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I often wonder why more brides don’t consider having a winter wedding.  To me, there is nothing more romantic that the soft light of a winter afternoon lit by candlelight and beautiful winter blooms.  While you might not be able to get those gorgeous pale pink peonies in January, you may be surpirsed at the luscious flowers available that are unique to the winter wedding season.

Looking for a dark velvety red ruffled show stopper of a rose?  Ask for the Hearts rose.  It is a rich sumptuous rose and makes a stunning bouquet on its own or is great paired with any color.  Want a touch of spring?  Tulips and hyacinth stems are available in December.

For a modern look, think lichen covered branches or flowering quince in white, rusted or distresseed urns for  a January wedding.  February is the month for glorious cherry blossms and bright yellow forsythia branches.  So simple and elegant by themselves in tall glass vases.

In March that first hint of spring shows up with sweet peas on the scene along with blue muscari and the stunning lily of the valley.

There are lots of options available, too numerous for this short article, but always ask your designer about what is available you never know what kind of floral magic they may be able to work for you!

More and more I have brides ask me about using carnations as a wedding flower. Most people think of them as a cheap filler flowers. Thank you, Samantha from Sex And The City for that comment!

Today, carnations are anything but that filler flower of the 70′s. They come in amazing natural colors ranging from green tea green to deep amethyst, violet, and pale lilac. The are long lasting and hold up well in hot weather. Best of all they look amazing when designed “en masse” for a centerpiece or designed in the English-dome pave style for a bouquet.

Take a look at Nicole’s bouquet. It was designed with cream, ivory, and white carnations. It was romantic, lush, and beautifully feminine.

Well, it’s been a busy 2-1/2 months with wedding shows, open houses, tastings, and “I Do!” Casino Night.

 ”I Do!” Casino Night was a special event for me as I planned it with Gina from Gina Mary Hair Design and the event staff at the Hilton Garden Inn-Issaquah. We had gaming tables, and 22 top local vendors participated. The brides and their guests were treated to yummy tray-passed appetizers, a glass of wine or beer upon arrival, and a signature cocktail to sample. It was such a high-energy event.  We had so much fun and the feedback was so positive from the guests and the vendors, that we will host it again next year!

 For those of you who asked for it, the link for the signature cocktail is below.  There are pictures of the event on my Facebook page and they will also be posted on my website under recent events soon.

 It has been a delight meeting all of you brides and hearing about your colors, vision, and favorite flowers as you plan for your big day.

 I had a blast planning the flowers for each event I participated in, and working with the different vendors at each venue. We have so many talented and gifted wedding vendors in this area! 

 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pineapple-cocktail-recipe/index.html

Well I admit it, I’ve been quite neglectful about posting to my blog and will be more diligent going forward. I wanted to share with you a recent event that a group of vendors who are passionate about the wedding industry pulled together. Gina, owner of Gina Mary Hair Design graciously hosted the Soiree. It’s the first coordinated bridal event held in Issaquah. We had amazing food, wine, dresses, make-up, a truly gifted photographer, a wedding coordinator and of course gorgeous flowers. Check out the pictures on my recent events tab.

The vendors included: Gina Mary Hair Design, Solace Arts Photography, New Creations-Wedding Coordination, Cupcakes & Pearls-Wedding and Bridal Party Fashions, Joanie’s Catering, Tallant House-yummy desserts, Hilton Garden Inn, Issaquah, JM Cellars and ,of course, me. The event colors were crimson, orange and navy. I used the luxe black magic rose, a deep red rose (Tinto), orange roses, burgundy carnations (which is a natural color, not dyed) and blue hydrangea. The arrangement I did was a sample altar piece that could easily be placed at the entry of your reception room. It was a great way to meet not only brides, but other vendors as well. All of the vendors chipped in to create a wonderful prize basket full of great items that any bride would love. The winner was Kayla Bennet. Congrats to the lucky bride!

Rebecca and Brian met while working at an iconic Seattle coffee spot..Starbucks. So it was natural that coffee would play an important role in their wedding floral theme. The venue was the Blue Ribbon Kitchen on Lake Union. For her colors Rebecca chose rust, cream, and green to accent the coffee beans and table runners. To compliment the black and white damask fabric she used for her table runners, I used the beautiful Circus rose, vibrant green viburnum and tangerine mokara orchids as the main flowers. For the reception, a suite of 5 vases on each table were filled with coffee beans and flowers. After the reception they departed for their honeymoon in a sea plane. A total Seattle experience!

2010 is an exciting year for flowers. In January, I was asked to give a presentation on this year’s trends at the monthly meeting for the Association of Bridal Consultants. This is a professional organization for wedding planners. Here are some of the highlights of my presentation. Flowers that are popular are the classics; hydrangea, orchids, roses and calla lilies. The hand-tied lush bouquet style is still a frequent request, but I am seeing requests for the cascade style bouquet as well. Regarding colors, white is always a classic, but the top in color for 2010 is…purple. Metallic accents are also popular. This can include using metallic elements in ribbons, pearl pin accents and tablescapes.

Fifty years ago a young couple on a very limited budget were married. The bride, Denyse, carried a small round bouquet of pink carnations. Their anniversary party was held at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, WA. Denyse wanted blush, pink and cream flowers in her centerpieces with one requirement, there must be pink carnations! Her centerpieces were filled with blush spray roses, cream and medium pink standard roses, pink gerbera daises and, of course, pink carnations.