Walkin’ in a Winter Wedding (in Summer!) Wonderland!
This Winter Wonderland wedding – in the middle of summer – is one of our all time faves! Kristin Banta Events pulled out all the stops on this one, and we’re thrilled to have been a part of it!
Please, please forgive us… Somehow we’ve never shared the details of this amazing Alexander McQueen meets Game of Thrones extravaganza we did last year with the amazing Kristin Banta Events. As predicted, Kristin Banta’s rendition of a “winter wonderland” wedding was never that of snow flakes and twinkle lights, so when the inspiration began to evolve, we were all too eager to hop on board! Her vision for this winter-themed wedding in the middle of August in Southern California was absolute brilliance… We won’t waste another second not telling you about all the spectacular-ness, and sharing all the stunning photos by Beautiful Day Photography!
Our couple, Lisa and Mark, wanted their guests to experience something truly unexpected. And knowing Kristin Banta was at the design helm of this, we quickly tossed out any thoughts of babies breath and blue winter lighting, and started gold leafing antlers and meticulously gluing rock crystals, broken glass and raw sea salt to giant wood slabs to mimic the environment of a barren winter tundra.
Held at the SLS Beverly Hills, this event was all about total transformation. The aisle was lined with 20′ birch trees, with a mock root system at each base. (Faux) fur was draped over rustic benches by Found Vintage Rentals, for guests to witness the “I do’s”. Overhead massive chandeliers of antler which cast and incredible shadow effect onto the aisle. Although seemingly void of color, the earth elements we used in grey, whites, silvers, golds, and woods provided an incredible warmth and richness like no other!
For the reception, tablescapes consisted of a multitude of designs without any two being exactly the same. Faux deer heads, specimen jars of rock elements, cascading phalaenopsis orchids, raw pulled cotton, icy frosted ferns, succulents, airplants, fur runners, antlers, and gold dusted votive candles. Um, forgive me if I missed a few things.
For the bridal party, each bridesmaid carried her own set of natural antlers, Swarovski crystaled tips and gold threading, tied together by hand dyed raw silk and natural pulled cotton yarn which draped down to about knee height. Our groomsmen wore a single cotton pod crystalized with elemental glass, rock salts and backed with a gold skeleton leaf.
For our bride (pièce de résistance!!) We started with antlers to create the shape, added living frosted tillandsia (airplants) with raw pulled cotton and natural cotton pods, gold leaf, gold threading, and finished with meticulously placed crystals, rock salts, mirrored and colored glass to create an icy, crystalized appearance that would appear to have erupted straight out of the earth!
The mix of round and long wooden tables were decked out with metallic birch linens and from BBJ Linen, stainless steel, pewter and silver vessels; as well as metallic resin deer heads snakeskin runners and our aforementioned orchid, succulent, cotton, and birch designs. Rentals were provided by Town & Country Event Rentals, and Revelry Event Designers.
As always, Kristin Banta Events pulled out all the stops with extra special (and truly breathtaking) details. Guests enjoyed fizzy, peppermint cocktails with ice spheres, served from a bar constructed from pure blocks of ice and birch; and sat beneath wooden antler chandeliers and amongst birch trees as the couple walked down the aisle.
The wedding party and guests alike, enjoyed a Flipbooth photo booth featuring a backdrop (custom built by Lilla Bello ) of birch tree wallpaper, with mittens, hats, and hand made masks for props. And everyone danced the night away on a frosted metallic dance floor (from Barker Decor Services), to tunes by Elan Artists, surrounded by crystalized branches, while falling snow was projected on the walls around them.
What did we tell you?! Spectacular! Don’t you wish you were there… dancing in the sparkly, wintery forest with all the lucky wedding goers?! We sure do.
Thank you so much, again, to the amazing Kristin Banta and all the unbelievable vendors she pulled together for this one-of-a-kind extravaganza. We can’t wait to do it again!
xo #lillabello
ABOUT AUTHOR
Toby Kassoy, was born and raised in Southern California. In her college years she went up to Eugene Oregon, where she first fell in love with floristry. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she spent 8 years working in the Entertainment industry, while all along, flowers were always tugging on her heartstrings. In 2004 she decided to leave her corporate job and open Lilla Bello, aptly named after the beautiful lilac bushes she remembers outside her kitchen window in Oregon.
