My favorite tree was one dedicated to County Fairs across the nation…but the fruit themed wreaths were certainly a close runner up…oh, and the replica of the most famous dog in America, Bo, made with approximately 39,000 pipe cleaners twisted into curls to resemble the Portuguese water dog’s coat wasn’t too shabby either…More on that later but today, I have holiday inspiration that is going to blow you away!

I am pleased to share this beautiful holiday decor from Volanni…this is major inspiration!!

First, there was a Hindu ceremony complete with a barat, the elaborate procession with the groom on a horse accompanied by his entire family, set to music.  The festivities were outside of the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd street, and drew quite a crowd. Aimee tells us that they “were nervous when a DC police car showed up — but luckily, the officer was Indian and loved it!!”

How amazing is the Indian Mandap by Sachi Sood? And, the decor by Volanni was so vibrant and absolutely AHH-MAZ-ING! The oh-so-talented Ralph Alswang of Alswang Photography captured the emotion, beauty and excitement of the day – fabulous pics!

The first ceremony was followed by a lunch at the West End Cafe in the Ritz with a Christian ceremony in the afternoon. The team changed the entire set up from oranges and magenta to cool ivory and blue for the Christian ceremony.  It was then that the bride changed into a white “western” style gown. For the Christian ceremony, the bridesmaids wore dresses of a lovely muted teal, with shimmering slate gray sashes and all carried individual bouquets with different types of flowers. Heidi’s bouquet featured flowers from all five bridesmaids’ as a special touch.

The reception had the most amazing entertainment – Two Indian dance troops, an “American” style big band called Fabulous Fantoms, and Indian DJ and a singer flown in from India. Talk about a party!

The guests were treated to a buffet dinner with American and Indian fare and danced until the wee hours.

Even the cake by Kendall’s Cakes had intricate designs, making it appear to be adorned with sapphire beads and jewels! It stood proudly in the room while guests dined at magenta and green tables with urns full of gorgeous flowers.

At each place setting, there was a box of cookies from One Girl Cookies in Brooklyn with baby photos of the bride and groom. Adorable!!

The lighting was done by Frost Lighting and absolutely completed the look and design!

The fabulous vendor team:

Planner: Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events

Photographer: Ralph Alswang

Floral and Decor: Volanni

Cake: Kendall’s Cakes

Venue and Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Lighting: Frost Lighting

Horse: Harmon Carriages

Band: Fabulous Fantoms

Favors: One Girl Cookies

Where does Volanni find inspiration to create such artistic and beautiful arrangements?

Ultimately we feel that our inspiration comes through us from a higher source and we are just the vessel. You can call it Mother Nature or God, we just feel each design out intuitively. We also get ideas from inspired themes in other mediums, such as fashion and architecture- from the past to the present.

What are overarching themes to the Volanni ‘style’? Can this be easily incorporated into the visions of your clients?

Good design and clean lines, but form and balance hold the style together. The design could be architectural or it could be very lush, but it has to be well balanced. We can accommodate any clients, from those that prefer the traditional to those that connect with the contemporary. We are best known for our contemporary design.

What are a few of the most rare or striking flowers or plants that you use in your work?

I love green goddess calla lilies and all types of orchids.  It just depends on what comes to me when I am designing because I can find beauty in any flower.  They all inspire me.

What flowers or plants do you recommend to your clients during the holiday season? What are the most popular, and are there any ‘hidden gems’ that are often under-utilized?

I love red dogwood, ilex berries, and all types of holiday greens (magnolia, cedar).  My holiday design is either very architectural or natural.  I love what is outside.  So everything is right there and not necessarily hidden.

What is the largest arrangement or installation that has been created by Volanni?

A good friend of ours, Jenny Peterson, got married at the Halcyon House in Georgetown and we constructed a 15ft x 6ft tower covered with white gerber daisies and a band in the middle that was made of green goddess calla lilies.  The tower doubled as a video screen that had abstract images projected onto it.

That must have been quite a beautiful site!  Thank you very much Michael, and we look forward to seeing and experiencing many more of your breathtaking creations.

Tiwi and Bryce were married on June 27, 2009 at the Newseum. Mary Gardella, of the oh-so-fabulous Love Life Images, Inc (a District Favorite!), sent us these ridiculous pictures. One glance and you’ll see why she’s one of our faves!

Here’s Mary…

Kudos to Event Planner Amy Guthridge, of Engaging Affairs, for her incredible vision.   Every detail was amazing.   It was like visual overload.  And the Newseum is my new favorite venue to photograph in. I have this secret obsession with reflective surfaces, and well, I was in my own little heaven at the Newseum. It’s nothing but glass.

The ceremony took place on the 8th floor deck of the Newseum Building with a breathtaking view of the city skyline with a gorgeous day to boot.  The reception was in a room surrounded by glass on three sides.  So, I was in photography bliss with such beautiful light.  And when the sun set, the special lighting brought in by John Farr Lighting gave the room warm glow of blues and purples.  Just gorgeous.   The music was fab, especially when they brought in guest DJ Dan Sampson to finish off the night. Outside, guests enjoyed a beautiful evening on the 6th floor deck and if you were in the mood for a handmade cigar, The New England Cigar Factory was on hand to fulfill that need.

The flowers by Volanni were absolutely stunning. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many orchids in all my life. Even the cake, by Sylvia Weinstock, had these amazing sugared Orchids. They looked so incredibly real.

Ooh, don’t you love it??

Thanks, Mary!  These photos are amazing.

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I’m heading out early today.  We’ll be back on Thursday with a fabulous vendor interview.  Don’t miss it.