Those of you who know me know that I am an artist (oil painter) and I am enthralled with religious art, so having an opportunity to visit Rome and the Sistine Chapel was really exciting for me.

I really didn’t know what to expect. I know there is a lot of buzz around the Sistine Chapel but after seeing so many incredible things in Rom I did not think I would be blown away. It was a long day before we got there. We saw the Pope, visited the Vatican Gardens, toured the Vatican museum, and then we were ushered into a tiny Sistine Chapel. It was really no bigger than a high school gymnasium and it was packed with people all staring up at the ceiling. There are no pictures allowed there so grabbing the pictures was quite a feat. I’m sure it helped that our liaison was the director of finance for the Vatican Museum.

 

Then we stood like hundreds of others looking at this masterpiece. The scale and detail is remarkable. I had never seen anything like it before. It was like viewing the history of mankind painted on a ceiling from Michelangelo’s or the church’s perspective.

 

I saw the famous story of creation with a humanist Adam barely stretching his finger out towards a reaching grandfather-looking God. I saw the story of Adam and Eve painted with the serpent leaving the garden. I saw David triumphant cutting off Goliath’s head. It was all there painted on the ceiling of a chapel for the entire world to see.

 

I was also struck by the paintings that don’t make the postcards and textbooks. The battle of mankind between death and demons. A war waged with mankind with death and demons. It seemed almost as if later church officials wanted to hide these images by putting a crucifix and candles in front to block them.

 

I was enthralled by all of it. You can’t help but to feel small looking up at this great story painted. I am a believer that the best art that we will ever see came out of this era. There was a perfect mixture of talent (Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, ect..) and the perfect client (the church) to create something amazing. As a designer I love to create art but they don’t make them like this anymore. I was totally inspired.

 

Jonathan Michael

 

Click here for a panoramic view of the Sistine Chapel

I never met Anna & Richard. They met with Linnae & I was not at their wedding. I only had the opportunity, like many of the readers of this blog, to see the pictures of their wedding without actually being there…and I was blown away.

 

Seeing the pictures for the first time I was struck by how different the Asian pre-ceremony felt from the traditional American wedding that I see so often. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant red colors of the pre-ceremony and the intricacy of Anna’s headpiece. I love the bold red and gold colors that were intertwined in her jewelry and clothing. I loved the culture and the depth that this ceremony seemed to have.

 

I also think that the photographer, Matthias, did a fabulous job of capturing the style and personality of both events. I have never worked with Matthias but I was really impressed with his work. It was definitely one of the strongest shot weddings I’ve seen all year.

 

Also, I rolled into the images of Anna & Richard’s American ceremony. I had to do a double take and ask myself “Is this the same girl?” Still as cute as could be but with a whole new look. White, crisp, and clean design elements decorated this ceremony. We were called up to decorate their beach wedding using tones of green and white and slight rustic accents using wicker and our curly willow structure.

 

Their reception was clean and modern as well. All in all it was a beautiful day. At least that’s what I can tell from the pictures. Congratulations to Anna & Richard and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

 

Jonathan Michael

Its not every day that we create designs for a wedding that Gavin Newsom officiates- but then again, this wasn’t your everyday client. Blair and her mother Angela had style and sophisticated taste. They wanted the special day to be one of old Hollywood glamour created with an understated sophistication.

The ceremony was at the SF City Hall. Blair didn’t want the traditional urns and pedestals that most brides love. Rather she has hoping for more of an architectural focal point. We twisted branches and added phaleonopsis orchids creating two grandiose one of a kind florals. Pomanders of wood flowers hung from the guests chairs. And the grand entrance to the event was two smaller versions of the central focal points.

Blair looked stunning in her Monique Lhuillier gown. We created a bouquet to work with the ruffles in her gown. She brought in a torn page from Bride and Bloom magazine of a bouquet she loved that had broaches and feathers during her first consultation with Asiel. I blushed as I mentioned that it would be easy to work off of seeing as how I made the one in the magazine.

 

Our cocktail room at the Asian Art Museum was at the top of a marble staircase. We set it with smoke tinted candle-walls, plexiglass tables for the guestbook and placecard, and hand crafted centerpiece art forms. We wanted the guests to feel like they were in an elaborate design but not overwhelmed by fluff. It was warm but crisp.

 

With an all star team around us we created an unforgettable event. Each centerpiece branch was hand created to look like a bonsai sculpture in a timeless mercury tone. We hunted down branches that grow around rocks to have abnormalities. That is one of my favorite things –abnormalities. They were attached to custom bases and adorned with silver magnolia leaves, fresh gardenias, and small crystals. Asiel Design created custom smoke mirror tops to set on Wildflower linen’s beautiful drapes. This gave a magical reflection and stepped closer to interior design. Got light highlighted each centerpiece making it sparkle. Classic Party Rental provided all table top table settings. We paired black, white, silver and gold in a fresh classic style. Looking for understated elegance we stayed away from Baroque or heavy metals. Paula LeDuc created extraordinary delectable’s that stole the thunder from the china.

 

Perfect Endings created an ethereal masterpiece. We didn’t want it to sit on a typical table so we created a table from an urn and glass table top. We lined the cake with gardenias at the base to soften it and create a merging of the two art forms.

 

Blair and Keith were darling as they charmed their guests with love and poise. They danced the night away.

 

The wedding can be found in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style (spring/summer 2010) on pages 212-215.

St. Peters Basilica is by far the most impressive church, or building for that matter, that I have ever seen. It is the headquarters of the Catholic Church located in Rome.  We had just completed our private tour of the Vatican Gardens and walked through the gates guarded by Swiss guards.

 

The columns are so massive that people look like ants next to them. The doors are so oversized that walking into this cathedral is like walking into another world. The ceilings are high and they appear to reach to heaven. It was almost overwhelming walking through this church. There is so much art to look at. Every detail is a masterpiece from the famous Pieta statue, to an alter designed by Michelangelo himself. The church is breathtaking and over the top.

 

The idea of this church may be clear, “God is big and we are small”. Yet others may view it like this, “Look at what we, as humans, have made”.

 

Whatever view you may hold, this cathedral feels like another world. Space and time seem to stand still. Even though the church was built over many years, it’s still hard to believe that it was made by human hands.

 

Also, many popes are laid to rest beneath this church. Some are even on display. For those who know me know that I love old churches and religious art. From that point of view this venture was a highpoint for me. But there was another thought that crept into my mind, “Why such a display of wealth and power?” This also troubled me.

 

I am still finding balance between the love of art and the money spent here. What are your thoughts?

 

I am also reminded of this quote; “Nature is God’s revelation. Art is man’s revelation.”

 

~Linnae & Jonathan

We had the amazing opportunity to visit the Vatican Gardens. This is a private garden that the person we were staying with gave us access to. It sits behind St. Peters Bascillia on on the Vatican State, guarded by Swiss guards. It felt like serious VIP treatment.

 

The Vatican is it’s own state within Rome. It was surreal visiting this lush paradise full of exotic plants from around the world. The garden is maintained for weekly visits from the pope to walk and ponder the worries of the world and the uncomprehendible connection to GOD.

 

The landscape was scattered with various statues and icons from around the world. It was unusual to find this paradise in the middle of a very concrete and dry looking Rome.

 

 

~Linnae & Jonathan

Alice & Matt are my ideal clients. They came to me trusting my art and were open to creativity. They loved modern elements and white stones so I made sure to incorporate those elements into the design.

 

Another element that I loved about their wedding is that I considered it a “greener” or sustainable wedding. In other words we were conscientious of the amount of cut flowers used yet the design didn’t lack style or design. I also loved the use of Baby’s Breath. I find that this flower often gets a bad wrap for being so traditional so I loved rethinking the usage of this flower.

 

For us, this wedding was bittersweet. The design was perfect for the space and the client was lovely to work with but we also knew that it was going to be one of our last jobs at Ralston Hall. Shortly before the wedding we learned that Ralston was to be closed for an extended period of time for retrofits.

 

So thank you Alice & Matt for your selecting us for your floral design and thank you Ralston Hall for the beautiful wedding space you have given us Goodnight Ralston Hall.

 

~Linnae & Jonathan

 

FLORAL DESIGN | ASIEL DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHER | cliff brunk

During our short trip to Rome, we came across this beautiful jewel in a local vintage and antique market.  The one room boutique was bright and sophisticated.  I loved every last detail of the colors, textures, and  eclectic vintage design elements.   The beautiful writing on the glass door enticed us inside.

 

Walking in felt like stepping back in time.  Vintage dresses hung on the left side boasting chiffons, satins, silks, lace, and embroidered fabrics.  Individual hats hung to the right on hooks and shelves.  Each piece felt like it told it’s own story of seduction, bliss, and power struggles.  The shop keeper created each hat from her imagination.  They were fanciful and provocative.  I still which I bought one!  I was inspired by her combination of colors from the green fresh paint, to the red and white striped matte in the frame.  The juxtaposition of the crystal chandeliers, antique wood, and the antlers on the wall was astounding.  I found  myself amazed at her creativity.

 

I am still waiting to design out an event or a room based on this inspiration.  I keep a photo on my vanity and enjoy the way the room glows in a million shades of green.  I lost the contact information for the store and the delightful woman who is the brainchild.  I apologize for not keeping better notes, but hope that you enjoy this as much as I do.

 

~Linnae Asiel

There are times when you can play as a designer and truly let go of the conventional ways of doing things. This wedding was one of my play times. I lost myself in inspiration and joy as I worked with Taleen to create one of the most cutting edge wedding designs in the Bay Area.

 

Taleen’s wedding was romantic and stylish. During the consultation, she told me her colors and I was in love. The fresh combination of champaign, gold and black with tones of ivory was unique and sophisticated. She and her mother have impeccable taste. My job was to work with the style and recommend linens and design flowers that fit into her style. She designed her invitations with tone on tone champaign damask, black scroll-work, and amber jewels. With that in mind, I worked the room to fit it.

 

Our favorite silver sculptural trees and gold lion stands were painted black. These are both items that we have created for our clients. I love how they can be painted to completely change their style. Fresh combo roses, quicksand roses, sahara roses and ivory majelica spray roses repeated throughout the room clustered together in trees or bunched together in a low floral. This gave highlights and lowlights of color to create interest against the champaign linens and beige walls. Imported amber cut crystals were strung and placed in the trees that picked up light and brought sophistication. We worked closely with Taleen to provide new items and to incorporate her resources. I thoroughly enjoyed the process. A heavy candle treatment was designed on every table. This really brought warmth to the room mixed with the lighting.

 

We love Casa Real because it is a beautiful space that lends itself to so many design styles. This was one of my favorite looks at that venue. It was made to have splashes of black! We worked with a wonderful team that truely brought her vision to life. I would still have to give Event Design to Taleen. She had the vision for her space and worked to put the glassware, linens and lighting together. I did give lots of recommendations, but she is truly gifted. I am proud of her as she is now starting her own business as a wedding designer. I hope to work with her more in the future. I love being around talent!
~Linnae

 

FLORAL DESIGN  |  A S I E L   D E S I G N

EVENT DESIGN  |  taleen moroyan shirikian

PHOTOGRAPHER  |  duke photography inc

VENUE  |  casa real

Taleen is a bride that came to us with a lot of style and sophistication. Early on I even joked with her that she should start a wedding design company which she took to heart and actually did.

 

Here are some pre-ceremony pictures that I had to blog about. I love the architectural features of the Hotel Valencia. The play of wood and glass Modern and even touches of retro.

 

I also think that Duke Photography did a great job posing Taleen and her groom. You would think that this is a photo shoot but no this is a bride and groom on their wedding day, obviously in love.

 

Be sure to check back next week because we will show you Taleen’s dramatic reception at Casa Real, one of my favorite venues. It has touches of Goth and a hint of femininity.

 

FLORAL DESIGN  |  A S I E L   D E S I G N

EVENT DESIGN  |  taleen moroyan shirikian

PHOTOGRAPHER  |  duke photography inc

VENUE  |  hotel valencia

I love old buildings -places that are falling apart; places that show signs of decay; a beauty that only nature and time bring. Often we do events week in and week out. We paint things and make them shiny and new but often I long for the ancient, antique decay.

 

I used to deal antiques before I joined Linnae in the design company. I love to think and to ponder about the stories that each piece would have. I used to wonder what their individual story was. What did these pieces see? Where had they been? Just last week we did an event at the St. Regis. Part of the design we created incorporated old antique bottles that survived the 1906 earthquake. Who would have thought that 100 years later bottles that had been thrown away and survived the earthquake would be coming to the St Regis, one of the most prestigious hotels in San Francisco!

 

The buildings pictured above are beautiful and raw. They are abandoned and sitting there for anyone to enjoy who is willing and open to their beauty.

 

I love the way that light shines through windows and the way quietness & tranquility seems to accompany spaces. I love the distressed layers of paint that are worn away by nature. I love these old spaces. Maybe that’s why we work out of a warehouse from the late 1800’s. I wish there were more old buildings to have parties in.

 

I bought a book that had some of these images in it for Linnae. I knew she would love it. One of the things we share is our fascination with décor and the beauty that age gives it. Sometimes it is grotesquely beautiful and some times it is obvious to everyone. We love both.

 

~ Jonathan Asiel