Glass, Wood, or, Chinoiserie?
April 26th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
What is a bowl of soup without the bowl? The question may sound ridiculous. However, the only real answer is that it is not a bowl of soup. Without it’s container, it’s purpose is lost. Or, in this case, a spilled mess!
Most cultures and religions place importance into what something, or someone, is contained. Cathedrals, Temples and Teepees are all containers that hold spiritual significance for adherents, many of whom drink wine from a special cup, reserved for only that intent.
The containers used in floral design play a very significant role. As a designer, I consider closely the effects of the vases whose job it is to hold the flowers. Is glass, with it’s translucent, clean feeling, what plays best with the other elements? How about the rustic, strength of wood boxes? Their contribution to floral decor is a grounded “earthy” quality that is often the perfect compliment to the Bride and Groom.
Then, there is Chinoiserie, or “Chinese-esque,” containers. This Bride used this mixture of Eastern and Western stylistic elements to create an amazingly beautiful and elegant atmosphere. Using mostly shades of white with accents of soft pink, blue and green, she chose colors that complimented their containers; not over-powering, and not getting lost in the mix.
Classic Simplicity Speaks Volumes.
March 30th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. ~Hans Hofman
Few things have the power to lessen burden like the act of simplification does. And, when it comes to your wedding, the conscious decision to use floral and decor design that is minimal in its complexity may better suit your preference. When doing so, I like to recall the words of Hans Hofman. “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
It makes perfect sense, really. If your only colors, for example, are black and white, it becomes very important that the design done in those colors “speaks” the message you want your guests to receive. In this wedding the message asserts that this new couple have class and good taste, and they don’t need a lot of unnecessary to prove it. A beautiful bouquet of White Roses compliments the Bride’s beauty without becoming a distraction. White Hydrangea and White Roses in a black glass vase add just the element of beauty to the table without becoming too much, an interference or a hindrance to conversation.
I believe that in this case, the necessary speaks volumes.
And the flip side. I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of, for whatever reason, cutting away a lot of unnecessary. What was left, however, were things for which we had no connection–what was left was just stuff. This is good example of simplifying by removing the unnecessary, but leaving “necessary” that does not speak for you, doesn’t carry the right message or create the desired atmosphere; that doesn’t compliment an already beautiful experience, but rather tends to complicate or feel like “dead weight.” When this happens, there’s no better time to go back to the vision board: re-evaluate what is important to you, explore options with your floral designer and allow for the co-creative process to work it’s magic.
Succulents With a Touch of Pink Peony. A Union of Personality.
December 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Carl Jung said “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” I am amazed at how gracefully hearty succulents blend with soft pink Peonies. No less, amazed, however, at how gracefully two people transform into a union of one.
Thank you, Rebekah Westover Photography.
Winter’s Elegance
December 22nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I love the contrast that Winter provides. The warmth of home after a chilling day out of doors. The white snow covered mountains against the back-drop of clear blue sky. But, what I love the most is watching a couple experience the joy of being together, after what is sometimes a lonely bout of time apart. My job allows me to be part of one of the most important day in our lives, in contrast with our everyday living, and for that I am truly grateful.
Thank you Rebekah Westover Photography
Hydrangeas, Calla Lilies, Dahlias and Floating Candle Light.
December 20th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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Have you ever noticed how the dance of candle light can bring depth and character to whatever it falls on? Here, candles, with the added dimension of water, are allowed to cast their light on the various colors and textures of some of my favorite flowers: Hydrangeas, Calla Lilies and Dahlias. By themselves, these flowers are lovely. Add candle light, however, and a deeper level of vibrancy appears. Whatever color theme you choose, consider how the use of candle light will create an exciting element to your wedding design.
Warm regards and appreciation to Lindsey Shaun Photography
An International Friendship
November 25th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
A celebration that took it’s guests on an artistic, culinary and floral tour of the world? Absolutely. That is exactly what happened in September at the McCune Mansion in Salt Lake City. The hostess, with a delightful graciousness and youthful charm, invited her friends and family to share in her love for travel abroad. As her florist, it was an opportunity to create expressions–through flowers–of the richness and vibrancy of those cultures. As her friend, it was an opportunity to see something magical. Though the floral design from one room, or “country,” to another was different, each theme was able to compliment an aspect of her personality and help create an experience that honored her life and the difference she has made in the lives of many.
Hydrangea. Peacock Feathers. Blue Water. Joy.
October 21st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I believe the process of preparing for that day, though usually stressful at times, should be a fun and exciting creative process. I believe your wedding should be a celebration, filled with joy, laughter and beauty. What colors bring you joy? What symbols represent celebration? Gather them together and display them proudly, because, I believe, you are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime!
A Whimsy & Traditional “Mash-Up.”
October 20th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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“The vibrant colors of sunflower yellow, burnt orange, deep red and accents of green blend to create a warm and romantic “mash-up between whimsy and traditional,”–using Sunflowers, Red Dahlias, Gerbera Daisies, Calla Lilies, Red Roses, Tropical Amazon Roses, Red Hypericum and Fern Curls—to honor and celebrate the union of Katy and Woody. “
The Season of Fall. Cool, Crisp and Textured.
September 15th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Fall is a time for gathering together our harvest. It is a blending and complimenting of crisp, rich earthly tones and textures. It is a coming together of family and friends to give thanks and honor what matters most in our lives. What better time to celebrate the union of two people who have fallen in love. Autumn weddings are deeply romantic and invitingly warm.
Just a Pop of Blue.
September 1st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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Monochromatic themes are simple, elegant and beautiful. Often, however, a Bride’s personality is best captured with the “pop” of a complimenting color. Green compliments purple. Hues of aqua compliment shades of orange. And, just a pop of blue adds vibrancy to creamy yellow. What complimentary colors speak to your adventurous side, to your playfulness? Or, what colors serve as a reflection of what you feel passionate about in life or in your relationship? I believe that perhaps the most elementary, yet powerful, expressions of who we are as humans, is done with color.
A Blue Orchid Wedding.
August 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
It’s been said that to dream with swirling colors of blue is a sign of our ability to tap into the vast mysteries of life. Blue represents, almost universally, crystal clear water and bright reflective sky. Pure blue symbolizes inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. The Orchid, with it’s intricate detail, holds the meaning of love, beauty and strength. Bringing those elements together is a recipe for a celebration that is filled with wonderment and creativity. And, speaking of mysterious, consider this: orchids are not blue until their stems are placed in dye and the blooms absorb the color. It’s as if they know what opportunity lies ahead: create an atmosphere that is as uniquely inspiring and beautiful as an Orchid bloom and the color blue.
Pincushion Protea Meets Pink Gerbera Daisy
July 12th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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One way to create an atmosphere that is a beautiful expression of your wedding day experience, is with a lot of flowers. Another way is with fewer flowers, but, with a big emphasis on design. Pincushion Protea are exotic and tropical. Pink Gerbera Daisies are fun and fanciful. When brought together, however, they become a uniquely artistic “marriage” of design elements. Isn’t that kind of what a wedding ceremony is all about, really? The unifying of two lives that were at one time separate, and, possibly very different. Perhaps Mr. “Fun and Fanciful” found and nudged his way into the “exotic” arms of his long-time attraction. Or, perhaps nothing quite so “Stephanie Meyer” brought you together. Either way, the floral design of your wedding is a perfect way to celebrate who you as individuals, and, who you are becoming as a couple.
Big thanks to Mark Estabrook Photography and Soiree Production
Make It Colorful!
July 11th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
If your intent is to make your wedding brightly colorful, this color combination is perfect! It’s fresh. It’s vibrant. It compliments very nicely with grey, beige or shades of taupe.
Relationships, An Honor to Experience.
June 17th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I have the best job.
On a regular basis I get to witness some of life’s most important events. Not only that, I get to experience relationships: both well-established, long-term relationships, and new and evolving ones and all the excitement that goes with them. I get to see how flowers–living, breathing energy–are used to honor and celebrate both.
The love between two sisters is a strong and powerful bond. Two women, who share the memories of their girlhood together, compliment each other in unique and beautiful ways. This Bride chose a lovely bouquet for her sister that graciously represents their connection.
I honor this family for allowing me to experience the strong bonds of love and affection they share. And, I congratulate them for building of new relationships that will undoubtedly make their family even more vibrant.
Photography: Zuma Photography, Salt Lake City, UT
Elegance at La Caille, “Anthropologie” Style.
June 15th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
According to Wikipedia, STYLE is “the process of creating something” and, ”a prevailing mode of expression.” What I’ve discovered is that there is an abundance of resources available to create something that is uniquely perfect for your prevailing mode of expression. Your style! The decor used here is “Anthropologie,” blending lots of floral textures, with the vintage, elegant look of the mercury glass vases. There is plenty for the eye to see as navigates through the lower level groupings up to the height of the tall silver candelabras. The soft glow of candle light sets the scene for a celebration that is timelessly romantic.
What Would Audrey Hepburn Do?
April 18th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
“What would Audrey Hepburn do?” What an awesome theme for a wedding! Here’s what I think she would do: set a gracefully lovely table, and, with soft candlelight and champagne, invite those she holds closest to celebrate her wedding day. My hat is off to this bride, who did just that. The softness of white, blush and cream colors blend beautifully– using Roses, Hydrangea, Ranunculus, Freesia–to create a warm and gracious atmosphere, Audrey Hepburn style.
Orchids and Hydrangea. A Co-Creation of Beauty.
April 17th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I believe every event should be a co-creation of beauty: the experience of the inspiration of design, personality of the client and the energy of the flowers. When those elements come together in a balanced way, anything is possible.
Big thanks to Michael Tallman Photography
All purple, Lots of Texture: Modern Elegance…
April 15th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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Tone on tone. Texture on texture. This wedding is a perfect example of how less is often more. In the words of Walt Whitman, “Simplicity is the glory of expression.”Bursts of Color Combined with the Traditional Simplicity of White.
March 26th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
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A ceremony beautifully clad in white, followed by a party bursting with color. What a splendid example of the fluidity and flexibility of floral design!Winter’s Green and Candles, A Subtle Romance.
March 7th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Evergreens, for the Celtics, were symbols of hope, promise and renewal in the midst of the long, dark nights of Winter. What better way to bless a union than the elegance of Winter’s green, with the romance of candlelight.
Roses. Hydrangea. Peonies. Hypericum. And, a Mid-Summers Night Fantasy.
July 15th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
Flowers are magical. In fact, I’ve often said, while looking at a Bride’s bouquet or centerpiece arrangement, that the flowers tell me where they want to go. Not the other way around. When allowed to express themselves in ways that feel right to them, flowers create a magically, fantastical experience. Enjoy them, my friends. Appreciate them for the gifts they are to us, and the delightful experiences they create.
Soft Pink Peonies: A Compliment to a Beautiful Bride.
May 12th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
When two people fall in love, they typically compliment each other in ways that only they fully understand. He is drawn to her and she is drawn to him, seeing in the other a lovely reflection of the right-ness of their decision to marry. Let the floral design of your wedding compliment who you are. Let it be an expression of your commitment, an offering of your intention to fall in love, again, everyday of your lives together.
Fairy-Tale Wedding? Why Not?
April 17th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
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Life, I believe, is all about asking for what you want, creating an experience that feels right. So is your wedding. To me, having a “fairy-tale” wedding doesn’t require a huge budget, extravagant party or most costly and exotic flowers available. A fairy-tale wedding is not about how BIG a wedding celebration can be, but, rather, it’s about how RIGHT it feels for the Bride and Groom. Let your special day be your own, as unique as your own experience of love.
Special thanks to Swenson Photography
