FOR THE LOVE OF CARNATIONS

Carnations are best associated with those $6 bouquets that you pick up at the grocery store.  But, carnations are, actually, a rich man's flower and their beginnings are rooted in delicate stems, muted and beautiful colors and the loving care of  millionare growers in New York, New Jersey and the midwest who grew them as prize winning gems.  And, yes, there is a TRUE greeen carnation- not those dyed ones you see in March.  

My experience with these magnificent beauties began when I was working for a florist.  I was immediately drawn to them, because of their antique charm.  Creating bouquets with them became an obsession, of sorts.  Whether a bridal bouquet or just something for a Friday night surprise for a lucky wife, they were always a winner.  I was so drawn to the colors that look like a time gone by- well, they are.  

So, when you are looking to create a vintage look to your wedding, or just something unique to pop up between the roses, the ranunculus, the anemone or the dahlias- try antique carnations.  You will be surprised by the reaction.  Aren't these just gorgeous!!  Not supermarket flowers, for sure!

SHEARER ELEGANCE

 There is a treasure hidden in the countryside of Montgomery County that is perfect for a romantic getaway, a bachelorette weekend, a place to pop the question or a destination for your wedding party's overnight stay or your rehearsal dinner.  A lovely place for a bridal shower or luncheon for the special girls in your wedding.   Shearer Elegance is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.   From the big wrap around porch to the glorious woodwork throughout and the lovely antiques and treasures in every room, you won't find a friendlier place to entertain your wedding guests.   And, starting on February 3, 2013, there will be a series of bridal events- Bridal Blossoms, hosted by Whimsical Welcomes Floral Design.   Come and see the house and find out all about flowers for your wedding, plus speak to wedding experts about your questions in planning your big day.  Tour the house, feel the love and come away feeling more informed.  Can't wait to see you there.  More details to follow in my Tidbits and Events.           

GUEST BLOGGER: FLORAL PRESERVATION

Let me introduce you to a beautiful way to preserve your wedding flowers.   Floral Preservation will make sure that your bouquet is forever lovely!   Here in her own words is Debbie's story:

I am a flower preservationist which means just what it sounds like; I give life to your flowers. My name is Debbie Flohr and I work out of New York’s Hudson Valley, servicing brides from throughout the tri-state area. My last name, Flohr, actually means flower in French. Seems like I was destined to work with flowers! 

I have 3 young, beautiful, blue eyed boys who keep me on my toes and help me see the flowers all around us. I’m lucky that I get to do what I love and to work out of my home so I can juggle work and being a mom.
I have always been artistic: have taken art lessons for years. I have always enjoy creating things with my hands. I came across floral preservation almost by accident when I was looking for a way to hold onto my own bouquet after my wedding. In the eight years since, I have created countless keepsakes, helping brides to hold on to their wedding memories forever. I am passionate about creating one of a kind masterpieces for each couple that commemorate the most meaningful day of their lives.
If you are a bride who spent hours dreaming up the perfect wedding bouquet and can’t bear the idea of tossing it...don’t! Preserve it! It’s not only diamonds that are forever, with a little help from me, your flowers can last forever too.
Each wedding is unique- so is each keepsake Floral Preservation creates!
Let’s make something special!
Debbie

 FACTS AND TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLORAL PRESERVATION:
Put your flowers in the fridge.
DO NOT put in freezer.
Do NOT hang your bouquet upside down.
If you know you want your flowers preserved, its best to call prior to your wedding day!
The fresher the flowers the better the results.
REGARDLESS OF THE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES ALL FLOWERS WILL CHANGE SOMEWHAT
Some types of flowers may need color enhancement and petal reinforcement.
Each keepsake is customized to your specification.
You can include in your keepsake: Pictures, invitations, tiara, cake tppper, favors, boutonniere, garters etc.
We have a variety of shadowboxes & acrylic domes to choose from that WILL fit your budget.
We serve the Tri-State area.
You can have someone drop them off.
You can have them shipped.
Pick up service is available depending on your location.
Prices to preserve your beautiful bouquet will vary depending on your frame selection. You may select to have just a few flowers, just the bouquet or include many of the wedding mementos. Generally the cost of preserving your flowers is relatively very low given lifetime of enjoyment.
Now that you know more about preserving your bouquet. Make preserving the bouquet part of your wedding plans. You can have your flowers for a lifetime of enjoyment, so why not?

THANK YOU FOR SHARING, DEBBIE!

 

CELEBRATNG WITH MATTHEW DAVID HOPKINS

 This week I had the distinct honor of chatting with Matthew David Hopkins about his newest love- Celebrations.   This photo sums up the feeling I got when I began talking to Matthew about this phase of his already dynamic and distinctive business.  So, lets enter the doors of this glorious world of scents, shapes and color and I will share with you my conversation- as well as some images that tell the story better than any words ever could.  

Matthew has an incredible dedication to what he does.   With a degree in architecture and a love of design, Matthew began his voyage of creating beautiful spaces by arranging flowers for restaurants.   He never really worked as an architect, but instead took his knowledge and used it to build a business creating dramatic, intimate and fun spaces for all kinds of events.   His creativity took root in the corporate world with 360 Design, a full service event design and production company.   This gave way to his most recent undertaking- Matthew David Celebrations.   Matthew's unique style combines sculptural pieces coupled with creative details to envelope your senses when you enter a space.   When Matthew David designs your wedding, he will enthrall you and your guests, inviting you to explore one aspect to another, from the first glimpse of the room right through to what the cake looks like.   
 
I asked Matthew how he goes about designing the vision of a bride. First he meets the bride and gets to know her.   What does she like to do, what is her favorite hotel, what is her vision of her wedding? He may ask her what her favorite color is.   Delving into a bride's head to find out what makes her tick.   At a second meeting, Matthew begins to draw a picture of what he feels will appeal to the bride's tastes.   He will show her colors, textures, things that create a visual message that " I see this for you".   At the creative meeting, ideas are shared and a plan is hatched.   Finally, Matthew presents a proposal, complete with all the elements of the design and the pricing.   Matthew creates a clear and scintillating picture that reaches into all of your senses and pulls out your imagination.   Almost like creating a work of art, Matthew uses color, texture, shape and light to paint a picture that speaks to your vision and to every one of your guests, establishing a beautiful and thought- provoking design decor that is unique to you and your wedding.   Drawing your eye from one place to another, guiding you through a wondrous story of the couple, this is Matthew's signature style.   Matthew is so ingenious that he will even create two bouquets for a bride- a white one for the ceremony and another one with a burst of color for the reception.    
     

 Speaking to Matthew was not only very interesting, but fun.  We share the same philosophy about our work.   Like me, Matthew takes a back seat to the bride.  He is there, not to be the star of the show, but to guide a bride through the process, bringing her personality and her vision to the fore.   Matthew believes that "style dictators" have no place in the industry.   It is your wedding and should be your vision.   So, you are not paying Matthew for HIS vision, but for his talent in making YOUR vision a reality.   These two weddings- Gotham Hall (above) and The Plaza Hotel (below) in New York are perfect examples of the amazing talent, incredible vision and attention to detail that Matthew produces every time.   His range of creativity is endless, his enthusiasm is infectious and his ability to reach into your head and pull out exactly the right combination of sensory elements is phenomenal!!!    I can only imagine how exciting it is to work with Matthew on such a momentous time in your life!   I can tell you, that it was exciting just talking to him about what he does!!   

Though based in New York, Matthew has worked all over the United States.   He is very accessible and willing to travel anywhere to make your wedding dreams a reality.   And, you could not ask for a a more down to earth, kind and talented person to orchestrate the complete organization and execution of your wedding day decor than Matthew.   For me, I can't wait to work together with Matthew in a wonderful collaboration of our first wedding as a team.    The most endearing thing I found to be true of Matthew is that he is so humble.   His talent is quite obvious and his client list is impressive.   But, he has not let it go to his head.   He remains true to his roots and committed to what is REALLY important- YOU, THE BRIDE.    I just fell in love with him!  It was an instant connection- one that you will feel too when you sit down with him to discuss your wedding day decor.  

If you want to make a statement that will live forever in the minds of every guest at your wedding and dazzle you again and again every time you look at your wedding pictures, then you NEED Matthew David Hopkins!  

Thank you Matthew for spending time with me and for sharing these images.  It was a privilege to have the opportunity and a blast to chat.  If you want to chat to Matthew about your wedding, you can do it HERE.   And, don't forget to mention that you found him on Bridal Affairs!  

Matthew David Celebrations
95 Morton Street
New York, NY 10014
212- 905-3000 

THEY CALL IT WITCHCRAFT

Are you an edgy bride with a hint of mystery? Then, you will love these witchcraft- inspired wedding gowns from Vera Wang. Paired with dramatic bouquets, you can make a stunning statement on your wedding day.

One of the trends for 2012 is the influence of the two movies retelling the story of Snow White. A rustic and woodsy design, shown here in these natural florals, combining herbs, natural elements and decadent flowers such as dahlias and black magic and abracadabra roses, will surely put a spell on your groom and your guests. Pair these smashing details with a forest of trees for a canopy and long tables with ambient lighting and lacy linens in a country estate and... PRESTO! You have a magical wedding! Now, live Happily Ever After!!

Bouquets courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot

CHANTILLY FLORAL WELCOMES SPRING

Chantilly Floral Boutique has its first 2012 Bridal Forum coming up and I want to let you all know! News of these forums is always at the top of the list of "most read" posts here at Bridal Affairs. So, I want to share with you all the information about the latest news. The Bridal Forum, A Celebration of Spring, will be held at the Lansdale location on Wednesday, January 11 from 6PM- 8PM. Charles and his wonderful staff have some special surprises in store. So, come with you ideas and your questions and be ready to be wowed by these lovely designs. There is always light fare and a glass of wine waiting for you. And, plenty of beautiful options to help you decide on your wedding flowers. And, I will be there to assist anyone who wants to know more about planning services. You don't need an appointment, so there is no excuse not to come and enjoy the beauty of spring and the magnificent floral for weddings, by Chantilly Floral Boutique. These are just a few of the designs that Chantilly has created for some of my brides. Hope to see you there!

Chantilly Floral Boutique
29 W Main Street
Lansdale, Pa
215- 855-9258

PAIGE AND MICHAEL: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday, December 3, 2011- WHAT A DAY!!! The sun was shining and so was the face of this exquisite bride!! Paige and Michael said their "I Do's" at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia and then celebrated in style at The Union League. It was a spectacular day! I took so many photos that is was hard to decide which ones to post. I also have the first sneak peek of the amazingly wonderful and talented Sarah DiCicco's professional photos.

But, this photo, taken just before the groom sprayed all of us with champagne, really speaks to the day- it sparkled with the love and the beauty that all weddings should have!!! And, this photo of the girls "hiding" the bride as the last of the guests arrive gave me a chuckle!

These are Sarah's photos. Paige is so lovely and Michael a fittingly handsome prince for this princess. Together they are destined to make a beautiful and rich life together full of many more memories like these. They are blessed with a great love and respect for each other, amazing family to surround them,
wonderful friends and this day, that just kept bursting with love and celebration.

After the ceremony the wedding party went to the Art Museum for photos while there was still good light. I love this shot that Sarah took of the couple.

Then, it was off to The Union League for some fun photos of the group outside and the couple in the lights of the city.
Yes, there were sparklers and champagne and lots of smiles. These images were not staged. The smiles are real and the natural ease of Sarah's talent to capture the essence of the couple's love is breathtaking!
The city lights pale next to the brightness of these two beautiful people! I can't say enough about how special they are. From early in the morning until the wee hours, the bride smiled from ear to ear. And,Sarah captured all of Paige's radiance and goodness.
This is one of my favorite photos of the day! I have to send a special thanks to Sarah! She was amazing to work with and helped me to smooth out some little issues in the day- Sarah, you know what I mean!!!



The ladies of the wedding party were expertly made up by the talents of Face the Occasion. Working with Jill and Kelly is always a pleasure! And, they had beautiful faces to start with here, so it made their job that much more fun. The house was full of Christmas- the smell of pine, carols on the stereo and the incredible tree- that we used as a photo op for the bride's dad and the girls to gather. Dressing Paige was great to watch. As I usually help to dress the bride, it was hard to step aside and let the girls and her mom do it. But, it was ok. These photos are priceless! All that Vera Wang organza needed to be fluffed just right!
The Union League did a fabulous job! There wasn't a glitch in the service! Every detail was just as we had requested and Michelle, Brian and the staff were amazing!


I have to tell you about the fabulous Petah Bashano! He created a winter wonderland for Paige and Michael! The cocktail hour was very festive in red and green,with lots of candlelight and Paige's snowflake theme. But, inside the ballroom was a splendid vision in white and gold! Trees with "snowballs" and votives hanging from the branches, gold linens, and chargers that captured the light. The backdrop to the bandstand was a winter tree- bare, but beautiful. When Paige walked through the doors to the reveal, she was thrilled! It was awesome!

The flowers, which look purple in this photo, were actually rich shades of red. And, the little flower girl's basket was white satin with crystals around the rim. She was so excited to be a fairy princess! Every detail, from the red dresses, to the snowflake ice sculpture, to the cake that was dripping with "ice" and crystal snowflakes, this wedding had every element to make it the perfect day!



The Sid Miller Band had everyone on the dance floor all night! The chairs were empty except during dinner. I had to switch things up several times during the evening, and every time, the band was right there with me to make the change or add a request. I love working with pros like this!

Thanks to Sid and his band for helping me make this a memorable day for this special pair.


The couple danced to All I Want For Christmas Is You. And, I love this shot of Paige's gorgeous mom in red! What a wonderful lady and how smashing she looked!


I could go on about this wedding for days! It was great fun, a very rewarding job and I can't say enough about the team!!! A resounding THANK YOU goes out to The Union League, Petah Bashano Event Design, Sarah DiCicco Photography, Video One Productions, The Sid Miller band, Wertz Motor Coach and King Limo, The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory and The Sofitel and Ritz Carlton for taking such good care of the guests.




This was one of those weddings that I will never forget!! Thank you Paige and Michael and Chere and Steve for letting me be a part of this exquisite and special day in your lives!!!

For more about this wedding check out Philadelphia Weddings.

Photos: Courtesy Sarah DiCicco Potography

THE GARDEN GATE

Through the gate and into the enchanted garden of your wedding we go. What lies beyond the gate is the dream you have of flowering trees, a stone path and your groom at the end of it. So, here we go into the enchanted and exotic land of peacocks and willows and brilliant shades of nature- to your happily ever after.

We begin our journey with beautifully crafted invitations available on Etsy. These handcrafted and personalized invitations will set the stage for your fantasy come true. You can also add the beautiful ceremony programs, each tied with a satin bow and a real peacock feather. The linens that will adorn your table are lush and carry the peacock name. Perhaps, you will dine under a canopy of moss orchids. And, the light from lanterns hanging in the trees as the sun sets on your enchanted evening, and the guests dance the night away with the fairies flickering within. .

Imagine yourself entering this magical garden in a pale green gown by Vera Wang, with the breeze billowing the soft layers of tulle as you go. Your bouquet, not flowers, but a collection of brooches that were given to you by family and friends- and will never die. The groom and his groomsmen will wear peacock feathers on their lapels. A gift, from our beloved, a locket carried by two birds with a message only for you inside. When the evening is through and the guests have gone and you and your love return through that garden gate, you will have an enchanted memory of the day you became one. And, the knowledge that you and I made the dream a reality.






Follow me through, yet another garden gate.
This one an arbor in the country. The walk down the brick path to the waiting crowd of family and friends can't see you as you make your way in your wisp of a gown. The colors or early summer, the smell of the peonies and the roses that you carry. When you arrive by the side of your love, he will be entranced by your similarity to the lovely flowers in the garden that surrounds you.
After you say "I Do", you will enter the clearing and the terrace to enjoy an evening of dancing and wonderful food. Again, the smell of the peonies- big, beautiful vases full of them and the David Austin roses that open just like the peony, but have the scent of an English rose. The table linens with the dainty embroidered rose and the soft organza fabric. Your cake, a garden unto itself with butterflies flitting about. Surrounding you are things that remind you of a day long ago, when tea parties and big hats and ladies stitching embroidery while the men played croquet. Pink lemonade and antique birdcages and hand tatted napkins. A grand affair in amongst the roses. Chandeliers hanging from the branches to give light to the evening. All the wonder of the day, brought to life by your dream and my knowledge. A team made in heaven, which is where you will find yourself when you depart down that brick path and through the arbor, hand in hand with your new husband.

So, before you walk through your garden gate into your enchanted wedding, lets talk about your vision and how I can help you make it a dream come true.



Tweet

APRIL BRIDAL FORUM- FLOWERS AND MORE

April 5th brings the latest monthly forum from Chantilly Floral. This month there will be an added reason to attend. Gowns and tuxedos will be featured as well as all the fabulous flower ideas that are showcased every month. So, make a date to come out to Chantilly, have a glass of wine, relax and get some great ideas for your wedding. I will be there with gift certificates for all the brides that attend.

Bridal Forum

29 West Main Street Lansdale 6-8 PM!

Join us for an after hours screening in an open atmosphere

to discuss your wedding flower ideas.

See fresh examples of current trends and

styles of wedding flower designs.

No appointments necessary. Lite refreshments.

This Month a Special Feature

Bridal Gown Presentation

by

Harleysville Bridal

&

Tuxedo

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS BOUTIQUE

Today I told you about Beautiful Blooms. I mentioned that Donna had a boutique for the continued pleasure of her special clients and to give the neighborhood in Northern Liberties a charming place to shop for special little things and gorgeous fresh flowers.
The shop, like the studio is a vision of what Donna prides herself on- artistic design. It's bright and cheerful and full of lovely things, like this little gold cube full of fresh flowers.

Donna conducts workshops from time to time, sharing her vast knowledge of floral arranging and other design topics.

Beautiful Blooms Boutique is open every day-
Monday through Thursday 10AM- 6PM
Friday 10AM- 8PM
Saturday 10AM- 6PM
Sunday 11AM- 4PM.



And, don't forget that Valentine's Day is coming. Stop by to select a special gift for that special person in your life.