Summer Reading

While I’m sitting home sick and in a lull between planing and harvesting and floral gigs, I’ve been catching up on some reading. If I wasn’t too sick to move from the couch, I would definitely be out finding something sturdy to swing my hammock between so I could read outside. (You should be warned I’m obsessed with my hammock and will probably find many more opportunities to mention it.)

So, for the reading material:

-Borders has an awesome magazine selection (rivaled, at least in Portland, only by Powell’s books) where I found this fun wedding flowers mag. It’s aptly called “Wedding flowers: your expert guide to bridal blooms” for June/July 2010. It’s British, and is connected to this website (I recommend the “Real-life flowers” section). I loved their cute ideas, and that they included some ideas for doing things smaller and more affordable.

-While we’re renting and focused on potted gardens, we’re still a little obsessed with gardens and learning as much as we can about gardening before we have a yard of our own. My in-laws got wind of this and sent me a book they just found for my birthday. It’s similar to another one we’ve found, and I’m excited to actually read this one (I just got it, so I’ve only skimmed it) because we’re pretty sure this is a style/philosophy of gardening that we want to get in to. The book is “All New Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew. His website is a little intense, so I suggest checking out the book.

Wedding Details

Please enjoy these details of a bridal and bridesmaid bouquet from a wedding I did earlier this month. Hopefully more pictures from the wedding, including corsages, boutonnieres, and reception to follow!

Alyssa’s Bridal Shower

Thank you, Alyssa, for getting married …and for choosing excellent wedding colors!

Other People’s Ideas

I love reading other floral designer’s (or any type of designers) blogs. Some have such great ideas – I feel like I can always use some tips, especially on weddings (I’ve only had one myself… :)). This week during my usual browsing I found a few wedding floral design posts that I wanted to share.

[From my wedding photoshoot – August 2008]

Green tips

I’m a big fan of the vintage containers/vases ideas… I’ve been collecting for that very purpose

Nature influenced

Always complimentary in the NW

Succulents

You can do anything imaginable with these little guys – I love it!

Fresh and Vibrant

You’ve probably seen many all white bridal bouquets – simple, elegant, and traditional. (And, in this case, not the look we were going for.) We added a few orange flowers, some peach to light purple berries and pods, and a few herbs, and the bouquet was transformed into something a little more natural and garden fresh looking. The delicate textures add variety, while the soft, small leafed greens compliment the feminine flowers and buds.

Wreath Centerpiece

Wreaths are unbelievably versatile. Traditionally they dress doors and windows – the occasional gate or trellis, if you’re lucky enough to have those around your yard. But – for those of us with small houses and yards, or indoor weddings surrounded by glass doors – we need not feel left out! Wreaths are fabulous centerpieces. They are useful because they are so low – they can be enjoyed without being in the way. Or, of you like, you can place a vase in the center and have two levels of flowers. Also, because of their low profile and shape, they are a lovely touch to a buffet – to surround a dessert stand, or any other pedestal, really, or with a candle in the center for a little more atmosphere.

Poppy Pod Centerpiece

Sometimes floral arrangements don’t need many flowers.

I must admit, though I call myself a “floral designer”, or tell people that I “work with flowers” that is a bit misleading. I really should tell people I work with… nature. Or things that are alive. Or beautiful things.

Delicate Blues and Greens

Here’s an example of a delicate blue pew/chair/hanging arrangement. These arrangements are so versatile – they can go from the ceremony to the reception and be attached to almost anything. They have just enough movement to feel fresh and a little wild, with a little softness to keep it romantic.

Corsages and Boutonnieres

Woodland corsages and boutonnieres: beautiful and earthy, adding a fresh flavor to your wedding.

Woodland Ring Pillow