Bermuda Destination Weddings | The Fairmont South Hampton

It seems as though the minutes are ticking by, counting the moments until Tess and Erik's wedding at The lovely Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda. We have been in the best of hands with Wendy Rustalsis, the wedding specialist of the resort. It probably would have been better to install a watts line between our two offices. My last meeting with my bride brought a wonderful moment that comes in the course of planning a wedding, to be stumped looking for more questions to be answered. We are there, we know the details, we know who is coming when, and who is leaving when. We are on it !

Now that the bride and groom have approved the flowers and the look of their wedding, we can get to work sending these very photos that you see here to our partners that we will work with in Bermuda. One of my absolute favorite florists is Flowers by GiMi, located in Hamilton, will work with me to produce a lovely collection of flowers for both the ceremony and the reception. If I could pack these precious little flower arrangements filled with roses, tulips and sweet pea, I certainly would. I have to trust, oh and I do, that GiMi will do an amazing job interpreting these flowers for the wedding. I will be in town early and of course, I will make the jaunt across the harbor to check things out at their studio prior to the wedding.

As I look and try to find something to edit in the look of this wedding it is oh so very hard. One of my partners, Kelli at à deux deserves a special little Bermuda round of applause. Her work on the print material is a quintessential facet to this whimsical and colorful wedding design.

Two weeks and I will have my little french painted toes in the pink sand of Bermuda again.

Happy Birthday Kevin | Spring Flowers in Primary Colors

Today is my husband's birthday. He is probably the most patient, kind and understanding man that I know. He is always there with soft smile, willing to pitch in and help with the many creative tasks that come up in the course of my business. We sat last night at the bar at Mike's to have a bite to eat for dinner. While there, we met a nice English lady who asked us the story of how we met and what was the secret to our romance. I answered and told her that on our first date I knew that Kevin was going to be the one for me. I  brought him a mound of tulips and we played tennis together that night and eat great hotdogs at Nathan's.  Such simple pleasures were so fun with Kevin and still are.

I always try to do some flowers for Kev. He likes flowers just as much as I do so it is nice that I too will get to share in the pleasure of their fleeting beauty. For today, this gorgeous mound of flowers in primary colors is in  celebration of the man that I love. Thank you for all that you do for me and our family to live the special and unique life that we do.

Happy Birthday Kevin.

 

 

Winter Wonderland Theme at The Boston Public Library | CMP parties with Person + Killian

I have a very special friendship with the dynamic duo of Jill and Lauren of Person + Killian Photography. We know each other outside the scope of the wedding world and have had so much fun at holidays and on couple get always. Each time I see them I am thankful for such an amazing friends. Of course, we also work together within the fabulous worlds of weddings. Each year Person and Killian has thrown a party to thank the professionals that they work with. When they called and asked if I would arrange the flowers for their annual industry party I was thrilled to do this for them. They have done so much for me over the years and their friendship means the world to me. Of course I would jump to it and make this a floral display that would leave them chattering.

Amy Kimball of Amy Kimball Events, also a friend of Lauren and Jill's was in charge of the over all planning to the event. She and the gals worked out that they would have a winter wonderland theme party to be held at the majestic Boston Public Library. It was totally appropriate given that in New England over the past couple of weeks we have had an unprecedented amount of snow that has fallen and choked the city and country side with mounds and mounds of snow. The theme played out so well with the decor and details that Amy had planned. The soft lighting and amazing linens from Rentals Unlimited were the perfect backdrop to the "frozen" flowers that I would display on all of these wonderful display canvases.

Of course, when I am putting on an editorial display I am nervous. What will they think? I want it to be new and fresh and in this case, frozen. The flowers were easy. Spring flowers fill the market and are usually the first to peek their heads from under the snow. I chose mounds of Hyacinth, Roses, Orchids, Stock, Lisianthus and Amaryllis and put them on top of display containers that were actually filled with fresh snow and ice. I also used some special little LED lights in the glass arrangements to give almost a moon lit glow to the snow. 

I often use potted flowering plants with fresh flowers. I love a little vignette mixing the two together. For the party I couldn't resist the rings of stephanotis vines. It looked like a modern wreath that had been frosted with snow. The scent of these flowers, forget about it, nothing short of heaven. For the vase arrangements, I was happy to show off a new collection that is actually a brushed steel type of glaze pottery. I thought that it's shape and modern take on "frozen" was  perfect with the modern clustered mounds of bright white spring flowers.

Personally,  I can be a bit shy at an industry event. Everyone wants to talk the biz. I live and breath it every waking minute. I am almost consumed by this wonderful passion that I have. I live and relish those quite moments in life when I can enjoy the company of my husband and dogs and of course my amazing friends. Lauren and Jill totally get this about me and for that I send them this. MUAAAHHH!!! You both should be amazingly proud of yourselves as hostesses to your party of the year. I am flattered to have been asked to showcase my work in the midst of such accomplished company. I look forward to our continued friendship and sharing the love.

 

 

 

 

Wedding Floral Collections | What do flowers for a wedding cost?

Although my company offers many creative services, I never forget that I got my start with flowers. There is a serene peace that I get when I am in the midst of their color and of course their scent. Believe it or not, I sneeze like crazy because of them and I take this as a price to pay. Life is filled with dues and I am happy to pay them to live in such a beautiful world.

We often are called on just to do the flowers for an event. Sometimes other wedding planners will call on me to work with them to make their events a bit more special. As a company we have quite a few clients that call on us constantly to bring the fragile beauty of flowers as a showcase to their restaurants and corporate offices. The vast majority of the time I am working with flowers for a wedding. My process begins with our initial consultation either here in my office or by way of phone. In our conversation I hope to gather enough information to create flowers and a price estimate that are inspired by the brides vision and expectations. It is also important to discuss budget as fresh flowers can be expensive. They are flown in from all around the world. I can always work some magic on a budget as I have a vast collection of vases and decorative accessories that we as a company have amassed over the years. I offer these collections to my clients on a rental basis as an effective way to keep costs for floral costs down.

People often ask what do flowers cost? Of course that depends on so many varied details. My individual arrangements begin at 65.00, available for local delivery only. Floral collections for weddings and events begin at 500.00 and often range in price from the low end of 2500.00 to upwards of......let's just say a lot.

Most of the time, I tell brides that they should first allocate their budget to the bridal bouquet and the flowers for the attendants and family. These arrangements will add a special touch to the day and can often be maximized by placing in vases to be displayed at the reception. Flowers for the ceremony can often be moved and used later on at the reception. One thing, I never fight with a church. If they insist on keeping the flowers, I look up to the sky and say to myself, not a chance that I am willing to take, ha. ha. Ask your priest what they prefer, if your budget allows it, leaving flowers at the church is a nice way to say thank you to the church and to show off your style to the congregation for Sunday's Mass.

When it comes to table top displays we often create cocktail collections and dinner table collections. I create one or two different styles of flower arrangements to add an eclectic, but styled look to your reception. That really is more of a basic look for the flower collections that we are asked to create. From there we have worked almost at every venue on every budget and can create couture collections that collaborate with linens, lighting, decor and many other style layers that we offer as a company. If you read this and love my flowers, call me personally at 508.999.1120 to discuss your project. I am always happy to chat, I am always flexible and creative and I would love to work with you.

50 Golden Years | Spring Flower display | Bay Club Mattapoisett Events

I am always in creative mode. It seems that I am constantly digging through the thousands of photos that fill my computers and other technology devices. Once in a while, I find photos that I have never published before. These flowers and party setting were inspired by the bouquet being thrown into the air. I used antique bouquet holders and filled them with lush mounds of Hydrangea, roses, lisianthus and my favorite, sweet pea. I then hung these bouquets over the cake and the table top arrangements which were showstoppers in an of themselves with five french tulips, one for each decade of celebration, springing from the lush mound at the center of the table.

I adore tonal and nuances of color, so it was totally appropriate that gold filled the rest of the room. It was lovely. I was an invited guest to this party. One of the 50 honored guests to celebrate with this incredible family. The party was a while ago at the Bay Club in Mattapoisett, but the photos of these details bring me right back to it. I can almost smell the sweet pea.

Person and Killian Industry Party | Winter Wonderland Theme Floral Decor

As I look out the window of my office, there is about two feet of snow on the ground. I am feeling a bit of cabin fever setting in now that the holidays are over and the weather keeps us in the house. I LOVE having something on my calendar to look forward to. When I got the call from Lauren and Jill of Person + Killian Photography, asking if I would "do" the flowers for their annual industry soiree, I was, as always honored. If you have read my style blog over the past couple of years, you will know that Lauren and I are BFF's. She also happens to be 1/2 of a world class photography duo. We have worked together many, many times. Not because they are my friends, but because their work to me is nothing short of divine. I love the glossy, fashion edge and rich digitally saturated color that has been their namesake look.

Of course, we love to party. Last year I was lucky enough to create a floral showstopper in the Person + Killian signature red. This year, the official planner of the party, Amy Kimball of Amy Kimball Events has designed a Winter Wonderland themed party. I can see it now, clear chairs and slick white furniture along with stunning linens from Rentals Unlimited all in shades of stainless steel and many shades of grey, white, and blue. As I do for most of my projects, I have put together this sketch to show the style, scale, color and details to the fresh florals  that will be the finishing touches to the winter wonderland look that Amy has envisioned.

This year the party is taking place at The Boston Public Library. The grand architecture will serve as an awesome backdrop to all of these "cool" details. I am going to find a white cashmere sweater to wear with my fur hat. I can hardly wait!!

Congratulations Person + Killian on another amazing year at the top of the Boston Bridal circuit. I look forward to celebrating your success.

 

Jolie and Giovanni | Four Season's Weddings | Old Hollywood Inspiration

As the New Year starts out, I have begun to get a sense of peace and excitement about the creative projects that I will be lucky enough to work on as the year progresses. Of course, my team and I  will be swirling around the best hotels in New England making pretty happen as we plan and design weddings. One of my favorite hotels, The Four Season's Boston will be the backdrop to a magnificent affair and wedding of my bride Jolie. She comes from a family that knows good things and understands quality and the process of couture. When Jolie first called me and hired me to plan and design her wedding, thoughts of Ginger Rogers swirled around in my head. I love Old Hollywood as an inspiration to a wedding. Black and white is always a crisp and stunning backdrop to the pops of red and embellishments of gold that will make up the design elements. As a special and unexpected touch, we will lay a wonderful black and white dance floor that nods to the old school looks that you might have found in the Stork Club in NYC during the 20's and 30's.

There are so many details to this wedding that there will be a second sketch showing the ceremony and the wonderful chuppah that we will create. Until then, enjoy this wonderful display of Old Hollywood Style with pops of red and gold.

Congratulations Jolie and Giovanni on your engagement. I am excited and grateful to be working with you both.

Karen and David | Cape Cod Destination Weddings at The Chatham Bars Inn | Tuesday Wedding

Karen and Dave are in love, there is no doubt about that. When they decided to run away and be married, they decided to fulfill a dream and headed to the Cape from their Midwestern homes. The perfect choice to celebrate their destination wedding for two was The Chatham Bars Inn. I am lucky that I get to work there so much. It seems my love of the sea, elegant settings and impeccable service go hand it hand with this grand old dame of the Cape. I have to say that I have never done a wedding for just two people. It was like my own private editorial shoot, Karen and Dave letting me lead the way through their incredible day, a Tuesday no less. Every time I told someone I was working on a wedding on Tuesday they would say "A Tuesday Wedding?", yes a Tuesday wedding.

I got down to Chatham a little early and had a chance to sit in the main dining room of the hotel and eat a little breakfast from their incredible breakfast buffet. I always have the same thing, fruit and bacon, coffee and juice. The view quickly relaxed me and got me excited to be with my bride and the groom. I headed over to their SPA Suite at The Inn a little early, because I was going to do the bride's make-up. Me? Are you kidding? Girl, I have been playing with make-up since I was a little boy. I love how colors and shading bring a face to youthful life. I think of it as painting, just different paints and brushes.  I rarely if ever do make-up for my clients, but I do love that she trusted me to create a fresh and flirty natural look. As a wedding planner and designer I see all aspects of a wedding as fashion. I have my hand in everything and over the years I have learned either to do it myself or hire the very best.

She gasped when I first walked into the room with the simple flowers that we had planned in our phone consultations. Her bouquet was a lush mix of seasonal flowers done in an unexpected and bold color way. The tiny asters with their yellow center were happy addition to the bouquet. They seemed to be smiling all day, just like the bride. It was a great honor to be with them during their intimate catholic ceremony, just the two of them with two ladies from the church serving as witnesses. I sat with these ladies and they knew the bride and groom as much as I did, yet we all cried as the groom choked up during his vows. This was a wedding after all, the love and romance was in the air.

Following the ceremony, I got to take the bride and groom around the grounds of The Chatham Bars Inn for their wedding photography. It was like we had the place to ourselves and they trusted me and let go, just being in love, letting me capture them against stunning backdrop after stunning backdrop. They roared with laughter as did I when I had them scoot into the huge chair on the second floor of the hotel. It brings to mind Lily Tomlin and I love it!! After our photoshoot, I led them to the grand porch and arranged to have champagne brought to them. Meanwhile, I headed over to their SPA Suite where they would enjoy an in room dinner, couples massages and enjoying each other as newly married husband and wife. I rearranged the furniture and of course brought in flowers, candles and petals to dress up the lovely table that the hotel had set in front of the fireplace.

I got back to my bride and groom as they sipped on champagne and had some snacks. I knew that it was time for me to go, I was sad in a way, because we so clicked and laughed the whole day. But in the end, so happy for them. Congratulations Karen and Dave !!! Many thanks to my friends at The Chatham Bars Inn, you make my job easy.

 

Retirement Party For Mom | At Home with Chad Michael Peters | Harvest Theme

I was ten when my mother went to work for The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. For the past twenty eight years, she has worked tirelessly to aid those within our community that suffer from the ravages of deteriorating mental health. She is a hell of woman to have done this sort of work for so long. When my sisters and I got word that she had decided to retire, we knew that it was time to celebrate.

We are not flashy people as a family, but we do like the details. My sisters and I worked on pulling together the most important people in my mother's life and pouring some wonderful drinks and serving a savory yummy harvest dinner. Through my house, we arranged simple flowers and laid out snacks that my mother would love. The chocolate covered cherries were devoured within the first ten minutes of the party's start.

My mom's smile was beaming as it always is. She lights up the room and instantly becomes the life of the party. All three of her kids and two of her grandchildren working together to make an extra special day for her. She deserves this retirement and she certainly deserved to celebrate.....and that we did.

We love you Mom. Thank you for being you and guiding us through this life that can sometime be difficult. In the face of adversity, you have taught us to hold our chins high, to smile and to laugh it off.

A very special thank you to both Misty King, who is not only my favorite first cousin, but a heck of a photographer. Some of the shots that you see here are hers. And to my friend and colleague, Jennifer Williamson of Jenny's Cakes, for her elegant artistry and to die for cake. You both made my mom's retirement party extra special.

Kirby and Mike | Chatham Bars Inn Weddings | Pale and Sophisticated Spring Pallette

Sometimes it takes longer than I want it to to get "the sketch" done. They are done by hand and take me many hours, literally at the drawing board. I am happy to show off the design for my dear Kirby's wedding that will be held in May of 2011 at The Chatham Bars Inn. I was just there Saturday night for a wedding. Knowing that Kirby's is up on the docket has me very excited.  I love her checking her lipstick in the mirror of her groom's Harley Davidson. So cool.