Southern Weddings

Welcome back to another spectacular Wanwisa Wednesday!

With Valentine’s Day just under a month away, I’m loving all the lingerie and boudoir inspired goodies out there. Instead of hearts and red satin, however, I looked for inspiration from Ceci New York’s sultry invitation on gray lucite with black and hot pink screen printing. It’s fun, luxurious and a very cool. That said, this week’s palette of hot pink combined with the classic combo of black and white is all about modern sophisticated romance! Have a peak!

Carnations may have a reputation of being the “affordable” old-school bloom, but hot pink cubes arranged in chic all-white vases look fresh and updated {via Instyle Weddings}. Nothing says classic like a Vera Wang – I just love the embellished black satin sash {via New York Weddings}; complete the look with couture heels by Christian Louboutin. Hot pink suede shoes are perfect for bridesmaids or pair them with DVF’s chic dress for rehearsal dinner {shoes by Jimmy Choo and Diane Von Furstenberg dress both available at Net-a-porter.com}. For the bridesmaids, a gorgeous satin number by Dessy via Martha Stewart Weddings. If carnations are not for you, check out Martha Stewart Weddings for other chic fuchsia blooms. Last but not least, nothing says sexy like a Tuxedo Macaron groom’s cake or a deliciously divine Printed Pattern and Appliqué Cake With Pink Buttons both via New York Magazine Weddings.

Until next Wednesday! Xoxo, Wanwisa

Karen Tran of {Karen Tran Florals} introduced herself recently and we instantly knew we had to have her as one of our guest bloggers. Her eye for design is impeccable and her work is drop dead gorgeous. In order to introduce her to y’all, we thought there was no better way then to show off her own beautiful beachside wedding. So, sit back and relax and read up on this designer diva because you will be seeing a lot more of her work as she shares her inspirations and designs on the Southern Weddings Blog…

What was the design inspiration for your wedding? I had a couple of inspirations throughout my Wedding. The main Theme was ‘Indulge in Love’ we sent out gold chocolate boxes with our logo foil stamp on top for our save the date. Our wedding invitation was incased in a large chocolate silk box finished with a crystal brooch and lined with velvet papers. Lush Romantic elegant and classic. I had different vignettes throughout the wedding. Lush White for the ceremony, Elegant Island style for the Cocktail and deep gold and warm tones for the Reception.

For my personal flowers: I have a deep love for Gardenias. I grew up with Gardenia bushes everywhere, planted by my father. I love the sultry fragrance and its elegant shape. For my attendants, I incorporated lady’s slippers in their bouquet (my other favorite flower) the brown spots in these orchids were perfect against their olive-brown dresses. All the personal flowers were hand crafted with unique sequence trimmings and Swarovski crystal brooches. My sisters and Jr. Bridesmaids carried nautilus shells filled with gardenias, roses and a lady slipper orchid. The flower girls carried a floral bag embellished with sweetheart roses and crystal brooches. The ring bearers carried a silk boxes adorned with brown orchids.

Ceremony Site: I have always wanted ‘WHITE’ color for my ceremony. I had visions of strolling down the aisle lined with thick white rose petals with the blue ocean backdrop. So I have elected to use All white flowers. With the exception of the Altar canopy, I used a tint of camel color roses to coordinate with the silk fabric. The canopy was very special to me since it was a collaborative effort between my husband and I. He built it and I decorated it! The hanging chandelier is an antique piece purchased in France. It is now hanging in our bathroom.

Ceremony: The highlight of our ceremony was the 6 piece gospel choir. The sounds electrified the whole lawn of the hotel. They started half an hour before the ceremony, welcoming the guests as they sat down and led us back down the aisle singing ‘Oh happy day’

Aisle runner: My friend and I hand painted a 100 ft runner made out of heavy canvas. It included our favorite scriptures, logo and wedding date.

Check back for Part II of Karen + Russ’s wedding to learn more about Karen and her designs…