Embellishmint - Floral and Event Design Studio

Coronado Speed Festival 2011

2011-11-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

Every September the runway on Coronado's Naval Air Station North Island (NASNA) is transformed into a racetrack for Fleet Week's Coronado Speed Festival. The Speed Festival car races are heldt== to honor those in military service.

Friday evening, before the all-things-racing weekend, Admiral Myers held a VIP dinner for those involved with the Fleet Week Speed Festival in the backyard of his home on the Navy Base.

Atop the black and white checkered table cloths were floral arrangements assembled to create a 1950's soda fountain theme. The bouquets were made of white carnations to resemble a frothy vanilla milkshake, and a red button mum was added to the top to recreate the finishing touch to any ice cream dish, the cherry.

Swett & Crawford event aboard the USS Midway

2011-11-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

Insurance company Swett and Crawford held an event aboard the USS Midway with patriotic center pieces to complement the setting.

Requesting floral arrangements steeped in the colors of the American Flag, we combined Casablanca lilies; white and blue hydrangeas; red carnations; white roses, blue delphinium; and some sage for a touch of green.

After the event was finished, the center pieces were donated to the Balboa Naval Hospital to brighten up patients' rooms.

Below is the floral version of Old Glory, which was used as a decorative accent at the registration table.

Featured Venues: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

2011-07-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

"Set the mood for your wedding- large or small, intimate or open, quiet or festive- in our flexible series of elegant spaces. Wedding facilities at The Lodge total over 13,000 square feet. Exchange vows in beautiful Arroyo Terrace, where the sounds of nature, fresh ocean breezes and untouched serenity are truly unmatched. Plan your big day with us at the Lodge, the preferred choice among San Diego wedding locations."

Utilizing the California Craftsman style of architecture of the early 1900's, The Lodge at Torrey Pines wonderfully emphasizes it's beautiful surrounding landscape. It is a unique and pristine venue that offers a wealth of design opportunities for our floral.

Exploring the Palette: Sun-Kissed Yellow

2011-07-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

"Yellow adds vitality to other colors, making hot hues seem even more brilliant and bringing cool colors to life. It's therefore a consistent favorite in the home, filling any room with warmth, good cheer, and light. However, a little goes a long way as prolonged expose to bright lemon can provoke too much mental stimulation and create anxiety. In many countries yellow suggests success, prosperity, and power. In Japan, it means grace and nobility, an association that goes back to ancient warriors who wore yellow chrysanthemums into battle as a pledge of courage."

- The Complete Color Harmony

Christina & Diesel

2011-06-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Venue: Omni Hotel San Diego
Photography: Eckman Maus Photography
Coordination: Cachet Wedding Designs

Featured Venues: The Hotel Del Coronado

2011-06-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

"With its iconic red turrets piercing the taut horizontal lines of an azure California skyline, the Hotel del Coronado radiates with a confidence of gracious Victorian splendor that is without equal.

Built in 1888, this classic beachfront respite has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts. A pronouncement underscored by its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Today, The Del offers guests a unique combination of modern luxury touched with the charm and grace of this fairytale castle. Include its stunning beachfront locale and it’s easy to see why The Del has been called “one of the top ten resorts in the world” by USA Today."

Coronado has been home base for Embellishmint for many years and we've had the pleasure of working with the Hotel Del for every event under the sun. It is an iconic landmark and a classic San Diego venue.

Kimberly & Joel

2011-06-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Venue: Hotel Del Coronado
Photography: Joshua Aull Photography
Coordination: Emily Smiley

Chela & Oz

2011-06-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Venue: La Valencia
Photography: Paul Barnett Photography

Exploring the Palette: Hot Rod Red

2011-06-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Hot refers to red in full saturation on the color wheel; this is red at it's strongest. Hot colors project outward and attract attention. No matter what color it is combined with, red can never be ignored. It is the ultimate "power" color - forceful, bold, and extreme. A red room encourages activity and lively conversation, but it is the first color you lose sight of at twilight and is not well seen at a great distance."

-The Complete Color Harmony

Nancy & Jason

2011-06-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Venue: El Cortez
Photography: Trailbrook

Spring Bridal Show at La Jolla Women's Club

2011-06-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Venue: La Jolla Women's Club
Photography: McGuire Photography
Custom Chocolate Favors: SoBelle Favors

Lisa & Kevin

2011-05-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Venue: The Cairo
Photography: Resolusean
Catering: ChileCo

Featured Venues: The Prado

2011-05-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

"The Prado at Balboa Park is a National Historic Landmark which was originally built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. This two year festival was held in Balboa Park to promote San Diego and to celebrate the 1914 opening of the Panama Canal. In 2000, The House of Hospitality reopened after a complete reconstruction and modernization. The 3-year renovation restored the building’s architecture, artwork, sculptures, alcoves, gardens and fountains. Every effort was made to historically renovate the House of Hospitality in keeping with its original Spanish, Moorish and Mexican
architectural design. This is evident in over two dozen, original, hand-painted, wooden stencil designs on doors as well as the intricate hand stenciled ceilings and beams."

As the site of our earliest professional events The Prado at Balboa Park has become one of our most familiar and accommodating venues over the years. It is difficult to find a location that embodies the spirit and history of San Diego more than The Prado.

Photography by:
Vallentyne Photography
Boyd Harris Photography
Luna Photography

Klarissa's Bat Mitzvah

2011-05-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Venue: Paradise Point
Coordination: Dream Event 4 You
Photography: 410 Studio
Entertainment: Classy Event Group
Cupcake Displays: Enticing Tables

Karen & Shawn

2011-05-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

Venue: La Jolla Cove Suites
Photography: Resolusean
Coordination: Kate Capshaw

Mama's Day 2011

2011-05-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

San Diego's must popular culinary and social event is a major source of funding for Mama's Kitchen and Embellishmint is proud to be a sponsor of this amazing event.

Venue: Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine
Photography: Resolusean

Taryn & Steve

2011-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Venue and Coordination: Estate Weddings
Photography: Sargeant Photography
Catering: ChileCo

Cinco de Mayo at Petco Park

2011-05-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Venue: Petco Park
Photography: Embellishmint
Coordination: Stephanie Grace

Cinco de Mayo party filled with pinatas & colorful florals in the hues of tangerine, roasted reds, vibrant golden yellows and tangy lime!! We had a blast designing the belly bars in these fun margarita glasses accented with shot glasses & red hot chile peppers. The guest tables held hats filled with golden yellow sunflowers!!!

Ana & Amir

2011-05-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Venue: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Photographer: The Studios of Joseph Guidi
Coordination: Coronado Weddings

Featured Venues: The Omni San Diego

2011-04-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Our Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 790 guests and features a large pre-function area and an outdoor terrace. The 4,000-square-foot Palm and Sail Outdoor Terrace on the 6th floor offers beautiful views and space to host up to 500 guests and creates a unique open air venue for your wedding reception."

Located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this hotel is ideal for large weddings and events. Beyond the great space and location the venue has to offer, the Omni is perfect for anyone looking to stay connected to the modern, cosmopolitan vibe that only downtown can offer.

3rd Annual Presidential Dining Experience- Opposites Attract

2011-04-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Each year Mama's Kitchen's Board of Directors entertains friends, sponsors and new donors at their Presidential Dining Experience, a fully sponsored formal dining experience to increase awareness and support of their organization.

100% of the proceeds from the Presidential Dining Experience are used to purchase food and containers in support of the mission of Mama's Kitchen.

Venue: Mama's Kitchen
Photography: Resolusean
Furnishings and Linen: Concepts Event Design
Catering: Dining Details
Coordination: Thomas Bui Lifestyle

Floral Handbag Photoshoot

2011-04-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Once in a blue moon we are able to flex our creative muscles and play around with some very fun ideas. This time we teamed up with McGuire Photography and their team to showcase a handful of floral accessories. Thank you ladies!

Solar Turbines Party at Petco Park

2011-04-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Venue: Petco Park
Photography: McGuire Photography
Event Coordination: Stephanie Grace

Padres Kickoff Party

2011-04-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

We teamed up with Kool Party Rental for The San Diego Padres opening day VIP party at the historic Showley Brothers Candy Factory.

Featured Venues: San Diego Natural History Museum

2011-02-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

"Positioned perfectly in the heart of San Diego, the San Diego Natural History Museum is just minutes from downtown in Balboa Park. The Park provides an incomparably lush and creative setting. The facility, a historic building built in the 1930s, is part of Balboa Park's rich cultural history. In 2001, the building was restored, modernized and enhanced, offering a space that is truly unique—modern convenience and elegance meets historical refinement."

Over the years we've had the pleasure to experience this unique venue for soirees, corporate events, and even weddings. One of the greatest features of the museum is it's ability to accommodate events of nearly any size; from an intimate rooftop gathering to grand events in the colossal four-story, five thousand square foot atrium.

A Garden Blooms in Green and Gold

2011-02-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

Event: Wedding of Risa & Jarod
Venue: The Prado
Photography: Boyd Harris
Coordination: Francine Ribeau Events

Through the Grapevine

2011-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Event: Wedding of Charlotte & Jarod
Venue: The Crosby
Photography: True Photography

What's in a name?

2011-01-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

If you've ever seen the silver juggernaut that is the Embellishmint delivery van then you've seen what is our biggest and sole diesel-consuming form of mass advertising. Traveling the roads and highways of San Diego over the years we've received numerous comments about the particular spelling of our name. Usually people just want to know why it's an i and not an e, but sometimes we are blessed with gems like these:

That guy- "Do you know you've misspelled embellishment?"

Us- "Truthfully, we didn't think anyone would notice without the squiggly red line underneath..."

Not to undermine good Samaritans and their quest for correct spelling everywhere but give us a break dude! We're florists not cyborgs; we tend to be a little creative from time to time. However, we'd like to address the legitimacy of the question "why " i" and not "e"?" What was the reasoning behind the name?

Firstly it's a reflection of our ideals as designers and florists. To embellish something is to improve it, to beautify it, and to make it more interesting by adding detail. Be it a wedding or a corporate party that is exactly what we do each and every time.

The -mint part gets a bit more complex as it has multiple meanings. One is the small green aromatic herb with its connection to the floral aspect of our business being fairly obvious, while the second definition of pristine and original condition lends itself to the quality in which we handle our products.

Lastly, it really boils down to simple attention to detail. Some people don't even notice it's an i, while others notice it before reading the rest of the name. Our company is built on that attention to small detail because it really does make a big difference in everything you do.

Charlotte & Jarod at The Crosby

2011-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Simple and sweet, our first wedding of 2011 was an invigorating start to the new year. Although one of the furthest venues from our studio, The Crosby is always a great experience and worth the drive.

Exploring the Palette: Fun in Fuchsia

2011-01-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

Event: Wedding of Elizabeth & Noel
Venue: The Prado in Balboa Park
Photography: Vallentyne Photography
Coordination: Joan Whalen

Featured Venues: Scripps Seaside Forum

2011-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

This new installment to our regular postings highlights our favorite venues, be they up and coming hot spots or tried and true locales. For our inaugural posting we are happy to feature the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, CA.

"Consisting of a full auditorium, four separate conference rooms, break-out areas, garden plaza and full-service restaurant, the Robert Paine Scripps Forum for Science, Society and the Environment (Scripps Seaside Forum) will meet your every need."

Our most recent event at this spectacular venue was the wedding of Sherry & Joe which was catered by the spectacular team at Culinary Concepts. The ambiance wouldn't be complete of course without the vibrant linens provided by Concepts Event Design.

Great designs, great food and a great venue. What more could you ask for?

Be sure to follow our posts for more great featured venues!

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

2010 was an awesome year for the team of Embellishmint, but 2011 is ringing in to be an even bigger success.
Thank you to all our fellow industry partners, our beautiful couples and our ever steadfast spouses/life partners that stand with us throughout these crazy, hectic events!!!
Happy New Year to All!!!
xoxox Team Embellishmint!!!

Melanie & David

2010-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

We were fortunate to get a break from the rainy weather for this ceremony at Centennial Park in Coronado and reception aboard the flight deck of the Midway museum. The lounge influence, care of Plush Lounge owner and groom David Wright, is seen everywhere from the ceremony bases to the groom's cake from Sweet Cheeks. A special Embellishmint fist bump goes out to Rachel Peniche of Plan It San Diego for her stellar skills and enthusiasm throughout the event. You can use our "changing room" whenever you need ;)

Suzaita & Bradley at La Jolla Shores

2010-10-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Remember the warm, sunny, San Diego weather just a few weeks ago? Here is a reminder for everyone bogged down in the rain today.

Sunny Summer at The Crosby

2010-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a wonderful wedding with Jamie and Tom at The Crosby, not to mention our first event at the venue. The associates and staff were outstanding and we can't wait to work with them again! If you've got to spend a hot summer day outside it's hard to find a more beautiful area than Rancho Santa Fe.

Ranch Redux

2010-09-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Paul Barnett of Barnett Photography has shared his amazing images from Ciara & Gary's wedding with us and we'd like to share some of them with you too!

Floral Sushi Dining Experience

2010-09-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Old Fashion Picnic at The Hotel Del Coronado

2010-09-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

We had a blast with this design for the KSL Executives Luncheon this past Thursday afternoon on the Vista Walk. It started out gray and overcast but the sun came shining out in time for the grilled burgers and bar-b-q!!! Homemade pickled veggies with petite custards were scrumptious....
Robin's egg blue linen with a flocked daisy design by Concepts Event Design were set on each table accented with lush bouquets of pumpkin hued roses, sky blue delphinium, and whimsical star of Bethlehem' with fluttering butterflies. Burnt sugar hued napkins were wrapped in a fall plaid ribbon finished with dried orange slices. Fall is definitely in the air!

Aglow with vintage flair

2010-09-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend saw Team Embellishmint at the U.S. Grant in the heart of downtown San Diego for the wedding of Larissa and James. Familiar with the romance that a blanket of candle light can bring, this event took it to the next level. The tables were adorned with a juxtaposition of our usual style; an ample amalgam of glassware and candles accented by petite rose collections. Our thanks go out to Thomas and his wonderful assistants from Thomas Bui Lifestyle for lending a hand with the lighting of all those candles. Thanks ladies!

Wedding on the Ranch

2010-08-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Rancho Valencia was the destination for Embellishmint's latest Olympian endeavor, the wedding of Gary and the wonderful Ciara of Macfarlane Promotions. A three day set-up that was worth the effort thanks to the praise of the bride and groom's family. Custom metal-work by Enticing Tables set the foundation for beautiful living chandeliers which wouldn't have made it safely into the air without the expertise of Peterson Lighting. Despite the heat the entire Embellishmint team had a great time and would like to thank everyone on-site that made it such a great event!

A special Embellishmint fist bump *knuckles* goes out to Brenda for her sewing prowess which saved the Best Man's jacket button right before the ceremony!

Grab that net and catch that beautiful butterfly

2010-08-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's Wedding Season! This year's uncanny gray San Diego summer is finally burning off and we at Embellishmint are excited for our upcoming events. Here are a few images of our recent events.

Bouquet Jam 2

2010-07-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Still can't get enough wonderful bouquets??? Your prayers have been answered!

Bouquet Jam

2010-07-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Having trouble getting your fix of beautiful flowers? You know what that means... BOUQUET JAM!

Mami & Shintaro at Darlington House

2010-07-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at some images by Apertura at the Darlington House. This event was catered by Chileco.

Stephanie & Michael at Private Residence

2010-06-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

Wedding ceremonies and receptions held at a family's home add a unique element that is hard to replicate at any other venue. Small details like custom sparklers and family recipe cookbook favors tied together the shabby chic atmosphere of this elegant backyard event. This was our first event with both of our new Team Embellishmint members Beth and Tori and they did a great job. We learned that affixing water-filled mason jars to chairs is easier said than done. You just gotta' go for it!

Endocrine Society Dinner aboard USS Midway Museum

2010-06-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

A burst of red roses, white spider mums and snapdragons, and blue thistle adorned the flight deck of one of America's longest serving aircraft carriers for the Endocrine Society's President's Reception. This was our first event at the USS Midway Museum and we were pleased to be working along-side Culinary Concepts' awesome catering team. Loading into this venue wasn't like your typical hotel as we had to have our flowers forklifted up the side of the ship and onto the aircraft lift! All and all a great experience and we're looking forward to our next event aboard the Midway and with Culinary Concepts.

What is REVOweddings???

2010-05-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

REVOweddings is a coming-together of San Diego wedding professionals offering significant savings to engaged couples through online bidding for wedding products and services.

Are you an engaged couple looking for great wedding vendors for your wedding? Hire your wedding vendors on REVOweddings' online auction! San Diego's top wedding professionals have donated their services to start a REVOlution. This is a chance for great deals on wedding services and products and the proceeds all go to persons in need right here in San Diego. Save a little green and give a lotta' heart!

REVOweddings is a REVOlutionary movement inspired by our dear colleague and friend, Peggi Walker of Metro Floral who, this past September, was diagnosed with cancer.
In the spirit of community, the San Diego wedding industry has come up with an ingenious way to offer savings to our clients while showing support for our friend and partner. REVOweddings reflects a renewed attitude within the wedding industry that focuses on commitment and community. The year's proceeds will go to help Peggi fight her disease.

Embellishmint is proud to be a participating vendor by donating a $4500.00 floral package with starting bids of $2200.00. The wedding must take place between January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011 withing a 30 mile radius of downtown San Diego.

US Grant Luxury Wedding Showcase

2010-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

You'll never spend so many hours in a hotel unless you're staying there, working there, or setting up for a wedding show. We spent all weekend setting up two outstanding locations for the wonderful Kate Capshaw of Resolusean and McFarlane Promotions. The setup process ended up being very enjoyable in part to all of the great vendors who were on site setting up. We chatted with Fred and Haydee from Concepts Event Design and Anthony and his team from Kool Party Rentals who must have setup pieces for nearly half of all the vendors! Here are a few of the images Kate's husband Sean snapped of their table-scape.

A mother's praise....

2010-04-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Having the Mother of the Bride gush with compliments and praise after a wedding install is the best reward ever in my job!! I had to share the wonderful words from Sandy, the mother of my most recent bride....

" dawn - I have to tell you how magnificent the flowers were at the wedding .. .... after our meeting with you kim said to me that she felt totally confident that you understood her and what she wanted to create for this very special day in her life. ... you came through 100% for us. each flower was so perfect in its color and quality. the effect was just what my kimmie dreamed of. my breath was taken away when we walked her down the aisle and i saw the chuppah for the first time. dawn you did an amazing job. it was simple yet so tasteful and rich. everything was totally gorgeous. i thank you most sincerely for helping to create the most perfect wedding for my children kimmie and joey.
.....all too often we forget to thank people who have contributed to the beauty and success of making our dreams come true. you are very talented and did a magnificent job. its so important that when you choose your florist you can hand it over to her and not worry about how its going to look. there are way too many other things to think about. this is how well you did your job. we never doubted you and your ability at all. good luck to all those other brides who choose you!
love sandy"

Kim & Joey at the Omni

2010-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

What started as a hot day on the rooftop of the Omni, turned into a cool evening just in time for the ceremony. We got to say a quick hello to Bauman Photography and NR3 before transplanting a few pieces from ceremony to reception. Submerging gerbera daisies was a tricky ordeal, but the team never lets a rude arrangement keep us down and we bounced back in classic Embellishmint style.

Sweet Cheeks Baking whipped up some awesome laptop themed cakes in honor of the couple meeting online (yes, it does work!) They even included personal treats in little Starbucks coffee cups.

San Diego Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show at The Bahia

2010-03-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images of the table top from the bridal show. The event was a joint effort with the team of Gisele Chalhoub and Nada Adjadj from Dream Event 4 You and SoBelle Favors. Thanks ladies!

The ChileCo Social at Catalina Offshore

2010-03-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Social is one of the most unique events we have the privilege to be apart of. Chef Scotty and ChileCo truly create a magical experience every time. This social's elemental theme was "water" and Scotty couldn't have picked a better venue than Catalina Offshore.

The Social's long table design facilitates a wonderful social environment between the guests. Some we'd met before like Andy Halvorsen who is now chef and pitmaster at T&H Prime Meats and Sausage B.B.Q. While others we were introduced to for the first time, as was the case with KC Tucker of Holiday Wine Cellar who supplied the sake for the blind taste test.

The ambiance for the entire event fit really well with ChileCo's theme. The blue lighting and lounge furniture from Plush were a nice compliment to the cold metal of the fish coolers. Our buddy Tim Altbaum was also there to set the mood with some chill tunes.

All images by Resolusean Photography

Mama's Kitchen Presidential Dining Experience 2010

2010-03-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Always an elegant evening of food and wine, this year's theme was "Romancing the Kitchen." We were honored to have the chance to donate our services alongside Events by Design, Dining Details, Meritage Wine Market, and Concepts Event Design. Be sure to visit Mama's Kitchen to find out what you can do to support their cause.

Event Photography by Resolusean

Deborah & Jeff

2010-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Venue Experience at Star of the Sea with Culinary Concepts

2010-03-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

Neither rain nor gloom could keep us from the completion of stunning decor for Culinary Concept's station at Star of the Sea's open house. The venue sits right next to the Star of India off Harbor Drive downtown and has a dazzling view of the bay. Culinary's crew were a blast to work with and we're looking forward to our next event together!

wedding tips from mcfarlane promotions

2010-02-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

Platinum Weddings : Anisha & Kennard....getting to know the couple....

2010-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

A beautiful clip of Anisha & Kennard in sunny San Diego

Tea Time at the San Diego Natural History Museum

2010-01-28T22:15:00.000-08:00

The museum played host to San Diego's finest event coordinators

with a scrumptious catered affair by Culinary Concepts, musical entertainment by Jewell Entertainment, photography by Sean Capshaw of Resolusean Photography,table linen & chair covers by Magical Party Rental, favors by SoBelle Favors and the "hostess with the mostest" Kate Capshaw of Resolusean Events.....

and since it was a tea we thought it would be fun to create Tea Cakes of flowers....

snippets of work

2010-01-10T00:41:00.000-08:00

Colleen & Joe Hard Rock Wedding

2010-01-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

Coordinator: Liz Beck Weddings and Events
Photographer: Sara France Photography
Venue: Hard Rock Hotel
Floral: Embellishmint...duh

3rd Annual Club Holiday Gala

2009-12-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

We were very excited to a be apart of this event at the Hotel Del. The Club at The Del is a new private, non-equity, Beach and Social Club that offer members an exclusive experience at the Hotel del Coronado by providing luxurious Club facilities, extraordinary beach environment, Resort wide benefits and service standards without parallel.

Holiday Spirit

2009-12-13T22:25:00.000-08:00

While the winter weather has driven the wedding crowds into hibernation for the season, we've been keeping ourselves busy with a few holiday parties. The plethora of red arrangements were echoed wonderfully by the decor of this private home in Coronado.

vintage beach setting...

2009-11-17T03:14:00.001-08:00

Credits: Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography (2), Jose Villa, embellishmint, Cheri Pearl, Oh How Charming! (2), Elizabeth Messina

fall is in the air

2009-11-17T03:09:00.000-08:00

Credits: embellishmint (3), Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography, Docuvitae, Bella Figura, Easywind Studio, Valarie, Sara Remington, CUSTOM EVENT GROUP

seashells by the seashore....

2009-11-17T02:47:00.000-08:00

special thank you to bauman photographers for the wonderful images...

a bride's bestfriends...shoes & flowers!!!

2009-11-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Credits: embellishmint (4), Love Life Images, Twin Lens, Linda Chaja, tanja lippert

champagne, violet and bling...

2009-11-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

Credits: embellishmint (5), tim otto, Michael Oppenheim Photography

2009-11-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Credits: embellishmint (2)

just for fun....

2009-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

playing around with the Style Me Pretty inspiration board program....way too fun!!
used pictures of our last table top shoot ......

Credits: Twin Lens, Mark Brooke, Gourmet Invitations, embellishmint (2), Zoom Photography, Zoom Photography

Julie Vermeers & Mo Moayeri at The Grand Del Mar

2009-11-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Photos by Tim Otto Photography

Again, big thanks to Tim and his crew for the awesome pics!

Circle of Love - Exquisite Weddings - Fall-Winter 2009 - San Diego, California

2009-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Circle of Love

Anisha Gwynn & Kennard Jones

Poway, California

January 31, 2009

By Rowena Kelley

WHEN PADRES BASEBALL’S HALL OF FAMER and hometown favorite Tony Gwynn gave away his daughter Anisha to ballplayer Kennard Jones, it was no minor affair. The elegant wedding dazzled 350 guests who descended upon Tony and Alicia Gwynn’s estate in Poway on January 31, 2009.

Anisha, a professional singer who has had hits on Billboard R&B/Hip Hop charts, met her future husband Kennard through her brother Anthony, also a San Diego Padres baseball player, who had unknowingly competed against his future brother-in-law, an outfielder for the York Revolutions.

“Kennard is from the East Coast, so Anthony invited Kennard out to San Diego to train and work with my dad. They were roommates,” laughs Anisha, who began dating Kennard a year later. “And now we’re roommates.”

The couple chose the end of January for their nuptials, as it would be baseball’s off-season. Still, Anisha wanted to incorporate into their wedding the sport that brought them together, and she knew she would honor the sport by putting “everything in a circle.” She was determined to marry in a circular tent, and her parents’ home—with its giant circular driveway ideal for such a tent—proved to be the perfect locale.

“It ended up being a unique setup that actually flowed nicely,” Anisha says.

Guests strolled through a long white entryway tunnel into the draped white tent, where a lavish ceremony took place “in the round.” The bride and groom stood on an elevated circular platform underneath a chandelier strung with crystals and 2,000 yellow-stemmed roses. All around the couple were their loved ones, sitting on chameleon chairs of gold with matching golden suede seats. They watched as Anisha and Kennard pledged their vows to each other in front of a draped white table adorned with four glass bottles of sand in white, black, yellow and beige. In a touching ceremony, the couple and their parents each poured the sand together to represent unity in the family.

In addition to the circular theme, the magical wedding was also a study in incorporating unexpected wedding colors—white, yellow and black—in a sophisticated way. “My husband and I came up with that color scheme and later we discovered it was the same colors as my parents’ wedding,” says Anisha, who beguiled onlookers in a Pnina Tornai gown with a round bouquet of yellow roses. Her groom looked dashing in his custom-designed tuxedo.

After the ceremony, guests had cocktails by the pool where votives hung in the trees by the pool and yellow lights splashed across the reception tent.

“As my mom has a line of chicken, serving fried chicken seemed appropriate,” Anisha says. “We also had shrimp and crab cakes since my husband is from the Baltimore area.” Later, when it came time to be seated, guests enjoyed savories such as salmon from the family’s favorite La Jolla caterer, Giuseppe Ciuffa of Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering, along with short ribs in Alicia Gwynn’s exquisite barbecue sauce—which was also bottled and given as a favor to each guest.

The tables were covered with black-and-white linens Anisha had custom designed after discovering the perfect pattern on a wallpaper print. Giant black vases and stunning circular florals of yellow roses punctuated the space while an expansive dance floor and upbeat DJ lured guests to join the wedding celebration.

“I had never seen my mom dance before, and she joined my father and me for our father-daughter dance,” Anisha says of her favorite moment. “That was an awesome sight to see.”

Of course, when Tony Gwynn spoke to toast his daughter and new husband, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Cake: Edelweiss Bakery.

Caterer: Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering.

Ceremony and reception location: Private estate, Poway.

Coordinator: McFarlane Promotions.

Decor/Furniture: Classic Party Rentals.

Pianist: Isiah Roy.

Vocalist: Vivian Cureton.

DJ: Kandu Moore, Kandu Entertainment.

Flowers: Embellishmint Floral & Event Design Studio.

Gown: Pnina Tornai, Kleinfield, Manhattan, NY.

Jewelry: Ashley Park Design—Marie Gallos.

Hair: Beverly Tolbert.

Bridesmaid dresses: Here Comes the Bride.

Invitations: Truso.

Officiant: Bishop McGrif.

Linens: Concepts Event Design.

Chairs: Chameleon Chairs LLC.

Rentals: Raphael’s Party Rentals.

Lighting: Peterson Lighting.

Lounge Furniture: Plush Impressions, Inc.

Staging: Kleege Industries.

Photographers: Suzanne Hansen, Mike Ofeldt and Kaleb Scott, Shewanders Photography.

Videographer: Darryl Yee.

Andrea + Scott . The Lodge at Torrey Pines

2009-10-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's wedding was magical in the layers of fog that rolled across the lush green lawns off the cliffs of La Jolla....it conjured up images of whimsical treks through the earthy, damp forests of a 'Lord of the Rings' movie! The morning set up of the chuppa was overcast but still clear, but then an hour later a curtain of fog started to creep across the Torrey Pines golf course from the west and continued to get thicker & thicker....by 3:00 o'clock you couldn't see beyond 60 yards.....
but like the sweep of hand the fog lifted minutes before the first guests started to arrive and the sun came streaming through for a beautiful ceremony....craziest experience ever!!
then by the time the ceremony concluded at 5:30 the fog slowly ascended like a curtain at the end of beautiful show:) ....I can't wait to see the professionals video!!
This is just a quick clip of the flowers of the day....

a walk in the woods.....

2009-10-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

a sneak preview of the centerpieces for our upcoming wedding at the Lodge at Torrey Pines .....natural manzanitas, chartreuse cymbidium orchids, lime green kermit mums, fluffy white & green hydrangea, silvery sage and prickly dusty blue thistle are just a few of the ingredients.
The patina metal tin vessels reflect the same hues of dusty blue to greens and will also be used for the custom made 'lanterns' that will shine with strung votives....
we are so loving these designs!!!
stay tuned to the updates as the floral arrangements are developed throughout the week....enjoy:)

Mami Masudo & Shintaro Ishida at the Darlington House

2009-10-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

It was wonderful to get a chance to work with the Darlington House and Ray + Erwin of Apertura!

look who's featured on 'Inside Weddings'?

2009-08-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic opportunity for Embellishmint to be featured on the launch of INSIDE WEDDINGS new website!!! We've already had a booking for 2010 with the web presentation...let's hear it for a robust 2010 wedding season!!!

2009-07-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

Off to Santa Barbara....finally some much needed r

pale or hot...pink is perfect!!

2009-07-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

this weekends wedding was in all shades of pink accented with whites...it was so gorgeous with the sea shells and especially in the keepsake nautilus shells in a polished pearl finish. The details were continued in the custom made ring bearer box encrusted with abalone shells and filled with white dendrobium orchids....
pink petals are always haute!!

Featured Wedding in Ceremony Magazine 2009

2009-07-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Purple as possible color theme...

2009-07-18T09:07:00.001-07:00

toying with the idea of using purple for the color theme for the wedding giveaway...

read more about the giveaway from:
Nicole R. Matthews, CSEP
The Henley Company, LLC.
Phone: 619.757.6551
Nicole@thehenleycompany.com

LOCAL SAN DIEGO BRIDE AND GROOM TO BENEFIT
FROM WEDDING GIVEAWAY CONTEST AS NBC 7/39 THROWS A WEDDING

On average, a wedding in San Diego costs $30,000 to produce.
Thanks to the generosity of local vendors, one bride and groom will receive the perfect
wedding for free….but there is a catch! Couples must be willing to give up all decision
making to viewers of NBC 7/39, the NBC owned and operated station in San Diego.

“.... after watching the Today Show Wedding Giveaway we thought there was an opportunity to
replicate the concept for a local deserving San Diego couple. We recognize the cost of
producing a dream wedding is beyond reach for most, especially in this economy. This is a
chance for us to change the lives of a deserving couple, while engaging viewers,” says
Nicole R. Matthews, Principal of The Henley Company.
Starting in July, an on‐line and on‐air campaign on NBC 7/39 will commence to solicit a
local, deserving bride and groom as recipients of the wedding giveaway contest. Viewers
will select from one of four couples to be the winner. Once selected, the bride and groom
will be followed throughout the wedding planning process and viewers will have the
opportunity to select key elements such as florals, cake design, invitations and gown. A
special wedding micro‐site will accompany the NBCSanDiego.com website where viewers
can vote for their favorite element.
The entire campaign will last on‐line from July toOctober, with the wedding slated for
October 9, 2009 at The Prado Balboa Park.
“We have very talented wedding vendors and special events professionals in this market. In
addition to offering an amazing wedding to a very deserving couple, the NBC Throws a
Wedding project allows San Diego to be showcased as a wedding destination."

Bouquet Friday

2009-07-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

a preview of a few of our bouquets that will be featured in an upcoming photo session sunday.....

2009-07-15T00:38:00.000-07:00

inspiration board of apple green+black+white

2009-07-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

NATURE'S INSPIRATION

2009-06-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

Christine

&
Bryan
June 26, 2009

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
La Jolla, CA

Ceremony
Garden

Cocktails
La Jolla Foyer

Reception
La Jolla Ballroom

Design direction...simplicity of nature with a major Asian infusion of Earth.Wind.Fire. Earth

color palette: Imperial Gold

Cherry Tree Blossom

Green Tea

Cloud

grounded in the earthy tones found in natural bamboo & stone

floral of the day: mini calla lily . cymbidium & dendrobium orchid . variegated lily grass . gloriosa lily . green & natural bamboo
the show stoppers!!
The most adorable ring bearer & flower girl.....

a bouquet and beer...what else would you need???wedding coordinator: Liz Beck Wedding & Events
linen & chair rental : Concepts
bakery : Hans & Harry
venue: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
floral design : Embellishmint Floral & Event Design Studio

the mythical 'Mountain Mermaid' ....

2009-06-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Haute ! Haute! Haute!!! White Haute Photography
Chris & Erin Austin are so very Haute!!
When this duo asked me to provide floral bouquets for a group of photographers gathering to shoot at the
botanical gardens & historical site of Mermaid Mountain-
I was ecstatic. This property has a very impressive clientele listing: Glamour Magazine, Pottery Barn, CBS, Calvin Klein, Vanity Fair Magazine, Disney, Inside Weddings, Paramount Studios, Vogue.....just to name a few- blatant name dropper! check out their superb work....

elements of a wedding....

2009-06-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

June brides are so very sweet....and particularly Sarah.
Sarah & Micheal were married yesterday at The Hotel Del Coronado in a flood of pink & peach roses. Even with the weather threatening to shower this didn't put a damper on the fun & laughter.

bouquet, bouquets, and more bouquets....

2009-06-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

WEDDING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!!!!....it started quietly, I had ideas of lazy days catching up with paperwork & projects...... I so looked forward to collecting images, posting of past weddings & events....so many fantastic images of stunning brides and ballrooms filled with overflowing floralscapes......Well, that time was never had with event after event....
So- let's just get to the images and I'll try and stay on top of the craziness...
ENJOY....

Colleen & Joe get married @ The Hard Rock Hotel

2009-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Love this clip of Colleen & Joe
by Sara France Photography...www.sarafrance.com

Anisha Gwynn & Kennard Jones Wedding to be Featured on Platinum Weddings

2009-02-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

I had the extreme priviledge to provide my floral and design services to our home town hero - Tony Gwynn as his little girl
Anisha wed Kennard Jones on January 31, 09 at the Gwynn's private estate in Poway, Ca. Not only was it out of this world, drop dead gorgeous....but we were picked up by the WE Channel wedding show of Platinum Weddings. The film crew was in San Diego the week of the wedding to capture the craziness of production & installment. It should air in the Fall of '09...so keep an eye out...
Our design studio was featured in the table top viewing of the centerpiece by bride, aunt and event coordinator- Laurel McFarlane of McFarlane Productions Then a segment was filmed 'interview with the floral designer' as a one-on-one with the producer and I- of course my team was in the background making fun the whole time!!

The ceremony site was probably the most impressive as it was staged in the front entry of the home in a draped tent of white....chameleon chairs of gold were outfitted with 'golden glisten' suede seates to accommidate approximately 280 guests. The alter was built 'in the round' and I commissioned Fred Aldrete of Concepts Event Design to fabricate a massive floating chandelier with diameter over 5 1/2 ft and strung with crystals. and my crew covered the bottom band with over 2000 stems of yellow roses!!
more photos to come by Suzanne Hansen Photography

rain days make for sleepy heads

2009-02-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

I just had to share my sweet Maximus with you today.....it's a rainy, cold Presidents Day and the best time for me to catch up on my paperwork.....and the best time for Max to catch up on his 40 winks!!
He's right under my office desk snuggled up on his down comforter ...I caught him as he just feel asleep with his bulbous head arest on the cross brace of the desk legs. This is the first time I've been able to shoot a picture of him without him waking....he loves sleeping like this! well...it's off to catch up on the piles of paper....have a terrific day.

Wedding Chicks Update

2009-01-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

We're excited to announce the addition of Embellishmint to Wedding Chicks! Stop by and check out our exclusive Look Book.

Cali 'floral' Roll...makes all brides 'green' with envy

2008-12-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

what a blast this event was....from beginning to end- pure design overload!!
huge thanks to the bride{andrea} & groom{scott} for their very open minds and ability to 'roll' with the ideas- thank you,thank you,thank you!!!
sushi anyone??...yes- these sushi masterpieces are made from floral parts

black bamboo tree with white dendrobium orchid 'leaves'
{andrea} presented me a picture of this bouquet and I was blown away with it...this was my 'interpretation'

{scott} bout of white mini calla lily wrapped in a ribbon of lotus leaf & celedon cockscomb with copper wire wrap
Huge shout out to my girls from Red Letter Days for the coordination

Linen & decor: ConceptsPhoto credit: Jay Reilly Weddings
Venue:Manchester Grand Hyatt-san diego

The Hues of Fall

2008-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was our venue for this wonderful autumn inspired wedding.
Big thanks to Sean and Kate from Resolusean for the outstanding photography and coordination.

Cherry Brandy & Tangerine

2008-11-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

The 'Cherry Brandy' rose is one of my favorite flowers....the vibrant outer petals are hot pink blending to internal petals of soft orange. These colors where used throughout Roxanne's wedding at the Hotel Del Coronado in the beautiful Coronet Room for the reception, and the serene garden courtyard for the ceremony.

The team was fabulous....check out their fabulous work...
Always a pleasure working with Victoria from Coronado Weddings and the best photographer hands down- Paul Barnett...he's so great with sending images within a 2 week window!! You are the bomb-Paul!!

An Evening in Paradise

2008-10-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Played out in patterned linen, antique golden Chivary chairs, amber up lighting and a blanket of glowing candle light, the team had a hard time imagining a more stunning location than Paradise Point.

Linens provided by Concepts Event Design.

We're in your event, designing your floral!

2008-10-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some extremely helpful and strategic advice from friend and fellow blogger Ann Verte l, we too are now on Twitter! Become our benevolent followers @DawnStone.

A Splash of Enchantment

2008-09-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Capturing hues of blue grounded in earthy browns with accents of ivory, the wedding of Kristen & Eric at The Dana on Mission Bay was simply magical.

This events coordination was overseen by Scott Patrick O'Hara.

Linen rental provided by Concepts Party Rentals.
A plethora of candles were the finishing touch which really tied together the romantic and whimsical elements of this event. Great work team!

From Sea to Sky

2008-09-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we took in some sun at the intimate Alena & Vatea wedding coordinated by Thomas Bui. The ceremony was held at the beautiful Vista Walk at the Hotel Del Coronado.
After snapping a few photos and a quick tour of San Diego, we wrapped it up with the reception at their private residence.

Top quality lounge seating and linens furnished by Concepts Event Design.

GO TEAM EMBELLISHMINT!

L'Auberge Rendevous

2008-08-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Patina copper in pools of pale azure pillowed in linen white dendrobium orchids, roses and florets of hydrangea....what every bride daydreams by the shores of the Pacific in the quaint seaside village of Del Mar.
The newly renovated L'Auberge was host to Christine & Tom's wedding that encompassed a ceremony at Seagrove Park,
cocktails on the Sunset Terrace dinner reception on The Pacific Terrace with sweeping views of the ocean and stunning sunset. The night was completed in the Platinum Ballroom with dancing........ a martini ice luge.....
and cake- there's always room for cake!Photos by the fabulous Heather of Vallentyne Photography...she did a truly fantastic job on imagery to capture the days details, and couples love of each other, family & friends.
Coordination by Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings- always such a delight.

Rock It Out!

2008-08-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Our recent wedding staged at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego - with its rock star atmosphere played out in contemporary& unconventional design- was one of our most exciting creations & installments this summer.
Throw in key components:
#1. A very spontaneous bride and groom that gave Embellishmint the creative liberty to think outside the typical wedding floral/decor medium.#2. Coordinator extraordinaire- Liz Beck Weddings & Events with her ever calm & collected persona. But don't let that petite package fool you- she's all over the scene with precise direction and scheduling that made the entire evolution pure poetry in motion. Thanks Liz for all your support through the creative process and installment...always a pleasure.
#3. Sara France Photography.... Sara is so talented and captured the emotions through her images..... Love, love, love her style and vision. Check out her stream of images for Colleen & Joe...

The ceremony was bathed in a cloud of white....

The reception was 'electrified' with a wash of color. Bar height tables hugged the perimeter of the room adorned with custom wrapped lampshade centerpieces strung with cobalt blue crystal pendants. (Quite the balancing act to transfer the ceremony pieces to a fully set tabletop- a big, huge 'thank you' to the entire Embellismint crew for all of their hard work!)#4. Concepts Event Design brought in stunning furniture, draping and decor that would blow your mind....check out their website and take a trip to their extensive show room for your next event!

We're Painting the Roses Red...

2008-07-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing but scarlet red fit the contemporary mood of this bride and groom's ceremony at the MOCA. Surrounded by the artistic works of numerous modern masters, this couple and their guests toasted their happiness and enjoyed the evening of a lifetime. Photos by Sara France.