Katie and Brandon's Wedding

Guests received their table place cards in the atrium of the Joslyn Art Museum. Orchids and crystals abound.

Crystals were draped and fairy lights tucked amongst Manzanita branches to mimc fireflies a glow over the room. After the wedding ceremony we placed the tops of the topiary alter designs at the bases of the vases in the four corners of the fountain.

We chose an eclectic array of styles for centerpieces, but they all spoke to each other with familiar color palettes and fragrant roses; of course the crystals and feathers were a must to communicate Katie's personality through the florals. 

Crystal glass candelabras adorn the wedding party tables.

A tall mercury glass vase with an abundance of flowers, crystals, feathers, and beaded chandeliers suspended mid air was carefully chosen for the brides round table. A bridesmaid bouquet was supported below by a vase. Mercury glass votives mingle with glass votives to achieve the perfect candlelit evening.

Guests were greeted with an abundance of fragrance with the chosen garden roses, stock, and spray roses for texture all spilling out of a mercury glass pedestal compote. 

Blush Hawaiian orchids and platinum Manzanita branches fill silver trumpet vases and three miniature mercury vases circle the base of the trumpet vase with votive candles all reflecting beautiful glowing light.

Cakes are often the focal point of the reception and The Cake Specialist designed the details of the cake and we mounded roses atop the tiers between the layers and petals lay a top of soft organza fabric, lush and opulent. The cake tasted great too!

Connie from Atmospheres once again created the fabric to drape through the columns, back lit the arches, and added column candlelight several feet above the guests. I call them firefly lights because they illuminate on and off throughout the night, she calls them fairy lights. In any way it surely created a night for a fairy tale wedding!

Katie was the perfect bride to work with, she gave me a pin board collage of her ideas and feelings she wanted to create for her wedding day well in advance and then she let me run with the details. Her dad was generous to allow her to have her dreams. You know the greatest feeling a designer gets is when we exceed our client's expectations, especially when it comes to brides. When Katie told me what we created for her flowers was better than she had imagined, I was elated alongside her. 

Room by Room: Library

Although walls of books are often the best decorating of all, the bookshelves in this home include a mix of sculptural objects. The slight surfeit of shelf space allows each component to harmonize with the others.




Display only things that you love. Pieces that have meaning and history are always better than fakes and clutter.




Book cases can be a display space to flaunt your collections and transform a room from everyday to extraordinary. A bookshelf needs to be carefully designed. Adding air space is my first requirement, two-thirds for books, and leave the rest for introduction of two dimensional objects, i.e. picture frames, soft grasses, and sculptures. I like to aim to create some sort of rhythm or checkerboard as a feast for the eye.




I hope after studying these hints you can create your own environment, one that is both comfortable and inspiring; a shelter for your soul. 

Room by Room: Living Room

Often times the fireplace and television take center stage in a living room and this one is no exception, however, I have softened the hard edges with softer vases of zebra grass and yarrow for color.

Two lanterns flank symmetrical on either side of the shelf, but I like to break up the static by using different vases on the middle shelf to achieve balance without monotony. Elements of iron are depicted in the accessories to achieve harmony in the space. 

Room by Room: Landing

Create a cozy reading nook on the landing. This black console stores a multitude of books or other projects. A lamp makes the space feel comfortable. A walk in the rain piece of art lets your mind wander and relax. 

Room by Room: Entry Way

Create a welcome for every visitor with a demilune table, well placed lamp, and your favorite collections to complete your first impression and make it a lasting one among friends.

Room by Room: Master Bedroom

An instant way to dress up any bedroom is to invest in a couple of great lamps and a pair of hand colored art. Instant elegance and sophistication. This lamp is also lit in the glass base for ambiance or on top for reading in bed.

A well placed permanent botanical near the bedside table makes a master bedroom a sanctuary for your soul.