Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 2

Welcome back to my Ask a Wedding Florist series, where I answer the most common questions about what it’s really like to be a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We know that life’s biggest celebrations aren’t about playing it safe. So for couples who want to surprise and delight their guests, we offer a full-service floral experience that goes beyond expectations.

In collaboration with your planner and vendor team, we craft a one-of-a-kind floral vision that feels intentional, personal, and beyond imagination. From artful bouquets and personal florals to detailed tablescapes and dramatic large-scale installations, we thoughtfully design every detail. Our goal is that our clients’ wedding florals are more than just beautiful; they’re unforgettable.

Here’s a bit of a behind the scenes peek at what goes into our design process.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

1 - Do you work with event planners and designers?

Yes! Every wedding, event, and corporate client I work with has a planner or designer who leads the overall design aesthetic, then brings in vendors who align with that vision. We’ll collaborate closely to create a floral design that feels cohesive and intentional. Here are some of my favorite planners in the San Francisco Bay Area/Northern California to partner with time and time again:

• Harlene Events

• Meag Breanne Events

• Jacinda Weddings & Events

• Small Blue Planet

• Stafford Creative & Co

• Lorelle Events

• Olivia Grace Events

• Riley Loves Lulu

2 - What does the design process look like from inquiry to event day?

The process kicks off with a consultation meeting where I’ll ask questions like:

• What mood would you like the flowers to evoke?

• Is there anything specific you want to avoid?

• What’s your personal style?

• What inspires you/your event?

• What will you be wearing?

• What are your biggest fears when it comes to your floral designs?

• What sort of experience do you want for your guests?

Most clients have a Pinterest board or design deck as a starting point. I don’t like to copy and paste so I’ll evolve that vision, apply color theory, gather inspiration, and let ideas marinate before presenting a custom floral design concept. From there, we refine it together — ingredient selection, vessels, candles, rentals — until it’s time to bring it all to life.

3 - Do you sketch or mock up designs before creating them?

Often! A lot of my ideas don’t exist on Pinterest, so a sketch or rendering is a really helpful tool for communicating my vision to my clients and my team.

For some events we’ll do what is called a ‘mockup’ (a curated preview of the event’s florals, usually a tablescape) to refine details like palette, textures, size, and overall vibe. It’s a great way to ensure everyone is aligned before event day.

Here’s a digital rendering I created for a wedding tablescape with Meag Breanne Events.

And here’s how it turned out IRL:

Photography: Chelsea Gee Photography | Planning: Meag Breanne Events

4 - How do you choose which flowers to use in a design?

The season and palette always determine my starting point. I’ll use a mix of tools (like this book and the color wheel), chat with my suppliers, and browse the market in person to get inspired. I’ll go back to the client’s goals and objectives and focus on choosing blooms that match that. I am specifically looking for:

• The star of the show — one super special bloom to set the tone for the palette

• Two-toned blooms — a flower with two colors from the palette for harmonious color blending

• An added ‘pop’ — usually a complementary color or unexpected texture for contrast

• Non-floral elements — think plants, fruits/vegetables, rocks, moss, and textiles, for an artful look

That’s all for today! Up Next: The Logistics Behind Wedding & Event Florals — including a look at what it’s like transporting thousands of dollars of fresh florals on a hot summer day, what happens to flowers after an event, and more. Got a burning question? Send me a DM or share it in the comments here, and I’ll be sure to answer in a future post!

Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!

With us, every design is an original work of art. And every event gets our undivided attention. Whether it’s a showstopping ceremony installation or a nuanced tablescape moment, we design experiences that will have your guests talking long after the event ends and have you focusing on the moments, not the details.

Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.

Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 1

If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding florist REALLY does (besides playing with beautiful flowers all day — because spoiler, there’s more), this series is for you!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be answering the most common (and surprising) questions I get about my work as a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. From pricing to logistics to design process, I’m pulling back the curtain on the sometimes-illusive career of floral design.

I’m kicking things off with the basics. If you have any burning questions, drop them in the comments and I will answer them in an upcoming post!

1. What does a wedding florist actually do?

A wedding florist conceptualizes, sources, designs, delivers, and installs all floral elements for weddings. This includes everything from bouquets and centerpieces to larger-scale installations like a ceremony arch. While a lot of the hands-on work happens the week of the wedding, 6-12 months of pre-planning involves proposals, design decks, supplier orders, budgeting, logistics and timelines, sourcing other rental items like vases and candles, and staffing.

2. How much do wedding flowers cost?

It varies! A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of the total wedding budget to florals. My clients typically spend between $20-45K on florals. And if you’re curious what goes into the expense of wedding flowers, check out this blogpost I wrote here.

3. Where do you get your flowers?

I source my flowers from the San Francisco Flower Market (one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the US!), as well as a few local Bay Area flower farms. I prioritize small growers and collectives when possible to source the freshest, most unique seasonal blooms while supporting sustainable floristry.

4. What’s the hardest part about wedding floristry?

I’d say the physical demands (early morning market runs, long hours on your feet, lifting heavy buckets, climbing ladders for installations) paired with the unpredictability of the business (perishable product, time constraints, sourcing surprises, tricky weather). Lots of coffee, flexibility, and problem solving!

5. What’s the best part of wedding floristry?

Of course, being surrounded by beautiful flowers is a dream—but what truly makes it rewarding for me is the ability to take a vision, refine and elevate it, and use color theory and design to transform a space in ways my clients never imagined. I also thrive on the teamwork and collaboration with planners and other vendors, the energy of a fast-paced event day, and delivering a seamless, thoughtful client experience. That’s at the heart of my business and where I shine the most!

6. What are your favorite flowers to work with?

I cannot possibly pick one but here are some favorites by season. All photos via GC Collective.

WINTER & SPRING

Icelandic Poppy

Sweet Pea

Bearded Iris

Tulip

SUMMER

Martagon Lily

Allium

Cosmos

Tomato Vine

FALL

Nut Grass (Sedge)

Dahlia

Gomphrena

Zinnia

If you have any specific questions, drop them here as a comment :) I will answer in an upcoming post!

Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!

Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests. 

Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.

Moodboard: Mocha Mousse

My first event of the year is inspired by the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse. It’s such a versatile color, ranging from relaxed and mellow to indulgent and rich.

For this event — hosted at The Charter Oak in St. Helena — we’re leaning into sensorial sophistication. Think: vibey lighting, rich velvet upholstery, silky draping and tassels, funky candles. I’ll be pairing this with classic blooms like tulips, callas, and anemones in mono-floral arrangements.

Often for event and wedding floral designs, the planner shares a design deck with the general idea of the floral vibe already determined, to which I’ll then add my spin. But for this event, Harlene Events and I have been collaborating closely from the beginning which has given me a lot of opportunity to get really creative. We’re really leaning into the theme — and nothing can stop a good florist-planner duo! I always recommend working with a planner, because they’ll really take the design to the next level in collaboration with key vendors (not to mention keeping the event smooth, on-track, and most importantly — super fun and relaxed for their clients.

I can’t wait to share more from this event, but for now wanted to share a bit more behind the design process. I want to hear from you though — any questions about my design process or things you’d like to see more of?

xo

Anastasia

Flower Guide: Winter Wedding Flowers

A roundup of my favorite unexpected and overlooked wedding flowers for the winter season. 

Sania Pell

Fritillaria

The snake’s head variety, in particular. This checkered bell-shaped lily is super delicate and whimsical. Ideal for petite arrangements, like in a shallow ikebana dish in a tablescape, or a bridal bouquet. Fritillaria kind of marks the entrance to Spring from Winter, and there’s truly no other flower like it.

Anna Haber

Heather

We tend to see Heather pop up around Valentine’s Day as it comes in shades of pink, lavender, and white. While commercially it tends to be used as filler, its soft, organic, sweeping texture makes it the perfect fit for a large-scale floral installation, all on its own. Heather has my heart. 

Hellebore

These are easy to come by locally in the San Francisco Bay Area, and there’s a window of time in the winter that we find the most beautiful shades — from muted pinks and ivories, to deep moody purples and blacks. These soft focal blooms are delicate yet hearty, and make a beautiful addition to a bridal bouquet. 

Sweet Pea

The varieties we see in the winter months are imported from Japan and Holland, versus the shorter, viney varieties found in the San Francisco Bay Area come summer. But they are the most beautiful out there. They come in a range of hues, from muted blush to cool lavender to bright coral. Soft, delicate, and with a sweet scent, these are the perfect fit for the romantic bride. Sweet Pea is a go-to ‘line’ flower in my designs. 

Kumquat

Adding any fruit to an arrangement instantly makes it more dynamic, and citrus is especially appropriate for winter. I love using Kumquats for their bright and cheery color, typically placing them low in an arrangement and hanging off the lip of the vase. Ideal for a colorful wedding design!

Garden Gate Magazine

Amaryllis

Commonly known as a Christmas flower bulb, but with so much more potential. These show-stoppers are bold and long-lasting. Amaryllis stems are upwards of 2’, so they can really shine in tall arrangements or large-scale installations, especially when all on their own. They come in the prettiest winter hues -- creams, pinks, corals, deep burgundies, and mixed varietals.

Color Theory Design

Lily

I’m cheating a bit with these because they’re generally available year-round, but lilies are long-lasting, come in many varieties, and have a memorable scent. They’re a great option for a large-scale floral installation (like this one by Color Theory Design Co.) used all on their own or with minimal other ingredients, and a perfect fit for an adventurous bride looking to make a statement.

Carnation

Easily one of the most under-appreciated flowers. But let me sell you on these! Carnations are hearty and long-lasting, which is why you often see them used in commercial arrangements (and why they get a bad rap). But they can be found in an endless variety of colors, my favorite being the more muted tones. I love using carnations in a monochromatic palette for added texture.

LET’S CHAT

For more wedding tips, head back to my blog for posts like 7 tips for creating your wedding moodboard. I am currently accepting wedding inquiries for 2022. Schedule a complimentary floral consultation here. I’d love to hear more about your day!

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.

The Best Investment I Made in my Business in 2020

I made one of the best decisions for my business at the start of this year, and I never gave you all the details.

When it comes to the “behind the scenes” of my business, I’m an open book. I hope that being candid and transparent can inspire and help others, because I know first-hand this industry can be difficult (even frustrating at times) to break into and navigate. So today I’m sharing some lessons learned, plus a specific investment I made for my business this year: education, and specifically mentorship. 

A BIG 2020 GOAL 

2020 will be my second year in business. At the start of the year, I mapped out my goals (to which coronavirus says: lollllllll). One of my goals was to continue educating myself, especially during my off-season when I had more time. Education is a privilege, and I am grateful that I have the ability to take the time to do this. I recognize that challenging myself to learn more and be better will not only benefit me, but those I work with. If I lack top-notch skills, I am failing my business and my clients. Entering year two, I wanted to specifically focus on honing thoughtful design skills.

To say that I am hesitant when it comes to costly investments (like education) for my business is an understatement. I self-funded my business and with smaller profit margins while getting started, I have to be wise about how I spend my money. This has been humbling, and exactly what pushes me to grow. I’ve learned the hard way that some investments can be mistakes (more on that below), while others have the potential to pay off in dividends. 

So earlier this year, when I hopped on a flight to Portland for a day-two mentorship, I had to trust that I’d made the best decision for my business. To this day, that investment continues to pay off. 

FIRST, HERE’S WHAT HAS WORKED WELL FOR ME 

By far the best way for me to learn this business has been by doing. For me this has meant freelancing for other designers in their studios and at wedding installations, working in a flower shop, and taking hands-on classes -- like with City College of San Francisco’s Floristry & Horticulture program, where the teachers have been in this business for a long time and teach really important foundational techniques for floral design. (Pro Tip: these classes are free for San Francisco residents.) One of the common threads here is mentorship. By seeking out mentors, I have built lasting relationships that have become invaluable resources.

AND HERE’S WHAT HASN’T WORKED WELL FOR ME 

Online courses, group workshops, and conferences have been the least helpful for me, at least when it comes to learning important foundational skills. This sort of education lacks one-on-one attention and the hands-on practice that are so valuable. They are also often extremely expensive. I once dumped more money than I’d like to admit into a workshop that sadly failed to live up to its promises and my own expectations. I didn’t know what it was I really needed at that time (and should have), but I’ve learned from that and have since been more strategic when it comes to investing my dollars.  

HOW I FOUND THE PERFECT MENTORSHIP

I practice and believe in the power of manifestation (and talk about it more here). Once I set my goal, I made a list of exactly what I needed out of a mentorship investment:

• to learn one-on-one with a creator, not in a group or online setting 

• a designer with a contemporary and thoughtful aesthetic

• someone who practices sustainable floral design

• a businessperson with a proven track record of success

• the ability to use a lot of the time together practicing by doing

Enter Alyssa of Color Theory Design Co. and Color Theory Design Workshops. Alyssa has been a designer and businesswoman I’ve very much admired for a while now. She creates artfully-designed work, practices sustainability, and has plenty of experience in the business to learn from. She offers one-on-one intensive workshops at her new (beautiful) shop in Portland, Oregon.

WHAT I LEARNED 

Because it was just the two of us, Alyssa and I were able to craft a custom agenda for two jam-packed days specific to the goals and objectives I laid out for her in advance of our time together. I chose to focus on bouquets and sustainable (foam-free) installations, as they can often be two of the most impactful parts of a wedding day. Alyssa and I spent most of the days hands-on designing. She covered ingredient selection, the design process, and sustainable techniques that won’t impact the quality of designs. Over meals we had a chance to dive into business practices including proposals, production, hiring, marketing, search engine optimization, website content, social media, styled shoots, vendor relations, and customer service. 

It was one of THE most valuable investments I’ve made in my business to-date. On top of everything I learned, I found a new friend and mentor in the industry who’s now just a text away.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Months later I’m still implementing my takeaways from the workshop, especially as I use lotttttts of new-found free time to improve my business. Here are some of the changes I’m most looking forward to in 2020-2021:  

• Sustainable floral design practices: I’m working to be more mindful of my businesses’ environmental impact in a high-waste industry. That will look like eliminating single-use plastics like floral foam, recyclable and compostable design mechanics, almost exclusively sourcing locally, plus re-use programs and tighter flower ordering to reduce waste. 

• New inventory: As I refine my design style, I’m aligning my inventory. I’m upgrading my vases, vessels, candles and props to fit the aesthetic I and my clients have come to love. Everything in my new inventory will be recyclable, reusable, and/or compostable. 

• A brand new proposal design and buttoned up workflows: A lot of year one was trial and error as I found what works best for me, my business AND my clients. Now I’m upgrading the visual and logistical components of my workflow, not only to keep me organized but to accurately portray my vision to my clients. With this, prospective clients can easily determine if I’m a good fit for them off the bat, and I can focus more on them and their designs.  

• Bold designs: I have some really unique designs, installations, and palettes to look forward to with my upcoming weddings. I love my clients’ styles and the way they challenge me, so this will be especially rewarding. Plus, the constant refinement and practice thanks to this mentorship gives me comfort in knowing that I can pull off these designs. 

I encourage anyone looking to start something new or level-up to invest time in mentorship. Especially if you are weighing investments for yourself or your business, be really intentional (and honest with yourself) on what it is you need right now, and do your research. You’re the only one who truly knows what will work best for you.

If you’re interested in hearing more about this process, I’m always here to chat. Drop a comment below, send me a DM, or write me a note.

Thanks as always for following along and I can’t wait to share more in the months ahead! 

5 Epic and Meaningful Ways to Elope in the SF Bay Area

Jenn Emerling Photography

I think many of us may agree that finding silver linings and creative ways to celebrate love during a pandemic is one of our collective go-to coping mechanisms these days. While wedding plans everywhere are being put on hold for the safety of couples, guests, and vendors, a few silver linings we’ve encountered include:

• love is not canceled

• you two are still perfect for each other 

• there are many things in life, big and small, still worth celebrating 

Couples are finding ways to celebrate each other in ways that fit their styles best -- whether it’s by simply honoring and celebrating their original wedding date, making things legal STAT with a tiny ceremony, or tapering plans to a smaller intimate gathering. 

After so much planning and anticipation, changing your vision to fit a new type of celebration can feel daunting. We’re finding that by tweaking our mindset, intimate gatherings create a whole slew of things to look forward to. They’re the perfect opportunity to finally seize those ideas that never made the cut in your original plans (read: that super amazing but slightly impractical outfit, that wild but totally your style HMU look, not to mention *actually* having time to enjoy your entire meal!?).  

Regardless of which route you choose, know that this celebration has so much potential to be special for you both. The memories made will surely be ones for the books. Trust us here, and read on as we talk to some of our favorite professionals in the Bay Area to bring you inspiration and how-to tips to adapt your Bay Area celebration in meaningful ways.

---

Sarah Eichstedt Photography | Dani Padgett Weddings

1. ON YOUR STOOP 

Have you seen THIS stoop wedding in Brooklyn? What better place to exchange vows than the very spot you call home!? The locale makes it even easier for your friends and family to drive or parade by at a safe distance in celebration of your nuptials. 

PRO TIP: In the event your front stoop lacks curb appeal (hi renters like me!)...turn to flowers. Flowers can be a game changer here, and something the neighbors surely can’t complain about right? Work with your floral designer to create a ground-up or winding staircase installation that will not only create a beautiful backdrop, but will lead visitors and passersby to the very spot of your I Dos. Bonus: ask for loose flower petals and have your drive-by guests help you pull of a ‘toss’ which will make for beautiful (and memorable) photos.

PRO TIP: If you’re opting for professional photos (we hope so and promise it’ll be worth it!), keep in mind that the best time for frame-worthy portraits depends on the direction your house faces and will vary as the light changes throughout the day. Have your photographer scout out your spot ahead of time to help you plan the best time of day to capture beautiful (read: non-squinty) photos! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

PRO TIP: Share something sweet with visiting friends and neighbors. Packaged petite sweets like custom cupcake favors available for curbside pickup will have everyone circling back around the block for more. -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes

PRO TIP: Consider having a photo taken of each of your guests as they stop by your front porch, photo-booth style. These portraits will both serve as sweet thank you gift and an alternative wedding day guest book! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

Jenn Emerling Photography

2 - ON YOUR ROOFTOP

There’s no shortage of epic rooftops in San Francisco. If you’re able to ~safely~ access yours, you can incorporate fresh air and city views into your at-home celebration. Have your friends and neighbors on neighboring rooftops ready to cheer and pop champagne as you say I Do.

PRO TIP: Ask your floral designer to create a tablescape of varied flower arrangements to complement your wedding color palette, for pickup or no-contact dropoff on the big day. Afterward, place the flowers throughout your home to keep the beauty going in the days to come. Or, go big with an arch, arbor, or ground-up installation that complements the vista and serves as a memorable photo opp.

PRO TIP: A tiny ceremony shouldn’t preclude you from sealing the deal with a slice of something sweet. Work with your baker to order a miniature version of your wedding cake. Then maybe take it a step further and add in some wrapped treats such as cupcakes, slices of cake, or mini cakes, to be delivered to your surrounding neighbors. Can you imagine everyone looking on from their own rooftops as you all cut the cake together? -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes 

PRO TIP: Call in the experts! A professional photographer for your rooftop wedding will have the right equipment and lenses to be able to photograph you safely from a distance while still capturing intimate moments and close-up details. -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

Sarah Eichstedt Photography

3- SEASIDE

Sunnier days are ahead and there’s no time like the present to get outside to exchange your vows. Following your nuptials, have a seat and enjoy a private picnic just the two of you, with friends and family stopping by for a celebratory bonfire and s’mores. 

PRO TIP: Tap your caterer to see if they are offering to-go dinners for their couples. Surf & turf anyone?! If that’s not an option, pick your favorite local date night spot and Postmates your favorite dishes. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: Reach out to a trusted floral designer and ask them for their recommendations. We suggest a ground-up floral installation in the shape of a crescent to serve as your altar or ceremony backdrop. Not only can it withstand the ocean breeze, but it will create a photo opp ~moment~. Better yet, ask that your designer incorporate native and seasonal elements that will perfectly complement the seaside landscape. 

PRO TIP: We recommend doing some research to find the best beach, or better yet, tap your photographer to scout locations ahead of time. The perfect spot will feel secluded yet easily accessible (especially when considering older family members) and have some tall trees nearby helpful for blocking unexpected wind. Since some beaches can get very windy around sunset, check the weather app to see what the wind mileage will be that day. Usually anything above 15-20mph will be uncomfortable. -- Monica Lam Photo 

Jes Workman Fine Art Photography

4. UNDER THE REDWOODS

With a minimized guest list, take advantage of peace and quiet and go the extra steps into nature. Exchanging your vows underneath the trees will do just that. Just be sure to check your local park to make sure the park is open!

PRO TIP: Tap your wedding DJ for a custom playlist that you can use for a silent disco under the trees. If you have friends and family who couldn’t make it, send them that playlist or invite them to join in remotely from their homes! -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: We trust this is going to be a day that you, your loved ones, maybe even your future children, and your grandchildren will look back on for years to come. Hiring a professional photographer will allow you to capture the people, moments, and details that matter the most! -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

PRO TIP: For flowers, try something you weren’t considering before. Ask your floral designer for ideas for ‘wearables’ such as a fun floral headpiece, floral scrunchie, or floral tattoo. These are all items that won’t break the bank, but will make a statement. Many florists can accommodate a hassle-free dropoff or pickup for small orders.

PRO TIP: A smaller celebration gives you lots of opportunity to get extra creative with your vision for the day. If you need ideas, lean on your vendors! Be sure to communicate your ideas and share your pinterest boards with your vendors so they can run with it. -- Monica Lam Photo 

Jamie Street Photography

5. IN YOUR BACKYARD 

If you have one, chances are your backyard is looking better than ever thanks to DIY home projects and gardening while staying at home. Reap the benefits of your hard work and host an intimate celebration, for just the two of you or with any quarantine buddies. Stir up your signature cocktail, cue your wedding playlist, and dance that first dance like nobody’s watching. Pssst: lighting is everything! Add string lights and candlelight for a boost of intimate ambiance.

PRO TIP: Work with your wedding florist to create something that conjures up your original wedding vision, such as a ground-up floral installation surrounding your sweetheart table or a cozy tablescape with mixed flower arrangements or a bountiful fresh garland. 

PRO TIP: Tap whoever was going to give a speech at your wedding to share a brief toast, either in-person or remotely via Zoom. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

PRO TIP: A dessert station is perfect for maintaining proper distance among attending guests. To make the dessert station that much more personal to you and your spruced-up garden, consider signature sugar flowers that coordinate with the flowers growing in your yard or neighborhood. -- Samantha Mayfair Cakes 

Monica Lam Photo | Sarah Eichstedt Photography

SOME PARTING ADVICE…

We know that upending your plans can initially feel daunting, uncertain, and just downright sucky. But you have a community around you that is here to support you and whatever your visions may now be. As you navigate this, here are some parting words from professionals in the Bay Area community. 

Know that despite a smaller guest list, there’s no need to sacrifice big ideas. An elopement may be small in size, but you can make it as big and bold as you’d like. Remember to be your most romantic, adventurous, and silliest selves on your special day, and the memories will surely last a lifetime. -- Monica Lam Photo 

At the heart of what we do is honor life’s most special moments. The challenges we’re facing has realigned our hearts and perspective on just how sweet the simple things are. While we encourage all of our clients to take all the time they need to grieve their original wedding date and take a break from planning, we love seeing you get back to daydreaming about your special day. Because at the end of the day, you still get to marry the love of your life and you still deserve that dream-worthy wedding. LOVE STILL WINS. -- Hitched by Haley Planning

Look inward and really think about what’s most important to the both of you and what will make you happiest and start there! Reach out to your vendors and see how they might be able to make your vision work -- whether that’s an epic floral installation on your front yard, an over the top outfit, a summer dress and makeup free look, or something in between; you’ll never regret listening to your heart instead of just doing what’s trendy. -- Sarah Eichstedt Photography

And a note from me: Your celebration is *meant to be*. Regardless of date, time, location, and guest count. My goal is to make it extra special for you, and support you along the planning process. Contact us here to chat all-things elopements and small celebrations. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, head to my Pinterest page here for more ideas!

Thank you to these helpful vendor contributors! Each offer a unique collection of elopement services and we can’t wait to see the magic they create.

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten (website / instagram)

Cake Artist: Samantha Mayfair Cakes (website / instagram)

Planning: Hitched by Haley (website / instagram)

Photography: Monica Lam (website / instagram)

Photography: Sarah Eichstedt (website / instagram)

Note: As government-mandated guidelines vary state by state and change often, be sure to follow your state guidelines and do what feels safe for you, your guests, and your vendors. For more up-to-date guidelines, check the CDC as well as your state’s website.

A Dinner Dedicated to Someone Special

Pour Your Heart Out is an annual dinner benefiting Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford and dedicated to everyone who battles heart disease. The dinner was inspired by Maxine Liezel, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) pre-natal and had her first, but not last, open heart surgery at Lucile Packard.

When Maxine’s family initially reached out to me in search of a floral designer for a dinner they were hosting, I had this strange feeling that I was meant to support them in some way. And then I read Maxine’s story, which hit so close to home for me.

At birth, my twin sister Allie was diagnosed with a rare and critical CHD called Tetralogy of Fallot — a combination of four heart defects, including a hole in the heart. At just five weeks old when her heart was the size of a penny, she had her first open heart surgery. Research studies made possible by contributions as well as the care of the doctors and nurses at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have made it possible for her to live a healthy and very full life. Her most recent and second open-heart surgery was at age 26 and last year she gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl named Emilia. Her strength and determination inspires me every single day.

It was an honor contributing to the third annual Pour Your Heart Out, this year’s pop-up dinner hosted at The Laundry SF. All profits benefited the Heart Center of Lucile Packard and the many families who travel there for cardiac care for their loved ones.

“Every year, 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect, making it in the most common birth defect. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth. Common examples include holes in the inside walls of the heart and narrowed or leaky valves. In more severe forms of CHDs, blood vessels or heart chambers may be missing, poorly formed, and/or in the wrong place. An approximate 100-200 deaths are due to unrecognized heart disease in newborns each year, and nearly 40,000 infants in the U.S. are born each year with CHDs. Approximately two to three million individuals are thought to be living in the United States with CHDs.”

For more information: my.supportlpch.org

Venue: The Laundry SF
Planner: One Sweet Soiree
Photographer: Mark V Reyes
Catering: Merienda
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Paper: Tiny Paper Lab

28 SF Restaurants Ideal for a Small Celebration

The truth of the matter is, pandemics can’t stop us from celebrating life’s most special moments. While events may be postponed as we focus on our role in social distancing, they are not canceled altogether. The fun will go on. In fact, I have a hunch post-pandemic celebrations will be even more special. 

Dreaming up a distant celebration once things are back to normal? With the help of industry friends, past and current clients, and *personal* research (meaning I personally ate all the foods and drank all the drinks) I’ve compiled a list of some of the best spots in San Francisco for private events.

The list isn’t limited to restaurants, but also includes cafes, bars, and intimate private event spaces. Whether it be an intimate wedding, anniversary party, City Hall elopement celebration, or wedding rehearsal dinner you’re planning, you won’t go wrong choosing any of these.

NOTE: Given many small businesses are truly hurting during this time, please consider supporting any of which you’re a big fan. Below I note specific ways some of these local San Francisco spots need our help, but a few general ways to support local businesses right now include:

• Ordering take-out or delivery

• Purchasing gift cards to gift others or use for future date nights

• Submitting a 5-star review on Google or Yelp

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1. OCTAVIA

Neighborhood: Pac Heights

Known for: the chef’s table situated in the middle of the kitchen for prime mealtime interaction

No. Guests: 12-70

Website: www.octavia-sf.com

To help, donate to their employee fund here

2. ABV

Neighborhood: Mission

Known for: cocktails that are simply out of this world

No. Guests: 20-150

Website: www.abvsf.com

To help, donate directly to a fund established for their team members here 

3. BERETTA

Neighborhood: Mission

Known for: the inventive cocktails and thin crust pizzas that make this a true San Francisco staple

No. Guests: 45

Website: www.berettasf.com

4. CENTRAL KITCHEN 

Neighborhood: Mission 

Known for: the industrial loft space feat. family-style meals by Chef Thomas McNaughton of Flour + Water (remember P+C’s springtime wedding here??)

No. Guests: 16-100

Website: www.centralkitchensf.com

5. CERF CLUB

Neighborhood: Tenderloin

Known for: an artistic and eclectic backdrop just begging for a modern minimalistic wedding

No. Guests: 60-108

Website: www.cerfclub.com

6. CHE FICO

Neighborhood: Nopa

Known for: handmade pasta and Neapolitan pizza in what was once an auto body shop

No. Guests: up to 16

Website: www.chefico.com

To help, support their efforts to buy up to 120 dinners for those in need EVERY SINGLE night here      

7. COOKHOUSE

Neighborhood: North Beach

Known for: the blank slate, state-of-the-art loft kitchen that will have you plotting to move in full time

No. Guests: 8-30

Website: www.cookhousesf.com

To help, donate funds to support their staff here

8. ANGLER

Neighborhood: Embarcadero 

Known for: the taxidermy-filled Game Room feat. a life sized bear and top notch oceanic fare

Website: www.anglerrestaurants.com

To help, donate directly to a fund established for their team members here or purchase gift cards to Saison and Angler on their website

9. DEL POPOLO

Neighborhood: Nob Hill

Known for: the cozy heated garden patio and the wood-fired pizza made famous by their truck

No. Guests: 50-125

Website: www.delpopolosf.com

To help: donate to their employee fund here

10. THE DORIAN

Neighborhood: Marina 

Known for: Stylin digs in the heart of the Marina 

No. Guests: 10-250

Website: www.doriansf.com

11. FIORELLA

Neighborhood: Richmond District

Known for: the ‘grammable Bay Area Toile wallpaper and thin-crusted Neapolitan pies

No. Guests: 20

Website: www.fiorella-sf.com

12. THE SNUG 

Neighborhood: Pac Heights 

Known for: comfy vibes (hence the name), small-producer beers and wines, and upscale California comfort food

No. Guests: 10-135

Website: www.thesnugsf.com

13. FOREIGN CINEMA

Neighborhood: Mission

Known for: their outdoor heated courtyard in full view of the nightly ‘drive-in’ style film (remember M+K’s winter wedding here?)

No. Guests: 12-350

Website: www.foreigncinema.com

To help, donate funds directly to their employees here or order their cookbook here

Image by Hillary Jeanne

14. LE MARAIS BAKERY

Neighborhood: Marina & Castro

Known for: canapés, champagne, patisseries … and my personal favorite, raclette

No. Guests: 20-150

Website: www.lemaraisbakery.com

15. LEO’S OYSTER BAR

Neighborhood: FiDi

Known for: Have ya seeeeen the interiors? The raw bar and speakeasy ain’t too shabby either

No. Guests: 14-110

Website: www.leossf.com

16. MARIANNE’S

Neighborhood: SoMa

Known for: the beautifully appointed speakeasy style salon behind The Cavalier

No. Guests: 20-50 

Website: www.mariannessf.com

17. MARLOWE

Neighborhood: SoMA

Known for: the neighborhood bistro ambiance and definitely the burger

No. Guests: 16-90

Website: www.marlowesf.com

18. STARBELLY

Neighborhood: Castro 

Known for: the heated patio and casual friendly neighborhood vibes 

No. Guests: 20-110

Website: www.starbellysf.com

19. MISTER JIU’S

Neighborhood: Chinatown

Known for: beautifully executed Chinese cuisine and their new Moongate Lounge

No. Guests: 80

Website: www.misterjius.com

To help, donate directly to a fund established for their staff here

20. QUEENS

Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

Known for: Korean classics and a communal table for a cozy celebration in this superette 

No. Guests: 8

Website: www.queenssf.com

To help, purchase gift cards here to directly benefit employees and neighborhood businesses

21. STABLE CAFE

Neighborhood: Mission

Known for: the gorgeously manicured garden smack dab in the middle of hustle and bustle

No. Guests: 100

Website: www.stablecafe.com

22. SCHOOL NIGHT 

Neighborhood: Dogpatch

Known for: hand-crafted pisco, agave and whiskey cocktails and Latin-inspired bites 

No. Guests: 85-120

Website: www.schoolnightsf.com

23. TROU NORMAND

Neighborhood: SoMa

Known for: The heated patio and host-your-own-charcuterie parties

No. Guests: 12-100

Website: www.trounormandsf.com

24. UNGRAFTED

Neighborhood: Dogpatch 

Known for: the fancy wines in an approachable setting

Website: www.ungraftedsf.com

To help, order a meal kit with paired bottle and tune in for virtual Monday Blind Tastings here

25. WAYFARE TAVERN

Neighborhood: FiDi

Known for: the multitude of well-appointed gathering spaces (and their burger)

No. Guests: 16-80

Website: www.wayfaretavern.com

26. WILD SEED

Neighborhood: Marina

Known for: an approachable plant-based menu crafted by omnivores 

No. Guests: 40-60 

Website: www.wildseedsf.com

27. TWENTY FIVE LUSK

Neighborhood: SoMa

Known for: its vibbbe (previously a meatpacking and smokehouse facility), cocktails, and rooftop terrace. Remember L + A’s black tie wedding here??

No. Guests: 15-650

Website: www.25lusk.com

Image by Dani M Photography

28. PARK TAVERN 

Neighborhood: North Beach

Known for: their private Eden Room and the deviled eggs 

No. Guests: 50-60

Website: www.parktavernsf.com

Okay so tell me, what did I miss?

Please share your favorite SF spots for private events in the comments below!

Mister Jiu’s image by Buena Lane

Cerf Club image by Olivia Marshall

Stable Cafe image by Lauren Crew

Trou Normand image by Vicki Grafton

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

9 Tips For Finding Your Wedding Florist

Photo by Nathalie Cheng

Planning a wedding is often times one big learning process, and finding your florist can seem so daunting. Having just planned my own wedding a year ago, I recall the overwhelming sense of indecision and what seemed like never-ending vendor searches. I’ve enjoyed coaching my couples through their wedding flower planning, so I figured I’d share some tips on information to think through as you navigate your own search for your wedding florist. 

1 - RUN THE NUMBERS

This part is no fun, but it’s important and worth getting it over with so you can move onto the exciting stuff. On average, florals account for 10% of the overall wedding budget. Big cost factors can include number of guests, location, date, size of bridal party, and quantity and types of arrangements. I give my prospective couples a checkbox-style list of arrangements to select from as a starting point. Determine at a high-level the types of arrangements you’ll be needing for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception and rank them in order of importance. Be realistic and know what you’re comfortable spending. 

2 - KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES AND LEAN IN 

Envision your day and the parts of it that are most important and exciting to you. While it would be nice to have ALL THE THINGS, know where you’d like to save v. splurge. My #1 recommendation is always to go for impact, whether that be a killer ceremony setup or a suspended installation over the dance floor or a photo opp moment at cocktail hour. These are the things people notice, and is a great way to focus a budget. I love working creatively with my couples to make the most of their budget, and this is where you can have some fun with your floral designer.  Tip: Don’t be afraid to go with your gut and be vocal about your priorities. This is your day and it should be unique to you.  

3 - DETERMINE YOUR LIKES & DISLIKES 

This seems counterintuitive, but when you’re unsure of where to begin, knowing what you DON’T like can be a great starting point. Think about colors, textures, shapes, styles, vibes. For example, someone who isn’t into rustic bohemian may be more drawn to modern minimalism. Maybe you can’t stand the scent of lillies, but jasmine takes you right back to that vacation where you got engaged. Ruling things out will bring you closer to figuring out what it is you DO like. 

4 - GO BEYOND PINTEREST

It’s really easy to go down a Pinterest rabbit hole, influenced by trends and what everyone else’s wedding looks like. But there’s no reason to limit it to what you see on Pinterest. Go beyond the typical wedding planning sites to find inspiration around you, whether that be nature, architecture, food/drink, travels, fashion, art, or music. Come up with a vision board of a limited number of images that truly speak to you. Keeping it simple will prevent you from overwhelming yourself and your floral designer!

5 - FEEL THE FEELS 

Meditate on your wedding vision for 5 minutes. What are you dreaming of? What do you want your guests to feel as they enter your ceremony? When they sit down to dinner? What do you want to see in photographs on your 5, 10, 20th wedding anniversary?⁣ Come up with a few words that best explain the feelings you want to elicit. Flowers have the power to create an experience for you and your guests. 

6 - GO BACK TO THE BASICS 

If the tips above still make the process feel overwhelming, consider the most basic details of your day that you’ve already locked in, like venue, date, and attire. These are great starting points for inspiration and your floral designer can help create a vision. For example, one of my 2019 brides had no idea what she wanted her floral design to look like, but she knew her ceremony was taking place on a dramatically lit stage at an epic, historic San Francisco music hall. Together we decided the stage would be our focal point for the entire design and focused the designs around one large installation there.

7 - CONSIDER THE SEASON

Seasonality plays a role in availability and pricing of flowers and is worth keeping in mind. For instance, peonies can be quite pricey and hard to find outside of spring while dahlias grow in abundance locally throughout the fall. This isn’t something you need to study up on; the right floral designer will guide you through this. When sticking to seasonal flowers, you are often more likely to save money and also have the freshest stems for your day. That being said, your floral designer should be open to accommodating any specific requests if and when possible. 

8 - DO YOUR HOMEWORK

During initial consultation calls, I urge all of my couples to evaluate other designers. There is no shortage of talent in the San Francisco Bay Area and each designer has a unique set of offerings. Ask for referrals from your venue, planner, and friends. Look at designers’ work and read their reviews. Know what’s important to you in the evaluation process, whether it be aesthetic, testimonials, or communication style. Create a short list of your favorites and aim to schedule consultations about 9-11 months out from your wedding day. By choosing a designer that you feel most aligned with, the process of working together and the end result will be that much more rewarding. Tip: Be gracious, communicative, and kind as you shop around. If you decide to go in another direction, be sure to notify your prospects of your decision.

9 - TRUST THE PROCESS

Choosing a designer that works for YOU is the most important decision. The small details will be sorted out much later in the process, so for now, you can sit back and enjoy having checked off another decision. By creating a team of vendors that you feel truly aligned with and giving them your full trust, you can rest assured your dream wedding will come to life. 

I’m curious, what other questions that have come up for you throughout your wedding flower planning?  Ask me in the comment section below! My hope is that these tips will help guide your conversations easily throughout the planning process. Interested in learning more? Read what my customers are saying here and 7 ways we can work together here. 

LET’S CHAT!

I am currently filling remaining slots for 2020, and booking into 2021. Schedule a complimentary consultation here. I’d love to hear your story.

Anastasia Andenmatten is a private design studio based in San Francisco, CA with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events. Featured in Style Me Pretty & Green Wedding Shoes. Named a 2020 WeddingWire Couples' Choice® in the San Francisco Bay Area.

5 Steps I Took to Start My Own Business

Photography by Hillary Jeanne

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship month, I’m sharing a bit more about my small business journey. My hope is that by being transparent about my story, I can help inspire someone else to take a small step in the direction of their dreams. 

At times, starting my own floral design business in San Francisco has felt like one giant leap. But really, it’s been a bunch of baby steps. Once I established the core of my business (my ‘why’, my service, my market, and my target client) I made a plan-of-attack to make it happen. Hint: it wasn’t a business plan. Curious about the baby steps I mentioned above? Read on!

Disclaimer: I’m still in my first year of business, so by no means consider myself an expert. I am figuring things out as I go, constantly reevaluating and making small tweaks. This is what worked for me personally, but my journey likely looks very different than others’. 

1. I BOOKED MY FIRST FEW CLIENTS 

Following my first-ever job at a local flower shop back in Pennsylvania, I spent the past few years practicing floral design on friends and family and freelancing for other professionals here in San Francisco. When opportunities to work with colleagues and friends of friends started coming up, I knew it was time to take the leap and get legit. 

When I wrapped a successful wedding for my first real-deal client, I asked them to leave me a review and refer me to their friends. And it worked! It’s crazy how one small ask can build momentum. From that point forward, I focused on building relationships. If I felt like a vendor or venue was a good fit for me and my clients, I asked for their business. It was for sure uncomfortable at times, but asking never hurt. 

2. I QUIT MY 9-5 JOB 

At that same time I was employed full-time in tech and traveling to meet with my tech clients up to 3 times a month, both in the states and abroad. I was constantly on the road. When I WAS in the office, I was preparing for my next work trip. I was of course prioritizing my 9-5 instead of my passion work. But I’d grown comfortable with the people -- my team and my clients -- and the perks (airline miles, unlimited PTO, the bonuses. And free snacks duh.) 

The kicker was this: I felt no real connection to, or passion for, my work at the time. I can so vividly remember the feeling I’d get. It always struck late at night or early morning when I couldn’t sleep. I felt this sinking feeling that I was wasting my time (actually my life; dramatic I know) doing work I didn’t truly care about. Nothing about the work brought me or those around me real joy. This was the real indicator that it was time to walk away from it, even if it meant leaving the comfort of a steady salary and extra perks.

I’m the kind of person that can’t be happy with myself if I half-a$$ something (hi, enneagram type 1). I knew that if I took a few years to side-hustle this business while trying to juggle my 9-5 job, I’d end up giving both roles 50%. And I’d feel guilty about that. SO, I took a moment to reflect on this chapter of my career, gave thanks for everything I took away from it, then put in my notice. I pivoted to the launch of my flower business, which would be my new source of income. I had to give it my all. Hello survival mode.

3. I SHOWCASED MY WORK THEN SHAMELESSLY PROMOTED IT 

Without a portfolio, I’d have nothing to show to help me book work. So I setup a basic website with Squarespace featuring a (small) gallery of professionally-photographed work. I booked a brand shoot with Hillary Jeanne Photography to create content for a soft launch. I created a business account on Instagram separate from my personal account and somewhat forced all my friends and family to follow me so that I could look super legit with 100 followers (lolll). A WeddingWire page gave me a place to collect client reviews of my services. 

Hillary, also a good friend, reminded me many times that done is better than perfect. By just getting my work out there and not letting perfectionism hold me back, I was able to move to the next step. 

4. I DID SOME ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL STUFF 

My goal was to run a legitimate and profitable business, so I had to take care of the not-so-fun stuff first. Financially speaking, I gave myself a runway, setting aside my budgeted household and personal expenses for the year. This allowed me to stay focused on growing my business instead of affording next month’s grocery bills. Here’s what else I did (this list is in no particular order):

• Consulted with a local tax professional 

• Opened business banking accounts and kept everything personal separate

• Logged every income and expense

• Registered my business with the city of San Francisco 

• Acquired necessary permits and licenses and paid the associated fees

• Setup a business email account 

• Invested in a client management software to manage bookings and communication

• Covered myself with liability insurance

• Created a legally binding contract to act as a service agreement between me and my clients

• Made sure to charge sales tax

This all sounds super fun right? No, but combined, these little housekeeping items made me feel ready to officially launch. Note: every city and state has a different set of requirements for businesses. Talk to local professionals and study up on what applies to you!

5. I MADE CONNECTIONS AND ASKED FOR HELP 

I couldn’t have done any of this without good ole fashioned real life connections. As I was starting out, I reached out to other local business owners and floral designers and met them over coffee. I joined the local SF Rising Tide Society chapter which meets monthly. With no shortage of talent in the Bay Area, I was amazed how everyone embraced the concept of “community over competition.” Over time, these connections have become my mentors and part of my community. Note: this isn’t to discredit online (Instagram) connections, which have truly been a game changer for me and allowed me to tap into a vast community of vendors.

I also ate some humble pie and asked for help. A friend created a logo for me. Another friend helped me with deliveries. My sister reviewed my website. My husband proofread proposals. My girlfriends emailed all their girlfriends to let them know about my launch. Setting aside pride and fear allowed me to be vulnerable and get the help I needed to grow my business. 

IN SUMMARY

I wish there was one single cheat-sheet fast track plan to starting a business. But the reality is, it’s so personal and unique and needs to come from some passion within. While these steps helped me get organized and ready to launch, it’s the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the pure joy I find in THEIR pure joy, that has moved the needle for my business. Everything above is just the inevitable but necessary housekeeping.

I hope you found this helpful! Are you interested in learning more about how to get started in floral design specifically? Reach out to me with your questions at hello@anastasiaandenmatten.com. I’ll share more in a following blogpost!

Follow me on Instagram, where I love to show behind-the-scenes of my day to day as a small business owner.

Toast to Fall: A Modern + Minimalistic Seasonal Gathering, featured on Green Wedding Shoes

I recently had the privilege of collaborating with a talented group of vendors on a fall-inspired shoot. And I’m REALLY excited to share that it’s been featured on Green Wedding Shoes! In addition to the photos so beautifully captured by Sarah Eichstedt, I figured I’d share a bit below about what went into the floral design for this shoot. You can see the full feature on Green Wedding Shoes here.

INSPIRED BY

Our goal of this shoot was to give minimalistic style-minded readers inspiration for their next fall gathering, whether that be a wedding, special event, Friendsgiving 2K19, you name it. The clean white studio space gave us a blank slate to build from, where Studio DBI worked her magic to create a warm, intimate, and modern tablescape with a muted autumnal palette in mind. For my part, I aimed to demonstrate that floral installations don’t need to be over-the-top or break-the-bank. With a thoughtful approach to design, you can completely and uniquely transform any space for your next gathering.

THE FLOWERS

When conceptualizing the floral design, I took a ‘less is more’ approach with the goal of creating big impact with minimal materials. Suspended mid-air above the tablescape is a non-floral installation; it departs from the flower-heavy look but is still full of texture. I selected seasonal plum foliage and opted to hang it at an asymmetrical angle with negative space carved out to create movement. The effect is striking, yet effortless. What’s more fall than a bunch of foliage hanging from the ceiling?

To balance the installation, floral arrangements designed in the Moribana technique of Ikebana decorate the tabletop. Moribana showcases clusters of flowers and leaves arranged in shallow vessels with kenzan pins. This style of arranging places emphasis on the shape, line, and form of stems and leaves to achieve, you guessed it: minimalism. Dried queen anne’s lace and heuchera leaves bring fall to mind, while garden roses and fluffy lisianthus add romance and softness.

GRATITUDE

I loved having this opportunity to team up with other creatives to just…create. And share my ideas with you! These days, nothing is off-limits especially when it comes to floral installations at any type of event. It’s my hope that somewhere around here you find inspiration and encouragement to incorporate something a little different into your own event!

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten | Photography: Sarah Eichstedt Photography | Planning: Studio DBI | Ceramics: Sarah Kersten, Earthen Shop | Paper: Bourne Paper Co. | Tabletop: Chairs and Cups | Linens: Napa Valley Linens | Furniture: CB2 | Gifting: Bestowe Gifting | Catering: Charming Fig Catering | Desserts: The Right Bite KG | Venue: Creative Space Studios

One Year Ago, We Rehearsed

To my husband Marc, on the eve of our one year anniversary: Thank you for making this year our best adventure yet. For supporting me in all that I do. For never doubting me, or my dreams. For loving me unconditionally through the moments of fear and uncertainty. For being my partner, equal in all things. You have defied any expectations I ever had, and each day I find more love in my heart for you. 

My favorite things about you stay constant: your devotion to our families and friends, ability to surprise me in big and small ways, commitment to making everyday life a hilarious adventure, and newfound affinity for crossword puzzles. Oh, and your handsome face.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | October 18, 2018

Just one year ago. We were in Philadelphia, with a night to go before our big day. All the planning that went into this weekend behind us. Finally here, everything felt calm and right. We enjoyed the quiet, practiced our first dance, and went for a (chilly AF) walk. Then joined our family and friends at our rehearsal dinner.

These selects are among my favorite moments.

Photography: Justin Muir | HMUA: Diana DuHaime — ONLO | Accommodations: Lokal Old City | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Kensington Quarters | Dress: Alice McCall | Shoes: Club Monaco | Suit: Zara

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