We're all about falling in love, so needless to say we are still catching our breath from the gorgeous event design created by Sterling Engagements and Shawna Yamamoto Event Design for our Best of Bride party at the The Ebell celebrating the finalists and winners announced in our Fall Winter Best of 2014 issue of California Wedding Day magazine (on stands now!).We asked five design teams to take different areas of The Ebell and transform them into a full experience and the results were so inspiring we just had to share.
Inspired by a golden apple, Sterling Engagement's Alexandra Rembac and Shawna Yamamoto gave a whole new meaning to the Garden of Eden with their passionate Romeo-and-Juliet spin that culminated in a romantic and lush setting filled with an abundance of greens and the loveliest of floral arrangements. The design duo set to work creating this sultry environment by hitting all the right notes, from a decadent dessert spread by Fantasy Frosting to moody music by Hey Mr. DJ (download the sexy, kick-ass music track here) and an absolutely delicious buffet of Asian-inspired eats crafted by the Ebell's Executive Chef Louis Pechan (see full catering menu below) alongside Pharmcie LA's (Ebell's resident mixologist) enticing absinthe-and-gin "Garden of Allah" cocktail.
Love notes created by Prim and Prixie played a huge role in the decor, from the flowery quotes framed and scattered throughout the room to the amazing Forbidden Lover's Tree featuring thousands of secret messages about love. "I wanted a vintage presence because it just captures the Ebell," says Rembac. "But I wanted glamour and sophistication so modern accents like our clear chateau chair added that mood. Greens for days and the whispy kind of florals added an intense amount of whimsy. I loved the idea of golden apples and berries paired with beautiful romantic, almost angelic florals."
From the Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Engagements: "The Forbidden Lover’s tree was designed to engage. I wanted guests to experience the feelings and emotions that love gives and challenge them to take away something. The lover’s tree spread its branches with intentions for all. They were inspiring and meaningful.
Lighting was crucial. I needed romantic and saturated hues but with a glow in pockets of the space. We had to have the chandelier almost dropped in place under the tree. Linens were huge, they needed to be textured and feel good. The green velvet was like a dream come true and I just couldn’t get enough of them. Then pairing it with the sparkling aubergene metallic weave was like the perfect accent for just the right amount of contrast in color and that rougher texture.
All of the menu items and mini desserts were carefully calculated and creatively inspired by our board http://www.pinterest.com/alexatsterling/forbidden-romance-in-the-dining…. We put beautiful diamonds in the space through table and lounge configurations and amazing ice diamonds for the signature cocktail which featured absinthe.
The custom designed signage took it to another level. All of the love and care that went into the design from Jen at Prim & Pixie was insane. The layers of detail she created for us for our love quotes around the room, the menus, the tree messages and all the directional signage, it just was beyond."
Full dinner menu: Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Fermented Chili Cocktail Sauce, Brown Sugar and Spicy Ginger Chicken Skewer, Forbidden Rice with Pineapple and Coconut Milk, Braised Beef Short Rib Rendang, Chinese Long Bean w/ Fermented Black Bean and Chili Gai‐lan with Black Soy Sauce, Mango Salad with Baby Greens and Pickled Maui Onion, Baby Greens and Japanese Cucumbers with Sweet Soy Vinaigrette, Exotic Fruit Display
