When Nicole sat down with me to look through tear sheets and look at swatches for dresses, she had a very defined “look” that she was going for, but didn’t know exactly which blooms would pull it off.  It was great to go through the process with her, showing her the possibilities of what varieties would work best and be in season.  Most important to her were the personal flowers for her bridal party.  We decided to tone down any extravagant flowers for the ceremony and opt for the incredible view.  We added two extra large vases with several stems of glorious white cymbidium orchids to frame the bride and groom as they took their vows, and matching clusters of orchids on the aisle chairs.  The bridal party carried off color with their beautiful deep burgundy dresses – and oh so fabulous shoes.

Nicole wanted to carry rich, dark color in her bouquet and a lush combination of black calla lilies, black beauty roses and parrot tulips (quite possibly the most fantastic bloom ever … well for this week) was decided upon.  The bridesmaids carried bouquets of cream roses edged in deep pink and white peonies with fern curls added in for a bit of spunk.

Chuck’s family has been ranching in the rolling hills of Edna Valley for several generations, so it was a natural choice to have the celebration in a barn.  Nicole put together her own candles and bowls for the reception centerpieces and we reset the large vases from the “altar” on the bar, creating a fun focal point through out the evening.  The barn was lit up to create a warm and inviting glow by our favorite lighting designer  Zack,  from Kramer Entertainment DJs & Event Lighting, and wonderful Chloe Murdoch from Mike Larson Inc. shot these beautiful images.  I especially like the one of Nicole and Chuck with the horses!  Oh yes – and the deer, presiding over the festivities in the barn.

To see more photos and get more details please check out the blogs at Kramer Entertainment & Mike Larson Inc.

Unconventional with a vibe of their own that was a wonderful infusion of cool in to the usual flora that we get involved in.  We were so honored to be involved in their beautiful day, hosted at the ultra cool Dolphin Bay Resort in Shell Beach.  And – continuing the fabulous – we got an email from the Father of the Bride the following week telling us that the “flowers were flawless”.  Note from an FOB – that’s a first in 11 years.  Sweet!

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Again, we are honored to be a part of such a beautiful site and to work with such awesome people.  Thank you to RCJones Photography in Fresno for really capturing the vibe of this day and of course our friends down at Dolphin Bay Resort for orchestrating a beautiful wedding at their stunning venue.  The Lido has a very special spot in my little food & vino lov’in heart!

Julia and I bonded from the beginning of the planning process, over our shared Canadian roots and love for hockey.  Julia’s vision was pretty simple – she shared it with me and then let me run with it.  Some of my very favorite weddings are the small intimate ones, done really well.  Of course, if you choose to get married at the Dolphin Bay Resort, it is a given that it will be done well.  Under the direction of Chef Evan Treadwell, in 2007 Lido Restaurant was awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and Sante’s Culinary Award for “Innovative Regional Restaurant.”

A couple of really fun elements from this wedding were the little couture chocolate silk pillow that the ring bearer carried down the aisle, covered in magenta orchids.  The flower girl carried a small moss ball, also adorned with orchids and a taffeta ribbon handle.  For the ceremony, two large scale glass vases featuring submerged orchids and topped with large moss balls adorned with flower clusters, framed the bridal couple. The application allows for maximum enjoyment of the view, while creating a simple ceremony focal point.

One of the highlights of this day for me, was getting to spend some time in the chef’s walk-in, decorating the wedding cake that pastry chef Benny created,  with blooms. The wedding was orchestrated beautifully by the event staff at Dolphin Bay, the view – incredible and a memorable party of close family and friends ensued.  Photographer Greg Bumatay, kindly shared these images with us.