Shelby & Ernest: Wedding, March 27, 2011

The weekend's weather was something less than desired for a wedding or most anything.  However, the dreary rain and cold temperatures would not dampen the spirits of the events.  The past few days were filled with weddings and festive formals.  Each event had its own tempo and theme.  I loved them all for what they were.  I will post photos of each.  Since tonight I am wide wake (where I should be sound asleep after this weekend), I will start off with a soft, dreamy and most definitely romantic wedding of :

Shelby & Ernest

at the hidden gem: Barclay Villa (http://www.barclayvilla.com/) in Angier, NC.  Rocky Top Hospitality (http://www.rockytophospitality.com/) catered the event and as always they are a dream of a team to work with...special thanks to Kevin D....you are the best!  The cake looked too good to ever eat and I must give much compliments to Sweet Memories http://www.sweetpmemoriesbakery.com/. Donna is a true artist.   And, lastly, the woman that pulled it all together, Tracey Adams.   http://www.adamsandevents.com/   Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and ability to smile through it all. 

Here are a few photos of the flower arrangements from Shelby & Ernest's wedding.  I am anxiously waiting for the "real" photos from the great team of Carolian Media Star http://www.carolinamediastarweddings.com/.  I finally met them in person.  What a fun team and super professional. 

The bride's bouquet was an unstructured mix of viburnum, green hydrangeas, white parrot tulips, green scabiosa and helleborus/ lenten of rose.  I love this combination for an early spring wedding.  Shelby sent me a photo that gave me the inspiration. 

 The maid of honor's bouquet was a mix of soft pink, coral and spring green.  Garden Roses, Peach Parrot Tulips, Freesia, and 'Mozart' Antique Peach Callas were just the right colors to help warm up the cool day.

The warm color scheme carried onto the centerpieces.  Low bowls and apothecary jars were filled with flower similar to the maid of honor's bouquet. 

Tall Vases of Cherry Blossoms were ultimately places on banquet tables.  The wedding was initially proposed for the outside garden.  However, last minute changes happen in life and the wedding was moved inside to the great hall. The centerpieces provided color and ambiance to ceremony/ the dinner tables flanked the chairs during the ceremony.  After the ceremony, the tables were moved and arranged by the very efficient Rocky Top Catering team.  Quick thinking and the ability to go with the conditions made for a very beautiful wedding. 

Charlena & Tony's Wedding, November 5, 2010

I want to express my gratitude to Charlena & Tony for being such a wonderful couple.  They were such a joy to work with on their beautiful fall wedding at 1705 Prime.  Fall is quickly becoming the new season for wedding events.  In North Carolina the crisp days and mild nights can make for the perfect ceremonial setting.  And, I also want to thank photographer, Dajuan Jones, for his amazing photos.  It is always a pleasure to have the beautiful photos that showcase the event.

Purple and white were the main colors that Charlena chose for her bouquet.  The bouquet consisted of mini callas, ranunculus, freesia and peruvian lilies.  A wrap of deep plum around the stems was accented with crystal pins and a brooch.

The Bridesmaids's bouquets were sleek and elegant; a gathering of large white callas and a green leaf accent.  Silver ribbon and crystal pins complimented the "look".

Corsages of ranunculus, orchids and freesia were attached to black pearl wristlets.  The contrast of color and texture made these look like couture bracelets.

I loved these boutonnieres of 'Picasso' mini callas with accents of Peruvian Lilies...dramatic against the black tuxes.

Silver lanterns lined the exterior walk.  Accents of plum ribbon gave them a bit of color.

The purple & white theme was accented with a touch of deep orange for the "altar" arrangements to play upon the fall event color scheme.

Sweet, romantic and elegant...a perfect event for a wonderful couple.

Thank you, Makia Walls of AOT Events

I just wanted to share my many thanks to Makia Walls of AOT Events.  Makia invited me to be a special guest speaker for her Special Events Planning Course.  It was a wonderful experience!  The students were great and they had so many questions during and after my talk.  The 30 minute time slot turned quickly into an hour.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  Makia and I have had the pleasure to work on a wedding this past July.  Makia is a true professional.  I look forward to working with her again in the near future.  I always encourage my brides to have a wedding planner...it makes their day easier and truly beautiful.  Plus, having a wedding coordinator allows all of the vendors (including myself!) to have an organized event.  I encourage new brides to contact Makia at events@aotevents.com.

Flower of the Week: Ranunculus

Ranunculus

(ra-NUN-ku-lus)

Ranunculus asiaticus

Availablity: January, February, March, April & October, November

Colors: White, Pink, Magenta, Purple, Red, Burgundy, Peach, Orange & Yellow

Characteristics: Bowl-shaped 1"-4" flowers with many papery petals atop

10"-15" hollow stems. 

Lasting quality/ Cut Flower: 3-7 days

Floral Form: Mass or as accents

Meaning: Radiant Charm

Ranunculus: funky name/ fabulous flower.  Similar in style to a peony (but much smaller), the ranunculus is fragrant and delicate.  Use it in bouquets as a filler or make a stylish boutonniere. 

This flower comes in many colors but always check for the availability before making it your wedding flower.  The tenderness of the blooms (think delicate tissue paper) can cause it to be a bit finicky.  Therefore, I ALWAYS order more of it to make sure the flowers are perfect. 

Kim & Chris' Wedding, October 9, 2010

 You can dream up any color combination you want for a wedding but nothing rings truer than a white and green scheme.  Perfect any time of the year, the colors are cool, crisp, simple and elegant.  I had quite a few weddings in 2010 that used these colors but I have to say this was one of my favorites.  I am not sure if it was the flowers, the setting/ venue (Crenshaw Hall in Wake Forest, NC) or the perfect fall day but all of the elements came together with great harmony.  So many thank you's to Kim & Chris for sharing these photos and to Wake Forest Portrait Shoppe for capturing the beauty of the event. 

 Dendrobium Orchids hold the rings...great photo opportunity!

 The white & green colors "pop" against the black bridesmaids' dresses. 

Pure elegance.

 I love this close-up of the flowers.  The bridesmaids' bouquets flowers included green fugi mums, green baby hydrangeas, cream gerbers and lush greenery.

 This was big family affair!  The three flower girls had bouquets similar to the bridesmaids' bouquets.

 The groomsmen had boutonnieres of light green cymbidium orchids with a simple leaf accent.  Perfect styling to compliment the black and green tux combination.

 Kim could be a model...her subtle smile is sweet and romantic.  Kim's bouquet consisted of green roses, white mini callas, white dendrobium orchid stems and fresh greenery.  One of my personal favorites!  A friend of mine in Florida is waiting to get married and she told me this will be HER bouquet...you are the best, Wendy.

 The setting at Crenshaw Hall is just right for a fall outdoor wedding.  The gleaming white arch/ altar, bright green grass/ plants and the cobalt blue sky were AMAZING.

 Love was in the air and the sun was shining so brightly that the groom had to wear his "shades" to cut the glare.  Kim "toughed" it out and she just glowed from her happiness.

 Sleek and refined.  The bouquet with its soft flowers contrasted nicely in this photo against the rough brick.  Nice photo!

 The close-up of the bouquet is so great.  One can really see and appreciate the colors and textures of the flowers.  I am not always a fan of roses but I do love these green roses...WOW!

 Oh, how I love when a photographer captures a moment like this!  Yes, the flowers ARE real and yes, the flowers smell FABULOUS.

The flowers were absolutely perfect, Julie!  Thank you so much for your hard work and your creative touches.  Love, Kim & Chris

Vanda & Tim's Wedding, March 4, 2011

I love taking photos before I bring the arrangements to the church & reception.  My black bookcase is a great and simple backdrop that really lets the flowers shine.  With the sun streaming through the windows this morning, the details of the wedding flowers can be truly showcased.  Sometimes the rush to get items delivered lends little time to take quality photographs.  A bit of patience in the early morning gives me plently of time to capture the look and styling of the arrangements.  Enjoy!  I will be posting more photos of this wedding in the near future.

Vanda & Tim Wedding, March 4, 2011

A preview of the Spring 'cottage garden style' flowers used for tonight's wedding.  A mix of lavender, light blue, and white gives a romantic feel to the upcoming event.  Old fashion florals that include hydrangeas, freesia, and delphiniums are perfect additions to the bride's theme.  More flower photos from this wedding to follow soon in future blogs!

Flower of the Week: Tulips

TULIP

tulipa / hybrids

(TOO-lip-ah)

Availability: January, February, March, April, May, October, November & December

Colors: White, Lavender, Purple, Pink, Magenta, Red, Peach, Orange, Yellow & Green

Special hybrids: Fringed, Parrot & Bi-Color

Characteristics: Flowers are 2"-4" atop 12"-24" stems

Lasting as Cut Flower/ Vase Life: 3-7 days

Floral Uses: Bouquets & Centerpieces

Meaning: Fame or Perfect Love

The tulip is a wonderful and simple spring flower that can hold its own in centerpieces and bouquets.  However, you can add almost any other flower to the tulip arrangement such as callas, ranunculus, roses and peonies in order to create more visual interest to special items.  Use the parrot/ bi-color/ fringe hybrids to create extra drama and depth to your floral designs.