PUBLISHED: Steampunk Photo Shoot

Our steampunk photo shoot was published and I am just posting it now....(I know, I know, you can give me heck later).  You can view more images over at

Borrowed and Bleu 

where it was also one of the top ten blog posts for their 2012 year!

A close up detail shot of the bouquet which was created in a copper and pearl nest, with lace ruffle, purple velvet ribbon wrap, and stamped vintage keys.

I tried to incorporate a lot of steampunk details into my floral creations for this shoot which took place on the hottest day in May of 2012. It was absolutely sweltering and our poor models didn't complain once. Not once. I was trying to keep everyone hydrated including the flowers, but I was the only one who suffered from heat stroke that day! I didn't know you could drink too much water and flush all the electrolytes out of your system!!

 I incorporated copper, gears, keys, clocks, and peacock feathers into the designs. This is a little chapeau  I made for the bride.

Tuktu Paper Co. 

Provided all the lovely paper works.

Beauty Bride

Styled the shoot with vintage decor.

Ooh La La Cupcakes

Created this incredible cake.

 I created this garland on the vintage typewriter. I can't even begin to tell you how heavy this typewriter was...I could hardly lift it! It must have been seventy pounds!

 This I can say with complete surety is my most favourite boutonniere I have EVER created.

Deanna McCollum Photography

Last but not least our amazing, tireless photographer who captured all of these incredible images and who made this shoot possible for all of us.

Merridale Estate Cidery

The beautiful venue.

 A close up detail of the bouquet with keys, gears, a tiny bird cage and copper details. I really love purple with chartreuse. All of the iris were from the Bella Fiore gardens.

I would like to thank everyone who worked on this shoot what an experience! I now know how to prevent heat exhaustion ;)

A Step Outside the Box

Designed for the bride instead of a traditional bouquet. I just love it!

The Mother's of the Bride and Groom wore matching wristlets.

The flower girl carried this basket and wore white angel wings...you can see a bit of the feathers I added under the hydrangea.

Here is one of the centerpieces. Every table had a different centerpiece all variations of the same theme.
I love it when a bride just allows me to create and trusts me enough to step outside of the box. Weddings do not always have to be "matchy, matchy." As long as a basic colour theme or style is followed a wedding can have a cohesive look while bringing visual interest and dynamics to the event. Do not be afraid to mix it up a bit.
"The further from the path.....the prettier the flower."
~ Little Red Riding Hood ~

Decor Idea PomLove!

So, it's true I'm not a big fan of paper decorations. Streamers, paper bells and doves just don't make me happy....too 70's. But then I came across these poms from PomLove and I said, "Wow! Modern,Chic, somewhat DIY....." my brain exploded with the creative possibilities, "....Must tell the world! " I gasped to myself.
I think these would be fabulous hanging from a reception venue ceiling in bridal theme colours or from trees in a garden wedding. I love the shades of green above... lovely for a spring wedding in green and white! The lead time on ordering these is three weeks so order early.They are shipped from Oregon flat and you make them into the poms yourself.They are precut with instructions and hanging filament. If you are a DIY bride this will make it so much easier.
Look at all the colours and more coming soon!

I now have me some serious PomLove !!

Luxe for Less in Seven Easy Steps

In this economy many brides want to save money on their wedding flowers and decor but still want their event to look beautiful and elegant. Here are seven easy ways to have a
" Luxe for Less" wedding:

1. Choose a Theme and Work it Baby! Why? Even the simplest of themes gives your wedding a cohesive look. I am not talking full out " Western" with cowboy hats and cowboy boot centerpieces....although we do love you Calgarians! I am talking as simple as "Old Hollywood" think black and white with pops of red or "Vintage Romance" think pale pinks, lavender, cream, lace, and china teacups.How about "Modern Eco Chick" think chartreuse green, twigs,organic food, local wine and soy candles. You can pretty much glam up a theme without spending a lot of money. Why? The overall effect of the theme catches the eye and ties everything together more than the individual details
2. Monochromatic Colour Scheme! Why? Again, a monochromatic colour scheme can offer a cohesive look. It doesn't matter what your budget may be, a monochromatic colour scheme pulls a room together and always manages to look elegant. Again, individual elements are noticed less. No one will notice that your centerpieces are made from green spider mums instead of green orchids. Which brings us to number three on our list...
3. Be Flexible! Why? You will be amazed what a good floral designer can do with white carnations instead of white peonies.It's true carnations are making a comeback! If the magazine picture with the bouquet of your dreams has been sitting in your wedding scrapbook for a year and you have finally taken it in to your floral designer only to find the cost of the bouquet is half your whole floral budget. Do not despair! A good floral designer can mimic the look for less and it will still look beautiful. Trust me, you're gonna love it!
4. Candles! Why? Such a simple and inexpensive way to bring ambiance to a room. There are so many ways to display candles the options are limitless. For example, on mirrors,in mason jars, in hurricanes with sand, in hurricanes with rose petals, in hurricanes with beach glass, hanging from chandeliers.....I really could go on and on here but you get the idea. We recommend soy candles, beeswax and vegetable wax over paraffin candles so much better for you and the environment. Check out our soy candles in our Spa Line in our online shop.
5. Fruits and Veges! Why? Using fruits and vegetables in centerpieces is an inexpensive way to add interest and texture to an arrangement. They also take up space and add colour. They are easy to come by at your local market.Think a brass fluted compote or bowl filled with dark purple grapes dripping over the edge and a few well placed bright orange orchids....instant " Moroccan Theme" ! How about limes in a tall fluted vase with brightly coloured gerbera sprouting out of the top ...instant "Fresh and Funky Theme" ! Again, the possibilities are endless and the best thing is you can eat the produce after your wedding!
6. Signature Cocktails! Why? Again bringing cohesion to your wedding. Say you have chosen a monochromatic apple green "Fresh and Funky" theme, using green apples in your centerpieces. How cool and luxe would it be to have servers waiting to greet your guests with appletinis! By providing your guests with only two other alcoholic choices of beer and wine you could potentially save up to 50% on your bar bill!! Clever hey? Sneaky, but clever and Oh so chique!
   
7. DIY Favours! Why? Nothing says "I love and appreciate you" like homemade. With all the craft stores and dollar stores around these days that carry beautiful ribbons,bags,boxes and jars. Think fresh baked cookies in little boxes tied with ribbon, or jars of jam with personalized labels,home made bottles of wine with vintage style labels....the possibilities are endless and you can spend as much or as little as you like!

There you go. I hope this post gets you thinking outside the box with ways you can get Luxe for Less for your very own wedding. And if anyone needs plums this summer for their wedding favours give me a call! Stay tuned for a Mother's Day Give Away Contest this week. See our earlier posts.