Portland Cathedral Park St Johns Bridge Fall Wedding Editorial Shoot

This was a beautiful fall day at Cathedral Park at the St Johns Bridge in Portland.

The fall floral bounty included the most gorgeous dark burgundy dahlias that are grown right here in Oregon. As well as my favorite textures: Nigella Pods, Lisianthus, Scabiosa, Olive Branch, Roses, Nine Bark, Seedum and Geranium. Some of which came from my own cutting garden.

I loved collaborating with Ashely Marie Photography once again {If you are not familiar with her beautiful work, do yourself a favor and check it out.}

This was also a first time working with Everly and Opal; the newest Plus Size Bridal Shop here in Portland.

Enjoy!

Photography: Ashley Marie Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Location: Cathedral Park- St Johns Bridge

Gown: Everly and Opal Bridal

Cake: Custom Cakes by Krystle

Hair and Make Up: Harshita Singhal

Model: Elizabeth

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

Lucy's Boho Garden Party -First Birthday

When your mama happens to be a fabulous photographer - Liza James Photography. You know your first birthday will be very special.

I loved creating flowers for the cute teepee as well as the dessert table decor. Which consisted of a boho branch with suspended blooms.

Little guests enjoyed yummy nibbles and beautiful cake and desserts provided by Sugar Cubed Cakes while wearing floral crowns.

Floral Design + Styling: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Liza James Photography

Dessert Table: Sugar Cubed Cakes

Misty's Baby Shower at Opal 28

Misty had a gorgeous baby shower honoring her soon to be born twin girls. When you try and wait for years-this is a huge deal and absolutely something to be celebrated!

It was a pleasure creating all white and pink floral arrangements for the guest tables as well as the dessert bar. The delicious desserts were provided by Lux Sucre-who happens to be a dessert bar expert in the Portland area.

Guest also enjoyed the food catered by the Opal 28 as well as a fun photo booth by Smirk.

Venue/catering/linens: Opal 28

Floral Design + Photos: Sophisticated Floral

Photo Booth: Smirk

Dessert Table: Lux Sucre

Sarah + Cameron's Portland Oregon Wedding at The Riverview Restaurant

I absolutely loved the color palette for Sarah and Cameron’s wedding. Blush, burgundy and navy with gold accents makes for a very beautiful combination.

Riverview Restaurant was a perfect backdrop for their wedding day.

Sarah’s bouquet was chock full of beautiful summer blooms -including Cafe au lait dahlias, burgundy dahlias, scabiosa, chocolate cosmos, garden spray roses, garden roses, nine bark, geranium and more.

Mixing dark and light blooms together can be a difficult task. You don’t want to have a polka dot effect. It takes practice to blend the contrasting tones together seamlessly -basically like painting.

I cannot say enough about our local Oregon flower farmers who grow all the amazing floral varieties for us to work with. Almost every single bloom used here was American grown. We love supporting #Americangrownflowers

Photography: HF Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue: Riverview Restaurant

Rentals: Bridgewood Event Rentals

Gown: Charlotte’s Bridal

Cake: Jaciva’s

Video: Adore Wedding Films

I always pin on the boutonnieres to make sure they are pinned on properly and facing the right way.

Creating flowers on the cake is one of my favorite details at the reception. This gorgeous cake was made by Jaciva.

Below are a few close up images from the bridal party flowers and I took.

Portland Oregon Wedding at Abernethy Center Abigail's Garden - Lidia + Pascal

Getting married in early October is always a weather gamble here in Oregon. But the rainy weather did not hold those love birds back.

Thankfully we were able to adjust our design plans and set up the arbor inside the tent versus using the gazebo.
Beautiful Blush and Gray tones were threaded all throughout the decor and attire.

Bridal bouquet consisted of Cafe au lait dahlias, garden roses, calla lilies {Bride and Groom Favorite}, blushing bride protea, lisianthus and accented with three types of eucalyptus and ruscus foliage.

Sadly rain takes away the dahlias so this was the last chance we had to design with those blush beauties in 2018.
Congratulations Lidia and Pascal! I wish you all the best in your married life and your beautiful blended family.

Photography: Falcusan Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue: Abernethy Center {Abigail’s Garden}

Gown: Bridal Exclusives

Hair and Make Up: Rebecca Bogdan Be Forever Glamorous

Here are a few photos I took of the personal flowers.

Wedding floral design trends. Modern fine art bridal editorial shoot

Mid Century Modern is a big trend at the moment. We see it everywhere; from furniture to fashion to interior design. Wedding decor and design always changes and evolves with the newest trends.

Who loves this look of dry floral, pampas grass, bleached foliage and all things minimalist and modern?

It’s always fun to experiment with new things and make them more elegant and stylish to fit my Sophisticated design aesthetic.

Bridal bouquet consisted of delicate spring flowers including Ranunculus, Garden roses, butterfly Ranunculus, Hyacinths, Orchids, bleached and dried Bunny tails, Ruscus and skeleton leaves.

Although dry flowers have their own set of challenges; being more delicate, fragile and not to mention messy. The overall look is definitely effortless, artistic and impactful.

Light and airy suspended floral installations are always fun to create. It provides a wonderful focal area in any space.

Thank you Spotted Stills for blowing me away with those images.

Photography: Spotted Stills

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue: The Lightroom PDX

Model: Rodica Voznyak

Gown: Brides for a Cause Designer: Daughters of Simone

Mae and Daniel's Elegant Boho wedding at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse

Mae and Daniel were the sweetest and the most laid back couple ever.

I loved the elegant yet relaxed boho style we were able to create for their big day.

Both Ceremony and Reception took place at the McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro, Oregon.

I cannot say enough amazing things about Anna and Jake; the photographers behind Sweetlife Photography.

If you want beautifully curated images that reflect your wedding day look no further. They take time to create the perfect setting for each and every shot, including all the perfect little details. We always appreciate when photographers take every effort to not miss any details including the wearable flowers such as corsages, boutonnieres and hair accessories. As a designer, I spend a lot of time working on those little elements and its an absolute joy seeing them properly captured on camera.

Mae’s lush bohemian style bouquet included peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, unripe blueberry branches, dahlias, scabiosa, ferns and olive branches.

The icing on the cake was to work with some of our favorite vendor friends including Steve from A Beautiful Ceremony NW and John Ross Music

Venue + Catering: McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Sweetlife Photography

Groom’s Tux: Nordstrom

Gown: Ania Bridal

Hair and Make up: Coabella MUA

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Officient: Steve- A Beautiful Ceremony NW

Music: John Ross Music

Mary and Miguel's Oregon Wedding at The Butler Farm and Tips on how to pin on a Boutonniere

Mary and Miguel had a gorgeous wedding at The Butler Barn in Beaverton, Oregon.

It does not get any more classic than Mary's bridal bouquet with blush and ivory flowers, perfectly captured by Lupe Juarez Photography

Garden roses, cafe au lait dahlias, blushing bride protea, lisianthus and soft dusty miller made up the gorgeous combo.

Read on to learn more about the proper placement of the boutonniere.

Venue: The Butler Barn

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Lupe Juarez Photography

Gown: Heavenly Bridal Boutique

Hair: Maggie Morgan at Powder Inc.com

Makeup: Myra Silva Make up

Few quick tips on how to properly pin on a boutonniere.

The boutonniere is always worn on the left lapel, and the pin should be inserted through the back side so the pins are not showing or pocking the wearer.

The placement should be near the button hole {aka the little slit on the tip of the lapel} versus on the pocket or toward the middle of the chest. 

Christelle's Elegant Baby Shower at Waverley Country Club

Nora at Bridal Bliss planned the most elegant baby shower at the Waverley Country Club.

The beautiful blue china from Classic Vintage Rentals was absolutely gorgeous against the all white linens, stuffed animals and white floral centerpieces.

It was a pleasure creating all white floral arrangements for Christelle's baby shower honoring her soon to be born baby boy.

Planning + Coordination: Nora @ Bridal Bliss

Venue: Waverley Country Club

China: Classic Vintage Rentals

Chairs: Ohana Party Rentals

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Lauryn Kay Photography

Stuffed Animals: Pottery Barn

Calligraphy + Sign: Letters and Dust

Creative Bridal Editorial shoot at The Lightroom PDX

Sometimes as artists, creatives and designers we get inspired to create just for the sake of creating.

Creativity strikes at any given time. I was inspired to use the beautiful, fragrant and generally hard to get Stephanotis vine {that's the little white blooms that look like stars}.

I paired the vines with white roses, ranunculus and delicate blooming pieris. Each season brings about a bounty of new flowers that are only available that time of year.

This floral garland /shawl could be a fun alternative to a traditional bridal bouquet, something that is used for bridesmaids, or another shoot altogether such as maternity or a boudoir. The possibilities are endless.

Thank you Spotted Stills for once again capturing such gorgeous images.

Photography: Spotted Stills

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue: The Lightroom PDX

Model: Ali S.

Gown: Brides for a Cause

Jenny and Caleb - a Portland wedding at McMenamins Edgefield

Jenny and Caleb's intimate October wedding at Mcmenamins Edgefield was absolutely beautiful, even the rain showers could not put a damper on their special day.

Bridal bouquet featured the last of the locally grown dahlias and beautiful oregon grown garden roses from Peterkort; as well as lush dark green foliage {ruscus, huckleberry, plumosa} ranunculus, delphinium and lisianthus.

Thank you Spotted Stills for capturing such gorgeous images.

Photography: Spotted Stills

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Venue + Catering: McMenamins Edgefield

Claudia and Justin Anniversary Shoot in Portland Rose Garden

Claudia and Justin got married young and never really had a formal wedding.

On their Anniversary they decided to do a beautiful shoot with flowers, gorgeous lace dress at International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon. It holds special memories for them both.

Congratulations and here's to many more happy years together!

Photography: Molly Van Wagner

Bridal Editorial Shoot with Spotted:Stills Photography- Portland, Oregon

Where do I begin? This was a beautiful collaboration between several amazing wedding professionals in the Portland area.

I cannot get over how perfect this wedding gown is from Brides for a Cause. Did you see those gorgeous feather details on the bodice? Absolutely exquisite and worked perfect with the all white bridal bouquet I created with all locally grown {Oregon Grown/American Grown} flowers. Including white lilac and deutzia from Glenwood Farms, Peterkort freesia and blooming spirea.

I love designing lightweight, yet lush and full bouquets that look loaded but are practical and elegant for the bride to carry on her wedding day.

Spotted Stills also created this gorgeous video clip.

Hair and Make up: Make up by Whit

Gown: Brides for a Cause - Designer: Pronovias

Floral: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Spotted:Stills

Silk Ribbon: Honey Silks Co.

Model: Allie Stanisel

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

Jenni + Daniel {East Fork Country Estate} Damascus, Oregon Wedding

I cant believe it been a year since Jenni and Daniel got married at East Fork Country Estate in Damascus, Oregon. They were absolutely the sweetest couple. I designed flowers for Jenni's sister a few years earlier so it was great to see everyone again. Jenny chose the softest shades of blush pink, peach and ivory as her primary color palette for her May wedding.

Being right in the midst of the local peony season, I could not resist myself to use such lush and fragrant flowers. Fluffy pale pink peonies were everywhere and they were stunning indeed!

Thank you to Anzhelika Gekkelman Photography for the beautiful images. This talented photographer also happens to be the grooms sister who has her own photography business in British Columbia, Canada.

Venue: East Fork Country Estate

Drape Design/Rentals: Luxury Events by Victoria

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Photography: Anzhelika Gekkelman Photography

Detail Photos below were taken by Sophisticated Floral

Modern wrist corsages for weddings and special occasions

Forget about the old high school wrist corsages full of bling, tulle and spray paint. There are countless options when it comes to beautiful and modern wrist corsages.

I really enjoy designing wrist corsages; they are tiny little master pieces. Very intricate, detailed and full of unexpected textures. The sky is the limit when it comes to flowers to wear.

All photos by Sophisticated Floral

photo by Sophisticated Floral

This ribbon tied wrist corsage features red piano garden roses, willow eucalyptus and pieris japonica

I loved creating this delicate yellow and gray wedding wrist corsage with orchids, hypericum, craspedia {billy balls}, dusty miller, silver brunia and plumosa

Gray, plum purple and orange wrist corsage features pincushion protea, berzellia berries, scabiosa pods, hypericum and plum purple sweet peas.

I absolutely adore plum purple anemones and this simple yet elegant sage ribbon wrist corsage was stunning

This is my most favorite color of ranunculus and paired with all this texture made it absolutely pop. Rose hips, blackberries, nigella pods, dusty miller, seeded eucalyptus and astrantia

This peach/coral wrist corsage features dusty miller, ranunculus, sedum, mini roses, seeded eucalyptus and succulents

Love this pale pink/blush ribbon wrist corsage with ranunculus, snow berries, lisianthus, dusty miller and larkspur, designed on champagne ribbon

This lovely modern wrist corsage consists of cymbidium orchid bloom, berzellia and wax flower

Peach ribbon wrist corsage with white ranunculus, blueberries, berzellia berries and trix dianthus

Champagne mini roses, hypericum berries, sedum, succulents, scabiosa pods and ranunculus make up this rustic elegant wrist corsage with burlap ribbon

Blush pink garden spray roses, seeded eucalyptus and gold ribbon

Rustic/Vintage/Wildflower style wrist corsage with blush pink/peach ranunculus, hypericum, fewerfew daisies, wax flower, blushing bride protea and lace

Deep rich, fall colored wrist corsage with red mini roses, rose hips, nandina and champagne ribbon

White and gray winter wrist corsage with ranunculus, dendrobium orchids, nandina, wax flower, silver brunia, cedar and flocked branches

Floral Crowns-flowers to wear {Part 4 of 5}

Those are some of my all time favorite floral crown designs. Part {4 of 5} of blog post series on floral crowns-flowers to wear.

Red Piano garden roses, eryngium, blackberries, spray roses, hypericum, plumosa and willow and seeded eucalyptus.

Gorgeous photos by Erica Ann Photography

Hair and Make up by Portland Make up and Hair

This dark red-burgundy crown was created for an editorial segment. It features cymbidium orchids, calla lilies, ranunculus, leucadendron, agonis, eucalyptus and fiddlehead fern.

Photo by Camera Art Photography

Hair and Make up by The Prettiest You

This lovely floral crown is one of my personal favorites. Its very delicate and fun; featuring ranunculus, privet berry, jasmine vine and plumosa 

Photography by Erica Ann Photography 

Floral Crowns-flowers for the hair {Part 2 of 5}

Continuing on with part 2 of 5 on gorgeous floral crowns. I really enjoy designing those pieces. They can be small, delicate and casual or large, elaborate and truly a show stopper! There is no end to creativity. 

All photos by Sophisticated Floral 

White winter floral crown consists of ranunculus, dendrobium orchids, cedar and juniper berries 

Coral floral crown includes spray roses, willow eucalyptus, ranunculus, hypericum and larkspur 

I love how this crown resembles spring cherry blossoms. This is pink leptospermum and smilax. 

This lush full garden style flower crown is designed with peach David Austin Juliette garden roses, smilax, lavender, peach spray roses and wax flower

This variation includes pink leptospermum instead of lavender 

This fall colored floral crown includes red spray roses, rose hips, ranuculus, nandina, willow eucalyptus, leucadendron 

Last but now least, this wispy floral crown is created with pink wax flower 

Sara + Jared -St Marys Cathedral/Barn Wedding Reception

Sara wanted a classic all white wedding flowers including roses, garden roses and hydrangea.

This was probably the hottest wedding weekend in July at almost 100 degrees. None the less, the flowers looked fresh and fabulous. 

The ceremony took place at St. Mary's Cathedral in Downtown Portland.

Reception was at a beautiful barn in Boring, Oregon owned by a family friend.  

Photography: Anthem Photography/Maria Lamb Photography

Floral Design: Sophisticated Floral

Rentals: Barclay Event Rentals/Something Borrowed Portland

Ceremony Venue: St Mary's Cathedral Portland, Oregon 

Hair + Make up: Nicole/Powder Inc.

Gown: Charlottes Bridal 

Catering: Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille