Annie & Michael | Water Lilies Palette Meets Baroque Elegance at The Bluffs

Annie and Michael’s wedding was the kind of day that felt like stepping into a painting—vibrant, romantic, and layered with meaning. When Annie first reached out, she had a beautiful vision but was feeling overwhelmed by decisions and how to bring it all together. As their coordinator and event designer, my role was to take her inspiration and give it focus, turning her ideas into a cohesive, personal celebration that honored both her and Michael’s stories.

While discussing the design, Annie shared her Pinterest board, the bridesmaid dresses she had already chosen, and her love for French culture. She had majored in French in college, studied abroad, and was deeply drawn to French art and style, especially Monet. As I pulled her colors from the dresses and floral proposal, something clicked: she had been unknowingly curating a palette straight from Monet’s Water Lilies series. That discovery became our muse, shaping everything from the stationery to the tablescapes.

We found playful, meaningful ways to incorporate Monet’s work into the design, including the Japanese Footbridge motif and even bonsai trees at the bars—a nod to Monet’s admiration of Japanese art. But this wasn’t just about French inspiration. Michael’s Italian heritage was equally important, so we wove in ornate baroque-style patterns and shapes, an art form celebrated in both France and Italy. The result was a blend of soft impressionist romance and rich European elegance.

The ceremony unfolded beneath a lush floral arch bursting with pinks, lavenders, and creamy neutrals—a living echo of Monet’s garden. Reception tables were draped in pale blue linens with a lace overlay, topped with centerpieces by Bella Sorella Floral Design that mirrored the movement and color of an artist’s brushstrokes. Stationery from Noteworthy Expressions tied the theme together, from menus printed with Water Lilies imagery to a seating chart display enclosed in delicate glass cloches. Outside, vintage French-inspired lounge seating invited guests to linger, and in the evening, the space glowed with candlelight.

From the first look to the last bite of late-night sliders, Annie and Michael’s day was filled with laughter, warmth, and a tangible sense of celebration. The Ritz Charles staff provided impeccable service, ensuring every detail ran seamlessly and every moment was beautifully captured by Son Photo & Film Co.

Annie and Michael—thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life. It was an absolute joy to design and coordinate a day that was not only breathtaking but also so uniquely you.