“Every adventure requires a first step…”
In 1955, in the coastal town of Corona Del Mar, California, a botanical wonderland made its debut. This horticulture retreat known as Sherman Library and Gardens provided the ideal backdrop and inspiration for our “Shakespeare in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass” styled shoot. This venue is a spectacular museum of living plants, ranging from the desert region to the tropical climates. Patios, greenhouses, fountains, and a delicate leafed pepper tree all line the shaded brick walkways as each location played an important role as to where every aspect of the wedding was held.
Beds blooming with seasonal flowers in every color imaginable, and the deep hues of green amongst the trees and shrubs set the ambiance for our own color palette. As this may be viewed as a challenge for some, not The Dizzy Daisy Florist, it was a dream come true! From the Bride’s Bouquet, reception table, and sweetheart set up, to the magnificent cake table, ceremony site, and floral jewelry, they were able to both compliment and pop the existing blossoms on site, as well as draw one’s attention to the elegant yet unique and creative designs of their own. Intense, bright and brilliant shades were the color pick for the day.
The cascading bridal bouquet consisted of a dazzling mix of orchids, delphinium, roses, anemone, dahlia,and lily grass. The Grooms Boutonniere, small as is, matched the bridal bouquet on a tiny scale in comparison, but with an oh so whimsical twist that shouts wonderland fairytale, notice the extraordinary detailing….a golden teapot, wooden spool, and watch, all cleverly arranged into the floral. That brings us to the Bridesmaid, AKA “Alice”. Vibrant and simplistic is her three stemmed bouquet bursting with Bright yellow China Mums neatly stem tied with satin ribbon. But being true to our inspiration, she actually had another bouquet–a book of blooms. This King of Hearts box burst open with a plethora of orchids, dahlia, roses, and hanging amaranths.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize, and we are not talking about jewels, but with floral! The Bride wore the most unusual, exquisite, and definitely one of its kind floral necklaces. This piece is designed with intertwined lily grass and a show stopper white Dahlia. The Bridesmaid wasn’t left out of the floral designers forte for creativity, as she donned three separate corsagelettes on her wrist: yellow spray roses, blue orchids, and hot pink spray roses.
“Down the rabbit hole…”
And on to the ceremony site. Through the looking glass takes on a whole new meaning as a gold framed majestic mirror creates an ideal backdrop for the couple to exchange their nuptials. This mirror is uniquely framed with a cascade of dahlias, tulips, delphinium, spray roses and Italian ruscus. The base of the mirror boasts a drapery of delphinium, roses, stock, and hanging amaranths. The rows of wrought iron chairs placed strategically off to one side are embellished by a garland of delphinium and stock.
“Would you tell me please which way I ought to go from here?”
It’s reception time and the table scape will certainly not disappoint. Sweet Pea Vintage Rentals brings an eclectic collection of cloches, clocks, candelabras, vintage tea cups, and special touches to both the Guest table as well as the Sweetheart table, while Classic Party Rentals provided the table layered table linens in an array of fun colors. The pop of color is provided by the tiny blooms strewn about the surface and hidden inside the exquisite dishware. Within the teacups were themed escort cards held together by bookmarks created by Stamp & Soul. And seating for three? Certainly! Don’t mind if we do…. the classic red velvet couch provided by Sweet Pea Vintage rentals, delightfully different!
“If I eat one of these cakes…”
This sweet spread, the Cake Table, has visual feast written all over it! Not just one focal point but layers of eye extraordinary! The three layer cake by Sensitive Sweets oozes with character and charm. The detailing is beyond stunning with its lace, diamonds, beads, and of course the wonderland caricatures. The icing colors align beautifully with the vintage candy dishes, tea cups and floral. Enhancing the natural vegetation in the background, thinking out of the box was at hand. Hanging lattice bamboo with fresh roses and teacups, circles of delphinium garland, and a fresh rose wreath all mysteriously suspended from the aged pepper tree!
“I knew who I was this morning but I’ve changed a few times since then…”
The Bride, stately as a Queen, dressed in a two piece ensemble by WToo from Ferndales Bridal. This exquisite jeweled strapless bodice and ruffle layered organza skirt danced its way into the heart of the Groom. The icing on top is the magnificent jeweled stilettos by Jimmy Choo provided by Saks 5th Ave-SCP. Completing the look is a bird cage headpiece with a single oversized pure white fresh Dahlia! Patricia Robitaille also provided the lampwork beading, as well as the earrings, the blue heart necklace and bracelets. Our Bridesmaid, fashioned like Alice herself, in a Jenny Yoo tulle “Lucy Skirt” in ceil blue paired with a Monique L’huillier pink tulle strapless top. Wrap the look up with a Elle & Jae champagne bodice belt, this outfit and so much more can be found at Bella Bridesmaids.
All eyes are on our Bride and Bridesmaid, so flawless makeup is a must for the big day. Montana Green Beauty delivered a look that transitioned beautifully from a soft look of day to a dramatic look in the evening hours. An Alice inspired coif and soft flowing curls were the right formula for a great wedding hair day styled by Chantel Matteau from The Face of Beauty. Friar Tux Shop outfitted our dapper Groom in a black notch lapel tux with a white dress shirt by Savvi. Accented in purple by the latest trend, a floral bow tie and pocket square, completed the look. Just like the white rabbit, our Groom will never be late as he changed into a sleek black tailed Coat with crimson red accessories and made it in time to meet his Bride at the intriguing Night cap lounge which was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Creative Partners
Photography & Design: Visuals by Arpit
Florals & Styling: The Dizzy Daisy
Venue: Sherman Library & Gardens
Event Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Vintage Rentals: Sweet Pea Vintage Rentals
Bookmarks: Stamp & Soul
Menswear: Friar Tux
Bridalwear: Ferndales Bridal
Bridesmaid: Bella Bridesmaid
Makeup: Montana Green Beauty
Hair: The Face of Beauty
Cake: Sensitive Sweets
Jewelry: Patricia Robitaille Jewelry
Videography: Boffo Video
