To the 9's Floral and Event Design

Wedding at the DAR in Washington DC

2011-09-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Arrangements at the base of the candelabras with coordinating centerpieces in classic silver urns.

Salina at Antrim 1844

2011-06-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Thank you to The Artful Wedding for allowing us to use the images from Salina's wedding. The photos they took of our work are stunning.

Salina wanted a garden, romantic bouquet with the softest touches of pale pink and we delivered.

The ceremony was to be outside in the garden but since the weather didn't cooperate, it was relocated inside but I think the setting was still pretty spectacular. Nobody wants to think about rain on a bride's wedding day but the reality is that you need to have a plan B just in case. Even when the weather is perfect, arrangements that can be relocated and re purposed are pieces that should be considered when thinking about value for the money.

Fun Little Piece for a good cause

2011-05-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

The event was the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area fundraiser.
The theme was Hidden Gems of DC and we did a literal take on it. At the base, we had a plate glass container with coal and glass diamonds lit from underneath. The floral display was atop a glass black trumpet vase and the materials included orchids, peonies, spray roses, stock, and hydrangea in jewel tones.

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to my Mom, Sheila, who is standing next to a display we did for Hollow Creek's Mothers Day Brunch.
The collection of elements contained pink hydrangea from New Zealand, yellow freesia, appleblossom stock, a bouquet of yellow carnations and a bouquet of esperence roses, both tied off with ribbons and bows.
Thank you Mom for all your love and support. I couldn't do it without you.

2011-03-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

Bejeweled Bouquet

2011-02-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Photography by Alexander for taking this photo of a bouquet we showcased at a recent bridal show. For further information about his work go to www.photographybyalexander.com

Emily's beautiful day

2010-11-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'm lucky enough to have a bride ask for something and everything she wants is in season and is at it's very best. Everything just works and the result is stunning. Emily was specific about her colors and we worked and worked till we got the combination just right. Thank you Emily!

Grapewood Tablescape

2010-11-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

My little experiment

2010-10-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

After every event we end up with left over materials and it seems such a waste not to use them for something. We decided to make up a bouquet and attach a note that read "You found me, I'm yours". We placed the bouquet along Carroll Creek in Frederick and we asked the recipient to take it home and publish a post on their Facebook account about it. We also asked that they post a quick note on on our blog. We'll see what happens.

Yu Ying at Meridian House in DC

2010-06-11T18:07:00.001-07:00

The Yu Ying school in Washington DC held their first auction and we were delighted when asked to be involved. An Asian influence was an obvious choice. The Meridian House in Washington DC was the venue and we are excited to be working there again in the very near future.

Colonial Jewelers and Breakfast at Tiffanys

2010-06-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Colonial Jewelers for sponsoring a Breakfast at Tiffanys themed charity Event for breast cancer. We supplied the red carpet from Colonial Jewelers up to the Weinberg Center. Guests wore little black dresses and there was a Holly Golightly look alike contest. Fabulous!

Spring Ground Breaking Event

2010-05-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

There's something to be said about simplicity. I spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of container is going to compliment an arrangement. When I found a source for these simple, inexpensive wooden boxes, I was excited about all the possibilities. They were perfect for a Spring, catered, ground breaking event. It's not uncommon for us to incorporate fruits and vegetables in pieces if we know what type of menu is being served by the caterer.

One Smart Cookie

2010-05-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest. Yes I would love for everyone that walks through my door to say that the flowers are the most important thing to them for their wedding but I know its not going to happen. When Dorrie came to me for her initial consultation and she told me where she was having her reception, we both agreed that the one must have besides the bouquets would be a dramatic piece in the foyer.

The one thing that I love most about Hollow Creek is that they have a true foyer which allows you to make one dramatic statement that your guests will first see when they enter and it will be the last one when they leave. Even if you opt not to have centerpieces at all, your guests will still have the impression that you had beautiful flowers at your wedding.

I have always loved Hollow Creek in Middletown but they have made a great place even better. The improvements to the back terrace are more than I had thought possible. What a gorgeous setting for an outside wedding. And the lighting at night...wow! If your reading this and haven't secured a venue for your event, check them out and tell Susie you read about them on my blog!

Are you kidding me?

2010-05-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times I hear from a bride that the venue provides a mirror and a glass hurricane globe. Wow..really? I haven't seen one of those since I was at my Grandmothers. Come on! Step it up a bit. Especially for a once in a lifetime event like a wedding! This is an example of a classic centerpiece design with a little more modern edge. By replacing the oh so seen before hurricane, with 3 simple, inexpensive glass vases in varied heights and filling them with water and topping each of with a floating candle, you get a fresh approach to a traditional centerpiece. You also don't need to have a profuse amount of flowers to get a comparable look. By mossing the ring and then have a few flower bundles tucked here and there, you can have an even more affordable table arrangement that your guests will love.

Woodland Spring

2010-03-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Jessica asked for a bouquet that would be inspired by a walk through the forest in the Springtime. When Jessica attended her bouquet fitting last evening, she admitted having a hard time parting with it. It absolutely hit the mark. There are a lot of materials but they all work in harmony. A couple noteworthy items are the Navajo blackberries that were a real find and the Purple, Lavender Sweetpeas. They were imported from Japan. I'm not kidding, they have more frequent flier miles than I do. Other materials included Fiddlehead, Muscari, Jade roses, Green Dendrobium Orchids, Queen Anne's Lace, Blue Thistle, Galax Leaves, and Maiden Hair Fern. Honeysuckle vine created a collar around the bouquet keeping everything contained. Jessica was very tickled with the results. I can't wait to recreate it on the day of her wedding. It will be simply Brilliant

Centerpiece and Bouquet

2010-01-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

A contemporary centerpiece and a vintage, crystal accented bouquet that we showcased at the Turf Valley Bridal Show.

The unique glass container with the openings at each end works beautifully for flowers with stems of tulips and calla lilies that are relatively easy to bend. With a low stem count and the container being a rental, it's an economical and modern centerpiece. Sheila did a beautiful job!

The bouquet is just as unique but with a nod to the past with it's vintage color palette. The Amnesia and Sahara roses works well with the Black Schwartz Callas and the hand strung crystals that loop in and out of the bouquet adds that something extra.

2010-01-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

A few close up pictures from our booth at the Turf Valley Bridal Show.

Our booth at the Turf Valley Bridal Show

2010-01-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

We participated in the Turf Valley Bridal Show and this was our booth. This set up was a departure from what we normally do and I was very pleased with the results.

Traditional Autumn Reception at The Comus Inn

2010-01-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

Warm tones for an Autumn wedding at The Comus Inn. At a wedding where the ceremony is in the same space as where the reception will be, the guests typically go to another location for cocktail hour while the area is "flipped". For me that means I'm on site from the time the bouquets are delivered till it's time to help flip the space for the reception. The plus is that it gives me an excuse to stay and watch the ceremony from an out of the way spot, usually where the centerpieces are being held in a holding pattern. I think I will always remember this ceremony because after the vows were exchanged and they were announced as a couple, the song by U-2, "It's a Beautiful Day" was played while they walked back down the aisle. Nice touch Julie!

So Sweet

2010-01-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

A delightful moment with Julie and her flower girl Riley. The head piece takes a little time but they are ever so pretty. Deborah does such a beautiful job with them and the extra ribbon tendrils with with individual petals adhered to them is that little something extra. She always finishes them by saying "Now what little girl wouldn't love wearing that all day?"

Contemporary Pop of Color

2010-01-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

The unique glass vessel that has openings on each side, instead of the traditional bubble bowl with the opening on top, makes for an interesting centerpiece. The container is just as important as the materials that your using with it. The flexible stems of the flame and plum callas allows them to be swirled inside for maximum use of the spherical shape. The contrasting purple hydrangea creates a beutiful contrasting base of the arrangement.

Chuppah at Baltimore Hyatt

2009-07-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

All white draping on the back wall, the floor of the stage, and the actual chuppah, made the ceremony space a vision. The green from the bride's color pallette just seemed to Zing! against the dreamy white.

2009-06-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Chuppah at Ceresville Mansion

2009-06-14T17:00:00.001-07:00

Strathmore Mansion in Bethesda

2009-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Holiday Magic at Antrim 1844

2009-04-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Dean at The Fairmont in DC

2009-02-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Old World Romantic

2009-01-31T14:13:00.001-08:00

Roses and Stephanotis

2009-01-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous

2009-01-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

This stunning wedding took place in late September at the Comus Inn. The photgrapher did an awesome job capturing the essence of Shana and her wedding day. Thank you Mandi for the wonderful photos. You can contact her at http://www.photosbymandi.com/ .

Black Velvet

2008-12-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

Black velvet tablecloths and matching chivari chairs were the perfect choice to set off the red, white, and green accents. Ingredients in the centerpieces included ornamental kale, australian pine, extra long Hawaiian dendrobiums, green roses, redstick dogwood, cedar, charlotte roses, and red antherium.

Carriage Ride

2008-12-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

I think I have one of the best jobs in the world if you like doing something different all the time.
We were asked to provide an outdoor scene for a corporate holiday party which was also going to be the setting for guests photographs. The hard part was getting the carriage through the front door. We only had 3" to spare. After 5 white birch and 3 evergreen trees later, and a lot of snow and lights, we did it!
I owe a big Thank You to Earl for the rental of the carriage. After the items were removed that night, the 3 Christmas trees were donated to families to enjoy for the Holidays.

Classic and Traditional

2008-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 60th Anniversary to Colonial Jewelers in downtown Frederick, Maryland! They asked us to provide a classic display for their celebration. We incorporated ornamental kale, purple artichokes, grapes, pears, among the floral elements.

Organic

2008-11-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

A very natural, organic, yet sophisticated look was created with floral elements and reclaimed wood.

Contemporary Design

2008-11-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Simple and Clean with a modern edge is something you would expect to see in a high end department store but it's also a definite trend with brides who want a centerpiece that makes a statement without being over the top.

Autumn Whimsy

2008-10-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Stephanie chose warm color tones which was appropriate for October wedding but there was not one pumpkin in site. Yippee! It is a little bit of coincidence that the linen she selected was Coffee Bean and one the varieties of roses we used was Coffee Break. The antique hydrangea was a gorgeous green with burgundy. The brown cymbidiums with the orange mokara orchids continued the warm palette but I think the fiddle heads loosened up the otherwise tight composition.

Sugarloaf Mountain

2008-10-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

What a perfect backdrop for this Autumn wedding ceremony. The location has special meaning to the couple since they love the outdoors. The reception followed on the same property at The Comus Inn.

Simple and Clean

2008-10-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Orange and Red dahlias, roses, and orchids were the reoccurring elements for this brides wedding. The guest tables also included a 30" glass pilsner vase filled with water and a floating candle. Dramatic with out being overly fussy.

Perfect October Wedding

2008-10-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

A very small, rustic, yet charming church in Urbana was the scene for the perfect October wedding. Floral accents in silver mint julep cups adorned the pews.

Taste the Bouquet

2008-10-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest things about being in this business is introducing people to new things.

At a charity function we displayed a new producted called SENCE Rose Nectar. It's a rose flavored that can be enjoyed on it's own or mixed with champagne or other libations for a signature rose cocktail. Tres Chic! Check it out www.sencenectar.com

TLC Bridal Boutique

2008-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

We worked with TLC Bridal Boutique on their booth at a local bridal show. Fresh florals embellished the tops of mannequins fitted with various styles of bridal gowns. The set was completed with a table made from garden, iron urns and a glass top. Vintage cloches covered miniature urns displaying tiaras.

Fairmont Hotel in Washington DC

2008-09-10T19:55:00.001-07:00

The vintage iron containers complimented the very romantic feel of the arrangements and fit perfectly with The Colonnade room decor at the Fairmont in Washington D.C. The pink hydrangea came in better than expected and was a real show stopper.

Wedding Flower Details at Ceresville in Frederick MD

2008-08-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Chair clips on the first couple of rows to designate seating for the immediate family is an elegant detail. They can also be re purposed at the reception.
Silver gazing balls in the reflecting pond add a little extra "something" without taking away from the lotus blossoms. I like to think of them as a modern interpretation of bubbles.

Green is the new black part deux

2008-08-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

The pomanders of green Prado carnations greeted the guests at the ceremony while large floral displays defined the area for the ceremony.

One version of the centerpieces comprised of three glass cylinders with the elements inside the containers while moss pads, orchids, and succulents finished the tablescape.

Green is the new black

2008-08-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Becky is an engineer, she's smart, and most of all she's modern with an eye for the unique and contemporary.

Her color palette was classic black paired with fresh green, and then accented with dark eggplants and bright fuchsias.

We loved the opportunity to do something so different from the traditional but more importantly, Becky and her Mom were a real pleasure to work with!

We designed a "green" gift box for the candy buffet which acted as a focal piece for that part of the room. It was covered with sheet moss and topped with almost 100 aspedistra leaves to make up the bow. The ribbon was made from flax leaves and horsetail reeds. Very Fun!

Lavender Callas and Lavender Hydrangea

2008-07-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Lavender and purple was the color choice for this bride's wedding so we incorporated stock, hydrangea, callas, orchids, roses, spray roses, and a fresh mixture of greens.

Persian Wedding

2008-07-10T17:07:00.001-07:00

Vibrant colors with a modern bridal bouquet

Fresh Color Combination

2008-07-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Soft yellows pair well with shades of blue in Musket Ridge, Myersville.

Scarlet Bouquet

2008-07-02T19:09:00.001-07:00

Rich Tones

2008-06-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Rich tones of plum and red were paired with elements such as kale, roses, artichokes, dendrobium and mokara orchids in the centrepieces. A considerable amount of thought went into the color of the chairs, water glasses, tablecloths, and even the color of the candlesticks for the tall floral displays.

Sultry Nights

2008-06-29T15:35:00.001-07:00

We used similar tropical elements in two different styles for centrepieces. This added splashes of color to the tent without breaking the couples budget. The warm June night added to the tropical flavor and was the perfect send off for the couples honeymoon trip to Hawaii.

National Symphony Orchestra Picnic

2008-06-01T19:00:00.001-07:00

This was a simple yet fun set up for the National Symphony Orchestra's picnic. Yellow and white gerber daisier in willow baskets stood up against the traditional red and blue gingham tablecloths. Other than the beautiful day and some barbecue, what else could use ask for?

Lavender and White

2008-05-24T19:34:00.001-07:00

The composition of this ceremony arrangement included two different varieties of Hawaiian Dendrobium Orchids, Hybrid Lilies, Calla Lilies, two different varieties of lavender roses, and a mixture of greens.

Non traditional flower girl basket

2008-05-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Instead of a regular satin flower girl basket, we cradled an arrangement inside a base embellished with galax leaves. The pearl handle completed the look.

Peach Callas

2008-05-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Not one single rose was used for this wedding. The centerpieces were Art Deco inspired and sat in the middle of three arm candelabras.

Large Ceremony Arrangements

2008-05-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of versatility with these arrangements because they can be relocated elsewhere after the ceremony for more use during the reception. They can also be brought inside if the weather doesn't cooperate for the outdoor ceremony. Attaching flowers to a structure like an arbor doesn't lend itself to the same versatility.

Bling

2008-05-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

Orbs of Black Magic Roses resting on top of a glass cylinder vases with with strands of crystals dangling in various lengths were the centerpieces for this modern bride.

Silver and White

2007-12-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Before and After

2007-12-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

I think that if your going to have 200 chairs in a room, what the chairs look like are going to make the biggest difference in the overall appearance of the event. The spandex chair covers that we used are a nice alternative to the common, baggy chairs with a sash.

Alternating tall and low arrangements also adds more visual interest.

Foundation for Different Looks

2007-12-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

The classic look of the centerpiece (above) can be used as the foundation for an assortment of different looks. We created a Hoiday inspired pew clip with the addition of cedar, a few magnolia leaves, and a rich merlot ribbon.

Comus Inn

2007-10-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

The arrangements for this harvest wedding and reception incorporated everything that Fall has to offer including crab apples, peppers, and wheat bundles.

Comus Inn Exterior Decor

2007-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Fresh floral swags with a harvest feel made the first impression on the guests. The composition was made up of protea, wheat, rosemary, roses, lilies, and amaranthus.

Lamp Centerpiece

2007-10-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

The large trumpet vases had a spandex lampshades that down lit the roses inside the container.
The centerpieces were used on sponsor tables for a large charity event which had a Cirque theme.

Stretching the Centerpiece to Fit the Budget

2007-09-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you can stretch the materials in the centerpiece to make it appear larger. It's also a way to maximize the look within a budget. Yes, it's celery inside the container.

Foyer Arrangement

2007-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Cake Accents

2007-09-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

Simple Idea

2007-09-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

The glass containers for the centerpieces were wrapped with paper that coordinated with the bridesmaid's dress, right down to the ribbon accent. Its a custom look that can be used for any color combination or even patterns.

First Impressions

2007-09-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

This was the guests first impression as they entered the foyer to Hollow Creek Golf Club for an Anniversary party. The the tropical theme was accomplished with plenty of palms, ferns, and tropical arrangements. The cabana and ottoman was accesorized with plenty of pillows. It made for a nice photo opportunity.

Autumn Harvest

2007-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Fiddlehead

2007-09-11T20:04:00.001-07:00

Warm Pink and Peach Tones

2007-09-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Just becuase it's the end of Summer doesn't mean you have to shy away from pinks. Light peach roses play against warm pink roses with a green-taupe edge. The romantic look was completed with antique hydrangea and stock.

Large Rooms

2007-09-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

When a facility has very tall ceilings it's a good idea to have tall arrangements on some of the guests tables. It visually breaks up the room.

Chuppah

2007-09-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

The chuppah was hand made for the couple out of 4" diameter white birch posts from Maine.

It was simple and elegant without any floral accents.

Pew Clips

2007-09-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Pew clips are one of many small details that add up to a complete look.

2007-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Several bouquets presented as centerpieces for a Bridal Tasting at a reception venue.

Individual Cakes

2007-07-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Each guest table had a satellite cake which matched the wedding cake. We were asked to provide a centerpiece that incorporated the cakes in a playful manner. This is what we came up with. The wheat grass base anchored the stem of the "flower".

Ceresville

2007-07-29T10:16:00.001-07:00

A couple of arrangements that we provided in an already beautiful setting.

Few Elements

2007-07-14T14:42:00.001-07:00

A simple mixture of greens and a few stems for color can make a confident statement. The stems of papyrus and the green roses are unique touches that will draw attention from the guests.

Site Visits are Priceless

2007-06-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

One of the services that we offer are free site visits with the client to the venue where the event is being held. This helps to get the most out of the floral arrangements by placing them in some key locations. What better way is there to make suggestions while walking through the space with the customer? In this case, the ceremony was outside in a courtyard at a Bethesda hotel. Once the guests went inside and down elevators to the ballroom, this was the first focal piece the guests would see. The up light complimented the lavender tinted water inside the glass container. The arrangement was then repeated on every other table in the ballroom. The low centerpieces on the other tables were the same elements of hydrangea, roses, callas, and a mixture of greens but without the delphinium.

Perfect Match

2007-06-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a firm believer that a tall centerpiece on every other table breaks up a space visually which is helpful when an event is in a tent. The bride wanted a vintage garden look and the iron candlesticks we had in our inventory fit the occasion perfectly. We only needed to paint them a creamy white. The "drippy" effect of the greens certainly softend the look.
The low arrangements were of the same materials but without the green foxtail. They had their own iron garden containers that coordinated with tall pieces. The guests were able to take home the centerpieces because they were designed in their bowls or on plates.
Renting containers from the person who is supplying the florals is an economical way to bumb up the look of a wedding.

Bridal Bouquet

2007-05-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

This was a complimentary sample of the bride's bouquet for her to review weeks before the big day. Providing such a valuable service ensures against any surprises on the day of the wedding.
The bouquet will be cradled in her arm as she walks down the aisle instead of both hands holding a traditional hand tied. This obviously isn't for everyone but this unique individual is very happy and that makes me very happy!

Aloha

2007-05-12T15:28:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine hosted an engagement party for a couple who were going to Hawaii for their honeymoon after they're married. She asked if we could do an arrangement that would compliment her luau themed party and we were more than happy to accomodate her.

Tropicals are so fun to work with and they explode with color.

I regret not taking a close up picture of the details our designer incorporated into the piece. Even some of the ends of the stalks of Ginger that some may have normally thrown away were used in unique ways to add to the overall design. I've learned to always appreciate the details which can sometimes be easily overlooked.

Arrangements for Ceremony

2007-04-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

After working with a Bride for 6 months or more, you develop a relationship with them. If that relationship is a good one, it makes me very happy when the weather cooperates and the couple has their outside ceremony as planned. Her wedding day was perfect.
The venue in Taneytown has a wonderful layout for weddings including manicured gardens, a lovely reception facility, and a top notch Bed and Breakfast with an outstanding gourmet Restaurant.
When I first met the client, they explained that they intended to have the ceremony outside in the garden but her date was April 21st. We decided to create arrangements that would give the guests a hint as to what the garden would look like in a month when in full bloom.
The yellow snapdragons were the largest and the best I've ever seen. The roses also opened up so much that I'm not exagerrating when I say they were almost 5" in diameter. Brilliant!

Stephanotis

2007-04-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

I think it's funny that you usually can tell what a bride is going to choose for her wedding bouquet after the first consultation but once and a while you get thrown a curve ball. This client saw this bouquet in a book and said "that's it!" I never would have guessed this as a choice should would have made but I was happy to do it. I made a joke about the stephanotis being termed "the wedding flower" and it being a costly material to work with but it's no joke on how much labor is required for this gorgeous, fragant blossom.

Each individual flower (right hand picture) has to be attached to a special stem that has a water source for it. Think of it as a wet Q tip. Each special stem can then be attached to a wire stem by wrapping it with floral tape. It's not rocket science but it is time consuming. The bouquet we created had over 150 stephanotis blossoms with calla lilies which is in the picture to the left. The end result was a modern cascade with a traditional material.

More than Floral Design

2007-04-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Not everything we do is centered around floral design. On occasion we get to do decor for ballrooms, tents, and in this case staging at a convention center. Some of the products that are out there are amazing. These fabric structures stood 12 feet at their highest point. They really come to life when professionally lit with washes of color for the back wall and spots on the uprights.

Renting 15 ferns for the front of the stage was a nice way to finish the look and to soften that hard line. Renting plants such as palms and ferns can be a very cost effective for anyone to incorporate fresh materials into their venue for any occasion including weddings.

Modern Luxury

2007-03-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

A client requested banquet seating for 40 guests at a six course dinner for his Grandmother's birthday. He asked for modern luxury so we provided over 30 different individual arrangements in white to include hydrangea, calla lilies, french tulips, roses, orchids, and oriental liles. The table was also set with four groupings of contemporary lead crystal candlesticks with white taper candles. The finishing detail was a runner of white dendrobium orchids that ran the length of the 40' long table.

Basic Elements

2007-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

I consider this a great example how a few key elements can make a statement.

Most venues provide linens for their tables at no extra cost but the options are usually limited to white or ivory. The most economical way to infuse your own color palette into the reception facility is with tablecloths. If you think about it, most of the square footage in the room will be taken up by tables so putting tablecloths in your decorating budget is by far the best way to go.

Another item that is commonly used are chair covers. They are used to cover "not so pretty" banquet seating but they can look baggy and heavy. There is another option. Dollar for dollar you will get a much more tailored, clean, and elegant look by using Chivari chairs. Majority of the time we are talking only a dollar or two more per chair and that includes the coordinating cushion. Unless you are in the industry, you wouldn't know the name of this chair type but I know that most people have seen them in many, many pictures in magazines. Gold is a popular and versatile choice but they do come in Silver, Black, White, and several other colors. There is a delivery fee involved and each reception facility has their own set up fees but there are fees for installing and delivery chair covers as well. If you are one of several receptions on the same day, you may want to contact the other "parties" for that day and offer to share the expense and use of the items.

Unique Arrangement

2007-03-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard to get the scale of this arrangement from the picture but the urns are 4' tall and then the florals are at least another 3' on top of that. One arrangement was placed on each side of a large fireplace for an indoor wedding ceremony. The composition consisted of three types of orchids, Peonies, Roses, Callas, Cherry branches, Belles of Ireland, Hanging Amaranthus, and Palm Leaves. You never know when your going to find a unique container to use in this line of work and when you do find something, you better purchase it and not wait till later or you may regret it. I found the light weight fiberglass urns at Lowes and I look forward to many years of use from them.

Inside Ceremony

2007-02-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

This is an opportunity to show how a few floral pieces can transform an interior space and define the location for the wedding ceremony. This was Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Maryland and although it was February with ice outside, it was Spring inside.

Modern Cascade

2007-02-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

I would say that most of my brides ask for hand tieds but I there is a growing trend of cascading bridal bouquets. They can be modern and clean and also very complimentary depending on the body shape and style of the gown. This bouquet was almost an exact copy from a magazine picture that the bride brought into our studio. The only difference was using a soft peach calla instead of lavender.

Manzanita Mania

2007-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

When I first saw an arrangement using a Manzanita branch, I couldn't wait to try recreating the look. This is the first arrangement we did which was for a Bridal Expo in Frederick, Maryland. Wedding shows are a lot of work but the upside is we are free to do some over the top pieces. I would like to thank Jeff, a very talented designer, for helping making this a success.

Balancing Act

2007-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Calla Lilies seem to be a favorite among customers and they are also a favorite of mine. They can certainly stand on their own in an arrangement. A trend from the last couple years has been arrangements being inside and outside their container. The picture of this centerpiece is a great example. The fact that the vessels are stacked demands attention from the guests.

2006-12-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

For every client I do a sample so we can ensure they are happy on the day of their event. I consider this sample more of a tablescape than I do a traditional centerpiece. The bride was getting married on December 23rd and the reception was being held at a golf club in a room with wood beams and a large stone fireplace so she wanted something that would compliment the venues rustic elegance. After this picture was taken we decided to plug in some red hypericum berries for a little more color and some pine cones for texture. If you are going to use Amaryllis, make sure you get them way in advance because they come in a tight bud and you want to have plenty of time for them to open up to their full potential. We had to keep adding warm water in the buckets of the cut stems in order to expedite the process.

The bride's bouquet was comprised of the same Amaryllis with white Open Cut Callas, white Roses, and green Magnolia leaves.

2006-11-29T19:19:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love what this time of year has to offer! The antique hydrangea is beautiful. The addition of a few roses and two different varieties of cymbidium orchids makes this a simple yet stunning arrangement. I doubt that the average person realizes that each individual orchid flower is hand wired before being placed in the arrangement. That's a lot of time when you have eight flowers to a centerpiece and there are 15 tables. I think it's worth it!

A Vision of White

2006-11-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

The composition of this arrangement was made up of White Casablanca Lilies, Dendrobium Orchids, Calla Lilies, White Tibet Roses, and assorted greens. The mass of blooms sat atop a glass vase. A funny side note about this arrangement has to do with the Casablance Lilies. I always try to make sure that the client gets the most bang for their buck by trying to ensure that the blooms are at the peek for the event. I had the lilies early enough to get the buds to open but what really helped was putting the bucket of lilies in our van for a couple of hours. The warmth from the sun on the van made the flowers explode with open blooms. Hey, you do what you gotta do!

Warm Palette

2006-10-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Every Season has it's own special beauty and Autumn is no exception. We created this tablescape for the wedding cake with the warm tones and varied textures in mind. Originally, the client had asked that we do a floral swag to swoop down the side of the cake but instead we used small floral bouquets placed just so as not to detract from the simple elegance and stature of the cake itself. Everything you see behind this cake was brought in and hung on a pipe and drape system. The light coming in from the patio doors, behind the backdrop, really accented the design of the cream pintuck material. A special thanks to the head of my sewing department who is also my Mom. LOL!

Callas

2006-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Just a few elements can make a striking yet simple arrangement. White Calla Lilies with assorted tropical leaves and curly willow made this a show stopper but it's all about the right container. The glass vessels didn't get in the way of the guests but allowed the callas to fan outward. We also used curly willow to take advantage of the high ceilings in the tent.

Anchoring A Room

2006-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?
How about a 5' iron tree embellished with fresh willow, glass votives, and hanging amaranthus?
The reception was in a tent at restaraunt with a beautiful view of Sugarloaf Mountain. The clients owned a working horsefarm so we decided to use details to reflect that part of their lives. Black underlays were on the tables topped by a high grade ivory burlap and black napkins simply tied with twine. Summer flowers including dahlias, cockscomb, roses, and scented geranium were placed in galvanized metal buckets as centerpieces including four embellished iron trees placed on tables at the four corners of the tent. I also must mention that the father of the groom made votive holders for the place settings which he welded together using pony horse shoes and a piece of barbed wire. It was rustic elegance at its best!

Chandelier

2006-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

This was a fun, out of the ordinary piece created for a charity auction. All of the local florists were asked to donate a centerpiece and at the end of the night they would be auctioned off to the highest bidder. We approached this an opportunity to do something a little bit different. Funny thing was the event was held on the second floor of a restaurant and consideration wasn't given as to how the recipient would get the piece home. Ooops!

Think about photographs

2006-08-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

A lot of venues have structures for the wedding ceremony. I try to think of how things will look from the perspective of the client looking back at their wedding album a couple years down the road. The arbor in the picture has a lot of wonderful detail and is pretty in its own right but the busy background stole some if its thunder and the vast openess of the site makes it feel a little wimpy. We installed some cheesecloth like material (NOT TULLE, I despise tulle), garland and floral clips. With our embellishments, the structure looked visually anchored and also brought out the scroll detail in the iron work. In the future I would love to use pink fabric and hang a small crytal chandelier from the inside center point. Would swags of hand strung orchids be too much? Come on, if it isn't pretty....it doesn't matter!