Sweet Summer Brides

I just had the pleasure of meeting with a sweet May bride, her sister and mother. As we munched on pumpkin muffins and sipped coffee, we firmed up some of the details that we had already been discussing via phone and e-mail. I was looking forward to meeting Alison in person, not just because of the rapport that we had already established on the phone, but because I had the pleasure of creating flowers for her brother and sister in law's wedding last summer. I promised Alison that it wouldn't take me as long to post photos from her wedding on my site and blog.

Andrea and Brian's July 2010 wedding was wonderful to work on for a couple of reasons...
1. Andrea was my daughter's 5th grade teacher at the time that we were planning the wedding flowers. She is a fabulous teacher, fun and organized, and really helped my daughter to be prepared for entering 6th grade.
2. Andrea and Brian's wedding reception was scheduled at one of my favorite venues in Grand Rapids - in part because it is where my sweet husband proposed to me there when it was formerly Gibsons. Mangiamo boasts a stunning location with a talented and professional staff. I've had the pleasure of providing flowers for several brides and grooms that have celebrated their special day there.

Most of the following photos were taken by Alize, our summer intern from France. The first 5 photos were taken by Andrea and Brian's photographer, Larissa Chirstine. Enjoy....

Cake by Marie Catribs
Table runners by Events by Icandy
Favorite jeweler - JPatrick Jewelers

Learning to Create

It sounds silly, but I seem to freeze when I'm about to start a new project.  I first noticed this tendency of mine when I was in college.  It would be time to study for a huge exam or write an important essay, and I'd start to feel funny inside, almost paralyzed, and then find other things to do, like clean the bathroom, refold laundry, anything really just to avoid the task at hand.  I know that it stems from me wanting to have everything perfect and not always knowing just how to get there.  My husband sweetly refers to me as being "perfectly flawed", knowing how I can be driven at times.  Eventually, with all projects, I wrap my mind around it, press forward, and just do my best.

Today, despite the fact that I've not touched a sewing machine in over a year, I tackled a project that has been calling my name.  Using a white chenille bedspread and a sweet floral duvet cover (both discovered at a thrift store), I sewed a reversible purse.  Tempted to cave into chocolate and wine in the midst of the project, I took the higher road and continued to press on through basting stitches and reloading a bobbin.  I'm so glad that I did and my girls and I are pleased with the result.

Simply Romantic Flowers

Last January, I was asked to provide table arrangements for the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, MI.  I was given complete freedom to create anything I cared to within a certain budget.  Using a collection of vintage milk glass vases, seeded eucalyptus, white hydrangeas, white carnations, flowering quince, pink spray roses and salal, the arrangements were a hit.  I really liked how they looked in my home too!  Enjoy!

Spring Wedding Part 2