The Art of the Compote Goes National

If you haven't heard of a floral compote design, you're probably not alone.  It is a design that is created in a footed compote style bowl, and it typically has a very natural look because of the way the flowers are placed in the compote and they have the ability to drape out in the way they would naturally drape on the plant or vine they came from.  In designing a compote you can use a floral frog or oasis, but the floral frog tends to give a more natural look.  The design is gorgeous, because it's full and lush and it is lifted off the table by the footed compote. 

Courtenay Lambert Florals is proud a member of a fabulous group of designers called the Chapel Designers, which is a group of women and men floral event designers across the US and Canada.  All of us met in New York City this past March, and we had a session with Ariella Chezar at Flower School New York where we learned the art of the compote.  It was so much fun, and we all enjoyed it so much, that we dediced to create compotes and link to each others designs....a progressive blog post.  So, check out the links below for more fabulous and stunning compote designs.  I'll post more of our compote shots later today, but for now the one above includes Clematis, Knockout roses, Honeysuckle, Veronica, Variegated Hosta, Coreopsis, and some other wild flowers and weeds I picked myself. 

Since we had a very busy event weekend, I actually created this design on Monday (yesterday) with all materials that I found in my aunt and uncle's garden and surrounding area up at their lake house.  It was 97 degrees yesterday and it was tough keeping these little guys alive.  But, it shows you that you can create a compote design too, with any foliage and flowers you have in your yard.   I'll post more shots of compotes later today, and again see below for more fabulous designs.

Isha Foss Events http://www.ishafoss.com/2012/05/floral-compotes.html
Alluring Blooms http://alluringblooms.com/ode-compote/.html
Floral Verde LLC http://floralverde.com/blog/?p=800
Flirty Fleurs http://www.flirtyfleurs.com/?p=9609
Celebration Florals http://bit.ly/K4Dkcz
Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD http://thefullbouquetblog.com/?p=20905
Fleur:ology http://fleurologydesign.com/?p=397
Exquisite Designs http://www.exqdesigns.com/blog/?p=1900
Petals & Hedges http://petalsandhedges.com/blog/?p=868
Bare Root Flora http://barerootflora.com/index.php/blog/45-the-art-of-the-compote-denver-wedding-flowers
Loda Floral Design http://lodadesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/floral-compote-design.html
True Florette Floral Design http://trueflorette.com/succulents/the-compote
Grapevine Floral Company http://grapevineinbloom.com/?p=228
Modern Day Floral http://moderndayfloral.com/blog/?p=4036
Sweet Pea Floral Design http://sweetpeafloraldesign.blogspot.com/2012/05/amazing-compote-gandy-dancer-rehearsal.html

And here is a post by Naomi from Martha Stewart Weddings on compotes  - http://thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com/2012/05/crazy-for-compotes.html


More shots of the compote process:

As I mentioned above, I use a lot of wild elements (better known as weeds), and flowers that my aunt and uncle had planted around their lake house. 

And since I didn't have an actual compote vase, I used an old floral frog that belongs to my aunt.

I put it in a tupperware container and set it on top of a cake plate...you got to do what you've got to do!

Pride & Prejudice, "Midnight Tea" - Featured on Wedding Chicks Today

 

"It is a truth universally acknowledge, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." And of course, this calls for a wedding celebration and after party worthy of a stunning midnight tea!

Courtenay Lambert Florals had the privilege to work with an amazing creative team to bring to life, "Pride & Prejudice's Midnight Tea."

With the idea of a romantic celebration in the late 18th century Darbyshire, England in mind; balance between new and old, formal and informal, delicate and striking, became of high importance.  Together, the creative team was able to bring to life one of the most fantasized weddings of all time with the elegance and opulence of a British "high tea" and captured the couple's timeless story.

Waltz into regency England and marvel at the rich colors and textures in the florals and linens, subtle detailing in the stationary, and the romance that has inspired the evening.  So sip a cup of tea and think fondly of Pemberley as you are cordially invited to the wedding of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Enjoy!

With this concept in mind, we were able to bring to life the opulence, romance and timeless imagery of a British “high tea” with the twist of capturing the couple’s après wedding festivities.

The stationary designs are intended to capture the timelessness and formality of a late 18th century British courtship while infusing unexpected modern embellishments. In true “high tea” form, rhinestone encrusted escort cards are each displayed atop a single sugar cube foreshadowing the events to come with period-correct tea time details like teapots, cups and saucers—each appearing among prim swirly bits inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel. We particularly love the subtle detail in the escort cards’ placement on the worn squares of the chess board complimenting the shape of the sugar cubes perfectly, as true to then as to present day.

Mr. Darby and Elizabeth’s invitations include traditional fonts—but formatted in a very new, dramatic way. Large, sweeping text playfully mimics steam from a teapot while silhouettes of bride and groom give a nod to pristine English cameos worn in the era. Classic Victorian patterns weave throughout each piece; but instead of pastels, we update the traditional palette to bold, rich hues of teal and black complimented by rich jewel tones. Silk tea bags nest inside vintage Enghlish tea cups—each elegantly tethered to a custom tag welcoming its guest with one of many inspirational messages pertaining to love, tea and sweetness, remaining true to the “Pride & Prejudice, Midnight Tea” design theme.

The lighting sets the tone as subdued yet energetic, cool blue, yet romantic, more “club” than “country club,” and strinkingly true to our image of “the late night event of the era.”

 

 

The grandeur of the time is accentuated with gorgeous centerpieces in rich jewel tones including Hydrangea, Roses, Kale, Eucalyptus, and other organic elements, all in a formal silver vintage footed vase.   As often seen in the Georgian era as well as today, we’ve incorporated fruit to reflect abundance and prosperity.  Additionally, we have impeccably dressed vintage silver containers for the occasion with sugar cubes, fruit, and flowers. 

 

 

The deep teal table linens chosen by the design time were rich in color and texture to set the stage for the opulence and extravagance of the setting. The linens and napkins are accented with brooches. The ruffled chair skirts are feminine yet bold in color and design.

Classic cameos are thoughtfully placed at each setting and vintage brooches adorn each swag in the table linen, candy dishes overflow with gems and pearls and hanging English tea cups reminisce our theme.

Elizabeth’s brooch bouquet features vintage heirloom rhinestone brooches with a dupioni silk, satin, and organza stem treatment.

 

Our dessert table exudes noble and timeless British elegance with engraved cake labels placed delicately into impressive gem-laden stands and proudly displayed on the cake tiers aside their miniature counterparts. Each confection incorporates the luxurious elements of our imagined “Pride & Prejudice, Midnight Tea” theme; black lace and jewel toned satin and pleated ribbons adorn these opulent, sinful delights.  

The sugar flowers are as reminiscent to the late 18^th century fashion as they are to today’s haute couture adding to the whimsical mood of the theme. Each guest is delighted with a confectionary gift designed to welcome them personally to Darbyshire’s quintessential event of the era, the “Midnight Tea” reception of the esteemed Mr. Darcy and his new bride, Elizabeth.

 

 

 

The Creative Team:

Courtenay Lambert Florals

Giddy Ink

Kortnee Kate Photography

Sugar Realm fine bakery and cake design

Viva Bella Events

Sources:

Wedding gown from Fabulous Bridal

Lighting – Goodwin Lighting

Venue – FB’s in downtown Cincinnati, OH

Table linens - La Tavola Linen

Chair decor: Wildflower Linen and Chameleon Chairs

Chairs: Chameleon Chairs via Classic Party Rentals, 

Julie Straus & Alec Dailey

I loved the colors that Julie picked for her wedding....the tone on tone soft to bright yellows, set off by the silvery sagey green/blues.  I can't resist posting this beauty, and of course, I probably am posting too many.  But when you have a photographer like Kortnee Kate shooting, it's hard to decide which ones to post....they're all so stunning!  Anyway, we at Courtenay Lambert Florals we're honored to be a part of Julie and Alec's special day, thank you!  Thanks to all the vendors involved, see below for the full list. 

Bride & Groom: Julie Straus & Alec Dailey

Ceremony/Reception: Drees Pavillion/ Devou Park

Florals: Courtenay Lambert Florals

Cake: Sweetwater Bakehouse

Photographer: Kortnee Kate