Matthew Robbins of Artfool

I am so honored and so happy to have as TBC's guest today, the oh-so-wonderful and talented Matthew Robbins of Artfool.  In my opinion, Matthew's designs are truly that of an artist.  I am always amazed at how he can take a blank canvas (the venue) and transform it into a "magazine worthy" wedding every time.  Just visit his website and check out the press page and you will see that his work has been featured in all the top wedding publications and you will see his latest designs in Martha Stewart Weddings due out later this month.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Matthew and I must tell you that he is truly one of the nicest and most humble people that you will ever meet.  I am most happy to share with you that Matthew will be a monthly contributor at The Bride's Cafe!  Not only will he share his beautiful designs  and decor topics with us, he will also be here to answer any questions you may have regarding the decor for your wedding day.  Please e-mail your questions to me at janie@jmflora.com for our "Ask Matthew" segments.  Okay guys,  without further ado....I give you Matthew.......Enjoy!!!!!

TBC:  Matthew, what inspires you as a designer?

Matthew:  I'm constantly looking for ideas and inspiration in everything outside of my own world.  I trained as an artist in college so looking at art is a main source of inspiration.  I also look to fashion, interior design and my personal travels for new design concepts and ways of thinking abut color, form and texture.  My clients are always great inspiration as they each bring something unique to the design process.

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

Matthew:  I love the process.  Hunting for new materials and collaborating with fabulous clients and vendors to create truly memorable events.  I find so much joy in the details and nothing is more rewarding than watching a client walk into a room and actually notice and get crazy excited by all of the small details that went into forming the overall vision for the event.

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Matthew:  There have been many but one of my favorite moments was my first time on television with Martha Stewart.  I remember she called the magazine offices during a meeting I had to attend with the editors to discuss my very first story for the Weddings magazine.  My business was new and I was a fresh face in the "Martha world" so I was just a little nervous about the entire process.  She interrupted the meeting to phone into the editors with news that she loved my story and wanted to include it on her television program.  That was wonderful news and the start of an amazing and loyal relationship with Martha's company.

TBC: What advice would you give to the bride that really wants to have the flowers that she truly dreams of for her wedding but her budget just won't allow it?

Matthew:  I would say think outside of the "flower box".  In the end the color palette and how you apply basic design principles will decide whether or not your wedding or event is stunning, unique and stylish.  You can do incredible things with hits of bold color in your paper goods, table linens or larger blooms that don't require much attention.  Floating candles and huge open coral peonies can be so exquisite and you don't need to spend a fortune on hundreds of blooms to accomplish such a look.

TBC:  What are your favorite color combinations to use for weddings?

Matthew:  I'm a huge fan of muted tones like taupe or oatmeal with pops of very bold, fresh colors such as orange, yellow, or deep rich plum and chocolate with crisp white to add that edge of romance and elegance.  Green is always part of my palette so I don't even mention it as I always use it somewhere!

TBC:  What type of venues are the most fun to design for?

Matthew:  I love venues with garden settings.  My favorite venue is one that can feel like a fabulous home you are entertaining your guests in.  I always strive to make every wedding reception feel like an elegant dinner party.  I don't think anything could be more beautiful.

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her floral designer?

Matthew:  I always suggest interviewing at least two designers even if you know and love one and you are sure he or she might be perfect for your wedding.  Having another to contrast and compare will only make you feel even better about your first pick!  It is really important to find a designer who listens.  They should care about what you are looking for and how you can all collaborate to create a unique event.  Also, always run from anyone who says they have a recipe or one approach for your venue just because they have worked in the space before.  The point is to make your event different and custom, not just another factory production.

TBC:  Matthew please share some fun details about your home life.  We want to get to know you a little.

Matthew:  My dog Ollie (black toy poodle) is my pal and constant friend after many long hours of designing, meeting, styling, traveling, etc.  He loves the flower market and always impresses new clients if he attends a meeting.  He is diligent at working the g00d PR!  Many of my friends and family always find it surprising when they learn I don't keep lots of cut flowers in my own home.  I prefer vintage bottles with one or two stems in each to accent side tables or a cluster down the middle of my dinning table for a party.

Shots from a wedding at the American Museum of Natural History.  Matthew and his talented team transformed the venue into the most beautiful wedding site.

Check out the "details" at each place setting. This is what Matthew was speaking on in the interview, the small details of the overall vision.

Matthew's floral designs are amazingly beautiful!

These two photos are from an event at Bedford Hills.  Simple, beautiful and elegant!  Here Matthew shows the taupe color with the table runner.......the punch of  bright color with the red using the lanterns and containers....the crisp white with the linens, chargers, silverware, and flowers to add the romance and elegance.

Simply stunning designs!!!!!!!  Thanks so much Matthew, this has been so much fun and I hope you all have found the inspiration you may have been seeking to help you with your wedding day!

Comments

[Rocio]

Congratulations Janie on bringing in special guests to the Bride's Cafe, such as Matthew Robbins!
I love Matthew's work, he is so talented! Thank you Matthew for sharing your ideas and beautiful wedding arrangements with the world, you are so right... little details make such a HUGE difference!

Rosie

[Margot]

What a fabulous article! Matthew, you are one of my absolute favorite designers in the industry. Your floral arrangements and color combinations inspire me for many of my designs and moodboards. Every single bouquet, event and design you create has that signature touch and unique spin that makes it truly one of a kind.

Thank you for your artistry.

[Ann Torres]

Stunning! My jaw literally dropped when I saw the photos of the Art Museum wedding. Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE the last buoquet! Like Matthew said, a chocolate brown with a crisp white makes for a romantic, elegant look. I just love his work!

[Wish!]

Hey Matthew! It's Minie, Janie's friend! Just wanna give you a holler and I'm really excited to see you here!!! You are just the BOMB!!! and that color you're wearin with those blue eyes sure look awesome on TBC!!! :-)

[Pam - housemartin]

Wonderful interview Janie! And thanks Matthew for sharing your talents - I am a big fan!

[Chelsea]

Wow! I am impressed. Matthew is one of my all time favorite designers! I love how versatile his work is. Can't wait to read his contributions!

[Cyn]

Hi Janie. Fantastic article/interview of Matthew. I love his use of the Dusty Miller. Wish I could have seen the Museum wedding decor in person!!!

[Claudia]

As one of our favorite designers and artists we love hearing from Matthew and getting another look at his work. Especially the Natural History Museum which we helped plan! Congratulations!