A Little Something for the Groom

The wearing of a flower in the man's lapel goes back to a knight wearing his chosen lady's colors. In some cultures the wearing of a boutonniere started by wearing small clusters of herbs to ward off curses and evil spirits.

In modern times a boutonniere worn by a man is usually reserved for proms and weddings. But gone are the days of the giant rose nestled in a pouf of Baby's Breath. Boutonnieres are now fashioned to make a stylish and personal statement.

Today's Groom can choose from the traditional and classic stephanotis blossom or a contemporary cluster of pods and ornamental grasses to play the starring role on his lapel. Either way the boutonniere is meant to be the final perfect touch for a very special day.
Photo credits: Christa Hoffarth Photography and Wendy Hithe Photography

Emily and Kenneth are married!

Emily and Kenneth were married on April 14th at Wine and Roses. While it was pouring rain outside they were married in front of a cozy fireplace decorated with banks of candles and tall vases filled with cherry blossom branches.

Emily and Kenneth planned their wedding (with the help of their Mothers) while living in New Jersey. Planning a destination wedding has it's own set of unique issues. Organization, flexibility and a fast Internet connection are all key items! Obviously they were able to plan a gorgeous wedding while thousands of miles away.

Here are some excerpts from the thank you e-mail I recieved from Emily:

"I just wanted to send you a thank you for all of the amazing work you did for our wedding. Everything was just spectacular!

People were blown away by your candle arrangement on the fireplace and we thought that that element really "made" the ceremony since it provided such romantic intimacy...

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love my bouquet - I can't get rid of it! After gawking at it for two days on our honeymoon I dragged it back here on the plane and still stare at it...

I got so many compliments on the bouquet and everything else. The girls' bouquets were perfect too and I just LOVED Kenneth's boutonniere.

I think that it is a real testament to your artistry and thoughtfulness that you were able to take my vague descriptions of what I wanted and put them together with such class and elegance - amazing since we never once consulted in person!

Your flowers made our wedding extra special and memorable and we can't thank you enough. PLEASE feel free to refer your clients to me, especially out-of-towners - if they would like references."

It was our pleasure Emily!

Photo credit: Lori Makabe www.lorimakabe.com

The Trust Factor

Recently I was asked by a bride to describe my favorite wedding. I thought of all the weddings over the years that I have designed. My favorites had a sense of community and trust amongst the bridal couple and their hired wedding professionals. As a team the bride, groom and the professionals worked together to make a memorable event happen. Big or small budget didn't really matter. It was the feeling of teamwork and trust that made the planning process and wedding day a joy.

I designed wedding flowers for Kara last fall. I had so much fun working with her and her ideas. She certainly made her style and vision known but she also gave me some design leeway to make her wedding flowers stunning. I was excited by the little touches and elements I had added and I knew she would love. As a result of the trust that Kara and I had fostered her wedding flowers were more than her wildest dreams!

When I have a design partnership with the bride it gives me the freedom to choose the most bountiful and gorgeous flowers available. I feel free to choose a few extra special touches to take the floral designs from the realm of just pretty to truly stunning.

A partnership in the wedding gives the professionals involved a vested interest. Wouldn't you want your professionals to be as excited about your wedding as you are? That is what the trust factor is all about. Your professionals trust you let them do their best for your event and they, in turn, make your wedding day perfect, stress free and a memory to cherish.

Images by Sharpe Photographers

Spring flowers!

I just got home from a mini-vacation in Springfield and Eugene Oregon. I was lucky enough to be there when the bulb flowers were beginning to show their color. Hyacinth, Daffodils and tulips were out in force.

Lilac and peony are starting to show up at the flower markets. I can't wait to design weddings with all of these special and celebrated flowers.