A Romantic Wedding at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers
Steph wanted to incorporate modern minimalism into the flowery elements found throughout the Conservatory of Flowers to create a sophisticated dinner party setting for her guests.
THE COUPLE
Steph met Danny here in San Francisco through a mutual friend. Danny proposed at Barcelona’s Park Güell with friends by their side. I was fortunate to meet Steph years ago when working in tech. If you know Steph, you know she always has a smile on her face, is constantly laughing, and loves the Warriors.
The sweet couple that they are, Steph and Danny focused on their family and friends when planning their wedding day (really, an entire day, thanks to Chinese wedding traditions). While it was a celebration of their love, it was also a celebration of all the people that made them the couple they are. They really just wanted everyone to have fun. Enter the Loving Cup froyo truck …
THE VENUE
The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a real treat. Especially for a flower lady like myself. It’s also the perfect spot for a wedding celebration. The beautiful bright white architecture served as a masterpiece of a backdrop for Steph & Danny’s outdoor ceremony. Guests wandered through the greenhouse rooms during cocktail hour before heading to a family-style dinner.
(By the way, the Conservatory of Flowers is free to the public on the first Tuesday of every month. Highly recommend!)
THE FLOWERS
Steph wanted to incorporate modern minimalism into the flowery elements found throughout the Conservatory of Flowers to create a sophisticated dinner party setting for her guests.
For her bouquet, I went asymmetrical in design but lush and full of texture. Honeysuckle vine added a sweet fragrance, and pomegranates brought good luck. Centerpieces were dancy and airy with pops of peach and blush. To mix it up, every other table had a series of simple bud vases that highlighted the real show-offs -- garden roses from Rose Story Farm.
Some of my favorite ingredients were locally-sourced from Bluma Farm’s rooftop in Berkeley -- salmon and zinnderella peach zinnias, chocolate cosmos, choco lace, and lisianthus. Not to be missed were the cafe au lait dahlias, butterfly ranunculus, helleborus, and mauve-brown tulips. Rice flower, scabiosa pods, millet, bunnytail, blue viburnum, heuchera leaves, and snowberries added soft texture to arrangements.
GRATITUDE
Thank you sweet Steph and Danny for trusting me with your designs. Between you two, your family and friends, a stellar vendor team, and epic location -- your wedding celebration was one for the books.
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten | Venue: Conservatory of Flowers | Catering: Fogcutter SF | Photography: Nathalie Cheng Photography | Planning: Blushing Joy Events | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Hair/Makeup: Vinnia Tjhin | Invitations: Minted | Dessert: Loving Cup San Francisco | Signage: Ready Set Coordinate | Ring Box: The Mrs. Box | Ribbon: Froufrou Chic
A Contemporary Napa Valley Elopement, featured in Style Me Pretty
Rob and Jason stepped away from their hectic lives in St. Petersburg, Florida to travel to Napa Valley for their most important vacation yet. This time, they were back at their favorite destination to celebrate their love. That, and a weekend of obligatory wine tasting with their dearest family and friends.
THE COUPLE
Rob and Jason stepped away from their hectic lives in St. Petersburg, Florida to travel to Napa Valley for their most important vacation yet. This time, they were back at their favorite destination to celebrate their love. That, and a weekend of obligatory wine tasting with their dearest family and friends.
THE VENUES
Rob and Jason exchanged their wedding vows fountain-side at the quiet and exquisite Beaulieu Gardens. From there, guests were treated to an evening of wine tasting, dinner, toasts, and dancing at Promontory Winery. The winery sits in a secluded canyon and is known for its transitional design, top notch wine, and extensive views of the Napa Valley. The property is a true work of art, and a really special spot. ^ All of these things made this the most beautiful dinner party ever.
THE FLOWERS
With Rob & Jason’s floral design concept, I aimed to add softness and intimacy to the concrete, steel, and glass setting.
I started with the communal 26-foot table that guests would gather around because it’s an impressive focal point to build from. Rob and Jason loved the idea of a lush floral runner along the length of the table, so I chose a mix of statement flowers and soft textures. These included anthuriums, lisianthus, ranunculus, roses, and queen anne's lace. Like Promontory’s designs, I wanted my work to feel connected to its natural surroundings while also structural. I placed flowers playfully at varied heights as if they were growing out of the tabletop.
Lots and lots of candles nestled throughout the flowers created a romantic glow as the sun set, while a monochromatic palette of white added contemporary elegance. Each guest had one lovely little bloom atop their place setting’s menu card.
GRATITUDE
Rob and Jason planned their entire elopement from afar with the help of their amazing wedding planner Tracie Domino. Without a chance to meet in person, I appreciate their grace and openness as we worked together throughout planning. I am lucky to have played a part in their celebration, and have a feeling the party is just getting started for these two.
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Wedding Planner: Tracie Domino Events
Catering: Paula LeDuc
Ceremony Venue: Beaulieu Garden
Reception Venue: Promontory Winery
Videographer: Tri Luu Films
Photography: Jeremy Scott
Music: Napa Valley Media
Officiant: Rose Barboza
