BeBe and Farmer Protea Wedding Inspiration

You KNOW how much we love growing proteas! Well, we couldn’t be more excited to share some homegrown protea wedding inspiration with you. Mel and I got to be on several sides of the wedding fence this month when our friends, Mud Baron and BeBe Lerner tied the knot at the Highland Springs Ranch in the Cherry Valley. Farmer (aka Mud) said they wanted proteas in their wedding but when asked to create the bridal bouquets and centerpieces for the reception, we were thrilled. It’s not too often we get the opportunity to attend a wedding (Mel a groomsmen) and enjoy the flowers we grow and also arranged on the farm.

Let’s just say that, for a farmer who loves proteas, I was in heaven and OMG… that arch! I just love the way this wedding combined the elements of soft and strong – protea, berzelia and Australian wildflowers mixed with the dreamiest of fabrics in hues of pink and white, contrasting with silver place settings. For me, it was the perfect representation of the flowers we’re so passionate about growing!

Fun was a huge hallmark of this wedding day. Like groom - Farmer told Mel not to take his ‘wedding attire’ too seriously… only be sure to wear his hat, I got the impression that neither did the bride and groom, and everything about their big day was playful. From a witty Hawaiian dressed minister, to Bebe’s dogs, Bob and Ben, at her side and Mud’s dog, Patsy playing catch on the dance floor, it was an evening full of fun.

Field to Vase: American AgCredit Customer Appreciation Dinner

The Temecula Valley is Southern California’s Wine Country. Over 30 wineries populate the region’s rolling hills and sprawling valleys producing a variety of wines. It’s no surprise that this region has become a popular event destination.

This month, American AgCredit held its annual Customer Appreciation Dinner at Avensole Winery and Resendiz Brothers was asked to provide the flowers. We were excited to be able to use an assortment of beautiful protea that we don't often have available all at once, and we loved the idea of adding yellow callas to the mix.

The colorful combination of ivory, yellow, orange, pink, green and silver was a treat to work with and a feast for the eyes.

On ivory linens with burgundy napkins the centerpieces blended perfectly. Displayed in rustic whitewashed wooden containers we mixed an assortment of protea, pincushions, banksia, leucadendron, berzelia, brunia, eucalyptus and callas. Each centerpiece was unique and creatively designed adding a special ‘field to vase’ touch to this lovely vineyard location.

Mel and I enjoyed wearing our flower-farmer hats while creating these special arrangements.