White Whimsy: Four Modern Designs Featuring the Classic Colo | California Wedding Day
White Whimsy: Four Modern Designs Featuring the Classic Color
Bold contemporary interpretations of the timeless hue.
February 11, 2022
Whether it’s for a luxury, glam or boho chic wedding, white is the most popular choice for celebrations. Radiating sophistication and elegance, there is a reason white so often graces décor choices, from florals to cakes. Here, the use of the color is anything but classic, as four design teams bring their unique style to create modern interpretations of a white wedding.
Classic Elegance at the Langham
"We wanted to create a glamorous and elegant outdoor experience filled with lush blooms and luxurious décor that would complement the gorgeous exterior space of The Langham." - Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs
DÉCOR The focus is on luxurious and timeless décor to complement the beauty of The Langham’s grounds. Floral extravagance and glamourous décor choices convey a sense of opulence.
FLORALS Dramatic centerpieces are at the center of this design. A blend of various white flowers, including orchids and roses, brings a lush texture to the arrangements, with pale pink roses adding a splash of color.
TABLETOP Metallic gold is a perfect complement to the white décor with ethereal florals providing a beautiful foil to the chargers and silverware. A mirrored table serves as a modern element, bringing contrast to the richness spread on top of it. Cut-glass water goblets enhance the luxury, and elegant white menu cards embellish each place setting.
COUPLE The bride is breathtaking in an elaborate gown with textured detailing and a lavish train. A mesh overlay at her neckline gives a contemporary twist to a classic silhouette. The groom’s white tuxedo has black accents around the collar, adding a modern influence to a classic look. Looks were kept all white to make the couple stand out against the backdrop of The Langham.
Bright and Bold Interpretation of a Classic Palette
“Many couples like a variety of styles, and how you combine them is the basis of a wedding design that is a true reflection of the couple. You just must find the right balance and where the new and old intersect. There is a reason classic shapes and styles withstand the test of time and why they blend easily with the modern.” —Gloria Mesa of Gloria Mesa Photography
FLORALS The textural elements of flowers are what set this design apart. The organic floral design features ranunculus, cosmos, lilies, fringe Gerber daisies and white orchids both in the bridal bouquet and the ceremony structure.
TABLETOP A contemporary table and mid-century modern chairs are mixed with vintage champagne coupes and tableware, blending old and new elements. Dainty white orchids gently rest on top of place settings, and bold pops of color from vintage vases tie the design together.
DÉCOR Vibrant infusions of color, in the forms of a distinctive yellow sofa, bright fuchsia bougainvillea and colorful vintage vases, juxtaposed with classic white elements create a dramatic aesthetic.
COUPLE The design of the bride’s gown marries a vintage pattern with a modern silhouette. The groom goes for bold in a green suit.
“In this editorial, the bride is ‘La Paloma,’ returning messages of love to her heritage, reconnecting with her culture, the history and the art. With that in mind, the goal was to achieve a look that honored tradition, heritage and the whimsical elements that make the song timeless.” —Carol Banh Keiner, Blushing Details
DÉCOR Inspired by Sebastián Yradier’s 1961 song “La Paloma,” designers chose to put whimsy and romance on display. The use of subtle colors aims the spotlight on the variety of textures and patterns throughout the design, and the backdrop lends a sense of the ethereal to the setting. To reflect the design’s musical inspiration, unusual elements such as vintage binoculars, ukuleles and sheet music were incorporated into the décor.
FLORALS The softly whimsical florals are a blend of white and green blooms. Greenery and florals decorate the Spanish-inspired iron gazebo, the site of the ceremony, and the tabletop florals deepen the ethereal atmosphere.
TABLETOP Tabletop décor features wood, gold and cotton elements, with vintage touches. Enhancing the classic design, dinner plates trimmed with ivory lace are the highlight of each place setting. Gold-tinted silverware, sophisticated glassware and white florals further elevate the refined ambiance.
COUPLE Two gowns from Claire Pettibone’s Romantique Collection are featured, with the styles playing off the refined, classic feel of the shoot. The groom’s tan suit from Friar Tux complements the bold choices in bridal attire.
“We wanted to have a very modern and clean look that was classic and that paired well with the aesthetics of the hotel.” —Erika Bowers, Erika’s Elegance
FLORALS White blossoms are paired with lush greenery throughout the floral design. Hydrangeas, roses and ruscus foliage are featured throughout the design, from the bouquet to table centerpieces. Florals are situated in black vases, making the entire design’s lush nature stand out.
TABLETOP The chic white acrylic table and place settings include elements of black and white to complement the surrounding hotel décor. Black chargers with gold trim and white plates patterned with polka dots bring modernity to the classic look.
DÉCOR The contrast of elegant white features against sleek black velvet chairs infuses the design with modern glam. Following the classic black and white color palette, elements such as the invitation suites and the welcome sign introduce modern geometric shapes and gold accents to the traditional color scheme.
COUPLE The bride’s fit-and-flare floral lace gown has a sleek silhouette that suits the modern yet classic look of the design. Dressed in a bold burgundy velvet jacket, the groom is rocking the design’s modern yet luxurious spirit.
