Meredith Waga Perez began her career as a fashion designer after graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris. Having honed her aesthetic sensibilities in the world of couture, her love for texture, color and composition reflect the romantic, classically modern style upon which the Belle Fleur brand is built. Her genuine passion for all things floral has been validated by a loyal and impressive following of discerning clients.

INSPIRATION FOR PERSONAL FLOWERS
With every client,  inspiration for the overall style of a wedding comes from varied places, it can be the venue that dictates the color palette, or the wedding dress that lures me in a specific direction. In this case, it most definitely came from this exquisite Monique Lhuillier gown.  It was regal and formal, yet ultra modern and paired so beautifully this cascading bouquet.  It was effortless to build a recipe of exquisite flowers that embraced the dichotomy and juxtaposition of both strength and femininity.  The fusion of the most traditional wedding flowers such as star-shaped Stephanotis blossoms and delicate sprigs of Lily of the Valley, with contemporary Picasso Calla Lilies and Black Vanda Orchids was fashion-forward and very much in harmony with the opulent wedding decor.  I tend to put a lot of emphasis on the wedding dress as it’s a direct representation of the bride’s personal taste.

I typically coordinate the Maid of Honor’s bouquet to her attire. I find it helpful to receive swatches of the fabric in advance so that I can find a flower, or grouping of flowers, that perfectly match.  I seem to have taken  my color theory classes at Parsons School of Design a bit too seriously!

THE COLLABORATIVE TEAM
My advice to brides is to surround themselves with a great team.  I worked with one of my absolute favorite wedding planners on this affair.  Loulie Walker, from Loulie Walker Events, was brilliant in pulling together a team of professionals that collaborated seamlessly on this lavish concept.  From Ceci New York who created a sensational invitation, literally replicating the stellar architecture of the venue, to Richard Tatum of L&M Lighting who layered golden and warm amethyst hues throughout the classic museum, to the level of photographic perfection from Christian Oth, to impeccable catering by Olivier Cheng, to the five-tiered wedding cake, a masterpiece created by no other than Ron Ben-Israel, featuring the couple’s monogram.

There are many benefits to working with a planner, the most important of which is that it allows a bride to truly enjoy her day and not become too consumed with all the logistical details.  If it’s out of the budget to hire a full fledge planner, then I would certainly recommend a day-of planner to simply create a timeline and become the go-to gal on the big day.  If you are selecting vendors on your own, begin your search by asking your closest friends, checking out the companies’ websites and simply go with your instinct.

{Above, Stunning purple and gold wedding cake designed by baker extraordinaire, Ron Ben-Israel}

FLEURS
Flowers are truly the essence of a gorgeous table setting.  There are endless possibilities in decor and a wonderful designer will be able to transform a space with texture, color and composition.   Because this was an autumn wedding, we focused on natural elements such as Kale and Artichokes to celebrate the season.  We paired those more organic edibles with lavish flowers to create a style that was opulent,  regal and utterly personal.  Lush Hydrangea, deep purple Garden Roses, delicate Sweetpea, Black Vanda Orchids and hanging Amaranthus were the featured blooms atop the tall silver candelabra that were evenly placed down the center of the tables. A luscious continuous runner of these beautiful purple and violet flowers, or as I like to call it “floralscape”, was designed directly on the long banquet table, weaving between the silver candlestick lamps and set on a plum quilted velvet runner.

There are certain venues that call for long rectangular tables.  I personally feel that it makes for a  more interesting floor-plan and immediately sets your wedding apart from the others that your guests have attended.  If space is not an issue, renting square tables, along with a few long tables, truly changes the look of a space.  Round tables are quite traditional, but adding geometric shapes creates drama.

Incorporate distinguished pieces into the tabletop concept; beaded lampshade, gold-rimmed wine goblets, decorative chargers for example.  It can add a distinctive element and a statement of personal style to the already lovely table-setting.

SCENTING AN EVENT

Four years ago, I took my love and passion for flowers and launched a fragrance division at Belle Fleur.  I do think that scenting an event adds to the drama of the occasion.  Nothing too overpowering, nor a fragrance that will compete with the menu, however a scent that will capture the romance of the evening and add dimension and warmth to the environment.  Our most recent proprietary scent,  Rose Immortelle, is truly decadent and will create a memorable sensory experience.

I wish you the best of luck with designing your wedding and hope you’ve found a little inspiration from my work.  Warmly, Meredith Waga-Perez, Belle Fleur NY