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FeedThe Elements of Style
Peonies and poppies, ribbon-laced watering cans, bejeweled birds’ nests, and love notes in rustic frames lend dramatic flair to these beautiful tables at the Sheraton Carlsbad.
A quintessential California coastal haven with Spanish Mediterranean architecture, blooming gardens, swaying palm trees and sweeping ocean views, the Sheraton Carlsbad is an idyllic sun-blessed setting for presenting our tabletops. Perched high above the Pacific, the expansive Ocean Blue Lawn proffers 180 degree views of the coastline—the perfect spot for a romantic wedding overlooking the sea.
The Sheraton also features the Balinese-style Ocean Pearl Spa and Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar with its panoramic view, outdoor firepit and farm-to-table California cuisine. The alluring property promises a delightful environment for your special day.
Photography by Kristen Peelle Photography, 619.847.9255, peellephotography.com. Hair and makeup by Alexis Lauren and Chelsea Rene, 858.353.8736, threewaysbeautiful.com. Models: Jack Cain and April Byrne, Reform Model Management, 858.483.7810, reformmodels.com. Wedding gowns provided by The White Flower Bridal Boutique, 619.501.1700, thewhiteflower.com. Tuxedos provided by A Better Deal Tuxedo, 858.551.6044, abetterdealtuxedo.com. Shot on location at Sheraton Carlsbad, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad CA 92008, 760.827.2400, sheratoncarlsbad.com.
Birds and Blooms
“We wanted to create an elegant and vibrant setting for a bridesmaids’ luncheon overflowing with whimsical details and color. We began by finding a fabulous linen and complemented the bird print by creating a stunning flowering tree bursting with color and unique florals like the rare lavender clematis blooms that peek through the peonies, hydrangea and garden roses. Icelandic poppies and hand-carved mushrooms pop up from the green moss, and ribbon-patterned chairs and custom bridesmaids’ gifts complete the look,” explain the designers.
Blackberry Fizz:1½ ounces Hanger One raspberry vodka, ½ ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur. Shake with ice and strain into champagne flute. Fill with California sparkling wine and garnish with fresh Carlsbad blackberries.
Table designers: Susanne Duffy, Crown Weddings; Lavonne Crawford, Adorations Botanical Artistry. Chivari chairs: Classic Party Rentals. Paper elements: Posh Paperie. Favors: Earrings by Jennifer Rea. Glassware, favor boxes, chargers: Crown Weddings, private collection. Signature drink: Stephen George, Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar, Sheraton Carlsbad.
French Country Chic
“We wanted to conjure up the idea of a warm night in France, blending formal with fun to create a garden setting that reflects the relaxed slower pace of European style. We married country garden elements with an eclectic vintage-bistro feel,” explains Aleah and Nick Valley.
Rue de Richelieu: ½ ounce crème de cassis (blackberry liqueur), 3 ounces vermouth. Pour into a 10-ounce glass over ice, top with lemon Perrier and stir.
Table designers: Aleah and Nick Valley, The Good Life Special Events. Paper elements: Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Linens: Wildflower Linen. Flowers: Ginny Boland. Chairs, candlesticks and buffet table: Pottery Barn. Baked goods: The French Gourmet. Glassware: Pier One. Other table décor (escort card “balls,” cake stands, silver tray, silverware, glass bottles and custom twine-wrapped and monogrammed mason jars): The Good Life Special Events, private collection.
Raspberry Rhapsody
“I fell in love with this pale-green silk taffeta and fuchsia ribbon embellishment and wanted to use it as a runner to make a big statement down the center, employing clear vases to allow the design to show through. The table became a play of these two colors with clean accents, such as transparent plates, contemporary silverware, and gold touches. The lime-green urns both make a statement and bring whimsy to the setting by framing the table and by creating an entrance.”
Pink Halo:1½ ounces Hanger One raspberry vodka, ½ ounce Chambord raspberry liqueur. Shake with ice and strain into champagne flute rimmed with sugar. Fill with California sparkling wine and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Table designers: Robin Dietsch, Grand Floral; Catherine Bachelier Smith, CBS Weddings. Flowers: Robin Dietsch, Grand Floral. Wedding Coordinator: Catherine Bachelier Smith, CBS Weddings. Chairs and tables: Classic Party Rentals. Custom linens: Laura Herrera, Tavola Events. Signature drink: Stephen George, Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar, Sheraton Carlsbad.
Southern Vintage
“This table pays homage to the old South with its white milk glass, cornbread recipe cards, and antique wooden wagon that holds a red velvet cake bearing little charms on ribbons tucked inside called ‘cake pulls.’ I love the play of bright pinks against the pearl whites and green moss,” says Melissa Barrad.
Magnolia Blossom: 2 ounces gin, 1 dash grenadine, 1 ounce lemon juice. Add gin, lemon juice and grenadine to cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake gently and strain into chilled martini glass. Add dollop of cream or maraschino cherry as a garnish.
Table Designer: Melissa Barrad, I Do...Weddings! Linens, charger plates and chairs: Concepts Event Design. Flowers: Modern Bouquet. Stationary: Fuzzynk Design Studio. Cake: Sweet Cheeks Bakery.
Tinseltown Glam
“This table is a nostalgic nod to old Hollywood and makes me think of Audrey Hepburn’s chic style—from the jeweled broaches to the way the chairs are fitted and dressed. I love the play of blues and golds, especially on the dance floor, and how the pale-pink accents, garden roses, peonies, and orchids in the lamp base give the table a feminine feel and romantic flair.”
Something Blue:1¼ ounce premium vodka, ½ ounce Blue Curacao, ½ ounce pineapple juice or sour mix, ½ ounce pasteurized egg whites. Pour all ingredients into dry shaker. Shake for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds, then strain into martini glass.
Table designer: Stacie Barba, A Day of Elegance. Flowers: Jennifer Cole Florals. Seamless gold flooring with design: Platinum Pro. Chairs and chair covers: Chameleon. Chairs: Classic Party Rentals. Signature drink: Mimi Owsley-Smith, Best Beverages. Linens, napkins, charger plates: Concept Event Design. Plates and glasses: Stacie Barba, private collection. Reception cards, menu cards, broach: Invitation Factory. Mini cupcakes: Cupcake Love.
Whimsy
“I created this entire table around the magnificent multi-colored plates. I want to inspire brides to think outside the box and not to limit themselves to just two or three wedding colors. It’s such fun to play with unusual color schemes and find harmony with the flowers and accoutrements like the custom-designed paper elements that were made specifically to coordinate with the plates. The card hanging on the chairs allows a couple to add a quote, poem, or meaningful saying. Adding such decor details makes your wedding unique and memorable,” explains Rachel Welland.
Chai Latte:2 cups milk, 2 cups water, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, pinch of white pepper, 8 black tea bags. Heat milk, water, sugar and spices in medium saucepan, simmer 1 minute, then add tea bags. Steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and serve with a cinnamon stick. Or refrigerate and serve over ice.
Table designers: Rachel Welland, Bliss Events. Flowers: Willem-Aidan. Graphic designer: Lauren M Design. Linens: Concepts Event Design. Chairs: Abbey Party Rents.
Enchancted Eastern Elegance
“My inspiration comes from memories and dreams of faraway places. I wanted to channel the sophistication and exotic wonder of the Orient,” explains designer Tam Ashworth. “I love how the explosion of coral peonies adds such vibrancy to the golds, tortoise shell, and rich wood.”
The Orient Express:1 ounce premium vodka, 3 ounces cranberry juice. Pour over ice and add a twist of lime.
Table designers: Tam Ashworth, Isari Flower Studio; Catherine Bachelier Smith, CBS Weddings. Flowers: Isari Flower Studio. Linens: La Tavola, Ottoman Spice Runner, Topaz Tangerine Napkins. Flatware: Tam Ashworth. Pace settings: Villeroy & Boch, Samarkard Pattern. Stemware: Villeroy & Boch, Samarkard Pattern. Table: Classic Party Rentals. Place cards: Elizabeth Seaton, Posh Paperie China: Bloomingdales
Romancing Through the Ages
“Our table tells the story of love over time with an array of old-fashioned pieces like love letters in antique frames, apothecary jars filled with flowers, dangling ribbon-tied frames and ballet slippers. We wanted to create a Victorian shabby-chic feel with a romantic nostalgic theme,” explains Sharon Mintz and Rebecca Gaffney.
Classic Hot Chocolate: Warm 8 ounces milk in a saucepan. Put 2 tablespoons Joes on the Nose, Organic Hot Chocolate Mix in your favorite mug. Pour warmed (not boiled) milk over chocolate, mix with whisk, immersion blender, or spoon. Add vanilla whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings. Drink, and smile.
Table designers: Sharon Mintz, Organic Elements; Rebecca Gaffney, Red Letter Days Events. Flowers: Organic Elements. Paper elements: Brightly Designed. Vintage elements: Chez Laurice. Furniture and linens: Concepts Event Design. Picture frames: Found Vintage Rentals. Lemon poppyseed cake: Chef Devin Woodall, Dining Details. Hot chocolate drinks and flavored whipped creams: Joes on the Nose.
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