BellaBouquets.com

Sweet as 'Hunni'cutt wedding

2011-01-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Texture, color, contrast.

The professional pics are rolling in from the 2010 wedding season and I am drooling over these! Kimberly Potterf of KimberlyPotterfPhotography captured these bouquets so well.

Some of my most favorite bouquets of last year. I loved working with the Pieris japonica and amaranthus foliage and those delicious garden roses aptly named 'sunset' just POP against their gorgeous gowns.

Have a wonderful Monday!

The Bella Brand

2011-01-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ever order something online and think 'yeah, that will be the right size' and then open the box with a big 'huh?' Being a bit of a matchbook collector I was super excited for these guys to come in the mail. ( Matches are the perfect memento in my opinion - small, colorful and free! ) Even if they are about a third of the size I envisioned them to be, they're still darling. And now we have our own Bella matchbooks! How exciting. Lesson learned though - keep a tape measure by the computer at all times. :)

And here's a pic just for fun. I was playing around with some props and ribbon today and thought I'd share. Have a great weekend everybody! If you're in Ohio - stay warm!

Winter Berries

2011-01-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year - It's a New Blog.

We have had a bit of down time around the studio which I have welcomed with open arms. I've had the chance to catch up on some of my favorite things and find inspiration in others and nature.
I have been taking some design classes and am really enjoying the opportunity to be creative - just for me.

I took these photos before our Big Snow event that has been going and going and going here in the Heart of it All. Our up coming vacation to the beach is looking sweeter every day!

I just loved these guys. I work so much with cuttings, it's wonderful when I get to marvel in the beauty of a live plant. Stuck to the ground. Yummy holly berries, viburnum, winterberry and crabapples. Aren't they divine?!

These were all taken at the Chadwick Arboretum's Learning Gardens on OSU's campus. (Where me and my husband met during a work/study program, six and a half years ago.) A special place, indeed. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

My hope for this Blog in the New Year is that it will be not only about my work experiences, but also about what and who inspires me as a artist and designer.
Enjoy and have a wonderful wintery day.

NYC Flower District

2010-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

28th St Between 6th & 7th Ave.

It's been awhile since I've added to the blog, what with wedding after wedding (pics to come) and planning upcoming events, my inspiration has been a bit one dimensional. However this week has brought a fresh awakening - I've been cruising around NYNY and even though I got to sit front and center at Jimmy Fallon last night, I have to say going to the Flower District today has made the whole trip for me.

Wholesaler after wholesaler with lush and vibrant color choices. A designers dream!

I have made some great contacts and can' t wait to start sourcing some very interesting things for our upcoming events.

Enjoy the photos and if you see something you're curious about let me know. I'd love to help you get a little closer to these beauties.

I have been looking for a good succulent source for a while. So happy I found these guys totally willing to chat and chat some more about flowers.

Rows and rows of roses. There were some David Austin's so yummy looking I wanted to lick my fingers!

The streets are lined with potted plants. Ornamental cabbage, juniper and cypress.

Heather and some oregano tucked in the side.

Mokara Orchids in all colors. These vibrant yellow one's were exquisite.

Meet friendly shop kitty.

Fresh mint, lavender, artichokes and figs.

More David Austin's.

Endless possibilites. Every available flower in the world is here.

Fresh cotton.

This shop was full of tree branches. Joe was right at home.

*A little side note. If you're in the NY area make sure to go to the Clinton St. Baking company for breakfast, or breakfast for lunch or dinner. They have the most amazing blueberry pancakes with real maple butter syrup. I really was licking my fingers. (There will be a wait. It's worth it.)

Botany Class 101

2010-09-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

PHOTOTROPISM

While poking around in the front garden today I was reminded of one of the very first things I was taught in Horticulture school. And then I patted myself on the back for being big enough "nerd" to actually remember the term! Phototropism. This is the ability a plant has to grow toward a light source. It often results in twisty stems or a lopsided looking plant. You may have noticed this in some of your houseplants and that is why it's good practice to rotate your foliage friends every once in a while, so they can have balanced exposure to sunlight.

These anemones are just showing their faces out front and I had to bring some in the house. They have been trying to find sunlight at the bottom of our Spirea hedge and Kousa Dogwood tree. The natural curve of the stems is a very strong element of design and is the beginning of what Floral Designers call a Hogarth Curve or S-curve. It's this simple kind of beauty that really brightens my day. Enjoy!:)

The Blue Bouquet

2010-09-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Blue Flowers

I get a lot of requests for "blue" blooms, which can be a bit challenging! So I thought I'd do a piece on blue flowers and when they are available.

This is our most recent bouquet and wow did I enjoy putting this beauty together. It consists of blue Delphinium (this variety is Volkenfrieden, which is a very vibrant, bright blue) and baby blue hydrangeas. The blue blooms are accented with ivory roses and freesia, which has a wonderful peppery scent. Seeded eucalyptus foliage rounds out the bouquet with its blue/gray leaves that make a nice quaking sound when shook. The flowers in this bouquet are generally available year round.

Our gorgeous toss bouquet complimented the Bridal Bouquet very well!

A few delphinium sprigs were just the right touch to line the aisle.

A mixed bouquet of garden blue flowers.

The tall blooms worked well with the scale of the Grand Atrium at Franklin Park.

Although the hydrangeas are white, the seeded eucalyptus foliage casts a bluish hue, which kept with the Brides theme, while adding an extremely romantic flair.

Here are some additional Blue Blooms you may find helpful:

The top left picture is Tweedia, a small delicate bloom that works nicely for boutonnieres - it is generally available May-August. The top right photo is Agapanthus, a large open flower with a striking personality. This flower grows freely in California and is generally available year round.

The top two photos are of Blue Coneflower, sometimes called "blue lettuce" which is a wildflower here in Ohio. You can see these beauties growing on the side of the road mid summer. The middle, left photo is of Eryngium (or thistle) and it is a very masculine bloom. Some varieties are available year round, however it is more seasonable in mid summer.

The middle, right photo is of Viburnum dentatum. It is an Ohio Native and its berries are at peak in August and September. The bottom, left photo is a charming Anemone. I get a lot of requests for this gems, but their window of availability is sadly very small. Brides in early spring and late fall can look forward to the possibility of holding these darlings.

These are the most common Blue Blooms seen on the market. There are some flowers that lean on the purple side, that can work well as filler for Blue. Some of these are veronica, larkspur and status. There is a blue rose on the market, however it is not genuine and often looks over saturated. If you're thinking of going Blue contact us today! We have tons of ideas waiting for you!

Park of Roses Wedding

2010-08-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

Romeo & Juliet meets a modern Flower Child!

Our gorgeous Bride wanted her wedding flowers to be fun like the '60's era with the romance and feel of Romeo and Juliet. She opted for a delicate cascading bouquet with a watermelon color scheme. The playful dendrobium orchids were so graceful and the pink waxflower filled in the bouquet and smelled like lemons!

More fun with a watermelon color scheme! Roses were used in all the personal flowers to match the theme of the venue. FYI - All our Grooms receive a free spare boutonniere to ensure their bloom is always looking great for pictures. The Groom hugs a lot of people, which in turn can sometimes damage the delicate blooms. This is just one way we like to say - Thank You!

This gorgeous wedding took place in the Park of Roses in Clintonville, Ohio. The Bride was surrounded by an abundance of roses, in all colors and in full bloom. These two hearts greeted guests and the bridal party. These have been one of my favorite details this season!

BRUSSELS Flower Carpet

2010-08-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

BRUSSELS FLOWER CARPET 2010

Every two years in August a great spectacular creation of floral art can be seen in Brussels, Belgium. This years event began August 12th and these images are of the chosen design. This tradition began in 1971 when landscape architect E. Stautemans first started creating "rugs" made of begonias.

Approximately 300 begonia flowers, per square meter, are packed tightly together amongst sheets of turf grass. All together, 750,000 total flowers are laid out by 100 horticulturists in less than 4 hours! Talk about skill and determination - not to mention team work!

The final result is breathtaking. From this aerial view, it is astonishing to think those are clusters of individual begonia blossoms laid out by hand. What a gorgeous tapestry and spectacular bit of culture being showcased in Brussels.

Supposedly E. Stautemans has traveled the world creating similar carpets, and there is mention on the official website that he has designed in Columbus, Ohio. How did I miss that?! I would love to hear about/see images from anyone lucky enough to have seen something like this in the states. If not, making the trek to Europe wouldn't be half bad one of these days.

The official website for the event and its history can be found at: Brussels Flower Carpets

INSPIRATION BOARDS

2010-08-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

The secret is in the DETAILS

Recently I had a lovely Bride send me these STUNNING inspiration boards and I feel inclined to share their beauty. Even though all the photos are not of flowers - right away I can see her sense of style and the vision for her wedding. (Love those glamorous ladies draped by the gates!) It's the extra details she took the time to share with me that will truly make her vision come to life. Again, the secret to creating your ultimate wedding is in the DETAILS.

I ask all our Brides to bring photos of the dresses and tuxes to the consultation. And color swatches are so very important! How many ways can you envision the color 'claret'? (Swatch please.) Also, we can quickly see your style in your invitations, save-the-dates and even the shoes you're wearing! I know that not every Bride has the time to make elaborate idea boards while juggling work, planning hotel accommodations for all those out-of-town guests, and somehow still having a social life - but even small clips out of magazines or that famous photo of you in your gown (now saved on your phone) standing in the mirror at the bridal boutique, is so very helpful for us. Our goal is to stylize your special day exactly as who you are as a couple and the little DETAILS are key.

OK. One more because I love this style SO much! What I get out of these boards is that the Bride is a little bit Girlie, but still very confident and classy. She has a designers eye and appreciates fashion and clean lines. Her bouquet is truly her ultimate accessory and will compliment her gown with out even trying.

We can't wait to design for this wedding!

A very colorful wedding!

2010-07-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Creekside Wedding - Happy Flowers!

I truly love it when a bride wants to represent her family and the people most important to her in her bouquet. For this bridal bouquet our lovely Bride wanted flowers from her entire bridal party present.

The Bridesmaids carried gorgeous purple calla lilies. The Bride wanted some extra special ribbon treatment on the handles!

The Junior Bridesmaids carried charming Gerber daisy posies.

The Groomsmen matched the Bridesmaids with more gorgeous Purple callas made by our talented Kim!

OFA Convention

2010-07-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ohio Floriculture Association

Every year people from all over the world meet up in Central Ohio for the annual Ohio Floriculture Association conference. I always feel so inspired with new ideas after attending this week long event!

How fun is this - talk about impact! Dozens of bud vases filled with bold colors and very happy flowers greeted us at the registration table. It hung under an arch of calla lilies and mesh wire. It definitely drew us in!

Kim and I attended several Floral Design workshops and we especially loved this design by Bill Taylor, AIFD. The pitcher plant, although a rather masculine flower, seems so graceful in this design. This would work really well on the front desk of a hotel lobby or as a centerpiece in a doctors office.

We also found a vendor for the most charming miniature orchids plants! These would be excellent wedding favors. 2" mini blooming plants for your guests to remember your special day! Contact us today for details.

SUCCULENTS

2010-06-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Succulents, Pitcher Plant & Peonies

I had so much fun last week with a very special arrangement.

I had a request for a vibrant centerpiece using bright pinks and oranges.

Instead of using only fresh cut flowers, I incorporated living succulent plants (Sempervivum tectorum) and Kalanchoe plants which add an incredible amount of texture. I'm amazed how important texture is for color and unity.

I love adding unexpected elements like the fun and handsome Pitcher Plant! (Top, right corner white flower with red veins.) I can't help but think Little Shop of Horror's: "Feed me Seymore!" Although it looks nothing like that plant from the cult classic, it has just as much personality and intrigue. The peonies bring back the charming girlie side and round out the arrangement.

FRENCH WEDDING

2010-05-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

A French Inspired Bridal Bouquet

I absolutely adore all things French. From classic Provencal meals, to the rustic country side and of course the luscious gardens and floral displays, I often find myself smiling and full. One thing the French are famous for is monochromatic designs and simple elegance. I love how timeless and romantic an all white bouquet is. When everything is left to texture and form - I am enchanted!

This bouquet looks like the flowers were gathered straight out of a French garden. Beautiful garden roses, tulips, fragrant stock and lilies and hints of mini variegated pittosporum leaves exemplifies the love and lust of a Paris evening.

The subtle gray/blue ribbon gives a wonderful contrast to the cream and white blooms. It is understated yet bold and the perfect end to this charming bouquet!

GARDEN DESIGN

2010-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Perennial Garden Design

Recently I was asked to do something very special in tribute of a client's friend's passing. Instead of a traditional sympathy arrangement, she is gifting a memorial garden for the family to plant in their honor. This basket is filled with sun-loving perennials that can be removed and placed into the garden - the gorgeous blooms will return year after year.

There is something truly remarkable about the serenity and peace that can be found only in a garden. As an avid gardener myself I can think of no better way to honor a loved one and keep their presence with me than with a gorgeous garden planted in their name.

With Memorial Day around the corner, contact me today if you'd like to remember your loved ones in this very special way.

TEACHER APPRECIATION

2010-05-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Teacher Appreciation Day

What a great way to start the day - peonies, ranunculus, happy yellow roses and flowers farmed under sustainable practices!

It is Teacher Appreciation Week and tonight a local school is holding a dinner in honor of its very important, excellent teachers!

I chose to keep the arrangements fun and light-hearted. While making them I tried to keep in mind the daily life of a teacher and all the joy, excitement, curiosity and laughter that children bring to our lives. I hope it makes them smile when they see them!

Not only are the arrangements full of color and texture, they also have a very funky vase treatment. I took bullion wire and made a net for the vases to fit in.

A great big THANK YOU to teachers everywhere!

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY

2010-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Legend has it lily-of-the-valley protects gardens from evil spirits, and that it sprang from Eve's tears when she was forbidden in the Garden of Eden. It has an intoxicating scent that I believe could be labeled as a reputable Love Potion. It is unlike any other flower, in my opinion. And I am so excited to have my cooler stocked full of this exquisite bloom at the moment! This photo was taken earlier today and I love the stark contrast of the white bell-shaped blooms with the surrounding foliage.
It is the quintessential wedding flower and looks most beautiful when left to stand alone. The delicate racemes quake when you hold them and release a gorgeous scent, almost as beautiful as the Bride!
If you are fortunate enough to be getting married when these gems are in season, you are one lucky Bride. If you must absolutely have a bouquet in the off-season, you may be looking at some of the most expensive cut flowers on the market. Enjoy them while they last - because their remarkable charm comes but once a year, but they're well worth the wait!

CID/WHOLE FOODS EVENT

2010-04-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Local Art Auction benefiting

Nationwide Children's Hospital

The Joni

We had the unique opportunity to work with Columbus Independent Design yesterday at the Whole Foods Market in Dublin. Heather Colbary of CID has built an amazing platform for local artist to showcase their work and be recognized for their incredible talents. At the silent auction there were metal sculptures, gorgeous paintings, drawings, photography and handmade bags and jewelry. A big THANK YOU to Heather for inviting us out for the festivities and acknowledging Floral Design as a recognized art form. That truly means so much to me!

Sweet Jane

It was so fun to play around for this event. I used certified organic roses and locally grown, fresh cut stems for some of the arrangements. Heather asked that I name each piece, which is something I'm not used to doing but I really felt like the arrangements lived up to their names! Each one named after a woman in history that is an inspiration to me, and well, the Velvet Underground.

Lady Amelia

I was really blown away by all the local talent. Spread the word about CID (they have a great site you can purchase art directly from) and support our local artists! Mark your calendars for May 22nd for the next show! It will be an outdoor event in Upper Arlington. I will let you know more details as they arise.

FUN MOCK-UPS

2010-04-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

A Day with Henry Photography and MMJ Events!

Last month I had the opportunity to network with some hip ladies in the wedding industry. Ashley Henry of Henry Photography and Meleka Murphy of MMJ Events!

We played around with the style and layout for a reception guest table. The mock-setup was created for a contest Meleka entered - very fun!

Here are some of Ashley's shots!

The "bride" was inspired by the bohemian style of Anthropologie, while the "groom" had more architectural design interests. I think there was a lovely balance between the two.

I had so much fun designing these little guys! Who knew a simple orchid pinned to a moss rock could be so gorgeous and elegant!

I love the detail in the napkin rings. Berzillia flowers gave it just the right amount of texture and interest.

I absolutely adore Ashley's (& husband Cody's) photographic style. It's so timeless and everyone always looks absolutely gorgeous!

Meleka has great insights into what is in style and exciting new ways to personalize your Big Day. Check out her Blog for more details!

A special thanks to Ashley and Meleka for inviting me out that day!

FEATHERS

2010-04-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Feathers are so fun! Recently I have been in awe at all the gorgeous plumes of feathers that have emerged on the arts and crafts scene lately. Such vibrant colors and textures are now available!

Bright white ostrich feathers look divine against ultra-girlie peonies. I can't wait to tuck just a few peacock feathers into a loose hand-tied bouquet of cymbidium orchids, amaranthus and astilbe blooms! Or for a super sexy vibe - a Groom's boutonniere with a single Schwarzwalder calla lily paired with a black ostrich feather. Ooh lah lah!

Once again, I love combining raw elements of nature, both sophisticated and unruly, for unique designs and classic looks. A bridal bouquet should be your own signature piece that represents your personality and the romance of your special day. It's fun to think outside-the-box for design elements. Feathers are one way to personalize your look and make your bouquet memorable and fashion forward!

ARTICHOKES

2010-04-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about artichokes, but lately I can't get enough of them! They are the perfect balance of funky and fresh - not to mention yummy!

I find the different hues of green so very refreshing and the texture of these little guys is one-of-a-kind. I get so excited when I can use unconventional items, like a delicious appetizer!, as flowers. They look stunning massed together in a simple wreath or broken down into innovative votive/card holders.

A few burgundy colored ones in a hand-tied bouquet is so chic and affordable! These are definitely for the modern bride looking to make an organic statement without breaking the bank.

I'm brainstorming on how I can showcase some of my new favorites into our arrangements for the upcoming local art auction at Whole Foods in Dublin. Saturday, April 24th from 5-7pm. Come out and enjoy some fine food and local art to benefit Nationwide Children's Hospital! And pick up some artichokes while you're there!

THE FLORAL CONSULTATION

2010-03-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, you've reached that point. You have your dress picked out, your bridesmaids gowns are in the works and your colors for your Big Day are set in stone. You're still six months away so what's next? Book your florist!

The initial floral consultation can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. In this very short period of time, I want to get to know you like your friends know you. And this is my advice to reaching that level of understanding.

I would try to limit the number of people you bring with you to the consultation. One, maybe two people you trust is plenty. Any more than that and the Bride tends to get overwhelmed with opinions and suggestions. It's your day - you get to make the decisions!

I've read a Bride should commit to a florist anywhere from a year, to nine months, to six months in advance. If you're planning a large wedding, the longer a florist and their team has to prepare, the better. However, the truth of the matter is I don't think it's necessary to start talking about flowers until you have a few things set first.

First and most importantly: your dress. It is the mascot of the entire day and the ultimate style guide for a floral designer. Bring a picture and a color swatch of the dress to the consultation.

Two: your wedding colors. Your flowers serve to enhance these colors and until we know what they are, it is difficult to suggest arrangements and bouquets that will match your wedding. Again, swatches are very helpful. If you don't have your own we use the brilliant Pantone Wedding Color fan deck for reference.

Three: the scale of the wedding. Knowing the size and location of the venue, how many attendants and guest you will have, will help a great deal in the planning stages. If you're planning a small garden ceremony, the flowers I would suggest would be very different than an elaborate sit-down dinner reception entertaining 300 of your closest friends!

After you've gathered this information you may be asking yourself: "what should I bring to the consultation?" I always suggest, "anything and everything!" I'm trying to gather your likes, dislikes, style preferences, color combinations, fashion favorites - even musical tastes! The best way for me to learn this information, quickly, is with pictures and color swatches. Also, Invitations and Save-The-Dates help me see your sense of style quickly. Anything clipped out of a magazine or printed off the Internet works wonders. It is a quick snapshot into your vision for your very special day.

So you can see the questions I will be wondering in advance,I am starting a new questionnaire for Brides to fill out prior to our meeting. This way I can spend more time talking with you about flower choice, color and style. Check it out here. (First download the file to your computer, top left corner Download button, and then print off.)

If you would like to set up a consultation please email me with your wedding date and location to:FlowerGirl@BellaBouquets.com I would be thrilled to chat with you about your Big Day! And don't forget to bring all your goodies with you!

2010-01-29T18:11:00.001-08:00

PAMPER YOURSELF EVENT 2010: COLUMBUS BOUDOIR STUDIO

Recently we had the opportunity to participate in an after-hours event at the chic Columbus Boudoir studio in Powell. After a long work day, our guests mingled with friends and local vendors while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and wine.

If you haven't heard of Heather Walker of Columbus Boudoir Photography, I invite you to discover the woman behind one of the coolest new gift ideas in Columbus. Many of her clients are brides who come to create gorgeous, flirtatious, seductive picture portfolios for their fiances. Imagine giving your new groom a stunning album of your gorgeous self on your wedding night! Honestly I had never heard of this concept before but it is proving to be an extremely fast growing trend. What groom wouldn't absolutely love this gift?! She has an amazing eye for quality and her photos are extremely tasteful and elegant. Check her out!

Also attending was Anji of Skin Abstracts. She is an amazing Makeup Artist that has tons of experience working with brides. She did a demo on a guest and it was remarkable. The word on the street is she's opening a new spa soon - so catch up with her before she is booked!

I had a wonderful time chatting with many brides and past brides about what's hot on the wedding scene right now. Last year was the color of PURPLE - my prediction for 2010 is GREEN. Also I am inspired to see more brides focusing on the details - the foliage or the texture of their bouquets. They want them not only to look good, but smell good too! After my formal schooling with a degree in Landscape Horticulture, I have a unique background where I can suggest different flowers and plants for that extra special bouquet. Many of which grow right here in Ohio! To say the least - I couldn't be more excited for this years wedding season!

To be included in the fun next time, send me an email or join us on FaceBook for future shows and promotions.

2010-01-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

THE FLOWER VIGILANTE
Recently I ran across an article in Flower Magazine about Bella Meyer, owner of Fleurs Bella in NYC and the granddaughter of artist, Marc Chagall, which got me thinking for days. Meyer, a.k.a. the Flower Vigilante, is on a personal mission to add a bit of color and laughter to a city often smirk and impersonal. Having just visited New York City over the holidays, I can appreciate her mission wholeheartedly.

When I visit the city I almost always stick to the subways for transportation. I like to mingle in the local scenes. I like to stare out of the corner of my eye at the off-duty officers or nanny's traveling from here to there. Their faces are tired and strong. And most often they look like they need a hug (or a day off.) In a strange way it's a welcomed relief from all the tourism and camera snapping happening above ground.

On cold, rainy and especially less-than-perfect city days, Meyer and her team rally together and hit the streets armed with bouquets, arrangements and single cut stems to hand out to passersby and commuters. There really is no catch. The flowers are free and come with a smile. Although they are often perceived with a weary eye, they assure their recipients that the flowers are simple gestures of kindness and nothing more.

As well as passing out flowers in crowded subway stations and on corners to city workers cleaning the streets, Meyer and her entourage have been known to leave flowers inside pay phones, on littered sidewalks or on building ledges. "I like the idea of someone finding a flower or an arrangement where they least expect it," Meyer has said. I am incredibly inspired by Meyer and her courage to step outside the social norm to give a much needed smile to random strangers, just because she can. As an artist myself I can understand her desire to share her work with those who may not have the opportunity otherwise.

Even though I wasn't fortunate enough to run into one of her creations during my visit, I couldn't stop thinking about what a positive message Meyer is sending out to the public. Everyone should be able to appreciate the art and wonder of a gorgeous flower. They are a marvel and vital part of our very existence. To hold a flower is to hold life and love. By passing out Random Acts of Kindness to the unsuspecting, Meyer makes a moment in someones ordinary day, a life long memory...the day they received something very beautiful from an unknown person for no good reason at all. Which is a very good reason indeed, if you ask me.

(Photos Bella Meyer from Flower Magazine, Winter 2009)

2010-01-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

It's true. This is my first official Blog. Even as a newbie I hope I can show you my passion for art, floral design and the natural world. Yes, Floral Designer for weddings and special events is my job title, but there is a whole world beyond that which drives my passion to do what I do. I look forward to sharing my personal discoveries with you and hearing your feedback.

As a designer I am inspired by things conventional and not. Fashion, music, the rain hitting my window, roadtrips and the laughter of friends are just a few. I like to collect these moments of discovery as if they were bouquets of flowers. What would this moment look like: it's form, color, texture, smell if I could put it in a vase and stare at it all afternoon?

Flowers are a part of my every day life and I know that is a luxury for many. I am fortunate to see gorgeous blooms and smell their beauty and watch them change from very small and tight to hanging dried on my studio ceiling. Even if you're unable to have a gorgeous bouquet of peonies at your bedside every morning to help awaken you, I believe we can still appreciate the essence of flowers in our daily lives. In the dead of winter, I am still struck by the elegant structure of last seasons hydrangea blooms dried and blowing in the wind in my front garden. They have lost their color, but their shell is strong and still singing songs to me.

Ok. Thanks for reading. I have many ideas and things to share with you. More to come soon.