unspecified-19   This past Wednesday we opened our doors and invited brides to “click their heels” and make their way to our Open House.  Greeted by whimsical decor along way, we went for a subtle nod to the Wizard of Oz.  Be prepared to be inspired to have fun at your wedding! Whether you love Wizard of Oz or perhaps are entertaining the notion to incorporate your favorite book, movie, or even beloved character(s) in your wedding. As the Once Cowardly Lion learned, have a little courage along the way!  And have fun with the overall design and planning of your wedding.   You can certainly go all out for a theme, but sometimes all it takes are a few key details to make a point. Speaking of key details, we absolutely love how the guest tables turned out.  Being that we were inspired by several of the Wizard of Oz characters, we decided to pay tribute to a few of them within the Guest Tables.   For the Cowardly Lion, we created a table scape with a Shantung Champagne Gold floor length linen, with Brown linen napkins folded into Crowns (if you recall the Cowardly Lion wore a crown). For the centerpiece we used fur pooled in the center of the table to incorporate the lion and finished with a simple floral centerpiece of red roses, white and green hydrangeas. This table was gorgeous and honestly inspired us to perhaps play around with fur for a Winter Wedding inspiration.  Oh the ideas we have on how simple touches of faux fur through out a wedding…. more to come in a future blog. “The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid.”- The Wizard of Oz, The Cowardly Lion unspecified-14     unspecified-21                     And how about the Tin Man inspired Guest Table?!  We are still swooning over the Red guest napkins folded into unforgettable hearts! The Red hearts pop against the metallic Silver floor length sequin table linen. For the Centerpiece we used metallic votives tiered at different heights on Silver candle stands as we wanted the Red heart shaped napkins to be the center of attention. Simple, understated touches is what breathed life into the Tin Man’s Character in this guest table. “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much others love you.” -Wizard of Oz, The Tin Man unspecified-13unspecified-22     For the Wicked Witch, we went black and bold!  The Black floor length sequin linen sparkled and laid the foundation to bring in the bright Lime Green (almost neon in color) napkins and Lime rock candy treats.   For an extra statement of wickedness  we rented sleek Black china.  The Wrought Iron centerpiece was the perfect element to add the Wicked Witch’s Flying Monkey’s to.  The almost all green floral centerpiece was adorned with yet another fun touch of the Wicked Witch with a mini witch hat and striped stocking witch legs peeking out the top. I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too”- The Wizard of Oz, The Wicked Witch   unspecified-11 unspecified-12                         For the Sweet heart table we went all out to represent Dorthy using a traditional blue gingham table overlay draped over a white floor length linen. We adorned the table with a basket for Todo (of course we had to have room for Dorthy’s Best Friend), red roses in green vases, and red glittered chargers (had to get those Famous Ruby Red Slippers in there somewhere!). We finished the look with red linen napkins and red chair sashes on Champagne Gold Chiavari Chairs. Now we invite you take a closer peek… Do you see it?  We believe there is always room for a whimsical touch of fun! Instead of a house in Kanas falling on the Wicked Witch, it was a sweetheart table. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we are not in Kanas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz, Dorthy   unspecified-20     In the Manor Courtyard, we brought in touches of the Emerald City.  The guest tables were covered with White floor length linens and a Gold Sequin table runner.  For the centerpieces, we used 3 clear glass cylinders, filled with clear glass stones, a waterproof LED light, and filled with water. We finished the look by adding green food coloring to represent the beautiful shimmer of Emerald.  The courtyard was embraced by white lights in the trees and market lights, and green up-lights.  The arbor was not forgotten with more green lighting and marque “Love” letters hanging behind a vintage velvet green couch making for a perfect backdrop for pictures. “Its not where you go, its who you meet along the way.”- Wizard of Oz   unspecified-17   unspecified-16   It is our hope that you now feel inspired to bring your own “brand” to your special day. After all your wedding day is about a Love Story and it should represent the two of you. If Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, or Harry Potter is your thing.. bring it on and incorporate it in the fine details and decor elements. Happy Planning!   Photo Credit: All Pictures provided by Stonebridge Manor Florist: Zuzu’s Petals & Jan Dekker Designs DJ/Lighting: Valley Mix Entertainment Linens/China: Event Rents & GBS Linens