Behind the Scenes – Colorful, Tropical Wedding Inspiration in Destination I Do Magazine Part I

I am so excited to finally share my Grand Cayman project with you!   This collaboration started  one quiet winter afternoon in January 2010.  I worked from home one afternoon after the Holidays and let my mind wander for a day; thinking on several ideas I hadn’t let my mind visit during the bustle of high wedding season.  Daydreaming about Engage 10 in Grand Cayman coming that June led to thoughts of assembling some friends there to vision a purely inspirational shoot.  What could be better than the white sands and cerulean blue waters of Grand Cayman and when else would SO many talented members of the wedding industry be assembled in one place?   Lindsey from Joyologie and I chatted soon after my thinking day and the ideas evolved quickly.

I’m known for my Big Bloom paintings and while I continuously strive to step outside my petaled comfort zone this shoot was to be all about the Big Bloom.  Everything from the saturated blood orange-esque color palette to lush floral designs were inspired by a classic Momental big Bloom painting.  Lindsey sketched an innovative v-shaped tablescape focused on nothing other than the famed 7 Mile Beach.  All seats faced ocean….love.  Danielle from the Caribbean Club was our gracious host for the day, not only keeping us hydrated and fed but giving us intermittent and glorious shelter from the heat in one of their wow beachfront villas!

Early on I sketched a swag of blooms grazing the sand on either table end.  Joanne Brown and her team from Celebrations, famous for their work in Grand Cayman, ensured every detail came together and installation was flawless. Joanne suggested a palette of blooms where contrast and saturation were paramount.  The bold coral roses against the burgundy peonies were definitely my fav.

The flower palette included Burgundy peonies, Orange Lilies,  Coral Roses, Red Roses, Hypericum Berries, Orange Dahlias and Fuchsia Cockscomb.  Check out our custom garter from The Garter Girl!

Mentioned in the magazine but not pictured were these: I asked Caroline from Paloma’s Nest to send along round charms which she allowed me to watercolor in shades of sand and gold.  Each was handwritten and nestled in the sand for a simple seating card display!

Our sorbet bar looked irresistible in the 110 degree heat!   Texture was key to the look with the grass hut canopy and dangling Paloma’s Nest charms all lending a breezy and quirky island feel.

Check back tomorrow for more on the stationery and the dress from Alisa Benay!  Thanks to Donna Von Bruening for the stunning photography!