FARMLAND & SUNFLOWERS

This is another table from Orton.  I love it when we can use things organic to a venue in the design of a space.  Here, we decided to utilize the farm as inspiration of a vegetable stand.  For the tablescape we filled old mason jars with seed, brought in sunflowers, dish towels as napkins and wooden benches instead of chairs.  Orton is going to be an amazing venue for the brides who want an outdoor space that has not been manicured to perfection, but instead looks like it might have in the early 1800's.  Thanks to Millie Holloman for the pics and Orton for allowing the public to use such a great space!

 

You're Invited to The Balcony!

When I very first opened Salt Harbor Designs, I took Jill White, coordinator at The Balcony on Dock, a large vase of sunflowers and asked if she would give me a chance.  She took the flowers, smiled, and said, "I give people one chance.  Don't disappoint me."  She must have approved, because we've been designing events at The Balcony ever since! 

The Balcony continues to be one of my favorite locations for weddings, something very different from the local country clubs and hotels.  It is a place full of history, story, and the feel and texture of downtown Wilmington.  It is completely one of a kind in this area, and Jill has made it into an amazing experience for countless brides and grooms.  Every year, The Balcony hosts two open houses, one in August and one in January.  Local vendors are invited to showcase their talents and provide flowers, cakes, music, and entertainment.  The result is a wonderful environment for the newly engaged and those interested in one of Wilmington's historic venues. 

This summer's open house is on August 9th from 1-4.  We will be designing the courtyard next to The Balcony, which is the perfect location for cocktail hour.  Everyone is invited to come to this free event and is welcome to taste the food, eat some cake, and enjoy the music.  You do not have to be a couple looking for a venue!  Even if you have your venue booked and just want to check out the space, please come and see what we are up to!

A ROOFTOP WEDDING

Millie recently blogged this wedding, for which we were the florist.  It took place at the beautiful Airlie Gardens with a reception at the rooftop of Level 5. 

These lanterns have managed to find their way into so many of our events.  We are currently in the process of investing in several new styles of glass lanterns. They add so much atmosphere for nighttime weddings.

For centerpieces, we used low urn arrangements with a victorian inspiration and these fluted pottery barn vases for hurricanes. 

 Bridesmaids bouquets were a combination of hydrangea, lotus pods, orchids, lisianthus, scented geranium and garden roses.

ON THE PORCH

There is an amazing little house on the new event property at Orton.  It was built probably in the 1800's and was occupied by a farm hand who lived there a long time while he worked for the family.  Now it sits empty, except for a few really great pieces, like the tea cart and chairs below.  I thought the porch was the perfect setting for a table for two!  The atmosphere of the side porch is just lovely-- like something almost dream-like.  Thanks to Millie and staff for the great pics and Orton for giving us access to just a perfect space!

MORE FROM ORTON

When Millie first asked me to do a photo shoot two years ago, I did not know I would enjoy them so much!  Since then we've done several and had so much fun putting them together.  This table, shot on the lovely new event space at Orton Plantation, was inspired by the container, a weathered urn painted with tiny blue flowers and lemons.  Abi, from Orton, had the perfect dress to coordinate.  Throw in a few old fashioned cokes and some lemons and the result is an vintage-inspired, colorful display that seems just right for the rediscovered farmland of Orton!