Looking Back II

   It was a beautiful wedding day in Hershey for Samantha and Jay.  Both world travellers, political event and personal travel assistants for the Obama's and one of the nicest couples I could ever dream to work for.

Samantha carried a bouquet of white Roses and Phalaenopsis Orchids.

             Abu Dhabi is the happy couple's new home. I'm embarassed to say that I've heard of it, but I couldn't tell you where that is?!  I asked one of my assistants and her response was:  "I think it's next to Ala' Cazaam."   Below are just a few of the details of the reception.

                          A canopy of green and white Parrot Tulips hung over the Hershey candy buffet.

                                                         Remembering Loved Ones

Other vendors of the day:  Sanderson Images, Special Occasions, and Shumaker, pdt.

Looking Back III

I'm having fun looking back over this past season's pictures saved in my files.  Here are a couple from a black & white wedding this summer.  Garden Roses, Lisianthus and Freesia for the bride.

Hydrangea, Garden Roses, Lisianthus and black-eyed Daisies for the bridesmaids.

More 'Looking Back' to come.

Summer Re-wind

We're all finished for the season.  A wee bit earlier than usual, but after a very full schedule of great weddings we all need a chance to re-charge.  That's exactly what I'm doing right now from Florida where it's 90+ degrees and sunny, knowing that everyone else at home in PA is wishing and hoping to see the sunshine again soon.

  I'm just going to post some summer pictures because I'm not in the mood for writing today.  Some days I'm at a loss for words and today is one of them.  Missing my mom.  Wishing I had said and done more before it was too late. 

Falling

Not only have I fallen way, way behind on my wedding flower blogging but I'm falling short on sleep, falling over boxes (literally-no laughing!), but best of all- falling in love with these Phalaenopsis Orchids. Designed in a natural cascade with Mango mini Callas with a base of Hydrangea to support the delicate Orchids and a bit of Honeysuckle vine for a natural look.

Bridesmaids wearing burnt orange dresses carried Limelight Hydrangea with orange Pincushion Protea, Nora Brown Dendrobiums, Burgundy Cymbidiums and Honeysuckle.

This is the same bouquet in the open sunlight.

As busy as it was, we were lucky to get these pictures before we quickly loaded the vans and were on our way to deliver and set up.

All centerpieces were tall with candles hanging like a chandelier over the table.  I'm hoping to obtain a picture of those for my winter blog posts.  Much more to come when wedding season comes to a close for this year.  I feel like falling into bed for a l-o-o-o-n-g nap. Good night.....

After the Storm

 It was nearly 2 yrs. in the planning and now finally  it was wedding -week for Christin and Jordan.  Enter a hurricane.  The tent company was stalling on installing, the rain was saturating the pristine property where the reception was to take place and the florist was sweating out the arrival of the huge flower order!  But this dream wedding has a happy ending.  The sun came out and dried up all the rain and the happy couple had the wedding of their dreams!  Enter the ceremony...........

Handmade Paper Cones of flowers lining the aisle.

Hydrangeas, Football Mums and Spray Roses

                                   

Enter the cocktail hour................................

Enter the pool...................Oh the things I get Team Beautiful to do!  A bit cool after the storm.

Roses, Carnations, Hydrangea, Football Mums and candles afloat x's 2

                                                     Through the marquis and enter Reception tent.

Sweetheart table dressed in beautiful 'Peony' linens shipped in from Los Angeles.

Elegant table numbers, Place Cards and Menu cards from Renee Conners.

                                                          

Bride and Groom's chair details.

...........and a Spray Rose in every single guest napkin.

And, as usual, I neglected to take pictures of the bouquets which were white and pink Garden Roses.

Vendors of the Day:

Photography by Matthew Tennison http://www.tennisonphotography.com/blog.cfm

                     (Please check out his blog for some beautiful images of the couple and details )

                   Stationary by Designs by Renee  http://designsbyrenee1.blogspot.com/ 

                   Cake by House of Clarendon   http://www.houseofclarendon.com/

                                              Wedding Planning and Coordination
                                PlannedPerfection  http://www.plannedperfectionpa.com/

                                      Site design by Shumaker, pdt.  http://www.shumakerpdt.com/


So many wedding blogs to catch up on, which will likely happen during the slow winter months. For now we keep our little hands very busy with all the beautiful warm colors of the fall season. Thoughts of winter chill me to the bone, I wish summer would never end...........


                 

Free Spirit

That's the name of this  gorgeous  rose.

Christina, the beautiful bride carried Free Spirit Roses,  yellow Ranunculus, lavender Stock,   purple  mini Callas, and white Freesia

The ceremony was held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church  and reception at Lancaster Country Club.
It's so nice to just  drive across the street  to the reception!!   Don't have to worry if I need something  else.

Bridesmaids carried Free Spirit Roses,  2 shades of purple Stock, hot pink Motso Moto Asters and yellow Spray Roses

                                                                     High centerpieces  

Low Centerpieces

Special touches.....................

Rosie's  Creative Cake is always a show piece!

Escort Card  Table became a coffee bar  later  in the evening.

Lots of flowers all over the Country Club.  On the patio, in the lounges, in the ladies'  rooms, a Memory table and  on both bars.  Linens  by Special Occasions, of course~none prettier!

Congratulations to Christina and David

 

Loving Orchids

To0 tired to blog.  Just a couple pics. this week.  Don't know when I will ever get rested enough.

Mom

  A  week ago today I said " Good-bye for now" to my mom.  The second hardest thing I've ever had to do.
 Still young, as age goes; an unexpected  illness crept up on her and cut her life short leaving us shocked, dismayed and quickly causing me to look at how very precious and fleeting our lives are.
 I understand the great value in showing those in our circle of  love  how much they mean to us.  Simple random acts of kindness, encouraging words, lots of smiles and lots of  'face-time'.  I'm  talking about  eye contact, open ears/open heart - time.  I know how much it means to hear the words "I'm proud of you".  Nobody dislikes hearing that.

  The sudden illness sent me quickly to my mom's bedside in Florida with 2 weddings  for the weekend.      Team  Beautiful dropped everything to be briefed on all the details.  I informed both Brides, and  was on my way  knowing that my business wouldn't miss a single beat.   
  It was so comforting that  my  flower-girl friends;  Lori, Carmen and Carol  were here to fill in where needed, even though they had weddings to do themselves.  Thank you friends, so very much.
 As the events unfolded, I was able to return Thursday; in time to assist my team a 'little'.  I made the Bride's bouquets, and delivered them.   No need for me really, they had it all under control.  I know the Bride's were thankful I was back, but seriously- my girls are awesome and I'm certain they could run this business without me.
  One thing I found to be true is that some  florists don't like working for other florists.  They can spot us a mile away,  I think.  I walked in one shop to place an order and I could tell she didn't appreciate that I knew flowers.  I didn't even have to tell her what I do.  I got the cold- shoulder quickly.  So needless to say I sadly walked out.  Then I found a friendly flower shop.  She didn't care if I was a florist- I just lost my mother and she felt my sorrow.  Here is what she created for my Mom with a 3hr. notice.........

 And on a happy note-  We had a display of Mom's favorite activities, one being  a 'Red Hatter".  My Dad has such hope and a great vision of heaven that he tried to make us all smile for Mom, so he wore her hat home from the church. 

All I can say is:  Thank God for Mom and Dad, and for the assurance of Heaven.

Historic Church Wedding

Old Zion Church in Brickerville-  I could hardly wait for the doors to be unlocked, and the shutters pushed open so I could find the treasures inside.  I love, love, love old churches and believe me,  this one did not disappoint !

Built in 1813 this church no longer has a congregation, but is maintained by a Board of Directors which lovingly cares for this pristine  historic property. They happily open it's doors for weddings and other special gatherings.  It has no electricity, heat or air conditioning. I'm told that sitting atop the hill in Brickerville overlooking the beautiful Brubaker Valley with all of the doors and windows open there is always a lovely breeze blowing thru.

The original gas chandelier hangs on the balcony level.  These benches will correct even the worst posture!

View from the balcony.

A window box full of garden flowers seems the most appropriate in this space.

Fans were provided to keep guests cool.  The paper appeared to me to be hand-made, antique quality.

Never saw such fun directions!  Hand-made, the old fashioned way. 

The Bride's bouquet made of Baby's Breath, Monte Casino Asters and Majolika Spray Roses.  There were no attendants.  The bride wore a hand-made tea length dress with a light-blue sash, that she designed herself. I'm hoping to obtain some pictures for a follow up post.)
   I would love to be a guest at a wedding at this historic church.  The rental fee is a low, low $250.; though I'm told it may increase a bit in the future. I forgot to mention it has a working organ too.
  For vintage styled weddings- it doesn't get any better than this!
      Contact:  http://www.oldzionchurch.org/