Do you want to have your wedding at home? January 14, 2012

Here is one of our favorites that we fully planned, designed, and

created from the back yard up…literally!

                            The ceremony took place at the beautiful Baker Memorial Church

and everything else took place at this family’s amazing private estate.

Custom designed by Elizabeth Wray Design,

a fabulous birch arch bursting with flower clusters

served as the ‘gate’ off the drive that all guests entered through.  

We created an extraordinary event space by using a smaller entrance tent

that led into a grand peak tent.

Cocktails were had on the terrace poolside which was adorned with floating candles.

The large tent was our “ballroom” where guests dined and danced

surrounded by twinkle lights and candle glow.

The entrance tent, decked out with lounge furniture served as late night space for guests

to get comphy as they noshed on assorted sweets, cupcakes, and gourmet popcorn.

At Elizabeth Wray Design, you not only find flowers that fit your style,

but also passionate and experienced event planners.

EWD creates unforgettable weddings,

whether small and intimate or large and elaborate,

we want to create a wedding that uniquely represents you, the bride & groom!

Share with us your vision and we will turn your dream wedding into a reality,

all the while giving you peace of mind!

 

All flowers created by: Elizabeth Wray Design

Photos by: Jill Douglas

It’s all about TANGERINE! January 5, 2012

For 2012, Pantone’s pick moves the dail a few clicks hotter, from a warm pink honeysuckle to pure tangerine dream,

with the selection of  “Tangerine Tango” ,  a citrus-red hue that  is certainly red hot,

popping up all over the Spring 2012 runway collections during the September Fashion Week shows.

“Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset,

Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow,

to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Celebreties are getting their energy boost from the hot color.

 According to Pantone, the choice of Honeysuckle as 2011′s color of the year

 ”encouraged us to face everyday troubles with vigor,”

while Tangerine Tango “continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward” !

Here at Elizabeth Wray Design, we love the color choice.  All shades of orange can be found in magnificent blooms, all seasons.

Tangerine is one of our favorite wedding colors. 

If the hue seems to be too much for your bridesmaids to wear, consider using it as an accent color…

 …your flowers, linens, printed items, accessories, chargers, or decor!

Oh yes, this vibrant red-orange hue is going to be  throughout fashion, home decor and, of course, 2012 weddings.

Luckily, EWD’s  past brides have already been inspired by the color!

The options are endless and we’re excited to see how you newly engaged brides plan to use this fiery color too!

elizabethwraydesign.com  | www.facebook.com/elizabethwraydesign

 

All flowers and decor by: Elizabeth Wray Design

Photos by: Allure Photography, Jimi Allen Productions, Miriam Doan Photography, Verite Photography, Studio 1125 Photography

Peonies that last long after your wedding day! December 27, 2011

 

Here at EWD, we will never stop loving the beauty of ruffled, fluffy, romantic peonies! 

This fabulous flower is being grown in  many new varieties that are becoming available most months of the year!

In our office (see office flowers below on the left) we have watched this deep rich red variety last for up to four weeks!

It’s color and stamina makes it one of our favorites … especially this time of year.

If red isn’t in your wedding color pallette, you have other options to choose from.

Many peonies, once available only in the spring, are now available most months of the year!

Check out Sarah Bernharts, Bright Cherry Red, Hot Pink, Vivian Wild, Jules, and another favorite of ours, Duchesse de nemours!

Check us out on facebook  for more ideas & photos!

 We want to help you design your perfect wedding day!

Call us to set an appointment

630.232.1975

REUSE, REPURPOSE, RELEASE your wedding day stress! December 20, 2011

 Reuse, Repurpose, Release your stress with

Elizabeth Wray Design!

We think that you should  get the most bang for your buck !

That’s why we are always coming up with creative ideas

for brides to reuse & repurpose their wedding flowers

from ceremony to cocktails to reception!

  At this winter wedding , EWD used manzanita tree centerpeices on pillars down the aisle & then pepurposed them on half of the reception tables. Violla winter wonderland!

  This fall we just HAD to reuse these adorable red pomanders!

The flowers hung from shepard’s hooks down the aisle and were then re-ribboned and hung along the window behind the bride & groom’s feasting table…adorable.  By the way, the centerpeices came off the cereomony arch too!

 In October we went super green & eco-chic repurposing chair bouquets of fresh rosemary into a cluster of low centerpeices on the tables (shown here along side the Bride’s bouquet).  Oh so cute!

 This summer wedding called for beautiful jewel toned flowers in lush pew bouquets at the church, and then were set atop deep golden candlesticks on the guests tables. Glamorous! 

 

 ~ Here’s the best part! ~

We do it for you… every wedding is assigned a decor team. 

Your team sets the church & then sets the ceremony.

We don’t leave until every detail is perfect!

 

 ~ Want even more? ~

We offer full and day-of wedding planners that can be there along the way to show you all the ways you can
make the most of your day & RELEASE your wedding stress!

 

Click here to see more great pictures of our real weddings! Become our friend & be sure to like us!

www.elizabethwraydesign.com

 

 

 

 

As UNIQUE as the BRIDE December 13, 2011

 

You are FABULOUSLY one of a kind!

        Every bride dreams of their perfect wedding day                                      

                                                            …everyone’s dream is different.

 That is why Elizabeth Wray Design has never recreated the same wedding.

We believe that each design should be as purely unique as the bride.

                 We want to make your wedding dreams come true!

   Call for an appointment today…

                                …see what Chicagoland’s happiest brides are talking about! 

 

Check out more”Real Wedding” Photos at:   www.facebook.com/elizabethwraydesign

15 w state st |  geneva, il | 630.232.1975 | event flowers & planning

 

This HOT wedding trend will make your mercury rise! November 5, 2011

We’ve been swept away by mercury glass this season…

                                   …what’s not to love about this hot trend?

Used tastefully on tables, it creates a vintage glam look 

 that can mix well with any coordinating wedding colors.  

 

              The flowers we like to pair with the glamorous glass are

                                                            soft, dreamy and lovely

                                                                    …lush peonies, fluffy hydrangea,

                                                                                and billowy blown open garden roses…

                                                                                                           just to name a few favorites!

 15 w state street, suite b … geneva, il 60134 … phone: 630.232.1975 … www.elizabethwraydesign.com

See more of our work &  wedding trend ideas on www.facebook.com/ElizabethWrayDesign

 

Oh so succulant! September 28, 2011

Succulants are water-retaining plants that can adapt to nearly every climate.

Plants in this category include aloe, succulent roses, cacti, and hens & chicks-among many others.

Incorporating succulents into your wedding theme and décor will make your wedding eco-friendly

 without comprising your chic sense of style and design.

We love crowding different varieties together in low arrangements,

adding them as an architectural element with other softer flowers,

or wiring them into your bouquet, these desert flowers are a strong statement of modern beauty.

With their fleshy leaves, succulants won’t wilt as the day wears on,

instead they will delight long into the night.

The ways to use them are many…. medium-size succulents are perfect for propping up table number cards

and will add an organic touch to any reception table, not to mention, they work double duty as wedding favors.

Long after your wedding day, you will be able to enjoy these desert blooms, succulents will continue

to grow as your love does. Love their beauty, love the earth, and love the one your with!

 

To see more of the Elizabeth Wray Design succulent weddings featured here,

visit our face book page !

http://www.elizabethwraydesign.com

 

 

 

Citrus Trend…Ripe for the Picking! September 7, 2011

Here at Elizabeth Wray Design, our beautiful bride, Catherine went all out for citrus

when planning her wedding this July.

Oranges, lemons & limes

were incorporated into her floral designs that popped out of bright chartreuse vases,

her bridal party entered in watermelon pink flowing dresses,

as guests sipped on fruity Izzy sodas during her outdoor ceremony.

 

We aren’t the only ones feeling inspired by citrus!

Just months after Posh turned heads in a citrus-hued shift of her own design, other stars opted to

wear the punchy color!

L.A. newcomer Lucy Hale attended the People’s Choice Awards in a tangerine Ronald Abdala frock,

Emma Watson also chose to wear a bright lime green Marchesa silk dress,

and most recently Beyonce Knowles chose an orange Lavin gown to announce her pregnancy in.

While each look was decidedly different, one thing is for sure:

This trend is ripe for the picking!

 

 

To see more inspirations and real weddings by Elizabeth Wray Design, check us out on Face book!

www.facebook.com/elizabethwraydesign

www.elizabethwraydesign.com

 

 

A Touch of Lace September 1, 2011

Lace is the perfect wedding day detail, and it’s not limited to the dress.

Lace details can be found on anything these days, from wedding cakes to invitation and bouquet wraps.

The perfect vogue or vintage wedding theme, lace is an expression of ultimate glamour.

This timeless fabric is truly stunning!

Eat your wedding cake — and wear it too. Cloak your confection in designs that mimic the look of vintage floral fabrics for a cake that’s oh-sew-gorgeous (and anything but old-fashioned).

Do the same with your bouquet wrap like Elizabeth Wray Design did here on this lush bouquet of beautiful peonies.

 The result is one that both generations…yours and your mother’s …will adore.

 

Lace details should be just that. Used sparingly, lace is a wonderfully delicate addition.

Accent your bridal attire with a great pair of a-touch-of lace heel, or an adorably sophisticated ballerina clutch.

Lace wrappings, whether they’re for favors, invitations or your centerpiece vases, are simple additions that

add beautiful detailing to your special day!

 

To see more of the Elizabeth Wray Design wedding featured here click on: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/08/24/chicago-history-museum-wedding-by-thorsen-photography/

Visit our wesite for more great ideas at: http://www.elizabethwraydesign.com

Short & Sweet! August 5, 2011

 Your bridal attendants are the people you feel closest to who

 have supported you (and your relationship) from the start.

With all that going for them, you want to make sure you choose bridesmaid

dresses they’re  going to love and maybe even be able to wear again!

We are loving short dresses this season! Perfect for any occasion, including your special day, check out these bridal parties who rocked a higher hemline and Elizabeth Wray’s fabulous flowers!