Design and function come together when event planner Delaney Todd Bagwell designed a chic and stately hydrangea topiary for a summer wedding reception lounge for visual impact…and also created a luxe sitting area by surrounding the impressive flower arrangement with light blue velvet ottomans. (above)
So, I’ve happily known Delaney Todd Bagwell (DTB) for several years. I met him 6 years ago (or so), when he planned the gorgeous Nantucket wedding of best friend FF and husband CCF. Ever since that wedding, DTB has become a good friend and I have secretly anointed him the supreme taste, style and entertaining guru. He doesn’t know that I have given him the ultimate title…he does know though that we all look to him for all advice when it comes to events, entertaining, etiquette, style and “the right thing to do” in any situation. Each time he throws an event, it is filled with charm, elegance, good taste and entertaining delights.
Always listen to DTB when it comes to parties…if you don’t, there will be trouble. I once decided to venture out on my own when planning a party in New York (why I don’t know). I needed a caterer for a baby shower (AM’s). DTB had recommended a caterer who he used several times and whose food he said I could trust. For some bizarre reason, however, I decided to find my own non-DTB recommended catering service. It was like bad karma struck me for not taking DTB’s advice (I won’t even go into detail about what happened). Just know, if DTB hasn’t put his stamp of approval on it…you can bet it is not going to be good as it can be. I learned my lesson needless to say – the hard way. DTB knows all when it comes to events and entertaining…I know now and will never to forget it.
Anyhoo, DTB was kind enough to send me some beautiful photos of a Southern June wedding he planned last year. DTB was also kind enough to submit to another Cococozy Q&A…here goes…
COCO: When was this wedding held?
DELANEY T. BAGWELL (DTB): June, 2008.
COCO: Where was the wedding?
DTB: Little Rock, Arkansas.
COCO: What time of day was the wedding and reception?
DTB: Evening.
COCO: How many guests were you trying to accommodate?
DTB: 225.
COCO: Can you tell us anything about the bride and her tastes?
DTB: The bride is very smart and was finishing her Ph.D. while we planned the wedding. She and her family are very well traveled. So, their taste was very refined and very sophisticated. I think that came through with the way the event looked and felt.
Table setting with lavender hydrangea centerpiece, lace overlay tablecloth and French inspired colored glassware. (above)
COCO: What did the bride want for an overall theme…was it about color, flowers, location?
DTB: Favorite colors blue and lavender. Favorite flower….hydrangea. Perfect match between colors and flower.
Stunning large floral topiaries made of branches, white and pale purple hydrangea were arranged in antique off white urns to welcome guests to the wedding reception. (above)
DTB: The blue hydrangea topiary trees were a big hit.
COCO: Talk about those big beautiful topiary like hydrangea arrangements. Who came up with that idea and how? Where were they placed?
DTB: Those were large blue hydrangea topiary trees. It was my idea and we did them to make a BIG statement for the cocktail hour and following the dinner for the after party lounge area. We surrounded them with blue velvet ottomans creating a seating area that gave the impression of an “indoor garden”…
COCO: The table settings were gorgeous. Please describe in detail from linens, to china, to stemware, to centerpieces?
DTB: Because it was a seated dinner, the MOB [mother of the bride] wanted really pretty tables and she loved the idea of softening the Sevres inspired china and Baroque water glasses with the Alencon lace overlays….All very French in feeling.
Wedding reception dance floor is flanked by four white classic columns wrapped in a floral garland of white, purple and lavender flowers. (above)
COCO: The dance floor looks quite grand with the flower wrapped columns…what was the goal in this space?
DTB: The goal again was to make a BIG statement and again, bring the “garden inside”. We wanted it to look like we made a nightclub outside…
DTB: The “day of” and seeing it all come together and the happiness the client has when they arrive at the venue and see it as well.
Delaney Todd Bagwell, Event Planner (above)
Once again, thank you Todd for these wonderful photos and for sharing a bit about this event! Can’t wait for the next…watch out, I will be hounding you very soon!
SO pretty! I absolutely love the table settings – the different glassware & china are wonderful 🙂