Ryan Ray never sends us a wedding we don’t love or a shoot we don’t fall head over heels for and this next series has that all wrapped up into one pretty Holiday package. It’s gorgeous. It’s the epitome of casual elegance folded into a holiday-infused tablescape crafted by Love & Splendor along with florals by Camilla Svensson Burns and a scrumptious dessert spread by Enjoy Cupcakes. And added to all of that is just about the loveliest paper goods we ever did see by calligraphy “it girl” Julie Song Ink. So take one of the best Holidays on the planet (Christmas) and blend it seamlessly with one of the biggest and best days ever (wedding) and you get this perfect collaboration. See so much more right here and we’ll be back in a bit with the second tablescape perfect for a holiday gathering.
From Ryan Ray…It’s the coziest time of the year, and most people associate the holiday season with warm family celebrations, marked by delectable food and copious laughter with loved ones. We wanted to put together an inspired winter gathering of our own, setting an actual table with beautiful placesettings and stunning food that evoked both the spirit and look of the season. Our talented team brought two unique looks to life on one table. The base pieces from {found} vintage rentals included a weathered and well-loved wooden farm table surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs for a homey feel. We also set up a cozy lounge vignette with flokati pillows and a knit cabled throw… the perfect place to snuggle up on a mild California winter’s night. The first set-up we did was more luxurious and elegant consisting of lush textural white blooms, silvery air plants and pillar candles. Camilla from Camilla Flowers did an incredible job of creating a tablescape that was romantic and feminine, and would translate beautifully into a winter wedding.
Trumpet Vine Catering created a delectable meal featuring fresh, season and local ingredients. Table nosh (pre-dinner nibbles) included kale chips with smoked salt, beet-pickled and deviled eggs, and fennel sausage with cranberry mustard on grilled toasts. The actual dinner menu featured a ribolita (a hearty tuscan bean and cabbage stew), fig and chipotle stuffed pork loin, chanterelle mushroom and granny smith apple saute, spaghetti squash and turkey bolognese, herb and parmesan crusted pumpkin wedges, cider braised brussel sprouts dotted with pomegranate jewels and warm farro with grilled raddichio, pistachios, dried cherries and a white truffle-shallot vinaigrette. The stunning food tasted as good as it looked!
A sparkling cake covered in sugared cranberries from Enjoy Cupcakes, with sprigs of rosemary that evoked wintery conifers, made the most delightful end to our meal. Beautiful mini cakes and cupcakes rounded out the desserts, including seasonal flavors like pear and cranberry. Enjoy Cupcakes always delivers the most unique and scrumptious flavor combinations and her weekly cupcake flights always feature something new to crave.
The talented Julie Song Ink created stunning menus in gold hand-lettering on both forest green paper as well as reclaimed wood. Coasters made from tree slices with gilded gold edges brought the tabletop back to the perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
Photography: Ryan Ray Photography / Design + Styling: Love & Splendor / Floral Design: Camilla Svensson Burns Couture Floral and Event Design / Catering: Trumpet Vine Catering / Cake + Desserts: Enjoy Cupcakes / Stationery + Calligraphy: Julie Song Ink / Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin / Furniture Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals / Film Processing: Indie Film Lab