Kelly Sweet Photography

Featured :: If a Florist Wed on Trendy Bride

0 · Mar 13, 2018 ·

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.

Last spring Kelly Sweet and I created with this imaginary vision with these thoughts in mind, and today you can see the entire feature on Trendy Bride.

Three Wishes Inspired by Venues

0 · Feb 7, 2018 ·

I’m still holding firm that if you put good wishes out into the world, good things will come your way. Or at least it can’t hurt.

I had starting this three wishes series as a way for me to get inspired and share those inspirations with you. I have lots of wishes, most of which will never come true, and that’s perfectly alright. It’s still fun to dream. Lately, however, I’ve felt completely uninspired. I’m not sure if it’s winter that seems to be bearing down on us or the fact that I haven’t made a bridal bouquet since October. Sometimes I think it’s really hard to stay inspired when we’re all just hunkered down on the sofa, wrapped in blankets and simply hoping that I won’t have to leave the house today. This is the time that I begin to dream of faraway places…

….and places that are a little less distant, where I might really like to work and design events.

Greencrest Manor

This French Normandy style mansion, with it’s trailing ivy and extensive gardens has captured my imagination. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Bloom Workshop hosted there last September and am hoping that someone gives me the chance to return.

This venue really hits all of my favorite marks. It has a grand staircase that’s enough to take one’s breathe away. It’s overflowing with early 20^th century woodwork, tile and charms. The gardens and the architecture look like something from the European countryside and I’m in disbelief that such a place actually exists here in my own state. It was such a brief time spent at this venue, I’m just hoping I have the good fortune soon to go back and bring with my buckets of flowers galore.

From Bloom the Workshop | Photography by Stephanie Abbitt Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design

The Old Art Building

On a slightly less grand scale is the Old Art Building. If you’ve been reading this journal for any length of time at all, then you probably already know why my heart is drawn to this quaint little spot on the Carp River. From the outside, it’s manicured lawn and cottage charm are enough to stop right there. But then, you step in the door and feel the rush of decades of artists pouring their souls into the place. the scaling windows and stone fireplace add just the perfect blend of ambiance and natural light. The softly whitewashed walls splattered with old paint, each spill telling a tale of it’s own, this might just be my favorite part.

My own wedding reception took place in the space. I couldn’t imagine and more perfect location. However, I have yet to have the occasion to work another event there. I have stopped in and even hosted a editorial styled shoot in the space, all while yearning to design another real wedding in this space.

Foreign Destinations

There are so many places outside of my home state to explore, and I am eager to embrace them all. I’ve traveled with buckets and blooms in tow before and would love to do it again. I’m seeking adventure and know there are so many places that I have yet to experience. From the mountains of the Carolinas to the old world charms of Europe, I’d love to plan an event at a Southern plantation or travel half way around the world to explore the flower markets of France.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, hiring a local florist can be a great benefit – they know the area, what’s available and most likely have their routine down pat. However, bringing in a fresh set of eyes, someone whose style you know and trust, can bring a fresh new life to the space. It can give you a peace of mind and a comfort from home. I was recently chatting with a bride who reminded me of such a great point, a point that I know but sometimes as you’re in the flow of business and chugging along you forget some of your ‘selling points’. She says (I’m paraphrasing a little here), she doesn’t want to hire a florist for her wedding that was sort of close to her style and ask them to step outside of their norm, creating something they were uncomfortable with but what more fitting with her vision. She’d rather hire someone from an outside area, that she’s 100% confident in their style and work. Makes sense, right?

Not every designer out there has the itch to travel or will work outside of a certain range of their studio space. But many will, myself included.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

What venues are you dreaming of? Where do you want to travel to? And how is your wedding planning coming along? I still have openings for 2018 and am starting to book 2019 dates as well. Let’s chat.

2017’s Top Nine

0 · Jan 4, 2018 ·

If you follow The Day’s Design on Instagram, then you may have seen me share 2017’s best of nine. These are my nine most loved posts from the year by my followers. As I was looking through those 9 little squares, I was actually pretty facinated by the results. There were posts and moments from the year that I had completely forgotten about. Then I started thinking about what my nine favorite moments would have been from the year. Maybe they would be things that I’ve shared publically or maybe some that I’ve kept to myself. Perhaps a camera might not adequately capture the special essense of a particular moment or maybe the picture is more than words could really even say. What if the results weren’t based on my audience’s favorites but rather my own? How would the results change?

Thinking back, these are 9 things that stood out in my mind this year. I numbered them, but try not to get too hung up on the order (except for maybe number 1 &2, I think they need to stay near the top). These were moments of victory, overcoming doubt, joy and serving myself, my family and my clients well. 2018 will certainly be a contiued journey, full of growth and adventure and lots of love.

9. Jessica’s Wedding

I don’t think I’ve ever had a bride that I didn’t love working with. Each and every celebration is special in it’s own way. But this one, it had an extra dose of celebration because, Jessica. She’s freelanced with me for the past 3 wedding seasons and even become a friend. So clearly that makes this day amazing because 1. weddings + friends are the best and 2. she loves flowers as much as I do and I got to pick some of the best products March has to offer (I mean, look at those blush ranunculus!).

Photography: Katie Grace Photography

8. Cadillac’s Ceiling Installation

Tents provide a blank canvas. Sometimes white space and the open air is a really good thing, but sometimes, especially if the venue has a permanent tent, it can feel too big and empty because sizing isn’t always 100% correct for the number of items going into the tent, which calls for a little extra finess. This was my first ceiling installation in a tent and I loved how it turned out. My husband helped me build a structure, which we then hung over the head table making it the centerpiece of the room. We adorned it with greenery and hops, which was extra perfect because the groom is a beer blogger! More fun installations for 2018 please!

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography

7. Sarah’s Smile

I loved this wedding for many reasons. The flowers came together perfectly, the colors, the venue, the seersucker bridesmaids dresses, the list really could go on. But my number one favorite piece of this day was Sarah’s smile. Smiles like these are the reasons I do what I do and this wedding was just a thankful reminder of why I love my job. There was so much joy and thankfulness present on this day and it was contagious. I had never met Sarah in person until the wedding day, and she treated me like a long lost firend. She is joy. I can’t pick a favorite moment or try to perfectly depict it one little square on Instagram but just know it was an amazing day.

Photography: Samantha James Photography

6. Racheal’s Escort Card Display

One of my goals for 2017 was to think outside of the box more. I wanted to take designs beyond just centerpieces and bouquets, and the most commonly thought of wedding pieces. This escort sign which I was able to bring to life with Ciarra of Silver Fox Calligraphy, did just that. We purchased linen fabric in the same hue as the table cloths, Ciarra used white calligraphy on acrylic squares and we fashioned it all together, of course adding florals around the edges. The behind the scenes construction of this was one of my top nine Instagram posts for the year and for good reason, this display was one of my favorites ever.

Photography: Cory Weber Photography

5. Tinge Workshop

I have been a long time fan of Tinge Floral. There are lots of florist who’s work I admire, but she’s definately near the top of my list. It was about this time last year that I was debating whether or not I should attend her workshop, there was one seat left. I wanted to so badly but travel with kids is hard, its expensive and I wasn’t sure it made sense. But my husband said, go. So with shaky hands I typed my credit card numbers in and that was that. I went. Attending the Color Theory workshop was the right decision. I came home inspired, ready to create and vamped up my workflow as I lost a piece of the self doubt that I didn’t even realize I was holding on to.

Photography: Ciara Richardson Photography

4. Backyard Photo Shoot

This was just a little dream of mine. I love nature and our country home and will show off this space whenever possible. I often dream of dinner parties at our home and when I began thinking about this photo shoot, I knew this was the space to host it. Someday, I want to see the seats at this table filled with laughter and smiling faces, but for now I’ll share the scene that waits for friends to come.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

3. My Sister’s Wedding featured in The Knot

My sister got married back in 2016, but her wedding was featured in The Knot Michigan ins 2017. This definately goes on my highlight reel, for a whole lot of reasons. (You can see part one of her wedding day here, I know know, part 2 is soon to come!)

2. Anniversary Photos

Always look for a reason to celebrate. This year, we celebrated 7 years of marriage. That sounds like such a long time and yet no time at all. Our wedding photos have become dated and it’s getting harder and harder to find time for just the two of us. But we took a night and parked the occassion because part of key to a sucessful 7 years of celebrating the milestones and making time for one another.

Photography: Samantha James Photography

1.I Still Do

This is a moment that I’ve kept pretty quiet about. It was a special moment that I’ve just let soak in. I don’t have any pictures (yet!) so I suppose no one really could have possibly voted it as part of my best 9. After 10 years together and 7 years of marriage, we still do. My husband chose me all over again and re-proposed in the same location that we hosted our wedding reception. He had my ring reset (it’s been unwearable for the past 2+ years) and got down on one knee in front of a giant Christmas tree. Cory Weber was hiding in the background and captured the whole thing!

Just a little 2010 wedding day flashback for you from Shannon Scott Photography until I get a few pictures from that December night back!

2018 is going to be a good year, I can feel it. I’ve got some projects and ideas up my sleeves, I’ve got some dreams that I’d like to make realities and I do still have some openings for floral and wedding planning clients, so inquiries are welcome. And in case you’re wondering about my best of nine 9 chosen by The Day’s Design’s Instagram followers, here you go:

Happy New Year!

Branding :: New Website Launch

0 · Jun 26, 2017 ·

In 2014, I attended my very first floral workshop with Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers. She became the sweet voice of encouragement that believed in me, and pushed me to believe in myself. I nervously signed up for her Team Flower Workshop not really knowing where I was heading, but understanding that there was a void in my life and in the flowers that were being presented to my brides. I wanted to capture the garden, to put it in a vessels and allow it to add joy to a table. I wanted to allow clematis vines to trail from a bride’s hands or loosely encircle and arbor. I had visions of what it was like planting flowers each summer with my mom, but couldn’t quite figure out how to translate that into my event designs or how to bring that to life on a wedding day.

Photography: Heather Payne Photography

The Day’s Design is turning 5 years old this September, and this will be my fourth summer with floral design as part of my service offerings. That decision to learn more about flowers changed my world. It made me appreciate nature, my surroundings and see the beauty of Michigan in a whole new light. However, as much excitement as I feel when I find a rose with the most perfect muddy – champagne hue, the real excitement comes when I see the tears of joy in a bride’s face when she looks at her wedding flowers and knows that today will be the best day of her life, and I was privileged enough to be a teenie tiny part of that.

I think a huge part of moving forward is reflecting back and understanding where we came from. I’m not dwelling in the past though, but using it to build the future. I’ve been sharing a little behind my rebranding process and it has made me a little nostalgic. It’s also made me appreciate a lot of people that have helped me along the way. I’m eager to celebrate 5 years of business. In the meantime though, I’m excited to share my new website. My business has evolved much since those early days of burlap and lace. There are beautiful new projects and weddings that I’ve been holding back and there’s a dose of freshness, which I think beautifully represents who I am and what The Day’s Design is today.

I’d also like to send a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey, from new flower friends, to both Northern and West Michigan’s amazing community of wedding planners. Plus, a little extra love to those photographers whose images you will find on my new site – Ashley Slater Photography, Cory Weber Photography, Katie Grace Photography, Kelly Sweet Photography & Samantha James Photography. Hire them, they’re amazing! And don’t forget to go look at my new website!!

Autumn Leaves :: A Reminder to Never take Life for Granted

0 · Oct 24, 2016 ·

There’s a house near town that has the most amazing grape vine draping over its fence. And every single time I drive by, I get the sudden urge to pull over and take a picture. The foliage slowly turned from lush green to shades of golden corn, honey Dijon and chartreuse. Little specks of brown have formed delicate patterns on each leaf and the entire plant is singing with perfection.

Yesterday I drove by the adorned fence once more, but I was instantly saddened by the realization that the lushness has dissipated. It was no long full and vibrant but rather preparing itself for the long winter months ahead. Only a few speckled leaves clung to their woody stems, the rest littered the ground beneath. I had missed my chance to stop and take a picture and now I would have to wait another year entirely for this phenomena to take place again.

Fall is fading away all too quickly.

I know this isn’t a new message, but it’s once that’s constantly on my heart. Beauty if fleeting. Life as we know it right now in this exact moment will never be exactly like this again. A couple weeks ago our pastor stood up on stage and shared how silly he thinks it is to buy someone flowers – even his wife – they’re just going to die. But as morbid as it is to think about, his wife is going to die someday too. That doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t love her while she’s here. It just means that we should treasure every moment of their life without reserve. In the same way, we should treasure every leaf, every blossom and each delicate stem while it is able to grace us with its presence. Winter is going to be here all too soon and while there will certainly be days of glittering snowflakes and blankets of white, there will also be gloomy grey skies, bitter winds and days not fit for man or beast.

Autumn Leaves | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

I’ve had a couple of goals on my mind for this autumn season and this is just the reminder I needed to push myself forward and not take this time for granted.

Shelby signature

The above photo was the setting for Tim & Christina’s first look, a most gorgeous autumn wedding in Northport, Michigan. You can see the entire day here.

Flower Friday :: Christina’s Springtime Bouquet

0 · Sep 30, 2016 ·

To some it may seem crazy that even 18 month later, I can still remember what ingredients I put into a bridal bouquet. Mentally, I spend so much time on each of these artpieces that it makes it nearly impossible for me to forget.

Christina’s bouquet was extra special. She wanted a little touch that I’ll never forget. Loosely tucked into the backside of her bouquet were two tulilps. These tulips were each adorned with their own silk ribbon and were meant to be plucked out and presented as a gift to both the mother of the bride and the groom’s mother as Christina made her way down the aisle.

This was one of the sweetest gestures for one’s mom I’ve ever heard. And while I didn’t actually get to see the moment take place, I can still imagine mom wiping a tear from her eye and cherishing that tulip for the rest of it’s blooming life.

There’s a meaning behind each flower and while I don’t always get into the historical significance of each bloom, I do find it really interesting. Tulip represent perfect love. This type of love is an enduring love between family and partners. I made this choice untensionally, but love how perfect that symbolism is.

Beyond these extrodinary tulips, there where a bunch of other flowers in her bouquet as well, which made it so textural and luscious.

In building the bouquet, I used a couple different varieties of eucalyptus to create my base. I love the soft, blue green tones paired with pink. I seldom stick to only one variety of greens, so I also foraged some wild honeysuckle from my neightborhood. It was at the height of perfection and added leavy green texture along with it’s delicate, honey sweet frangrant blooms.

Foxglove was included next. It adds the perfect linear illusion and also an element of fun with it’s polka dotted little hoods. I had this flown in from California as Michigan’s wasn’t ready quite yet.

I started layering in some focal flowers, including ranunculus, quicksand roses and lilies. Lilies sometimes get a bad rap, but I really like them. They’re bold and showstopping. They transform throughout the day, opening more and more and making your bouquet so differnent from morning to night. I love that. And quicksand roses are my go-to’s, the perfect shade of beigy pink.

As I was layering these ingredients in, something was missing. It just wasn’t “wowing” me. Then I remembered I had two white peony blossoms left in my cooler. These flowers were from a photo shoot earlier that spring and nearly 3 weeks old. But sometimes peonies are magical in that they just seem to last forever. They were perfect.

A couple of clematis and draping tulips around the edge and Christina’s bouquet was complete.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

You can see more from Tina and Chris’s Witt’s Inn Wedding here. I won’t be playing with any flowers this weekend, I’m off to other adventures. Happy Friday!!

5 Disappearing Traditions

0 · Sep 27, 2016 ·

Since I’m a wedding planner, people always seem to like to get my take on ideas and trends within the industry. These questions and posts across the internet seem to surface most often right as we’re ringing in the New Year. However, I want to get a little ahead of that game. My season is wrapping up and I’ve witness some really amazing weddings with some of the most lovely couples you’ll ever meet. I’m sad to see the season end. I thought that I’d share a few of the trends or rather absence of traditions, that I noticed in the past couple wedding seasons and I predict these will continue to spur on into the future.

1. Something Old, Something New

I personally love the sentiment of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a six pence for your shoe. This was thought to bring prosperity and fertility. Today, it’s more of a charming little ritual. I’ve only seen one six pence in all my years of wedding planning and she didn’t put it in her shoe.

Photography: Samantha James Photography

2. Unity Ceremonies

In a very traditional wedding ceremony, the mother of both the bride and groom would each light a candle at the beginning. During the ceremony itself, a center candle would be lit using the flames from the candles lit by the mothers. The flames could never again be separated, and therefore neither can the couple. The symbolism is really strong. In recent years and with the rise of outdoor ceremonies, couples have opted for using sand, planting trees or other creative concepts. I even did a wedding with a “Love Fern”. But this year, it seems that unity ceremony has been skipped entirely. Rather than trying to update or take a creative approach to the tradition, couples are skipping it all together.

Photography: Samantha James Photography

3. Objections

I just have to throw this in here – I have never heard an officiant ask if anyone objects to this marriage. Not all weddings are like the movies and I don’t think any couple is open to a dramatic scene.

4. Corsages

We saw a shift a few years ago from pin on corsages for mom and grandma to wrist corsages and now I think we’re going to see another shift. It’s subtle, but it’s happening. I’ve had several requests for small mother’s bouquets, single stems wrapped with ribbon or I even had one bride who plucked two flowers from her own bouquet to present to her mother and new mother in law – which was so sweet. And a small bouquet will last so much longer than a bracelet of blooms, which can often seem cumbersome and tends to get in the way. Grandma will then have a little memento to keep with her for a few days on, just make sure you keep a vase of water close by for her.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

5. Bouquet & Garter Toss

I’ve only had two brides request that I make them toss bouquets and I have only witnessed one actual bouquet toss this entire season. Some have referred to this tradition as distasteful others don’t like having to single out their friends who haven’t committed to a mate yet. I guess I don’t really have strong opinions on it either way, except sometimes it really can interrupt the party and get a touch awkward – please don’t make the recipients put the garter on each other.

Naturally though, I think we need to understand where these traditions stemmed from. There are a couple thoughts on the garter. The first, removing it is proof that the couple has consummated the marriage. This seems a little raunchy in my opinion so I like the second line of thinking better. Superstition states that keeping a piece of the wedding dress is good luck. To discourage guests from helping themselves to a trinket or swatch of the bride’s gown, the garter was worn to toss and give prosperity to one lucky recipient.

Oddly enough, the idea of tossing the bouquet comes from this same superstition. Again, wedding guests tried to rip a piece of the bride’s dress and as an escape, she would throw her flowers and run away. Since the flowes are perishable items, they also represent fertility and are a sign of good things to come for the person who catches them.

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

I’m a huge believer in tradition. But there are some things that I could do without. Are there tradition that you’re tired of seeing or wish would come back in style?

10 Local Flower Favorites

0 · Jun 3, 2016 ·

Once upon a time, when we used to think of usual local flowers in your décor, images of black-eyed susans and statice in vibrant rainbow colors was the first thing to pop to mind, i.e. wildflowers. Today, floral designers across the country have found a balance of collecting any wild bloom they can find with making it more purposeful and part of your color story. Beautiful, textural and local artpieces are created.

When I talk about using local flowers, most of us imagine purchasing flowers Michigan’s huge flower farms – but not many exist. While I lot that thought, in reality when I saw using local or special seasonal touches, I’m really adding anything that I did not source from one of my wholesalers. For me, gathering local flowers may be a fresh farmer’s market bunch, picking a few extra special blossoms from my garden (when I don’t kill them first!), walking through the woods or collecting roadside finds or even heading to the greenhouse to disassembled a few potted treasures (which I will then try to plant later and probably kill). Here are a few of my very favorite ingredients found throughout the seasons and how I love to incorporate them into wedding and floral décor.

Blooming Branches

Whether you’re utilizing cherry blossoms, dogwood or service berry – May brings so many beautiful branches in bloom. These delicate blossoms add so much romance and texture to the overall design of the day and also create stunning floral photo backdrops.

Coral Bells

While the dainty little blossoms are sweet all on their own, my favorite part to use of this perennial is the foliage. The veins and color variation in a single leaf makes it the perfect complement piece. However, the stems are short at times depending upon variety and maturity of the plant, so often this greenery is better utilized as in centerpieces although I love to use them in bouquets whenever possible.

Dahlias

Big and bold, dahlias are a show stopper. The color variety ranges from deep burgundy’s to brighter pinks, yellow, whites and many shades in between. They start blooming late in July, with August and September being their prime time to shine. Use them in centerpieces, bouquets, on your cakes or really anywhere you want a bold conversation starter.

Foxglove

Known as fairy’s caps, thimbles or bumble bee hammocks, these linear blooms are spotted perfection. Early summertime is when they’ll beautify our lives. I sacrificed my plant’s only bloom last week for a bouquet and it was so worth it.

Hellebore

These moody blooms capture my heart every time. They’re one of the very first flowers to come to life after a long winter and are the very voice of refreshment. Also known as the Lenten rose, they’re perfect for bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnières.

Lavender

Such a soothing aroma to calm any wedding nerves. I had a plant in my garden that produced blooms from early June until autumn brought its first frost, however most commonly you’ll find fresh sprigs in July and as a dried herb at farmer’s market throughout the fall. I love adding these into boutonnières, bouquets and using them as place setting garnishments.

Lilacs

The fragrant blooms scream spring. They are worth waiting all winter for with their intoxicating scent, they make the perfect bouquet or centerpiece all on their own or can also be paired lots of other springtime favorites making a great border flower in shades of rich plum, lavender and white.

Peonies

Everyone’s favorite, the peony has become wedding royalty. Their ruffley array of petals just cannot be matched. While the spectrum of colors can be great, most commonly you’ll find shades of white, fuchsia and softer pink locally but on occasion I’ve seen a coral or red charm. Purchase them at roadside stands, the farmer’s market or plant a bush in your own back yard and enjoy the blooms throughout mid-June.

Pokeweed

American Pokeweed grows wild and is considered a nuisance by many. It has a long smooth leaf and green berries throughout the summer which become purple in the autumn. However, these are best utilized before the color change because once they turn, the berries fall easily from the stems and will stain anything they land on. They’re the perfect filler green for all your flowering needs.

Sweet Peas

These little pink blossoms start late June and grow almost everywhere that reaches the sun. So much beauty is added to the side of Michigan’s highways and the color lasts through late July. These hardy little vines are great in centerpieces and bouquets alike.

Photo credits:

Slideshow 1: Blooming Branch Cake, Ashley Slater Photography | Coral Bell Foliage, Bradley James Photography | Cafe au Lait Dahlia, Hetler Photography | Foxglove Bouquet, Bradley James Photography | Hellebore Boutonnière, Bradley James Photography

Sideshow 2: Spray Rose & Lavender Flower Crown, Kelly Sweet Photography | Lilacs, Ashley Slater Photography | Peony Bouquet, Kelly Sweet Photography | Pokeweed Centerpiece, Bradley James Photography | Sweet Pea Centerpiece, Bradley James Photography

A version of this post was originally published on Simply Blue Weddings, you can see it here.

Happy Flower Friday!!

Friday Flowers :: Airemiss’s Flower Crown

0 · May 14, 2016 ·

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

Yes, I am a day late in this post. However, we can pretend it’s still Friday, I only got 2 hours of sleep last night so it feels like one continuous day and we’re going to stretch the rules of this Friday Flowers post. It’s wedding season, it all blurs together anyway.

I’m pulling this one out of the archives because even though it’s nearly 2 years old, it’s still one of my favorite weddings. There were nine people who celebrated in the misty rain, in the middle of the woods. It was pretty romantic location as far as wedding ceremonies go.

I designed a really awesome tabletop and some beautiful florals throughout the decor, but one of my favorite pieces was Airemiss’s flower crown. It was so simple and yet it’s still one of my favorite crowns that I’ve ever made.

Her favorite flower is a white rose. That is what she requested her bouquet be made of but she wanted it assembled in a way that made it feel like it could have been just gathered and tied together right there in the woods. White roses don’t exactly grow wild in Michigan’s woodland settings, but I think we managed to capture that essence quite well.

When it comes to creating a flower crown, I think about 4 main things.

The environment which it will be worn in. Should it be clean and chic like a city setting or contain tidbits from the surrounding fields?
The outfit it will be worn with. Obviously I don’t want colors to clash and then again should it be polished and chic or more boho and carefree? Romantic, whimsical – what’s the overall feel of the attire?
The hairstyle it will be worn with. Will it partially be tucked into a bun? Should it be worn to one side? Long hair? Short hair? Do we want the blooms or the hair to show more?
Other flowers in the scene. This would mostly pertain to a bouquet or other fashion accessory but could also think about the environment, if you’re in an apple orchard, I’m probably going to try to include a few of those dainty pink blossoms. But even more importantly I do strive to make sure it looks amazing paired with your bridal bouquet. The two definitely need to pair well together.

So taking those 4 points into consideration, this halo of flowers was born. It was to be worn in the woods, so a little wild would be alright. It would be worn with a white Vera Wang wedding dress, which had white roses trailing up the front. Those parts were pretty straight forward. Next I had to consider the bride’s sweet little pixie cut. I couldn’t place an enormous flower on her head that would completely take over. I felt like she needed more of a headband of blooms, bold and stylish but not overwhelming. Finally, it had to match her white rose bouquet.

The main ingredient I chose was white majolica spray roses. These sprays are one of my go-to’s that I use time and time again. They’re like a safety net for me. But I love them. They have the tiniest tinge of pink and they open so beautifully to reveal their centers. I feel a little bit like a traitor loving South American roses this much, but I’ll get over it. They’re just so ruffly for being “standard” and were the perfect size for this crown.

Myrtle is a symbol of love and a Hebrew symbol for marriage. It was significant to be Aphrodite and Demeter in Roman mythology. It was very important to Airemiss that it be included in her flower arrangements and I couldn’t think of a better place to include the green than around her head.

Just a couple springs of agonis were added in to add a little extra color and depth. It’s actually a type of willow myrtle, so I felt like it was a very appropriate compliment to the crown.

The final ingredient was fresh lavender. I love including lavender whenever possible. At our old house, I planted some lavender in my tiny garden and it produced blooms all summer long, I wish I still had this plant. The lavender for their wedding came from my garden. It’s fragrant, earthy and sweet, adding just a touch of color in a very subtle way.

If you’d like to see the entire wedding day again, you can see it here. Have a great weekend!

Style Me Pretty Bouquet Breakdown

0 · Nov 5, 2015 ·

A couple month’s ago one of the awesome ladies from Style Me Pretty reached out asking if I’d mind breaking down and sharing all the ingredients to Christina’s lovely autumn bouquet (you may remember Tim & Christina’s wedding was featured on their blog here last spring). It was so special being asked, as I feel like Tim and Christina’s wedding was a break out moment for me and I will forever think of their wedding day with the warmest memories. I had done other floral arranging, I done other weddings but I knew in my heart of hearts that theirs was something special. They entrusted an incredible amount of faith in me. Their wedding wasn’t only going to be the start of something incredible and new for them, but it was going to be the start something big for me as well.

I was right.

This was my big break and the largest scale event that I had tackled to date. My love affair with flowers grew. And it continues to grow. I stretched my wings and did something scary and reaped huge rewards. I proved myself worthy – not to the world – but to myself. So when I was asked to describe this bouquet and the flower it… it was hard to know where to even start. Their wedding was a beautiful finale to the end of the 2014 wedding season.

It was my first time using Peterkort Roses. It’s a bit nerve wrecking any time you use a new supplier. Simply put, I had nothing to be nervous about. Their roses do not disappoint. As always, I had set aside my favorite blooms as I was processing and unpacking flowers. Special blooms for a special bride. Her bouquet was one of the last projects I tackled late that Friday night. I think that was my biggest bucket of “favorite blooms” I have ever collected.

It was dark and quiet in my Grandpa’s garage. The rains fell on the red tin roof and the wind was roaring outside on that cold October night. But what I remember are the flowers, the awe, and how I loved each and every stem that I placed.

Friends, here’s the bouquet (captured by the ever amazing Kelly Sweet Photography) and here’s the recipe, you can read more about it all these magical romantic roses over on Style Me Pretty.

7 Stems of Helga Piaget Garden Roses
5 Stems of Romantik Antike Garden Roses
3 Stems of Champagne Roses
2 Stems of Talea Roses
3 Stems of Pink Majolica Spray Roses
2 Stems of Pee Gee Hydrangeas
2 Stems of Peach Stock
Italian Ruscus Foliage
Variegated Pittosporum Foliage

Enjoy!

Real Weddings :: Tina & Chris

0 · Nov 4, 2015 ·

It’s now the time of year when I’m wrapping up wedding season, summer days have gone by and I’ve started to embrace that cozy late autumn (and even Christmas!!) mindset. My flipflops have been traded for tall boots and my t-shirts have all been tucked away. At the same time, I’m chatting with brides who are gleefully planning next years weddings and I have to revert back to that springtime frame of mind. I’m starting to look for inspiration but my world – craft and decor stores, wedding blogs, Pinterest – is filled with autumn foliage and donuts (not that I mind a good donut!)

So I’m going to pretend that I’m posting this pretty spring day in hopes of inspiring one of next May’s lucky brides. If nothing else, I’m always happy to reminisce about foxglove and peonies.

Tina and Chris were married at Witt’s Inn in Lowell. It was my first time visiting this charming little barn and beautiful gardens. It’s rustic and what one might picture when they think of a barn wedding, until you look up. Chandeliers. Beautiful rows of chandeliers. That sparkle goes straight to a girl’s heart.

Speaking of a girl after my own heart, Tina hired me to take charge of her floral decor and dropped off 65 mismatched gold, brass and copper vessels for me to fill with blooms of my choice – just somewhere in the blush, pink or coral color story. It was so much fun sorting through each vessel, finding the perfect table mates and making each arrangement completely unique.

So I filled my floral buckets with tulips, roses, ranunculus, lilies, foxglove, peonies, clematis and wild honeysuckle. I foraged a few greens and added some delicate silk ribbons. The way they paired with the soft blush underlay of Tina’s dress was perfection. And everywhere you looked, there was a different bloom, a different arrangement and the prettiest all greenery bridesmaids bouquets.

Dear Tina and Chris, I hope you two have loved your first season together and have many more full of happiness to come.

When it’s More than Just Cold Feet

0 · Oct 27, 2015 ·

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

This is a subject that’s been pulling on my heartstrings for awhile. However, since wedding blogs are supposed to be this blissful happy place it never seems appropriate to bring up the harsh reality that even when you said yes, you may not fulfill that journey down the aisle.

I had two brides call off their wedding this year. That’s 13% of my weddings. I don’t know if that’s an average percentage throughout the wedding industry but it is an eye opener to the fact that diamonds don’t make everything beautiful.

10 years ago I was engaged to another man. It seems like a lifetime past and I can scarcely imagine what my life would be life now had I gone through with it. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t have two beautiful daughters, I’d most likely be working some “safe” corporate job and dinner would be on the table every night at 5:30pm without a dirty dish left in the kitchen, ever. Period. And my walls would be white, but not in a textured trendy way, in the boring, non-adventurous way. They would be the bland metaphor for my life.

I’m not going to go into all the details as to why things weren’t right in my relationship. But at some point throughout the engagement time period I had this gut wrenching feeling that something was amiss. That’s a really scary feeling. I’m a very firm believer that marriage is forever and the forever in my reality was starting to feel very, very long.

I had already had 2 bridal showers. We had bought a house. Our lives were starting to merge. We were getting gifts for “us”. When you’re planning a wedding everything is go go go. You have time frames and itineraries. There are so many factors that you have to keep on top of, organize and decide that sometimes it’s really easy to lose track of all the pertinent feelings and emotions and sort those out from the tense, bridezilla moments. It’s easy to lose your grip on reality.

For me, I couldn’t pull the trigger on sending out the invitations. I stalled and stalled. There wasn’t a real reason why, I just didn’t put them in the mail. It was less than 6 weeks before my wedding and they still weren’t out. Among the list, that should have been a huge warning sign.

I can’t tell you whether or not you’ve chosen the right man. I often become very close to my brides but I still don’t see all the inner workings of the relationship. And even if you’re happy in the moment, it doesn’t mean you’ll still be happy five years from now. So what do you do? How do you know if this is the man you’re supposed to marry?

PS – This isn’t the end of the story. Sharing more on this subject later this week.

The Wedding Scene

0 · Sep 23, 2015 ·

I was hanging out at a wedding a couple weeks ago… just kidding, I was working my tail off at a wedding a couple of weeks ago and we had just about finished making everything pretty and I was ready to give myself a huge pat on the back. I love that moment when everything is complete, every petal is in its perfect placed, the linens are unsoiled and perfectly laid, and all the silverware is flawlessly aligned with the edge of the table and the chairs are barely grazing each tablecloth. It kind of makes me think back to Edwardian times when people actually took the time to measure the distance between place settings with a ruler, polished each and every piece of silver and would never think of serving a guest with the wrong hand. I like to think I put that much time and care into each wedding, but not quite.

I love this moment. It’s the time when a tent is gleaming in all its glory, just waiting for the guests to arrive. I stood back in admiration as the photographer next to me began to capture the serenity of the entire scene. And then a guest walked it. While he was a fairly dapper looking gent, he wasn’t exactly complimenting the picture. So I kindly explained to him that we were in the process of taking photographs before guests were seated and asked him to wait just a few minutes before entering the tent. What I didn’t expect was a fuss, “Why would you want a picture without any people in it?! Who’s going to look back and think ‘I’m so glad I have this picture of this fork and spoon.” Clearly irritated, he stomped off and the photographer and I laughed.

This incident has stayed with me. I even started to doubt myself and wonder if maybe he was correct. Do couples really care to have these “empty” and “untouched” photos after their wedding day? From a vendor’s point of view, I love them. You’ll see very few pictures flooded with people in my portfolio. Your dear aunt Sally may have been an absolute hoot and a joy of a wedding guest, but her bold black and white dress clashed terribly with the pale blush and white of your décor. There’s a reason you take control of what your bridal party and immediate family wear, you want everything to blend. So do I. But I didn’t hire the photographer and I’m not paying for his services, so am I just being selfish?

I keep imagining a peaceful mountain scene. It’s serene and still, the mountain standing proudly at attention reaching far into the sky with snow gracing the very tops. At the base is a valley with tall grasses and a river that lays there undisturbed. Maybe a moose comes to drink from it daily or perhaps it’s the favorite fishing spot for a local bear and her cubs. It’s beautiful. Now think about what that same spot would look like if it were a famous tourist attraction. There’d be thousands of people in the base of the image, signs offering rides to different heights and flashy lights trying to sell you fried food. It doesn’t make the mountain itself any less beautiful but there’s a different tone and mood. You and your friends will still take a picture in front of the landscape but that peaceful and calm feeling will be gone.

Both images are from an autumn wedding with Kelly Sweet Photography.

A good photographer will capture every moment of the wedding day. A photographer is an artist. And as an artist they seek to find the beauty in all aspects of the wedding. This time before the guest enter, before your little flower girl spilled soda on her dress and the ring bearer rolled in the mud is important. It adds to the story of your celebration. You spent a painstaking amount of time bringing all the details together, finding those perfect ribbons and table numbers. Make sure every piece of the day receives the credit it is due.

Real Weddings :: Tim & Christina

0 · Jun 16, 2015 ·

I have something that I like to refer to as my Wedding Bucket List. This basically means that there are certain vendors that I long to work with, venues that I’m dying to design in and floral combinations that make me so weak in the knees that if I were able to actually hold them in my hands and create with them my heart might actually leap out of my chest because it cannot hold the excitement.

Last June I received a phone call from the lovely Christina and she started telling me about her wedding this upcoming fall at The Willowbrook Mill in Northport — had I heard of it? Seriously!!? Not only had I heard of it, it was at the top of my list! For me this venue has so much history and meaning, I remember going there as a little girl back when it was an ice cream parlor and listening the Da Yoopers sing The Second Week of Deer Camp and dancing with my grandma as the song played on a beat up old jukebox. Now years later the building has been recreated and is a beautiful wedding venue and combines everything I love about Northern Michigan. And it meant I got to travel up north, working in pretty much any venue in Leelanau County is a dream come true for me.

As the planning went on, I knew this was a girl after my own heart. It wasn’t just the rustic wood floors, the glamorous sequined linens or their love for the most stunning California grown garden roses that made me fall in love with this couple, but their love for one another, the way they cherish their family and how God was at the very center of their marriage celebration – that is what truly made this one for the books.

From the bottom of my heart I wish Tim and Christina all the happiness in the world. Thank you for allowing me to be such a grand part of your celebration, designing a day of love.

Something Blu Shoes | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Getting Ready Photos | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Northport Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Love Letter | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Groom | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

First Look | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Bride and Groom First Look | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Boutonnieres | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Autumn Wedding Party | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Blush Bridesmaids Bouquet | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Flower Girl | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Letterpress Wedding Invitations | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Immanuel Lutheran Church Leland | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Weddings at Immanuel Lutheran Church Leland | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Leland Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Grand Exit | Immanuel Lutheran Church Leland | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Classic Get Away Car | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Fishtown | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Garden Rose Bouquet | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Fishtown Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Vintage Wedding Car | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Autumn Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Leelanau Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Willowbrook Mill Wedding | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Calligraphy Table Number | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Willowbrook Mill | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Pinecone Place Card Holder | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Head Table | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Wedding at Willowbrook Mill | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Wedding at Willowbrook Mill | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Phtoography

Sequin Cake Table | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Cake Cutting | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Head Table Garland | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

First Dance | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Vintage Wedding Limo | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

This wedding was also featured on Style Me Pretty last month, you can see it here.

Getting Published

0 · May 19, 2015 ·

Last week I had another one of my real weddings published on Style Me Pretty. The wedding itself was a dream and I could look at the pictures (and video!!) over and over again and never tire of them. And having your work featured on such a large platform is forever an honor – even though it may not have been the motivation of working on this particular wedding, it’s always nice when the wedding industry comes along and gives you a pat on the back, recognizing your hard work.

Photo: Kelly Sweet Photography

But let’s turn and look at this from a bride’s point of view. Was your wedding pretty as a picture? Do you dream of millions of people watching you and your man say “I do?” Want to be the envy of the neighborhood (and everyone’s Pinterest board)?

Do you want to see your wedding published? How do we make that happen?

It is okay to say right from the start that it’s your dream have your wedding featured on XYZ blog. You’ve been reading it for years, have 1,000 of pins from them and now that your big day is finally arriving, you want it to be showcased front and center. Sure, your wedding is really about love and commitment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty. So my first piece of advice is to be up front with your planner, your photographer and your florist. While lots of other vendors are definitely involved, these tend to be the key people in making your vision come to fruition, and getting it featured.

If you have a specific blog or publication that you’re aiming for, share that information. Different blogs feature weddings with different aesthetics. As a bride, you might know that you love everything you see on XYZ blog but not even be aware of why it you like their style so much. Maybe they only feature film photography, rustic weddings or flowers that are very textural and loose. Your planner should definitely be able to help you identify what is so special about that blog.

Then choose vendors that have been published before. They’ve had real weddings published before. Real weddings are much more challenging in that they have to be functional, as well as pretty – things can’t just be morphed for the camera. If they’ve been published on your dream blog/publication then they earn major bonus points since they already know what it takes.

And then you have to trust your vendors. Why are featured weddings so special? The make us covet their prettiness. They make us say “wow, I wish I was there”. Details are unique, the photography is extraordinary and everything flows perfectly together and feels very cohesive.

With all of this being said, it doesn’t mean that you have to have an over the top budget to make it happen. I can’t stress how important it is to have confidence in your vendors and how key it is to hire an amazing photographer. It might seem strange, but splurging on an incredible photographer could actually save you money. They just know how to capture things in a way that takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. $1,000 worth of flowers suddenly looks like $5,000. Sometimes the photographer is truly the only reason (in my opinion anyway) that certain weddings even get published. The event doesn’t necessarily have to be super trendy, just well documented. It’s all in the details.

Make sure you’re timeline allows for extras. You’re going to need pictures of the reception “untouched”. The ceremony site needs to be captured before the guests arrive. There needs to be time to photograph the invitation suite, the bouquet by itself, the cute boutonnières and maybe even a centerpiece or two off of the table. If everything is rushed, it’s far less likely that your stylist and photographer can get creative together a “stage” a couple extra pretty photos (yes your favorite weddings had tacky salt and pepper shakers on their gorgeous reception tables and their boutonnières probably arrived in plastic containers, not on that gorgeous silver tray – it’s all about staging).

Trust your planner/stylist to guide the decision making process. While cheap plastic folding chairs might be fine and serve the purpose, it’s rare that I see them featured on a national publication. Upgrading the chair rentals and going with a more standard linen might be in your best interest to achieve your goal. They know where to best focus your monies to get the most bang for your buck.

Do you want to get your wedding published? Me too! I’d love to work together to make your dream day a reality.

Featured :: Style Me Pretty Michigan

0 · May 14, 2015 ·

Talk about sweet surprises, I knew this day was coming but I didn’t know when. So when I saw this gorgeous wedding pop up in my feed it just took my glum morning and turned my busy frown up side down! I LOVED this wedding. And I know that I’m not supposed to play favorites, but this one totally has hold of my heartstrings and seeing it again today on Style Me Pretty makes so so excited for all the lovely in store for this coming wedding season.

Kelly Sweet captured the romance with absolute perfection and the video from Coastline Studio is not to be missed. Northern Michigan, I can’t wait to come back home!

Here’s the feature which shows full vendor credits and I’ll also be sharing more in the future… this is a beautiful blog post in the making.

Wedding in the Woods

0 · Feb 20, 2015 ·

I love Michigan. Beautiful lakes, gorgeous views and my forever home. But sometimes the weather can be just a tad unpredictable for me. Today the windchills are hovering somewhere around -15°, I can’t really tell you how cold that it because I simply refuse to leave the house. Flashback to June. June is usually a warm and fairly mild month. Perfect for weddings. But this particular day in June was hot, muggy and drizzly. The weather unpredictability never seems to stop us from planning outdoor celebrations, but sometimes I think it should (but that’s just my logical side talking… who really wants to be trapped indoors??).

Airemiss and Kykeo originally planned a grand scale wedding celebration. But as it often happens, during the planning process they began to feel overwhelmed. And then throw in a couple of other inconvenient life circumstances and they decided to ditch they’re lavish plans all together. This doesn’t mean that they had to give up style or having a special wedding day. It just allowed more room to get creative.

A simple ceremony in the woods was the plan. They love Alice in Wonderland, so that furthered their woodland theme. Aire was a dream bride, other than wanting an ode to Alice in Wonderland and white roses in her bouquet, she allowed me to create and surprise them with a fabulous setting for them to sit and eat cake after they officially said ‘I do”. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a fabulous photographer, so thankfully Kelly Sweet was there to capture the memories (and gorgeous misty light) from the day.

This wedding was also featured on Style Me Pretty back in November. You can see it here.

Happy Friday, stay warm friends!!

The Rose

0 · Feb 5, 2015 ·

We’ve downplayed the romance of roses. I had yet another bride tell me that she isn’t a fan of roses. While it’s not uncommon for me to hear, it is somewhat disheartening. I can’t use ANY roses in your arrangements? I think we’re sick of seeing tightly wound bunches sadly wrapped in cellophane, thrown together with a couple sprigs of baby’s breath and being advertised as something we should love. However, when I think of all the beautiful blooms that you’re excluding, it’s somewhat heartbreaking. There are so many great varieties beyond the typical South American blooms we associate with the word “rose” leaving so many flowers behind that we’re simply not appreciating.

I love creating with roses. I love pulling the center petals from the little spray roses to reveal the cute little stamens hiding inside. The way a garden rose can transform from a tight, round bud to a glorious bloom layered with ruffles and frills is really exciting. And I want to share this with you.

Picture: Heather Cisler Photography

The yellow rose – a symbol of friendship. I could stay friends with these lovelies all day long. What you see here is an American grown, buttery yellow California bloom paired with a yellow Finesse rose – which is a standard variety but they have a softer, almost ruffly texture on their outer edges making just a touch more fancy. The butter tones accentuate those found in the ivory spray roses on the left and who can resist adding a couple of tulips and ranunculus to the mix!?

Picture: Kelly Sweet Photography

I created this bouquet for a bride who had her heart set on peonies. There’s no doubt that peonies are one of my all time favorites and I’m hopeful for the day that they’re available year around… or maybe it’s the fact that they’re not that makes them so special. Either way, I wasn’t able to accommodate my October bride’s wishes. However, I don’t think either of us were too disappointed by the results.

I had the roses shipped in from Oregon, which made them extra special. The large ivory ones (Helga Paiget) were especially my favorites as some blooms had just a touch of pink accenting their outer petals. And when they opened it was pure magic. Layer upon layer of delicate petals were revealed. They were placed next to the Romantic Antike roses (the coral-y pink ones). Those too are extraordinary in their own way. While closed, they are a beautifully round bud and opened, they flatten out with a swirling petal arrangement that leads to a golden center. Also shown are a few delicately sweet Champagne roses in blush tones and some PeeGee hydrangeas with peach stock.

Picture: Ashley Slater Photography

I’m not sure what what exactly inspired this combination of roses. The Caramel Antikes and the red garden roses (which the grower considered brown) were shipped to me from California (on a side note… I would love to source more roses from Michigan, anyone want to recommend a grower to me?) and the pale blush/beige one of the left in fact is a South American Quicksand rose. I just threw these in a vase together with some chocolate cosmos and grabbed a couple leaves off a bush in my backyard but I loved the results!

Still think roses are boring? If you still don’t like roses, I understand and will not force my preference upon you. But with so many varieties, colors, sizes and design options I really think we should reconsider.

“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare

Real Weddings :: Tim & Christina, the Video

0 · Jan 28, 2015 ·

It’s hard to imagine condensing an entire wedding day into just over 3 minutes and yet Coastline Studios has done it with a perfection that captures the absolute heart of Tim and Christina’s relationship. This video transcribes every reason why I’m so in love with my job. It perfectly captures the true essence of marriage and what the relationship of man and wife and a Christ centered bond is all about. This couple and their families were such a joy to be around and made me fall in love with the wedding industry all over again. Every word of this is so heartfelt and sincere – I simply could not imagine a more perfect wedding day if I tried.

Dear Tim & Christina – thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a momentous occasion and what is sure to be the most treasured day of your life.

Farewell 2014

0 · Dec 31, 2014 ·

I was not going to do a year end post, I mean, do people even read these? I don’t think it’s an original idea and I’m not sure that there’s a single person out there that truly cares what my year looked like. But earlier this week I was going through some goals, figuring out how to get where I want to be in 2015 and it really did inspire me to think about where I started in January of 2014 and how my business has evolved over the course of a very short year.

Even though 2014 was The Day’s Design’s second official full wedding season, I was still a little unsure of myself and did not have high expectations. But the thing about having low expectations is, it’s not hard to exceed them — which I did, 10x over. I gave myself a boost of confidence this past year and know that I am worthy of an amazing 2015, which is looking really busy and cannot wait to celebrate with the sweet couples I have booked this year and the ones I am yet to meet.

I hope my journey inspires someone out there to keep moving forward and following their dreams, it’s not easy but if you’re passionate about doing what you love, then it’s so worth it. Without further ado, I’ll take you on a walk through my year.

January

I got the brilliant idea to put together a Valentine’s bouquet and model it myself… in the middle of a blizzard. Thanks Heather for freezing along with me!

February

Rachel, with Sincerely Ginger Weddings, and I collaborated on a gorgeous winter inspiration shoot in my favorite place ever – Leland, Mi! It was so sweet and full of wintery romance and rumor has it, Style Me Pretty will be featuring the shoot in it entirety next month! Photography: Eliza Jean Photography.

Later that month my Valentine’s bouquet was featured on on Burnett’s Boards. You can see the feature here.

March

Cabin fever officially set in and I found myself getting antsy and itching to use a little creative energy. In remedy, Ashley Slater Photography and I teamed up to put together a little tutorial on how you can make your very own gilded floral crown.

April

This month was special for two reasons. First off, Heather Cisler and I teamed up once again to put together a fabulous fairytale inspired photo shoot.

And secondly I made a HUGE business changing decision and took a leap into adding floral services alongside planning and coordination. All I can say is, what took me so long!? This passion was hidden deep within me and a creative freedom has been unleashed and I will never look back. Bring on the blooms!

May

I stepped away from weddings and floral work for a moment to be a part of something a little different, but equally amazing. Kellie Hetler has a heart for service and put together the More Than a Face campaign, which is designed to help high schools girls to find their inner worth and realize what a difference they can make. Each one of these women was so beautiful and unique – I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a part and bring a little extra style to this shoot.

Shortly thereafter I packed my bags and headed for the mountains of North Carolina. I wasn’t prepared for how this experience would change my life. I realized how to create, how to better see things and found a deep appreciation for my surroundings and finding beauty in the everyday. I climbed mountains both literally and figuratively and walked away with friendships I will cherish forever. Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers is an absolute delight and the true definition of a floral artist. The rest of the Team Flower ladies are an equal treasure. If only we could travel back in time, I would relive those moments of and over again, sure to find something fresh and new every time. Photography: Heather Payne Photography.

I rushed home from my workshop to share my experience with those I cherish most, my family. I picked a few foraged blooms and we ventured out to the apple orchard to have our family photos taken with Kellie Hetler. I love these sweet moments.

June

June started out on a rather cold note. I was part of Bloom the Workshop, hosted by Ashley Slater Photography and Michaela Noelle Designs. While I remember how great is was providing beautiful blooms to such an inspiring group of women, I also remember how cold it was that day.

And then came the first wedding of the 2014 season… an intimate ceremony in the woods with an ode to Alice in Wonderland. This was a fabulous way to kick off the wedding season and was featured on Style Me Pretty last month. Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography.

July

July was a month of rest. I had a busy August ahead and took the first part of the month for a little relaxation and the second half and full on wedding prep — but there’s never any pretty pictures to share from that!

August

This was my busy month, but it’s definitely worth my couple moments of being frazzled to see the smiling faces at the end of a wedding nice – so happy, so in love.

First up, a day-of coordination with the ceremony at the blue bridge in downtown Grand Rapids and a beautiful blush and grey reception to follow at the Downtown Market. I haven’t tracked down any pictures yet but think modern, airy space, soft grey silky linens and soft blush blooms.

Next came floral design for a couple who said “I do” at the Bissell Tree House. And in case you’re wondering, Thursday weddings are totally fun! Photography: Joe Matthews.

And then it was off to Northern Michigan for a festive and fun celebration at a llama farm… because who wouldn’t want to get married at a llama farm?! Again, I don’t have pictures to share yet but if you’re looking for a fun celebration – why not get married on a hilltop overlooking Lake Michigan with llamas in the background. Think local wildflowers, a live jazz band and fun dinosaur escort cards.

Then we celebrated one more set of nuptials this month. I feel honored to be a part of any wedding day – it’s a big deal, and these memories are extremely important, but when the bride and groom happen to be a couple of your closest friends, that just adds a whole new level of special to the day. I was lucky enough to provide floral services, and then helped the couple celebrate into the night. Dahlias, dahlias and more dahlias surrounded this love filled day. Photography: Chelsea Seekell Photography.

September

The months of August and September seem to be increasingly popular times to get married. I did a little freelance floral work for not one, but 2 weddings in Northern Michigan with Sincerely, Ginger Weddings. It’s always super fun to collaborate with like-minded, creative individuals.

And let’s not forget Amy & Emyr’s picture perfect day at the Gull Lake Country Club.

Bloom 2.0 brought us back to the Hydrangea Blu Barn for another round of education and fun with Micheala Noelle and Ashley Slater. I love creating flowers and helping with their workshops. Photography: Jenn Anibal.

September also hosted one of my favorite styled shoots ever. I actually hesitate to call it a styled shoot because in reality we invited guests, guests who needed a little extra love and a night to remember just how special they really all. This was the dinner parties of all dinner parties and I’m so thankful for all the vendors who volunteered to be a part. Photography: Ashley Slater Photography.

October

This past summer I received a phone call from the sweetest bride you have ever met telling me how she didn’t have a florist yet for her October wedding. After hearing all the details she had in place for her Northport wedding, I knew I had to be a part. The Willowbrook Mill has been so high on my list “must work” wedding locations that I just about fell out of my chair when she said that was her venue. It was a match made in heaven as I created florals, helped design and coordinated all the details of Christina and Tim’s day.

November

In the name of furthering education, Kaci Muller (of Just Delightful Events) and I got together for a morning of flower talk and coffee and compared notes on how we typically create our beautiful wedding bouquets and Kellie Hetler joined in the fun so we’d have a few pictures to share with you.

I thought my wedding season would officially end with the conclusion of October’s love filled celebration, but surprise… my younger sister decided to push up her wedding date by 6 months and she tied the knot after only a month’s worth of planning. Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography.

December

And then to cap off the year, Katie Grace Photography and I just had to go play with a few of my leftover blooms. I’m going to start making bouquet and floral recipes a more common feature on my blog, I can’t wait!

It really has been a fantastic year! I can’t believe we’re bidding it farewell in just a few short hours. Let’s see what 2015 has in store – I”m ready, bring it on!

Featured :: Wedding in the Woods on Style Me Pretty

0 · Nov 17, 2014 ·

I have goals, both in business and in life. I’m not very vocal about these goals even though I’ve heard from numerous sources that voicing them will help you to achieve them. I’m the exception to this rule. I’m the girl who just feels even more miserable about herself when I fail and feels like a fool for having to publically broadcast my failure, which makes me never want to set another goal again. Period.

But one of the silent goals that I have for my little business is being achieved today. It has been a long time coming with lots of hard work and tears and a constant strife to be better and challenge myself more, which I feel is helpful not only to oneself but also to my clients. So here I am – The Day’s Design – published on the front page of Style Me Pretty.

Someone pinch me please!!

Florals + Event Design: The Day’s Design | Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

I cannot wait to share the inspiration and design in its entirety on my blog in the near future but for now, head on over to SMP to see this gorgeous Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding in the woods.

Wet Weather Weddings

0 · Jul 10, 2014 ·

If you’re planning an outdoor affair it’s likely that the thought of rain has crept into your mind. Or at least it probably should have. This summer seems to be extra wet, and while I love not having to water my garden and how my lawn is remaining green, it does stress me when it comes to wedding planning.

I’m guilty of saying “the show must go on” and just going for it – I can talk a big game. So we get a little wet, we’re not going to melt. Brides with umbrellas are cute. There are some fabulous opportunities for unique photos. I can look at the glass as half full, for sure.

And I simply adore outdoor parties.

The start of wedding season for The Day’s Design was a drizzly one despite the weatherman’s positive outlook on the day. In fact, we later found out that just a few miles away, they didn’t even receive a drop of rain. That’s crazy Michigan weather for you.

We stayed optimistic throughout the setting up process. We kept moving and utilized our tarps and other coverings. And we pulled though. But it wasn’t as easy as glamorous pictures are sure to show. The heat and humidity cause your clothing to simply stick to you. Papers were soggy and limp. My rain boots rubbed on my toes. There were bugs. And every time we thought the skies were clearing, fresh droplets were released from the clouds. How the bride remained staying so fresh and beautiful is beyond me.

I don’t share this to complain about the wedding day. I simply would like to point out the comfort or perhaps discomfort you and your guests might endure should you decide to move forward with an outdoor ceremony on a rainy day. I wish to express the importance of having a backup plan – although I do understand how hard it can be to utilize that, unless the day is calling for monsoon conditions. But grounds become muddy and even after the showers have stopped, the canopy of trees above us still produced sprinkles every time there was even the slightest breeze.

You should also consider the policies other vendors have regarding rain. Some equipment cannot get wet – cameras, sound systems, etc. And how will the rental company feel if their upholstered lounge seating is returned saturated? Are you risking damage deposits and extra fees? Are there wedding details you’re going to have to give up if the rain doesn’t let up?

Even with the weather, it was beautiful start to the summer 2014 wedding season– the way the light shown through mist in the woods that day was breathtaking. I can’t wait to share more peaks from Kelly Sweet Photography. And after seeing this picture, I’m not sure I would change a thing – including the weather forecast.

Kelly Sweet Photography

Greencrest Manor

The Old Art Building

Foreign Destinations

9. Jessica’s Wedding

8. Cadillac’s Ceiling Installation

7. Sarah’s Smile

6. Racheal’s Escort Card Display

5. Tinge Workshop

4. Backyard Photo Shoot

3. My Sister’s Wedding featured in The Knot

2. Anniversary Photos

1.I Still Do

1. Something Old, Something New

2. Unity Ceremonies

3. Objections

4. Corsages

5. Bouquet & Garter Toss

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