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Thursday
Dec152011

Caryl and Paul's Wedding at the Kenmore Inn

I had the ultimate pleasure of designing Caryl's "red" wedding. She and Paul are two of the lovliest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are so in love!! Everyone associated with this couple, in addition to Caryl and Paul, just radiated joy.  Caryl wanted the main color to be red, but we knew we wanted to incorporate another color and I suggested pink. Caryl said she wasn't a "pink" person, but she trusted me. I just think pink and deep burgundy reds look so sophisticated together, and I think we achieved that look. However, no pink in the bouquet - all rich reds!!! Wow! What two fine people. Happy married life Caryl and Paul!

 

Saturday
Nov192011

Stevenson's Ridge Wedding

I have been doing more and more weddings at Stevenson's Ridge in Spotsylvania, Va, and each time I go there to decorate, I fall more and more in love with this venue. I recently had the opportunity to create a lovely arrangement on the pergola on the property, and the photo is attached. I was able to capture the new fountain spray from the lake behind the pergola in this shot. I am waiting on some "real" photographs from the photographer who took pictures that captured the lovely, sophisticated calla bouquets. I'll post them when I receive them.

I also just met with a bride who wants me to do her flowers at Stephenson's Ridge next fall. We reviewed all the photos I took of the San Francisco Flower market, and almost designed the wedding while we looked at my pictures. I was so glad that I had them to show her. Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Sunday
Nov132011

Fall has arrived at the San Francisco Flower Market

Oh my goodness was I in heaven at the San Francisco Flower Market last week!!!!  I went to the San Francisco Flower Market to meet with a contact given to me by Ariella Chezar. The first day I went to the market, they were closing at 10:00 am. (They open at 2:00 am. The floral design world is an early morning industry, and those who work on the wholesale side of this business never cease to amaze me.) So, I made an appointment with Barbara to return on Monday between 7 and 8 am. When I got there last Monday, I was speechless. The flowers were phenominal...I mean phenominal!!!! I have never seen such incredible blooms. There are several varieties that are available in CA, after they are no longer available on the East coast, at a reasonable price. There is also more branch and vine material available as well. I also met with a designer in St. Helena, CA (Napa Valley) and we shared experiences. It was so fun to talk about the differences in design on the west coast vs. the east coast. It was a fabulous trip with lots of good food, great wine, spectacular views and flowers galore!!!!! I have already begun to incorporate some of the west coast design concepts into my arrangements, which I think already combine elements of east coast ideas with the unique style of the deep south. I am always evolving! I cannot stand to do the same thing over and over, especially when so many new design concepts are always emerging!

Ok, everyone do you see what I'm talking about??? I have to stop uploading pictures, but I have so many more!!! I just could eat these pictures!!!!!!!!!

Thursday
Oct132011

Jane Guerin, flowers Featured in Style Me Pretty

I am so honored to have done the flowers for a wedding that captured the favor of Style Me Pretty. Follow the link below to see a lovely, lovely wedding. It was one of my favorites...white peonies, cymbidium orchids, roses, gardenias...How could the flowers not have been gorgeous? The cake topper really wowed me. It was used on her mom's cake and her sisters' cakes. I think it dated from 1945. What a wonderful tradition.

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/04/06/elegant-traditional-virginia-wedding-from-meghan-mcsweeney-photography/#comments

 

Sunday
Sep182011

Ariella Chezar at FlowerSchool New York

Oh my goodness! I was in heaven this last Thursday night. I attended the Ariella Chezar Workshop at FlowerSchool New York. Every time I think a class cannot get any better, it does.

I don't know if you are familiar with Ariella's work, but you should be. She is phenomenal!!!! Not only is she gifted, but she is as gracious and as generous as can be. I mentioned to her that sometimes I have a hard time finding the material that I want, and she offered to help me find any flowers that I am trying to find. I am so impressed and so very appreciative!

Let me get back to the topic of her work. She so beautifully combines art and nature. She gathers a lot of her material from the woodlands, which gives such a natural feel to her gorgeous work. I read that her mother was an artist, and this talent has, obviously, been passed down to Ariella. As for me, I hope to incorporate some of her techniques into my work in the future. I have my own style, but some of Ariella's techniques can only enhance my work. We all have those who influence our style, and Ariella is certainly one whose style I adore. She is GREAT!!!!

This is my arrangement. It was not easy, as we all discussed!!! The goal is for it to be gorgeous and not look like a "tangled mess."

You know, I've taken classes from a lot of extremely talented people, but I think what makes Ariella different (in addition to her work) is her spirit. She is one of the lovliest people I've ever met.

As always, I look forward to the next FlowerSchool New York class that "speaks to me."