Tabletops in Bloom
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM OTTO
Designers showcase the season’s brightest colors at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara
THE VIEWS ARE MAJESTIC from the many vantage points at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara. From one of the 18 holes on the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, one can see rolling hills, native marsh-like plants, even an egret or heron. From a balcony on a beautiful Spanish Colonial building, the eyes can sweep across the ocean. And inside, hand-painted trompe l’oeil ceilings and walls invite the imagination to dream of old-world romance.
Indeed, Four Seasons Resort Aviara, which is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Batiquitos Lagoon, is an enchanting site for a wedding. Mindful of the natural preserve that surrounds it, the resort is a celebration of wildlife and nature. It is also the perfect backdrop for tablescapes that boast the season’s most vibrant colors.
VINTAGE AFFAIR
Bouquets of pink peonies and miniature topiaries set the scene for a vintage garden celebration. Romance is in the air and various shades of purple give the event a subtly royal flair.
Table designer: Merilee Hennings, EverAfter Events. Floral: Flowers Annette Gomez. Linens: Wild Flower Linens. Chairs: Four Seasons Resort Aviara. Glassware: Pier 1 Imports. Plates and chargers: Crate & Barrel. Calligraphy: Wendy Ware.
HIGH ART
Like a sculpture in Rodin’s garden, this modern tablescape holds your interest with its shape, form and movement. Lapis lazuli gives it a sleek, contemporary feel, while sea urchin bowls and rock place cards hint of a fabulous beach house soirée.
Table designer: Jessica Gillon, Events by Design. Floral: David Hahn, Willem-Aidan. Linens: Wild Flower Linen. Chairs: Chameleon Chairs. Table setting: Classic Party Rental and Unique Tabletop. Sea urchin bowl: Scott Wagner, Chile Co. Rock place cards and table cards: Katie Gaines, EITAK Designs.
SPRING FLING
This whimsical table is a fantastic display of the season’s best-loved colors. Traditionally patterned linens provide an alluring backdrop for vibrant modern hues and sculptural forms. The result is a tablescape both unexpected and delightful.
Table designer: Rachel Welland, Bliss Events. Floral: Isari Flower Studio. Linens: BBJ Linens. Chairs: Classic Party Rentals. Table setting: Unique Tabletop Rentals and Z Gallerie.
FROM SPAIN, WITH LOVE
A fountain courtyard provides the perfect setting for a modern Spanish tablescape. Wrought iron—made even more romantic against a backdrop of painted ceramic tile—transforms a sculptural floral arrangement into art. A geometric table linen brings the design forward while soft spring colors lend elegance to the tablescape.
Table designer: Paul Bott. Floral and linens: Paul Bott. Chairs: Four Seasons Resort Aviara. Table setting and individual wedding cakes: Paul Bott.
WHITE WEDDING
Sexy, modern centerpieces give this tablescape definite “wow” factor. Whimsical yet classic at the same time, the scene oozes in elegance with the interplay of glass, white petals and candles. Even the chairs will give guests something to talk about.
Table designer: Stacie Barba, A Day of Elegance. Floral: Botanica. Linens: Wildflower Linen. Chairs: Chameleon. Table setting: Raphael’s Party Rentals. Menus: A Day of Elegance.
LOVE & ROMANCE
A fireside reception calls for an über-romantic setting, and this tabletop sets the mood just right. In warm tones of gold and terra cotta, the table beckons the reunion of old friends and many stories told over wine. Beautifully colored roses accent hand-blown amber glass vases surrounding tall displays of birch branches for a rustic, organic touch.
Table designer: Victoria Alexander-Schroeder, Coronado Weddings. Floral: Adelaide’s Flowers and Coronado Weddings. Chargers, napkin rings and flatware: Unique Tabletop Rentals. Chairs: Chameleon Chairs. Linens: Wildflower Linen.
ART ALIVE
A simple calla lily canopy frames this reception site. Inside, a pinned orchid sphere suspends a chandelier of calla lilies, each flower holding a lit bulb. Beneath the light, floating flowers add color to a vignette of stacked round vases. They are a perfect complement to monogrammed chargers and glasses of vanilla-and-persimmon-infused water.
Table designer: Sharon Mintz, Organic Elements. Floral, linens and table setting: Organic Elements. Chairs: Classic Party Rentals. Favors, canopy, chargers and lighting: Organic Elements.
Photography by Tim Otto, Tim Otto Photography, 858.273.5889, timotto.com. Hair/makeup by Paula Mayer, Mayer Studios, Inc., 858.279.5007, paulamayer.com. Models: Cara Fairbanks and Andy Head, Reform, Pacific Beach, 858.483.7810, reformmodels.com. Wedding gowns provided by Isis Bridal Boutique, Sorrento Valley, 858.554.0568, isisboutiques.com. Tuxedos provided by The Gentlemen’s Tux Club, downtown, 619.239.8901, tuxclub.com. Shot on location at Four Seasons Resort Aviara, Carlsbad, 760.603.6800, fourseasons.com/aviara.
