plum and cream wedding

This beautiful wedding in San Diego, California was centered around a plum and cream color scheme.  So we went with cream roses, tulips, and ranunculus, with dark purple tulips, anemones, and African violets.  We stuck with just cream flowers and ribbon for the bridesmaid bouquet, so the purples wouldn't clash since her dress was purple.  The bride had a mix of cream and dark purple flowers.

Cream colored bridesmaid bouquet

Dark purple and cream bridal bouquet

Close-ups of the bouquets

Maid of Honor, Bride, and Mother

Congratulations!

silk flower centerpiece in burgundy, green, and cream

I love interior design - in fact, I briefly contemplated becoming an interior designer, but decided to just keep it as a hobby - so I was delighted when a neighbor asked if I would design something for her home.  She already had the container and many of the flowers, but didn't really know where to go from there.  She wanted something really full and Victorian looking to match the furniture and decor she already has.

A close-up of the flowers - look pretty good for silks, don't you think?  (Yes, I am biased.  I definitely prefer fresh flowers, but for something like this, that doesn't really work.  So the key is finding silks that don't look all super fake!)

These pictures were actually shot at my house, not the house the arrangement was intended for.  I'll have to go see how it looks in its rightful home.

spring wreath

It is snowing today.  I am done with snow!  So I decided to make this incredibly spring-y wreath of blossoming branches.  Just to defy the weather.  Of course, I'm still planning to stay inside all day.  But since spring IS coming, and hopefully soon, here is some spring floral inspiration for you!

Have I mentioned that I love my new camera?  Because I do!  I mean, this is a tiny little pink blossom, and look at all the detail in the photo.  I love it.

This was my very first attempt at making a wreath completely on my own - as in, no floral foam or wire frame, just the branches.  It was a bit tricky, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.  These would be beautiful decorations for a spring wedding, or just to brighten up your home.

Happy (almost) Spring!!

new camera!

So, I guess I can forgive my husband for not getting me flowers for Valentine's because he got me a new camera!  I came home from a bridal fair on Saturday, and he said, "So I got you a late birthday/Valentine's present..." and there it was!  Here are just a few of my favorites shot on it in the last few days.

Those are close ups of some blossoming branches, Queen Anne's Lace, and Fuji mums.  Oh I love pictures shot on a good camera!  It makes such a difference!

Valentine's flowers

I know roses are the traditional flowers for Valentine's, but sometimes it's fun to branch out and just follow the traditional color scheme of pinks, reds, and sometimes purples.  That's what my dad did this year with the flowers he got for my mom, and of course enlisted my help to arrange them in a vase so they would look good.  (I would post pictures of the flowers my husband got me, but he didn't!  Here's how the conversation always goes - my husband: "But you're a florist, so I never know what flowers to get because you know so much about them and I don't know anything."  Me: "But I'm a florist!  That means I love flowers so you can get me any of them!"  Maybe by our anniversary I'll have him trained...)  :)

Anyway... So I can't take credit for the selection of flowers, only the arrangement, but enjoy. 

I just love close-up shots of flowers.  They make me happy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

some pretty orchids

 Oh I love orchids!  Here are some corsages and boutonnieres featuring purple (almost hot pink) orchids, green coxcomb, and jade roses, with a splash of turquoise ribbon.

Wrist corsage - orchids, roses, and coxcomb

Boutonniere - orchids and coxcomb

Wrist corsage again

I just love the bright color combination for these flowers!  So fun and vibrant!

who gets flowers?

Many bride's come to me not really sure who in the wedding party should have flowers.  So here's a little guide to help you out.  Of course, many brides do not follow this exactly depending on who will actually be at the wedding, their budget, the look/formality of the event, etc. but this is at least how it traditionally works:

(see more of this event here)

Women:
Bride (of course!) - bouquet
Bridesmaids/Maid of Honor - bouquets or corsages
Mother of the bride - corsage
Mother of the groom - corsage
Grandmothers - corsages
Flower Girls - mini bouquets, headpieces, pomanders, corsages, etc.

With corsages for the women, you can choose pin-on or wrist corsages.  Consider the look/style you want, as well as what the women will be wearing.



Men:
Groom (of course!) - boutonniere
Groomsmen/Best Man - boutonnieres
Father of the bride- boutonniere
Father of the groom - boutonniere
Grandfathers - boutonniere
Ringbearer - boutonniere



Pastors/officiants often receive a boutonniere/corsage; and if you have any ushers or other attendants, they also often wear boutonnieres.  But of course, this varies with every wedding.  Many brides decide not to extend the wearing of wedding party flowers out to the grandparents, and others extend it out to many other family members (brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, etc) who may not be part of the official wedding party, but who they want to feel included or match for pictures.

And, because every post needs some good pictures (and these pictures are awfully cute!) here's another example of even the littlest of wedding party members getting in on the flower action.