Manzanita Branch Coral!

Brooke Tyson Photography

For my styled rustic seaside wedding shoot, I really wanted to use manzanita branches. I have seen them used in decor – those intricate spiky branches are unique and unlike any type of branch out here on the east coast. I found one picture where someone painted a manzanita branch red to make it look like red coral – and I was obsessed.

Justin Potter, the owner of Nettleton Hollow, explained that the sandblasted manzanita branch would be easier to paint, and he was right. Nettleton Hollow sent me a set of three manzanita branches for the rustic seaside shoot, and they were perfect for our decor. While I was photographing the table during the shoot, I kept saying “these branches totally make this! I need these for every wedding!!” The manzanita branches added so much natural dimensionality to the tables, and I love that!

I painted one of the manzanita branches in a beautiful poppy red from the Martha Stewart paint collection. I left the other two branches natural and arranged them on the table alongside florals, conch shells, and apothecary jars. Painting was extremely easy, since the branches are already sanded smooth. I used just one coat of Martha Stewart High Gloss paint in Geranium and within fifteen minutes, the branch was dry to the touch.

Visit NettletonHollow.com to learn more about the varieties of manzanita branches they offer for decor, as well as other branches, foliage, and flowers.