quotes

Two quotes I heard today and really liked:
“Planning parties is the ultimate drug.“ — Colin Cowie
"No one said life would be easy. They just promised it would be worth it."

happenings at the studio

Almost the end of February, what a busy month we had. Quite a difference from last year, when it seemed like Denver was non-stop under snow!
The new Brides Colorado magazine hit newstands - there's a nice article from us on page 122, Defining "Rustic". For the interview I explained how we would design flowers for a rustic/mountain top type of wedding that still has an elegant edge.
Also, the new Confetti magazine just came out, we have a few photos displayed, all courtesy of Barry Staver. Thanks Barry for sending the photos of our flowers!
I just signed up to take a hands-on class with Paula Pryke. She is my favorite floral designer! I'm looking forward to a trip over to London later this year. Will be great to have a whole week to visit flower shops, the flower wholesale market and to take her class. I can hardly wait!
Other than those details, all is normal here. Michelle and I are both quite busy with consultations. We were invited to do a photo shoot for Grace Ormonde, so of course, we are having a lot of fun designing our "fantasy table".
Oh and the best news this week? It's Restaurant Week!! Fun! Tonight I'm going to Bistro Vendome - yea!

Happy Valentine's Day

Hello !! and happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Looks like we are done w/ deliveries for the day. yea!
I think this is the second year in a row that it snowed on V-day - go figure. ;)

The Ritz Carlton Denver Wedding

If you live in Denver you are probably aware there is a brand new Ritz Carlton. It just opened in mid-January! We had our first wedding there this past weekend, Feb. 9. Lovely couple with fabulous taste. A special Thank-you to Sara for giving us so much creative range with her flowers! Also a warm thank-you to everyone at the Ritz for all their help. The wedding was a huge success, no doubt due to the vendors that worked as a team.
Michelle Gillette of Dramatic Events was the coordinator - we LOVE working with her!
Dave Russell took the fabulous photographs - we LOVE working with Dave. Dave sent over a slideshow this morning, check it out!
Sara & Paul - The Ritz Carlton Denver
Also, Dave's blog entry: Sara & Paul
Sara carried a cascading bouquet of Hawaiian dendrobrium orchids, cymbidium orchids and cattleya orchids - all white. Paul wore a boutonniere of dendrobrium orchids and seeded eucalyptus. Their ceremony took place in front of an arch decorated with white and sheer gold fabrics, hanging votive candles and all white flowers - lilies, polo roses, orchids, lysimachia, freesia, ranunculus with seeded eucalyptus. We lined the aisle with rose petals and tied off the back of the aisle with a sheer gold ribbon attached to two topiaries. The topiaries also had the all white flower motif. The reception centerpieces were luscious wreaths surrounding an amber glass urn that had a sparkling candle. The flowers included tulips, orchids, polo roses, freesia, lysimachia, ranunculus, lilies, ranunculus, with variegated pitt and seeded eucalyptus. The Ritz Carlton pastry chef created the cake, between two tiers we had roses and freesia flush with the edges - quite dramatic.
The overall room had such a warm feeling with all the gold and amber accents. Be sure to notice the beautiful menu cards and place settings designed by Michelle Gillette.

Favorite Websites :: fYour Wedding Day - magazine

I received an email earlier this week with a wedding planning website/magazine ad. Feeling curious today and went on to the website - I'm blown away by the beautiful website and the very interesting blogs. What makes me happy is the amount of blogging about FLOWERS! Looks like they have a ton of information for all parts of the wedding planning process and tons of photos. Also looks like the list upcoming bridal shows throughout the country. If you like looking at exotic floral arrangements, be sure to check out this site:
Your Wedding Day

Book :: Preston Bailey - Designs for Entertaining

Preston Bailey is one of the most talented floral designers in the world. A while back I had the pleasure of having dinner with him. I was amazed by how friendly and sincere he is, he had kudos to give for my floral design work. Really a great man! I love this book of his:

Kate Aspen Wedding Favors

We just opened an online store with Kate Aspen Wedding Favors. I think their favors are just adorable and they offer so many varieties.
Click here to shop at Bella Fiori's - Kate Aspen Store