Tuscan-Inspired Backyard Wedding

Justine & Zach originally planned to have a destination wedding in Tuscany. When they had to alter their plans, they landed on an intimate backyard wedding in Justine’s parents’ San Mateo backyard. The design was inspired by...Tuscany, of course!  

⁣For their floral designs, I drew inspiration from autumn in the Tuscan wine country, but wanted to put a contemporary spin on that often-rustic vibe. I leaned on a color palette of deep purples, burgundies, and greens, but incorporated vibrant highlights of whites and periwinkles. Premium blooms like velvety anemones and ranunculus helped to elevate the backyard setting, while berries and golden lace hydrangea added texture. 

One of my favorite parts about Justine and Zach’s day was the stunning setting -- their parents’ backyard was not only beautifully lush, but it made for such a special and intimate ‘close to home’ setting for their celebration. And as we know in the Bay Area, autumn in California is such a stunning time of year to dine outdoors! 

Adriana Klas Photography captured Justine & Zach’s day beautifully. Below are some of my favorite photos!

VENDORS 

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Photography: Adriana Klas

 Catering: Heirloom Catering Co.

Calligraphy: Double Dipped Calligraphy

Bridal: Louvienne, Lovely Bride

Groom: Hugo Boss

Cake: Little Bow Cakes

Rentals: Bright Event Rentals

Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.

Colorful and Modern San Francisco Doorstep Elopement

If we’ve gained anything from this pandemic, it’s been creative ways to celebrate life’s biggest moments. We’ve seen virtual engagement parties, drive-by bridal showers, zoom weddings, you name it. But I particularly love the concept of doorstep celebrations -- from the safety of your home, you can get super creative and unique to your style, and invite friends, family, neighbors, and all sorts of passersby in on the action. You may have seen this Brooklyn stoop wedding (and those flowers!?), which is what really got me thinking. 

Courtney of Photoflood Studio and I got to brainstorming, and set out to transform a classic San Francisco doorstep for Jordyn and Nik’s elopement portrait session. Since Jordyn and Nik were so flexible and open to ideas, we had extra fun with this one and decided to use it as a way to serve up inspiration for anyone looking to host drive-by celebrations -- whether it be a baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower, elopement, etc.

When I envision city doorsteps in the fall season, my mind goes straight to clusters of pumpkins, hay bails, and mum plants. But for this I aimed for a contemporary twist on the traditional autumnal setting. 

I incorporated vibrant hues via a color blocking technique, in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and gold. To keep *some* tradition, I included the mums, but then layered in bright orange marigolds, pink anthuriums, fluffy celosia, bubblegum pink orchids, and tall golden lace hydrangea to add some unexpected ingredients and textures. 

My goal was to create this entire installation foam-free, using sustainable mechanics only. All mums were left in their original pots and repurposed afterward, and the rest of the installation was designed using kenzan pins in shallow dishes to maintain a water source. 

For Jordyn’s bouquet, I challenged myself to use one ingredient, and one ingredient alone -- lace hydrangea. There’s a short window where these are in season, and as they start to turn, their soft delicate petals turn crisp and golden and dry permanently that way. By far one of my favorite ingredients to work with! 

So what are your thoughts -- would you host a doorstep event!? 

VENDORS

Photography: Photoflood Studio

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.

Romantic Berkeley Hills Backyard Wedding

Look no further than the bride’s grandmother’s Berkeley Hills backyard for an intimate wedding! Celeste and Mark exchanged their wedding vows on a foggy fall day in October, with their closest friends and family gathered by their sides. 

For their floral design, I drew inspiration from the beautiful on-site gardens meticulously looked after by the bride’s grandmother. Their garden-side ceremony centered around a focal ground-up installation of antique hydrangea, roses, and autumnal foliage. Dainty centerpieces, bud vases, potted herbs, and plentiful candlelight lined one long family-style dinner that sat beneath market lights. I still can’t get over that powder blue linen table runner from La Tavola.

Apollo Fotografie captured their day so well. Here are some of my favorites.

VENDORS 

Photography: Apollo Fotografie

Planner: KLDC Events

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Rentals: La Tavola Linen

HMU: Marisa Perel

Catering: Anaviv Catering

Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.

An On-Stage Wedding at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall

THE COUPLE

Eliza and Ryland met while performing together. With a shared love for music and the arts, does it get any more fitting and perfect than San Francisco’s historic Great American Music Hall as the venue to celebrate their love!? 

THE FLOWERS

From day one of planning, Eliza and Ryland set out to create a memorable experience for their guests. And they wanted their floral design to play a leading role. 

They planned to exchange their vows on-stage under #allofthelights. And that was the only cue needed: the stage was the perfect spot to focus their investment on a focal floral installation designed around their chuppah. Grapevine and smilax vine grew organically up and around the structure, while clusters of vibrant fall flowers including dahlias popped in the limelight.

Eliza’s art deco-inspired bridal look was complimented by a bouquet of rich, moody, jewel-toned autumn blooms and foliage. Ryland looked extra dapper in his navy suit, with a boutonniere featuring a calla lily -- Eliza’s favorite flower. 

GRATITUDE

Eliza and Ryland, you are so clearly and dearly loved by so many. Thank you for having me play a part in your day, and for placing your full trust in me — all the way from Brooklyn, NY no less!

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten |  Photography: Michaela Joy Photography Venue: Great American Music Hall | Wedding Dress: BHLDN  | Hair/Makeup: FaceWest Studio | DJ: Dart Collective