color inspiration
Spring photo sessions are the best! The weather is warm and all the blooming trees make for a stunning backdrop.
Floral Crown is the perfect hair accessory. I absolutely loved created this asymmetrical floral wreath. Ranunculus, roses and texture in blush and green compliments the dress very well.
Photography: Spotted Stills Photography
Floral Crown: Sophisticated Floral
I had the pleasure of participating at The Foundry Bridal Show this year.
We collaborated with Bridgewood Event Rentals on the beautiful rental pieces for the sweetheart table; including the blue linen, gorgeous new chargers, black flatware, napkins, etc. Letters and Dust Provided the place cards.
Thank you Powers Studios for capturing the photos of all the details.
Photography: Powers Studios
Floral Design + Styling: Sophisticated Floral
Rentals: Bridgewood Event Rentals
Calligraphy: Letters and Dust
Venue: The Foundry at Oswego Pointe in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Loving my new Acrylic sign from Letters and Dust.
Getting married in early October is always a weather gamble here in Oregon. But the rainy weather did not hold those love birds back.
Thankfully we were able to adjust our design plans and set up the arbor inside the tent versus using the gazebo.
Beautiful Blush and Gray tones were threaded all throughout the decor and attire.
Bridal bouquet consisted of Cafe au lait dahlias, garden roses, calla lilies {Bride and Groom Favorite}, blushing bride protea, lisianthus and accented with three types of eucalyptus and ruscus foliage.
Sadly rain takes away the dahlias so this was the last chance we had to design with those blush beauties in 2018.
Congratulations Lidia and Pascal! I wish you all the best in your married life and your beautiful blended family.
Photography: Falcusan Photography
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Venue: Abernethy Center {Abigail’s Garden}
Gown: Bridal Exclusives
Hair and Make Up: Rebecca Bogdan Be Forever Glamorous
Here are a few photos I took of the personal flowers.
Mid Century Modern is a big trend at the moment. We see it everywhere; from furniture to fashion to interior design. Wedding decor and design always changes and evolves with the newest trends.
Who loves this look of dry floral, pampas grass, bleached foliage and all things minimalist and modern?
It’s always fun to experiment with new things and make them more elegant and stylish to fit my Sophisticated design aesthetic.
Bridal bouquet consisted of delicate spring flowers including Ranunculus, Garden roses, butterfly Ranunculus, Hyacinths, Orchids, bleached and dried Bunny tails, Ruscus and skeleton leaves.
Although dry flowers have their own set of challenges; being more delicate, fragile and not to mention messy. The overall look is definitely effortless, artistic and impactful.
Light and airy suspended floral installations are always fun to create. It provides a wonderful focal area in any space.
Thank you Spotted Stills for blowing me away with those images.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Venue: The Lightroom PDX
Model: Rodica Voznyak
Gown: Brides for a Cause Designer: Daughters of Simone
I cannot get over the beautiful red dress Huong wore for her engagement session with Aniko Productions.
The photos took place at the International Rose Test Garden as well as overlooking downtown Portland and the Willamette River.
Huong’s blush and burgundy bouquet featured peonies, roses and one of my favorite spring textures- spirea!
Photography: Aniko Productions
Hair and Make up: Blossom & Beauty
Floral: Sophisticated Floral
Libby and Sal had their first look photos taken at the St John’s Bridge and then headed over to the Victorian Belle in Portland for their ceremony and reception.
I loved the blush and ivory bridesmaids bouquets against their pale blue dresses. That was a popular bridesmaids dress color for 2018.
Libby’s bouquet featured locally grown dahlias, blush lisianthus, garden roses, blush hypericum, queen annes lace and more.
Christine Dong Photography captured all the colors so beautifully.
Dream Cakes provided the gorgeous wedding cake that I had the honor of accenting with foliage and textures.
Ceremony/Reception: Victorian Belle
Photography: Christine Dong Photography
Cake: Dream Cakes
Floral: Sophisticated Floral
Here is what Libby had to say about her experience
Below are some close up photos I took of the flowers before they left the studio.
Pantone announces “Living Coral” as their 2019 Color of the Year and I cannot more excited.
I do not shy away from this color. I find that shades of coral, peach and orange work so well with various color palettes. From blush tones to bold colors, it works well paired with blues, lavenders, purples, yellows or in a monochromatic designs featured in this blog.
I love that coral colors is readily available in spring, summer and fall. Some of my favorite coral blooms include: Coral Charm Peonies, regular, spray and garden roses, ranunculus, hypericum berries, tulips, zinnias, coxcomb, dahlias and more.
This gorgeous bridal session was photographed by Spotted Stills Photography. Tania looked absolutely elegant and flawless after Whitney was done pampering her.
The bold coral charm peonies in Tania’s bouquet, absolutely popped against her gown.
While the hair flowers were more muted with blush pink/peach tones and foliage, looking quite elegant on her classic hair updo.
Bridal bouquet included coral charm peonies, roses, blueberries, scented geranium, huckleberry, seeded and willow eucalyptus.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Hair and Make Up: Make up with Whit
Dress/Veil : Brides for a Cause
Spotted Stills Photography once again blew me away with this stunning winter session at Mt Hood, OR.
This has been a very snowy season so far and those who brave the weather get rewarded with some gorgeous images.
Who says Winter flowers have to be primarily red or white? Nope, incorporate some blush in with the winter foliage, pinecones and flocked branches and you have a perfect winter design.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
I want to take a moment to brag on Jen with Spotted Stills Photography. She takes the bridal boudoir sessions to the next level! I am loving the clean, crisp and fine art approach to her photography.
Really enjoyed incorporating the early fall colors and textures into the flowers. Bridal Bouquet featured garden roses, ranunculus, fresh hops vine, coxcomb, fall leaves, larkspur, rose hips, brown lisianthus {one of my personal all time favorite blooms}, dry grasses and pieris.
I have a prediction that this muted butter yellow, blush, brown, peach color palette will be a popular choice for fellow brides.
It does not get any more elegant and timeless than this.
Photography: Spotted:Still Photography
Floral + Styling: Sophisticated Floral
Dress: Brides for a Cause
Spotted Stills Photography once again blew me away with this stunning fall session.
This vertical floral installation is gaining popularity with wedding clients. I personally love creating this asymmetrical arbor design to mark the altar area. It’s pretty versatile and there are so many fun ways to customize this design to fit your style and budget.
I am really enjoying the cooler weather and all the amazing colors and textures of fall. The bouquet is chock full of some of my favorite fall colored blooms: Dahlia, spray roses, mini cymbidium orchids, dry grasses, ferns, garden roses, nandina, eryngium and coxcomb and more.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Model: Ali
Tori and Emi had a casual summer wedding at The Foundry in Lake Oswego.
Emi is a marine biologist; so the decor and blue and coral color palette was a nod to that.
Bridal Bouquet featured mostly Oregon grown flowers; including hydrangea, sweetheart roses, garden roses and lisianthus.
Venue: The Foundry of Oswego Point
Coordination: Natalia-Bridal Bliss
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Catering: Pearl Catering
Photography: Glitch Photo and Film
Hair and Make up: Alex-Glam Beauty Bar
Dessert: St. Honore’ Bakery
Peter Chee with Powers Photography did a phenomenal job capturing the wedding photos. Dark color palettes are some of my favorites to work with. However, they tend to be difficult to properly photograph to get the true sense of color and dimension.
Bridal bouquet featured some of my favorite dark blooms, including: dahlias, roses, cymbidium orchids, scabiosa, peonies, ranunculus, carnations and plenty and texture.
Kristen and Michael were truly an adventurous couple and choose to get married at the top of Mt. Hood at Mt. Hood Skibowl.
Can you imagine taking a ski lift and having your first look with a mountain in the background?
Yep! That’s exactly what they did.
I very much enjoy working with destination couples/photographers who travel here to Oregon {Specifically to the Columbia River Gorge} to get eloped.
Emily Nicole Photography is based in Oklahoma City, OK. She reached out to me to create a beautiful bouquet and floral crown for her couple.
Thank you Emily! It was a pleasure meeting you and working together on this elopement.
Location: Cascade Locks- Columbia River Gorge
Photography: Emily Nicole Photography
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Here are a few photos I took before the flowers went out the door.
I had the honor of participating at the Oregon Golf Club Fall Bridal Show once again. This is a couture bridal show that is only open to Oregon Golf Club Preferred Vendors and its a pleasure to be among the best wedding vendors here in Portland.
I cannot say enough about Aniko Productions-they are the husband and wife team behind those photos and are one of the top wedding photographers in Portland. I get very excited when photographers take the time to capture all the little details. Getting amazing photos back is literally like Christmas!!!
Designing our space with the help of gorgeous rental pieces I sourced through Bridgewood Event Rentals {Aka Barclay Event Rentals}. The linens, chairs, flatware, chiffon arbor backdrop, etc was provided by them.
I chose to work with a fall color palette! I used various shades orange, peach and burgundy to create the elegant garden style designs to perfectly accent the beautifully draped ballroom at the Oregon Golf Club.
Photography: Aniko Productions
Floral Design, Concept and Styling: Sophisticated Floral
Rentals: Bridgewood Event Rentals {Aka Barclay Event Rentals}
Venue: The Oregon Golf Club
Wedding Cake: Lux Sucre Desserts
Fun collection of boutonnieres for the couples to view and enjoy close up.
I had the pleasure of working with Lux Sucre and adorn her gorgeous wedding cakes with fresh flowers to showcase what they can provide to their clients.
Chanelle and Brandon are the husband and wife team behind Lux Sucre and I am not kidding when I say they have some of the most delicious cakes and desserts around. They also specialize in dessert bars if you are looking for more variety for your wedding or event.
Mae and Daniel were the sweetest and the most laid back couple ever.
I loved the elegant yet relaxed boho style we were able to create for their big day.
Both Ceremony and Reception took place at the McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro, Oregon.
I cannot say enough amazing things about Anna and Jake; the photographers behind Sweetlife Photography.
If you want beautifully curated images that reflect your wedding day look no further. They take time to create the perfect setting for each and every shot, including all the perfect little details. We always appreciate when photographers take every effort to not miss any details including the wearable flowers such as corsages, boutonnieres and hair accessories. As a designer, I spend a lot of time working on those little elements and its an absolute joy seeing them properly captured on camera.
Mae’s lush bohemian style bouquet included peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, unripe blueberry branches, dahlias, scabiosa, ferns and olive branches.
The icing on the cake was to work with some of our favorite vendor friends including Steve from A Beautiful Ceremony NW and John Ross Music
Venue + Catering: McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Photography: Sweetlife Photography
Groom’s Tux: Nordstrom
Gown: Ania Bridal
Hair and Make up: Coabella MUA
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Officient: Steve- A Beautiful Ceremony NW
Music: John Ross Music
Mary and Miguel had a gorgeous wedding at The Butler Barn in Beaverton, Oregon.
It does not get any more classic than Mary's bridal bouquet with blush and ivory flowers, perfectly captured by Lupe Juarez Photography
Garden roses, cafe au lait dahlias, blushing bride protea, lisianthus and soft dusty miller made up the gorgeous combo.
Read on to learn more about the proper placement of the boutonniere.
Venue: The Butler Barn
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Photography: Lupe Juarez Photography
Gown: Heavenly Bridal Boutique
Hair: Maggie Morgan at Powder Inc.com
Makeup: Myra Silva Make up
Few quick tips on how to properly pin on a boutonniere.
The boutonniere is always worn on the left lapel, and the pin should be inserted through the back side so the pins are not showing or pocking the wearer.
The placement should be near the button hole {aka the little slit on the tip of the lapel} versus on the pocket or toward the middle of the chest.
Sometimes as artists, creatives and designers we get inspired to create just for the sake of creating.
Creativity strikes at any given time. I was inspired to use the beautiful, fragrant and generally hard to get Stephanotis vine {that's the little white blooms that look like stars}.
I paired the vines with white roses, ranunculus and delicate blooming pieris. Each season brings about a bounty of new flowers that are only available that time of year.
This floral garland /shawl could be a fun alternative to a traditional bridal bouquet, something that is used for bridesmaids, or another shoot altogether such as maternity or a boudoir. The possibilities are endless.
Thank you Spotted Stills for once again capturing such gorgeous images.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Venue: The Lightroom PDX
Model: Ali S.
Gown: Brides for a Cause
The start of the new wedding season means beautiful new inventory that will be available to our floral clients.
I am really loving this current wedding trend of all things geometric shaped. From centerpieces to invitations, to cake designs and more; you will be seeing the geometric shapes everywhere.
Meet our new floral arbor that happens to be right in line with the modern geometric vibe.
This round arbor also known as the moon gate, floral hoop, circle arbor, etc. is a fabulous way to frame the couple during the ceremony, sweetheart table backdrop, framing the cake table, photo booth backdrop-really the options are endless.
I cannot wait to use this piece for future events, paired with metallic geometric terrariums {also a new rental item} and other fabulous decor items. Stay tuned for new inventory alerts.
Photography: Spotted: Stills Photography
Gown: Brides for a Cause
Floral: Sophisticated Floral
Model: Ali Plyushchev
Spring is here and I am eager to design with all the fabulous spring flowers and blooming branches that this season has to offer.
Blooming branches create a beautiful backdrop for the couple or any photo session {be it maternity, bridal, family or other}
Bridal bouquet included some of my favorite spring blooms {most of them are locally grown right here in Oregon}. Ranunculus, freesia, pieris, vibernum, spray roses, heirloom carnations, eriostomen, plumosa and a hint of silver dollar eucalyptus.
A beautiful floral accent piece for the hair completed the look.
Photography: Spotted Stills
Floral Design + Styling: Sophisticated Floral
Dress : Brides for a Cause
Model: Ali Plyushchev
Nicolette {Nikki} and Mahbodd had one heck of a bridal party. Which included 24 of their closest friends, family and college roommates.
The ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego.
Reception was at the gorgeous Governor Ballroom at the Sentinel Hotel in Downtown Portland.
So many family and friends came to celebrate the couple and the DJ's from Event Team Entertainment kept the party going on the dance floor all night.
Beautiful four tier wedding cake was created by Lamb's. I enjoyed adding the luscious dahlias and ranunculus to the cake.
I was so pleased to be able to source some beautiful peonies {yes in August} for the Bridal and Bridesmaids bouquets. Which also included plum and blush colored dahlias, ranunculus, scabiosa and lush foliage.
It was an absolute pleasure working with Nikki and Mahbodd and the wonderful team of wedding vendors.
Photography: George Street Photography
Coordinator: Cam- Bridal Bliss
Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral
Catering: Jake's Catering
Chair Rentals: Sedera
Wedding Cake: Lamb's
Transportation: Vip PDX
Dress: Charlotte's Bridal
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish
Reception Venue: Sentinel Hotel Portland
