Styled Photo Shoot with Renee Sprink Photorapher at Haywood Hall Gardens, June 15, 2011

I had the amazing experiece to be a part of Renne Sprink, photographer, styled photo shoot for one of her couples that just got engaged.  The couple wanted something special.  The vision to create a beautiful retreat in the Haywood Hall/ Gardens of downtown Raleigh was so cool.  Siver lanterns hung from the pergolas, dinner and cocktail tables set with flowers, branches, feathers, crystals and lots of candle light made the space just glow. 

As the night grew dark, these silver lanterns hung from the pergola just shined in the moonlight.  White twinkle light strands strung within the grapevines just to added the beauty.

Crisp white sheer fabric panels softened the white pergola.  The breeze added a nice touch to the soft fabric.

Here are some of my personal photos of the centerpieces used for the photo shoot.  Garden style was a must with a few suprises such as the white feather accents.  Hydrangeas, green roses, peonies, silver foliage, orchids and variegated ivy were tucked into a classic white glass vase. 

Another look was this grouping of silver bud vases filled with a variety of flowers that replicated the ones used in the larger centerpiece.   I can't wait to see the "real images" from Renee!  I will post her photos soon....

Faith & Adam, April 30, 2011

Ahhhh.....April 2011 is over.  What a wonderfully busy month for weddings.  It went by in a blink and now May 2011 is in the past, too.  Here is a quick nod to an April 30th wedding.  Faith and Adam, one of the most relaxed couple...ever.  Sweet and simple.  When I met Faith, all she wanted for flowers were sunflowers.  I asked, "That is all?".  Yes, that is all.  Okay....

  Well, I was so pleasantly surprised by the outcome that I found a new love for sunflowers.  Although the resiliant flowers have a mind of their own...They truly only want to point their heads one way.  But, I triumphed!  Enjoy this sampling of images provided by Live View Studios.  Live View Studios captured the mood and the beauty of the couple, the event and the stunning setting of Barclay Villa.

Abby & Nam, April 16, 2011

 Abby & Nam's wedding was eventful not only because of the beautiful couple that they are but also due to the fact that Raleigh was hit with tornadoes that same day.  With power out in all of downtown Raleigh, the wedding still went on with a few changes.  The bridal party and guests still found the strength and 'humor' to make the most of the special event.  The venue, Marbles Museum, was still fantastic even as the sun set in the evening.  Candles gave the space a romantic vibe!  Laura Mann, photographer was gracious to send me these photos of the wedding.  So many thanks to Katie Dunn with La Fete for her wonderful planing skills...she made it all work!

 White Anemones, Tulips, Roses and Star of Bethlehem filled Abby's Spring Bouquet.

 Deep Red, Black & Burgundy flowers filled black glass containers.  Flowers included; Oriental Lilies, roses, tulips and Ti leaves.

 Super Tall black Eifel Towers (36" ht. vases!) were topped with black foliage, red Oriental Lilies, Mokara Orchids, and Red roses.

 A simple trio of cylinder vases with floating candles were surround by a scattering of red rose petals.

This was a very unique and cultural idea for displaying guests' table markers.  Gorgeous ivory lace fans from Polynesia were hung from Black Manzanita Branches and also scattered on the table.  Red Gerber Daisies gave a pop of color to brighten the display.  A wonderful look and a nice gift for guests, too.

Allison & Ryan' Wedding, April 2, 2011

April was an amazing month for me.  Every weekend was full of weddings and events.  Even the crazy weather could not slow me down or put a damper on the special days.  I love that every bride had such unique colors. And, Allison and Ryan's wedding was no exception.  The hot pink and deep orange just glowed.  Tammy Wingo, the photographer, was so kind to share her fabulous images with me!  I just got them today and I was amazed at how well a professional image looks compared to what I can take...oh well, I guess I will stick to the flowers.

Shelby & Ernest: Wedding, March 27, 2011

I just LOVE to get photos of weddings from photographers.  I can take a photo but they can capture a moment.  Thank you to Carolina MediaStar for sharing these wonderful images from Shelby & Ernest Wedding.  The day was cold and dreary for late March but the photos show an amazing event.  The flowering shrubs and trees at Barclay Villa in Angier, NC were just being their early spring show.  I just love that Shelby's bouquet matches the flowering Viburnum in this first shot...there are actually Viburnums in her bouquet...so cool!  It could not have been planned any better.

Southern Bridal Show & Expo: April 17, 2011

It was a gorgeous day for the Southern Bridal Show and Expo.  The one day event was held at the NC State Fairgrounds and it was hosted by Forever Bridal Productions.  Brides and their familes/ friends were lining up early to get into the building to see the vendors' booths.  So many vendors did a great job at making their booths a beautiful and educational experience for the brides.  I am always excited to design a booth and a separate table top.  It is a great way for me to showcase my talents and to step outside the box and showcase new ideas.  Both my booth and table top had bright colors for the spring season.  Hot pinks and bright greens were accented with rustic chic elements such as branches and casual/fun linens (provided by Classic Party Rentals).

Here are just a few photos of my table top design.  The pink heather, white snapdragons, hot pink garden roses, bright green viburnum and pink peonies were a big hit with so many brides.  Thank you to all of you that gave me such wonderful compliments!

 

And, here a few photos from my booth.  The booth carried tha same theme from the table top design but with more white flowers and other elements.  I love to bring unique items to these shows, such as the white manzanita trees and wrought iron 'twig' candelabras. 

Amber & Tim, April 2, 2011

The beginning of April was a full weekend of events.  And, the wedddings were all so beautiful and unique.  I just received some amazing images from the photographer, Katelyn James, for Amber & Tim's Wedding.  The ceremony was held at the Baptist Church in Wake Forest and the reception was held at The Cotton Company also in Wake Forest.  The color scheme of purple and pinks was perfectly in season to match all of the amazing spring flowering trees and shrubs.  Dogwoods, azaleas and cherry trees were blloming just in time for this magical event. 

 Tulips, lisianthus, ranunculus and accents of dusty miller filled the bridesmaids' bouquets. 

 Hanging the Colored Chinese Lanterns was a chore...to say the least.  But with the help of a few fabulous assistants, we got it done.  The lanterns brightened the space and complimented the color scheme....just beautiful.

 Lavender anemones were the highlight for the bride's bouquets.  Anemones are only available in spring so I jumped at the chance to use theses in Amber's bouquet.  The color combination is awesome.