Adam Havrilla, AIFD, PFCI, ICPF | Floral Designers in Chicago

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ChicagoStyle Weddings Designer Challenge

A local bridal magazine, ChicagoStyle Weddings, invites a team of wedding professionals to create to photo spread for the magazine. Then the voting will begin to select crowd favorite. Our challenge was to be a bit different than the others. Our setting was not a ballroom… it was a moving glass boat down the Chicago River! This was going to be challenging but oh so fun. YES, let’s do this!

We all worked together to create the look we were going for. It was going to be a play on elegant tropics called “Modern Tropics.” The color palette we selected was to be mixed metallics, white, ivory, shades of peach and toffee.

Floral tablescape design

The first item we completed was the tablescape. The palm fronds and aspidistra were color enhanced with rose gold. The pampas grass gave the centerpiece drama and softness all at the same time. We displayed the floral on top of an Accent Décor Biltmore stand to provide height without blocking the fabulous view of Chicago as we sailed down the river. The floral consisted of orchids, pincushion protea and roses.

How to design floral for a photo shoot

When designing a photo shoot remember every angle counts. Make those little moments pop by grouping items together. We chose to group mixed metallic votive holders along the table. Some held candle and others held florets to base the design.

All hands on deck

The deck of the ship was to have two functions for the shoot. One function would be the ceremony and the other function would be the cake display. We designed a moon gate that would consist of coordinating floral from the centerpiece. The Quintessential Cake designed the most beautiful cake we adorned with fresh floral and Coqui Paperie created stunning signage that was hung from our moon gate. Overall, the look was breathtaking.

Behind the scenes note: we could only have the gate up when not moving as it obstructed the view for the captain. So, it was moved many times during our shoot up the river and held up perfectly.

Bridal bouquet design

The bridal bouquet consisted of orchid florets, pincushion protea, roses and color enhanced foliage with a pampas grass collar.

Always bring extra floral!

Always bring extra floral to a photo shoot to enhance other items. Nothing is a better to accent than floral.

Remember when you agree to take part in a photo shoot design something different and unique. Take this moment to be creative and create something beautiful with your team.

Design for the love of design!


Thanks to the incredible companies that made this photo shoot possible:

Cake

The Quintessential Cake

@thequintessentialcake

Dress

Pronovias

@pronovias

Hair/Make Up

Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team

@kjohnartistry

Hardgoods

Accent Décor

@accentdecorinc

Linens

BBJ Linen

@bbjlinen

Magazine

Chicago Style Weddings

@chistylewed

Photography

Ashley Galminas Photography

@ashleygalminasphoto

Planner

Wedicity

@wedicity_chi

Rentals

Marquee Event Rentals - Chicago

@marqueerentalschicago

Stationery

Coqui Paperie

@coquipaperie

Tux

The Groomsman Suit

@thegroomsmansuit

Venue

Odyssey Cruises Chicago

@ecchicago