How Important Are Sample Designs

Last evening I met with a couple who is planning a large outdoor Wedding in October. . we have been working together for several months orchestrating each component of their big day. Missy and Mike are just a fun couple to be around.
Missy loves flowers . . and a big part of her plans include them . . from the ceremony site .. the aisle and arbor decorations to the centerpieces . . you can just see the joy in her eyes when she describes her vision.
A few weeks ago we were finalizing details and she asked about being able to view the centerpiece samples 'ahead of time' and I actually encourage samples to eliminate any sort of disappointment. Mother Nature can be a little tricky sometimes!!! Flowers do not always arrive in the same shades, sizes, etc. that you may have in mind or you saw in a photo . . so the best way is to see them is 'up close and personal' and that is what we did yesterday during our meeting.
Yes, there is a fee for the sample which includes the cost of the materials used and, of course, the required Sales Tax. I do not charge any labor fees because it is a sample and may need to be re-worked if it does not meet the expectations of my client. Happily I can report that has never happened during a Sample Consultation and last night was no different. Missy beamed, Mike was thrilled and they went home with their designs to share a preview of just some of the floral designs that will be showcased at their Wedding.
To me, no amount of money can take the place of the smiles I see -- they are payment enough. Being able to share the 'power of flowers' with my clients is why I do what I do!
So if you are planning any event . . don't hesitate to check with your Floral Designer about viewing a sample . . it definitely is worthwhile ...just ask Missy & Mike!

The Majesty of Autumn

Most people use calendars to keep track of time but as a Floral Designer, I like to use Flowers . . and you can always tell when Autumn is here because there is no other Season that can burst forth in the majestic colors of Fall!!!

This past weekend I was surrounded by this beauty while I created designs for Kayla and Matt's outdoor Wedding which took place at the picturesque 'Meadows' Event Facility in Hellertown, PA. This venue is surrounded by a stream, stone bridge and mature landscaping which I am sure provided Kelly, from Paula Galante Photography, a feast for her camera lens.

It's true the recent weather has been a wee bit dreary, heavily laden with cloud cover which kept us very moist from the constant 'pop up' showers, but on Saturday, the rain stopped, the warm sunshine burst through and added the 'special effects lighting' to showcase these colorful seasonal bouquets.

What I especially like about this design is the use of three different shades of Asiatic lilies which were an image of perfection blended with berries and preserved Fall leaves.

When you are planning your Fall Event . . don't be shy when it comes to color . . that is what this wonderful Season is all about!

Vineyard Weddings & Events

There is just something about an outdoor late September Wedding that is taking place in the Groom's Vineyard that he had manicured for his bride-to-be to make the perfect backdrop where they would stand facing each other reciting the vows each had written for their special day. It made my heart stir with excitement as I was setting up their event. The day was PERFECT . . . the clear blue sky, warm sunshine, a touch of the crisp cool air & the panoramic view as I gazed out onto row after row of vines that still held their gorgeous clusters of Chardonnay grapes that glistened in the sunlight!
This was Romance at it's finest and I was so happy to be a part of it!

'Keeping It Simple' With Boutonnieres!

Most of the time when I speak with the 'Grooms-To-Be' about what they want for their button hole flowers . . it's always the same answer . . 'keep it simple'! So that is what we did today for Ryan . . . we kept it simple . . . but it still shows that 'Life Can Be a Bowl Full' of Whatever you want it to be!!!!

Adding A Little 'Fall Color' to Your Bridal Bouquet

This time of year when most think 'Summer is over' but it's too early for all that blazing Autumn Color . . . hmmmmm what to do!!! Here is one of my favorite suggestions . . just add a touch!!! Like the leaves, the colors are just beginning to change so 'POP' in a wee bit to satisfy your Fall craving!!!

Flowers & Candlelight

Some things just naturally go together .... Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Pizza & Beer, Baseball & Hot Dogs and then we have another great union . . .
Flowers & Candlelight the PERFECT duo for any event!

Too Many Tomatoes?

As many of you already know I not only love to design flowers but I am also an avid gardener and cook!!! Well this time of year daily visits to the garden just yields a heavy harvest of tomatoes and like all 'country folks' we take a walk and share with our neighbors and family but the Tomatoes just keep on coming! So what to do with all of these beauties. I am going to share one of the recipes that I created for quick and easy Bruschetta. The first thing you need to get is a great loaf of crusty Italian Bread!!!! Give it a little squeeze to make sure it's FRESH and soft in the middle!!! You know what I mean!!! Slice it about 3/4 of an inch thick. Then I make up an Olive Oil 'concoction' that consists of Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mrs. Dash's Garlic & Herb seasoning and/or Tastefully Simple's Spinach & Herb seasoning. Generously brush your bread on both sides with this, place it on a foil wrapped baking tray and toast it in a 400 degree pre-heated oven until the bread begins to turn golden and crispy. While this is going on . . prepare your tomatoes . . I remove the skin from mine, coarse chop them -- drain off the excess liquid because this will cause your bread to become soggy, add some Olive Oil (about a tablespoon to one cup of tomatoes, give your fresh Basil a coarse chop and add that along with some crushed garlic and a little 'zip' of fresh ground black pepper! When your bread is ready . . remove it from the oven . . . top it with the Bruschetta mixture -- add some chopped fresh Spinach, Mozzarella Cheese -- fresh or shredded, and today I added some great imported Italian Pepperoni -- but you can stop at the cheese or use your own imagination for 'extra' toppers!!! Return your tray to the oven until the cheese melts and your 'Bruschetta Toasts' are sizzling . . then all you need to do is Enjoy!!! Hope you make this and let me know what you think!!!

It's Always Summer Somewhere

Labor Day Weekend!!! Hard to believe another Summer in our hemisphere has cruised by and is coming to and end. The air smells a wee bit differently & the sun is setting earlier. I treasure the time I get to walk in our woods with our 'Grand Girls'! We pick up fallen twigs that we use as 'Wizard Wands' and watch as the first few leaves dance to the ground like 'Faeries' performing a beautiful ballet.

Then stroll over to our Pumpkin Patch were the vines are heavy with these glorious orange globes of all shapes and sizes!!! They search under the large prickly leaves to find the 'biggest' one in Poppa's Prize Pumpkin Patch!!!

Yes, the last days of Summer are here but I smile and think 'It's Always Summer Somewhere!'