Friday, February 26, 2010

Wish Upon a Wedding- check it out!!



Liz Guthrie has brought together some great wedding professionals to grant wedding wishes to people facing terminal illness. Together, with a group of wonderfully talented professionals, Liz and the crew at Wish Upon a Wedding are working to make sure that people get to marry the ones they love despite their illness or situation.

Anyone who knows me knows that I hold the fight against cancer close to my heart and send my prayers to any family or person affected by this disease. Any organization that helps people battling terminal illnesss of any sort has my support! To see these wonderful women helping people fulfill their dream of getting married is truly inspiring.


Check out their website to find out how you can become involved!

www.wishuponawedding.org

Currently they have chapters in California, Chicago, New York, Orlando, D.C., Maryland, Houston, Tennesee, Atlanta,Indianapolis, The Carolinas, and Seattle with plans to expand.

They're taking applications now for wish granters in all areas as well as from those looking to receive a wedding wish !







Wednesday, February 24, 2010

DIY Flowers ... part II



So what if you can't hire a floral designer?
Maybe you're on a limited budget, or flowers just aren't your priority. You can still have a beautiful wedding- but here are some things to remember that will make the process go alittle more smoothly!

Set realistic goals. If you've never arranged flowers or are not naturally artistic, don't try to create an opulent 4 foot centerpiece with crystals, flowers and candles for 15 tables. Stick with something simple that will be easy to create in mass.


Be thorough. Make a detailed list of all the pieces you need and how long it takes you to make each piece.

Don't forget - containers, supplies ( wire, foam, shears, ribbons,baskets, pins for bouts/ corsages), flowers and greenery.....
make sure your list is complete, and know where to go if you need anything last minute.

Do a trial run. Figure out stem counts, and remember to allow for error. A stem will always break, or have a blemish. It is nature after all. I always like to have extras on hand. Know how much time you really need to put it all together, so that if it is really too much you have time to make that decision.

and finally...


Do your homework!! I can't stress this one enough. Get a book, ask a friend that does flowers, or consider grabbing your girls and going to a floral arranging class! Make a day of it- champagne, flowers and friends. Learn how to process flowers so that they last. Also make sure you know which flowers work well for cut flowers- not all flowers will hold up for 2-3 days once cut from their stems. You don't want to spend all night making your arrangements only to wake up and find they've wilted.

Check our website, chances are pretty good that you can visit our studio and learn everything you need to know.

Happy arranging!


Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Do you really need a professional florist?

Photo credit: Project wedding


Are you a DIY bride? Contemplating doing your own floral arrangements? With the economy the way it is and everyone trying to keep costs down, floral arrangements seem to be one place where brides can cut their costs. so many brides ask, do I really need a floral designer?

Why should you consider hiring a floral designer? We are professionals, with years of experience handling, arranging, and delivering beautiful wedding flowers. We know what flowers to use, when they are available and how those flowers will hold up all day at your wedding or special event. If the flower you always dreamed of having just isn't an option for the time of year or is too costly for your budget, we know how to give you that same look with something else. Despite all the magazines you've read, nothing can replace experience.

You should be enjoying your event, not working! Do you really want to spend the night before your wedding making 7 bouquets, 12 boutonnieres, 15 centerpieces... the list goes on. We know you can order your flowers from Costco and you can find the vases, but do you know what those flowers will look like after having been in your refrigerator for 2-3 days? We have the coolers, the staff, and the means to deliver your flowers, set up your event and disappear before anyone knows we were there. The only trace we leave are beautiful arrangements and decor for you and your guests to enjoy.

Wouldn't you rather be the guest of honor and enjoy your very special day?

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day!!


Photo : Martha Stewart Weddings

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentine's Day!! Whether you are attached or single, I hope you've had a little love in your day and a fabulous evening!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Come join us!!



Join us to support a great cause!!

Each year more than 4,000 children from Connecticut and New England attend the Channel 3 Kids Camp, nestled on 350 acres in the historic communities of Andover and Coventry. While at camp, children ages 6 - 16 are able to escape the hustle and bustle of the 'real world with time spent in the country. Campers experience a care-free refuge for a healthy summer of play, the outdoors and making new friends with programs that promote confidence and independence.

The Kids Camp is also year round facility, welcoming children and adults to participate in Natures Classroom, Camp Ventures After School Program, Winter Vacation Day Camp and Retreats.




Firefly Night ~
Every child deserves to chase fireflies!
Saturday | March 20, 2010
In conjunction with ESTOccasions (event, special themes and occasions), the evening will feature a cake challenge, signature appetizers prepared by Hop River Café, silent auctions and dancing. Join us for an evening of fun and philanthropy at the University of Connecticut Alumni Center in Storrs, CT. Read More!
Purchase Tickets Here

Friday, February 5, 2010

February Flower of the Month- Hellebore


Photo credits: 1. Martha Stewart Weddings, 2. discardedlies.com, 3. pheonixperennials.com, 4. mikejones.us.com


Beautiful Hellebores!!

With a new blanket of snow covering the ground I thought it only fitting that I share one of the few flowers that will grow even as the cold weather has put everything else to rest.

Also known as the Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, because of their ability to bloom all winter, these are available in shades of pink, white, green, and dark burgundy.





Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Valentines LOVE


Photo credits: (top left clockwise) 1,2 :Martha Stewart Weddings, 3, 4 : Williams Sonoma
5. Coloring Cricket for weddingpaperdivas.com , 6. Countryliving.com

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, so for those of you thinking about your special day, a few photos to get your creative juices flowing! Don't you just adore the invites? A little bit of vintage for your special event .

Monday, February 1, 2010

Citrus inspiration!!


Photo credits: from top left: Martha Stewart Weddings (MSW) , sign from Chocolate Butterbean via Southern Weddings, 3,4,5, & 6 from MSW,
dresses from Brides.com, bar display via MSW, center photo- Tyrone Farms, Pomfret, CT.

Sometimes I see an arrangement and I am just inspired! That was the case when I saw this beautiful centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings. I know, citrus has been done before, but as I walk outside and the chill hits my face I can't help but look at this and just say wow! So I put together this inspiration board and lost myself to a daydream of New England farms, summer, warm weather and great friends!