I just read my blog and realized how much my business has grown. Weddings are happening! It is exciting work and I'm nearly booked for this summer. Best of all, not one wedding is similar, all are creative, and each bride has been amazingly organized. They have pictures, colors, and themes worked out before they come to me. I've never had the florist-feared, unappeasable "Bridzillia." My brides are sweet, on serious budgets and resourceful...they find me against all odds!
Gift baskets are selling slowly but everyone loves them so far! And I love my part-time designer job as I am learning the coolest tricks and latest trends from an inspiring pool of florists. Can't believe I'm remembering to write this now. Just one week before the #1 biggest event of the entire florist year ..Mother's Day. My fingers are already sore from preping/greening and preparing flowers for everyone's favorite MOM. Mother's do rule the world!
More stuff on me..if ya want more...
I am currently a free-lance florist up here in Prescott Arizona. Which really means, I converted our garage into a work space, bought a used floral cooler and now, I'm a garage florist. I also work part-time at a local florist shop, which means, bills must be paid and well the real reason is embarrassing.
My experience in flowers began as a missionaries' wife in South Africa. I began floral studies to meet the needs of many young couples in our churches, on a budget, who wanted to get married. Hence, I had to learn to be resourceful and create bouquets out of whatever grew around us. This was not diffucult in South Africa. Calla-lilies (they called them Arum-lilies) grew like weeds along the road and in swampy areas and Hydrangea blooms grew blue and huge in my own garden..along with Bird-of -Paradise, all kinds of lilies, huge ferns with huge fiddleheads, and just about everything ever created in the garden of Eden, or so I thought. I remember an African Bride paying 100 Rand , the equitant of 10 dollars, for her entire wedding of over 100 calla lilies! My "study", my hands-on training and and my passion for flowers was definately born in South Africa.
Back in Prescott Arizona, I discovered all fresh flowers come from California so it was a little more difficult to get savings for Brides. But ever resorceful, I have found free supplies of mountain Ivy, Mistletoe and pines greens, which is nice around Christmas. I have also learned many floral secrets to buy better quality and priced blooms which I can't tell you about. But the biggest way I save money for my customers is working from my home (garage). And I pass the savings on.
At least, most of my customers are local, and from local churches. Which means church folk advertise well. I expanded to the public just this last year and have had found a way to advertise for free..Free-webs and Craigs list. I t keeps me fully booked during the wedding season. I just started work at a local florist shop to keep me in touch , expand my skills, and 'cause the thought of a few days without flowers scares me. I’d actually do flowers for free , I love them so. But that’s not normal and normal women enjoy making a profit and shopping for make-up and clothes! I confess I read floral magazines in my free time. But just to keep up on the latest floral trends and well ,'cause I'm just a floral junkie.
THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH LAURIE, YOU MADE OUR ENTIRE WEDDING ATMOSPHERE GLOW WITH YOURTALENTS!! THE FLOWERS WERE ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL!! YOUTOOK MY VISION AND TOTALLY SURPASSED MY DREAM... IRECEIVED A MILLION AND ONE COMPLIMENTS ON MY BOUQUETAND CENTERPIECES AND CAKE TABLE AND GARLAND ANDEVERYTHING ELSE AND THEY LOOK SOOOOO AMAZING IN THEPICTURES!! ( I AM GOING TO EMAIL YOU PICS SOON SO YOUCAN USE THEM ON YOUR WEBSITE, IF YOU WANT OF COURSE) YOU ARE A BLESSING!! YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSONAND I APPRECIATE YOU!! I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMENDYOUR SERVICES TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY GETTINGMARRIED IN THE FUTURE. BLESS YOU!!! ALL THE LOVE IN THE WORLD TO YOU AND YOURFAMILY!! <3 YASMIN TOHIDI-WHITMER ;) & KELLIN WHITMER (THANKS FOR GETTING US THE COOLESTFLOWERS EVER!! YOU ROCK!)
Winter is a magical time of wonder..
I do love winter weddings too. They are magical and you associate it with sparkling, crisp snow that is so white it sometimes looks bluish. I bet that even if you live in an area that does not experience real winter this word conjures the snow scene in your mind. Here are some ideas I found;
ATTIRE for BRIDE GROOM and WEDDING PARTY Winter is best represented by white, silver, platinum and light blue. These are the perfect color choice for a winter theme wedding. You can incorporate these colors in the bride, groom and wedding attendants attire. White for the bride and groom, light blue and / or silver for the attendants. However, you have other options too. You may have the bridesmaids dresses made of fabric with snow flakes or stars motif that may even accented with white fur like fabric. Since you are planning gifts for your bridesmaids and flower girls, present them with Swarovski crystal on silver with or without pearls, or pearl jewelry on silver such as that offered in our discount mall. Tiaras should also be studded with swarovski crystals and or pearls on silver. The Swarovski jewelry glitsens like snow in the sun while pearls offer the prism. What a wonderful yet inexpensive way to have your bridal party match the winter theme of your wedding. WINTER WEDDING RECEPTION:Look for a reception hall that has a fireplace. If lighting a real fire is not permitted, use make-believe logs that look like real lit fireplace. Many stores carry them. You may also check with your local theater for props.Use silver serving pieces, glass or crystal drinkwear and winter white dishes.Decorate with silver, white, platinum and light blue. Use one of the colors or coordinate these colors for your table cloths and napkins, garlands, streamers, icicles, tinsel, balloons, ribbons, flowers with silver ribbons in silver vases, flickering light strings, snow flakes or stars etc... You may wish to spray your decorations with sparkle or fake snow. White and blue tulle will also help create a winter atmosphere.If you can afford it, hire an ice sculptor. If not, do it yourself, make your own ice sculpture with kits available at A-wedding day. For information go tohttp://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddingcrafts/makeyourownicecarvings.htmlIce sculptures will be a magnificent addition.If your wedding reception venue permits it, be sure to use candles to depict warmth.Either or both, ice sculpture and candles make very elegant centerpieces. IDEAS FOR WINTER WEDDING CENTERPIECES: For added effect, place your centerpieces on a mirror.White or white and light blue flowers in a silver or crystal vase An ice sculpture surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon, by a chain of flickering lights or by 4 snow globes. A candle (in a hurricane glass) surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon or by 4 snow globes Snow men/women Glass snow flakes, Silver foil covered hershey kisses, Pails, crystal or glass bowl filled with clear marbles, downy feathers fiberfill or cotton ball sprayed with glitter Winter motif confetti. WINTER WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS:Gifts of crystal, silver, candles, soaps, silver or crystal picture frames / place card holders. Decorate the wedding favors with white tulle, white-light blue or silver ribbons, silver bells, snow flakes white flowers etc... CEREMONY:Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket. BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to ReprintJust ideas I can do a cosy witer feel too with cranberry and pines, but yes whites on whites with silver or gold accents are the natural wedding and winter color.
WINTER WEDDING RECEPTION:Look for a reception hall that has a fireplace. If lighting a real fire is not permitted, use make-believe logs that look like real lit fireplace. Many stores carry them. You may also check with your local theater for props.Use silver serving pieces, glass or crystal drinkwear and winter white dishes.Decorate with silver, white, platinum and light blue. Use one of the colors or coordinate these colors for your table cloths and napkins, garlands, streamers, icicles, tinsel, balloons, ribbons, flowers with silver ribbons in silver vases, flickering light strings, snow flakes or stars etc... You may wish to spray your decorations with sparkle or fake snow. White and blue tulle will also help create a winter atmosphere.If you can afford it, hire an ice sculptor. If not, do it yourself, make your own ice sculpture with kits available at A-wedding day. For information go tohttp://www.2.a-weddingday.com/weddingcrafts/makeyourownicecarvings.htmlIce sculptures will be a magnificent addition.If your wedding reception venue permits it, be sure to use candles to depict warmth.Either or both, ice sculpture and candles make very elegant centerpieces. IDEAS FOR WINTER WEDDING CENTERPIECES: For added effect, place your centerpieces on a mirror.White or white and light blue flowers in a silver or crystal vase An ice sculpture surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon, by a chain of flickering lights or by 4 snow globes. A candle (in a hurricane glass) surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon or by 4 snow globes Snow men/women Glass snow flakes, Silver foil covered hershey kisses, Pails, crystal or glass bowl filled with clear marbles, downy feathers fiberfill or cotton ball sprayed with glitter Winter motif confetti. WINTER WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS:Gifts of crystal, silver, candles, soaps, silver or crystal picture frames / place card holders. Decorate the wedding favors with white tulle, white-light blue or silver ribbons, silver bells, snow flakes white flowers etc... CEREMONY:Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket. BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
IDEAS FOR WINTER WEDDING CENTERPIECES: For added effect, place your centerpieces on a mirror.White or white and light blue flowers in a silver or crystal vase An ice sculpture surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon, by a chain of flickering lights or by 4 snow globes. A candle (in a hurricane glass) surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon or by 4 snow globes Snow men/women Glass snow flakes, Silver foil covered hershey kisses, Pails, crystal or glass bowl filled with clear marbles, downy feathers fiberfill or cotton ball sprayed with glitter Winter motif confetti. WINTER WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS:Gifts of crystal, silver, candles, soaps, silver or crystal picture frames / place card holders. Decorate the wedding favors with white tulle, white-light blue or silver ribbons, silver bells, snow flakes white flowers etc... CEREMONY:Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket. BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
For added effect, place your centerpieces on a mirror.White or white and light blue flowers in a silver or crystal vase
An ice sculpture surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon, by a chain of flickering lights or by 4 snow globes.
A candle (in a hurricane glass) surrounded by a wreath of white or white and light blue flowers adorned with silver ribbon or by 4 snow globes
Snow men/women
Glass snow flakes,
Silver foil covered hershey kisses,
Pails, crystal or glass bowl filled with clear marbles, downy feathers fiberfill or cotton ball sprayed with glitter
Winter motif confetti.
WINTER WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS:Gifts of crystal, silver, candles, soaps, silver or crystal picture frames / place card holders. Decorate the wedding favors with white tulle, white-light blue or silver ribbons, silver bells, snow flakes white flowers etc... CEREMONY:Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket. BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
CEREMONY:Use white, silver, platinum and/or light blue, pew bows, flower arrangements where white and light blue are dominant and are tied with silver ribbon. Place your unity candles in silver candle holders which you may choose to decorate with white flowers, or leave the silver to glisten. Spray glitter on the petals in the flowergirl's basket. BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES:Choose a collection of matching accessories. Most collection will include most of the accessories for your ceremony and reception. (A unity candle set, guest book, pen, ring pillow, toasting flutes, cake serving set, and garter.)You may choose a collection that is adorned with white flowers, such as gerbera daisies, roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, magnolias, alstromeria and snowball mums. You may choose a collection that is adorned with white ribbons, pearls, sWAROVSKI CRYSTAL or rhinestones, Angels, holiday motifs.If you prefer non-white accessories, silver/platinum are available. WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
WINTER FOODS INCLUDE: Hot chocolate, hot cider, mulled wine, fondue, hot soup, warm bread or rolls snowman/woman, star and/or snow flake shaped sugar cookies. Permission to Reprint
Permission to Reprint
Here is a guide line to help you get start making those decisions on your wedding flowers.
1.Choose colour(s) as this creates the greatest overall impact! Do you love; chocolate and pink, shades of purple, cool blues, pure white, deep reds, forest greens,? Your colors often go with a mood, or a place you love..close your eyes dream a little first..then..
2. Pick your mood, theme or a place that reflects your love. Maybe where he proposed or the place you both realised he/she was the one? Then try to come up with 2 words that best describe your dream wedding ..your fiancee can help here!
3. Lets create your bridal bouquet! Do you invision carring a round bouquet or in you arms or a bouquet that cascades? What are your favorite flower(s). Every bride should carry her best down the asile, we can alway "budget", if you need, on the other arrangements. Also flower variety. Try to decide if you like larger defined blooms or smaller petite clusters. Most brides fall in love with a bridal bouquet picture and then we go from there.
By taking the time to think about colour then Mood, you will find it easier to define your "look". If you still can’t decide, then don’t worry – I have plenty of great ideas and pictures.
If your wedding THIS is winter...I'd also need to know your date , as soon as possible, as winter saturdays are filling up!
I can vary the package deals to suit your wedding with seasonal flowers based on your answers to the 3 questions and of course your budget.
And just for your peace of mind know that ...My flowers are cut underwater and hydrated in floral solution 24 hours in my floral cooler,before arranging. No wilting on your day! ( I actually worked in a florist shop where they never used any floral food!)Every bouquet and arrangement is created with meticulous attention to detail. Each bloom is wired for support and de-pollinated to remove any risk of staining your bridal gown. Stems are bound at the last minute, so that every flower is it's freshest on your wedding day.
God bless!
Your wedding florist,
Laurie
lauriesgarlands@hotmail.com
