Through a Designer's Eyes

My placecard at the wedding of Ali Morris and Sam Gordon, the (now) daughter-in-law and son of Audrey Gordon, a longtime friend and industry colleague.

This was one of those rare times I was a guest at an event. But, as I'm sure many of you know, for an event designer even being a guest is sort of like a busman's holiday -- we are always in work mode. We observe, think, and look ... we look under tables, over drapes and behind walls in our search for new ideas!

The clear glass charger from Mandarin Orange Trading Company held the corresponding rock, or placecard. Under it, a tropical leaf.

Blog photos by David Merrell

Obviously, the bride and groom were the main focus of the event. But to my designer's eye, the chuppah clearly had and clearly was center stage! I love that it was in the round like this. The bride and groom were literally surrounded by the love of their family and friends.

This is a detail shot of the floral work at the bottom of each leg of the chuppah. All the flowers for the entire event were designed by John Rent of Into the Woods in Chicago. An accordion style screen behind the stage was lighted by Raymond Thompson from Images by Lighting in Los Angeles. This helped make the chuppah pop when he hit it with soft gobos, textures of white light.

A close up of those flowers -- all white with several uniquely shaped fruits painted in white. I love the play of texture John Rent created. Simple, elegant and beautiful.

The tables were done in different configurations; some were long like this one at which I was a guest. The arrangements were fashioned from split bamboo poles that were painted white, filled with white dendrobiums and then rested in these unique bubble bowls with holes on both sides. Ginger and other fruits were painted white and rested between the flowers. The pillar candles are battery-operated, a perfect solution when you can't use real candles.


Little gems. This cymbidium peeked out of the white bed of flowers as if it was smiling. As designers we always plan for this -- that little detail guests will notice -- and we never know if they do or not. Now I know! As a guest who had the time to take it all in, I noticed and appreciated the thought and work that went into not just the little details, but the big picture.

Later this week you'll see more of the chuppah, the sweetheart table, the ceremony table and the after-party. I'll also give you Audrey's words of advice when planning the wedding of a loved one!

THE TEAM
Designer
Into the Woods, in2thewoods@sbcglobal.net
Venue
The Westin River North
Lighting
Images by Lighting
Audio Visual
SoundzAlive Chicago
PSAV Presentation Services
Entertainment
Larry King Orchestra
Blog Photos
David Merrell
Wedding Photography
Stephen Narens Photography
Videography
Poetic Productions
Rentals
Hall's Rentals
Chargers
Mandarin Orange Trading Company
Linen
BBJ Linens
Processional
Experiential Events
After Party Furniture
Cort Furniture
Design of save-the-date card, rehearsal invitations, programs, menu cards
Ali Gordon