Cheeky French Garden-Inspired Wedding Tablescape at Solage Calistoga
Bold, colorful wedding inspiration from Solage Calistoga, featuring a cheeky French garden-inspired summer tablescape with pattern play, seasonal blooms, and layered design.
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 visual moment, so we kept the plates simple to let these really shine.
Playful Effortless Paper Goods: Studio Lameraner added 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.
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 all of the 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, to experiment, and to 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, this kind of 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! 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!
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
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.
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
28 SF Restaurants Ideal for a Small Celebration
Dreaming up a distant celebration once things are back to normal? Here’s a list of some of the best spots in San Francisco for private events AND ways to support them through this time. 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.
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
From day one of planning, Eliza and Ryland set out to create a memorable experience for their guests. And they wanted the floral concept to play a leading role. Read more about their autumn wedding at San Francisco’s historic 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
Often times, planning a wedding is the first introduction to flowers for many people. It’s all one big learning process, and finding a florist can seem so daunting. Here are some tips on ways to navigate your own search for 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.
A Romantic Wedding at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers
Steph wanted to incorporate modern minimalism into the flowery elements found throughout the Conservatory of Flowers to create a sophisticated dinner party setting for her guests.
THE COUPLE
Steph met Danny here in San Francisco through a mutual friend. Danny proposed at Barcelona’s Park Güell with friends by their side. I was fortunate to meet Steph years ago when working in tech. If you know Steph, you know she always has a smile on her face, is constantly laughing, and loves the Warriors.
The sweet couple that they are, Steph and Danny focused on their family and friends when planning their wedding day (really, an entire day, thanks to Chinese wedding traditions). While it was a celebration of their love, it was also a celebration of all the people that made them the couple they are. They really just wanted everyone to have fun. Enter the Loving Cup froyo truck …
THE VENUE
The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a real treat. Especially for a flower lady like myself. It’s also the perfect spot for a wedding celebration. The beautiful bright white architecture served as a masterpiece of a backdrop for Steph & Danny’s outdoor ceremony. Guests wandered through the greenhouse rooms during cocktail hour before heading to a family-style dinner.
(By the way, the Conservatory of Flowers is free to the public on the first Tuesday of every month. Highly recommend!)
THE FLOWERS
Steph wanted to incorporate modern minimalism into the flowery elements found throughout the Conservatory of Flowers to create a sophisticated dinner party setting for her guests.
For her bouquet, I went asymmetrical in design but lush and full of texture. Honeysuckle vine added a sweet fragrance, and pomegranates brought good luck. Centerpieces were dancy and airy with pops of peach and blush. To mix it up, every other table had a series of simple bud vases that highlighted the real show-offs -- garden roses from Rose Story Farm.
Some of my favorite ingredients were locally-sourced from Bluma Farm’s rooftop in Berkeley -- salmon and zinnderella peach zinnias, chocolate cosmos, choco lace, and lisianthus. Not to be missed were the cafe au lait dahlias, butterfly ranunculus, helleborus, and mauve-brown tulips. Rice flower, scabiosa pods, millet, bunnytail, blue viburnum, heuchera leaves, and snowberries added soft texture to arrangements.
GRATITUDE
Thank you sweet Steph and Danny for trusting me with your designs. Between you two, your family and friends, a stellar vendor team, and epic location -- your wedding celebration was one for the books.
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten | Venue: Conservatory of Flowers | Catering: Fogcutter SF | Photography: Nathalie Cheng Photography | Planning: Blushing Joy Events | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Hair/Makeup: Vinnia Tjhin | Invitations: Minted | Dessert: Loving Cup San Francisco | Signage: Ready Set Coordinate | Ring Box: The Mrs. Box | Ribbon: Froufrou Chic
A Black Tie Wedding at SoMa’s 25 Lusk
For Lauren & Andres’ wedding at 25 Lusk, 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.
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
