Villa Catalana Cellars - Italian Fine Art Inspired Wedding Shoot in Portland

I can’t believe I am just now getting around to blogging this amazing shoot with Dima Karpenko Photography.

It was a beautiful collaboration that got published by Adorn Magazine.

So many elegantly curated details to showcase the absolutely breathtaking Villa Catalana Cellars which is a gorgeous stone villa that perfectly embodies the look and feel of Italy.

Bridal Bouquet consisted of 100% American Grown Flowers {Oregon + California} Olive, Peonies, blueberries, plums, martagon lilies, nandina, garden roses and scabiosa. Accented with luxurious champagne colored silk ribbon.

It was a pleasure bringing this Italian inspiration to life, and we could not have done it without the amazing team of wedding pros.

Photography + Concept: Dima Karpenko Photography

Floral Design + Styling: Sophisticated Floral

Venue: Villa Catalana Cellars

Rentals: Bridgewood Event Rentals

Stationary + Calligraphy: Pop Calligraphy

Hair + Make Up: Klover Studio

Cake: Simply Beautiful Cakes

Vespa Scooter: Vespa Milwaukie

Dress: Basix Black Label

Suit: Nordstrom

Sophisticated Floral Designs named top 20 Florists in Portland, Oregon

I am excited to see Sophisticated Floral Designs named the top 20 Florists in Portland, Oregon once again for 2019.

Read more about on Expertise.com

The Criteria was based on Reputation, Experience, Availability, Professionalism.

Reputation: A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.

Credibility: Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditation and awards.

Experience: Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.

Availability: Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.

Professionalism: Providing service with honesty, reliability and respect.

We always do our very best to excel in all those categories and its an honor to be recognized for that.

Yelp Named Sophisticated Floral Designs as top 10 Floral Design Classes in Portland, Oregon

For additional Reviews of our Services, feel free to look on Yelp, Google, Wedding Wire, The Knot, Facebook

If you have worked with Sophisticated Floral Designs, please take a moment to leave us a review at any of the above mentioned sites.

As a small business owner, reviews really help us book future work; by letting others know about your experience.

2019 Pantone Color of the Year -Living Coral

Pantone announces “Living Coral” as their 2019 Color of the Year and I cannot more excited.

I do not shy away from this color. I find that shades of coral, peach and orange work so well with various color palettes. From blush tones to bold colors, it works well paired with blues, lavenders, purples, yellows or in a monochromatic designs featured in this blog.

I love that coral colors is readily available in spring, summer and fall. Some of my favorite coral blooms include: Coral Charm Peonies, regular, spray and garden roses, ranunculus, hypericum berries, tulips, zinnias, coxcomb, dahlias and more.

This gorgeous bridal session was photographed by Spotted Stills Photography. Tania looked absolutely elegant and flawless after Whitney was done pampering her. 

The bold coral charm peonies in Tania’s bouquet, absolutely popped against her gown.

While the hair flowers were more muted with blush pink/peach tones and foliage, looking quite elegant on her classic hair updo. 

Bridal bouquet included coral charm peonies, roses, blueberries, scented geranium, huckleberry, seeded and willow eucalyptus.

Photography: Spotted Stills

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Hair and Make Up: Make up with Whit

Dress/Veil : Brides for a Cause

Introducing the new floral hoop arbor -A perfect ceremony backdrop

The start of the new wedding season means beautiful new inventory that will be available to our floral clients.

I am really loving this current wedding trend of all things geometric shaped. From centerpieces to invitations, to cake designs and more; you will be seeing the geometric shapes everywhere.

Meet our new floral arbor that happens to be right in line with the modern geometric vibe.

This round arbor also known as the moon gate, floral hoop, circle arbor, etc. is a fabulous way to frame the couple during the ceremony, sweetheart table backdrop, framing the cake table, photo booth backdrop-really the options are endless.

I cannot wait to use this piece for future events, paired with metallic geometric terrariums {also a new rental item} and other fabulous decor items. Stay tuned for new inventory alerts.

Photography: Spotted: Stills Photography

Gown: Brides for a Cause

Floral: Sophisticated Floral

Model: Ali Plyushchev

Brett and Jeff -A Portland wedding at Bridgeport Brewery

Brett and Jeff's November wedding was held at the cozy Bridgeport Brewery in Northwest Portland.

With a smaller guest list there are so many venue options available to ouples in the Portland area. 

Being a mid November wedding, we all got lucky with the nice weather. Hoddick Photography was able to capture some gorgeous images with the couple just strolling the streets of downtown Portland. 

Brett chose beautiful jewel tone color palette for the wedding. Burgundy, plum, navy and raspberry colored flowers made up her gorgeous bouquet.

Bridal Bouquet included peonies, privet berry, eryngium, roses, ranunculus, orchids, anemone and lush foliage.

I loved the classic-elegant feel with an emphasis on art deco and the 1920's.  Check out the amazing cake by Lux Sucre-absolutely beautiful.

Thank you Hoddick photography for capturing those beautiful images.

Photography: Hoddick Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue + Catering: Brideport Brewery

Coordination: Adornment Events

Cake/Dessert Table: Lux Sucre

Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Deluxe

And a few detailed images I took -below.

Laura and Jacob -A Portland Oregon Engagement session with Sweetlife Photography

Laura and Jacob had a gorgeous summer engagement session with Sweetlife Photography.

I was honored to create beautiful hair flowers for Laura to wear.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer check out their portfolio-you wont be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Photography: Sweetlife Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Ashley + Cesar {Elegant Oregon Golf Club Wedding}

Ashley and Cesar choose a very classic look for their country club wedding at The Oregon Golf Club.

The beautifully draped ballroom was full of lavish flowers in blush pink, ivory and white. Accented with hundreds of candles for that romantic glow.

Centerpieces were a mix of elevated designs in gold stands and low and lush pieces in gold compotes.

The head table was overflowing with a beautiful floral table runner, flanked by two tall arrangements featuring draping orchids, roses and hydrangea, accented with hanging glass orbs.

Thank you Aniko Productions for those amazing images; you captured it beautifully.

Take a minute to view their wedding film  Here by Moving Pictures. 

Venue + Catering: The Oregon Golf Club

Photography: Aniko Productions

Floral Design + Concept + Styling: Sophisticated Floral

Chair Rentals: Sedera

Dress: Charlottes Bridal

Cake: JacIva's

Film/Videography : Moving Pictures

DJ: Chad Dowling Productions

Hair: Helen Eubanks

Make up: Eye Shine Beauty

Jessica and Brandon- A fall wedding at Village Ballroom

Jessica and Brandon had an intimate and cozy fall wedding at Village Ballroom.

Guest enjoyed personal boxes of Voodoo Doughnut on their place setting as well as a delicious pie bar and onsite catering by Oregon Public House

I especially loved designing Jessica's lush oversized bridal bouquet full of gorgeous dark and moody flowers including: garden roses, nandina, ranunculus, peonies, ruscus, amaranthus, amaryllis and privet berry.

Venue: Village Ballroom

Catering: Oregon Public House

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Catalina Jean Photography

Day of Coordinator: Your Perfect Bridesmaid

The photos below were taken by Sophisticated Floral

The Oregon Golf Club Bridal Show-Tasting

I had the honor of participating at the Oregon Golf Club Bridal Show Tasting once again. This is an event where all the booked clients do a food tasting, to choose the menu for their own wedding or event.

I designed the head table flowers to to have a beautiful pop of bright color. The lovely rental pieces were sourced through Barclay Event Rentals. I absolutely adore those metal stands for elevated floral designs and they worked perfect on this large head table.

Floral Design, Styling and Photography: Sophisticated Floral Designs

Venue: The Oregon Golf Club

Rentals: Barclay Event Rentals

Sunrise Photo Session in the Columbia River Gorge with Liza James Photography

Liza James Photography absolutely took my breath away with this stunning sunrise bridal photo session in the Columbia River Gorge.

Estera's oversized bespoke style bridal bouquet included peonies, olive branch, spirea, agapanthus, spray roses, ruscus and bay leaf.

Photography: LIza James Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Katie + Torsten November Wedding at McMenamins -Kennedy School

This beautiful November wedding at McMenamins Kennedy School has got to be one of my absolute favorites from 2016 wedding season.

I love it when the bride chooses a bold color palette and lets me design the rest. I enjoyed selecting the dark moody tones with a lot of textural elements.

To me floral design is like painting, the various flowers and textures that I choose are perfectly blended together to create a beautiful masterpieces or in this case Katie's stunning bridal bouquet.

A cold November wedding outside in Portland, Oregon cannot be done without the cozy blankets the couple has provided for the guest during ceremony.  So glad the rain held off and we got some beautiful outdoor photos by Elissa Deline Photography.

What Katie had to say:

" The flowers were amazing and we could not have been happier. I would use you again in a heartbeat and will tell everyone I know...We got so many compliments on the flowers. "

Venue: McMenamins Kennedy School

Floral Design + Styling: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Elissa Deline Photography

Hair and Make up: Cassandra Kennedy Beauty

Dress: Ania Bridal / Wtoo

Wooden Backdrop: Something Borrowed PDX

Cake: Dream Cakes

The photos below were taken by Sophisticated Floral. I love taking detail shots before the flowers go out the door.

Lacey + David {Bohemian Portland Backyard Wedding}

Lacey was the sweetest and most laid back bride ever. The overall wedding was very casual and understated. She wanted a bouquet of wildflowers and a dainty floral crown to match.

I really enjoyed designing flowers for Lacey and David's wedding at their Portland home. 

Bridal bouquet consisted of all locally grown/American grown flowers including: Dahlias, nigella blooms and pods, seeded eucalyptus, craspedia, fewer few daisies, olive branch, scabiosa, gooseneck, thistle, snapdragon, yarrow and queen annes lace.

Photography: Mama Wolf Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Hair and Make up: Cassandra Kennedy Beauty

Venue: Backyard {Portland, Oregon}

The detail photos below taken by Sophisticated Floral

Winter- Valentine's Day Editorial Shoot

This beautiful editorial shoot took place during the craziest snow/ice storm here in the Portland metro area. It was extremely cold and snow was everywhere. 

The wonderful team of talented wedding professionals made it happen.

My favorite little surprise was the sweet baby pig named "Matilda" who took part in our shoot.

She was quite fond of the bridal bouquet and kept smelling and trying to eat it. Must have been those fragrant pepper berries.

Our team included the following professionals:

Coordination: VIP Event Planning

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Ashley Rose Productions

Hair and Make up: Brittany Blanchard

Dress: Brides for a Cause / Trish Lee

Cake: Just a Dash Cakes

Stationary: Bridetown Design Studio

Rentals: Party Place

Model: Morgan Clove

Venue: Redland Family Farm

Rebecca + Will {Grace Community Church- Gresham, Oregon}

Rebecca and Will happen to be friends of mine and I really enjoyed creating beautiful flowers for their wedding day.

The wedding was held on a cold {but sunny} February day at Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon. The plum purple and gray color palette was sure to brighten up this cold winter wedding.

Rebecca's bridal bouquet consisted of the most amazing Japanese sweet peas, deep purple ranunculus, green berzelia berries, Italian pon-pon ranunculus, purple lisianthus, hyacinths, stock, anemone, dianthus and trachillium.

Thank you Becky of Studio 623 Photography for capturing the photos.

Venue: Grace Community Church

Photography: Studio 623 Photography View the blog for more photos http://www.studio623photography.com/will-rebecca-married-gresham-oregon-wedding-photographer/

Gown: Bridal Exclusives

Below are the detail shots I took. All photos by Sophisticated Floral

Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage and Flowers

Its not often that I get out of my comfort zone and get in front of the camera, especially featuring my own floral designs. But to commemorate 10 years in the business as well as 10 years of being married to my wonderful husband; who is my rock and I could not do what I do with out his full support and encouragement. We decided to do a photo shoot with one of my favorite photographers Jenn from Spotted Stills Photography.

This was a perfect way to celebrate our marriage and floral design together in one. We are lucky to live right down the road from this nature park, a perfect spot for a mini photo shoot. This being Oregon, it started to sprinkle during our shoot; but we did not let the rain stop us.

A huge shout out to Janelle from The Prettiest You/Contoured Salon for fitting me in at the last minute for make up. Its always a pleasure to work with you.

I loved my dress by LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls, it was very stylish and comfy.

My bouquet and floral crown featured some of my favorite blooms in mauve, blush pink, peach and gray tones. Blushing Bride Protea, Astrantia, Pieris, Spray Roses, Carnations and Dusty Miller from my own yard.

Thank you Spotted Stills Photography for the fabulous photos and here's to another 10 years!

Tori+Kenny -The Oregon Golf Club Wedding

I really enjoyed designing this beautiful spring wedding at The Oregon Golf Club. Fresh greens and crisp whites was the perfect color combination for this wedding.

The Bridal bouquet consisted of white peonies, ranunculus, sweet peas, hydrangea, lisianthus, calla lilies, maidenhair fern, trachillium, dianthus and berzelia, and a touch of gray dusty miller. 

This lush bouquet had the most amazing fragrance, absolutely one of my all time favorite designs.

Venue: The Oregon Golf Club

Photography: MJM Photography 

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral 

Below are some detail shots I took of the flowers. Photos by Sophisticated Floral

Flowers for the hair -Oregon Engagement Photo Shoot

I was honored when Becky contacted me with a request to design a custom floral hair comb for her to wear during her engagement shoot with Natalie Puls Photography 

The floral comb was designed with lots of fun textural floral elements including tillandsia {aka air plants}, succulents and brunia berries. 

The photo shoot took place at Smith Rock in Terrebonne, Oregon which is a sentimental location for the couple. 

The last image was taken by me, to show the close up details of this floral piece. 

Here is what Becky had to say about her experience:

"Lora provided a gorgeous custom air plants floral comb. I sent her an inspiration photo from Style Me Pretty, and she brought the vision to life! I wore it in my engagement photos and received so many compliments! She even dropped it off at my house which was very convenient when I had a busy schedule at work. Thank you, Lora!"

Photography: Natalie Puls Photography 

Hair and Make: Jein King 

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Here is a close up detail photo that I took of the hair comb

Welcome to Sophisticated Floral Designs new Website + Blog

Welcome to my newly re-designed website and blog!

Here is a floral design I created using purple and peach color palette featuring Anemones, purple, lavender and peach roses, queen annes lace, maidenhair fern, heather and hydrangea in our newly acquired wine boxes that are available to rent for your wedding or event. 

Photo by Sophisticated Floral