Kai Kai Farms Vow Renwal Inspiration
Pulling up to the sweetest farm and unloading buckets of flowers and branches into a breezy screened in pavilion is not the worst way to spend a Saturday. It is an uncharacteristically cool Florida afternoon, with no sign of storm clouds. For the next couple of hours we are able to design on a seculded farm not too far from home.
Can I describe my perfect day to you? It goes a little something like this: Exiting the highway and entering a long stretch of road flanked on either side by farm land that seems to go on for eternity. Pulling up to the sweetest farm and unloading buckets of flowers and branches into a breezy screened in pavilion. It is an uncharacteristically cool Florida afternoon, with no sign of storm clouds, and music is being excitedly played through various speakers. For the next couple of hours I'm installing branches and vines overhead, putting the final touches on a poppy-filled centerpiece, creating boutonnières with accents of broccoli flower, and filling vintage ceramic bud vases with textural bits such as astilbe and astrantia. The day is topped off with a little photo shoot and a delicious meal is served up as part of an on-going Farm Suppers series. Flowers, open air, a cool Florida afternoon, a gourmet meal, wine, and a full day shared with close friends. Yep, I'd say that perfectly describes a perfect day.
See more from this day featured on Ruffled.
Photography | Jessica Bordner Photography
Floral Design | Port + Palm Co.
Planning | Desiree Dawn Events
Venue | Kai Kai Farm
Tent, Chairs, Lighting | Sperry Tents
Linens, Glassware | Classic Party Rentals
Vintage Rentals | Port + Palm Co.
Music | Keith Michaud
Coral Cove Inspiration Shoot
There's something so sentimental and classic about a beach wedding, and this shoot was no exception. We wanted the florals to be loose and romantic while still speaking to the natural beauty of the ocean and it's surroundings. Every creative involved truly embraced the vision and brought so many beautiful moments to the day.
True collaboration can be hard to come by. To me, collaboration is finding a group of people who challenge and influence you, working together to find a vision everyone can stand behind, and then letting that talented collective do what they do best. Of course there are the hiccups, the unexpected rain storms, the near meltdowns, and the sore muscles. But when you find a group of people who can look at you sweaty and near tears, jump right in and offer a hand, and even a hug, you walk away feeling so fulfilled and grateful.
For me, this Coral Cove inspiration shoot is a perfect example of how wonderfully a collaboration can work. I was first connected with Teresa of Jose and Teresa Photography through a few of my fellow Social House members. She was looking to rebrand her website and was hoping to pull together a collection of photos that spoke to her own style.
I love how every detail came together. The florals were loose and romantic while still complimenting the natural beauty of the beach. The table top accents reminded me of my favorite parts of the beach - whispy pink clouds, fragmented bits of sea glass, and found treasures. My favorite floral detail has to be the clay-looking eucalyptus pods used in the arbor's design. They offered the perfect amount of natural contrast against the more romantic blooms used throughout the bouquet and centerpiece.
Beach weddings don't need to be full of starfish and sea shells. I love how we as a group were able to showcase a fresh and romantic approach to a beach wedding that allowed the natural beauty of the beach to act as a soft and complimentary backdrop.
Photography | Jose and Teresa Photography
Floral Design | Port + Palm Co.
Rentals | Coco Prop Shop
Planning | The Golden Pineapple Event Co.
Stationery | Every Little Letter
Bridal Gown | Wildeflower Boutique
Models | The Hip Suburban
Cake | Cloud 9 Bakery
Hair + Makeup | Beauty by VM
Jennifer + Beau | Flagler Museum Wedding
We absolutely adored working with Jennifer and Beau. They were a couple with incredible taste - I mean hello, they selected The Flagler Museum as their wedding venue - and they were both filled with so much love for each other as well as their family and friends. Here are just a few of the moments we loved from their big day!
This week we received a few sweet things in our email and mailbox. One was a gallery full of breathtaking images, the other was a sweet handwritten card from our couple which includes the magical line: "When I opened your gift, I actually said you were my spirit sister- cocktails and candy? LOVED IT!"
We absolutely adored working with Jennifer and Beau. They were a couple with incredible taste - I mean hello, they selected The Flagler Museum as their wedding venue - and they were both filled with so much love for each other as well as their family and friends.
Jennifer and Beau wanted to create an evening that left their guests feeling cared for and free to move about the night, all while enjoying a delicious spread of food, bumpin' live music, and the gorgeous Palm Beach waterside views that surround The Flagler Museum.
I will remember these two for years to come and will always look back fondly on our time together. They challenged me, they welcomed me into their planning process and their love story, and left Glen and I feeling like such an integral part of their journey and wedding day. I even got to drive Jennifer to her first look! 100 layers of tulle and all in my front seat. No amount of June Florida rain and humidity could damper that moment.
From the couple: "Thank you sweet Jenny for all your help in planning and the beautiful florals. If anything went wrong on Saturday, we had no clue. You were always there when we needed something and I'm going to miss our emails! The flowers and garlands looked and smelled amazing. So again, thank you for everything before and on our wedding day. Finding you and Port + Palm Co. was pure luck but we were the lucky ones. We hope you remember us and our wedding as fondly as we'll remember you!"
Thank you for trusting us and being such a gracious duo. I can't wait to visit Boston someday soon, share a cocktail and stories of marriage. Cheers you two!
Floral Design + Coordination | Port + Palm Co.
Photography | Shea Christine Photography
Venue | Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Ceremony | Royal Poinciana Chapel
Cake Artist | Earth and Sugar
Catering | Chez Gourmet
Hair + Makeup | Kiss This
Rentals | Atlas Party Rental
Transportation | Molly's Trolleys
Videography | Illuminate Productions
Band | Bay Kings Band
Karina + Seth | Social House Wedding
Bold. Vibrant. Imaginative. Head-over-heeels in love. Those are just a few words I would use to describe Karina and Seth. We had the best time collaborating with such an adventurous couple and bouncing ideas off such creative souls. They also just happen to be the reason we had our Copper Arch built!
Bold. Vibrant. Imaginative. Head-over-heeels in love. Those are just a few words I would use to describe Karina and Seth. We had the best time collaborating with this adventurous couple and bouncing ideas off such creative souls. They also just happen to be the reason we had our Copper Arch built!
I love a couple with a unique vision. Karina and Seth were looking to host an intimiate and vibrant Mexican inspired wedding with touches of modern design and an ode to Florida's tropical flora. We pulled in bright pinks through peonies, garden roses, and sprigs of sweet pea found in her bouquet and statement flower crown, while a modern geometric copper arch was draped with monstera leaves and trailing greenery. Touches of Mexico were brought in through Otomi patterned table runners and pillows while a classic Mexican blanket draped one of the reception's lounge groupings.
We lucked out when Karina and Seth became a part of the Port + Palm Co. family. Cheers you two!
Photography | Lauren Louise Photography
Floral Design | Port + Palm Co.
Event Rentals | Port + Palm Co.
Venue | Social House
Hair and Makeup Artist | Team Beauti
Meaghan + Joe | Classic Palm Beach with a Modern Twist
When I first met with Meaghan, I knew we were going to be fast friends and that we were about to plan one beautiful and elegant wedding. There was an easiness about her and something so inherently elegant. She expressed a love for classic Florida style, simple palms, and wanted to keep the overall design of her wedding modern while still pulling influence from the natural surroundings of her venue. We worked together to bring her vision to life, and I couldn't be more excited to share Meaghan and Joe's wedding day!
When I first met with Meaghan, I knew we were going to be fast friends and that we were about to plan one beautiful and elegant wedding. There was an easiness about her and something so inherently elegant. She expressed a love for classic Florida style, simple palms, and wanted to keep the overall design of her wedding modern while still pulling influence from the natural surroundings of her venue. We worked together to bring her vision to life, and I couldn't be more excited to share Meaghan and Joe's wedding day!
The sweetest words from the bride (which make me weep on a regular basis): "Where do I begin? Jenny and Glen are amazing. When Jenny was first recommended to us, my photographer spoke so highly of her. I was a little lost at the time and knew we needed someone to assist with our wedding. We were previously recommended another wedding coordinator but their style was not what I was looking for. I was looking for a hybrid. In marketing you call this person a strategist, in event planning a stylist."
We used potted plants to define their ceremony location. The ceremony took place at the end of a dock with a naturally beautiful view while the plants added that extra bit of lush greenery.
"The moment I met Jenny I knew she was ‘the one,’ no pun intended. The first time we met, we didn’t talk too much about the wedding but I instantly felt a connection. She understood me and we had so many things in common! And that’s important, when you are planning a wedding.
Fast forward to planning. Jenny was not only my event and floral designer but last minute we made a few adjustments and Port + Palm Co. provided a few specialty rental items.
When Joe and I first started planning we decided the vision we were aiming for was elegant Floridian with a modern twist. We had a lot of family coming in from out of town and wanted to create an atmosphere where our guests would be able to experience Florida in one night. Thanks to Jenny, her awesome husband Glen and the Port + Palm crew the vision came to life effortlessly with minimum direction or feedback from us."
"Jenny also assisted with finding us a band, which we still get compliments on, as well as a lighting and draping company, that helped set the ambiance for the night. If something came up during the setup, ceremony, or reception, (and I’m sure something happened because there was a public concert happening across from the ceremony location), we didn’t know about it. Jenny is so relaxed, so even-tempered, so warm she just exudes confidence. Making it so easy to trust her, allowing us to enjoy the night. I can honestly say I don’t think our wedding would have been as beautiful were it not for Port + Palm Co.
Fast forward to now. I miss our emails and have experienced some withdrawals but that expected when you connect so well with your hybrid stylist extraordinaire, right?"
We couldn't have asked for a more trusting couple. Glen and I are both so thankful, and will remember their wedding day for years to come.
Photography | Chelsea Erwin Photography
Floral Design, Coordination + Vintage Rentals | Port + Palm Co.
Lighting + Drapery | Celebrations by Kathy
Music | SOSOS
Catering | Cafe Chardonnay
Rentals | Panache
Makeup | Cathy Canavan
Hair | Allison Dunleavy
Venue | Lake Pavilion, West Palm
Anika + Brad | Swank Farms
When we first met, Anika had just said "yes!". California's wine country was tossed around as a destination for friends and family, but Anika and Brad ultimately ended up falling for Swank Farms right here in South Florida. Planning Anika and Brad's wedding was a true labor of love. We would meet over donuts, chat about all the pretty details and by the end of it all, they had a magical night with their closest friends and family - along with a few cows and pigs.
Anika and I first met via instagram, like all good friendships of mine start these days. She runs her own food blog, Miles and Mimosas (how cute!) and we had made a date to meet business owner-to-business owner when she unexpectedly became engaged! We grabbed a bite to eat at Max's Harvest, chatted about food, life, and by the end of the evening we were talking about all the possibilities for her wedding. California's wine country was tossed around as a destination for friends and family, but Anika and Brad ultimately ended up falling for Swank Farms right here in South Florida. Planning Anika and Brad's wedding was a true labor of love. We would meet over donuts, chat about all the pretty details and by the end of it all, they had a magical night with their closest friends and family - along with a few cows and pigs.
Anika and Brad exchanged vows under a chuppah made of foraged branches her mom had gathered. Friends and family huddled for an intimate ceremony and enjoyed craft cocktails served from vintage glassware followed by an intimate and delicious family-style dinner.
The night ended with a massive dance party, where sweaty button downs and smiles were stuck on each guest. As my team and I sat on the sidelines watching the night come to a close, you could just feel the love. Everyone was there to celebrate these two incredibly giving and in love people. Thank you Anika and Brad for your trust and hospitality throughout the entire planning and design process. You two couldn't be a more perfect pair.
Planning + Design | Port + Palm Co.
Photography | Big Day Photography
Floral Design | Julia Rhode Designs
Catering | Max's Harvest
Vintage Rentals | Port + Palm Co.
Rentals | Simple Rustic
Venue | Swank Specialty Produce
ALSO FEATURED ON
An Interior Designer's Must-Have Registry Items | Registry
A snapshot of my life a little under 5 years ago: I'm a sophomore in college shoving Nutella covered microwave popcorn in my mouth watching another episode of Barefoot Contessa and vocally disagreeing with her use of capers. It is almost midnight and my roommate, an interior design major, is cutting tiny pieces of paper into various shapes and placing them in a floor plan. She's creating tiny model homes on our dorm room floor, I'm convincing myself I'd be a great Food Network host. Flash forward to this past year, I am engaged trying to start a registry, if not for the pure joy of being handed a scanner gun, but also because it is the easiest way to let your family and friends know exactly what you want and/or need for your next chapter in life. Registries can be daunting, with so many online options and products available, where does one begin? Thank my lucky stars I had my former roommate turned interior designer, Danielle Chase, by my side to fill me in on her must-have registry items so I could create my designer-worthy home.
1. Riedel Wine Glasses ($30-80): Danielle encourages her clients to purchase their everyday wine glasses from IKEA once a year. However, “Riedel is simply the best and it would be a shame not to include these glasses in your registry.” (Photo via@riedelusa)
Interior Designer Tip: Register for at least eight of any glassware. You will want your china and flatware count to match your wine glass count.
2. Luna Marble Bath Decor Set ($35-100): Marble everything FTW. This set is one of Danielle’s a personal favorites: “These bath accessories add the final touch to your at-home spa.”
3. Jaipur/Surya Rugs and Pillows ($40-1,000): These two brands keep up with the trends and are extremely popular in the design world. They are on the more affordable end when it comes to rugs, which is great because rugs can easily become the most expensive piece in a room.
Interior Designer Tip: “A rug holds a lot of power in a design,” Danielle points out, “It is grounding and can add color, pattern and texture to a space.” Ideally, all of the furniture in the room will fit the rug, and not hang over the edges. Add coordinating pillows or poufs to really make the room look seamless.
4. Simply Framed Frames ($75-300): Custom framing can become pricey, so why not enlist a little help from your friends and family? After the big day, you will have more photos than you’ll know what to do with. Having frames on standby will help you get those moments displayed on your walls in no time. (Photo via Simply Framed)
Interior Designer Tip: Order matching frames of different sizes, and BOOM! Your gallery wall is complete.
5. Waterford – Lismore Crystal Collection ($100 – $500): Crystal is like a rite of passage when it comes to weddings, and you cannot beat Waterford. Whether you decide to go the classic route or for something a bit more colorful like these marquis goblets ($50), these pieces will last a lifetime. (Photo via Sylive Gil)
Interior Designer Tip: Do you have glass doors in your kitchen cabinets or china cabinet? Danielle is adamant that, “This is where your Waterford collection should be displayed!”
6. Yves Delorme Bed Linens ($40-$900) This brand offers a fabulous collection of super soft bed and bath linens. You’re married now, so it’s time to nix the sheets you’ve had since college and indulge in these luxurious linens.
7. Nine Space – Throws ($56-144): The Lydia throws by Nine Space are made of bamboo, so they are super soft and environmentally friendly. They’ll be the perfect thing to snuggle up with on your next movie night. (Photo via @shopninespace)
Interior Designer Tip: Throws are great in any room of the house. They add comfort and color to a sofa, bench, chair or bed. Danielle promises you can never have too many.
8. Jonathan Adler Malibu Chair ($1695): This chair is style forward and just the right size for you and your partner to cuddle on.
9. Vietri Flatware ($45-90): Everyone needs a good set of flatware. It’s a registry staple, and for good reason.
Interior Designer Tip: The Aladdin flatware collection is stunning and comes in various colors, complementing any style of China.
10. Hurom Slow Juicer ($300): Hurom makes a powerful juicer that comes with a great warranty. Its slow mastication also allows for the least amount of nutrient loss. “I’m a huge proponent of juicing. It keeps me alert and healthy even during the most hectic days and late nights,” says Danielle.
Now that you know what you need, you must know where to register! Danielle adores the variety of registry items found on Zola.com. They have unique designer pieces and classic staples and allow couples to add items from any other website. Couples can create a completely custom registry experience. Other interior-designer-approved registries include Blueprint Registry and Bloomingdales, and even Target has brought on some pretty stellar designers and stylists (here’s looking at you, Emily Henderson) to build their home collections.
See this and more of my wedding planning tips on Brit + Co!
Juicing for the Wedding Tips from Alchemy Juice Co. | Health
I LOVE juicing, but often wonder if I'm doing it the right way. I wanted to get to the bottom of the juice trend and get an expert’s advice on the best way to go about it, so I sat down with Jen from Alchemy Juice Co. in West Palm Beach, FL. For all you brides-to-be looking for the best hair, skin and hangover cures, these expert tips are for you.
VEGETABLE-BASED VS FRUIT-BASED
We first asked Jen why a bride might consider juicing before a wedding, and she told us, “We reset our phones, computers and other devices regularly, but our bodies are the most important machines we can control. Often we forget that they need a reset as well.” In Jen’s opinion, “Both fruits and vegetables contain tons of vital phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. A thoughtful combination that features a two-to-one ratio of vegetables to fruit can both cleanse and rebuild your system, while also tasting delicious without too much sugar.”
Jen tells us that juicing can even keep your immune system strong, pointing out that anything green will do the trick. She also let us in on a little secret. “I am also a huge ginger advocate. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial.”
JUICING FOR CLEAR SKIN
According to Jen, clear skin has everything to do with diet. “Eliminating processed foods and including more whole foods and juices is integral to achieving that youthful glow,” Jen explains. “Our ‘heal juice’ is full of skin superfoods with spinach, parsley and green apple. You can never go wrong with ‘detoxify,’ which contains kale, spinach, cucumber, parsley, lemon and ginger. These all promote radiant skin.” Jen offered a bonus skin tip: “Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and remember that there are no overnight fixes. Start implementing these superfoods into your diet now to reap the rewards on the big day!”
TIPS FOR GETTING SHINY HAIR WITH JUICING
Jen’s got extra tips for brides who are dreaming of shiny, glossy hair. “Dark leafy vegetables contain vitamins A and C and help your body produce sebum, which acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. Carrots also contain vitamin A for a healthy scalp. Cucumber has silica, a mineral that promotes hair growth and nourishes roots. You can also add a beet. Red vegetables promote hair growth with phytochemicals and antioxidants like lycopene.”
THE JUICE ALL BRIDES SHOULD HAVE THE MORNING AFTER
Hangovers are not just a product of too much bubbly. “They happen mainly because of the toxicity of the alcohol and dehydration. By addressing these two issues, you can easily banish the symptoms. Drink a fruit juice that is high in fructose (fruit sugar) before going to bed. Fructose can help metabolize the alcoholic chemicals… remember to sip it before bed, and of course, hydrate! Tons of water!”
HOW TO GET YOUR FIANCÉ ON THE JUICE TRAIN
Jen acknowledged that getting others interested in juicing can be a common struggle. She tells us, “I think consistency is the key. Make one juice and share it. Their taste buds will change and they will begin craving the goodness of the juices. I can’t say I’ve noticed a ‘gateway juice,’ but green juices are all the rage. Beet seems to be tough for some people. I think you should start with things you know you like, and branch out from there. I’m a firm believer in moderation.”
BEAT THOSE HONEYMOON TRAVEL BUGS
We asked Jen to share her tips for beating any honeymoon travel bugs, and she told us, “Anything with ginger and turmeric! Both ingredients are full of anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Try them with carrot or citrus to boost vitamin C intake too.”
THE BEST JUICIER TO PUT ON A REGISTRY
It turns out the Le Creuset of the juicing world might just be the Omega VRT ($330). “That’s what I use at home and I love it! It’s easy to use and clean, and it’s as close to a true cold press as you can get. It runs about $400, which isn’t cheap, but if you plan on juicing every week, it pays for itself in no time. Glowing skin, gorgeous hair and overall well-being will be yours!”
RECIPE: JUICE FOR LONG HAIR
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1 cucumber
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 handful kale
- 1 beet
Directions: Wash all ingredients, and then feed into a juicer. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!
RECIPE: JUICE FOR SHINY HAIR
- 4-5 Swiss chard leaves
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1 sweet potato, peeled
- 2 carrots
- 10 strawberries, tops removed
Directions: Wash and prep ingredients, then feed into a juicer. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!
Will you try juicing for the wedding?
(Photos via Babble, Simply Kaylyn and Linda Wagner)
See this blog and more of my wedding tips on Brit + Co.