The way that good experiences come into your life is often unexpected. I received a call from an old friend early one morning requesting a meeting regarding a wedding. The event company that he represents was tasked with the process of coordinating a wedding and he wanted to fill me in on the details as Atomic Orchid Creative was their first choice as floral and event decorators. A short brief followed and a meeting was set up to meet the clients.

During the course of a 25 year career as a florist and designer there are moments that are collected that simply stand out from a myriad of incredible experiences. Meeting Stef and Chantelle are one of those.

The energy and dynamism this couple radiate is simply electric!

Our process started off in 5th gear and this high voltage energy was sustained throughout the planning process.

They keys that unlock the door of a successful wedding are:

• listening
• asking questions
• transparency
• organisation 
• team work
• imagination
• hard work
• logic and information assimilation of all the various elements
  

Stef and Chantelle were clear about how they wanted their wedding ceremony to look and feel. They chose the spectacular Red Ivory Lodge situated near the Hartebeespoort Dam and geographically set against a mountainside with incredible panoramic views.

Our task was to create all the visual elements that would accentuate this gorgeous backdrop and amplify the natural and man-made features of the location.

A mood board was created and mock-up table setting was scheduled following the presentation of the visual direction.

We designed 3 different table-top options and the venue layout required both round tables and long banqueting tables to accommodate close to 200 guests.

The reception space itself is framed mostly by glass which guarantees visual splendour by day and by night.

We considered all of these elements and curated a selection of floral, decor and lighting options that brought the look together on the guest tables and the sweetheart table for the bridal couple.

The day of the mock-up table setting went really well. Stef and Chantelle arrived and were immediately drawn to the option that they preferred and proceeded to make their linen, stemware and flatware selection. They both loved the floral choices and styling of the table design that they chose.

Then the countdown began!

We had 6 weeks to bring the process together and work with Blue Banana Events to ensure a seamless execution and process leading up to the wedding day!

This wedding set-up had its own unique logistical considerations and we had to work closely with the event company and technical set-up crew to hand over a sequence of installations on the wedding day.

At 7 am on the morning of the wedding the hanging installation in the open air chapel commenced. We had to wait till the morning of the wedding to install the floating greenery “boxes” as there are monkeys in the area and we could not risk getting the decor in place the day before.

The chapel ceremony was of great spiritual importance to the couple and attention to detail was everywhere you looked. We draped a floral garland around a life-size wooden cross at the end of the aisle.

All the chair backs leading down the aisle had natural flowing fabric and floral detail on them. Our vision of emphasising the natural surrounding bush by creating a green leaf canopy for the couple as they walked down the aisle looked luscious!

Entering the chapel doors created an opportunity to set the tone for the romantic wedding about to unfold and we used this effectively with larger than life compositions flanking either side of the entrance with imported coral peonies that had all the guests gasping.

Following the chapel ceremony guests relaxed around the comfortable Bhoma whilst sipping on botanical gin cocktails and champagne.

The sun started to set and the timing was carefully orchestrated to create maximum visual drama for the venue reveal!

The reception venue could not have looked more beautiful!

Tablescapes of peonies, king proteas, anemones, hyacinths and roses were delicately and eclectically displayed in imported lassi cups, glass and rose gold containers.

We repurposed the florals from the chapel and displayed the mass arrangements at the venue entrance which gave the guests a close up view of the spectacular peonies.

It all came together seamlessly and beautifully.

Each wedding we design is created with the wedding couple in mind and reflects their personal style as a couple.

Stef and Chantelle were fantastic to work with and it was a career highlight to be a beautiful part of their special day.

All images: Jacques, He is visual