gumps Bridal event ...

Seen thru a professional lens.
Photographer: Sylvie Gil

another bridal-luscious event at Gumps

Another year has cycled 'round, and I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the Wedding Chic Event at Gumps, San Francisco.  Always a pleasure working with a truly talented crew, and sumptuous merchandise, much of it brought in especially for this event.
The project is to create table settings that will entice future brides to register at Gumps, and ...to throw a little fairy dust into the world of retail
I really channeled my inner sweet bride for a couple of these tables (needless to say...had to dig/channel hard) , but for the third...I brought on the "we're gettin' outta town" vibe...a little easier to access that part of my psyche...

This table showcases the Belle Epoque Dinnerware from Haviland,
silver from Buccelati, and glassware from Baccarat.
On the plates are quilled paper hearts to mimic the lines on the dinnerware 

Dainty little paper heart garlands cascade from the chandelier.
The flowers are by Kathleen Deery, a wonderful event and floral coordinator in SF.

This is another of the sweet tables.
This one features dinnerware by Bernadaud, flatware by Georg Jensen, and glassware by Lalique.
I made the 'cootie catchers' as a fun addition,
and cut out the paper shapes under the placemat to boost the pink color.
A little dash of pink himalayan salt never hurts

This is the sideboard for the table.
A tasty looking cake from Cake Coquette
that she created to mimic my chalkboard directive.
Great collaboration 

and here is the 'get outta town' party.
Dinnerware is by Richard Ginori, the gold charger is from Annie Glass,
flatware is by Robbe Berking,
and the drinkware is a wonderful classic from Baccarat

Once again, Kathleen Deery did a great job with the flowers,
and I echoed the arrangement with tumbles of tropical fruit,
some of which was sliced open to give a zesty citrus scent. 

The tea/champagne cart...actually should have been for Mai Tais

Right before the doors were opened, looking down from the landing. Ready... set ...GO 

a getaway to see Ai Weiwei...on Alcatraz

My good friend Randi and I played tourist last week. Putting on our Sf sweatshirts, we headed over to Pier 39 with our Alcatraz tickets in hand.

There is currently an exhibit on the island...besides the up-close view of rock bound prison life, featuring work by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

Very interesting to see and experience the different mediums he used...

Also a great opportunity to see different areas of the Prison that are not usually on view, including the New Industries Building, and the hospital ward.

click here for more info on the art exhibit

detail of the weathering process

sink in the New Industries Hall 

windows with the rusty wire mesh

The 'Trace' exhibit made of legos depicting faces of those who have been exiled or imprisoned for their political beliefs

a kite in the 'With Wind' portion of the exhibit

The Dragon header of the kite

In the surgery

Several tubs, sinks and toilets in the hospital ward were filled with these beautiful porcelain blossoms