Celebrating Valentine's Day With an Ode to Pink and Maximalist Style
The Planning
The Inspiration
Inspired by the queen of flowers, David Austin Wedding Roses, this colorful Maximalist Dream is a tribute to all things roses. Creative Director and Designer Dawn Weisberg of Tularosa Flowers, a luxury Floral and Event Design studio, envisioned a wedding that is a love affair with roses. From opulent tablescapes to a ceremony installation using thousands of David Austin’s wedding roses, she created a design that takes it’s cues from ancient Rome and celebrates love in an explosion of color and petals. Jenny Quicksall Photography captured all of the beauty with captivating images and nuanced detail.
The Venue
Hidden in the heart of Pasadena is an architectural gem inspired by the ancient architecture of Italy and Greece. The Athenaeum, a private club with a boutique hotel was envisioned when it was built as a place to stimulate connection and the pursuit of ideas in the arts, science, and literature. Its classical style conjures up a Palace in the Roman countryside transporting guests to an ancient grand adventure right in the middle of the city.
Beauty
Flat Lays
The Fashion
Wedding Gown
For the ceremony the bride wore the “Until Next Time” gown from Sareh Nouri with a stunning Pink Bow cape, perfect for making an entrance and exit down the aisle. We paired the gown with beautiful jewel-adorned heels from Bella Belle Shoes. In keeping with the current trend of multiple wedding day looks, a second reception gown, the Kelly gown, also from Sareh Nouri is a symphony of embellished pink lace with floral 3D detailing and a chapel train, complemented by blush silk stilettos, also from Bella Belle, accented with bows.
A stunning rose-cut diamond solitaire with a diamond headdress, from Everett Jewelry pairs perfectly, with the gorgeous gowns. For the groom, a classic white dinner jacket and black tuxedo pants, from Friar Tux are complimented by Bordeaux loafers, a nod to fashion-forward Italian style.
The bridal fashion was complimented by an elegant low bun for the ceremony, and a fun and flirtatious half-up-half-down look with a satin bow for the reception. Subtly natural make-up, with just a hint of shimmer for an effortlessly elegant look was created for the bride by Cheek to Cheek Artistry.
Bridal Portraits
Fashion
The Details
Florals & Decor
The Athenaeum’s backdrop of majestic columns and arcades is the perfect canvas on which to paint a grand and epic backdrop for an opulent wedding says Dawn. Drawing on inspiration from the ancient world, we used weathered terracotta vessels in classical shapes and paired them with modern details like velvet ottomans for the ceremony and cane-backed light wood chairs for the reception, all from Folklore and Catalog Atelier, to create a look that is rooted in classicism but have a fresh current feel.
Thousands of garden roses from David Austin Wedding Roses, created a vibrant color story of pinks which was led by David Austin’s new rose Millicent in the bridal bouquet. Complements of apricot, and peach, with touches of chartreuse green from hellebores, fleeting moments of fuschia from the gloriosa lilies, and light and airy moments of blush from sweet peas. The bold colors are set against a backdrop of warm neutral linens from Nuage, with lace detailing for that touch of Old World elegance and history, they have the feel of textiles passed down through generations that have been treasured for their beauty.
Papergoods and a luxe custom invitation suite from River and Bridge continued the Roman theme with scrolls, flourishes, and garden roses to compliment the decor.
Favorite Design Element
We heart Bows, the bigger the better! Flirty and romantic they aren't just for the hair. From place cards to shoes, or even a Bow Cape, this season’s hottest trend has so many ways it can be used to dramatic effect in a wedding or bridal shower. Whether you go with a classic satin bow to adorn the couple's champagne coupes or a huge silk Shantung bow for the chairs, don’t be shy with the bows!
Tips To Pull Off The Look
When dreaming up your big day it’s best to stick to two to three major design elements, even for a maximalist vision. Taking these 3 elements, you can filter them through the day's details creating a look that is layered and nuanced without being overwhelming or kitschy.
Want to incorporate a trending style like bows? Try adding silk ribbons on the seating cards, or opt for statement-making chair bows for the bride and groom chairs. They are like a couture gown for the chair, a fresh way to distinguish the couple's chairs at a long feasting table. And of course, a hair bow or shoe bow is always a good idea!
For a look that references the ancient world, use vases and decor in matte finishes like honed marble and weathered terracotta. Layer color over neutrals for a look that is both bold and trendsetting as well as classically elegant, because you really can have it all.
DIY Moments
Want to add some flirty fun details to your Valentine's Day table? Why not try tying on satin ribbon bows, to your wine, champagne glasses or even candle holders, just be sure to keep fabric away from any open flame.
A single perfect garden rose, placed on each plate heightens the romance and beauty of any table.
Still looking for inspiration? A few yards of ethereal pink tulle tied into a bow at the neck, will add sizzle to even the most simple dress.
Details
Couple Portraits