The Giving Tree-Wedding Design

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Tabletop Decor competition at a joint meeting of the OWA (Oahu Wedding Association) and NACE (National Association of Catering Executives). Given an open invitation to design is like telling a child to go into FAO Shwartz and pick out any toy in the store. The options are limitless! I decided to simplify and choose a design that would be environmentally conscious, nostalgic and playful. I choose to use the childhood classic, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, as inspiration. And the story goes..."Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy. And everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves....and the boy loved the tree very much. And the tree was happy". This is only a snippet of a very lovely story about giving and unconditional love. How true the story is for marriage as well.
Picture by Dave Miyamoto
The centerpiece of this design is made from re-claimed wood that would otherwise be thrown out. The center was hallowed out to make room for florist foam. The initials on the trunk actually belong to my husband and myself but the wedding couples initials would take center stage or perhaps just a heart clould be carved leaving the intials for the centerpiece recepient. The plates are from Pier One and they somehow give the feel of wood.
Picture by Dave Miyamoto
The favors are miniature trees wrapped in unbleached muslin and tied with beautiful green organza ribbon. You can find saplings at your local nursery or at the Arbor Day Foundation website. For as little as $3.00 you can give a gift that will produce a living tree for each guest to enjoy.
Picture by ME:)
The luxurious linens from Les Saison evoked the feel of a luscious meadow or deep forest grotto. Naomi created organic feeling chair covers and oh-so-clever button and twine accents. Tree branches were placed around the table
and fastened to the chair covers.
Picture by Dave Miyamoto
Emi of Emi's Flowers and Gifts created the beautiful arrangement using chocolate cosmos, hydrangea, succulents and various leaves. The place cards and favor tags were made from beautiful papers that I found at a local craft supply store. I wish you could see the detail of the deep brown paper. It actually has the imprint of the bark of a tree and I was thrilled to find it.
Picture by Dave Miyamoto
Naomi and I posing in front of our table. Where's Emi?


At the end of the day, I was very pleased with the way the design turned out, much like the book, simple, welcoming and a little bit charming if I do say so myself. If you haven't read, The Giving Tree, you must pick it up one day. We can all learn from the little boy and the tree.

love.joy.laughter