The Occasional Word

Vintage Pretty - Gabrielle & Nathan

We had the pleasure again this year of giving one lucky couple their dream wedding with the Life FM wedding season. Nathan & Gabrielle were the lucky winners who received basically a free wedding - venue, band, stationery, dress, rings, cakes, decor, floral, photography... you name it, they won it. Obviously a couple with great taste, the result was pretty gorgeous. 

Gabrielle asked for romantic, soft and vintage and that's what we gave her. Pretty pinks, peaches and soft green mixed with loads of candle light and pearls. The gold lanterns and vases worked well with the tones in all that brick. A vintage postcard invitation really complemented the look.

I'd really recommend Carringtons as a venue in terms of aesthetics - works so well for that vintage look all you brides are loving at the moment.

Gabrielle & Nathan, we wish you guys all the best in your new adventure together!

 

Boxing Day Races - Lemons, lemons & more lemons

As a child we had a tradition of heading to the races at Ellerslie for boxing day. I always remember loving it as a kid - enjoying a picnic under a tree, shaved ice and running around getting lost in all the little hiding spots.

It's our pleasure to work with Ellerslie to make their race days that little bit extra wow and this year we did it with lemons. I think it really captured that fun. vibrant, summer feel that makes boxing day races so much fun.

I know we've talked about using fruit as decor before - it really is a great way to go particularly if budget is a little tight but you need big impact. Fruit also has the added benefit of generally not being as fragile as flowers (although this lot of fruit had a few issues we had to contend with!)

So what do you think? Have you used fruit before at an event? Are you considering using it and if so which fruit? 

Groundfish Dinner - Ice Centerpieces

How are we all doing this morning? We've had a pretty full on week here and it's only Tuesday! Yesterday was the Life FM wedding Season winner's wedding. Our job being what it is I didn't actually get to see the lovely couple but Nathan & Gabrielle we wish you all the very best in your new life together. Pictures will be coming soon so watch this space!

I was just looking back over previous blog posts and noticed we haven't had a corporate function in a while. We actually split our time about 50/50 with corporate and wedding clients so heres some corporate goodness:

 

 

We worked with Sanford Fisheries to style the Groundfish conference last year at Rendezvous Hotel. The aim was to impress the delegates without overshadowing the amazing fresh seafood being served up. This event was a bit of a challenge for us as we wanted to steer away from doing anything overtly themey while still giving the guests an experience that was uniquely NZ. 

Not one to shy away from a challenge we worked with one of our very talented suppliers to create something unique from ice. We had plaques made from ice with the Groundfish logo carved into the front. These were lit from below and surrounded by a fern wreath. After 4 hours working in the freezer putting these babies together we were pretty thrilled with the results (once we defrosted).

So there you have it! Like what you see? We'd love to work with you to create something unique for your event. Just give us a call!

Pop Up Showroom Recap Pt. 2

It's a miserable blustery day out there today - I hope you are reading this tucked up somewhere warm with a nice hot cup of something :) We're busy getting ready for this weekend's wedding and I'm off to the market to pick up some beautiful orange roses and singapore orchids. 

Right time for some more showroom eye candy. . . this time in bright cheery yellow, black and leopard print.

 

This combo is perfect for a corporate function with a bit of glam but still fun and not too serious and the options are endless. Need something tall and super dramatic? Try our floral tripod with palm, monstera and yellow orchids - ideal for venues with high ceilings like the museum dome or foyer. Looking for a cost effective option? Try lemons in a 60cm cylinder or a globe vase. Want something that is fun and festive? Top hats with yellow and black feather will do just nicely and have built in LED lights for extra drama.

This colour combo can be pulled off by the bride who isn't afraid to do something a bit different. Imagine The bride in white with gorgeous yellow shoes and a bouquet of white flowers bound with yellow ribbon. The maids in black cocktail dresses with leopard print shoes and yellow bouquets. . . Super cute :)

Rustic Organic Chic

We've been noticing a trend for this season's up and coming weddings. Couples are really breaking free and injecting their big day with unique details that have a rustic, organic feel about them. I think the result can be a real intimacy, as though the couple have personally taken care of every detail (even if they haven't!!)

 

How to achieve the look? First you want items that just scream character. Second hand books, trays, letterbox numbers, jars, decanters, frames, ornaments can all be incorporated throughout table centerpieces and displays. If you don't particularly feel like scouring the antique stores and flea markets, we have a large range (and growing) of items to choose from. If this is your look - you are going to LOVE our vintage tea tins, the colours are amazing and they're so versatile. Where possible incorporate details that are meaningful to you.

Floral should have that fresh from the garden feel. Don't be afraid to use bold colours or even a wide range of blooms in one palette. Foliage, herbs, fruit and vegetables all make great additions. Votive candles really complete the atmosphere. 

Fit for a Queen!

Just thought I'd share some photos of a setup we did recently for a Priscilla, Queen of the desert pre function.
We keeped the colours fun and vibrant with feathers adding that touch of glam.