Ocean in the Desert Scottsdale Wedding

Deserted Ocean Private Estate Scottsdale Wedding

We are so so excited to finally show off one of our favorite weddings we designed and planned for a lovely couple in Scottsdale, Arizona on Martha Stewart Weddings today!!  When Kari the bride first called me we were discussing  a cool Sedona elopement after her hectic previous attempt at wedding planning which she scratched for an easier, less stressful route. With so many people to coordinate and schedules to consider she was wanting to just ‘do it!’ with out the worry. When her family friend offered her gorgeous Scottsdale esate after hearing of her woes, we jumped at the chance to move it there to accommodate her guests easier. The only catch? The season was getting hot soon and we had 4 weeks to plan the whole thing!! We jumped into action and made this spectacular back-yard wedding a hit!

Kari and Charlie both loved the ocean but also the desert. I came up with the creative vision of a ‘deserted ocean’, a dried up ocean bed in a magical desert. After bringing on the fantastic Luna of Arrangements Floral Design we whipped up this fantastical evening which turned out to be pure magic. Gina Meola did a fabulous job of capturing the day’s beautiful details and was such a pleasure to work with!

Arrangements Floral & Party Design crafted a stunning bouquet of coral charm peonies, king proteas, ranunculus, astilbe, and tulips. Wrapped in gold sequined trim, the finishing touch was a skeleton leaf.  Kari worked with stylist Alex Evjen of Ave Styles to create her stunning ensemble. After trying on the blush pink Monique Lhuillier “Candy” dress at Destiny’s Bride in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kari knew it was her gown. A custom sash, veil, and earrings by Paris were added to the ensemble, which was rounded out with nude Jimmy Choo pumps.

For the invitation I hand illustrated a jellyfish and had it foiled onto a croco embossed glossy paper for a fun contrast of styles. More to come on this invitation as well!

Boutonnieres were made with ivory roses, brunia, and dusty miller—a heart-shaped charm once belonging to Charlie’s late mother was attached to his as a special way of honoring her memory.

The matron of honor and best man carried seashells housing the wedding bands. Kari’s sister Lori carried a clutch of coral charm peonies, king protea, yellow roses, brunia, and dusty miller. Kari’s other sister Susan’s bouquet was comprised of a king protea surrounded by white roses, brunia, dusty miller, and coral charm peonies.

Guests were treated to cool lemonade as they arrived. Since we knew the day was going to be so hot we dip-dyed fans to match the decor and tied on feathers and beads with leather cord.

To work with a backyard and actually have the ceremony on their driveway I knew we had to transform the space. I designed a geometrical wall to be built on which we applied mirror to reflect the gorgeous desert landscape. 

In lieu of a traditional guest book I created a ‘Message in a Bottle’ table were guests could write their sweet notes to the couple and float them in the infinity pool. They’ll be read at their one year anniversary which is coming up soon! We also created a wall of photos with fun facts about the couple that guests would be quizzed on later.

To bring in the ocean vibe we had to serve fresh delicious seafood!

To create the feasting style dining table I built a structure which we mirrored and then hung shelves of floating candles and flowers for a seemingly floating tablescape.

I wanted to create a beautiful tablescape that seemingly floated in our modern mirrored structure so that you saw nothing but the desert around you and make you forget you’re dining on a driveway.  The open structure built around the long feasting-style table allowed for showcasing the landscape, while adding drama and romance with candles hanging overhead on white-washed wood shelves also filled with floral arrangements and gnarled grapewood. Constructed with help from a framing contractor, mirror acrylic panels were added to created the illusion of a disappearing structure. Trailing down the middle of each table was a collection of oceanic elements, including ceramic sea urchin votives, air plants, and aqua sea glass. Ombré napkins tied with leather cord and sea urchins topped geometric plates and silvery placemats. The petite cake, by Classic Cakes and Confections, was inspired by the bride’s gown. To bring in more of the ‘ghost-like’ creatures that used to live in this ‘deserted ocean’ I found these incredible jellyfish lanterns from designer Roxy Russel which I hung in front of sheer panels of fabric and twinkle lights for our Jellyfish Lounge.

Photography: Gina Meola
Event Design and Planning, Stationery, and Napkins: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Catering: RendezVous Catering
Flowers, Lighting, & Draping: Arrangements Floral & Party Design
Cake: Classic Cakes & Confections
Music: [string trio] Simply Three; [Flamenco guitarist] Miguel Rodriguez from Jim May Productions
Rentals: [furniture] Pacific Event Productions; [linens] La Tavola; [china and glassware] Classic Party Rentals
Hair and makeup: TEAM Hair & Makeup

Read More »

Holiday Celebration: Modern Glam Thankgiving Decor Inspiration

Modern Thanksgiving Decor Inspiration at Cucina Enoteca

With time flying faster than ever, Thanksgiving snuck up on us once again. With the cold weather and long nights, my passion for food and wine emerge stronger than ever. What better way to celebrate a day full of feasting than with a super stylish table?  Along with Cucina Enoteca at their fabulous new Del Mar location, we wanted to create our version of a modern glam Thanksgiving tablescape + updated gourmet menu showing you how you can ditch the traditional for an even more fabulous affair. Paula Luna of Luna Photo never fails to get the most gorgeous photos and was there to capture all of this sparkle and delicious food beautifully.

We started by layering on gorgeous gold, cobalt and white vintage china by Hostess Haven and served champs, wine and water in her to-die-for amethyst, crystal and gold goblets. In lieu of the more traditional reds/rusts/oranges you tend to see this time of year, we wanted to go plum/purple/raspberry and black for a more updated, striking and savvy style. Isari Flower Studio helped us bring this vision to life with their lush full blooms full of texture and style, including peonies, dahlias, black mini calla lilies and exotic leaves for a super lush and decadent design.

We then layered on white pumpkins, modern gold vases and horns with super sleek lucite to accessorize the ultra long feasting style table scape. For a fun twist and reminder on what the holiday is all about, we even hand-painted eggplants with the words ‘Grateful,’ ‘Thankful’ and ‘Blessed’ to mix into the design. In lieu of traditional place cards, we created custom wire place cards for a modern yet fun twist!

For a super wine-infused modern Thanksgiving dinner, we even created an awesome DIY you can easily re-create at home! We started with a canvas napkin and then splattered on 2 tones of raspberry and plum dye and even stenciled on wine rings for a realistic effect.

With the menu and decor set, the only thing left to decide on is what to wear?! Don’t fret.. Hall & Saks has you covered.. or at least inspired! See this and our Napkin DIY coming soon!

Happy Thanksgiving from Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations!!

pomegranite reviver

gin + cocchi americano + cointreau + pomegranite juice

Formaggi + salumi

Baby chioggia beet + mache
avocado + balsamic reduction + horseradish crema

  Butternut squash soup + white truffle oil drizzle Liberty Farms Duck Conserva
gingerbread polenta + braised chicory + sour cherry sugo

  Rosemary + honey pine nut tart
Fig jam + yogurt gelato

And to end off your delicious meal sip on this delicious,

del duomo COCKTAIL - a personal favorite!

Don’t miss part 2 coming next with the DIY wine splattered napkins & What to Wear by our friends and fabulous fashion stylists Hall & Saks!

Event Design & Styling: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Location & Menu: Cucina Enoteca
Photos: Luna Photo
Flowers: Isari Flower Studio
Vintage China & Glassware: Hostess Haven

Read More »

Enchanted Garden Malibu Wedding by Alchemy Fine Events at Stone Manor

Stone Manor Malibu Wedding with Jill Thomas

Our darling bride Andrea came to us inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted” perfume ad and our very own Fairytale “Once Upon a Bride”  photo shoot we designed for Utterly Engaged. With the stunning Stone Manor as the backdrop for their December  Malibu wedding, we were extremely excited to take these inspirations and create a magical evening for her!  This property had picturesque cobblestone paths, overgrown ivy walls, an umbrella of trees and a stunning Malibu view overlooking the pacific ocean.  We played with these marvelous features and added a few finishing touches to enhance the natural beauty of this location to create an enchanting evening for our lovely couple Andrea & Jeff’s Malibu Wedding.

 

 FASHION

Andrea donned a simple yet stunning gown by Alina Valenta of ivory silk that fit her body like a glove and carried a wild bouquet of sterling roses, lambs ear, black calas and orchids while the bridesmaids surrounding our stunning bride were dressed in a gowns in a gorgeous array of purples, lavender and steel grey and carried dusty sage toned bouquets of all greenery.  The slightly gothic  and romantic feeling bouquet was worthy of a dark queen we joked. Her lovely maids wore silk gowns of shades of  plum, mauve and steel blue and carried bouquets of silvery greenery, lush and full of texture.

THE INVITATION

We create a blind embossed letterpress invitation showcasing a lace-like texture as well as Andrea’s favorite plum purple ink. This romantic wedding invitation printed on 100% cotton paper was nestled inside of a plum hued textured envelope with white calligraphy featured on the back flap.

THE CEREMONY

The intimate Malibu wedding ceremony took place in Stone Manor’s outdoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful foliage and a striking view of Malibu’s rolling hills and Pacific Ocean backdrop. We worked with Krista Jon to create a white birch arbor that we accented with a crystal chandelier and sheer draped cheesecloth for a juxtaposition of glam and with an understated organic, garden vibe.

THE RECEPTION

Guests were welcomed into a stunning stone lined room with open beamed rafters from which we hung glass votive candles that glowed over feasting style tablescapes lined w glowing eggplant taper candles in brass candlesticks. Damask silver and sage linens were lined with mossy birch bark boasting sage toned greenery, white lilies and sterling roses along with heart shaped ivy for a romantic, overgrown garden feel.

For a stunning sweetheart table Krista Jon created a stunning floral installation inside of a ironed framed table flowing with a gorgeous array of greenery, vines, black baby calas and more of the brides favorite sterling roses.

Guets dined on a delectable menu by Whoa Nelly catering including arugula salad with persimmon and crushed hazelnuts,  braised shirt rib and roasted winter squashes and sweet potato mash while they sipped on rich red wines to warm their hearts and bellies.

 

THE DESSERT BAR

For this chilly December wedding we wanted to create a cozy and fairytale worthy dessert bar nestled into the tree lined garden. We hung various mirrors and frames behind a grey velvet covered table covered with delectable sweets & treats by Whoa Nelly and Sweet & Saucy shop. Treats such as pomegranate panna cotta, salted caramel puddings with crème fraiche whip, brownie bites & chocolate peppermint cupcakes were offered above risers boating mossy arrangements, wild greenery and loose blooms. To keep guest cozy as they nibbled on these sweet bites in our heated outdoor lounge, we also offered a hot cocoa bar with homemade flavored marshmallows, caramel nibs, candy cane stir sticks and various liquors to spike them with.

With a revived sugar buzz guests continued to dance into the night and join the bride as she shook her newly wed booty to her favorite Taylor Swift songs with her hubby and friends and family in tow.

photography: Jill Thomas
venue: Stone Manor
event design, planning & invitation: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
floral design: Krista Jon
rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals
wedding dress: Alvina Valenta from The White Flower
bridesmaid dresses: Swoon
hair + makeup: Bekah and Nina with Brides by Brittany
catering: Whoa Nelly
cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop

Read More »

Country Style BBQ Rehearsal Dinner by Alchemy Fine Events

Americana Country Style BBQ Rehearsal Dinner

Whether having a destination wedding or a local wedding, creating a fun and relaxed rehearsal dinner to welcome your guests and kick off the festivities is a great way to set the tone.  For Melissa & Scott’s La Quinta Resort wedding we featured here we created a down home country style bbq rehearsal dinner complete with checkered table clothes, sunflowers and of course some sweet cherry pie to get the weekend started right.

For this summer time rehearsal dinner we created a country Americana style BBQ complete with bandana & checkered linens, pulled pork sliders, BLT’s and corn on the cob for a truly down home, casual celebration before the big day.

To create this look we combined a ton of bright sunflowers in galvanized buckets and watering cans accented with bandanas and tossed around salted peanuts to give the guests a colorful yet fun and relaxed vibe. We worked with the chef’s at La Quinta resort to create a fun country menu including pulled pork, french fries with dips, corn on the cob, grilled cheese and other fun small bites which were easy to grab and mingle at the same time.

Guest’s were welcomed to cool off from the desert heat with pink strawberry lemonade we served in mason jars as well as buckets of icey cold coca-colas in vintage glass bottles.

For a super down home country style dessert bar we offered guests an array of mini-pies in apple, blueberry, cherry and blackberry along side big fresh slices of watermelon and fresh strawberries.

Mix in some country tunes and bales of hay for a perfectly fun and casual way to welcome your guests to your wedding weekend!

Event Design, Flowers & Planning by Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations

Photography by Justin Lee

Venue & Catering  La Quinta Resort

Linens by La Tavola

Read More »