Renting Vintage Decor

Renting Decor is a great way to keep costs down and to stay green. By reusing materials and vintage pieces, you can create the ambience you are looking for while staying true to your values.

Gorgeous and Green recently provided the floral decor for a wedding in Moss Beach, CA. The color scheme was navy blue and yellow, with whites. The theme was a rustic vintage. So, you guessed it, I used rented and vintage containers.

We chose to use a lot of rentals to help provide the vintage feeling the bride was looking for, and a good amount of twine! I have these adorable vintage silver champagne cups that I used to showcase a kale bloom or a succulent rosette. I threw in little bits of chamomile tied with twine and plenty of vines. The look was soft and timeless.

The Bride arrived to the ceremony location in a vintage car and her hair was done up with a lovely feather fascinator. Everything looked clean and the vintage touches added the right effect to the day.

Photo by Coco of Martinography.com

Even the flower girl had a vintage flair...

Photo by Coco of Martinography.com

And Finally, the bride's bouquet. I used locally grown/non-sprayed dahias, local roses and locally grown garden roses. Beautiful.

Photo by Coco of Martinography.com

All the details, including the vintage and rented containers helped create a beautiful day.

G&G

Decorating with Jars

On a budget? Looking for something vintage-inspired or just simple? Want to avoid buying stuff for your decorations that you'll never use again?

Many couples are choosing to use canning or mason jars for their decorations. They might choose them because they are vintage looking, rustic, affordable or reusable. Not only are cute but they are recyclable and not made of plastic.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to decorate with flowers, finding affordable containers is a great way to keep costs down. Here are some pics from a wedding Gorgeous and Green did just last weekend for a couple who got married at a lovely antique store named the Rose and Thorn, in Sebastopol, CA.





I used all locally grown flowers, most of which were un-sprayed or organic. I also used biodegradable ribbon and leaves to decorate the outside of many of the jars. Some were newly bought canning jars, and others we had collected in preparation for the event.


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City Hall Wedding

As I've stated before, sometimes the easiest way to go green is to stay simple. And simple can be cute too. Gorgeous and Green recently provided the flowers for a couple who got married at City Hall in San Francisco, and the result was so darn cute, I had to share the pics and video provided by Reuben Rodriguez and Vanae Tran. Take a look:

The boutonniere was a simple binding of locally grown yellow button mums, camelia leaves and navy blue grosgrain ribbon.

The bouquet was a hand gathered bouquet of locally grown and non-sprayed white dahlias and yellow button mums tied with yellow cotton ribbon. The Hair piece was also a wired piece of locally grown yellow button mums and camelia leaves.

Click here to see their super darling wedding video. Or just watch here:

It's so simple yet so cute. I avoid floral foam and try not to wire or tape very much if possible. The ribbon is also cotton, so this makes for a biodegradable bouquet!


Thanks Mily and Peter for sharing your day with us!

G&G

Simplify and Stay Green

Finding green solutions to your planning and event needs can be overwhelming at times. One tip: don't over-plan. All the little extras can actually add up to bigger carbon footprint and extra waste, plastic, etc. Figuring out how to stay simple and not over-plan can actually reduce your stress too. Staying simple can help you go green and keep you happy!

I have not had one yet, but I look forward to the day when I have an event where we use just 1 type of flower. Not only would it help keep the planning costs down, we'd be able to source a local flower that might even be organic. We could support a local grower and get all the flowers from them.

Take the daisy for example. This is such a simple flower but still so bright and cheery, some would even say romantic. I recently delivered a lovely all-shasta daisy bouquet for a Gorgeous and Green client and it was very simple and cheerful. Take a look:



Lovely and simple.

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Simply Green Wedding Decor

One of the best ways to stay green is to stay simple. Again, being green can be beneficial to your budget and the planet. How great is that?

All photos by Terry McCarthy
tmcphotography.com

This is yet another story of a lovely green and sustainable wedding event that took place in Oakland at a nice local Public Parks lodge. Gorgeous and Green provided the flower designs for the event, and the flowers were all locally grown. Some were local organic flowers, which can cost a little extra, but to keep the budget down we used fewer blooms. We also used some vintage milk and green glass vases that I rented to the couple for the event. Here are lovely dinnerplate dahlias in a rented vintage vase which = lovely understated elegance.




The Bride and Groom had a traditional Chuppah at their ceremony, which I dressed up minimally with twigs and blooms.



There were many flower girls, so each got one gerbera daisy to hold, which looked sweet and kept costs to a minimum.



The Bride looked stunning, and her bouquet of locally grown garden roses and bells of ireland matched her nicely. We even used some leftover sage ribbons I had from a previous event, that added to her bouquet.


Thanks Terry McCarthy and Elisheva for sharing your photos!


G&G

More Vintage Wedding Dresses...

Going Vintage for your wedding dress is an awesome idea, because it not only reduces waste and the need to manufacture new materials, but it also might save you some money and boost your wedding style.

I recently came across a cute vintage boutique in Los Angeles called Tavin.  They offer vintage clothes and vintage wedding dresses among other vintage and new items.  If you're in the LA area, you can check out their cute shop on your own, but if you're not, you can visit their etsy store: tavin Shop.  Check out these pictures that showcase some of the beautiful items they offer:

 All Photos by Leigha Hodnet

  

  

If you're interested in their items, mention this blog and recieve a 10% discount on your Bridal Collection purchase.  Need I mention that all of their wedding dresses are priced under $1,000?

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Green Wedding Venues

One of the first decisions (and some would argue the most important decision) most couples make when planning their wedding, is deciding where it's going to happen.  The venue...  

For the green couple, finding a venue that will represent their value systems and green choices is important.  But, not all venues talk green and not all actually walk the green talk.  This brings us to Wilbur Hot Springs.  Yes, it's a local and sustainable event Venue. If you're a Bay Area local, you may already be familiar, and if not, it's definitely worth checking out, multiple times, I might add.  (photography above by Gia Canali)

I recently discovered that this place, one of my favorite hot spring destinations, also acts as a venue for weddings.  And so, two worlds come together and I can't imagine a more beautiful and tranquil destination for a sustainable and nature-inspired wedding. I've asked the event coordinator/officiant at Wilbur to share some insight into their venue and some pictures, so that you can imagine the peace and tranquility while reading this post.

Photographer: Meg Solaegui

1. How is Wilbur a sustainable wedding/event venue?
Wilbur is 100% off the grid, powered entirely by solar panels and propane. Renovations and improvements are performed using eco-conscious building materials and practices. The solar panel array was installed in the early 1990s. Up to that time, the Wilbur hotel had been lit with kerosene lamps. The transition to solar-powered lighting was completed in 1991.

The refrigerators are all electric and are specifically designed to run on solar power. They are more efficient and use approximately one-third the power of consumer refrigerators The stoves in the kitchen, and the fireplaces, which heat the hotel in winter, are powered by propane. Wilbur uses compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow toilets. And the cleaning products we use are all eco-friendly.

Wilbur’s hot springs flumes are non-impact. In other words, the water is simply diverted from the geothermal source, held temporarily in the flumes and then returned to the creek. No chemicals are added to the flumes,and as a result no chemicals are being added to the water table.

The hotel and hot springs are located on approximately 240 acres. In 1999, the surrounding 1560 acres were purchased and designated as a nature preserve. In 2006, Wilbur began working with range ecologist Craig Thomsen from UC Davis to restore native plants to the area, and combat invasive species. Thomsen’s work continues currently, with Wilbur participating in raising grant money, and providing lodging in trade to guests who work with Craig.

Photographer: Meg Solaegui

2. What can Wilbur offer that other venues can't? (hot springs and natural elements, obviously, but I'd love your take on it)
We offer seclusion and privacy. It's incredibly quiet here, not including the bird songs, the running creek and the breeze in the trees. Our mission statement is Sustaining Wilbur Hot Springs Hotel and Preserve as the Perfect Place to Relax. When a group books exclusive use of the hotel, our staff is available to assist, yet not intrude.

Yes, our waters are unique...The waters had been used for healing for centuries by the Native Americans  and soon the European settlers knew of the healing springs. Specific sources along the creek were determined to be beneficial for hair, another for the feet. The unique minerals have a positive effect on muscles, joints and particularly for skin and all over detoxification. 

Photographer: Kurt Foeller

3. How does your role as officiant play a part?

A wedding is supported by the location of the ceremony and reception. Couples often request that I say something about this unique, natural place. I love to speak of the seasons and the animals that live here. How precious to see a hummingbird or deer during the ceremony!

I provide personal, meaningful and heartfelt ceremonies. Traditional or non traditional, I am experienced in creating spiritual, non-religious or secular, yet romantic ceremonies. I have collaborated with many couples of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. I honor all faiths, traditions or simply non-religious. There is no requirement that a couple use my services, I am available if they choose.  http://www.sacred-ceremony.com 

Photographer: Jacqueline Lasahn

4. Most amazing/interesting fact about Wilbur?
1: The hot springs rise up from a deep source at about 128 -140 degrees. Of course, we cool it down before it enters the flumes! 

2: Fresh air - we're up above the pollution. No city lights, an amazingly clear sky. One summer night, a guest pointed to the sky and remarked that there was smoke from a forest fire. When I told him it was the Milky Way, we both laughed! 

Wilbur Hot Springs is a great local venue, or even destination venue for your green-minded wedding or event.  I know it's going to be a destination of mine for years to come.

G&G

Planning Green

For a wedding or large event, there are a lot of little details. And those details can start to get overwhelming, so hiring a professional planner or coordinator can be a stress-reliever, if it's in your budget.  Hiring a green even planner and coordinator is even more important when you're trying to go green.  Not only are they super organized and adept at planning events, but someone who knows green can also help you make your event the most sustainable and eco-friendly it can be. (Photography above by Cathryn Lovecraft)

Photographer: Cathryn Lovecraft

I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know a local green event planner, Karine Brighten, here in the Bay Area.  I've asked her to share a little about green event planning.  Here is what she had to say:

1. Why did you choose green event planning?

I decided to do green event planning because I am very passionate about environmental issues in my personal life as well as in business.  I love educating my clients on how to make their events eco-friendly.  It's great when they realize they can actually save money while feeling great about their eco-conscious choices.

Photographer: Genvieve Shiffrar

2. How is a green event planner different from other event planners?

A green event planner is different than other event planners because we work very closely with other green businesses, we are very conscious about the environmental impacts that events can have, and we make decisions that will reduce our environmental footprint.  

Photographer: Genvieve Shiffrar

3. Besides hiring a green event planner, what do you see to be the most valuable green choice a couple can make in their event planning process?  

The most valuable green choices in my opinion are reducing the amount of paper (using electronic tools instead), having the event close to home, and working with local green businesses.

Not only is Karine green-minded, Karine Brighten Events is also certified Green Business.  Meaning that her own business practices are green like the events she plans.

G&G

Switching to natural candles

Go green with natural candles.

Many candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum based product. Yes, paraffin comes from the same stuff that is currently dumping in the gulf of Mexico, Crude Oil. The USDA and EPA connect burning paraffin candles to carcinogens and increased risk of cancer, birth defects and asthma. Not only is it not healthy for the environment, it's not healthy for humans.

For your wedding and beyond, make the switch to natural and non-toxic candles. There are many products out there made from plants like soy or palm or even beeswax. Here are some candles made from beeswax from a company called Bluecorn Naturals. These candles come in both scented and unscented varieties.



Let your event designer know you want to use natural candles. I know I will be making the switch to natural and non-toxic votives, tea lights and tapers for all my Gorgeous and Green Events. Even the smallest touches can help the environment and keep our communities healthy.

G&G

Green Photographers for your Green Wedding

There are many ways to go green with your wedding, and choosing green vendors is one of them. I recently connected with Rebecca Wilkowski, a green photographer who is actively involved in green business practices and community.  I asked her to share some pics from a green wedding and some information about green photography with you.

How did you get started as a green photographer?

In 1997 I moved to California from the Midwest, and experienced a bit of culture shock. I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here. I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up. As I started to feel better in my body, I started being more conscientious of how I interacted with the environment around me. When I moved to San Francisco in 2004, I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about 2 years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly. In 2007, I became a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, in 2008 a certified photographer of Greener Photography, and in 2010 a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.

What makes you green?

There's many ways a photographer can lessen her/his footprint, but of the most common include: using rechargeable batteries, recycling, purchasing used equipment, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, partnering with local green vendors, eliminating waste by going paperless (i.e. my portfolio is online, my products samples are viewed as a PDF, I use email to communicate, I upload all my client’s images into online galleries rather than providing proof prints, etc), employing energy saving techniques, purchasing carbon offsets for travel to destination weddings, and investing in green technology.

Hiring a certified green photographer not only helps you plan a wedding you can feel good about, but also has other perks. Online galleries let you view and share your photos when and where it’s most convenient. Hand-crafted and archival albums help ensure your priceless memories are an heirloom to cherish for years to come. And, with the waste-reducing measures your photographer takes, you’ll end up reaping those benefits when she/he passes those savings onto you, keeping your photography from breaking the bank. Best of all, your photographer will be able to work with, and refer you to, other reputable, eco-friendly vendors, helping you to save time in planning your big day.

1) I am a Certified Greener Photographer (Leadership Circle level) and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Greener Photography. Greener Photography is non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the goal of seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of the photography industry by educating consumers, photographers, and manufacturers about the benefits of hiring a certified greener photographer and incorporating greener business practices. Greener Photography aims to be the single most up-to-date and reliable resource for eco-conscious photographers.

2) I am a member of Green America, as well as a member of the Green America Green Business Network. (I am 1 of only 10 photographers in the United States approved to currently have this designation). Open to members of Green America, the Green Business Network is a highly selected group of socially and environmentally conscious business leaders. As a member of Green America’s Green Business Network™, members conduct business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, the community and the environment. They certify and can demonstrate that they strive to operate in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner.

3) My company is an approved member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.
The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to:
• Promoting the success of its members,
• Supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and
• Advocating for a green public policy

4) My company is currently in the process of applying for approval as a Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. The BAGBP distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. Their partnership of environmental agencies and utilities assists, offers incentives, and verifies that participating businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet BAGBP standards are officially recognized as “Bay Area Green Businesses”.

5) Back in 2006, I modified my business practices to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve covered areas such as business practices, technology, office workflow, and client products & services. Simple tips I recommend for any photographer to become more green include: reducing/reusing/recycling, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, employing local vendors and staff, eliminating paper waste (go paperless!), using electronic media (email, FTP, websites, blogs, online galleries), employing energy saving techniques, using public transportation/carpooling, purchasing carbon offsets, and investing in green technology.

My company also offers a stylish line of eco-friendly products, including environmentally-friendly wedding albums, canvas wall prints, and DVD folios made from recycled materials. I make a conscious choice to work with, and purchase products from, other companies who are also Green Businesses or who offer eco-friendly products, whenever possible.

6) I have had the pleasure to work for, as well as photograph, many San Francisco Bay area green businesses and environmental organizations, including the Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco Community Power, Pet Camp, Alonzo Printing, Veritable Vegetable, Lick-Wilmerding High School, Temple Emanu El.

How do you live green in other ways?

I actually went “green” at home first, and after I saw the benefits, I applied what I had learned to my business. In my personal life, I eat organic, in-season, free-range and locally farmed food; purchase eco-friendly clothing and furniture; reuse and recycle; compost food waste; carpool; patronize local small businesses; and try to limit my purchases to only those items I truly need. I also volunteer and donate to environmental non-profit organizations.

What's your greenest advice for the engaged couple planning a green wedding?

Find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. Utilize the expertise of a green wedding and event coordinator. They will not only help you avoid the common pitfalls of wedding planning and save you lots of time, they’ll also be able to refer you to other eco-friendly vendors and provide you with lots of great ideas you might not have thought of. Talking to brides who have planned green weddings is another great way to get referrals. I also highly recommend the following websites: Greenerphotography.org, Greenamericatoday.org, Greenbrideguide.com

G&G

Backyard or Garden Weddings

For a backyard or garden wedding, the natural elements act as a lovely backdrop. The setting can not only be romantic, but also very green. You often need less decor to give the event style and color, and nature is right under your feet, so it's easier to pay attention to the effect your wedding has on it!

For an evening or night wedding reception, you'll probably need lighting, and I found some lovely eco-friendly lighting possibilities. They come from Allsop Home and Garden, a family business that is known for their solar technology and garden art. They have some really cool solar powered hand blown lanterns, both hanging and stakes, that would look great at an outdoor wedding venue.

Check out some of their designs:




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Eco Bridal Jewelry Contest

Just a quick note, my friend Katherine Dalpra at Green Diva jewelry is giving away a $250 shopping spree for eco-conscious bridal jewelry. To enter the contest go here and answer a few quick questions about eco accessories. 2nd place winner gets a copy of The Green Bride Guide by Kate Harrison.

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Vintage Dresses = Green Dresses

These lovely dresses are from a collection of vintage and restyled vintage dresses from Recapture, a couture bridal service that specializes in vintage gowns from Victorian times to the 70's.




These dresses are super cool and so great because they are made from reused fabrics and lace!

I had the pleasure of meeting Robin, the owner, after opening my boutique last month in Berkeley. Her salon is just a few minutes from me and I hope to work with her more in the future, since Vintage is often such a stylish way to go green.


G&G