Summertime Elegance

Summer is nearing to an end, and I'm just getting to post much of my work from the past eight weeks. I cannot believe that September is in a few days!

One of my brides from earlier in the summer wanted a rather old-world, old-fashioned look for the reception and selected a palette of creams, whites, and greens in antiqued vessels - half of which were my vintage metal containers that have a ring of dangling crystals, and the other half were gilded stone urns. We designed similar arrangements for the church - enormous creations of dozens of lilies and peonies - the scent of which is truly the essence of summer.

In contrast to this, the bride wanted a clean, plain, and very colorful bridesmaids bouquets to set off the navy blue of the bridesmaids' dresses - so I created classic nosegays of blushing akito and donna roses - orange and pink. For her own bouquet, we went with a tiny teardrop of all phalaenopsis orchids to set off her beautiful, detailed gown.

The contrasts worked: the bright colors with the cool navy, the lush designs of various white and cream flowers against the plain cream cloths, the simple orchids with the richly detailed gown.

Variety, when executed properly, delights the eye and I think that's what your guests remember most about your wedding day - the way it looked and the way they felt as a result. I am sure these guests felt almost magically transported to another time. A time of long summer days and old-fashioned blooms and soft light. Magic!

Flowers pictured include: Casablanca lilies, snapdragon, larkspur, peonies, Tibet roses, hydrangea, dendrobium orchid sprays, lemon leaf, pittosporum, and Israeli ruscus.

Appleford Estate Open House

These past few months have simply slipped by and I still have so many things I wish to share from last month - from two months ago, even - so without any further delay, let me get cracking!

First up is the Appleford Open House. I love to work at Appleford and I was happy to participate with Jeffrey Miller Catering at one of the open house tastings for prospective brides. I created a few small arrangements - each with a different color palette, selection of materials, and container - as well as a small bouquet and an enormous vase of concador lilies, viburnum, quince, hybrid delphinium, and roses.

The Appleford Estate is such a special place to have a wedding or a party. The historical house has lovely appointments, the tent (utilized as the reception space) is perfectly proportioned, and their gardens are without rival - they are simply stunning. (To see more of my work at Appleford, please check out the galleries on my website - Lisa, Karen, and Melissa.)

Flowers at the Fair

At the end of April, I was asked to participate in the Bryn Mawr Skin and Cancer Institute's first annual Skin Care Fair. Despite my busy schedule, I was more than happy to participate in this worthy cause. I set up a booth and had some of the prettiest flowers on display and for sale - the anemone poppies were truly spectacular! The variety of moss purses, perfect for the upcoming Mother's Day, simply disappeared and we had to keep restocking our table - there was a color and design for everyone.

It was fun to be there and to see so many former clients - thanks for stopping by!

Pomp and Circumstance

It's early June which means it's graduation time - and I have felt so bad for all those who have had to sit in the sweltering heat the past few days to cheer their graduate. Hot or not, it's a memorable milestone for many families and such a wonderful way to begin the summer vacation - not to mention the next chapter of someone's life!

Last week I had a graduation party for 150 in honor of a young man graduating from Malvern Prep. His parents wanted the theme to be the school's colors - navy blue and silver - and the key was to strike a balance with the flowers to ensure that they looked celebratory and fun but not wedding-esque.

His mother also wanted me to create a floral mosaic of the school's logo to anchor the room and the dance floor and so we created a large MP (arranged just like the logo) and gathered silver balloons at the base. The logo was a hit and every guest posed in front of them for photos! What's great as well is that the fresh flowers dry beautifully on these forms and clients save them as keepsakes.

To all those who have attended, will attend, or will be a member of a graduation - enjoy this special time! Congratulations!

Flowers pictured include trick dianthus, hydrangea, delphinium, ladies mantle, carnations, moss, salal, and pittosporum.