Weddings

How to Create a Blushy Mauve & Blue Celebration

0 · Mar 5, 2020 ·

Colors I’m seeing a lot of this year aren’t too far off from what I’ve been working with in previous years. Still lots of blush, which seems to morph a little more into mauve and blue. Lots and lots of blue. Now living by the lakeshore, I’m not sure that blues will ever completely fade away. And I’m completely okay with that.

Obviously there are hundreds of different ways to go about using these colors. Bridesmaids dresses, table clothes, napkins, ribbons, soft seating, flowers… the list goes on. Often I think one of the biggest struggles when trying to piece together the various parts of your event decor is understanding what’s actually available from shops or rental places near you. We see lots of inspiration image floating around in magazines and online, but sometimes it’s just one tabletop or dinner party being shown. Figuring out how to recreate that on a larger scale, when you have 20 guest tables can be a bit more challenging. It might look really cool to have a bunch of handmade custom vases from a local artist on the table (and I completely support shopping local!) but at $25-75 each or more, that’s not always easily achievable for an entire celebration.

The other challenge is knowing how to balance the colors. How to make it make it feel like a peaceful, serene and utterly romantic wedding day (which is how I personally percieve this color comb0) rather than just splashing these 3 colors in every which direction. Chosing an item simply because it fits with your color scheme isn’t always the best idea. Things can start to feel polka-dotted or overwhelming… and planning a wedding is overwhelming enough!

My goal is to show off pieces in my inventory, or available from companies that I regularly work with, to bring the event vision to life.

We’re starting with a pastel or neutral linen. I’m suggesting a patterned one, but not too bold. Then pairing it with a simple white napkin. Depending upon how busy the reception space is, you could replicate this look on all the tables or even invert the design, creating some tablescapes with solid linens and using the patterened napkins. Overall though, I love the look of a textured or slightly patterned linen and the way it enhances the overall look of the reception. If I had to place a first place vote, it would be using this patterened linen that says blush, but also leans mauve. It’s a little classic without being old school The texture is classy and earthy all at the same time.

Vases and vessels are not always the statement pieces of a room. But for this look, I’m suggesting using a bold navy and slate tones which will add in the blue to our color scheme. The blue glass vases will give a classic, timeless appeal but pairing them with the slate blue ceramic ones will give it a modern edge. Of course this only translates to budvases in my personal inventory, I’d most likey just use a simple white or gold vessel for my more classic compote style centerepieces.

Next I want to layer in modern gold flatware, for a couple reasons. First off, I love the way it ties in with the gold on the navy glass vases. Secondly, gold flatware always feels fresh, like an extra layer of thought was put into the place settings, but not in an overly fussy way because it’s functional. Functional details don’t feel over extravegant because they are necessary. You have to use plates and flatware, you might as well make them beautiful.

Now that we have our table base, let’s talk flowers. I want fluffy romance. Lots of texture pairs well with this in soft tones. Fresh whites with kisses of mauve and blush.

If we want to explore the color use into attire, let’s use a little blush and a little navy. Yes, we’ve seen it before but that doesn’t make it any else beautiful.

wedding party photograph: Kelly Sweet Photography

From ballroom, tent to barn… this color palette is so transitional. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Real Weddings :: Sarah & Matt

0 · Feb 27, 2019 ·

Prior to this day, I had never been to Grosse Pointe. I had never met Sarah in person, despite our many phone calls and email exchanges. I was traveling alone and it was a long drive. None the less, I knew this was going to be a good day.

I drove through neighborhoods of impressive houses and perfectly groomed lawns. The gates and roadways were so well manicured and my rusty Tahoe (rest in peace old girl) stuck out like a handful of sore thumbs against the luxury sedans around me. I was like a fish out of water, a little country girl from the middle of nowhere Michigan, trying to fit into this gorgeous yacht club scene. But I reminded myself, it was going to be a good day.

Trusty Rusty may have turned some heads and raised a couple of eyebrows, but as soon as people see the beautiful blooms in your hands, any questioning looks immediately disappear. My doubts fade when I have flowers in my hands. There’s a confidence in my ability, regardless of where I’ve traveled. Flowers make people happy. And this was a happy day.

Sarah and I met for the first time that day. It was a meeting I won’t soon forget with an embrace as though we were long lost friends. The energy in the room as the girls were getting ready was contagious.

I met my team on site and we got to work, fluffing centerpieces and placing candles. Perfecting each arrangement and making sure each bloom was perfectly placed. The process included hauling marble tables up multiple flights of stairs, carrying 20 some centerpieces into an impeccably designed nautical room and building a table scape on site to be stretched down the head table. We wrap our ribbons around the bouquets right before they were to be photographed, pinned each of the buttonholes onto the guys lapels and dedicated our day to making sure set up as perfect as humanly possible. By the time I left the venue, the bride and groom had exchanged first looks, wedding portraits were well underway and the guests were due to begin arriving at any time.

It’s not a process to be hurried. So much time and care was spent in designing the flowers. Sarah and I spend hours communicating about her favorite blooms, imagining how they would pair with her napkins and what vessels should be used. We searched and search for the perfect shade of taper candle (which oddly enough, we swapped out on the day of, once seeing it in the room – terra cotta was exchanged for butter yellow). I stayed and styled the stationary with Samantha James Photography and moved the table numbers that the venue coordinator placed right in front of the bride’s favorite centerpiece flowers. Are these tasks that all florist do? Maybe some, but others just drop the arrangement and run. But something would be missing if that were the way I operated. The bride would feel it and so would I.

At 11:00pm that night I came back alone. I made sure all the candles were burned out and picked up any remaining flowers. I was tired. It was a long day. I had travel ahead of me still. But the smiles that remained on the bride and grooms’ faces at the end of the night instantly rejuvenated me. Because this day wasn’t about me. I knew an exhaustion I felt was all worth it. I had gotten to be a part of another once in a lifetime celebration. And it was a good day.

Photography: Samantha James Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Wedding Design: Megan Styled | Venue: Grosse Pointe Yacht Club | Stationary: Shasta Bell Calligraphy

Behind the Scenes with a Floral Designer

0 · Aug 29, 2018 ·

6 years ago I started a wedding planning business. It was a scary leap born out of near necessity and while I was very familiar with the wedding industry, I can’t say I really knew what exactly I was doing. I had a plan but at the same time, I was plan-less.

Nature took it’s course and as most things do, my business evolved. It grew. It began to change and slowly I determined my own styles, drives, passions and things that I really wanted to create, which was more than just the industry trends.

And along with way I fell in love with flowers.

I fell in love with flowers so much so that they became a key competent to my business, they became part of my brand and identity and what drew clients to me. Today, I plan very few wedding but rather focus my energies into the design. Flowers are the main part of that, but there’s also more. I assist with color schemes, finding local flowers, fruits and design options, linens, textures, table layouts, candlelight and ambiance, and all the little details that set the mood for the event. Its much like designing home, I want it to be warm and inviting and comfortable or maybe more elegant. I want it to feel like the couple that the night will be celebrating and pulling together the pieces of the puzzle can be a challenge all within itself. The space will also be photographed like crazy, so every detail must be perfect.

I get a lot of questions about my job. From people who don’t understand why my job is a job, from those who are genuinely curious and from others who think that I must have the most amazingly fun profession ever (and they might just be right!) Step into my studio with me and let’s take a closer look, answering a few of my most frequently asked questions…

Do you have a storefront?

Right now, no. Someday? Maybe. I actually looked into purchasing the cutest little flower shop that was for sale last spring but things just didn’t fall into place. Currently, I’ve converted my basement into a studio space and it meets pretty much all of my needs. When we move next month, I’m going to have a building all of my own on our property, which will be really awesome (you can read more about our coming move here).

Do you only design flowers for weddings?

Yes and no. Since I do not have a storefront, I don’t keep flowers stocked in my studio all the time. With wholesalers having order minimums for shipping and the nearest wholesale supplier is over an hour drive, so logistically it makes since for me to order large amounts of flowers at a time and weddings seem to be the biggest market for volume orders of flowers. Of course I’m happy to accommodate large parties, anniversaries and other celebrations. I’ve definitely toyed with the idea of having flowers on hand on a more consistent basis but haven’t really figured out the best way to do this. Once in awhile, I even design a little something for myself.

You must have flowers in your house all the time?

Once in awhile I may design something for myself, but the reality is I have flowers in my home no more than anyone else. Another florist posed this question and shared the her reality was a few dying blooms in a drinking glass. That pretty much sums it up. Although I’m trying to improve this situation because flowers equal happiness and I want a happy home.

Why do you travel so much for weddings?

When I started my business, I was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There’s a pretty large wedding market in the city and surrounding areas. But even so, I was finding that my designs seemed to appeal to those getting married in less traditional places, taking me to the lake shore, towards unique barns and unconvential venues and into Northern Michigan. 2 1/2 year ago we moved to Big Rapids, which is about an hour north and there’s no wedding industry here. I mean, I’m sure there are people who live here that are getting married, but I’ve been part of very few of their celebrations. There just seem to be a lack of venues, amoungst other challenges. So I continued to drive to Grand Rapids and surrounding areas and still north. Sometimes I get an air bnb and design remotely or sometimes it means I get up early and am on the road to deliver flowers across the state, it simply depends on the flowers being used and the logistics of the day.

What inspires you?

Isn’t this a loaded question? Design, nature, history, nostalgia, having a story to tell – just to touch on a few.

Why The Day’s Design and TownLine Journal?

6 years ago when I started The Day’s Design, I also started blogging. I wanted to write about the little journey my business was on and also provide helpful articles and tips for my clients. I called it The Day’s Dream, which was The Day’s Design’s blog. Over time, my vision and mission has evolved. The previous question about what inspires me took hold of my heart and while I love The Day’s Design, it was time for this space to become more personal and break free from the umbrella of being a wedding blog, because I’m inspired by so much more. I wrote more on this topic awhile back, which you can read here.

I also created new social media, one Facebook page and Instagram for The Day’s Design where it’s strictly wedding and flowers. Then another for TownLine Journal, which is more about the person behind the blooms, aka, me (the Facebook and Instagram handles are linked). The story that inspires life and my personal journey through it all – motherhood, business ownership, being a wife, interior design, country living and the balancing act of it all.

What’s next? When do you move? How’s wedding season going?

I’m putting these all together into one jumbled question because that’s how I feel right now. Jumbled. I found myself walking around Meijer today without the slightest clue why I was there, receiving 3 phone calls, 4 texts and 2 emails while in the store and walking out without my wine or dill pickle relish. I’m currently in the busiest stretch of my season, school is starting for Gretta and we move next week. I also have big plans for both The Day’s Design and TownLine Journal but need a quick minute to capture my breathe before I can take action on any of it.

Up the road ahead will be a new farmhouse to decorate, a new studio to design and many new clients that I will have the honor of working with. There will be a little more temporary silence in this space but big things are on the horizon.

Photography: Helter Photography

Do you have more questions about design, weddings, anything? Ask away, I’d love to help however I can! Send an email to hello@eventsbythedaysdesign.com or leave a comment below.

How to Carry a Bridal Bouquet

2 · Jul 18, 2018 ·

So many of my posts here are born out of a rant. Things that drive me crazy with weddings, décor or the world. This one is no exception. Because there is something graceful and romantic about the way flowers should linger in a bride’s arms. They should be held gingerly and with love. They are an accessory to the overall attire of a bride and a focal point in one’s bridal portraits. When I am presented with inspiration photos or a stunning bouquet captures my attention online, the flowers definitely do a lot of speaking but it’s not only that, it’s the way it’s held, photographed and treasured. So when I see my flowers (which are my art – my heart and soul has gone into designing each and every piece) captured in an unfavorable manor I am immediately hit with a wave of sadness, wishing I could be the stylist on each and every wedding day making sure every detail is perfect.

Since that’s not a realistic option and most people aren’t quite as dramatic about their blooms as I tend to be, I’m simply going to share my word of advice here, lending some guidance. I always want the flowers to look incredible in person, but when your wedding day is over, the memories will eventually fade and your pictures are what you have left to reminisce upon. So let’s make sure that they’re every bit as amazing as your real life memories.

Stems Tucked in Towards the Body

First things first, make sure stems are tucked in towards the body and the faces of the flowers are facing out.

In the above picture, the bouquet is being held vertically, so the stems are parallel to the body. While this doesn’t make the photo “ugly”, it could be so much better because this isn’t the angle that the bouquet was designed to face.

Above our model simply tipped the bouquet forward bringing to flowers to the of attention. The stems are tucked in closer to her body. My bouquets are intensionally created with very short stems, making this much easier to accomplish.

Make Sure the Ribbon is Over You Hands

Long trailing silk ribbons are really popular right now. I love some of the hand-dyed options, like this one from Silk and Willow. However, I’m saddened when the beauty of these ribbons is hidden behind the bride’s fingers. Most times, I’m fairly certain that it’s unintentional, however I want to point it out just the same.

See how our model’s hands are crinkling the bow and blocking the ribbons? Below I’ll share a few ways that we still photographed the bride’s ring, but also capture the ribbons and flowers in a more favorable position.

Let the ribbon loosly flow over your fingers, showing off is delicate nature.

Play with Different Positions to Hold it In

I know I contradict myself often when I talk about flowers. I have been known to mention taking really good care of your bouquet, making sure it’s handled gently and given lots of water throughout the wedding day. I think this puts people in a panic, like they can’t set it down and touch any part of it besides the stems. Flowers are delicate and parishable, but they can handle being used a little. So don’t be afraid to really “hold onto” your bouquet. And here are some of my favorite ways to do so.

I love this one because the bouquet is slightly tipped to the side, with the stems still hidden. It gives a a different vantage point and elongates the lines of the bouquet.

Here the bouquet is completely vertical, almost making it appear as though it’s a cascading bouquet.

Resting the bouquet on your hip, either in front of you or behind you is a really comfortable way to hold the flowers during your portraits and gives the pictures interest making them seem artsy, but not unnatural.

I love the nonchalant feeling of the bouquet being tossed over the bride’s shoulder. It especially gorgeous here because it’s almost hard to see where her bouquet ends and her hairpiece starts.

No matter how you choose to hold your bouquet, my biggest take aways from this post are hide the stems – you’re paying for flowers! Show off your gorgeous ribbons and do what feels comfortable.

If a Florist Wed

0 · May 16, 2018 ·

Last spring I had an idea. I was thinking about my own wedding day, how frazzled and jumbled it all I was. I was thinking about where I placed my focus and how it really could have been improved. I reflect back on tweaks and improvements for every wedding day, but my own has stuck with me a little longer.

My number one regret is trying to take on too much myself. I enlisted the help of my family and friends but never really sat back to soak in the day. I felt guilty for my family working so hard and worried that something would go wrong.

This has always been at the forefront of my mind and is one of the huge reasons that I started my business. But last spring I took this idea a step further. I began to contemplate what it’s like in general for someone in the wedding industry to wed. There’s an extra level of stress and pressure and this idea that everything must be perfect because not only is this finally their turn, but it also reflects back as an extension of their portfolio – whether they want it to or not – and perhaps I only imagine this, but somehow I think there’s an extra level of judgement or maybe critique from the guests’ eyes.

I designed this shoot to embrace what it would be like for me or any florist/planner to wed now. Knowing what I know and seeing what I’ve seen. I created this character that knew just exactly what to focus on, how to treat her guests and how to not get lost in the busyness of it all.

I titled this piece, “If a Florist Wed” with the following thoughts in mind…

Imagine a quiet morning, the dew is still on the grass and the birds have just started to sing. There’s an anticipation in the air as guests will mingle and celebrate in the countryside, as one woman and one man will pledge their love eternally to one another.

But before the celebration comes the preparation. So in the dawn of the day, final arrangements are being made. She’s a florist, who’s been a part of hundreds of weddings days. She’s seen too many stressed brides and is committed to focusing only on the things that really matter.

An arbor of foraged greens is constructed in the woods as the backdrop for their vows. Local lilacs are inserted into her bridal bouquet. And a wide brimmed hat is worn to keep the sun off her face as she gathers her last minute blooms.

Potted plants lined the long table at which her closest friends and family will gather. Simple placecards and candles add to the no-fuss vibe. But she’s forever tempted to play the hostess, serving wine and cake to her guests and making the day just as unforgettable to them as it will be to her and her groom.

This is the serentity I wish I might have found on my wedding day. A peaceful morning. The setting of the story is in our very own back yard, it just seemed liked the perfeect venue with it’s natural and overgrown appeal. The perfect place for a bride to go foraging (as I so often do!)