With the work of her hands, she created for me works of art – and heart.
In time for Mother’s Day, the Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier introduces its special line of ‘Irog’ curated florals – a selection of exquisite floral arrangements that capture the beauty, kindness and generosity of the first woman to truly brighten up our lives. Infused with fresh fruits and potted plants, these colorful blooms are arranged in locally produced wicker baskets that can be used as centerpieces and décor, long after those Mother’s Day celebrations have come to pass.
Alicia
Marita
Ligaya
Gracia
Amor
Cristina
Tala
Lualhati
Inspired by my own mother, Alicia, this special line of ‘Irog’ curated florals is dedicated to all the mothers out there, whose continuous love and devotion help us blossom into our best selves.
Happy Mother’s Day sa mga Ilaw – at Irog ng ating tahanan!
For more information, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram. You may also call or text 0917-7018178 for more information.
Whether for your special someone or for the little ones, the DS Breakfast Surprise is sure to add a dash of hope and ‘hop-piness’ to your Easter morning celebrations — right in the comfort of your home.
This beautifully curated, customizable wooden crate is filled with an assortment of goodies such as a decadent cake, bunny-shaped cookies and chocolate-filled Easter eggs that you can break with our cute, mini-mallet. It even comes with an adorable stuffed bunny and a pair of bunny ears, as well as preserved hydrangeas that could last up to five years!
For more information on the DS Breakfast Surprise, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram, or visit eventsylistDave.com. You may also call or text 0917-7018178 for more information.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with The Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier’s “Queen of Hearts” Collection — five exquisite floral boxes that are mindfully curated to not just put a smile on your special one’s face, but to capture the very traits that make her (or him) reign supreme in your heart. From roses to tulips, to cymbidiums and more, these premium blooms are all imported from Ecuador and Holland, and are tastefully arranged in luxe heart-shaped, velvet boxes that are fit for royalty.
Red Queen
Curated for that special someone who adds fire and passion to your life, this bold floral box is perfect for the modern woman who’s as strong as she is beautiful.
Pink Princess
More is more for the lady who dazzles with her chic sense of style and runway ready personality. Train the spotlight on her once again with a curated flower box that says why you simply can’t take your eyes off her.
Lady Sunshine
From her happy-go-lucky personality to the way she brightens up every room, the-girl-next-to-door is now second-to-none in your heart. Make sure she knows this by giving a floral box that matches her radiant smile.
White Majesty
Immaculate, poised and pristine, she is sophistication personified, just like the White Majesty floral box that reflects her elegant personality with its minimalist charm.
Rockstar Royal
A non-conformist who marches to the beat of her own drum, she is unafraid to break the mold with her unconventional style, unique personality and impassioned insights – much like this dark, rich and avant garde floral box.
The Ultimate Queen of Hearts
If she’s both fire and ice, sugar and spice and everything in between, then you may want to present the Ultimate Queen of Hearts of Collection — five curated flower boxes that capture all the million and one reasons on why she’s the queen of your life.
To order your own “Queen of Hearts” floral box, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram. You may also call or text 0917-7018178 for more information.
Whether enhanced, or general, or anything in between, no quarantine measure could possibly be more powerful than one’s desire to celebrate life’s important milestones. As such, the Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier launches “Intimate by Dave Sandoval” – a unique styling service that adds flair to smaller events, most of which can be held at the comfort of one’s home.
From intimate weddings with just a couple’s closest relatives and friends, to birthdays, proposals and more, these concepts can be scaled down to fit new normal requirements. “We want to remind our clients that they can still have that beautiful wedding or that milestone birthday party, even without the hundreds of guests that they initially imagined to have – and without violating quarantine restrictions,” says Dave of his new brainchild.
Whereas his previous designs for big events were known to be more flamboyant and transformational, “Intimate by Dave Sandoval” is more malleable in nature. “For these concepts, we put a lot of focus on effortless elegance. We will work around your house or garden, or any intimate venue’s layout,” he says.
In place of the more extravagant setups, Dave and his team will come up with design ideas that reflect the celebrators’ personalities. “Simple and scaled down don’t have to be drab or boring. The execution will come with a lot of important details that can elevate, say, a simple birthday dinner into something equally as dramatic or memorable,” says Dave.
To achieve this, the Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier will not only turn to their trademark flower arrangements, but also incorporate various designs elements. These may include themed dinnerware and centerpieces that have been reworked for smaller settings.
For instance, Dave suggests replacing towering floral arrangements that reigned supreme in ballroom-sized events of the past with low arrangements that allow for more unobstructed conversations. Premium flowers imported from Holland, Japan and Ecuador may even be used, upon request. “Details are all the more important now, since a smaller crowd gives guests ample opportunity to closely inspect every single flower or ornament on the table. Rather than being plain decorative, we want these pieces to actually be part of the conversation,” he says.
Such intricacy is ideal for brides and grooms who want to say “I do” in an effortlessly elegant, intimate setting. “We even make sure that the arrangements look equally breathtaking on camera, since some couples are opting to broadcast their nuptials through Zoom, to share the moment with guests who couldn’t make it due to travel restrictions,” he explains.
In recent months, the DS Floral Atelier has even designed themed dinner parties that highlight, not just the client’s milestone moment, but their prized collections of designer plates and cutlery, as well. “In the end, it’s about you – what you want, what you find beautiful. You can even incorporate your personal mementos into the design concept,” he enthuses.
Along with “Intimate by Dave Sandoval,” the DS Floral Atelier also continues to receive advanced bookings for bigger weddings and major events in the future. And while Dave and his team understand that the new normal certainly comes with a handful of restrictions, they’ll always make sure to find room for you and those wonderful occasions.
For more information on #IntimatebyDaveSandoval, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram, or visit eventsylistDave.com. You may also call or text 0917-7018178 for more information.
Shot on-location at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Full Planning and Coordination | Rhed Sarmiento Event Planners and Coordinators
Concept and Styling | Dave Sandoval
Photo | Jayson and Joanne Arquiza // Video | Roundhouse Productions
Wardrobe | Jor-el Espina, Rau Uson-Ablaza and Jo Rubio
Makeup | Toni Aviles // Hair | Gorgeousa Makeup Studio
Cake | Honey Glaze by Aileen Torres Conde
Flowers | Fleur du Monde
Accesories | Christopher E Munar
Styling Assist | Pipay Brazil
Models | George De Lumen and Sirene Sutton
Some words, you can hear. Some, you can only speak. And then there are those that can bring you places; words you can almost touch, smell and see. One such word is “lavender.”
From the world-famous lavender fields of Provence, to their equally beautiful counterparts in California, Beijing and more, these picturesque sceneries have been the objects of many a traveller’s dreams. And while a visit to these rolling, purple plains will probably have to wait – as the travel industry adjusts to the stringent standards of the new normal – your love affair with lavender certainly doesn’t have to.
Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier, through its DS Home line, brings a piece of these aromatic fields into your personal spaces with its new “Love Lavender” series. Beautiful, fragrant and long-lasting, the new product line – which can be bought in sets or separately – revolves around the sight and scent of dried lavender, complemented with a confection of home essentials such as oil diffusers, aromatic oils, linen spray and scented candles.
“With everything that’s going on, one can say that there’s definitely tension in the air – even if most of us are staying at home. That’s why we came up with products that don’t just spruce up space, but also induce a relaxing ambience,” says Dave Sandoval.
As some sleep doctors have noted in their studies, lavender is known for its anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) qualities. Whether used for aromatherapy or taken orally (usually as tea), lavender can ease mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, and may even help in curing insomnia and improving sleep quality.
Packaged in elegant lavender boxes accentuated by a customized lavender card, curated “Love Lavender” floral boxes whisk away their receivers to a sensorial journey. The journey starts with the sight of the exquisite arrangement of dried lavender, aptly accompanied by the elegant oil diffuser and aromatic oils. The journey is then punctuated with lavender linen spray for a more restful night’s sleep.
While many people would instinctively bring lavender scents to their bedrooms, thanks to their therapeutic effects on sleep, Dave reminds that these, too, are perfect for common areas of the home. “Whether it’s in powder rooms or the washrooms, or even living rooms and receiving areas, these lavender arrangements and products evoke elegance that you can see, smell and touch,” he says.
Dave, whose captivating floral designs usually make the rounds on social media after big events, adds that products under the DS Home line also pave the way for their customers to enjoy the beauty of his floral arrangements, even in the new normal. And thanks to the sight and scents of products like “Love Lavender,” and the floral arrangements and home essentials that DS Home will be launching soon, everyone can now bring a piece of Dave Sandoval into their home.
From ancient times when Egyptians dried fragrant flowers for their royal tombs, to the Middle Ages when flowers were dried for medicinal purposes, all the way down to imperial Japan where it became the basis of an art form – dried flowers have certainly withstood the test of time. And in 2020, this age old technique makes a comeback, bringing with it the promise of prolonging a flower’s scent and beauty to as long as ten years.
Florist and event stylist Dave Sandoval noticed this trend re-emerge earlier this year, especially as most people went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having spent more time inside their homes, Dave’s clients soon found themselves inquiring about floral pieces and décor that are beautiful, practical, and more importantly, longer-lasting. The answer was clear: curated dried florals.
“Personally, drying and preserving flowers was really just a hobby. But as the volume of inquiries for dried florals grew, we decided to offer it to a limited market,” shares Dave, who is more known for his breathtaking fresh flower arrangements. Due to the growing demand, however, Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier eventually introduced “Ever After,” its very own line of preserved, bleached and colored blooms.
Romantic, rustic and poignant, these curated arrangements feature a wide selection of ferns and flowers mostly sourced from Holland. From peonies to edelweiss; cotton flowers to dried lavender; to coral ferns, pampas and more – each “Ever After” piece is carefully put together by Dave and his team to become beautiful and lasting ornaments for their clients’ homes and personal spaces.
Upon request, the floral atelier also offers arrangements made from a combination of fresh and dried flowers. “The beauty of dried and preserved flowers lie in their longevity. When done right, its scent and form can last from one to ten years, depending on the kind of flower used,” shares Dave. Such longevity also makes them perfect markers for memories and occasions that one would like to remember for a long time.
So instead of marking 2020 as the year COVID-19 broke, why not mark it as the year you re-discovered the sight – and scent – of curated, dried florals? Now that’s a memory worth keeping.
Soon after it trained the spotlight on local blooms and materials sourced from the motherland herself, Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier launches a fresh take on flowers and greens that celebrate the very pillars of the Filipino home – our dads.
Using Irog’s unique, all-Filipino concept, the distinguished floral atelier pays tribute to hardworking fathers with a special product that symbolizes every tatay, amang and papa’s hard work and devotion to family.
In place of colorful blooms, the masculine and elegant arrangement comes in rustic baskets that are brimming with a variety of potted plants such as succulents and orchids. “Green is in these days and since we’re trying to honor our fathers, we wanted something more streamlined, more masculine and in some ways, more practical,” says Dave, citing the growing popularity of gardening nowadays.
True enough, these Irog plant boxes could very well usher in a new hobby for dads, too. Each plant can be re-potted and grown, making them lasting markers for any special occasion that is being celebrated, all year-round.
Keeping in line with Dave Sandoval’s elegant aesthetic and Irog’s homegrown concept, the baskets used are made from abaca woven by craftsmen in Albay, while all the plants are locally grown. To top it all off, the piece comes with an iconic gold jeepney that evokes not just masculine style, but true Filipino innovation – along with every father’s undeterred drive.
Aside from being an ode to our fathers, Dave notes that “Irog” also helps support local flower farmers and artisans, who find themselves in constant competition with international suppliers. “In our own way we also wish to honor our local craftsmen and farmers we partner with, and the fathers who inspire creativity in them,” concludes Dave.
While they may sound like an ideal Father’s Day gift, these new father boxes from Irog will be available even long after June after 23, making them perfect for any occasion you may be celebrating for the men in your life – for as long as supplies last!
For more information, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram, or visit eventsylistDave.co m. You may also call or text 09177018178 for more information.
Sometimes, a closer look at one’s backyard is all it takes to find something truly world-class. And that is exactly what events stylist and florist extraordinaire Dave Sandoval presents in his latest collection of all-Filipino curated florals.
Launched in time for the June 12 Independence Day celebrations, Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier’s “Irog” is a passion project that features arrangements made from 100-percent homegrown flowers; and embellished with decorative elements produced by local artisans.
Following a “from farm to your arm” model, “Irog” trains the spotlight on a variety of local blooms, including the national flower sampaguita, as well as chrysanthemum, anthurium, heliconia and a number of orchid species. These flowers are sourced from farms in Batangas, Bukidon, Laguna, Davao and Benguet, among others.
Accompanying these locally grown, world-class blooms are containers made from abaca weaves, sinamay and capiz – all of which are skillfully crafted by Filipino artisans. “With its all-Filipino elements, ‘Irog’ arrangements elevate flowers from being a language of love, to being a language of love for country. They are best for cultural festivities and ceremonies that are close to every Filipino’s heart, such as family dinners, birthdays and the like,” explains Dave.
What’s more, the product line will soon include sampaguita-scented candles that will make for perfect accompaniments to these gorgeous pieces.
While known for his exciting event designs and timeless aesthetic, Dave shares that his passion for flower arrangements is hugely influenced by Filipino traditions, which he grew up with. “Even before I started my business, my mother, lola and I used to decorate the church whenever it’s time for the Flores de Mayo yearly processions, as my dad would play songs by Lucio San Pedro and Levi Celerio in the background,” he shares.
Aside from being an ode to our heritage, Dave notes that “Irog” also helps support local flower farmers and artisans, who find themselves in constant competition with international suppliers. “Rather than trying to gain approval in international trade shows and events, we want to do our small part in helping uplift our local industries. With these kinds of products, we hope to inspire our peers to further improve our craft and maximize our own resources, until such a time when we’re ready to shine on the world stage,” says Dave.
In an almost poetic way, Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier’s “Irog” embodies what real independence is about. “For us and our partner farmers, real independence is about being able to express creativity while relying on our own, homegrown talents and resources. It is sustainable, beneficial for our local industries, and most importantly, a source of pride for our farmers and artisans alike,” he concludes.
With community quarantine measures and social distancing being practiced in most parts of the country, big social gatherings have been put on pause until further notice. Still, that doesn’t mean that there’s no cause to celebrate. After all, quarantined or not, every day of your life can be a special occasion worth celebrating.
Inspired and challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations it brings, event stylist and florist Dave Sandoval launches a new product line of curated florals that can add beauty to any space. Dubbed as Curated Florals by Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier, these customized floral arrangements come in elegant yet disposable boxes that add beauty to any space – or occasion.
“Since time immemorial, flowers are essentially tied to special celebrations and milestones. As for me, flower arrangement is my passion. I want my clients to know that even when times are tough, there’s always reason to celebrate,” he shares.
Individually, Curated Florals by Dave Sandoval make for the perfect gifts. Whether they’re for the love of your life or a friend who needs a little perk me up, or even someone as dear as a mother, sister or family, these flowers are sure to convey your expressions of love and appreciation in breathtaking fashion.
Armed with more than 12 years of experience in events design, Dave also elevates the concept of these expertly arranged curated floral boxes into do-it-yourself solutions for sprucing up space for more intimate occasions that are allowed under the general community quarantine. From weddings that needed to be downsized to other intimate celebrations, these curated florals can add a sense of wonder to those precious moments.
Products under the Curated Florals by Dave Sandoval line can also be further enhanced to fit into a plethora of creative themes, but without the physical contact and manpower that most elaborate design concepts require. “These are very easy to install but beautifully crafted arrangements. Our team will simply deliver the items, which will require minimal set-up. There won’t be any pullouts either, since all the floral arrangements come in elegant yet disposable boxes,” says Dave. Guests can may also continue to enjoy the floral masterpieces after the event, since they may opt to take them home as souvenirs.
While these curated florals most certainly possess enough drama and flair to stand on their own, the stylist who makes them admits that he is more than willing to assist his guests in transforming their space, to achieve the timeless, elegant aesthetic that he is mostly known for. Should a client request for it, Dave can conduct virtual tutorials via Zoom and give tips on where to place the curated florals, what to accessorize them with, and more.
“Our forte remains to be tablescaping, a service wherein we usually receive compliments from our clients and colleagues in the business. As such, we also rent out additional table accessories to match their curated floral boxes,” shares Dave. Still in line with measures to minimize physical contact, the staff – clad in protective gear – will just come back to pick up the additional accessories after the small event has concluded.
“Being under general community quarantine may leave us with the opportunity to only have smaller events but there’s no reason for us to have boring celebrations. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that there are very few things can liven up any space the way fresh flowers do,” concludes Dave.
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To order Curated Florals by Dave Sandoval, there are four easy steps:
1. Getting to know you: Contact us through the details listed below and discuss with us your preferred flowers, theme, colors and size of the table. Like in any relationship, good communication goes a long, long way!
2. Quotations and down payment: Our team will send a quote for your approval. Depending on the availability of your chosen flowers, curated florals may be delivered in as little as one day after payment has been deposited to our account via online transfer.
3. Delivery: In line with safety measures and precautions, only one (or two) member/s of the staff will deliver your curated florals to your preferred address.
4. Placement of Curated Floral Box instructions: As a special service, we can also conduct Zoom meetings on how you can best display your floral arrangements. Not only will it look better, it can also be a fun bonding activity for couples and families who want to spruce up their space together, while under quarantine.
For more information, please follow @eventstylistDave or Dave Sandoval Floral Atelier on Instagram. You may also call or text 0917-7018178 for more information.
Photo: Chestknots Studios
Video: Treehouse Story
Gown, Suit and Masks : Jo Rubio
Catering: Bizu Catering Studio
Makeup: Art Fetalvero
Hair : Reign Mondejar
Invitations: Print Divas
Venue: Lucas Studios
In the time of Covid-19, there is perhaps, no nobler task than being part of the frontline. It is for this very reason that doctors, nurses, workers in the food and service industry, as well as those in public service, among others, have been aptly called “modern-day heroes.”
Dave Sandoval, a celebrated events stylist known for his exquisite floral arrangements may not be a front liner, but that doesn’t mean he’ll just wait the battle out. In fact, he joins the fight with his weapons of choice – and his language of love – flowers.
Dave, along with his reliable driver, has spent the past few weeks going around hospitals in the metro to deliver a message of hope to front liners, through numerous assortments of roses and other blooms that he personally arranges for them. And while they may not have the power to protect these professionals from the dreaded novel coronavirus like PPEs, or nourish their bodies the way food does, these flowers can most certainly uplift their spirits and morale.
In an interview with PeopleAsia, Dave shares that the idea stemmed from his desire to help. “Through floral styling, I can articulate many things. I am able to convey love in many colors and shapes. I believe that God has given me this talent to touch lives,” says Dave, who has visited at least 10 hospitals in April.
“Normally donations come in forms of food and PPEs. That’s why when we walk into a hospital with the flowers, they truly get surprised,” he shares. Dave, who makes his rounds weekly, also says that it makes his heart melt whenever he sees, say, a weary doctor or nurse’s face light up at the sight of such a simple gesture.
Flowers are also often used to bid farewell to those who have passed away. Unfortunately, these universal expressions of love and longing are harder to come by these days, due to the current limitations imposed by the community quarantine. The scarcity led one such relative to approach Dave via social media to find flowers for a loved one’s urn. Feeling empathy for the bereaved, he chose instead to give and have the flowers delivered for free.
In a time when death and sickness are always lurking in the horizon, flowers become a potent source of positive emotions. In an article for Psychology Today, Dr. Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D., wrote that flowers make one happy by triggering “happy brain chemicals” called dopamine. “Dopamine is triggered by the expectation of a reward. Flowers were a huge reward signal in the world our brain evolved in because they marked the coming of abundance after a hungry winter. Today, we have enough to eat all year round so we don’t consciously link flowers with food. But the blossoming of a flower triggers the sense that something special is coming,” she said.
For Dave though, giving flowers is about inspiring others; a simple way of telling them that their actions are well appreciated even from beyond the frontline. “When I see their reactions, talagang nai-inspire ako (it really inspires me). It is a blessing to witness their joy,” he concludes.
Any day can be Valentine’s ❤️
Through floral styling, I can articulate many things. I may convey love in many colors, shapes and nuances through flowers. I believe that this talent that God has gifted me enables me to touch lives. In this unecrtain times in our lives, I choose to use this talent to spread love and comfort the weary souls. In my mind, flowers have a special language. It is my sincerest desire to ease the burden on our selfless health worker heroes. Day and night and for many hours they brave this crisis and by sending them flowers is like sending them our gratitude, our smiles,our positivity and most specially our prayers.
Hindi man araw ng mga puso ngayon, nawa sa mga pulang bulaklak na ito maipadama namin sa inyo ang aming mainit na pasasalamat at panalangin. Kulang ito sa kabayanihan na inyong ipinapakita sa amin.
