Spring at Dame Restaurant

I was super excited to do a spring shoot at Dame restaurant in NE Portland. The interiors, designed by Jasmine of Maxwell Gray Interiors are rich and moody.  Warm oak and soft brass fixtures are set against a deep blue-green. The walls and ceiling are painted in this rich hue and it makes the space feel very intimate and romantic.  My favorite feature is a wallpapered accent wall. It feels like a watercolor to me, and the first time I saw it I thought "someday I'm going to have to do flowers to place in front of that gorgeous wall!"   The space, while moody doesn't feel dark because tall windows anchor one whole end of the space and the light is reflected off the white marble bar.  

Lush blooms in a moody space

I also really wanted to try and capture spring and spring flowers without using the traditional pastel palette often associated with this time of year. Caramel, amber, honey and wine -- that's how I think of these colors, and I think they play beautifully off the blue-green of the space. Kaitlin Green and Amy Wennerlind of Love Lit Wedding Photography captured everything so beautifully. I love getting professional photos of my flowers back and these ladies never disappoint. The tones in the flowers look so rich and the airy little details give movement and charm. 

Picotee Ranunculus and a teeny Hellebore blossom

Heuchera leaves peeking over the edge

All the flowers were grown by local farmers or cut out of my garden or my parent's garden.  There is so much seasonal resonance when all the blooms have come from nearby; they can really sing of that exact moment in time and all it beauty.  

This sweet couple shared an intimate meal together, and Jessica modeled a flower cuff and bouquet, also inspired by this spring palette.

Silk ribbon

I special ordered some plant-dyed ribbon from Ninebark Farm.  The color is called "Pitch" and the moment I saw it I knew it would look amazing with those tulips.  Such a beautiful contrast to the dark banquette and fir floors.

I love the way those dusky Hellebore keep it from being too sweet.  The gold color and pattern of this dress against that wall --- so good!

I was pretty thrilled with the way this moody spring shoot came together. Also... you should go eat and drink at Dame if you are in Portland.  It's delicious in any and all seasons.