the day's design

It’s a…

0 · Feb 27, 2015 ·

Yesterday marked my 37th week of pregnancy and I’m officially full term. If you follow me across social media you might notice that I’m not very vocal about it. I did make an announcement back in November, however these things are often quickly forgotten… unless of course, you’re the pregnant one! It’s not that I’m not thankful or excited or any of those things, but I just don’t get the warm fuzzy feelings that are people generally find normal from most expectant moms. I find pregnancy and the pregnancy process a little strange and almost borderline creepy – there’s something growing inside me! I try not to think about it. The goal is to keep this space a positive, loving and optimistic one, so it doesn’t always seem appropriate to share what’s really on my mind. Like Mom always said, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

But the truth is, we’re having another little girl. She will be here in less than 2 weeks time. And we’re really excited. Gretta was moved into her new “big girl bedroom” last weekend, and Baby Girl #2 will take over the nursery space. We’re still busy at work with the home reno projects, which we’re hoping (fingers crossed really really tightly!!) will just about be wrapped up this weekend. I don’t know what people do that don’t have parents like mine. Seriously, my dad has worked his hiney off in our nightmare of a bathroom and my mom has been a laundry and baby room warrior.

Meanwhile, I’m here wrapping up some really pretty details for 2015 brides and getting ahead of the game, in hopes of taking the next month to find the new norm and balance in life. I’m not sure that any of us are truly prepared for what life has in store for us but things always seem to work out. I’ll still be checking email and staying in planning mode, just on a little slower pace. So I appreciate your patience and understanding.

There are still openings in my 2015 wedding season for both floral design and planning clients but if you’re considering working with me the spots are filling up fast! Have a great weekend friends and be sure to check back next week as I’m going to share the rest of my maternity shoot with Ashley Slater Photography, with some gorgeous calligraphy pieces from Kaitlin Parisho Designs. It’s pretty, you won’t want to miss it!

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!!

Invest in Yourself

0 · Feb 17, 2015 ·

As a business owner, I think one of the biggest hurdles that I struggle with is knowing when to invest in myself. If something breaks, it’s easy to know that it needs to be repaired or replaced. But if something isn’t necessarily broken, then we tend to leave well enough alone.

So when do you decide that you need some improvement?

I decided to set personal goals of enrichment. I refuse to become stagnant in my craft. And while I remain somewhat flexible in these goals, I’m determined to stick to them, otherwise I could easily go 5 years without updating procedures and technology, website galleries or furthering my education – after all, my business is profitable without such changes.

But if I look back over the past 5 years, I’m hardly the same person that I was then. There have been so many personal changes and growth and we should take the time to reflect on that. I can even say I’ve grown immensely- both in business and personal life – in the past year and it’s just paved the road to the future.

On this note, I’ve determined that it time for a website upgrade. There’s nothing wrong with my old one, but the comments and feedback I received from it weren’t necessary a reflection of who I wanted to be. I’m excited to move forward, pressing deeper into 2015 and the really amazing wedding season that is ahead, as well as show off some of the awesomeness that took place in 2014. I’m excited to share my style and get to know you even better. So hop on over to the new website, the blog will receive it’s facelift soon as well, but I believe in baby steps and I don’t have to conquer the whole world today.

Just Create

0 · Feb 12, 2015 ·

Yesterday one of my favorite bouquets I’ve ever created was featured on Style Me Pretty, along with a whole other slew of talented ladies who love to create beautiful blooms, with beautiful hearts. It was a reminder of spring, of the vibrancy, the color and the much needed refresh we all need in our life after a long, cold winter.

Flowers have intrigued me for as long as I can remember, although it wasn’t with the passion for education and growth that they do now. When I was a little girl, I remember planting wildflower seeds around the perimeter of our above ground pool and waiting for them to bloom. The poppies always stand out in my memory the most. While it takes a while for those sprouts to grown, if you never plant the seeds, you will never see the fruits of your labor.

Kelly Perry, the creator of the Team Flower workshop, also shared our flowers on the Team Flower blog. It’s funny how two blogs can share the same content but connect with the subjects in a whole different way. To one, they’re just a bunch of beautifully captured images which audiences love to see. To another, they’re a story, a conquest and a beginning.

I was thinking about this beginning, the way we start our creations. Sometimes it can be paralyzing to start. We always want to put our best foot forward and aim for perfection, but like Kelly mentioned, it’s risky. It’s comforting to know that someone else also just starts arranging, not really knowing where the results will lead. And we can’t please everyone.

When I stepped off the plane to attend this workshop, I didn’t know where I was headed. I didn’t know who I would meet. I didn’t even know the girl I had agreed to spend the next 2 hours of my life carpooling with (she was awesome, by the way). And beyond this, I didn’t know where this workshop would lead me and the ways it would unleash a passion that was bottled up within, held hostage by fear.

Then I started to create this bouquet. Rows and rows of beautiful blooms were placed in front of me and I was told to go, create. It’s hard to know where to begin, I didn’t have a vision in mind. I didn’t have any limits or parameters. All I knew is that I wanted to make something gorgeous.

I remember seeing that big, beautiful fuchsia peony and I held it in my hand as it spoke to me. It was a starting point. I found some quirky little kumquats and a softer pink tree peony, which also called to me. This was the base, the inspiration. I continued to build upon this, grabbing ingredients that I liked and some that just felt like they belonged – they connected the colors, the story.

Every time I gather flowers for an event I seek to recreate this feeling that I had in that moment. I squeal with excitement when flower orders arrive at my doorstep. And I want to tell your tale while creating your bridal bouquet. It might sound a little deep but I can’t just cluster flowers together and call it a day. I’ve remade bouquets 4 and 5 times, until they’re accurately depicting the account of your celebration and worthy of being held in your hands. And sometimes that’s scary, sometimes I wonder where I’ll find the time or how I’ll ever conquer perfection but I know I have to start somewhere and my amazing clients are trusting me to take that first step.

So when I feel that pressure start to build up and that fear starts to creep in, I have to remind myself to take a step back, let the flowers do the talking and just create.

Photography: Heather Payne Photography

Home Improvements

0 · Feb 10, 2015 ·

Sit down, grab a cup of coffee (I’m going to get a refill) and I’ll fill you in on life happenings over here at the Ferguson household…. picture by Hetler Photography.

Back in October I began blogging about all the off-season shenanigans that were about to take place around my home. I had this blissful dream of all the things that I could get accomplished during this slower time of year, organization projects, remodeling to-dos and office updates. And I even thought it would be fun to take you along on my journey via blogging.

Oh the best laid plans…

Our initial house project was fixing the ice damage from last winter which affected both our dining room and living room. This was an insurance claim, so rather than DIYing it (like every other remodeling project that we’ve tackled so far), we hired a pro. I thought this would make things easier. I thought things would get done correctly and in a timelier manor. I thought wrong. Start dates continued to get pushed back and suddenly I was fearful that it wouldn’t be finished in time to put up a Christmas tree. I put up a tree anyway. The crew was let go and the project is yet to be finished. Let’s just say that I have more control and faith in my husband – who is handy, but certainly not a master craftsman – than I do these so called “professionals”. If you’ve been waiting to see the “big reveal”, you’re going to have to keep on waiting. Here are the original plans, in case you’d like to see those.

Project number two has begun. For 5 years we have been living with the most disgusting, outdated and grossest bathroom you’ve ever seen. It’s been embarrassing whenever guests need to use the restroom. It’s dingy, with peeling wallpaper and shredded berber carpet… who carpets a bathroom anyway? My guess is it was updated sometime during the late 80’s, but I’m not too certain. We scheduled this project before realizing that our previous ice project would not be complete, but we have to move forward anyway. We’re having a baby and I refuse to still be remodeling when she arrives. We’ll see how those plans unfold – right now we’re about 40% complete, with 3 more work weekends to go (we’ve had 2 already).

As far as the rest, well, let’s just say that life is different than it was this time last year. Things were much quieter then. This year, it’s been a hustle and bustle of bridal inquiries, meetings and prep for the upcoming season. I’m so thankful, but it has put a few of those blissful organization dreams aside. Now I’m updating office space, making room for baby and tripping over extra tiles, tools and other random objects that seem to be floating throughout my home and things are just plain challenging. But I’m really exciting for what wedding season 2015 will bring – and for the warmer weather ahead. We’re half way through February, spring is right around the corner.

And I almost forgot one really exciting piece of “new business” – there’s a new website in the works! I’ve been hard at work on this baby and love the way it’s making my flowers and designs shine… it will be up and running soon!

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.

Original Recipe :: Delphiniums & Yellow Blooms

0 · Jan 26, 2015 ·

A couple weeks ago I was asked to create an very special arrangement. I was given a loose set of instructions and told to do my thing. So I let my mind wonder and creativity soon took over and I crafted a piece I was truly proud of. But recipes, colors and instructions are open to different interpretations as I very quickly learned upon delivering my floral arrangement. And it’s not to say that any one floral designer is right or wrong, but their vision, style and perceptions of color and floral pairing preferences are all different.

I was asked to create using yellows and white, with delphiniums and touches of lavender. And since it’s winter, we thought evergreens should be used along with some twigs and more masculine touches, this wasn’t meant to be my typical “girly” flower arrangement.

So I began to compose my display using these ingredients –

Ivory roses, Yellow spray roses, Ivory Stock (which is actually a buttery, pale yellow color), Evergreen branches, Delphinium, Sahara Roses and Blue Thistle.

In addition to the above ingredients, I also went on a little winter foraging adventure in search of twigs — I found the most perfect ones, complete with small blue berries — I just had to dig them out of the snow.

With the same loose instructions, another artist was inspired to create with the flowers pictured below — a combination of flowers that had never even occurred to me but again just shows how it never hurts to show some extra attention to detail while being very visual in your descriptions. And the only argument I might make is regarding the snapdragons and carnations, which I consider more of a fuchsia rather than a lavender.

They choose a darker shade of delphinium and a brighter yellow bloom, but they’re still within the original description. The pine used was a longer needle, probably white pine and I’m not really sure the one terra cotta rose really fits with the other flower choices but I’m trying not to judge.

Using my recipe, here’s what I created –

While this certainly is not the most beautifully photographed arrangement (I’m so sorry for the icky Iphone photos!) I think it’s important to understand why I ask my clients so many questions about their wedding day and what EXACTLY they’re hoping for. It’s not only because I’m nosy, it’s because I want to make sure our imaginations are traveling on the same road together. I never assume anything and always try to incorporate a few pictures or visual examples of designs.

Fell in Love in Fishtown

0 · Jan 22, 2015 ·

Don’t you just love Northern Michigan? The Leelanau Peninsula is one of my absolute favorite places on earth. There’s something so quaint and simplistic about the area and yet it holds on to a sophisticated splendor that locals and travelers from near and far can appreciate. It’s no wonder that the beaches have received national recognition for their beauty and its bride’s love to plan their summer weddings there.

But life on the peninsula almost comes to a halt as soon as the first snowflakes begin to fall. The Fishtown shanties board up their rickety doors and the world becomes quiet. I think it’s a shame. The magic of the region doesn’t stop just because the weather turns colder. Last winter, Rachel of Sincerely, Ginger Weddings and I dared to dream about what it would be like to elope on the shores of Lake Michigan with ice and snow all around. We imaged the cool beach color palette paired against rustic touches. We loved the concept of freshwater nautical. We thought of the practical-ness of a toboggan serving as the getaway car (and a fabulous cake table!). We imaged what it might be like if the couple were to get ready together, the bride taking a moment to adjust his tie and place his handkerchief. It would be a vision all about the couple, about their romance and a place where love is enough to keep them warm.

We were also honored to have this inspiration shoot featured on Style Me Pretty earlier this month. You can see this feature here. Want to get married in Leland? No matter what the season, I’d love to help you plan it!

Another Year Older

0 · Jan 20, 2015 ·

Photo: Heather Cisler Photography

Yesterday was my birthday. It wasn’t an exciting day, no one sang to me or gave me cake. It was simply just another day reminding us that life moves forward whether we embrace it or not and no one can escape the aging process.

Last month I was sitting with a couple of wedding friends enjoying light-hearted conversation. The topic of pregnancy arose and I made an off-handed comment about that being an issue in the industry, since so many of us are so young. It was at this point that I was very bluntly (but lovingly) put in my place – I’m not that young.

Since it’s been brought to my attention, I’ve realizing the level of truth in this statement. I’m getting old, which I’m sure is a point that would be disputed by those 20+ years my senior. But I’ve been asked before if I’ll “outgrow” my job. I think about long-term business and personal goals and wonder where I really should be at this time in my life. I’m not the 21 year old that just graduated collage and started a business – although truth be told, I don’t think I would have had the guts to take that leap then. I’ve established a level of maturity, and while my business and brand and even life (for that manor) might evolve I don’t foresee it going anywhere. I’m right where I want to be.

So these two inspirational quotes are going to stand by me today.

“Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s middle.” And while I feel like I’m finally traveling into the “middle” section of my journey, I still need to be careful not to compare, which leads me to my next point:

“Comparison is the theft of all joy.” Just do your thing. Worry about your life and forget about “the industry” which you’re in. Forget about your friend’s fancy new house or promotion. Just keep pushing on and doing what makes you happy.

Married in a Month :: The Inspiration

0 · Jan 15, 2015 ·

Winter is the season for dreaming. It’s cold, gloomy and I’m stuck in the house because I’m too much of a wimp to try and bare these subzero temperatures. So my imagination naturally takes over. I start dreaming of warmer times ahead, summer blooms and what’s next for The Day’s Design. I start creating inspiration boards and sketching out ideas – some which will happen and some which will never be brought to life. It’s a New Year and time to dream big.

But it’s also time to dream for my clients. I have met some really amazing couples the past couple months and I’ve got lots of goodies up my sleeves for their big days. I’ve been working on lots of proposals and design ideas for them as well and I get pretty impatient when it comes to waiting on making these happen, six months seems like such a long time!

As I’m making these, many people have asked what the process looks like and how I design and convey what’s in my head to these couples. I don’t have a 100% exact step-by-step process because each couple is different, sometimes I get a little ahead of myself and eager and sometimes my brain just doesn’t stay organized and the artist in me takes over – my pencil starts drawing and there’s no stopping it…. even if I’m not to that step in my process yet.

It’s fair to say, however, that almost all of my designs start with an inspiration board of some sort which allows my clients and I to visually describe how we want the day to feel, how colors will pair together and the overall formality levels.

If you’ve followed along my Married in a Month series, this is the inspiration that brought that impromptu celebration together. Casual, simple, natural and colorful were words that the bride (my sister) used to describe her day. Since the wedding took place in November, we wanted to add some fall touches, however the venue was scheduled to be decorated for the holidays the week before. So it took some careful planning to combine these elements and make sure that it didn’t feel like a “Christmas wedding” but rather a festive celebration focused on the couple, but also welcoming the holiday spirit. Here’s what we came up with:

We try to incorporate a little bit of inspiration for each piece of the wedding day – from flowers selections to wardrobe colors and ideas and all the little details in between that will really set your day apart. By making an inspiration board early in the planning process, you have a general direct of where your decor is headed so when it comes to choosing those very first glimpses the guest will see, such as save-the-dates or invites, they already have an idea of what the wedding day will be like and it keeps everything cohesive. It also help to share these boards with all the vendors, especially when it comes to exact color swatches – one person’s interpretation of purple might be a far cry from another’s – there’s plum, lilac, lavender, amethyst, violet, grape… I think you get the idea.

This is just an inspiration board. That means we’re inspired by these images, many of which were created by other amazing artists. There might be certain elements that I pull from this board, however the goal in mind is not to copy each detail but rather the feeling and the theme that it sets forth. I’ll be sharing the exact results from the wedding in the upcoming weeks so you can compare the inspiration and the results – they really did turn out lovely!

*Disclaimer: Unfortunately when I created this design board I had no intention of blogging about it and am not sure where I sourced all of my images from. I deeply regret not being able to track these down and give each artist their proper due. Please accept my apologies as I will work to correct this in the future.

Featured :: Style Me Pretty Midwest

0 · Jan 12, 2015 ·

Last winter Rachel, of Sincerely Ginger Weddings, and I were inspired to create an inspiration shoot based on this scene.

We’re all so familiar with Lake Michigan’s summer views, but the winter is just a breathtaking. We thought about the soft lilac tones which subtly shift from periwinkle, to sky blue until they reach the boldness of a navy nighttime sky. Leland made the most perfect backdrop anyone could ask for and today you can see the shoot in it’s entirety on Style Me Pretty Midwest.

Enjoy!

Hugs & Cheers for the New Year

0 · Jan 5, 2015 ·

Photography: Eliza Jean Photography

I like to start January off on a positive note. It’s a new and fresh year full of possibilities. But today my heart is heavy and optimism is eluding me as another member of my family went to their eternal home yesterday. It seems the past few Januaries have been challenging, to say the least. Perhaps it’s the Lord’s way of testing me and letting me know it can only go up from here? I don’t really know.

I’ve read numerous year end recaps across Facebook, Instagram and on other blogs. While a couple here and there might make a slight mention of trials in 2014, most of them are extremely positive and almost overly enthusiastic about how great the year was. I almost feel like no one is really real with themselves or perhaps those people just chose not to speak out.

It’s important to know that life is full of complications, sadness and heartbreak. We don’t always choose to share these personal moments of defeat, as it’s so much easier to share the sunshine and celebration than the gloom. Sometimes it’s hard to see the engagement announcements, the shiny new Christmas toys and all the positive wishes for 2015. But if you too are starting the year on a negative note, it’s okay, you’re not alone regardless of what social media might be telling you. We’ll find your time of celebration together.

Hugs and Cheers into the New Year!

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!

Married in a Month

0 · Dec 30, 2014 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design

Happy Engagement Season! So cheesy, right? But I read somewhere that nearly 40% of all proposals that take place each calendar year happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. And if that weren’t crazy enough, there’s another big burst ready to happen as soon as Valentine’s strikes.

This means that wedding vendors (myself included) are getting bombarded with inquires and people trying to plan their weddings – some for this year, and some for next – because it really depends on the individual as to how much time they need to plan their wedding.

Which brings me to my next point, how much time do you need? I know I’ve touched on this subject before (you can read that post here), but earlier this year I worked with a bride that decided she didn’t really know what tomorrow might bring so, forget the long engagement, let’s get married next month (she also happened to be my sister… eep, that was challenge #2!) . For real.

How in the world do you make that happen!?

First and foremost, develop a plan and stick to it. There’s no room for second guessing yourself or changing your minds. Have a few ideas of what you want your wedding to look like, feel like and the overall formality levels but remain just a little flexible.

Hopefully this spontaneous event is on the skirt or off season for weddings. This will be so helpful. Finding vendors a year out is tricky enough, but a month out? Well that’s a whole new can of worms. Remain flexible and open to recommendations from vendors who might be already booked but know someone with a similar style or budget.

Find a venue ASAP. You have to get invitations or you won’t have any guests. And it’s rather difficult to send out invites if you don’t have a location. Most weddings planned on such a short notice have a smaller guest count and tend to be more casual, so consider what’s really important to you. Will a restaurant or bed and breakfast do? Do you need a place for a DJ and dancing? Can the ceremony and reception take place in the same spot?

Stay away from diy projects. They’re tricky enough when you have 9 -18 months to complete them, but on such short notice you’re just asking to be stressed out.

Find a planner. Seriously. I’m giving you a sales pitch here but they can save you so much wasted time and frustration. If for nothing else, hire them on an hourly basis for consulting and let them steer you in the right direction.

Pray that you can find a dress off the rack. We can’t have you walking down the aisle in your pj’s. However lots of department stores also offer bridal selections, or at least formal white or ivory gowns that can be ordered and arrive within a weeks’ time. You’re going to have to give up the dream of a custom, couture gown. Sorry.

So what do you think, is a quick engagement right for you? At the end of the day, you’re married and that’s the most important thing. You’ve found the man of your dreams now you just have to figure out how to pair the perfect wedding with him.

Merry Christmas 2014

0 · Dec 24, 2014 ·

Presents are wrapped, the car is being packed and we’re heading down the road to spend some quality time with the fam! So Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Thanks Kellie for the beautiful Christmas photos!

You Bring Our Hearts to Life

0 · Dec 23, 2014 ·

“We believe in the kingdom come,

We believe in the risen Son,

You bring our hearts to life.”

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Christmas Tree

0 · Dec 18, 2014 ·

Dear Christmas Tree,

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

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

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

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

A Modern Fairytale

0 · Dec 8, 2014 ·

It seems that every winter seems to get a little longer than the last and last year’s never wanted to end. So it came as so surprise that by the time March rolled around I was itching to get outside and do something creative. I wanted to celebrate new life, spring and tradition.

In the early morning dew, our story begins. It’s a love story, a sweet tale revolving around fantasy and the belief that we are in control of our own fairytales. As a modern twist, our bride left a simple note for her groom to meet her at dawn by the river where they will pledge their forevers to one another. So there she waits by candlelight for him to arrive. In the spring of the year, the dawn of the day, they make a new start together.

Mister charming himself arrives with an armful of wildflowers he stopped to pick along the way. A simple breakfast is eaten of fruit and a simple elegant, glittering cake. All details were to remain timeless and classic including a beautiful ballgown and other details in ivory, satin and lace – touches that never seem to go out of style and would be perfect for any magical setting, be it a grand ballroom, an enchanted forest or a storybook castle.

Photography: Heather Cisler Photography | Floral Design & Coordination: The Day’s Design | Calligraphy: Emilime Designs | Bridal Dress: Bianka Bridal | Cake: A Piece O’Cake

You can also see this inspiration shoot over on Artfully Wed, it was featured on their blog last month.

Shopping with Shelby: Black Friday 2014

0 · Dec 1, 2014 ·

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing Thanks

0 · Nov 26, 2014 ·

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Monday After

0 · Nov 24, 2014 ·

It’s often assumed that once the wedding is over, the role of a planner is finished. They’re married, everyone partied and now everyone has gone home. For me the day’s following an amazing celebration are a couple of the most dreaded. This is what your wedding planner does after the wedding.

Saturday night – CRASH!! The End.

Sunday – try to conquer the wedding hangover. The struggle is real, even if though this is a non-alcohol induced hangover. Every Sunday after a wedding I always feel like I’ve been hit with a Mack truck and am barely able to pull myself off the sofa. My feet are screaming, my head and body ache and my mind is a fuzzy cloud of blurry yet amazing details from the night before. So I patently wait for a couple of sneaks on social media from the night before and Instagram a few of my own, or at least get the posts ready for Monday since Sunday technically is the day of rest and I try to take the day off.

And then it’s Monday. Monday is definitely not a favorite day of the week for me, but the Monday after a wedding weekend is the absolute worse. First off, there’s the inbox to be tackled. Inevitably while I’m out Friday and Saturday in preparation and planning mode, I get more emails than ever before – new inquiries and networking request, some vendor love, etc. I’m so grateful for these, however the timing could just be a touch better. So scratch a couple hours out of my day for those. Then I need to write myself a to-do list, I’m bound to forget something and should probably have figured out my priorities before I started my day, but hey, late is better than never.

Then I should unpack. Ugh… I despise this part of my job. Without doubt, my Tahoe is always loaded to the brim with extra flowers, vases, dirty linens, an emergency kit and crates chucked full of wedding goodness and possibly a few rental items to be returned. I do not travel light. Once it’s hauled into my house, let the sorting, cleaning organizing and dragging to the basement begin.

Brew more coffee.

Determine what rentals need to be returned first thing. Stop my organizing because I totally missed something that must be returned by 5:00 and it’s probably nearing 3:30 at this point. Throw on some quick mascara and real pants (because I’ve not left my house yet and am still enjoying the comforts of my pj’s). Frantically rush out wondering what else I can do as long as I’m out in the world and dressed.

Upon my return I will be too exhausted to continue my organizing and forgo my project in favor of returning to my inbox and fixing Gretta a snack, since she will no-doubt be starving from our excursion, in which I had to drag her along. Stare at the rest of my non-sorted pile willing it to put itself away. Check social media for the 4^th time today making sure there isn’t a pro photo wondering around the web (or something else fabulous that I missed) from over the weekend.

Promise myself to accomplish more on Tuesday. Tomorrow is another day.

Speaking of things I missed over the weekend – my Modern Fairytale inspiration shoot (with Heather Cisler Photography, Bianka Bridal, Emilime Designs and A Piece O’Cake) was featured on Artfully Wed Friday. Go check it out, it was a double feature week – so exciting!

Happy Monday!!

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.

Ribbons :: A Graceful Extension of Design

0 · Nov 13, 2014 ·

Photo by Hetler Photography

Yesterday I posted a little tidbit on my Facebook page about my love for ribbons. When it comes to ribbon on a bouquet for me it’s simple (kind of), the more the merrier and the longer the better. I spend just as much time picking the perfect accent colors, textures and styles for the ribbons as I do picking the blooms themselves. The process might seem pretty straight forward, and maybe I’m just an over thinker (scratch that – I know I’m an over thinker) but it’s really important to me that the ribbons adorning your bouquet are perfect.

You may be wondering what there is to consider, I mean your wedding colors are pink and black so the blooms are pink the ribbon should be black. Simple enough, right? That’s one possibility, definitely one that would add lots of drama. But let’s think beyond just the color palette.

I like to consider what the bouquets will be photographed against. If the bridesmaids are wearing black dresses, you’ll never see the black ribbon up against them. On the contrary, black against the bride’s dress would certainly make a huge statement and will not be missed. When they’re not being held, where might the photographer place them? Are there pretty wood floors or upholstered chairs in the bridal suite, I certainly wouldn’t want my ribbons to clash. Will they be outside against the grass or against a tree… what might the photographer be thinking?

I also think about the overall feel or theme of the wedding. I like to imagine what the ribbon will look like in conjunction with all the other décor elements. If you’re using beautiful hand-dyed silk table runners, plain grosgrain ribbon simply won’t do. Satin is classic, silk is flowy and graceful and suede is an earthy, more natural chose.

Ribbons are so beautiful blowing in the wind so if it’s an outdoor wedding (or if there’s the possibility of lots of outdoor pictures being taken) I always use lightweight ribbons that will look so carefree and elegant if the breeze should catch them. You know those gorgeous flowing veil shots that make us all swoon? Well my heart gets just as happy when I see the ribbons in motion with the wind.

Odd numbers are visually pleasing and since I can rarely decide on just one, most of my bouquets have at least 3 ribbons draping down. Sometimes I aim to combine the styles of the décor, and sometimes I focus more on extending the color palette with a cascading trail of fabric.

Personal touches such as family heirlooms, meaningful trinkets or Grandma’s handkerchief are always sweet touches and make your bouquet extra special and unique. I believe every bride should love her bouquet more than any other piece of the wedding décor, it really does become an extension of you, an expression of your personal style and stays by your side for most of the day.