Botanicals by the Beachside: A San Diego Inspired Bridal Shower

BOTANICALS BY THE BEACHSIDE

BY ELIZABETH KELLY - ELK PRINTS. PHOTOS BY BALLYHOO PHOTOGRAPHY

This styled shoot is part of Confetti Fair's United States of Party collaboration; a collection of 23 unique parties and events – all inspired by a US location.

Old-world Mexican charm meets laid back coastal chill – San Diego is the perfect inspiration for this thoughtfully designed, flora-infused bridal shower.

What inspired you to choose San Diego for this party?

I was inspired to choose San Diego as a location as it offered an interesting intersection between the vibrant colour and patterns of Mexico with the sophisticated coastal cool of California. I also loved the botanical diversity of the landscape where the desert meets the sea. San Diego has a really fresh vibe, rich with layers and influences that it has developed from these cross-cultural roots which for me as a creative is very inspiring.

Which DIYs or party trends did you incorporate into your shoot?

Botanicals look amazing in parties. Also, using a service like Pop up Gardens provides a stunning and interesting backdrop that is environmentally sustainable. Flowers can instantly transform a table into a celebration-worthy event.

Light, fresh flavours are becoming more popular in cakes and (Cakes by Bre Parsons) designed her vanilla and berry cake with this vibrancy in mind.

The custom Azul Denim jacket is a stylish way to identify a bride-to-be in a party group and allows her to feel special and honoured amongst her friends instead of being embarrassed. The denim look also perfectly suited the California setting.

The placecards featured hand-calligraphed names, wrapped around the stems of handpainted watercolour flowers. The designs are of a San Diego Sunflower and a Coulter’s Matilija Poppy - both native flowers of the San Diego area. The menu design also featured other local native plants including the Beach Suncup, Steam Orchid, Coast Prickly Pear and California Fan Palm. Taking inspiration directly from a geographical place is a nice way to add significance to an event and helps tell the story of that celebration.

What influenced the theme and styling?

I was inspired by the encaustic tile patterns found throughout the architecture of San Diego, both historically and also in more contemporary interiors. The traditional geometric patterns have evolved over time, whilst still maintaining the essence of their character. I love how they are being used in cafés, bars and private residences today, as an intricate geometric base from which pops of vibrant colour and beautiful lush green botanicals are paired against. The famous botanic gardens of Balboa Park were also a key inspiration that I wanted to enrich the set-up with. The beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes also influenced my decisions in designing this look.

What is your favourite thing about the USA?

I think there is something to admire about the confidence found in American culture — a daring ability to forge towards an idea and make it happen. Reading about the history of Balboa Park (in San Diego), the city founders in 1868 had this vision for the future of their city and set aside the land for the park. A decision which today has resulted in a cultural oasis of 1,200 acres filled with fantastic gardens and museums that is something precious and special that defines the city.

The San Diego Team

CONCEPT, STYLING AND STATIONERY ELK PRINTS @elkprints

PHOTOGRAPHY BALLYHOO PHOTOGRAPHY @ballyhoophoto

FURNITURE AND PICNICWARE LITTLE BIRD EVENTS @little_bird_boutique_events

FLOWERS WILD DAHLIA FLORALS @wild_dahlia_florals

PLANTS POP UP GARDENS @pop_up_gardens

CAKE CAKES BY BRE PARSONS @cakesbybreparsons

HAIR AND MAKEUP JO CANDELARIA BEAUTY @jocandelariabeauty

DENIM JACKETS AZUL DENIM @azuldenim

ENCAUSTIC TILES TERANOVA @teranovatiles

MODELS KAYLA RICH @modern_vintage_mum

JENNIFER HIGGINS @jennifergrace84