Wedding /Mood
Direction
“SEA + STILLNESS”
For Mariel's wedding at Sea Ranch Lodge, I wanted to explore the relationship between the rugged Northern California coastline and the simplicity of Japanese design.
What stood out in her references wasn't necessarily a particular style, but the pattern I kept noticing. Natural materials, unusual shapes, warm contrasts, and an appreciation for things that don't feel overly styled.
Rather than taking the obvious coastal route, I wanted to bring those influences together through sculptural florals, raw textures, and a more restrained approach to color. A mix of organic and structured elements, with enough contrast to keep the design from feeling too restrained.
Sea Ranch has such a distinct identity already, so the idea was never to compete with the setting. It was about finding a direction that felt connected to the landscape but was still very much their own.
Color / Palette
We pulled from the landscape in a less literal way, focusing on warm neutrals, earthy tones, and deeper charcoal accents. The softer shades create a natural foundation, while the darker tones bring in contrast and a little more structure.
The idea was to keep the palette fairly restrained so we could be more expressive with shape, texture, and floral composition. Nothing needed to compete for attention, but I also didn't want everything to blend together.
Tablescape /Details
Guest / Attire
Floral / Direction
For Mariel's florals, I wanted to take inspiration from Japanese ikebana without making the arrangements feel too traditional or literal. What I love about this approach is how much attention is given to the shape and placement of each stem, rather than the overall size of an arrangement.
I wanted to explore that same approach through sculptural branches, unexpected movement, and arrangements that feel a little more architectural. Some pieces might only have a handful of stems, but each one has a purpose.
The materials are just as important here. I'm drawn to the contrast between delicate florals and heavier elements like stone, dark ceramic vessels, and weathered wood. Keeping the colors soft and fairly muted allows us to play more with shape and texture.
The goal was to create something that felt natural in the Sea Ranch setting without leaning into the more obvious coastal or wildflower arrangements.
