This weekend I attended the Michigan Floral Association's 2009 Great Lakes Floral Expo. I drove out to Grand Rapids on Friday evening to drop off my entries to the professional division design contest. When I returned on Saturday morning I was excited to find that I had placed second in the centerpiece portion of the contest! (Thank you for the image Tracy!)
The centerpiece was inspired by a recent trip up north to Rogers City, MI. I was enchanted by the dense groves of birch trees lining the highway. I paired the ephemeral beauty of the birch forest with opulence of the Colony Club in Detroit.
Each entry was required to include a 24x30 inch storyboard. Here is the text from my storyboard:
The whimsy of Northern Michigan's birch forests meets the chic setting of the Colony Club in Detroit creating a quirky mix of ethereal and luxe textures.
From left to right: photo of the Colony Club from mod4 photographic; Espresso Bengaline tablecloth from BBJ Linens; Beige Bengaline linen from BBJ Linens; Champagne Pink Lamour napkin from BBJ Linens; image of birch forest via Google Images; Black Baccara rose bouquet from Floral Verde LLC; bridal gown by Vera Wang; curly willow and orchid arrangement from Gregory and Company, Brookfield, WI; invitation from Ceci New York; Silk Tricotine Sophie bridesmaids dress from J Crew; cake from Martha Stewart Weddings; Bridesmaids bouquets from JL Designs, Orange County, CA.
There were two other portions of the design contest. The theme for the bridal bouquet and boutonniere was "Discovering Hidden Gems." This entry was inspired by the art nouveau prints of Alphons Mucha. (Thanks for the image Anne!)
A close up of the boutonniere.
The final portion of the contest was a memorial arrangement. This was inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini's sculpture, "Ecstasy of St Theresa."
On Sunday I met with a few new friends. On the left is Anne from Anderson Bridal & Event Florist and in the center is Tracy from Affordable Elegance. Thanks ladies! I had a great time!