Our Wedding Day

Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania | October 19, 2018

This section of my website is reserved for my clients, their days, their flowers. So to be honest, I feel real weird writing about my own wedding here. But now that our one year wedding anniversary has arrived, why the heck not? Here you have it, some snippets from the day Marc and I will never forget.

OUR ENGAGEMENT Back up a minute to Marc’s proposal. First he asked my whole family for their blessing while we were all on a trip to his hometown of Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Dad said okay, but that the real permission lied with my twin sister (ha, true). With all the green lights, Marc planned a visit to his family cabin on Lake Tahoe, our favorite place to get away from the city. On a morning walk on the dock, Marc got down on one knee. As I barely finished saying yes, he said he had one more surprise for me. It turned out he had some of our dearest family and friends (including my sister who flew in from Washington D.C.) waiting on the shore. With that, our relaxing weekend really escalated to non-stop celebrations.

THE LOCATION Once we started planning, we looked at countless (really I’m embarrassed to say how many) venues across SF, wine country, Lake Tahoe, and Philadelphia, where I’m originally from. Knowing we’d be hosting guests from all over, we ultimately landed halfway between California and Switzerland, in Philadelphia. The venue we chose is a drive outside the city and a destination in itself. When it came to choosing a date, Fall on the East Coast can’t be beat.

THE CEREMONY We didn’t anticipate a church wedding at first. But Bryn Athyn Cathedral sits on the same property as Cairnwood Estate, our reception venue, and the Reverend there welcomed us with open arms coaching us through the process. He even ended up joining us at our rehearsal dinner and reception. We strayed from some ceremony traditions. I walked down the aisle to Vance Joy’s ‘Like Gold’. We had all of our guests bless our rings and had our parents join us on the altar for a ‘blessing of the hands.’ We both wrote our own vows and sharing those out loud felt really special to us.

We exited the church to an herb toss, then performed a “baumstamm saegen,” a traditional Swiss-German wedding tradition where the bride and groom saw through a log representing their first obstacle to overcome as newlyweds. From there, the brass section of our band led us all on a second line to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ as we walked from the church to the estate.

THE RECEPTION Marc and I have grown to love hosting family and friends over meals, so when planning our day we wanted it to feel like an intimate dinner party — this time just really fancy-pants. Do-able when your venue is reminiscent of a French chateau. Our cocktail hour featured an extra large cheese display topped with mini Swiss flags, aperol spritzes, and hot toddies (a last-minute decision when temps dropped into the 50s). We danced our first dance to Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ performed live by our band.

WHAT WE WORE I wore a backless crepe dress with a bateau neckline, short sleeves, and buttons down the length of an extra long train. I wanted something timeless and comfortable, and this fit the bill. I added a cathedral length veil lined with lace for the ceremony, then slipped into a much more dancing-friendly spaghetti strap beaded dress later that night. Marc wore a custom blue suit by Tailor’s Keep in San Francisco and looked realll handsome.

THE FLOWERS Lauren of Belovely was a dream to work with. With my background, and planning from afar, I decided to give her some direction but then fully trust her with the end result. I wanted to incorporate a natural and organic California aesthetic, so she brought in lots of lush greenery and dried grasses. The main hall featured an asymmetrical floral installation above the fireplace and greenery ran down the length of the staircase. Dinner tables were lined with toffee tapered candles and flower arrangements in a palette of neutrals and terra cotta.

THE SETTING Our reception dinner was held al-fresco on the estate’s back terrace, but last-minute we brought in a clear-top tent with heaters for warmth. The evening spanned across the estate’s different rooms, so fireplaces full of candles, sheepskin throws, long farm tables, and market lights made it feel nice and cozy. Clean, modern table numbers sat in wood blocks handcrafted by Marc’s talented woodworking mom.

OTHER STUFF WE APPRECIATED Our wedding party was ‘non-traditional’ — i.e. we didn’t have one, but asked our closest friends to join us throughout the special moments without any added pressure. We all stayed together at Lokal Hotel in Old City, which made it easy to keep the celebrations going the entire weekend. We wanted out of town guests to feel at home, so we hosted a rehearsal dinner over a family-style meal, and a day-after party at Morgan’s Pier where we all enjoyed the fall weather, football, and games. Instead of favors, we opted for welcome bags with Swiss- and Philadelphia-themed treats. Throughout the weekend, it was important to us both that we bake a few quiet moments just us into our timeline — these moments helped to slow everything down and will always be among my favorite.

Ceremony: Bryn Athyn Cathedral | Reception: Cairnwood Estate | Photographer: Justin Muir | Videographer: Asya Photography | Floral Design: Belovely | Planning: Seeds of Celebration | HMUA: Diana DuHaime — ONLO | Band: City Rhythm | Gown: Pronovias Atelier | Reception Dress: Elliatt | Shoes: Alexandre Birman | Suit: Tailor’s Keep | Jewelry: Alx & Co. | Catering: Sage Catering | Dessert: Weckerly’s Ice Cream | Rentals: Maggpie Vintage | Invitations: Artifact Uprising

A Romantic Wedding at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers

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

Featured on Style Me Pretty

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 

A Black Tie Wedding at SoMa’s 25 Lusk

THE COUPLE

Lauren & Andres hosted a modern black tie wedding at a smokehouse-turned-restaurant in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. Their celebration was thoughtfully planned to share their passion for food and music with family and friends who traveled as far as Uraguay to be with them. Lauren wore a sleek Nicole Miller dress with a bold lip. Andres wore a gray and black tux with signature Nike sneaks. To say they looked cool would be an understatement. 

THE VENUE 

Brick and timber construction nods to 25 Lusk’s former meat-packing use. The venue is industrial, contemporary, and moody by design. Cantilevered tables and chairs, dim lighting, and a basement lounge made it a super sultry setting for Lauren & Andres’ nuptials. During the planning stage, I met them here over a cocktail to get a feel for the space and talk design. 

THE FLOWERS

Instead of using a color palette to dictate the design, we drew inspiration from Japanese ikebana, minimalism, and bold architecture. Lauren’s hope was to use floral design to create impactful moments for her wedding guests. We focused her budget on one big ‘wow’ factor: a suspended installation piece for their ceremony. 

Floating over their ‘I Do’s,’ a cloud-like structure of babies breath and dried plumosa painted in shades of blush, red, and plum wove ethereal vibes into the space.

Asymmetrical table pieces featured anthuriums, vanda orchids, blushing bride protea, ranunculus, and dahlias in shades of white, blush, mauve, and black. Vibrant hues of red popped in the dim lighting. Structural blooms were softened by accents of smokebush foliage, dried plumosa, and baby blue eucalyptus. Lauren’s bouquet was a small but dramatic selection of the most distinctive blooms, while Andres sported a blushing bride protea boutonniere.

GRATITUDE

Thank you to Lauren and Andres  -- for sticking to your gut, being unapologetically you, and entrusting me with bold designs. What resulted was a vision brought to life, unique to you and your day.

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Photography: Dani M. Photographs

Venue: 25 Lusk

Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller

Hair/Makeup: Chantelle Studio

Music: David Carvalho

Cake: Cypress Grovers 

An Intimate Spring Wedding at Central Kitchen

I have a thing for Friday weddings. Maybe I am biased because I myself was married on a Friday. But let me tell you, when I first heard of the grooms’ plans, I was so happy they reached out and gave me the opportunity to design their wedding flowers. 

Paul and Chen married at San Francisco’s City Hall on a sunny Spring morning. From there, they headed to lunch to celebrate with 20 of their closest friends. What a way to start a weekend.

THE VENUE

The couple chose Central Kitchen, a restaurant and private event space located in the heart of the Mission. They had the upstairs space (fittingly called The Upstairs) to themselves. It's industrial and modern, with paned windows up to the ceiling overlooking 20th Street, cement floors, and earthy artwork by Melissa Dickenson. The oversized communal tables are perfect for a special group meal. Created by the Ne Timeas Restaurant Group to focus on culinary adventures, the food is by Chef Thomas McNaughton of neighboring Flour + Water. This venue is a good one. 

THE FLOWERS

The grooms chose simple orchid boutonnieres for their City Hall nuptials. For the party flowers, their only request was “yellow, spring.” With that, I let the season dictate the ingredients. When I saw these yellow tree peonies, I knew they'd be the focal point. I wanted the arrangements to be asymmetrical and full of texture, so I chose spirea for height and white lilac for depth. Pieris Japonica went in next, spilling over the edge of the ceramic vases. From there, I worked in butter yellows with tulips, butterfly ranunculus, and geranium leaf. Icelandic poppies added some playfulness. I incorporated mokara orchids and tangerine geum for a splash of orange. 

I feel like I say this of every season, but early Spring is one of the best times at the flower market. The options for flowers are endless, full of spring fragrance, and always make me excited for the weeks and months to come. 

GRATITUDE

Celebrations like this one remind me that weddings can come in all shapes and sizes. I had so much fun working on this for Paul and Chen, and wish them all the best in this next chapter.

THOUGHTS

Here are a few other San Francisco restaurants with private dining spaces that would be perfect for a small wedding or party (and places I would love to design flowers for!):

• Marlowe (SoMa) 

• Park Tavern (North Beach)

• Octavia (Pac Heights) 

• Cotogna (Jackson Square)  

• Twenty Five Lusk (SoMa)  *I’ll be here to flower a wedding in July! 

• Del Popolo (TenderNob) 

• The Progress (Nopa)

• Che Fico (Nopa)

• Foreign Cinema (Mission) *see the wedding I did there here

• Fiorella (Outer Richmond)

• Stable Cafe (Mission) 

A Modern Winter Wedding at Foreign Cinema, San Francisco

THE COUPLE - Meagan and Kyle got married on the Mayer’s Balcony of San Francisco’s City Hall, quietly, with family by their sides. Then they threw a big ole party to celebrate. It was February, and after what felt like weeks of non-stop rain, the sun had finally come out for the wedding reception.

Ultimately, the day was a true reflection of the bride and groom: relaxed, contemporary, and fun. Meagan looked sophisticated and confident in a silk slip dress by Theia, and Kyle looked classic in a blue suit by JCrew. Their Frenchie pup Penny was the perfect accessory.

THE VENUE - Their chosen venue was Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. The restaurant is an experience in itself, where guests sit in full view of a ‘drive-in’ style film. With friends and family traveling from out of town, the venue was a perfect destination and uniquely San Francisco.

Foreign Cinema’s outdoor heated courtyard lit with market lights, massive fireplace with roaring fire, and art gallery space with modern white walls created a rustic, romantic, but urban atmosphere.

When I first met with Meag, we spoke about her vision. She wasn’t looking for anything that was too traditional or over the top. The couple wanted the venue to speak for itself. And so, their florals were inspired -- modern meets urban meets romantic.

THE FLOWERS - When designing the floral elements for the wedding reception, I focused on dynamic layers of greenery highlighted by a neutral palette of whites, sandstone, and peach. Stand-out blooms included anenomes, butterfly ranunculus, tulips, scabiosa, genestra, and protea. Options for beautiful flowers in Winter are endless! Centerpiece arrangements sat in gray cement vessels that fit right into the urban space.

GRATITUDE - This wedding will always have a special place in my heart, as it happened right after I put in my notice at my 9-5 job to start my own business full time. I am grateful for Meag & Kyle’s confidence in my work and for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of their special day.

I can’t wait to share another project with you. I am currently booking for the 2019 + 2020 seasons! Contact me here to chat about your upcoming event.

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Photography: Hillary Jeanne

Hair/Makeup: Painted Ladies

Dress: Theia

Suit: J.Crew

Venue: Foreign Cinema

Hotel: Proper Hotel San Francisco

DJ: Fox Sounds

Day-of Coordination: Tosca Productions