Ali & John in Ohio & Michigan

Here is a wedding I did in May of 2008 - I can't believe that I haven't posted about it yet! Ali and John are the sweetest couple. John proposed in Hawaii, and the wedding followed suit with a tropical color scheme. There was a particular emphasis on pink and orange, Ali's favorite colors. The wedding was held at the Olivet Lutheran Church in Sylvania, Ohio.

Ali carried a bold bouquet of pink peonies, Kiko roses, Twinkle Bride spray roses, Macarena spray roses, green mini cymbidium orchids and orange vanda orchids down the aisle.

In this next ceremony shot I love how you can tell that Ali and John are smiling, even from behind.

The unity candle was elevated and surrounded by roses, spray roses, vandas, hydrangea and scented geranium.

John, you may kiss your gorgeous bride!

Here, Ali takes a moment with the flower girl while she waits for her bridesmaids. I love the mini tiara that the flower girl is sporting. I'm sure it made her feel like a princess!

Isn’t Ali absolutely stunning in her dress?

The reception took place just a few miles North at LaRoy's Hall in Monroe, Michigan. The altar arrangement from the ceremony was reused at the reception on the head table.

The guest tables had alternating low centerpieces.

The pièce de résistance at the reception was the cake. The cake was raised up on a platform and then encircled with roses, spray roses, vanda orchids, Fabio gerberas, hydrangea and scented geranium.

Congratulations Ali and John!

Michelle & Jeff in Milford, Michigan

The last weekend of February I had the honor of providing flowers for Michelle and Jeff's wedding. The ceremony was held at South Hill Church in Milford. Michelle's father led the ceremony, which made it incredibly personal and beautiful.

The bridesmaids carried delicate nosegays of Green Fashion roses.

Michelle carried a hand-tied bouquet of over two dozen Black Baccara roses.

Michelle was beaming during the entire ceremony! You are absolutely gorgeous Michelle!

After the ceremony a lunch reception was held just two miles away at Bakers of Milford Banquet Hall. The food was excellent (thanks for the invite Bobbi!)

Green Fashion roses were paired with bupleurum to create a just-gathered feel in the centerpieces. Each votive was carefully wrapped with a sheer ribbon sleeve to finish the look.

Finally, the cake was topped off with a dramatic mound of Black Baccara roses.

I'd like to thank Michelle, Jeff, and both of their families for their incredible hospitality. I had a blast getting to know you all!

Congratulations Michelle and Jeff!!!

Michigan Floral Association 2009 Great Lakes Floral Expo

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!