Jose Villa workshops always seem like such a dream, and we’re so glad that we can call Jose a great friend and we’re privy to his talent and sweet spirit. Last year, Jose hosted his workshop in Italy along with Flowerwild, Laurie Arons Special Events and TEAM Hair and Makeup. We’re honored to share these gorgeous images from their welcome dinner on the first night of the workshop. Laurie and Kate of Flowerwild have some beautiful words on their inspiration and tips on how to recreate the look for your own wedding.
From Laurie of Laure Arons Special Events:
The design for our welcome dinner was inspired by the juxtaposition of Villa Cetinale’s regality and the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Tara Jones hand-sketched a rendering of the majestic Villa, which A Day in May printed in white foil on kraft paper menus for the welcome dinner. We debuted Casa de Perrin’s ornately carved Florentine chargers on simple wood farm tables to strike the balance between rustic and elegant. Hundreds of white and ivory taper candles cast a golden glow over it all.
Words from Kate of Flowerwild:
The inspiration for some things can be so simple, and in this case it really was…I had been pulling images of church altar candles while doing research… mostly because I just love them. Something so meditative and soothing about an abundance of candlelight. Long thin tapers, the puddles of wax… the still image of such a thing, still tells the story of time passing. Of light changing, moving, evaporating.
Jose loved one of the images I had put on the main design board of these super skinny tapers- and we simply took that tiny thread and made it the centerpiece of the welcome dinner. One beautiful, long table, in a sort of cavernous, soft whitewashed room, littered with an abundance of these slender tapers. I masked the base of the candles with lichens, moss and floral then just dappled smaller bits of white flowers amongst the candles. Definitely a more simplistic and unfettered table than I’m used to composing in my head. A great exercise in restraint for me and I love the clean lines and softness of this look. It feels inviting…
I felt a little spoiled or just totally pampered, being able to sit at a table I actually worked on with friends and alongside my husband. We ate a wonderfully prepared meal, saw Jose light up the room with his charisma, and listened to the various stories of all the attendees – their life paths, their passions and what led them to this moment in time… A long, candlelit table in the middle of the tuscan countryside with fields and fields of olive trees encircling us.
It’s a simple tabletop look anyone can achieve with a few simple items.
1. Raw white washed linen runner. -You cantcut this to size yourself, wash and dry, and you’re done!
2. A multitude of 1/4 inch tapers – you can source these at creative candles.
3. A couple of long rectangular or oval trays.
4. Moss
5. 2 bunches white flowers like delphinium, white spray roses, hydrangea or stock.
6. 3-5 bud vases.
