Flower Inspiration :: Citrus fruits & bright colors!

Here's a fun wedding we had to pleasure of working on at Evergreen Lakehouse. Kelly, the bride, came to us through Jessie. Jessie used to be a designer at Bella Fiori until she & her husband moved to Hawaii a few years ago. I'm so glad Jessie sent Kelly to us - she was a doll to work with!
Here's an up close photo of Kelly's bouquet: magenta peonies, orange unique roses, fern fronds, orange ranunculus, green cymbidiums, green hypericum berries.

Kelly and her bridesmaids:

The amazing view of Evergreen Lake in the background, breathtaking.

Here's the lower centerpiece that we designed using lemon, lime and orange slices along with dahlias, peonies and roses.

I had a lot of fun w/ the second centerpiece, lots of citrus slices arranged with curly willow for height. Roses, dahlias and peonies tucked in around the citrus - it smelled heavenly!




All of these lovely photographs were taken by Karina Heneghan.

Donovan Pavilion - Vail, Colorado

Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado is amazing for so many reasons! First of all, it's in Vail! Second, the room is so versatile, I love that it has the bit of a woodsy, mountain feel without going crazy with the woodsy, mountain feel. I like that any color palette works here. I think it is wonderful that the ceremony site is right outside the reception room, in the background you can hear the creek flowing by. The people who are in charge are so easy to work with and there is plenty of parking out front. If you are looking for a location for your wedding in Vail be sure to check Donovan's Pavilion out.
I had the pleasure of working there recently with Heather Allen of Table 6 Productions and Catering By Design. Here are two photos of the centerpieces we did:

The history of floral design

The history of floral design:

One day while the girls & I were designing flowers for an upcoming wedding we fell into a discussion about the history of floral design. When did floral design begin, who invented it, we wondered?? Our first thoughts were that it started in Europe around 16th or 17th century. We felt this could have been the start considering how many artists depicted flower arrangements in their paintings. Then we also considered India, after all, we know that flowers are very important in their wedding ceremony – perhaps they started floral design? We also wondered – who opened the first florist shop. Now, I’m thinking I may have some luck finding where it all began but, can I really figure out who opened the first shop and where??
I told the girls that as soon as I had some free time I would do some research online and see what I could find out.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that floristry has been traced back to the Egyptian Period (2800 BC to 28 BC). Apparently the Egyptians would decorate their guests with garlands and wreaths for ceremonies. Plus, they’d use flowers for decorations on banquet tables!
During the Greek Period (600-150 B.C.) the Cornucopia was invented. I found this extremely interesting considering we still see this design every Thanksgiving.
Ancient China, Han era, ~207 BC, the Chinese were making arrangements in vases.
It was during the Renaissance & Baroque periods that floral design as we know it really came about. This is when paintings depicted flower arrangements filled with roses, poppies, anemones, ranunculus, etc. took place.

Floristry as we know it now in America:
On August 18, 1910, fifteen American retail florists agreed to exchange orders for out-of-town deliveries. Originally called "Florists' Telegraph Delivery", FTD was the world's first flowers-by-wire service.
Floral design became strong and gained interest in America after WW1, this is when garden clubs started to form and judging guidelines were introduced.
After WW2 transportation from overseas increased which introduced exotic blossoms to American floral design.

I’m pleased with my new found knowledge. However, I have yet to find the answer to my other question: Where was the first flower shop and when did it open? Anyone have some insight for me??

at the studio :: It's wedding season!

Dearest friends of Bella Fiori,
I must admit that we've been busy girls at studio and haven't had quite as much time to update the blog w/ our latest creations.
At the moment we have quite a few fun things happening. In addition to the weddings we are working on this weekend, we are also providing flowers for Intricate Icings open house on Sunday. Rachael is an amazing artist who now has a lovely shop in Erie, Colorado. If you are looking for a wedding cake - call her! Yesterday I worked on the containers for the flowers, came up with some cool looks - can't wait for them to be enjoyed on Sunday.
Also, we are providing flowers for Taste Of The Nation. The event is Sunday, July 19 and tickets are still available. I cannot wait to attend this event.
This past Monday we worked with Julie of Classic Creations, Julie Sandusky of JS Design and Jared Wilson Photography on a photo shoot for Bride & Bloom magazine on location at Villa Parker. I feel really fortunate to have been included in this photo shoot and can't wait for the issue to be released!
Also, look for our fall classes to be posted in August - we'll be offering a few classes in October.
On that note, it is time for me to head to the wholesalers and pick up the last items for the weddings this weekend. We are headed to Devil's Thumb Ranch, Phipps Mansion, Mount Vernon Country Club & Terrace Gardens. Can't wait to deliver flowers to our brides!!

Flower Inspiration :: Summer flowers

Angie Wood from A&A Photography sent over a CD of photos from Jake & Emily's wedding at Red Rocks Trading Post. Emily selected a very summery color palette of orange, lime green and hot pink. The flowers I designed with included fuji mums, green cymbidium orchids, hot pink dahlias, mango calla lilies, orange mokara orchids, green hypericum berries, hot pink freesia, orange ranunculus and hot pink dendrobrium orchids. Each bouquet also had bear grass loops and a collar of rolled ti leaves.

Vendor Profile :: Jason G. - Wedding Photographer

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jason & his fiance Gina. In a short amount of time we have worked on an event for NACE/ISES, a photo shoot for a wedding planner and a wedding! I love the photos I've received from Jason!

A bit about Jason's style:
I see myself as a photojournalist, capturing the story of your wedding
day through crisp images that communicate the spontaneity,
authenticity and emotion of the moment. Wedding photography documents
one of the greatest expressions of love in a person's life. But, each
love story is as diverse as its participants. That's why I build a
personal relationship with each couple. No two couples are the same
and their photos should reflect their uniqueness. I want tell your
story through memorable images that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Short Bio about Jason:

I'm a Denver-area photographer who aims to capture wedding day stories
through images that are spontaneous, authentic and emotional. When I'm
not snapping pictures, you'll find me playing Wii with my son, on
coffee date with my daughter, sampling a new wine with my fiancee, or
on a nice long bike ride to the top of Lookout Mountain.

Short Bio about Gina;
I'm a romantic at heart who loves to photograph the details of life.
Whether it be the hands of a new bride, the tears of a happy father,
or an aged NYC manhole cover, my eye roams for images that tell a
story. When I'm not carrying a camera, you'll find me reading Jane
Austen books, watching old movies, scrap-booking with the kids, or
taking Riley for a nice walk.

Contact info:

(303)204-8937
www.jason-g.com
http://www.blog.jason-g.com

twitter: jasongphoto and ginabwithjasong

A photo from the NACE/ISES event:

I love this shot from a recent wedding in Vail, it looks like a piece of art to me:

Favorite Websites :: IN Weddings

Here is a great Colorado Wedding Directory website. Michele is co-owner of IN Photography and creator of IN Weddings. She maintains a beautiful website and I feel fortunate that one our weddings is featured on her site:
Sam & Anna - Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek, Colorado