Elegant Apple Orchard Wedding

By Magnolia Rouge

Howdy folks! I hope you've had � or are having � a lovely weekend! I finally got my broadband back up and running on Saturday so sadly I spent much of the weekend catching up on work. Lucky I love my job right? There's a lot of beautiful inspiration lined up for the week starting off with this elegant celebration by MIKE LARSON.

From the Big Apple to a little apple tree orchard on the central coast of California, Francie and Patrick's wedding reflected both the sophistication of their adopted home of New York City and the beauty of See Canyon where the bride grew up. I love the soft grey palette of the bridesmaids gowns and of course who doesn't adore a bouquet of ivory peonies. Francie is wearing a jaw-droppingly gorgeous gown from Israeli designer INBAL DROR � doesn't she look incredible?

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: Days before the proposal, Patrick called our parents and told them of his plans and asked for their blessing unbeknownst to me. Patrick and I enjoy our morning walks with our dog trouble, coffee in hand, soaking in the west village ambiance. During one particular walk, in the middle of an intersection, he dropped down on one knee and asked me for my hand in marriage. I was happily surprised and taken off guard and said yes of course! In retrospect, I can't think of a more romantic proposal as Patrick's proposal was not contrived and was truly uniquely authentic.

TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: The ultimate fashionista is my Grandmother, Elinor Orlandella, who (although paralyzed from a stroke) spent the day with me, my Mom and my Aunt Judy shopping for my dress. I fell in love with the designer Inbal Dror, and this dress. The breathtaking train sealed the deal! Not to mention the reaction from my GrandE, Mom and Aunt when I put the dress on! The dress shopping day, which included car service and a beautiful lunch, will be a life event I will never forget.

ANY DIY OR BUDGET ELEMENTS? My Dad and Mom made many improvements to the property to create the perfect venue, including planting beautiful gardens in all white, stone seating areas and customizing the orchard to handle the ceremony setting. Patrick and I also completed many DIY projects including penning a personal note to each guest on the back of their escort card, creating a beautiful table scape using mirrored tiles, crystal, aged silver candelabras and tea lights, and designing a stunning memory table honoring those who couldn't attend.

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: The florist took elements from the orchard and property gardens and brought in peonies, garden roses, gardenia and dusty miller to create beautiful and dramatic arrangements. The arrangements (which included branches from fruit trees in boom with blossoms and baby fruit) enhanced the surrounding beauty of the venue. Garland, english ivy ball topiary, dogwood and calla lilies graced the ceremony. The floral pallet included all shades of white and green with touches of burgundy from the ornamental plum tree branches.

FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: My favorite detail of the day was walking into the secluded dining area and seeing my vision of the long rustic farm tables dressed in elegance against the backdrop of the stunning green canyon walls.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Enjoy the process and especially the day! It goes by so quickly and you will never have this time back!! Breathe and be present!

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? I have two moments I shall cherish forever. The first look with my father as my mother looked on! The look in Patrick's eyes when I walked down the aisle!