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As the Wedding Design Consultant for Greenscape, Norma was one of the most wonderful brides I have had the pleasure of working with. She came to our consultation with a few ideas but mostly with an open mind. The one request Norma had was that she wanted cherry blossoms — and lots of them! As we walked around the warehouse several other items and ideas spoke to her and I worked to incorporate all the elements that she fell in love with into the overall vision of the wedding. The end result was a complete transformation of the ballroom at the Villa Amato.

ENTRANCE

Each and every guest had the opportunity to walk through an enchanting and breath-taking 8′ cherry blossom aisle. This experience set the scene for the additional cherry blossom trees and accents throughout the room.

HEAD TABLE

The head table, flanked with cherry blossoms, had a sheer and crystal curtain backdrop lit with iridescent pearl hued lighting (mixtures of subtle pinks, blues, greens and white).

 

CAKE AND GIFT CARD TABLE

The cake and gift card table was set in a woodsy corner with a birch panel backdrop flanked by weeping willows and oak trees;  lit with shimmer lights that gave the sense that sunlight was shining through the leaves. The cake which we had decorated matched the cherry blossom theme of the wedding as well.

      

BUFFET AREA

Once Norma set her eyes on our First Nations Canoe, she knew she wanted to include it in her wedding décor. I incorporated it into the buffet and fittingly it held seafood. Set against a tropical plant vignette (an inside joke for her family members) glowing with tones of amber, red and hues of green,˚ it truly managed to complete the buffet area.

       

STAGE

The stage was flanked with the majority of the cherry blossom trees and was lit with the same iridescent light. This resulted in a beautiful array of shadows shades on ceiling that could be seen from across the room.

BALCONY

The balcony railing was dressed with cherry blossoms. Real cherry blossom branches were attached to the railing and then adorned with cherry blossom sprays that were horizontally lit to create a slight ombre effect. Lanterns and pink carnation flower balls from the ceremony decorated the exterior tables.

     

If you are looking for some unique décor ideas for your special day, email me for a complimentary consultation at your venue, favorite coffee shop, or our office!

Spring is in full swing, and love is in the air! Warmer weather brings thoughts of sunny beaches, flowing skirts, and of course wedding planning!

We recently partnered with our good friends at Debut Event Design and Chair Décor Etc for an evening at Terminal City Club’s Hush Wedding Show – Vancouver’s best kept wedding secret. This wedding event was unlike any other, with live entertainment, passed canapés, and of course some of the best vendors in Vancouver; it was a Saturday evening not to be soon forgotten.

Our vision was to design an elegant evening garden ceremony set up. With our vibrant emerald green boxwood walls and natural wood accents, Debut’s dazzling chandeliers and draping, as well as Chair Décor’s blinged out chair covers, we created a warm and inviting environment.

Check out some photos below by the very talented Union Photographers, and be sure to call us today to see how we can make your wedding day special!

      

      

Corinne and I recently ventured down to Chicago to represent Vancouver at The Special Event 2013. With hundreds of speakers, 4500 attendees, evenings filled with Showcase Events and a whole tradeshow floor to explore, we were sure to have a good time.

My personal highlight of the trip would have to be the education classes. I was lucky enough to win a scholarship from the Search Foundation, which allowed me the opportunity to get as much learning in as possible. With a focus on design I narrowed down my list, grabbed my books (well, really my iPad, this is 2013 after all) and headed to class. Many of the speakers were fantastic, but a few really stood out. The first was Trends in Design by Diane J. Burner of MGM Resort Events.  The concept was how to take grand ideas and scale them down for individual events.Diane shared with us some fantastic artists to get us inspired:

• http://michaelmcgillis.com/sited-work
• http://www.runeguneriussen.no/index.html
• http://www.emmahackartist.com.au/emma_art/emma_home.html

Our fellow Canadians, Décor & More Inc. put on another one of my favourite classes, The Kaleidoscope Design Process. This particular session focused on the event design process. It spoke to three different lenses, the creative, the logistic, and the collaborative. By using what they dubbed ‘ large pieces of glass’ (ie. staple décor items) and turning the kaleidoscope to reimagine and reinvent them, you are able to create endless possibilities of event design.  I am really looking forward to applying my kaleidoscopic eye to transform some of our décor!  Email me to learn more about top creative event trends for 2013!

Enjoy some pics from our trip!

      

With over a quarter of engagements happening over the holidays, soon to be brides are buzzing with excitement. Members of Greenscape’s design team participated in TSE2013 in Chicago and have been attending wedding shows every weekend this month and we have some really great insights for the hottest wedding trends for 2013.

The Opulent 1920s

With the latest film adaptation of the Great Gatsby being released this year, the extravagant parties of the roaring twenties are back. Think elegant high society, classic long tables, formal settings and the permanent air of elegance. Whether day or night, formal garden tea parties, opulent mansion dining and white tie affairs are all the rage.

Decadent Art Deco vintage décor incorporating silver beading, crystal embellishments, ivory hues and fine detail are key to unifying this look.

 

Read more about this look.

Vintage Chic

It’s clear that vintage is still in. But this time around there’s more of a focus on refinement and elegance. This year it’s less about the burlap and more about the lace.

Picture pale hues of pinks and whites set into traditional rustic backdrops. From paper cups to gilded edge glassware; from mix and match forks and knives to elegant flatware — small touches counter the rustic outdoor or indoor settings. Glassware chandeliers hang over heavy wooden tables dressed with chrome candelabras.

Vintage no longer means DIY and has been elevated to be more formal and less casual.

 

Photo Left – Read More                                                 Photo Right – Read More

Geeked Out Weddings

Let’s face it, the majority of people these days are on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and these people are at weddings snapping photos from their own smartphones. It comes as no surprise that brides and grooms are using this to their advantage to help document their special day.

The popularity of social media photo booths and wedding day specific hashtags are evidence of this growing trend. By choosing specific social media platforms and asking guests participate by adding hashtags eg. #julieplusmike to Instagram photos or checking in on Facebook, couples are capturing and sharing more memories of their own weddings. The photos and comments are instant, live and shared with all those in attendance.

Read More

Check out photos from some of our favourite Greenscape weddings that we were a part of in 2012!

      

      

photo credits:

White Birch wedding - Three Sixty Photography,  Light Chandelier – Anita Alberto Photography, Cherry Blossom Wedding – Shari+Mike Photographers

 

Sci-Fi meets Victorian, with steam-powered gears bringing to life old world machinery.  Steampunk has taken the event design industry by storm.  A sub-culture of speculative fiction literature that the poses the question, what if the future had happened sooner? The answer lies in a darkly romantic and enticing world of vintage industrialization, which creates an extraordinary and inviting environment for an event.

We translated this theme into moveable feast for the eyes, with working gears, flickering Edison bulbs and a fanciful backdrop for the band. We also incorporated antiqued globes, and hanging chains to finish off our mad-scientist aesthetic.

Check out our photos below!

      

 

From fashion to cosmetics to interior design, metallics are hot and they are here to stay!

Chain links, sequins, futuristic sparkles, and metallic surfaces – the Gilded Age is back with a modern twist.  For interior design, metallic finishes add luxury and flair to a room with décor accents, fabrics, carpets and wall or window coverings.  For some great ideas on adding shine to your home, check out this ideabook.

Brass, blackened steel, copper, silver and powder coated structural architectural forms and supports are being highlighted and exposed for their natural beauty rather than being concealed.

      

Greenscape Creative Director, Christine Cox says, “I love the juxtaposition of using hard architectural materials like concrete and steel with the movement of grasses and textured plants like succulents and cacti.”  Some of her recent creations:

      

Event Designer, Christa Hovis, has created a wonderful table setting that integrates the movement of textured greenery with metallic event decor elements:

And finally, as our Greenscape Design & Decor Principal and known non-fashionista, Corinne Kessel, proclaims, “Just get your sparkle on!”

This January, as Christmas decorations everywhere came down and most of the city’s wood chippers were working overtime, Greenscape decided to go with a new Christmas tree recycling plan. We discovered the Critter Care Wildlife Society, which specializes in the treatment, care and release of sick, injured and orphaned Native Mammal species of BC’s Southern and Lower Mainland. They are the only facility in BC that specializes in the care of mammals and one of only four Bear Rehab facilities in the province.

After every Christmas, Critter Care takes old Christmas trees to be repurposed and used for their bear, racoon and otter enclosures. The animals love to sleep, climb and play on the trees. This year we were happy to help them out. Judging by the photos, it looks like our trees found a happy home!

      

We will to continue to donate throughout the year as well. If you’re interested finding out about how you too can Critter Care, contact us or visit their website.

We had the pleasure of giving back last month, and some may say we had a lot of fun doing it!

“Greenscape Grows” was a Movember initiative where we challenged the Greenscape team to grow out their best moustaches. Some were scraggily, some were thick, and all looked uncomfortable and itchy! We raised over $500 dollars for a fantastic cause, but we were all thankful to see some smooth faces on the first of December! Decembeard was simply not allowed!

     

We recently had the pleasure of partnering with some amazing people for a night of food, wine and fun times. Pair It Up is an event hosted by The Vancouver Lookout that challenges caterers from across the city to pair their fantastic hors d’oeuvres with a complimentary local BC wine.

This year’s concept was “Something Old, Is New” – spanning decades past to present: the roaring 20s, 1950s Doris Day, the free-loving 60s and the always rocking 90s.

      

We had the pleasure of working with our good friends at The Butler Did It Catering, to help capture the swinging 20s with their booth.  We helped The Lazy Gourmet create a ‘from the farm, to the table’ theme, and made Culinary Capers pop with vibrant fall colours.

      

For the rest of the décor, Christine designed a 50s inspired display juxtaposed with a 90s rock jam space. Tucked away was a 1960s rumpus room. The food was delicious, the wine was divine, the décor was top notch!

      

This year Greenscape participated in IDSwest 2012 as part of “The One of a Kind District”. As part of the Greenscape production team, I helped to create beautiful centrepieces using several varieties of succulents arranged on birch or cedar logs and driftwood pieces.

Beautifully displayed in our booth constructed from natural birch, our one-of-a-kind centrepieces and magnets were a huge hit with passersby; with most barely realizing until closer inspection that our hand-painted succulents were actually artificial. I’m sure our “Sometimes Fake is Better” and “Touch Me, I’m Not Real” signs might have helped lure people in!

It was a great experience to have personally made the centrepieces and then also experience selling them. We educated people about the many benefits of artificial plants, my favourites being:

• they can be kept in dark spaces without having to worry about lack of sunlight or even watering

• for those without a green thumb, like myself, our centrepieces are ones ‘you’ll never be able to kill’

• the design possibilities are endless!

Our centrepieces flew off the shelves to new homes as take-aways or gift-aways. With each piece being so unique, it proved to make decisions difficult and there was a lot humming and hawing over which piece to purchase and there were even some silent battles between buyers.

      

It was great to meet some new faces, as well as see some familiar ones on the tradeshow floor. Walking around IDSwest and checking out the exhibitors was inspiring and refreshing. The Valley Countertops booth looked particularly beautiful, but of course, we might have had a little helping hand with that! I had a great time this year and am looking forward to creating new one-of-a-kind designs throughout the next year!

      

Greenscape Design & Decor feels strongly about giving back to our community. This month, we chose to support OUTdoors! Camp, which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth develop leadership skills, work in collaborative ways and develop a strong sense of self and community. To do this, we sent our Principal, Corinne Kessel, down to Prescott, Arizona, to be a cabin counselor amongst 250 LGBTQ youth, volunteers and community leaders.

This was her experience:

Over the Labour Day weekend, I had the extreme privilege of being a cabin counselor at OUTdoors! Camp in Prescott, Arizona. What an inspiring, humbling, and intense journey. I went there wondering what I might teach the youth, not realizing how I would be the one doing so much learning! From being taught to give snaps, not to throw shade, practice “one diva, one mic”, to discovering a passion for yellow, it was an amazing and empowering experience.

Camp was all about celebrating differences and embracing the highest levels of unconditional love, respect, dignity, kindness, trust, strength, self-expression, inclusion and honesty. It was a safe place, where everyone was validated and everyone had the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to someone else. This culture, I was somewhat prepared for. However, as a subdued ice queen from Canada who has an almost exclusively black wardrobe and a slight addiction to being connected to cyberspace, being thrown into the YELLOW cabin with the most impossibly high-energy co-cabin counselor (that’s you Shane), 8 incredibly different and exuberant teenagers, an endless barrage of sharing games and NO CELL PHONE, this was definitely outside my preferred comfort zone!

That said, I wish I were still there.

        

I was pre-warned about the cell phone prohibition and the possibility of teens, but I certainly did not expect to be wearing a bee costume and bawling my eyes out on the final day in a massive 250-person group hug. My Yellow Cabinmates were like-minded fun-seekers that bonded instantly, loved late night dance parties (much to the chagrin of the Camp Rangers) and together we found the fun in everything. We also shared our bright yellow hearts out and thoughts, stories, and feelings were expressed that had never been told before.

Words do not do justice to this deeply rewarding and life-changing experience. To watch youth blossom with purpose, passion, confidence and courage and to witness them discover their inner strength was so powerful and changed my perception of myself and what is possible.

Since my time at camp, I am challenging myself to find new ways to grow, to be authentic, to become a better leader, add more colour to my life and to BEE myself!

-Corinne

*if you are interested in volunteering next year, visit OUTdoors! Camp to apply.

 

Summer is officially over, and as we all exchange our tube tops for tube socks, one can’t help but think of toasty nights by the fire and the joy that grows during the winter holiday festivities.Love the season but too busy to decorate? We can help.Be it your annual company Christmas party or your month-long holiday display, Greenscape has been brightening the season with captivating décor and exceptional service for almost 20 years. As holiday decorating professionals, we provide commercial or residential clients with a thoughtful design, an efficient, stress-free installation, and timely post-season removal.

Call or email us today for a complimentary consultation or to receive a copy of our holiday décor collections. Let us be your Santa’s helpers this year, as we help bring the magic of the season directly to you!

    

One of our latest fun projects was a revamp of the Surrey location of the Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre. Monarch strives to provide a child friendly, positive environment where children look forward to coming and professionals deliver high quality dental service.To help facilitate their goal of building healthy and happy smiles, we transformed the office into a magical tropical jungle. By incorporating custom designed trees and playful elements such as birds, frogs, rainforest tree-stump seating and a whimsical butterfly chandelier, we created a trusting and enchanting experience for children and families to enjoy.

                   

Tips for putting artwork up that will never let you down!

When hanging single pieces, 63” on centre from the floor is the perfect height for most pieces. “On centre” means that the middle of the picture is at 63”, which is also average human eye-height.

When hanging a series of pieces together, keep the gap between the pieces between 2” to 2 1/2“ in order to utilize the wall space. As well, try to position your artwork and photos a minimum of 9” above furniture.

Artwork and pictures should be placed in relation to furniture – as a guideline, one or more wall hangings should cover about 2/3 of the wall space above the piece of furniture. A 4-foot wide painting would be appropriate when centred above a 6-foot wide table or sofa.

Product Tip:

3M Command Strips are awesome to use when hanging art over mirrors, millwork panels or vintage wallcoverings. They come in a multitude of style and weight options and can be easily removed leaving no damage, allowing flexibility to change wall hangings seasonally or to suit your mood.

The Greenscape Design Team is proud to add the Wedding Industry Experts Award 2012 “Best Flowers” to their list of proud achievements. The awards are an annual competition recognizing some of the most popular wedding vendors at a local, national and international level.

Our floral designers are able to create custom arrangements for every occasion and every budget. From stylish fresh florals to architectural designs made possible with the use of faux botanicals, our team is able to showcase your distinctive style through floral bouquets, centrepieces, tablescapes, and venue design.

“We have been inspired by all the creative ideas our wedding clients have approached us with this year,” said Stephanie Furlong, one of Greenscape’s fabulous design consultants. “The trend is definitely leaning towards the unexpected, which we love, and we are appreciative of being recognized for our creative efforts by our valued clients.”

Email to book your complimentary consultation today!

              

  

We recently had the pleasure of revamping the courtyard space outside the Jewel Ballroom for the wedding of Ari & Eva. The couple dreamed of having their ceremony in a lush garden, but as the reception was at Jewel they didn’t want to have their guests travel between too many locations.Greenscape was called in to convert the existing courtyard into a vibrant and wondrous garden, while also creating an intimate and private environment shielded from the busy West 8th and Granville intersection.It took over 100 bushes, 15 trees and countless greenery pieces for groundcover but we were able to create a complete transformation.

Check out the before and after photos below!

     

    

Most people don’t consider how they will look in the room when choosing their wall, flooring and décor colours.  The same is true for planning an event or wedding.It is important to choose a colour palette that is complimentary to the guest of honour. Flattering colours add brightness to the skin and bring out the colour of the hair and eyes, whereas unbecoming colours can drain colour from the skin causing it to appear sallow or unhealthy.

Blue eyes glow when surrounded by purple and lavender tints, and brunettes look great in orange, while natural blondes do well with neutral backgrounds that aren’t overpowering.  Warm complexions will look best in colours with the same undertones.

Try incorporating complementary colours in accent pieces, floral arrangements, linens or pipe and drape for something unique and eye catching. Experiment with using one colour, but in different hues throughout the space.  Colour needs to move and shouldn’t look like it’s landed.

Knowing your best colours will help you look your best!  Not only wearing the right colours, but surrounding yourself with the right colours in your home or on your special day can help you do just that!

           

Working together with Taxi for the Vancouver Aquarium we created a stunning three-dimensional billboard at the entrance to Granville Island.As most Vancouverites know, the Aquarium just opened their new Penguin Point exhibit, featuring three whacky, waddling African penguins. In collaboration with Taxi’s team of all star directors, we put together a 20′ tree, a dozen wooden birds, and a true to life 3′ replica of an African penguin.

Go check out the billboard at the entrance to Granville Island and don’t forget to meet the new birds next time you’re at the Aquarium!

We recently had the pleasure of working with Justin of the Burgoo Food For Comfort restaurants to revamp their rustically charming patios at all 4 of their locations: Point Grey, North Vancouver, Mount Pleasant (Main Street), and Kitsilano. Burgoo is famous, not only for their delicious ‘straight from mom’s kitchen’ cuisine, but also their use of natural finishes and their down-home-country-cabin aesthetic.

To work within their existing design, we wanted to create a laid-back and relaxed feel. By using reclaimed wood planters, wine barrels and hanging baskets we were able to create a look for the patio so comforting it could rival their delicious Macaroni & More!

Burgoo strives to be reminiscent of simpler times, so take a moment out of your stressful day to go relax and have a drink on one of their newly redesigned patios. Their summer menu boasting daily drink special ranging from $4 – $6 is sure to leave your palate and your wallet satisfied – don’t forget to check out the plants while you’re there!

      

      

Artificial boxwood is a highly versatile product that can be custom designed by the Greenscape team to disguise unsightly outdoor views, increase privacy, create intimate green lounges or showcase a unique decor feature for your garden, patio, courtyard or condo balcony.

Grasses add a contemporary and architectural edge to any space. Whether you prefer a lean and linear look, or require the function of a tall privacy screen or a versatile space divider – our design team can add dimension to your patio or define areas within your floor plan.

Our exterior grade grasses can withstand harsh conditions and are fade resistant. Have beautiful landscaping year-round with minimal maintenance.  Custom planter options are available.

Email our design team to book a complimentary consultation to discuss your patio or outdoor space!

                        

Charity Challenge!!!!

Our team has been keeping very busy this spring at Greenscape, and in the midst of it all, we wanted to make sure we took a moment to give back!

We recently started a charity challenge initiative – every month we choose a different organization and help give a little. This month we partnered with Free Geek Vancouver, an organization dedicated to helping the world stay connected. They take old, broken, and unloved electronics and bring them back to life with their electronic TLC. The computers are then sold to the public at significantly reduced costs so that everyone can get their hands on Google.

Our team dug through their closets at home and we ended up with a total of 4 hard drives, 4 monitors, 1 laptop, 1 iMac, 1 printer, 5 keyboards, 2 mice, 1 game console, and 1 unidentified object. Congrats to our newest team member, Bev, for bringing in the most stuff!

    

Check out Free Geek if you want to buy, build or learn anything computer related.  You’ll also get to hang out my new buddy Don – he’s pretty awesome!

Planning your wedding should be an enjoyable, exciting, and rewarding experience.  We can help showcase your distinctive style throughout all the elements of your special day.  The timeless beauty of nature never goes out of style and can compliment almost every venue.  From winter weddings that add pine boughs, fragrant pomanders, and fresh cranberries, to summer weddings that add rustic accents like pinecones, feathers, driftwood, birch branches, and shells, sophisticated nature-inspired designs are our specialty!

A Summer Love Affair - Floral centrepieces shown range from $45 – $150.  Décor accessories & linens additional.

Classic, graceful, and full of nature’s beauty – add warmth to your wedding with touches of peach, coral, and mint on branches or birch.  Embrace nature and share the joy of it with your guests!

                        

Email us to book a free consultation today or to learn about more wedding decor ideas we can create for you.

Our talented team of wedding specialists are recognized for their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to oversee the intricate details of even the most complicated event.  

One of our most popular decor requests this season is shabby chic, which combines relaxed elegance with the soft romance of antiques and distressed artifacts. Leaning calla lilies and delicate white floral arrangements are highlighted with pearl and silver accents, adding personal touches of character to an elegant white wedding. 

Floral centrepieces shown range from $25 – $125.  Décor accessories & linens additional.

      

      

      

Email us to book a free consultation today or to learn about more wedding decor ideas we can create for you.

Engagement season has officially passed, and soon-to-be newlyweds are flocking to start planning the details of their big day.To get in on the action we recently spent the weekend at the It’s My Wedding show at the Tradex in Abbotsford. We met some new designers, reconnected with old friends, and most importantly, saw some stunning styles and trends.

Here’s what we noticed is hot this season:

Rustic elegance still seems to be one of the leading trends for BC brides, with birch accents complimenting warm palettes. Pewters, chocolates and rich jewel tones look great in textured linens, such as pintuck and velvet.

               

Soothing tones of champagne and cream compliment each other perfectly and create an air of enveloping warmth for a naturally sophisticated design.

      

Manzanita Branches and dripping crystals look elegant as always, and are perfect for the couple that loves to sparkle and shine!

      

For a dramatic change to the soft palettes we’re seeing this season, we created a gothic romance for the Table Decor Challenge. We paired vibrant red with luxurious black damask linens. To carry the theme throughout all elements, our branchy centrepiece was growing right out of a Harlequin romance novel!

 We had a great time at It’s My Wedding, and we can’t wait to start ringing in wedding season.  Bride or planner, our design team is available to discuss your vision in a complimentary consultation!  CONTACT US to reserve a time convenient for you!