My new friends... Succulents

 I admit it...   I used to be afraid of them. They were different than I was used to. They didn't crave Full Sun or Large glasses of water, Like I do. I even smothered a few in the beginning, with Too Much Attention.

 But, as is everything else along this journey, we call Life, I spent some time getting to know them and what they needed to survive and now we are friends.

And oh what they ad to my creations! 

A few bouquets that you'll want to sink your face into...

liatris, echinacea and hydrangeas

lisianthus, roses, safari sunset, rudbeckia and dahlias

Hillary and Aaron at Gale Vineyards

I'll begin with the bouquet: A romantic, natural combination of cream and white flowers wrapped with burlap and white satin ribbons. This couple had a style that I love.    Nestled in the trees and vines at Gale Vineyards in Durham, CA this couple said "I do!" with a fun, vintage style that was evident in every detail. Bouquet: Durham grown dahlias, garden roses, freesia, roses and spider mums.

I think they like each other ; )

 

 

The Backdrop for the dessert table was ribbons and hearts

The Ladies each chose a dress that suited them best, which added an eclectic feel. 

And a final shot of the couple. Gorgeous Photos by Brent Van Auken Photography.

Max and Kelsey... Pure Sweet Love.

I know the saying is overused, but this photo does Speak a thousand words. The loudest word I hear is LOVE. Pure Sweet Love. Thank you to our sweet friends Kenny and Kim at K Stone Photography for capturing this moment and the details that follow.

Max and Kelsey tied the knot on 01/07/2012. It was a perfect day in the middle of a Winter month. And I am certain that it was all for this couple. Often times the bride is overwhelmed with the "stress" of the day; the mob of people surrounding you, people constantly asking you questions and taking your photo... etc. etc.  Well, not this girl!  Kelsey was obviously focused on the most important part of a wedding... The fact that you are promising Forever to your lover, your soul-mate and your very best friend. When we entered her room at Hotel Diamond she jumped up from getting her hair and make up done to take a peek at her flowers.  What followed was so unexpected that it took me by surprise and I captured it in my memory; Kelsey expelled such sweet words of appreciation and gratitude while stating that the floral creations we had made just for her were "perfect." Then she hugged my wife and I and I caught a glimpse of her radiant face. The look of love as some might say and I felt so very blessed to have a part in this event. Pure Sweet Love is rare. Those of us that find it are so very blessed.  Thank you sweet Kelsey and Max for sharing your day with us and reminding us all that Love is what is most important.

The Bridesmaids wore black which allowed their colorful flowers to Pop with color and life. Their bouquets were made of green hydrangeas and spider mums, bells of ireland, purple larkspur, eggplant calla lilies, ranunculus and mini gerberas. Kelsey carried a bouquet made up pale colored flowers with varying textures that oozed of Joy. There were hydrangeas, spider mums, peonies, roses and ranunculus wrapped with white satin around the stems.

 

The groomsmen wore black suits with bow ties. The whole group looks like a bunch of people that anyone would want to have as friends. 

They were married at Bidwell Press, then headed to Chico Event Center for their reception. The CEC is a gorgeous room with windows that pull the sunlight or starlight inside making the inside feel oh so close to the outside. Kelsey chose a natural look with whimsical flowers that pulled the natural beauty inside the room including table numbers covered in moss and bulbs placed at each place setting for the guests to take home with them. 

 

 I mean Really? Are words even necessary here?

Love. Pure Sweet Love.

 And as a side note... In the middle of setting up the flowers for this event, we rushed to the hospital to welcome our perfect little nieces into the world. Meet Lauren and Sloan Benson. 

January 07, 2012 - A day filled with Love

Lindsey and Todd said "i do"...

 Every once in awhile, you are given the opportunity to be part of a creative team and though at times this can be frustrating... (with too many cooks in the kitchen) There are other times, such as the wedding of Lindsey and Todd, when artistic talents mesh instantly and it is So Much FUN!  Lindsey is not only Super Creative, but she is so easy-going and fun to work for. Two weeks before her wedding she basically gave me complete creative liberties when it came to her flowers, which allows an artist to breathe deeper and just enjoy the creative process. Thank you Lindsey and Todd. Creating as part of your team was such a gift. Here are a few pictures of the details involved.

 The table numbers were made of blocks of wood with varying colors and patterns of fabric, accompanied by mason jars filled with flowers and romantic white lanterns.  The hand painted cake toppers just topped of the unique touches seen with every detail. From the hand made ribbon flowers on the girls' dresses to the home made caramel corn favors on every place setting this family was busy creating each and every detail in preparation for this day.

On to the couple of the day...  Meet Lindsey and Todd

 And their flowers...

Todd wore a handsome suit accented with a boutonniere comprised of green button mums and orange kangaroo paw, wrapped in black satin.

Lindsey wore a gorgeous, simple but elegant gown and carried this fun bouquet bursting with color and texture.
        Pincushion protea, spider mums, button mums, calla lilies, bells of ireland, freesia, spray roses and regular sized roses and a touch of kangaroo paw. The stems were wrapped with green ribbon.

And then there was the arch...

 

Skylake provides a beautiful background for any event. The lawns are green and the flower beds are overflowing with varying colors and texture of living things.  We wanted to add some of the "L and T" style to this simple iron arch and this is what we came up with. Curly willow, magnolia leaves and liquid amber provided the blanket of greenery to showcase these vibrant, fun flowers that Lindsey chose for her bouquet. I would love to go on and on about this event for it was one of those times when you stand back and look at the end result and just feel so darn lucky that you could be a small part of it.  To Lindsey, Todd and Gail, Thank you again for this gift. 

My Posey married Paul

Bethany and Paul promised Forever at TJ Farms on a Romantic March afternoon

When someone you love asks you to make them a bouquet filled with Joy and Spunk and Whimsy and represents who they are....  It is one of the most amazing and fun creative experiences. "Posey" aka Bethany carried a bouquet that was just so Her!  And as you can see from the following photos... each of her bridesmaids carried bouquets formed from hers.

 Orange Ranunculus and Tulips...

Yellow Freesia...

 Green Trachelium...

Yellow Kangaroo Paw...

 Simple green artichokes...

And Dusty Miller...

And the two proudest Older Sisters... a Posey could have.


Such a beautiful event for such wonderful people. We love you Posey and Paul! Thank you for sharing your day with us.

The Skull Bride..... Tania and Scott

 One of my favorite weddings....


It started with the shoes... When Tania told me that she was wearing black heels embellished with rhinestone skulls well,    my mind went blank. I wanted to help her make her bridal bouquet unique to her, but skulls?????     And then with a little more creative thought and searching we found a way to put rhinestone skulls as accents in her bouquet, in a funky but very classy way. Her bouquet and Scott's boutonniere just couldn't get any more "them!" 







A Prime example of making your wedding day... 

                 Your Very Own.

The bride wore a beautiful princess style dress and the groom wore a traditional black and white tuxedo...

But there was nothing traditional about their style!

Black posey callas, black kangaroo paw, white spider mums and hot pink roses and freesia made the perfect backdrop for these delightful rhinestone skulls, which were carefully wired into the flowers. 

A sleek white posey calla lily was accented with black chiffon ribbon and a rhinestone skull. 

One man in uniform topped off the look of the guys while the ladies wore black satin.

A beautiful and unique way to make your wedding day
represent you and your love.

It all started with Tania's unique style and these Rock'in Shoes !

So why not end with them.  Thanks again to Tania and Scott who were easy to work with and so much fun to create for.