Laurie Arons 2016 Wedding Planner Masterclass Part I

Categorized | Laurie Arons, Laurie Arons Planning, Laurie Arons Special Events, Laurie Arons Workshop, The Blog, Wedding Workshop, Workshop

Posted on 14 September 2016.

To simply state that Laurie Arons plans picture-perfect affairs would be the understatement of the century. For this mastermind? She is an expert in style, grace, and all-around gorgeousness, and her 2016 Masterclass at The Ranch At Rock Creek? Well, it is (and was) nothing short if incredible. From the warm welcome dinner to the fond farewell, this team of talented vendors orchestrated perfection and we’ve got it all captured by Jose Villa waiting for you here. P.S. Learn about the 2017 Masterclass below!

Board #450615 Board #450678 Board #450672 Board #450675

“In contrast to the moody, masculine Farewell Dinner,

the Welcome Dinner in the Blue Canteen had a lighter feel.”

Board #450696

From Laurie Arons Special Events… The design inspiration for this year’s Masterclass was a Modern Montana wedding. It’s common in a natural Western setting like The Ranch At Rock Creek to see rustic or vintage inspired events. But I wanted the opportunity to show how a sleek and modern aesthetic could compliment the rugged environment, if the right elements were brought together. To do this, I balanced stark modern components with cozy knits & soft velvet textiles. Masculine colors like matte black, slate and chestnut brown, a nod to the wooden architecture at the Ranch, were contrasted with romantic, spilling flowers by Sarah Winward of Honey of a Thousand Flowers.

I chose the metallic accent of brass for the overall Masterclass design and farewell dinner, because it felt contemporary but is also a metal that is historically seen in a ranch location. The table top by March SF, a beautiful and luxurious home boutique in San Francisco, incorporated brass flatware and smokey amber glassware in a similar tone. The hand-crafted matte black wood chargers and slate stoneware dinner plates anchored the place setting.

The winter wedding design needed to feel cozy, so we lit tall black tapers, brass votives and iron candelabras to warm up the space. We also draped each black chiavari chair with a grey cashmere scarf as well.

Amber Moon Design created a beautiful modern invitation suite and menu card, but brought in Western elements with cow hide pouches and brass tags. Cowhide agendas and brass rulers, pencils and zip drives were used by the students in the class room.

In contrast to the moody, masculine wedding dinner shoot, the welcome dinner in the Blue Canteen had a lighter feel. We featured copper instead of brass because the canteen had an existing copper counter top that was a prominent feature in the room. Copper chairs, lanterns and a copper menu board brought those elements together.

The color tones were soft – ivory, tan, taupe & brown. Neutral toned splatterware and tan fabric panels set the table. Sarah Winward created an installation of pussy willow branches above the table and little wood bundles served as placecards at the table.

The attendees of the 2016 class were a fantastic group of planners, who sparked incredible discussions about our industry. We had a lot of fun getting to know each other while sharing delicious meals, kicking around the ranch in our matching Sorel boots, and laughing at late night karaoke. I’m excited to continue building this community at the 2017 class, at one of my favorite, most beautiful settings in the country.