Hot, hot, hot Lake Anna Wedding

Well,  with a heat index of 111 degrees, I proceeded to hang a 35 foot garland from cedar trees by the water's edge at Lake Anna. The garland with floral sprays was supposed to hang from the railing of a deck, which at the time of the wedding was in full sun! Needless-to-say, the decision was made to move the wedding by the water under 3 cedar trees, which were supposed to provide shade for the guests at the time of the wedding. The groom and his family helped hang this garland. They were wonderful, and I and my assistant appreciated the help so much. The groom was from Puerto Rico, and the bride wanted brightly colored flowers as a nod to his country. They were bright and beautiful! What a lovely couple Meredith and Jose make!! Happy married life. By the way, according to Meredith, the flowers by the lake lasted one week. (It did get cooler a couple of days after the wedding.)

Outdoors at the Inn at Kelly's Ford

I completely enjoyed the casual and earthy floral designs at Jessica's wedding, which was held outdoors at the Inn at Kelly's Ford. The weather could not have been more gorgeous. Jessica kept telling me that she wanted an open, casual, free, and earthy look in her flowers. She planted succulents in vintage boxes, which she brought to me to add a peony to soften the look of the succulents. She also brought Ball jars into which we added a hand-tied "gardeny" bouquet made with lavender, alstromeria, roses, daisy chrysanthemums willow seeded eucalyptus and dusty miller. I also recruited my son and his new bride to help, as we placed the boxes on fresh Spanish moss, and added two bouquets in two different size ball jars. 

My great assistant, Karrie, worked so hard on this wedding. She loved that we wrapped the bouquets with twine.

It was a joy to work with Jessica. She was as free-spirited as her wedding flowers! Happy married life!!!

Hammond and Robyn's Rehearsal Dinner

When my son Hammond married Robyn Swift in Palm Beach, Florida, you KNOW I did the Rehearsal Dinner flowers. We held the dinner at Cafe' Boulud in the Brazilian Court Hotel and Beach Resort in Palm Beach. The decor was all tropical - what else??? Oranges, and golds abound in that historic fabulous hotel, so that is what I chose for my color scheme, with a little brown interjected. Mokara orchids, three different orange roses, Uhule fern (fiddlehead) and aspidistra leaves to wrap inside the cube. For the cocktail hour, which was outside in the courtyard around a gorgeous old world fountain, I used roses only in frosted cubes. I think I achieved my goal - very current styling with a nod to the nostalgic tropical flavor of the famously elegant Brazilian Court. Menus, placecards and favor boxes were burnished gold and orange, detailed with Midori Dupioni silk ribbon!The lovely printing was done by 2BSquared Designs. Favor boxes held imported Belgian Chocolate shells and were wrapped with the dupioni silk plaid ribbon. It was a magical weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Working in our suite - above and below! It required flexibility. Just ask Chloe, my Yorkie. (No she didn't go to the wedding. The Brazilian Court is pet friendly!)

The beautiful bride and handsome groom on the way to the rehearsal dinner!!!!!

Union League Club, New York, New York

Jane Guerin, flowers provided the centerpieces for the Board Meeting of the American Liver Foundation. The meeting was held at the Union League Club in New York. I actually jumped at the chance to do these flowers because it meant I could go the the Flower Market in NYC where the flowers will truly knock your socks off!!!! I went to the market early, but not early enough. Some of the most unusual flowers were either gone or almost gone. Even so, I found the most gorgeous, fresh, hard to find flowers. I was in great company, too. I was surrounded by some of the most well-known event planners buying flowers and props for events. It was fascinating to watch them work and listen to the details about their events. I even ran into Charlotte Moss, who I proceeded to introduce myself to. We chatted a bit about the availablility of great and unusual flowers at their peak!!!!! The Union League Club is all gorgeous dark walnut panelling and marble and the carpeting and draperies are blue and yellow/gold. I used blue and yellow flowers with a splash of orange.

Heather's Wedding

What a busy month at Jane Guerin, flowers! I have been so busy this month. It's been wonderful. All the brides with whom I have worked have been so lovely. It's been such a pleasure!! I've also met and gotten to know some really great moms, too! One of my weddings was for Heather from San Francisco. She went with very subtle colors - white, nudes, and silver/gray-green foliage. We used tall cylinders for a very current, and sophisticated look. One of my helpers, Kathy, took the photographs. I'll be posting pictures from the wedding as soon as they are available. Best wishes to Heather and Scott for a wonderful life together.