Cheeky French Garden-Inspired Wedding Tablescape at Solage Calistoga

There’s something super special about a wedding tablescape that feels both bold and inviting — like stepping into a highly curated home full of color, texture, and unexpected details. That was exactly the vision behind this editorial shoot at Solage in Calistoga, in collaboration with a team of creative Bay Area vendors. Our goal with this design was to inspire couples and planners dreaming of a wedding that’s anything but ordinary.

We set out to create a maximalist summer tablescape that blends the romantic charm of an al fresco meal in Provence with cheeky, modern, layered design elements. The result was a bold and playful look that feels as comfortable as it does elevated — perfect for weddings in Napa Valley, Calistoga, or anywhere in the Bay Area where design matters.

The Inspiration

“The world needs more colour right now, doesn’t it?” — The Liberty Book

This sentiment guided the entire creative direction. Everybody loves the relaxed vibe of a garden dinner in Provence, but what if we put a spin on it and pushed it toward something bolder — more modern, more vibrant, and a little cheeky.

My first non-negotiable design detail: stripes. They set the foundation for our pattern play. From there, I centered the design around the handcrafted, hand-painted vessels from Vaiselle, a contemporary homeware label infused with French heritage and Mediterranean flare.

To make the design feel like a highly curated, well-appointed home set within the garden, we envisioned layers:

• Soft, inviting seating via cushions and pillows

• Detailed bespoke linens with unexpected textures

• Functional but playful lighting via portable tabletop lamps

The result was immersive, welcoming, and full of personality.

The Floral Design

Instead of starting with the flowers, I finalized the color palette and tabletop design first, then turned to the floral design. I knew I’d be sourcing hyper-seasonal ingredients from local farms at the peak of Spring, so I trusted that the right blooms would be available to bring it all to life.

Once I had the vessels selected, I built out color-blocked floral moments to complement their patterns without competing with them. Because the tabletop was already maximalist, I leaned into delicate, traditional blooms to balance the look and keep it rooted in the romantic garden setting we were trying to evoke. Every floral moment was intentional, yet simple. All vessels contained one ingredient. Standout blooms included:

• The most charming dusty lavender and blue delphinium

• Fresh-cut bearded irises from my own garden

• A mixed collection of poppies, garden roses, sweet peas, and hydrangea from local growers

Tabletop Styling

Styling the tabletop was all about mixing, matching, and harmonizing. I wanted the table to feel like a layered, curated interior filled with personal, beautiful, and unexpected choices.

Some of my favorite design highlights:

• Linens: Custom embroidered napkins (the hand-stitched tulips, gah!) in alternating tones with contrast rolled hems made from European linen by Vada Goods, alongside the bold Drayton Stripe Oxford table linen from BBJ La Tavola acted as our foundation for pattern play.

• Glassware and Dinnerware: We kept the tableware traditional but complementary to our color blocked moments, pulling from Catalog Atelier’s beautiful collection of stoneware plates, colored glassware, and horne flatware.

• Candles and holders: One of my favorite details! Bold wax taper candles in blue-on-blue stripes, with beautifully textured holders. These small details made a big impact.

• Placemats: Vada Goods’ bespoke round ruffled placemats with contrast stitching were a FUN, playful visual moment and so much fun to design together.

• Playful Effortless Paper Goods: Studio Lameraner added to the ‘perfectly imperfect’ vibe we were looking for with a layered wavy edge soft scallop menu card with white ink calligraphy — the kind of handmade, one-of-a-kind detail that wows guests.

• Seating: Cushions on every chair brought in another opportunity for texture and stripes, while maintaining that inviting vibe. The Paris chair from Theoni Collection was the perfect fit.

From Moodboard to Reality

Maximalism presents a real design challenge to balance and harmonize all of the elements in a way that feels intentional, not chaotic. This was a game of trusting my eye, making thoughtful choices, and editing as we went. Lots of trial and error!

As a wedding florist, I always create a digital rendering in Canva to map out a design. This was my north star throughout the sourcing and planning process for this project to make sure we were properly balancing patterns, textures, and tones leading up to shoot day.

Seeing this rendering come to life made the whole creative process feel that much more rewarding.

View the full gallery here.

The Team Behind the Vision

This shoot came together because of a dream team of creatives who all brought their A-game. Solage was such a wonderful host with such beautiful, welcoming grounds. Adriana Klas has such a positive, collaborative approach to everything she does (along with an amazing eye for detail), and was crucial in bringing this to life from inception. Alyssa of All The Deets coordinated the many moving parts beautifully and seamlessly, with such a warm attitude. Maddy of Vada Goods and Karina of Studio Lameraner were both DREAMS to work with — down for anything, and bringing such fun ideas to the table. ⁠

This was a true passion project — a chance to play, experiment, and create something we were all genuinely excited about. We all walked away feeling creatively fulfilled and proud of what we made.

Who This Design Is For

We get it! A maximalist tablescape isn’t for everyone — and that’s the point. This vision was designed with the following in mind:

• Brides and planners who want to push the envelope

• Clients who value curated, artful, memorable designs

• Clients who want to surprise and delight their guests

• Planners who aren’t afraid to have fun and go bold

If you’re looking for something that feels personal, elevated, and unforgettable, a maximalist floral design can help your wedding stand out — for all the right reasons.

Ready to Create Something Unexpected and Unforgettable?

If you’re planning a luxury wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area and seeking a floral designer to bring bold, artful designs to life, let’s chat! I’d love to hear more about your goals, and collaborate together via a high-touch floral design experience to create something extraordinary together. 

Inquire here to get the conversation started! 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VENDOR TEAM

Florals & Design | @anastasiaandenmatten⁠

Venue |  @solageauberge⁠

Photo |  @adrianaklas⁠

Planner |  @allthedeets_⁠

Video |  @koryfilms⁠

Content Creator |  @thecandidbride_⁠

Hair & Makeup |  @bridalbyjasminek⁠

Bespoke Linens |  @vadagoods 

Rentals |  @theonicollection @catalogatelier⁠

Linens |  @bbjlatavola⁠

Stationery |  @studio_lameraner⁠

Dress |  @eleanorsbridal⁠

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.

A Moody & Elegant November Wedding at Flood Mansion in San Francisco

This moody November wedding at James Leary Flood Mansion was all about creating a vibey, conversation-starting dinner party with florals at the heart of the design.

Bride Hannah of Hannah Aubrey Hair had a strong vision: no two arrangements or tablescapes should feel the same. She wanted bold florals, unexpected details, and an atmosphere that immersed guests in beauty and intrigue. Working alongside Meag Breanne Events, we eagerly embraced the challenge!

Luxury Tablescapes with Monochromatic Florals & Textural Details

For the reception, we curated distinct tablescapes so that each felt like a one-of-a-kind moment, designed to keep guests engaged, spark conversations, and of course provide an Instagrammable moment :)

Tablescapes were designed with an array of both traditional and modern flower varieties, including red roses, carnations, orchids, peonies, hydrangea, hypericum berry, calla lilies, and butterfly ranunculus. 

Some key elements of the tables included:

• Mismatched vessels sourced and thrifted from all over the Bay Area

• Monochromatic floral arrangements as statement pieces

• Miniature mono-bloom arrangements in tiny and delicate vessels 

• Overflowing fruitscapes for rich color and texture

• Scattered rose petals for added romance

• Silk and velvet ribbons for texture

• Plentiful candlelight for a romantic glow

A Romantic Ceremony with Statement Floral Urns

We wanted to embrace Flood Mansion’s timeless elegance and complement the venue’s architecture. We filled the venue’s gorgeous urns with lush overflowing greenery and deep red blooms including red roses and peonies. The ceremony setting felt dramatic and high-impact, a striking combination of traditional yet modern.

The Process Behind This Bespoke Floral Design

From hand-selecting every vessel across local Bay Area shops over the course of months, to spending a full day curating the perfect fruits, every detail was intentionally designed. We even applied individual bows and pearls into designs for an added layer of depth — loved that detail so much! Giving my talented design team carte blanche to push the envelope made this project that much more rewarding.

Florals that Create Unforgettable Moments

What made this wedding truly special was how each table felt like its own world, full of unexpected elements that delighted guests at every turn. It was more than just floral design—it was about creating an experience that felt intimate, elevated, and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a luxury wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area and seeking a floral designer to bring bold, artful designs to life, let’s chat! We’d love to hear more about your goals, and collaborate together via our high-touch floral design experience to create something extraordinary together. 

Inquire here to get the conversation started! 

VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Meag Breanne Events

Photographer: Chelsea Gee Photography

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Catering: Foxtail Catering

Makeup Artist: Olivia Garvin Makeup

Hair Stylist: Meg Michel Hair

Music: Dart Collective

Content Creator: Cupid Content Co.

Cake: Cake Coquette

Rentals Theoni Collection & Abbey Party Rents

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Venue: Flood Mansion

My Journey into the World of Flowers + How I'm Evolving my Craft

I hardly ever share the full details of where exactly my journey into the world of flowers began, and how I've approached honing my craft over the last 19 (!!!) years. But today I’m sharing it all!

Below are the three main avenues of flowers I've explored along the way, including how I commit myself to continually evolving my craft.

1 - The Flower Shop

My first-ever job was as a salesperson at my local flower shop back in Pennsylvania. I worked there through high school and college, taking phone orders, memorizing flower names, sweeping floors, and breaking down flower boxes. Eventually I graduated to designing handheld bouquets, refining their website, and taking simple wedding orders. The hands-on experience was invaluable. It gave me an ego-free launch into the elusive and seemingly glamorous world of flowers. Don’t be fooled! I relate running a flower shop to running a restaurant — It’s exhausting. It’s dirty work. There are kind customers, then not-so-kind customers. But at the end of each day, the profuse scent of fresh flowers would follow me to my car and back home and I’d think to myself — how lucky am I to be able to work with my hands (and flowers) each day.

2 - Freelancing Part-Time

After I moved to San Francisco from Philadelphia for a career in tech, I rediscovered the world of flowers via freelancing and booked jobs with other wedding and event florists on weekends. Freelancing taught me so much about different techniques, styles, and Bay Area wedding venues, all while expanding a very supportive network in the floral community that I still rely on! I always recommend freelancing to anyone getting started, as it gives you a real life behind-the-scenes experience of what it means to be a wedding and event florist without the commitment of running your own business with your own clients. Ultimately I knew I always wanted to run my own business (both of my parents were small business owners and I grew up appreciating what comes with that lifestyle) — so once I had a few of my own bookings under my belt I launched my business (more on that story another time!).

3 - Investment in education

A mix of 1:1 workshops, semesters with a local community college, online flower courses, and ongoing business coaching/mentorship have evolved my designs, techniques, and business processes. I make it a goal to invest in a few of these each year so that I constantly learn and evolve, and never get stuck or stagnant in set ways. Additionally, every single client and planner collaboration allows me to expand and stretch my imagination — and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to share my art with each.

May we never stop learning and evolving!

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

Q & A: By Alysa Monét & Co.

Krista Marie Photography

Today on the blog I have Alysa Monét of by Alysa Monét & Co. Not only is she the owner and lead designer of her planning company, but she’s also a mental health practitioner. I have loved hearing her speak so passionately about her work in the field, and how she works closely with her couples to help them remain present, stress-free, and excited throughout their entire planning process.

In today’s post, Alysa is sharing with us strategies to stay grounded right now, how to elevate your wedding design *and* incorporate sustainability with a smaller wedding, her #1 tip for how to prioritize your wedding budget, and so many more goodies you'll just have to read on to find out! Enjoy!

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Q: Hey Alysa, welcome! Tell us a little about yourself, where you’re located, and the services you offer.

Hey! My name is Alysa Monét and I’m the owner and lead designer of by Alysa Monét & Co. I’m located in San Jose, Ca, which is also my hometown! I offer a variety of services to engaged couples including wedding day coordination and full service wedding planning. I’m a designer at heart so it excites me to be able to participate fully in the wedding planning process with my couples but at the end of the day, I truly just enjoy working with couples who are in love however they need my support. Most of my weddings have taken place up the California central coast and I’m available for travel anywhere worldwide (pending COVID restrictions, of course!) 

My sister and my husband are an integral part of my business and team and bring a breadth of perspective and experience to the wedding planning process and the wedding day production. There’s definitely an art to working with family and I think we’ve nailed it. Working weddings together comes with a lot of laughing, snacks (SO many snacks), and singing ABBA’s Dancing Queen at least once (it’s become a ritual for us). 

Outside of wedding planning and designing I also work in the mental health field with children in foster care and with children in juvenile detention. It’s tough work but it fills my cup up and splitting my time in these two fields helps me exercise different parts of my creativity, which I really appreciate and enjoy.

Krista Marie Photography

Q: What are some misconceptions clients have about hiring a wedding planner? Can you debunk these for us?

I think most couples worry that hiring a wedding planner removes their own participation in planning and preparing for their wedding day, which can feel like a turn off for those with a strong sense of what they’d like and who worry about turning over control of that vision. I 100% shared this mindset when I was engaged so I can personally really relate. My own wedding day vision was very clear and I worried that hiring a planner would result in a cookie-cutter wedding that didn’t feel like me or my fiance (now husband). In reality, hiring a wedding planner actually allows for your wedding day vision to be elevated by a professional who knows how to incorporate trends in a cohesive and seamless way that is also representative of you.   

Q: Let’s talk trends. What are some you’re loving, and some you’re thinking it’s time to move on from?

Over the last 2 years I’ve loved watching and participating in the growing trend of micro weddings, which has kind of chicly replaced the concept of elopements and involves a ceremony and reception of under 50 people. Especially with COVID in mind, I highly encourage couples to strongly consider the size of their wedding guest list when planning their wedding. Weddings can be incredibly expensive and a budget is definitely impacted by the number of attendees. A wedding day design can be elevated by simple tweaks to the guest list and most couples are surprised to see how much of their budget is allocated to catering; depending on the size of their budget, this can reduce the budget for many other services. Budget aside, a micro wedding provides the most magical and romantic intimacy that none of my couples have ever regretted. Last thing about micro-weddings, another huge perk is how environmentally conscious they can be. Less guests hopefully also means less waste.

In terms of trends that need to go… Can we finally get rid of lengthy and complicated wedding hashtags?! No one seems to remember to use them! Also… signs in every corner! Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful sign and more so, I especially love when signage is strategically and minimally placed throughout a wedding.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration, outside of Pinterest?

Instagram! I follow a ton of Instagram pages that are focused on landscape photography, home decor, and fashion, which help me stay up to date with trends and also keep me inspired. Some of my favorite pages are:

• @kanyaiwana

• @sew_trill

• @tylersphotos

• @itayshaphoto

• @kilianschoenberger

• @airpixels

Marissa Kay Photography

Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into your design process?

The design process for me often starts in my head (which may seem obvious) and as I’m drafting up design boards I typically play music that reflects the inspiration behind the design plans. Music is such a vehicle for me to identify textures and colors that match a couple’s aesthetic and when I’m participating in the wedding day production I often play the same music to remain inspired. Way, way before I get to this point though, I love to meet and get to know my couples, understand their design visions and even spend time reviewing their Pinterest boards to get a sense of what they do and don’t like design wise. 

Q: In your opinion, what’s the most impactful part of a wedding day design?

Florals! I’m a sucker for gorgeous flowers in general but wow, florals make all of the difference!

Q: When discussing budget for event design, where do you encourage your clients to invest and prioritize their budget? 

A $5.00 wedding with a $5000.00 photographer will make your wedding seems like it was worth $5 million - I exaggerate but, the investment in a photographer will not disappoint.

Q: What are some mistakes clients make when thinking and planning their wedding day design? 

Integrating too many trendy details at once. I think it’s so important for a wedding to feel timeless and too many trendy details can lead to regrets when you look back on your wedding photos in 5, 10, 50 years! (Think 80’s and puffy sleeve dresses!)

Krista Marie Photography

Q: You’re also a mental health practitioner and recently graduated with a masters in social work. Congrats! How does your work in that space impact your work as a wedding designer? 

I am! My work as a mental health practitioner and as a wedding designer incorporate a lot of the same values: mainly, connection. Fundamentally, we as humans need to feel connected to one another and so much of my training around mental health allows me to be present with my clients and support their growth and development as a soon-to-be-married-couple as much as I’m supporting and facilitating their wedding day desires. My motto (which is super cheesy, I know) is that by taking care of the tough wedding work, I open up space for my couples to have a “marriage more beautiful than their wedding day.”

Q: Have you developed any new daily routines or rituals throughout shelter in place? 

Months 1 and 2 of shelter-in-place felt like I was manically incorporating a billion daily rituals to try and survive. I’m talking yoga in the mornings, a leisurely walk in the afternoon, zoom calls with any and everyone, playing a “work-from-home” playlist… the works! Now, I make sure I get fully dressed (even with shoes) in the mornings, and I try to do as many of the same things in the morning that I would’ve done if I were actually heading out for the day. I try to take care of as many household chores throughout the day so that when I’m officially “off work” I can just relax! It’s been working really well for me and these weeks are feeling enjoyable again!

Q: It’s no secret that wedding planning is stressful. Add a pandemic on top of that, and there can be serious impacts on mental health. What are some tips you have to help engaged couples cope? 

Prior to COVID I’ve always asked my couples to agree on 5 non-negotiables for their wedding day (in terms of needs, wants, desires) and then “let go” of every other expectation outside of those 5 non-negotiables. I stole this from the show Millionaire Matchmaker (haha!) but it’s been an incredibly useful strategy to help keep my couples grounded throughout the planning process. Especially now that we’re in such an unpredictable time, aligning priorities at the very beginning of wedding planning is necessary if couples are going to get through this time level headed. I also urge couples to consider premarital counseling if financially feasible (several providers are offering services at a sliding scale rate right now).

Q: What are some centering practices you recommend for couples when it comes to the chaotic day-of? 

Meditation! Am I sounding too much like a therapist right now?!

Also, a stress free wedding day includes surrounding yourself with a top notch getting-ready-crew who are going to help keep you level headed and excited. I think couples should take time to really consider this one!

Q: For couples hosting an intimate or smaller wedding, what’s a tip you have for creating thoughtful (and safe) experiences for them and their guests?

A couple that I recently worked with set up their “reception” dancing music to include music that was meant for couples. This eliminated the awkwardness of figuring out how to dance and social distance and was such a sweet moment that they shared with their guests during their short reception. The love was potent during this wedding!

Q: For anyone looking to step up their at-home entertaining game, what are your go-to at-home entertaining hacks?!

I am the most extra person when it comes to home entertaining and I really love a good theme (this drives my husband nuts). Anytime we host friends or family I find a theme that centers around our gathering and then research a game that’s in alignment with that theme. I find one or two food or drink items that are in alignment with the theme as well and then keep everything else simple. Am I doing the absolute most? Probably! Does it always make for a fun and memorable night? 100% yes.

Krista Marie Photography

Q: What does the next chapter of By Alysa Monét & Co. look like? Where do you see yourself and your business 5 years from now?

I’ve always had the dream of one day growing my business to incorporate services that are related to mental health and wellbeing. I’d love to one day be able to work with couples during their engagement as their wedding planner and designer, and then continue that work following their wedding day to offer marriage focused counseling and support. 

Thanks so much for joining, Alysa!

email: hello@byalysamonet.com

instagram: @byalysamonet

website: byalysamonet.com

A Guide to Vision Boarding with Purpose

Two weekends ago I sat on the couch and read the NYTimes. It was cold and rainy outside. If all went according to plan, we would have been in the desert, a place I go once a year during the off-season to rest, reset, and renew inspiration. But life changed very quickly for all of us. 

Then it occurred to me that yes, life is very different now. But can’t we still find inspiration around us? Dream about the future?  

“Hope will not be cancelled. May we lean into the good stuff that remains.”

— Jamie Tworkowski

I think we can all benefit from hope and inspiration right about now. So I’d like to share with you a creative process I implement for both my personal life and my business: vision boarding. Vision boards serve as a tool to not only clarify your goals, but actually manifest destiny. I know it sounds cheesy, but hear me out. Here’s what you’ll find in this post: 

• The truth about vision boards 

• Step-by-step instructions to create an effective vision board 

• 3 real life examples of vision boards

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS A VISION BOARD?

A vision board is a physical representation of your aspirations, curated by you and for you, to serve as a tool to help those aspirations come to life. It can be a collage of magazine clippings on a bulletin board, a PDF of imagery that’s saved as your phone’s wallpaper, or anything in between. Also known as a mood board, dream board, inspiration board, or design board.

Think of it as like...Pinterest, but intentional? And without targeted ads.

WHY MAKE A VISION BOARD? 

The majority of people are visual learners. Consider the Law of Attraction, which is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. By putting images in front of you, you are sending a message to the universe about your hopes and dreams, and opening yourself up to inspiration and guidance.

If you’re eye-rolling right now, I totally get it. That used to be me. But then I tried vision boarding and, seriously, I found it really helpful. As a creative process, vision boarding: 

• Takes you away from your daily routine and gets creative juices flowing 

• Brings you clarity, by taking the noisy jumbled thoughts in your head and organizing them into a crystal clear picture of what it is you want 

• Serves as a daily reminder to stay motivated to achieve your goals 

• Opens you up to new sources of inspiration as you start to hone your vision 

HOW CAN I MAKE ONE THAT WORKS FOR ME?

By looking at your vision board as a tool with a specific purpose, rather than just a collage of pretty pictures, it’s more likely to help you manifest your vision. 

Below are 8 steps to creating a vision board that works for you. 

#1 - Have a Purpose 

Think about what areas of your life seem most overwhelming or in need of a change, or a challenge ahead. Lean into that one specific goal as you design your board. Here are some examples of specific purposes: 

• Business - a design visualization for a client 

• Special Event - inspiration for hosting your friend’s bridal shower

• Personal - images that propel your health goals 

• Career - what your dream business looks like 

• Travel - places, people, food for the trip of a lifetime 

• Home - how you envision your first home, or a room makeover

#2 - Set the Mood

I recommend finding some uninterrupted time and space for yourself to do this solo. Grab your beverage of choice, light your fave candle. If you’re into journaling, put pen to paper and list out your goals for the board. If you meditate, or rely on music, do it. By setting the mood, you will find that you’re already on the right path.

#3 - Curate Imagery 

Start by looking around you to find what inspires you most: the architecture in your neighborhood, the views from your window, the colors and textures of your wardrobe, books or magazines, photos from past travels, quotes or lyrics. 

The secret to finding imagery that evokes feelings is to have no agenda. Aim to collect images that speak to you. Avoid the literal interpretations of what you want in your life, and instead simply focus on how an image makes you FEEL. Here are a few platforms I use for this: 

• Pinterest: This tool can be especially overwhelming. But instead of using keywords to find the exact thing you have in mind, simply start saving images that are beautiful to you. From there, Pinterest will serve you related images via the ‘More Ideas’ feature and eventually you’ll find images you love. 

• Instagram: Your feed is likely already curated with images relevant to you, your style, and your aesthetic. Instagram’s Save feature comes in handy. Under ‘Saved’ you can save everything you love in one spot or under separate folders. 

• Tumblr: For tons and tons of images and content 

#4 - Add Variety 

Your vision board doesn’t need to be limited to just images. Try adding color palettes, fabric swatches, quotes or mantras you find inspirational, or sketches. Nothing’s off limits. By adding some variety, the board will have more depth. 

#5 - Simplify, Simplify, Simplify 

It’s okay if you end up with a ton of inspiration. But the point of a vision board is not to overwhelm yourself. It should instead give you clarity when you need it most. Try limiting your board to 7-15 images that truly speak to you. By limiting clutter and chaos on your board, you can limit clutter and chaos in your mind. And a selective vision will feel that much more attainable.

#6 - Choose your Medium

You’ll want to showcase your vision board via a medium that suits your lifestyle.This could be your phone or desktop background, cork board, wire grid panel, or simply a collection of images taped to your wall. 

#7 - Get to Designing   

It’s time to pull everything together. If you’re going the old-fashioned route, all you really need are scissors, glue or tape, and a place to put it all. If you’re going digital, here are a few tools I’ve tried: 

• Adobe: I’ve used both InDesign and Spark for boards before and love them. Note: Adobe is subscription-based and comes with a learning curve. 

• Canva: The most user-friendly and cost-effective in my opinion. Their free version is where I design my floral design clients’ design boards as well as my own vision boards (examples below).

• Google Doc: A familiar tool never fails. This is a simple and free option to organize your images.

#8 - Look at it Daily

Display your vision board prominently in a place you frequent, e.g. above your desk, on your closet door, as your phone background or computer wallpaper. Let it serve as your daily reminder that your dreams can be your reality. 

Here are a few real life examples of vision boards to give you some ideas and help you get started.

SAMPLE A. —

CLIENT DESIGN

SAMPLE B. — MY BUSINESS

SAMPLE C. — MY WEDDING

I hope you feel inspired to try this creative process. At the very least, may this bring you light, or inspiration, or some sense of clarity or purpose during these uncertain times. 

If you end up trying this, let me know!

Follow me on IG @anastasiaandenmatten and send me a DM

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

---

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

7 Ways We'll Work Together | Weddings

Photography by Hillary Jeanne

When I was planning my own wedding, I had a lot of questions floating around in my head about the process of working with a floral designer. What if I change my color palette? (I did.) What if I up my total bridesmaids count from 2 to 20?! (I most definitely did not.) How will we communicate? When will I hear from you next? Will we do a venue visit together to help me visualize everything? I have so. many. freaking. questions. Help.

Below I outline the ways in which I typically work with my wedding clients. This is a literal copy and paste from the introductory welcome packet I share with my couples. BUT it’s designed to be a general framework to help you understand what the planning process will look like. I hope you find it helpful! 

1 - CONGRATS 

First thing’s first…CONGRATS! Your wedding will be beautiful and original, I can feel it. I’d love to guide you there in a fun, organized, and approachable way. Feel at ease sharing and discussing your ideas with me from day one. I am with you every step of the way.

2 - LET'S CHAT  

A brief online questionnaire allows me to understand the basics of your special day. From there, we'll schedule a 30-45 minute phone consultation to discuss your vision, your expectations, and my services. Most importantly, we'll get to know each other and determine if we’ll be a great fit. Generally, it’s good to start these conversations between 9-12 months out from your wedding day.

3 - IT'S OFFICIAL 

Following our initial consultation, I will send you a proposal outlining my suggestions for your day. This proposal is designed to be a transparent and starting price quote. Throughout our planning process, you’ll have the opportunity to make revisions as plans evolve. An abbreviated vision board will be included, which will be further expanded midway thru planning. With a signed service agreement and deposit, you are officially on my calendar. Take a break! Another big decision checked off.

4 - KEEP IN TOUCH 

Let your ideas and visions evolve. All of our shared details and communications will live in Honeybook for you to reference throughout the planning process. I'm available via email and scheduled phone calls and dedicate my weekends to making dream events a reality for my clients.

5 - DESIGN CONSULTATION 

2-3 months out, we will meet to fine-tune the details of your designs. This includes color palette, flower ingredients, vases, ribbons, and more. Plans evolve and change, so I'll take this time to revise your proposal until it’s perfect. Now it's time for you to enjoy your final countdown while I give your designs full focus.

6 - LOGISTICS CHECK-IN

30 days out, I’ll gather logistics from you or your planner, such as timeline, locations, vendors, and the oh-so-important Instagram handles :) These details help me ensure your big day is the best ever. This is also an opportunity for final tweaks to your flower order. One more month!

7 - THE BIG DAY 

I book a limited number of weddings per season to allow me to truly focus on your day. My team manages the installation and cleanup of all floral arrangements in coordination with other vendors so that you can focus on your celebration. Thanks to all the advance planning, it will be the best day ever.

LET’S CHAT!

I am currently filling remaining slots for 2020, and booking into 2021. Click here to schedule a consultation. E: hello@anastasiaandenmatten.com | IG: @anastasia_andenmatten

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.

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.