ASIEL DESIGN

flower silhouettes | CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Asiel Design — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:43:07 +0000

Great design is simple and dramatic. It allows your guests to have an experience, whether of awe, wonder, or maybe just warm fuzzies. When choosing what design you want to use at your event, remember that sometimes less is more. A flower tucked under water or placed within a glass vase can sometimes be more appreciated than a whole bouquet of that same flower. It gives us the opportunity to see the flower for what it is – a gorgeous individual piece of art. It just puts it in a gallery so to speak so that you can gaze at it and see all the intricacies it brings.If this is the style you choose to use, we recommend that you use flowers with beautiful stems, interesting shapes, and exotic varieties. The repeat design of multiple pieces of glass allows this to work more powerfully.Textures such as crushed glass, stones, shells, long grass, branches, wire and other elements can be paired together with the flowers for a stylish impact.A floating candle and some candles below all layer together to make a table–scape design. This is romantic, simple, elegant, and modern design that allows the silhouette of a flower to be appreciated for the beauty that it is.I recommend using a textured linen below to add another layer of design to the table. Sometimes going more simple on the flowers can be paired with a modern charger at each setting.

FLORAL DESIGN | A S I E L D E S I G N

steampunk reception | TODAY’S BRIDE MAGAZINE

Asiel Design — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:00:44 +0000

With the scene set for our Steampunk bride, the warehouse took on a new life. Dark walls received fresh beams of sunshine as we opened up windows that seamed to have been closed for a decade. The space was raw and inspirational. We, Tanja, Tia, Jonathan and I dreamed up a steampunk photo shoot because we were excited about the style and we want to present alternately styled weddings.Tia had her friend create a dress from an old WWII parachute that she had been holding on to for the right occasion. This was it! In an old warehouse down the street, we swept up, and created our rendition of steampunk. Tanja and Tia worked with Kayla, our model to create an emotion for each shot. They worked endlessly. For the shot with the parachute dress, we brought in a fan and set the scene with ropes and lights hanging in the ceiling. Our dear friend, Paxton was up in the rafters creating magic. We even talked him into modeling for us. A dozen or so boutonnieres were created for the shoot. There are so many details that one can play with in this genre. There needs to be some grit and attitude, some deep colors, and heavy materials like bronze and leather to pull it off. Tanja found a box of vintage optical test lenses. They were perfect in the jewelry and menue cards.

For the table top, we worked with the beams overhead to create a custom chandelier complete with hanging Marconi light bulbs. Vintage light bulb cages sourced from our friend, Paxton created an Edison Vibe. We played with vintage medicine bottles encaging blue thistles and creamy white dried berries. Large gears and spokes brought in the steam-powered elements. A soft fabric puddle down the table to offset the harsher materials. This brought femininity to the table. Jonathan was in heaven putting this table together. He loves chains, gears, and antiques. He reworked old candelabras and added cages and (glass pieces for electrical safety). We even made our own art pieces that held light bulbs. It was a fanciful adventure.

Marizette created an incredible menu card using the optical test lenses and chains. It was dreamy and tantalizing. The table was set with vintage silver trays for chargers. These can be found at various vintage stores. We wanted to keep it eclectic. An old mattress spring hung as an installation for the vintage inspired name placards. What a fun way to find your name! Marizette is incredible at finding out of the box materials. We love her! The feeling in the room was moody and ambient. There was warmth to it.

The incredible photos that Tanja created give an impression of the fun that we had. My favorite part was breaking through the tried and true and really laying the ground for art and design coming to brides from their culture or subculture. We want to inspire brides to be themselves on their special day. If you are a princess sure have a princess wedding, but if you are a steampunk maiden, then embrace it and bring it to life for all of your friends to enjoy.

steampunk fashion | TODAY’S BRIDE MAGAZINE

Asiel Design — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:47:50 +0000

We wanted to bring Steampunk style into the wedding world. To our knowledge, it hadn’t been done yet, and we loved the style. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usuallyVictorian era Britain or “Wild West”-era United States—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy.

Jonathan and I first encountered Steampunk a few years ago in fashion. I loved the Victorian style and was enchanted by what seemed to be a punk version of it. It felt like the Victorian Era set in fantasy-land where adventures lurked and poets played. Jonathan and I began finding watch gears at flea markets and fiddling with jewelry. Light bulbs and fuses could be faceted with bronze chains or vintage keys. It was a much more masculine version of jewelry. I felt like I stepped back in time and was combining my favorite “found objects” with modern day fashion. We tend to underplay steampunk. It is a genre that can be over the top. Our version of it mixes into modern day. It has hints of fantasy and science fiction but is laced with reality. Our line of jewelry came out of our relationship. We both loved the gears and fuses as well as jewelry and cuffs. We began making each other pieces for gifts. Designs emerged. Today, on Etsy, you can purchase replications of what Jon made me for Valentines Day two years ago.

We worked with Tanja Lippert and Tia Reagan better known as T&T Dynamite. They were fabulous to play with. They pulled dresses, shoes, and accessories. I have never seen so many fun pieces in one place. It was a like a little store set to the side. They were magnificent at giving Kayla our bride a different look every couple of hours. Gabrielle Bridal supplied a few beautiful gowns. I love how attainable this is for your wedding. These looks can be put together for an event. Tia created an incredible jeweled head piece that I still dream about.

The bouquets here are a bit mystical looking. They are made with camera flash light bulbs, dried mushrooms, thistles, gold hydrangea, and whispy dried grass. I love creating beauty out of quirky objects.

We created this shoot last year as an inspiration for brides. It was found in Today’s Bride Magazine. It became a trend this last year. We are so excited to have been part of the inspiration.

Stay tuned for next week as we reveal our Steampunk reception. We are so excited. Andrew from MSV created an incredible video. Subscribe to our newsletter and be sure to stay in the know.

war and roses | RITZ CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY

Asiel Design — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:31:31 +0000

A reception fit for a princes was laid out for Lorena and Jaime’s guests to enjoy. The room dripped with opulence and drama. We set a combination of King tables and square tables throughout the space. Several oversized arrangements floated above the tables suspended on glass vases filled with crystals. The style was modern and warm with romantic tones.Broaches were brought in through the vases, the napkins, and the chairs. Phaleonopsis orchids, Polo Ecuadorian roses, and ivory hydrangea were the focal flowers. We created various combinations of flowers to give a feeling of movement and variety. Acrylic risers surrounded by candles gave height to the square tables. The guests were overwhelmed and delighted as they walked in.

The cake also was set on an acrylic riser. I have never seen so many orchids on one cake. It looked like an extension of the frosting. Pillows of hydrangea separated the cake and gave it a dreamlike state.

The guests were amazed as halfway through dinner, a curtain opened to reveal WAR on stage. The crowd was in an uproar. War is a funk band that has been around since the 70’s. “Low Rider”, “Spill the Wine”, and “Why can’t we be friends?” are a few of their hits. The guests sang along as the band rocked out the stage.

I love how they chose to surprise their guests with the entertainment. It kept it interesting and built momentum. Sometimes a wedding can be so formal that there isn’t room for fun. This was a great combination of style and fun. The last two posts were focused on their ceremony and cocktail hour. Looking back at the three events all in one day… is a beautiful display of how this couple continued to mix it up, surprise their guests, and truly party. The night was finished with dancing and an after glow complete with sliders and fries.

FLORAL DESIGN | A S I E L D E S I G N

PLANNER SYLIST | rebecca reategui

EVENT DESIGN | Rebecca Reategui in partnership with Asiel Design

VENUE | ritz carlton half moon bay

PHOTOGRPHER | geoff white photography

VIDEO | avr films

TENT & LIGHTING | classic party rentals

sultry libations | RITZ CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY

Asiel Design — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:57:12 +0000

Lorena and Jaime’s cocktail hour was a world apart. After an elegant winter blossom ceremony, the guests were ushered to a sultry cocktail lounge. It had been transformed from a classy hotel foyer into a fantasy lounge. Over sized ottomans, velvety sofas, trees dripping in crystals with magenta blooms, walls of candles, and raspberry Champaign greeted the guests as they walked in. We wanted the guests to escape, relax, and feel ready to party. It definitely worked.Gloriosa lilies are one of my favorite flowers. They have a dance to them. They seem to be arching, reaching, bending and posing. I submerged them in water to give a sense of space to dance in. I love how the candlelight is such a key focus in this design. The light reflects off of the glass and crystals to bring a sparkle and elegance to the night. I wish I had a before photo. The space was a grayish blue with lots of windows. We all worked hard to change the environment. It created a special feeling for the wedding as the guests forgot where they were.

We placed a petal in each of the candleholders below the votive. This created a spot of magenta that when multiplied was extremely impactful. I am a lover of details. They make all the difference.

What ideas do you have to help the guests let loose and have a good time?

Wamly,

Linnae Asiel

FLORAL DESIGN | A S I E L D E S I G N

PLANNER SYLIST | rebecca reategui

EVENT DESIGN | Rebecca Reategui in partnership with Asiel Design

VENUE | ritz carlton half moon bay

PHOTOGRPHER | geoff white photography

VIDEO | avr films

TENT & LIGHTING | classic party rentals