“Entrancement” was the design philosophy adopted for the event… the creation of a mystical world that evoked a sense of wonder and instilled a happily-ever-after vibe. Elaborating on the unity of literary-love threads, fairytale books, replicated book pages, framed quotes from legendary tales, and enchanting adornments, were woven throughout the event design. The gorgeous setting presented a natural canopy of powder-pink Japanese cherry blossoms, omnipresent throughout the venue, resembling a chinoiserie-style motif showcasing blooms of flowers, plants, and birds. The harmonious balance of soft pastel pink and lilac hues created the illusion of an ombre-effect palette, via subtle transformations between vignette hues and stylizations.
The Posh-Picnic Reception
Set on the venue’s expansive lawn was a tapestry of custom-tailored pale pink floral picnic blankets, artfully exhibiting a myriad of “Secret Garden Brunch Baskets”, (a posh take on the “picnic basket” for two), adorned with knotted pink ombrè tie-dyed napkins. Crushed velvet powder-pink and lavender tufted seat cushions offered guests further comfort on their little piece of paradise. The brunch baskets revealed the “horsd’oeuvres” portion of the brunch, consisting of a bottle of vintage champagne, two crystal champagne glasses, “Voss” waters, homemade “pink” lemonade (a nod to the color palette), assorted organic fruits: a cluster of grapes, a miniature basket of raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, assorted miniature scones with an offering of crème fraiche, lavender honey, assorted homemade jams, and gougéres (cheese puffs). The highlight of the basket, however, was the inclusion of the bride’s favorite fairytale book “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” (Little Red Riding Hood). Each book was inscribed with a hand-calligraphed message from the bride and groom conveying their gratitude to those in attendance, and encouraging them to escape to a far-off nook during the event and immerse themselves in this wonderful tale.
Strolling amongst the enchanted secret garden dreamscape were statement servers donning tan linen trousers, classic white button-down shirts, lavender and white gingham bowties and lavender suspenders. Each carried a vintage palette-tray displaying a pyramid of small custom-fabricated wood crates, branded with the bride and groom’s logo. The crates, presented on each guest’s picnic blanket, offered brie en croute served with currants, apple slices, pecans and freshly made French baguettes. Brunch was further enhanced by a decadent display of sublime food stations set within the meadow, where customized orders for waffles, omelettes, quiches, and homemade pasta and sauce pairings could be carefully considered and curated. A decorative display of artisanal confections presented among brass and gold accent pieces and glass display boxes, complimented the color palette tones of powder-pink, lavender, and gold, proving to be the strong visual focus of the gastronomic displays. The sweet treats table showcased: meringue peaks sprinkled with edible gold-dust, homemade gourmet marshmallows, decadent cake pops, strawberry mousse cups with meringue mountain-peaks, hand-dipped white chocolate and raspberry truffles on a stick, glistening pale pink rock candy garlands and rock candy sticks, a masterful croquembouche, and a custom pink cotton candy cart offering the spun sugar in rolled paper cones created by replicating the pages of fairytales.
Accoutrements
Nestled in a small nook by the pear grove on the estate was a minuscule wonderland specifically created to entice inquisitive children. Here, in this splendid secret-garden-scape were multitudes of powder-pink crushed velvet tuffets upon which to sit and listen to the mesmerizing narration of children’s fairytales. Told throughout the duration of the event, it provided a respite for the young and young at heart. Charming elements to echo the mystique included a photo vignette featuring a live blossoming arbor, a Victorian upholstered settee, and chair with mystical gold frames, a dramatic lilac chiffon drape cascading from the tree limbs, and a stunning swing suspended from the limb of a monumental heirloom Linden Tree, were two long ropes adorned with intertwining garlands of fresh-cut blush and powder-pink roses, and magnificent cherry tree blossoms. From these rope garlands hung a picturesque swing created with a live-edge wood seat, enhanced with a heart-etching displaying the bride and groom’s initials.
Charming elements to echo the mystique included a photo vignette featuring a live blossoming arbor, a Victorian upholstered settee and chair with mystical gold frames, a dramatic lilac chiffon drape cascading from the tree limbs, and a stunning swing… Suspended from the limb of a monumental heirloom Linden Tree, were two long ropes adorned with intertwining garlands of fresh-cut blush and powder-pink roses, and magnificent cherry tree blossoms. From these rope garlands hung a picturesque swing created with a live-edge wood seat, enhanced with a heart-etching displaying the bride and groom’s initials.
The Keepsake
A singular page of the “Little Red Riding Hood” storybook that refers to Little Red Riding Hood… “la plus jolie qu’on eut su voir” (the most beautiful girl that had ever lived), setting out on a journey to take some cake & butter to her grandmother was replicated, in miniature, to resemble a vintage version of the book page and attached to the top of a transparent box holding a custom miniature three-tiered-bridal-cake for each guest as their parting keepsake.
