Lauren + Eric - Maxit Team Member POV

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

I arrived at the airport about mid-afternoon, lugging around my new suitcase and proudly donning my Aspen, CO sticker. This would be my second trip to Colorado for MAXIT and ever in my life. I was looking forward to going back again, this time to Denver. I always get butterflies whenever I travel for work - foremost from the anticipation of a new destination, new people, and a new opportunity to create. Secondly, from the expected nervousness for the unknown. Did we bring enough carts? Will the boys driving the UHAUL from Texas to Colorado have a breakdown? Will our focal point phalaenopsis orchids come in blue instead of gray? (Which they did - thank god for floral spray paint).

But for this wedding, I was feeling more confident. After our recent trip to Aspen, we had more travel experience under our belts and a greater understanding of how to prepare for the hiccups we could run into along the way. In Aspen, we produced out of the mother-in-law's suite and the backyard of an Airbnb. While we had a gorgeous view of the mountains, the threat of flower-eating deer every night gave us quite the arm workout when it came to moving buckets. To alleviate some of these issues, we contacted a hotel and booked one of their conference rooms to work out of. While I will always miss having a view of the gorgeous mountains anytime I design, this set-up proved perfect. Ample tables brought by the gracious and kind hotel staff any time we needed them, a water hook-up in the kitchen that was one door over, and direct access to a loading area for our UHAUL. Probably not the most exciting aspect of event design, but these are the small things that make or break the production of successful events.

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

What excited me most were not the dumpsters that were close by, but the unique concept of Lauren and Eric’s wedding. The design for the wedding was the definition of cool. Dramatic, moody, and modern - perfectly matched to the style of the venue, Space Gallery. A spacious art gallery filled with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints located in Denver’s art district.

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Catering & Bartending: GB Culinary│gbculinary.com

And trust we came ready to fill that space with our works of art. Giant, fluffy, eye-catching rings were the main focal point of the space, created entirely out of chicken wire and spray-painted Baby's Breath, fern, and leaves. These were complimented by gorgeous orchids placed in smoked glass and dynamic blooms running down the center of each table. 

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Catering & Bartending: GB Culinary│gbculinary.com

And I can’t forget to mention the other show-stopper - a mirrored aisle with runners of lavender, tan, cool-toned pink, and mauve that climbed their way up to the matching mirrored arch. With such a dazzling design concept, all that was running through my mind throughout the week was - “Who IS this couple?”

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

From the moment I laid eyes on Lauren and Eric, it all made sense. Of course, a couple so chic would have a wedding of the same tier. My eyes gravitated towards Lauren the moment she walked in sporting a sleek, blunt bob and a gorgeous floor-length lace wedding dress. But it was hard not to notice Eric as well in his stunning metallic floral suit. They were bold and glamorous and we made sure they had a wedding to match.

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Bridal Boutique: Little White Dress Bridal Shop│lwdbridal.com

Gown Designer & Veil: Galia Lahav│galialahav.com

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo│us.jimmychoo.com

Beauty: Salon Joa│salonjoa.com

Groom’s Attire: Dolce & Gabbana│dolcegabbana.com

Groom’s Shoes: Versace│versace.com

Groom’s Hair: Forma + Collective Salon│formacollectivesalon.com

Groom’s Beard: Ollie’s Barbershop│olliesbarbershop.com

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Bridal Boutique: Little White Dress Bridal Shop│lwdbridal.com

Gown Designer & Veil: Galia Lahav│galialahav.com

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo│us.jimmychoo.com

Beauty: Salon Joa│salonjoa.com

Groom’s Attire: Dolce & Gabbana│dolcegabbana.com

Groom’s Shoes: Versace│versace.com

Groom’s Hair: Forma + Collective Salon│formacollectivesalon.com

Groom’s Beard: Ollie’s Barbershop│olliesbarbershop.com

The long hours at the hotel and the magic of watching this event come to fruition are at the forefront of my mind when I think of Denver, but the moment I remember most fondly is one I hardly ever get to experience as a floral designer - listening to the bride and groom exchange vows. A helper and I went back to the venue a couple of hours after the completion of set-up to flip the aisle florals to the reception area. We got there a little early, so I had the joy of sitting and listening to this intimate moment between a couple that loved each other with so much passion and devotion, it was a gentle reminder of why we do what we do. To create a memorable day to commemorate the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Photographer: James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com

Venue: Space Gallery│spacegallery.org

Design & Decor: Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com

Rentals: Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com

Wedding Planner: Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

Bridal Boutique: Little White Dress Bridal Shop│lwdbridal.com

Gown Designer & Veil: Galia Lahav│galialahav.com

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo│us.jimmychoo.com

Beauty: Salon Joa│salonjoa.com

Groom’s Attire: Dolce & Gabbana│dolcegabbana.com

Groom’s Shoes: Versace│versace.com

Groom’s Hair: Forma + Collective Salon│formacollectivesalon.com

Groom’s Beard: Ollie’s Barbershop│olliesbarbershop.com

Officiant: Temple of RA│@temple.of.ra

father of the bride

Morgan & Holman were another easy couple, and those are to be celebrated! Truth be told, we never met them until the day before the wedding. The whole wedding was planner with her sister, mother, father and event planner Alyssa Meeks. It was a magical combination of people who loved her and knew her so well that she never needed to involved. To work with such a kind, loving group of people was a highlight of 2019.

The father drew up the floor plans, and worked closely with the tent company to create a space that fit perfectly in their back yard. It was the most seamless extension of their gorgeous home and we couldn’t have felt more fortunate to be the ones that they entrusted.

To design in someones home demands more attention to detail and I am so proud to say, that is what we are known for. Making sure that we are respectful of every space and taking care of their property as if it was ours. Because let’s be real, it’s super intrusive to have all these strangers in your home. We have a responsibility to make sure that they are so comfortable, that they would like us back.

The bride wanted something classic and timeless. She wanted lots of greenery and touches of blush colors to add dimension. We chose a selection of seasonal flowers including roses, garden roses, spray roses, ranunculus, lisianthus and many other seasonal blooms that helped us fill out the arrangements.

When designing the space it was important to do a walk through so that we could see the space and understand how the guests would be walking through the space. As all guests entered they would walk through the front door. And we were so excited to hear that the family was on board with making this a spot that would shine. Focal points where guests feel welcome are so important.

Floral arch entry with all white flowers and greenery. Private residence in Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Altar arrangements, blush, white, garden style urn. White pedestals. Aisle with small bouquet and hanging ribbon. Wedding ceremony in Memorial Drive Presbyterian, Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Altar arrangements, blush, white, garden style urn. White pedestals. Wedding ceremony in Memorial Drive Presbyterian, Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Monogram with bride and groom letters. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Room shot of the reception for private home event. Floral chandelier and low garden style arrangements. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride with bridesmaids and groom. Blush, white and green bouquets in a lush garden style. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride with bridesmaids and groom. Blush, white and green bouquets in a lush garden style. In front on brides family home with a floral arch. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride with her bouquet stepping out limo to the reception. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride and groom entering the reception. Blush, white and green bouquets in a lush garden style. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Garden style centerpiece with all white and touches of blush flowers. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride and father dancing the first dance. Florals for the band front. With a lush garden style. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Bride and father dancing the first dance. Florals for the band front. With a lush garden style. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Installation of florals through the staircase entry of reception in private home. Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

Confetti exit, Houston, Texas. Maxit Flower Design, Alyssa Meeks , Chris Bailey Photography

walking into the unknown: designing events with intention

The bride asked for a simple and classic design. We incorporated scented garden roses with roses and touches of jasmine vine for that delicate touch or greenery. Calligraphy by Jenny @ A Fine Flourish

Copying what we have done in our daily lives works well for most things. I tend not to reinvent how I take a shower, make my bed or brush my teeth. As we have created efficient methods that have become routine.

Designing weddings and events can fall into the same patterns. I have been guilty of this, as it also can help with efficiency and ease. And shall I say that it allows clients to feel comfortable that we are not taking risks with their special event.

On the other hand, bringing in a couple elements that might have never been introduced before can not only make your client feel special, but create intention with design. New design elements reminds us that each one of our clients is unique and that all our designs have them at the forefront of creation.

To our future clients, allow us to take some risks and meld that into what you feel comfortable with. The combination of both allows for the most beautiful events we have ever created.

film photography: the come back kid

When choosing your wedding & event photography there are so many decisions to make and we are not going to pretend we know a 10th of what is important. But when we see something that we love and is a representation of fine art… we will let you know.

Film photography has made a come back ya’ll, and we love it!

There is something so old world, so ethereal about the softness that is unparalleled to anything else I have seen. And one of our favorites in Houston that rocked this shoot is Chrisitne Gosch.

Yes there are some limitations, so find a photographer that will do both digital and film… and boom no more limitations. You’ve actually added another element of art into your day that you will never regret.

For this design concept we wanted to marry the garden style compote with garlands that have been to popular. We deconstructed some flowers and laid them through out the table to style and create a loose floral garland look.

We’ve created this look for rectangle tables and rounds and think that it truly does adds a luxe element. It’s super unexpected and interactive. I think we are all used to having flowers in a vase or garland, but seeing them placed through out the table keeps your guest wanting more.

Am I the only tactile person here? I have to touch that dress I walk by when shopping, and smell the rose on the side of the street. Adding flowers to a table will no doubt have me touching them or adding them into my hair. Let your guests interact, that’s what life is about.

talent is talent

When I get word that Hannah Mason is coming to photograph our flowers, my flowers even get excited. This kind, generous, sweet photographer blows me away with her talent.  There are many photographers out there that do a great job and that I love dearly. But Hannah, tells a story.  

You can literally see her thinking and brainstorming about the details, pulling all elements of the wedding to photograph.  She understands the concept behind styling the wedding in a manner that catches ALL the details.  Because if you don't already know... those details are all well thought out.  Someone had to chose those details, think through them and put them all together.

The wedding collaboratively is made from all of those tiny decisions that made one evening so memorable.  To think that a photographer wouldn't give every one of those elements their own time, is a shame.  It's not validating that each step meant something to our clients. Each item was chosen with thought, and it was part of the process they took into hosting an event for their loved ones.

I get so passionate about this subject as I am in meeting after meeting with my clients and see how much this all means to them.  I see how much they enjoy it and how they speak of specific people and times in their life that make them ponder these decisions.  It might seem like just a candle, an invitation, boutonniere, the beading on a the dress, that flowing hanging ribbon, or a simple centerpiece.  But to them it was a well thought out detail that they took the time to think through and choose the perfect one for them and their loved ones.