Backyard Wedding

Here's a recent post from my gorgeousandgreen.wordpress blog that I thought I would share here as well. I hope to share more lovely pics when I get them!

The bride and her father

I haven't gotten the full photos yet from the Photographer, Amy Ellis, but I thought I would just share some sweet pics from a wedding Gorgeous and Green did a couple of weeks ago. Although it was in a backyard, it looked so very nice and quaint, perfect for a celebration.

The centerpieces

The bride and groom had asked for a lot of green and also wanted to include elements like blue thistle and lots of eucalyptus and kangaroo paw to note their heritage. (The groom is from Australia, so the kangaroo paw and eucalyptus or "gum leaves", were a special notation for him)

The happy couple

The bride and groom looked wonderful and they were a joy to work with. Cheers!

G&G

Another Community Center Extravaganza

Last year Gorgeous and Green had the fortune of being able to help decorate a grand affair at the Piedmont Community Center, and the outcome was fantastic. I whole-heartedly reccomend Community Centers for events when a budget is on the line. And when you spend less on the venue you have all the more budget to spend on flowers and decor!

Photography by Amy Ellis

The bride was looking for a vintage inspired decor using a lot of greens and vivid jewel tones. We rented what we could and used as many local flowers as possible.

The bridesmaids wore dresses that were dyed at home, and I was able to get a hold of some of the dyed material to wrap the bouquets and boutonnieres.

Photography by Amy Ellis

Photography by Amy Ellis

The Bride and her Maid of Honor loved succulents and made cute little planted succulent punch glasses as gifts for guests to take home. They went wonderfully with the fern and succulent displays Gorgeous and Green created for some of the table centerpieces.

Photography by Amy Ellis

It turned out very romantic and classy. I love Vintage! Besides the fact that a vintage look is fabulous, it is also a great way to use used and recycled items! Way to be green!

Photography by Amy Ellis

Photography by Amy Ellis

Gorgeous!

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

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

Go Vintage and Go Green

A lot of couples are choosing a vintage look for their wedding decor. From Damask prints to polka dots, 40's Hollywood or 20's Gatsby; what better way to achieve the look than with actual vintage and reused items? Use vintage for the wedding dress, suit, veil, floral containers, etc. With a little bit of research and work you can find the perfect vintage items to go with your scheme and style. And, you'll keep items out of the landfills and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your dependence on newly manufactured items.

Talk with vendors and see if they can help support your mission to reduce and reuse vintage and antique materials. You might be able to find a dress maker who can use recycled fabrics and lace from other dresses.

Dress made with vintage materials, photo courtesy of heartstudios

Vintage dress and style, photo courtesy of Mock Photography

Or, you may find a florist or event designer (like me) who has a collection of vintage glass, decor or containers that you can rent for the event.

Milk and green glass available to rent from Gorgeous and Green

Vintage is very stylish and very green.

G&G

Local Sweet Favors

Why not go local for your wedding favors? Locally made and sold products cuts down on pollution and you'll know that your giving your guests a little bit of love that will benefit your local economic community as well. If you can, try sourcing organic or recycled products if possible, and add to the positive effect of your purchase.

Here in the Bay Area, we have a plethora of local craftspeople, artists, farmers and food artisans. But I'm sure every local community is known for local goods or art, you just have to do your homework.

I have become well acquainted with two Bay Area businesses who create sweet treats that can be used as wedding favors: Marshall's Farm and Coracao Confections. Both produce wonderful products.



Coracao Confections make lovely organic, vegan and raw chocolate confections. They use superfoods like acai, goji and maca and other tasty treats like almonds and coconut.




They have a two piece box that would act as wonderful treats for wedding guests:

Each box contains a superberry cup (antioxidants) and a caramel. Both look and taste delicious.






Marshall's Farm produces (with the help of local bees) natural and raw honey from various areas around the Bay. Not only is it delicious, but it has some natural allergy relief built in for those who live here. Check out their small 2 oz pots of honey that would look great on each guest's place setting:



They have several types of honey collected from local sites around the Bay, so depending on where you live or are having your event, you can get specific honey.

Supporting local businesses and craftspeople is not only sustainable for the environment, but for your community. The more we learn to depend and thrive on what is in our neighborhood, the healthy our communities will become.

G&G