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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

“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. “

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.

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.