the focal point on the table, is an arrangement overflowing with white hydrangea, pink roses and leafy variegated pitt (one of our very favorite greens). At each persons place sits a petite, lace covered glass votive, out of which peeks roses and pitt. The table is set with black and white damask plates which offer up a graphic element among the antiqued florals. As guests depart after a fabulous luncheon of finger sandwiches and tea, tickle their fancy with customized French perfume. Shop for these featured accessories in our store: Rosanna tableware and candlesticks; Midori ribbon; Envelopments and Two's Company accents.

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.