Life Adventures

You Bring Our Hearts to Life

0 · Dec 23, 2014 ·

“We believe in the kingdom come,

We believe in the risen Son,

You bring our hearts to life.”

This is the anthem that’s been ringing through my head this week. And while this isn’t exactly a Christmas song, is it connected to the holiday theme. It’s because of Christmas that we can sing this at all. (You can hear the whole song here.)

Just think, if Jesus hadn’t been born in the manger, there would be no risen Son. There would be no hope, no joy, no peace. Our hearts wouldn’t have life.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the presents and hot cocoa or even write blog posts about how much we miss our Christmas trees (I caved and put one up over the weekend, by the way) – but to me this season is really based on hope. I simply cannot comprehend what it would be life to live in this world without the knowledge that someday I’m leaving and headed to my eternal home. This isn’t forever and the best truly is yet to come.

May you be surrounded with this comfort and joy as you celebrate this Christmas.

The above picture was captured by Hetler Photography as part of our “Hat’s Off to the New Year” shoot last winter. You can see the entire holiday post here.

Dear Christmas Tree

0 · Dec 18, 2014 ·

Dear Christmas Tree,

You are without doubt my biggest joy throughout the holiday season. I love to peer upon your loveliness and watch your lights twinkle. I eagerly wait in anticipation for that glorious day in November when it’s no longer “too early” to proudly pick you up from the lot and bring you home to be a part of my holiday traditions. I dress you up with ornaments that have very little monetary value but so many memories, recalling the story behind each and every sparkly little bauble.

You are sorely missed this year as December has hurried by in a blur, not even leaving moment to reflect and focus on the true meaning of the season. I haven’t felt any warm fuzzies or had a moment to hang the stockings with care. You’ll find not a speck of tinsel or garland gracing my home, no pretty ribbons and boxes waiting to share joy on Christmas morning.

With the days of construction dragging on, the anticipation of something new is quickly fading as I long for something old. I yearn for those time-honored traditions and the glow of Christmas tree lights. The nostalgia and peace they bring each December is a quiet reminder to be thankful for the blessings of the year gone by. This year I sadly have found myself forgetting to be thankful for 2014. May we never forget the many miracles and wonder of Christmas.

The above picture was captured by Hetler Photography as part of our “Hat’s Off to the New Year” shoot last winter. You can see the entire holiday post here.

A Leaky Update :: Kicked Out

10 · Dec 10, 2014 ·

I’m not one to sit back and stay uninvolved in a project, but that’s just what I’m being forced to do. Last Thursday Gretta, Polly and I packed our bags and hit the road on our way to Nina’s house, where we are still taking residence until the construction is finished at the end of this week (hopefully!!)

I’ve never been so detached from a project. However, since I work from home it wasn’t really going to be very effective for me to go on with business as usual in the midst of window removal, dust, sanding, patching, painting etc. Especially with an extra set of little hands and our four footed barking machine in the way. So I prepared, left specific instructions and now it’s all in the hands of the construction workers and the hubby.

Attempting to stay calm as I receive the progress reports is not easy. So far day 1 of construction starting with the workers being over 2 hours late, since then the wrong windows have been delivered, the ceiling couldn’t be repaired as planned, the crew decided to take another whole day off completely and I’m wondering if there’s any way in the world they’ll possibly done on time. Supposedly the floors will be done tomorrow and that should complete their work list.

In the meantime, here’s a little of what’s going on in the space with existing elements and a few new pops of fun, just to shake things up a bit.

1. I’m finally loosing the putrid green color on my living room walls in favor of a more neutral tone. Eider White from Sherwin Williams is the winning paint swatch, which is a soft grey-ish oatmeal color. It will also carrying down the hallway and into the entryway, since all the walls are basically connected. However, despite the fact that I checked and double checked the color and even painted a couple sections of my wall before leaving home, I still received a phone call Saturday evening that my hallway looked purple. I’m so nervous about this! I know greys can have a tendency to pull out some purple tones, but I didn’t even see a hint of it previously. Fingers crossed it just a fluke and the space will look great once it’s all put together!

2. We have 2 sets of floors that are being refinished. First off our dining room which has wide pine plank flooring and need some major love. Secondly, the floors throughout our living room and down the hallways and entryway. These floors are the original hardwoods to the house, so circa 1950 something. They’re red oak and in pretty decent condition, we’re just going to enhance their beauty a touch.

3. This is not my house but it’s really lovely and it’s kind of what I imagine my room might look like once it’s painted and the floors are retouched. I only wish I had a fireplace and modelings this lovely. (Original image found here.)

4. We’re keeping all the same furniture, we just couldn’t seem to stretch the budget that far, ha! We have a nice solid green, traditional style sofa and my two vintage walnut chairs are recovered in this fun green and white damask pattern from Waverly. The rest of the furniture is a mix of a few painted shabby pieces, vintage finds and a little barn wood. it’s a bit of a hodge podge, but I like it.

5. Lastly, this is the fabric I have picked for new drapes. It’s actually more grey and green than the picture suggests. Our main picture window is being replaced with 4 smaller windows – which when they came in where actually larger than what was ordered so they just went ahead knocked out more of my living room wall, so stressful.

It’s going to be like coming home to a brand new home. Here’s to hoping they get it done in time for me to still put up a Christmas tree. I’ll be so sad without one this year.

Shopping with Shelby: Black Friday 2014

0 · Dec 1, 2014 ·

Hi Friends!! Did you have a fabulous holiday weekend? I for one did, however I’d like to chat about this whole traditional thanksgiving feast, who planned this menu? Where’s the chocolate? Move over mashed potatoes and stuffing, I could certainly find some more favorable side dishes. None the less, my weekend included these feasting favorites and then was followed by pie and shopping. Lots of shopping.

Photo: Ashley Slater Photography | Pie: Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm

It’s tradition for my mother and me to burn the midnight oil and head out in the wee hours of the night to do a little holiday shopping. We’re they type of people who are constantly on the prowl for a good deal. However, I must say that I was sorely disappointed that stores chose to open at such early hours on Thanksgiving. As someone who spent many years forced to work during the holiday, I always found myself so jealous of those who were with the ones they love. Because of this, I felt extreme sympathy for these workers and could not bring myself to shop on Thanksgiving night, so I had patience and headed out around 4:00am Friday morning. Twelve hours later we started our trek back home with a full car and much emptier wallets.

I’ve been asked about the fun in Black Friday shopping and the best places to shop. While I know everyone’s approach is a little different, I think the unexpected deals give the most thrills. Sure, I scour the ads on Thanksgiving Day, look at the leaked ads via the internet in the weeks prior to heading out and even map out an action plan. But my go-to’s are always Macy’s and Target, two of my favorite shopping locations regardless of the occasion. After that is when we begin to travel through the mall, making our way from store to store and loving the window signs proudly displaying 40-50% savings off the entire store, including clearance. Straight to those clearance racks I go!

This year, no surprise, Macy’s brought me the best bargains and today I’m still on the lookout for Cyber Monday steals. Did you find any great deals?

Sharing Thanks

0 · Nov 26, 2014 ·

It’s Gretta’s birthday today (can you believe she’s 2 already!? Flashback to her 1st birthday here) and I’m busy making cake, wrapping a quick present and packing to head out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday but in the midst of it all I’m going to totally be cheesy and cliché here and share a few of the things I have to be thankful for.

No doubt this has been a year of trials and struggles, I feel like a broken record as I’ve said that about the last few years in general. There’s been loss and heartache, ups and downs and challenges for sure. I cannot deny that life is full of struggle. I am hardly the eternal optimist.

Never the less, I am thankful for this space where I can share little tidbits and advice, tips on wedding and life planning, creating beautiful blooms and parts of my heart. I am thankful for you who continue to read the random thoughts that I choose to blog about. I’m thankful that you don’t criticize and critique me too much.

I’m so thankful for all the couples who have hired me to be a part of their 2014 celebration. I finished my last wedding of the season this past weekend (yes, I know I said that at the end of October but I snuck one more in there – more on that later!). I’m ready for a time of rest and refresh until next year which will undoubtedly be my busiest yet, it’s looking seriously fabulous and I can’t wait to celebrate with my 2015 couples!

And I’m thankful for my family. They’re crazy, and often annoying and pushy and intrusive and completely loving, supportive and the greatest people ever. The definition of family is constantly changing for me as people seem to come and go out of my life. There’s the pain of loss but on the other end, we also celebrate the joy of new life.

This joy will be celebrated again in 2015. We’re excited to announce that our family of three will soon be four, with our newest addition set to arrive mid-March. And we’re thankful for that.

So may you all be blessed and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lastly, I cannot forget all the vendors who have supported my creative talents and ventures, including the incredibly talented Kellie, of Hetler Photography, who took the above photos and who has had constant faith in my abilities. Thank you!!

A Leaky Update

1 · Oct 29, 2014 ·

One of the things I was most excited about once I got married was not only my new hubby, but also the prospect of living together and finally having my own house. I’m decorator at heart and moving from apartment to apartment, living out of boxes and never having a place that was truly my style did not suit me very well, but it did suit my college lifestyle and prior to meeting Hubby I was a bit of a roamer.

The spring before we said “I do” we took the plunge and signed the purchase agreement on our very first home. Oh the stories I could tell about my little 1950’s ranch, the adventures in remodeling since Trudy handed over the keys and all the paint spilled, blood shed (some of us aren’t very graceful with hand tools) and tears cried over of the projects that seemed like they would simply never end. So to any of you DIY-ers or newlyweds embarking on this section of their journey, I pass on a fair warning. We have now lived in our house for over 4 1/2 years and the to-do list is ever growing and my bathroom is still decked out with 80’s style faux gold marble countertops and wallpaper on the ceiling. It’s pretty glamorous.

What I am learning is maybe it’s not quite as practical as I once thought to try to accomplish everything yourself. Help is a good thing. And thankfully, help is finally on the way. Now this doesn’t mean that we’ve given up on saving our pretty pennies, it simply means that that giant leaking hole in my ceiling I wrote about last winter is finally being fixed. Hallelujah!!! We had a final meeting today with our construction company and a mere 9 months after the incident, the insurance company and construction crew are finally pulling through for us and my house is going to be put back together. I am so ready to toss those rain buckets aside. (And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, read this post from last February and add in A LOT more damage than what that post originally suggests, new floors, roof repairs, paint etc).

So because I know people are nosy and wonder what in the world wedding planners do in the “off season”, I’m going to tell you. Be prepared for construction updates, tales of woe from construction days gone by and maybe I’ll even give you a little tour of my home someday, we’ll see ;).

Welcome to our house and all the adventures that happen after you say “I do.”

Photo by Hetler Photography, last November at Gretta’s first birthday party. Oh my goodness does time fly!!

Saying “Pish Posh”

0 · Sep 25, 2014 ·

It was around this time back in 2011 that I had my first paid floral order. It was a small order, 3 arrangements for a casual, catered dinner party. Needless to say, I was excited.

I researched and schemed. I gathered information and I was going to make these arrangements be the most beautiful flowers anyone had ever seen. Being as it was September, I choose to add some autumn hints, with browns and burgundy, a few sunflowers and some seeded eucalyptus. One large mantel display and two centerpieces later, I was almost pleased with myself. It was missing something…

So off I went for a walk. The perfect mix of green and yellow is what I sought and I found it easily within my reach, right in the comfort of my own yard. Now they were perfect. The foraged greens added the perfect amount of extra texture and completed my color palette.

Upon arrival with my arrangements, the secretary in charge of the dinner did not share my enthusiasm for the foraged greenery I was so proud of. In fact, other than some pleasantries about how nice it was to meet me, the only comment I heard about my flowers was “these greens, they look like they’re dead”.

I was mortified. I thought I had found a way for me to create; I thought I was stepping outside of the comforts and confines of a traditional floral shop and perhaps even finding my niche. I had always picked roadside blooms and other treasures for my garden, I didn’t see why I couldn’t do it even if I were selling the arrangements. And so I let one negative comment stop my vision of becoming a floral designer. Fear and judgment took over.

A year passed before I played with more flowers. And even then it was mostly for my own viewing pleasure. Her voice was always there, in the back of my head questioning my every move, every flower I choose and leaf I picked.

Today I would like to say “Pish Posh” to her. Her who had the audacity to question my art and pass criticism my way. Today I understand that negative criticism will always be lurking around the corner but I will press forward, maybe learning from my mistakes and maybe just taking it with a grain of salt.

“The voice you believe will determine the future you experience.” — I saw this quote last night and thought it was so fitting.

The above bouquet was 100% foraged from my garden and might include a couple of “weeds” from my yard, but I think it’s kind of lovely in its own spunky way. The picture was captured by Hetler Photography.

Waiting

0 · Aug 27, 2014 ·

Waiting. I fear we live in a world where that concept is lost. It’s old fashioned not to have instant gratification. It’s rare not to have something new in your hands moments after discovering that you want it.

On Monday, I was sent of preview of what was to be posted on Once Wed this week. It was all about waiting. I have waited since May to see the results of the photo shoot which I had a very small role in producing along with my other Team Flower girls. And it was worth the wait.

“In ancient Hebrew culture when a bride and groom were engaged, there was a time of separation, of waiting. Rather than planning every detail of their wedding day together, the groom needed to leave his bride at her home and go to his father’s house to build a room for he and his bride to live in when they married. She never knew exactly when her groom would return, but she trusted him and waited. This trust brought peace and rest to her mind. In that time she prepared herself for his arrival, fully confident he would return at just the right time.”

The idea of not knowing when something will happen, especially something as big as a wedding, is so foreign. I feel as though I would explode from the lack of knowledge and constantly living on the edge of my seat, thinking every moment I needed to be prepared, at my best and completely ready.

I must admit, patience is not a strong suit of mine. But I feel lately that I’ve been sitting here waiting for something – something great, I just don’t know what yet. I’ve left my blog full of silence this month and I’ve just waited for the perfect thing to share. And while my month may have been filled with busy, it was also full of questions. So what’s next? What exactly am I waiting for?

The above picture is simply a tease, you must see the entire feature starring Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers & Heather Payne Photography, along with full vendor credits here.

Destine to Bloom

0 · Aug 6, 2014 ·

Photo by Heather Payne Photography

I think it’s really funny how life turns out sometimes. I mean you head down one path and completely turn and do a 180, finding were meant to be on another all along. And the answers really were simple, and right there in front of you – you just never knew it.

My great grandma was a lover of flowers. She had beautiful gardens and knew every variety. Sadly I just recently learned this and I never had the opportunity to meet her. But here I am, unknowingly following in her footsteps. It’s like all along this journey was there, it’s in my blood, and all I had to do was reach out and accept it.

Do you believe destiny is in your blood?

An Evening in the Orchard

0 · Jul 21, 2014 ·

Spring brings a magical time when blooms are all about. I love finding excuses to drive by the orchards in all their flowering glory. The cherry orchards might just be my favorite as they remind me of my childhood trips to Grandma’s house but just about any flowering tree will bring a smile my my face.

This year I promised myself that I would have more pictures taken. I want to capture moments in life before they fade away. I want to remember Gretta’s spiky pigtails, how she hated to wear shoes (but loved to carry them around) and the way her eyes light up every time she sees her daddy.

Back in May these two things collided. My friend Kellie so graciously offered to spend a evening in a blossoming apple orchard and help me preserve a piece of my life. Thank you Kellie. Now the challenge is to pick my favorites to hang on my walls.

Photography: Hetler Photography / Styling & Flowers: The Day’s Design / Loveseat: Fancy Fray / Location: Private Orchard

Always capture the laughter, you may need to remember it in a time of sadness.

Blackbirds

0 · Jun 25, 2014 ·

Image via

When I was younger my favorite bird was the starling, or more commonly known as the blackbird. I just loved their dark color and the almost iridescent appearance their feathers took on at the tips of their wings. To me, this was shiny and sparkly and well, who wouldn’t love a sparkly bird!?

It was then pointed out to me that these birds were a nuisance, not pretty show birds and that I shouldn’t like them. So I set my sights on the bold cardinal in his brilliant red and the sweet, but rarely seen bluebird. I appreciated the speckled coat of the woodpecker and the playful yellow of the finch. But secretly, I still always liked it when Mr. Blackbird landed in my yard.

How often do we do this? How often do we stop liking something simply because someone tells us that it isn’t “cool”? Guilty – right here, point the finger at me!

One of the interesting things about working from home is the way you form ideas and opinions. There’s no one here to tell me my idea blows or that I shouldn’t consider something. There’s no one here at all. So when I come across something I love, I’m free to love it without any judgment passed. Working in my own personal space allows me to be me. Then I step outside of my little bubble and am sometimes hit with the harsh reality that my idea is a little crazy. But I’ve psyched myself up all day about it. So I either re-evaluate and either drop it or stick with my gut. Ultimately though, it is my decision.

I’m probably not going to take up bird watching anytime soon, and I’ve definitely started loving lots of other birds and their “not shiny” feathers. Even as I was looking for a picture to go with this post (because sadly I didn’t have anything in my portfolio with blackbirds, ha!), the words “pest” and “how to get rid of blackbirds” were displayed first and foremost across Google’s results. But sometimes you can find beauty in even the peskiest things. So I think we should always remember to keep ourselves happy and don’t be afraid of standing up for what we like, there’s beauty in that too.

Wild & Free

0 · Jun 23, 2014 ·

Over the weekend I read the quote “All good things are wild and free” – Henry David Thoreau.

I can’t get it out of my head.

I don’t know the original context or what point he was trying to make when he said those words, but I do have this feeling of home when I read it. I feel like it’s somehow belongs with me and holds a liberating truth.

When I think about how I want my life to be, the words contained, ordinary and tame do not come to mind. Not in the least bit. But rather I have this imagery of myself running barefoot through an open field of wild flowers a warm breeze running through my hair. Wild and free.

I think of the majestic lioness on the prowl through the safari of African, graceful and strong. She’s stalking her prey, caring for her young and soaking up the hot summer sun. Wild and free.

I think of a lush, hand picked bouquet. Each flower allowed to shine with it’s own grace, evoking a feeling reminiscent of the garden where it once belonged. Draping greenery, curled stems and delicate petals all speak with their own voice bringing the bouquet to life, not forced to conform into a tight arrangement but able to dance in the fresh air. Wild and free.

Doesn’t that just seem like the way life should be?

Above is my Baby Bean — barefoot and free 🙂 By Hetler Photography.

Happy Anniversary

1 · Jun 19, 2014 ·

On June 19, 2010 I said “I do” to my hubby — if only then I had realized the journey that we would sure to begin. It’s been full of struggles, laughter, the craziness of buying a house and meeting our beautiful little girl. A wild ride doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But today I thought I could share a little about my “fairytale wedding”, since it’s something I am quite frequently asked about. I think there’s this common curiosity about the life and romance of anyone who is involved in the wedding industry and perhaps even an expectation that somehow they’re destine to be more romantic, more thoughtful and have “better parties”. Please push all of these preconceived notions aside as I share my wedding day.

The ceremony took place at my grandparent’s house on Lake Leelanau. I was a crazy bride who felt like she had something to prove. I wasn’t yet an event planner, but I was on my journey to being one and knew that was my end goal. So I thought I had to do everything myself and I diy-ed my little heart out to the point of exhaustion, including my own wedding flowers — but that I wouldn’t have any other way.

Approximately 80 guests were greeted with a perfect, partly sunny, 75 degree day. We simply could not have asked for a nicer afternoon. And right there on the shores of Lake Leelanau I vowed to make Hubby mine, forever and always.

We didn’t write our own vows. We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. It was a pretty traditional ceremony. And to be honest, I can’t remember all the details in perfect clarity, although looking through these pictures is definitely bring back some memories from the day.

I was determined to have great “exit” photos. So the guest threw birdseed. I had birdseed down my dress until I laid my head down on my pillow that night.

After the ceremony, we were fortunate enough to schedule lots of time for pictures which also allowed our family and friends to explore a little of Leelanau’s beauty before cocktail hour. It also gave us a few minutes of alone time which is so valuable on your wedding day. We took a trolley into Leland, which is where the reception would be held, and it’s so conveniently located to Fishtown and Lake Michigan – 2 must have spots for pictures.

The shores of Lake Michigan will forever own my heart. Leelanau is truly my home away from home, and it was so special to share such a sacred place with all of our friends and family and celebrate there. It now holds even more meaning and while I’m definitely a sentimental person, I would highly recommend to anyone host your wedding in a place the feels like home, that feels like where you want to be and where you want your forever to begin.

Catering by Kelly’s did an amazing job serving our guest a local feast. The Old Art Building was an absolutely perfect back drop for our reception. And a huge thank you is owed to everyone who helped bring our day to life 4 years ago.

But the details and memories fade. Some of the faces in these photos have now left us. Time moves forward. So I think we just need to remember to keep everything in perspective and always keep in mind the goal at the end of the day is to be married. To have that person that you want to spend the rest of your life with by your side.

It’s not about the cake, the dress, the decorations — which are all details I love. It’s about the one you can’t live without. The one you want to spend your forever with.

Photography: Shannon Scott Photography / Design & Flowers: The Day’s Design / Ceremony location: Private Residence on Lake Leelanau / Reception Location: The Old Art Building / Catering: Catering by Kelly’s / Cake: Dana Wilmer-Lucus / DJ: Moments in Time / Dress: Casablanca from Bridal Elegance / Men’s Suits: Macy’s

Happy Anniversary Hunny!!

A Blank Canvas

0 · Jun 17, 2014 ·

We just sold our huge dining room set. It was a solid maple Ethan Allen table which easily expanded to seat 10 people, along with a huge matching hutch. It was pretty – but it wasn’t right for me. It was so nice that I was scared to touch it and would panic every time guests came to dinner. Considering Hubby is a chef and we love to host dinner parties, this is pretty ridiculous, right?

It’s funny how having an empty dining room is a huge weight off my shoulders. It seems so airy and bright, open to new possibilities and full of freshness.

So what’s next? Well that’s the thing, I don’t have to have it all figured out just yet. Possibly a new office space which could then easily be turned dining room when the occasional presents itself? Or maybe a better place to craft, put together awesome event details and florals? I don’t know.

My previous visions of a new creative space for me aren’t falling into place exactly as planned. There are some hiccups in the scheming of the basement remodel. As a planner, this is sometimes hard to swallow. Sometimes it’s hard to admit that I don’t have a plan or my plans changed. But here’s what I’ve come to realize – first off, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. And secondly, I plan ALL THE TIME, it’s just what I do. I don’t think there’s ever a moment in time where some sort of creative vision isn’t floating through my head. But I don’t bring them all to life. That doesn’t make me a failure and I’m still awesome with my craft. It just makes me human.

I was reminded of this last Friday as I sat in a room with about 35 other woman who are just trying to figure out their craft, hone their visions and find the right fit and purpose for them. They don’t have it all figured out yet, some are searching for website and social media answers while some are still trying to figure out what they were put on this earth to accomplish. Just because they haven’t figured it out yet doesn’t mean that I don’t respect them or think of them as less of a person or business woman. It just reminded me that this is a constant journey for everyone and I don’t have to feel 100% on top of my game every single moment in time. I should probably cut myself some slack.

For the moment I have a big blank canvas in front of me. And I love it.

Just a little sneak peek from Ashley Slater Photography of Bloom the Workshop last Friday — the styled shoot portion was so much fun, I loved creating these florals for Michaela’s beautiful tabletop.

Oh Dad..

0 · Jun 16, 2014 ·

Photo by Shannon Scott Photography

What would the world be like without Dads? I cannot even begin to fathom where I might be without mine. This amazing man helps feed my crazy… with his own crazy!! And while I know he doesn’t have Facebook, has probably never been on my blog and has no idea what Instagram is… he still needs this recognition. My dad has told me “No,” countless times, only to come back an hour later with blueprints in hand on how to make my “crazy” happen. And then he steps it up a notch, inspiring me to be even better.

So anytime I have an idea or inspiration or need to talk a business idea through, I go straight to Dad. Or if my project requires power tools that seem a bit too powerful to me (I have this totally irrational fear of losing my fingers!), to Dad I go and he makes it happen for me. Thanks for all your support, for showing me all the things that girls need to know and for making sure I always owned more tools than my boyfriends!

The Best Laid Plans

0 · Jun 11, 2014 ·

Its peony season here in West Michigan. It’s also time for me to prepare for my small part in Bloom the Workshop. How lucky could I possibly be that fate would bring these two happy occasions together in the same week!?

I have one sad little peony bush in my back yard. She’s slow to bloom and doesn’t produce many buds. But each year she comes back and brings me so much joy. And each year I’m stuck with this dilemma, to pick the flowers and bring them inside to enjoy for a fleeting moment in time or leave them on the bush – where I’ll see them much less but their loveliness will live on a little longer.

This year I decided that they would have a special purpose. They would be enjoyed by others and I would bring them along with me to Bloom the Workshop. They would live long after they’re gone in the memories of all my new creative friends.

In addition, I’ve spent my week scouting out the best roadside/garden side/woodland greens and blossoms to add to the ones that will my arriving shortly at my doorstep from my wholesaler. I never order all of my flowers from a wholesaler – I need to touch, feel and explore to make my creations perfect. I had a plan, a picking spot and even a travel route all schemed out.

And then came the rain.

My poor little peonies are sadly smushed to the ground. And while I haven’t exactly explored my other flowers which I was sure to forage – I have a sinking feeling that all their sweet little petals might not be in tack. What’s a girl to do?

I sadly made my way to the farmer’s market this morning in hopes of finding some fresh cut loveliness like I found the week before, only to find the stalls empty. So now friends, I have a mission. And I don’t know yet how this story is going to end or where my travels today might take me. All I know is that sometimes the best laid plans fail but I will not. I promised to deliver some gorgeous arrangements to Bloom and I don’t break my promises.

Above is a little something I put together earlier this week — and I might have snagged the image from Bloom’s Instagram feed. Be sure to follow along with me @thedaysdesign or the workshop directly @bloomtheworkshop

Why Does It Cost So Much?

0 · Jun 6, 2014 ·

Ever notice how much life costs? Yeah, I figured you have. It seems like you start a project, get all excited, plans made, blueprints drawn and then you start shopping. And once you start shopping the totals just keep add up, and up. And somehow, even though you had planned well and thought this was going to be simple it ended up costing so much more than originally estimated.

Why does it cost so much?

I’m not just talking about weddings, although there’s a huge case to be made for those (and you can read some follow blogger’s view on this subject here and here), but I think this is just plain old life in general. I’m so completely guilty of wanting to stick it to the big companies and get the best deal possible, taking after my dad and doubling, then tripling coupons finding a rebate and then in the end the store actually pays me to take the item off their shelves. Yup, this would call for a victory dance. So in the same manor, I try to negotiate and barter and score the best deals with everyone, always shopping around and exploring all possibilities. But somewhere down the line someone is feeling the pain of that discount. They might be working extra jobs to make up in quantity what their profit margins are lacking. Or maybe they just have to live a little bit more modest life. I don’t know those end stories.

What I can attest to is the surprisingly high costs of running a business and running life. And I don’t like to talk about money, but it is a part of living every day. As someone who runs their own business and wants to make you flowers for every occasion imaginable – for free—it pains me to say that my services don’t fit within your budget. I want to plan a stress free wedding day for you just because you deserve it. And I want to see a happy new married couple at the end of each day.

So here’s my biggest budgeting tip: plan for the unexpected. Something unexpected will happen – whether you fall in love with a piece of furniture that just has to be part of your new décor or a tree falls through your roof, I think we need to remember we’re not in complete control of our surroundings and when something unexpected happens, sometimes it costs A LOT.

{Similarly this is a huge piece of wedding advice I pass along too – something unexpected will happen at your wedding. Count on it.}

And then focus on the end goal. As totals keep adding up, consider whether or not the extra item is really needed or if that money might be better suited somewhere else or even left in your pocket. Remember what will truly make you happy. Always focus on what matters most.

So why does it cost so much? Because someone is trying to make a living by selling their product and services. It’s as simple as that.

And be cause donuts are better than balance sheets (supposidly it’s National Donut Day!!), here’s a photo by Unikke Photography.

Photography: The Art of Capturing Moments

0 · Jun 2, 2014 ·

I love beautiful photography. I think photographers have a really special job and I simply adore the way they can capture moments in time, feelings and emotions with just a single click of a button.

While being a photographer is something I do no aspire to do, I do wish I could capture the world in a way that truly represents the way I see it. Somehow snapping a photo with my phone doesn’t always sum up the scenery in front of my eyes. I suppose I’m a bit jealous.

In fact, there are days that I wish I could hire a photographer to just stand alongside me. To walk down the road with me and capture the different shades of green, the budding wildflowers and the gravel beneath my feet. I never want to forget the wonder in the world or take for granted the overgrown blades of grass between my toes.

A good photographer is able to preserve a feeling or perhaps help you find one that you didn’t know existed. They keep moments alive and show your day in a whole new light. Memories may fade, but the photos will live on. To all the amazing photographer’s out there – I ♥ you.

Kellie of Helter Photography is the beautifully gifted gal who captured my little Gretta James and I above.

A Pair of Rings

0 · May 28, 2014 ·

As I was scrolling through my social media feeds this morning I came across a picture of a bride. Not really a noteworthy occurrence. However, there was something about the picture that struck me. It was a fairly normal shot with the bride’s arms draped around her new husband’s neck in a romantic embrace, it also happened to show off her new jewelry. I almost just scrolled on past. But then I stopped.

Her wedding band wasn’t attached to her engagement ring. It was new, probably the first time she’d ever worn it. They weren’t soldered together or attached. They were just 2 pieces that perfectly complimented each other, sharing a space but keeping their own identity.

“Your engagement ring and wedding band should complement one another without feeling too matchy matchy.” Thanks Brides.com.

Sometimes I think after marriage we tend to loose ourselves a bit. Lives get busy, we combine our schedules, our furniture and our worlds. Before we know it, we completely forget who we were before we met “the one”. We become a set, fused together and seldom seen apart. I encourage this, man and wife should be as one. But we also need our alone time to shine. We should remember that each ring individually is lovely and unique even if the designer’s true intent is to create a set.

I couldn’t find the picture again after I wrote this post about it, so we’ll have to sett for this lovely shot by Chelsea Seekell from last summer instead.

Rest

0 · May 22, 2014 ·

Yesterday I returned home from Philosophy Flowers workshop. First off, let me just say that Kelly Perry herself is an absolutely enchanting and sweet soul with a huge passion and fabulous eye for floral. Secondly, each and every other girl I met while there was just as delightful. I was truly in flower heaven sitting with my flower friends in the mountains of Boone, NC.

One of the common themes that kept repeating itself throughout the workshop was the idea of rest. While this workshop did truly feel like more of a vacation than “work” – I would not necessarily say it was restful. Truth be told, I was exhausted by the end of my trip – and getting up at 3:30 in the morning to travel home didn’t exactly help that!

But when I finally made it home, I saw my world in a whole new light. Stepping away from the everyday enabled me to be filled with new wonder upon my return. Yesterday I took a walk and I simply saw things differently. I fell in love with flowers even deeper while away and that new light and appreciation followed me home. I stopped and picked some branches and blooms up along my walk. I paid attention to the very subtle color variations and imagined all new flower combinations.

Rest is good for the soul. Working too hard will just wear you out and make you weary. We weren’t put on this earth to be run down, but rather to embrace new friendships, to worship and rejoice.

Enjoy your Memorial Day and get some rest friends, I’m going to spend it with my little family {pictured above by Hetler Photography}!!

Up North Living & Summertime on My Mind

0 · May 2, 2014 ·

Summertime. The word itself just brings a smile to my face. I think about sunshine, lemonade and long days spent at the beach. This is a little funny though, considering I rarely drink lemonade and I live a good 35+ minutes from the beach. Maybe I should substitute white wine and backyard grilling.

Growing up, I lived even farther from the beach. A lot farther. I would drive 4 hours to get to my Grandparent’s house on Lake Leelanau. It was a drive that was worth every minute. When I lived on the east side of Michigan, your options for going to the beach were a bit more limited. There were a couple meaningless, no name (or at least names I don’t know) lakes that may have been swimmable and then you could drive to Lake Huron. Now no offense to Mr. Huron – but that lake fails to even hold a candle to the light of Lake Michigan.

So into the car we jumped every summer to make the 4 hour journey to Grandpa and Grandma’s house. And when we arrived, summer could then begin.

Every time I see a picture of Fishtown or even Traverse City in my social media feed, I can’t help but feel a little jealously and longing. Can I please have another excuse to go Up North? Will you please let me plan your wedding up there??? (I’m not begging – I’m asking very nicely, with lots of urgency behind it!)

I still make that trip as often as possible, especially since it’s gotten a little shorter now that I live in Grand Rapids. And while someday, I hope to live a little closer to the lakeshore but still remaining in West Michigan, I don’t think that will ever stop me from traveling to Leelanau, which will forever be my home away from home.

Photo by Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}, did you know that I was lucky enough to have my wedding reception in Leland, Michigan?

I’m Not Perfect

0 · Apr 29, 2014 ·

There’s lots of talk in this industry about the “perfect” wedding. Whether it’s picture perfect or runs perfectly smooth, I think we’re given this false hope that if we plan correctly, hire the exact right vendors and read enough wedding blogs/magazines, then you’re day will indeed be perfect.

I might have other ideas. I will not plan your “perfect” wedding because in fact, I’m not perfect.

Case in point: every single inspiration shoot I have taken part in has had something go wrong or in some way did not turn out EXACTLY as I had envisioned. I’m not going to point out to you these flaws, as you might not recognize them right away and I’ll just let you think I planned things certain ways. However, this is under a very controlled environment and scenario where there are unexpecteds (think weather – which is a HUGE one, being sent the wrong linen, stepping on a bee…ouch!), so I’m sure you can imagine what might happened during a real event, where there are hundreds of people verses my 4 models and one crazy Uncle Lou might have been served too much to drink.

Humans aren’t perfect. We say the wrong things, post insulting and harmful things on social media and have typos in our writings. And I think there’s this immediate need to respond and point out these imperfections, which seems all too wrong. “I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection”.

All we can really do is make the best decision with the resources you have laid out in front of you. You can surround yourself with the best support system and do what you can with what you have. Find vendors you trust, make decisions that make sense and live in the moment. That is the best advice I can possibly give you while planning your wedding (and pretty much every other piece of life).

Here’s a little sneak peek from my last project with Heather Cisler Photography. Another perfectly, imperfect project (hello major wind storm!), with more to share soon!

One Step at a Time

0 · Apr 18, 2014 ·

Do you ever see people around you doing amazing things and think “well, that’s just part of their personality, they’re super bold and outgoing. I could never do that”. Oh my, I have these thoughts a lot. I tell myself that I can’t do things because I don’t know how. And I don’t even know where to get started or who to ask.

But once there was a time when I had never planned a wedding. At one point I had never emailed another vendor. There was a while when I never planned a photo shoot. And at one time I had never written a blog post and The Day’s Design’s website didn’t exist. But somehow I figured it out (right, wrong or otherwise!)

I was thinking about all of this this morning as I’m gearing up for Easter and then a busy week ahead of that. I started to panic, as I often do, thinking that my designs might not work out or something could go wrong. Both true points. But I have to start somewhere. If I never move forward because I’m scared of the results, then I’ll just be left standing still. And that just seems silly.

One step at a time. Whatever you’re working on, just take one step at a time.

I hope you have a fabulous Easter. I’m going to leave you with a picture from my first large scale photo shoot – I was 9 months pregnant and didn’t have a clue what I was doing. But Bradley James Photography rocked it for me! And the pictures are still some of my very favorites (you can see the whole feature here.)

Happy Easter!!

What is True Will Last

0 · Apr 14, 2014 ·

The definition of success has been on my mind a lot lately. And to be honest, there are days I don’t feel very successful. There are days that I struggle, need all the pep talks in the world and still can’t find my motivation because it seems like I might never be successful. The future does not always look sunny and bright.

But then I have to check myself because I’m basing my definition of success on worldly things. Money does not equal success. I think happiness is a much truer measuring stick. Yes, there is some correlation between the two. While money might not buy happiness, it definitely can make life a lot less stressful, and if my life were less stressful I’d call that a success!

At the age of 22, I had already had many bumps in my road. I remember one day meeting with an old friend. I believe his intentions were good as he was sharing with me about his new business venture and his success and all the money he was making. I remember being wowed. And then I felt small and lost my confidence. I know this was not his intent, he wanted to inspire me. But I felt like I wasn’t enough.

So I turned to writing, which has been a long time practice of mine whenever I’ve felt troubled or at a loss. I remember writing these words like it was yesterday (although I can’t find where I actually wrote them). Am I successful? I have loved, I have lost. I’ve been to the bottom and made my way back up again. And at times I might still stumble but I’m still standing. So am I successful? Damn straight I am.

I think back to that point often, not to relive the past but to learn from it. I counted myself as successful even thought I was a single girl living in a crappy apartment working her way through school. But it was MY apartment and I paid my own bills and created my own life. I was a confident, 22 year old woman with some ugly in her pasts but a whole word of hope in front of her. And what is true will last (thanks for that little quote Katie!) So think of yourself as successful and you will be. Stay true and find your path. And never let anyone tell you that you aren’t enough. Only you can make your dreams come true. You hold the key to your own success.

Flower make me happy. And happiness and love define success in my book. Thanks Hetler Photography for capturing both above.

Life Adventures

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