You Had Me at "Hello!"

This could be my favorite arrangement EVER!!! These lush hydrangea in this aged urn- Todd Events- always exquisite! Also notice the "shot glass" votives- I love the sleekness of these!

Oh how I love a gorgeous, captivating, wow your guests as soon as they walk through the doors or pull up to the drive ENTRANCE!!! Don't overlook that detail or cut it out trying to save money. Your guests will remember this and be impacted by this detail more than they will notice two extra large centerpieces on your guest tables! Not to mention, it is the LAST thing your guests take in as they exit a precious ceremony or a rocking reception!

There are multiple ways to add this WOW factor (as you will see in these fun pics): wreaths, draping, candlelight, stunning, massive centerpieces, intriguing groupings, cool furniture that you don't expect to see, gobos, flowing ribbon streamers, striking linens, and even your wedding cake! This can totally be something you do on your own, too! Collect cool, eclectic votive folders of different heights and mass with photos- purchase a striking, unique vase at Home Goods and stick a giant bunch of Bells of Ireland or blooming branches in it- get a giant branch (my husband does not understand my obsession with wood!) and have it dripping in crystals- purchase a cool runner in your colors- make your guests feel like they are at your home and create a "coffee table" with books, photos, julep cups, a bowl of fruit or pots of succulents... Let your guests see YOU as soon as they walk through the main doors! Oh! And don't forget to put your programs in something other than a boring basket! Find a cool platter or tray or feather them in wheat grass. Nothing kills me more than a stunning program just sitting bare on an existing entry table- BLAH. Spice it up! Have I made my point?!?!

"You had me at hello" and you got me again at "good-bye." (I don't think Tom Cruise says that in "Jerry Mcguire" but I had to close it up!). ENJOY!!!!

Photographers to credit: Sil Azevedo, Stephen Karlisch, Helmut Walker, Absolute Photography, Joseph Mark, Kate Mefford, f8 Studio, Imagine Studios, and Wydyn Photography! They are the ones who allowed me to showcase these lovely ideas in an impactful way. Oh... and then there are the floral designers who actually did it! :) They are credited below. THEY AMAZE ME EVERY TIME!!!

Lighting through The Omni Park West

The bride brought this table in and A Stylish Soiree provided the floral. This was so Aerin!!!

LOVED THIS!!! A Stylish Soiree- even though guests got rained on to get over to the sign in table, I made them go over there JUST so they could see this eye-catching collection of apothecary jars and moss- too cool!

Draping and WOWING runner by Fete des Fleurs! Lovely!!!

Draping and wreath by The Wildflower- and the steps leading up to the ballroom were lined with floating candles!

Garland and entry table decor by The Wildflower

Draping and wreaths by The Wildflower- these wreaths were the background for all the preceremony shots

Of course- the signature cocktail! You can always get them with a chic, tray-passed drink! Still works for me! Thank you, Belo Mansion!

GOBO! Fashizzle! Lite Dallas! Oh- there was this really cool skin from Suite 206 that Stacey at The Wildflower used as the "linen." Edwards Floral Design of McKinney did the centerpiece! A collection of talent!

Gorgeous cake by Frosted Art- loved seeing that as soon as I walked in the door at Arlington Hall! A "free" entry arrangement! Floral by Garden Gate

Here is Arlington Hall's gorgeous foyer table with this striking centerpiece and candlelight!
Thank you, Bella Flora!

I can't stop looking at this picture- WOW!!! Candlelight can never be overrated! Notice how the frames are crystal to pick up the candlelight. And the water is actually tinted in shades of pinks and lavenders. You could see this as you pulled up in your car. I love that! Reception at Gleneagles... The Wildflower provided all the candelight, crystals, and draping!

Do something unique with your placecard table! The Wildflower used rice for the rich, Asian feel that Liza wanted. You can use wheat grass, petals- all kinds of cool stuff!!! Your guests will want to touch it! And notice the red drapes leading guests into The Grand Ballroom at Rick's...


I want to touch this too- I LOVE this feathery, fluffy wreath. Hayley wanted an initial wreath so bad, so Stacey at The Wildflower put this at the entry gate of The Cotton Mill in McKinney






Another SUPER cool collection by A Stylish Soiree at The Dallas Arboretum!

It was this entry piece that inspired this post! I could not stop looking at this! Stacey at The Wildflower created this collection of Ali's favorite colors and flowers in the foyer at Eldorado Country Club. Wow! Wow! Wow! I can't tell you how many guests stopped and looked at this on the way in and on the way out.

Cool Gobo by William Ryan at It's Your Night and arrangement by The Wildflower

This is Stacey's moss frame
Entry arrangement by The Wildflower- Oh my!!!!
Amanda's sweet cake (by Panini) as the entry piece at Cityplace

Ribbon streamers and crystals by The Wildflower

This moss frame and lush, purple drapes "framed" the long foyer into te reception, The Wildflower