Event Design

The gorgeous images by The O’Malleys of a Medina backyard birthday party we designed and styled were recently published on 100 Layer Cake and I’m finally getting around to sharing the details…

My friend Sally of La Happy loves all things pink and so that was a good starting point for the event design. Her idea to add a modern black and white runner was a great way to add contrast to what could otherwise have been over-the-top girly. We wanted the evening to be fun and low-key but also styled to coordinate with her gorgeous hand lettered invitation.

To fill out the long table, I chose to create a single large focal arrangement and several smaller bud vase style pieces with a slightly larger grouping of blush and rose pink garden roses at one end to add visual interest and some whimsy. I used garden roses and cafe au lait dahlias as the main components in the gold urn centerpiece with gorgeous peachy-blush garden spray roses and accents of pieris and berries. I used fresh hops to provide a gorgeous scent as well as movement to the arrangement.

We contrasted a mix of more traditional brass candlesticks with bright pink and blush taper candles and intermixed clear glass ghost tapers for a modern twist. We layered the black and white striped runner over a polka dot lace and mixed and matched different shades of pink napkins. Gold flatware and gold rimmed plates and glassware from AA Party Rentals added polish to the look.

Using an iron-on transfer, Sally hand lettered the guests’ names making the napkin both a personalized favor and a place card. We displayed the table numbers in gold flower frogs accented with a sweet pink rose.

Photography: O’Malley Photographers | Stationery + Calligraphy: La Happy | Florals, Event Design + Styling: Finch & Thistle Event Design | Rentals (flatware, glassware, silverware + chairs): AA Party Rentals | Letterpress Printing: Ilfant Press