West MIchigan floral design

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.

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.

Saying “Pish Posh”

0 · Sep 25, 2014 ·

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West MIchigan floral design

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