Inspired by the Natural Setting

For this wedding design photo shoot we did in collaboration with Montage Los Cabos, the stylish new resort that recently opened in Baja, we found inspiration in the natural settings surrounding the hotel. The raw stone scenery, pastel tones, and minty green manicured landscape offered us a whole rainbow of elegant neutrals and soft pastels to work into our linens, flowers, and accessories. Even our stone gray metal chairs played a part! But what we didn’t want to do was overcomplicate or overcrowd the table. Nothing should compete with the views of the ocean!

Setting the Scene

With the beautiful natural setting as the backdrop. a classic round table dressed in a pale stone gray linen tablecloth was set under our dark wooden canopy. An avid collector, one of Elena’s unique pieces of mint green pottery was used as the container for the floral centerpiece. She combined soft, delicate blush, pink and peach roses with parrot tulips, dahlias, and scabiosa. Powdery gray cement candle holders, mint taper candles, and brushed brass votive candles added character. A glazed teal bowl holding a single rose bloom was placed at each setting. High-polished chrome flatware and clear glass stemware kept things transparent on the surface. The result was elegant, airy and romantic.

Cultural Expression

Textiles are just part of the cultural expression here in Mexico. There is romance in these historical techniques. Which is why we love using them in our designs, on tables, over tables, in multiples suspended over dancefloors, on ceremony structures, and as decorative backdrops. For this table design we created at Montage Los Cabos, some of Elena’s cherished hand-woven textiles from Guadalajara were used as a Bohemian-style canopy over the table.

Combined together, the entire table was warm and inviting.

Behind the Design: Style Notes

From Tapers to Pillars

While trendy in table design, delicate taper candles (the tall narrow candles) aren’t always appropriate or preferred. (or windproof) Using chunky, pillar candles can make a bolder statement in many tablescapes. Knowing that each client will want to see the options, tapers compared to pillars, and how those options look next to beautiful floral centerpieces, we wanted to share the looks here. All the table decor photos above display taper candles. Everything below will showcase pillar candles.

Roses and Napkin Treatments

And, another small change we played with as we were setting the table, was where to place the pretty teal-glazed pottery bowls and beautiful peach roses! On the place setting itself? or just above the china? You’ll see both options throughout the photos. You’ll also a change in napkin folds, and whether a pretty printed menu should be tucked into a simple fold, or skipped altogether.

Chargers and Lay Plates

For most of our weddings and events, we design the table decor with a decorative charger or lay plate at each setting. It serves a purpose in most cases, and also adds a layer of texture. You’ll see different options presented here in the photos, using selections from our rental division, as well as the china provided by the hotel.

All such fun details to work with when planning your wedding and fleshing out the event design! We’d love to know what you think, what do YOU prefer? Do you see how we were inspired by the natual setting?