By the Lake

It's always a treat to see the professional wedding photos. These are courtesy of the talented Sarah Postma from a really special wedding back in April. It was held at this historic club on a lake in Tuxedo NY. I remember spying the club's summer program which was filled with parties and events "in the style" of 1920's or 1960's. Fun. Congratulations Kelly and Chris!

Good bye Spring

I will miss spring and early summer. When the greens are plump and the flowers are delicate. I managed to snag the last dusty purple hellebore for this bouquet. I like doing purple, lavender  and white weddings now. A lot.

Forgiveness

I let a friend down and I've become consumed with my inconsideration. I thought it would be best to give them some room after suffering a devastating loss before reaching out. But I was wrong and they've been hurt by my silence. I'm so bad at reacting to trauma. I shrink to the back ground. It's not because I'm callous or uncaring. In fact I think it is more because I worry I will fall apart. Another friend I know is always perfectly poised to respond with grace to tragedy. There she stands unafraid with outstretched arms, an ear to lend, knowing the right thing to say. I yearn to be more like her. I am making this a goal of mine. We are human and have many frailties. I've sincerely apologized and can only hope years of friendship have formed a strong enough bond to weather this storm. 

Here we are around the house

made some ceramic flowers

The Challenge

Whoa, it's been quite a stretch since I last posted. Time is flying. Are you enjoying your summer? I hope so. I truly am. A bunch of stuff has been going on over here. I feel as though I have so much to update you on. I often think of things to write about when I push the littlest pheasant on the swing, cook dinner or run errands but then when I sit down to post it all escapes me. I know it included something to do with a sliced finger (my first floral injury), my thrown back (and miraculous recovery), route 9A (damn you 9A!), and urban foraging (I'll get to that). In the meantime, here is one of the weddings we did this past weekend. 

The Foundry in LIC. 

Full disclosure this arrangement has been totally "Mac Gyvered"; as in propped up and put together with all sorts of found objects. Now the old Denise would be beating herself up for not remembering to bring large waterpicks and oasis. However, now the new mindful Denise goes with the flow and fashions water picks out of Poland Spring bottles and wraps stems in wet paper towels. Om. It worked perfectly.

The centerpieces were a challenge but I love a challenge. The design direction called for modern and spa-inspired style. Yet (of course) I wanted them to be lush and pretty and appropriate for a wedding. I was asked to incorporate succulents and billy balls but the rest was up to me. Everything hinged on the right branchy green. As soon as I spotted this green leafy branch at Dutch Flower Line (no one knew what it was?!) I knew I had my base. I'd never seen flowering variegated pittosporum before. Since it was in the right color scheme I grabbed that. My big dilemma was should I mix peonies and orchids?? Ah, a sin to some, I gather. But I felt it needed a round focal flower and more white. Truth be told I was nervous coming back from the market with my raw materials. But I kept things somewhat grouped together so it was not a big mixed up mess.

In the end I was thankfully very satisfied with my choices and how it came together.

arrangements for the small 4 top tables

the all white bouquet

The Boutonnieres

British Invasion

I've been dying to share with you this super cute photo shoot I did early this year with the amazingly talented Stefani of Brooklyn Limestone and Tanya of Save the Date Cupcakes. Sorry I am a little late myself in getting up. The images were under wraps for months but now Hostess with the Mostess has featured the whole event. You can see it all here.

looks just like kate and will

 Stefani rang me up and we discussed the flowers for this sweet British Wedding Brunch she was putting together. Graphic, fun with lots of details...just my thing. When I arrived at iCi (where it was being photographed) I was blown away by all the fantastic details they orchestrated. Here are some of my favorites. Lots happening here in a very zen buddah way...will update you soon. Be well. 

A New Friend Who is Really an Old Friend

Funny thing. An old childhood friend finds me on Facebook. Realizes I do flowers. Asks if I can send an arrangement to a mutual friend who has just had a baby girl. Sure, I say - I remember Karen we sat next to each other in 2nd grade. She was the smartest girl I knew and never made a mistake on her spelling tests. Ever. I take down the details. Turns out she lives directly across the street from me! How weird is that? I walk in and we are reunited. Hugs all around including her mother who remembers me and my mom. Karen has another daughter who is 4. I stare down at this little tow headed child and I see Karen as a child. We are 7 years old again.

The New Modern

Hey there. So my big news today is that I am going to be a regular contributor at Brooklyn Bride!! Every month I will be able to present fresh and exciting table top designs of my own. So excited! Much thanks to Vane for letting me explore new ideas. Speaking of modern....what do you think is modern in floral design? Is there a direction or color scheme you'd like seeing? I'd love to hear it. Have a great day folks!

Some things...

We made some very pretty wedding flowers this weekend. Including a massive pink peony arrangement for my little bunny. 5 years old people! 5! This is a major marker in life. Princesses are waning and there is talk of rock stars. When you ask her what her favorite color is she would say without hesitation "sparkly pink". Now she adds "...and a little shiny black". Meanwhile this single pink peony had us swooning. Just amazing.

 

In between deliveries, Jenni and I had some time to kill. After hitting up John Derian's SALE! (I scored!!) We stumbled upon this lovely public garden. It was the nicest coolest greenest little oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the East Village.

First big girl haircut

Have a lovely day!

Kapow

Been meaning to tell you how my mediation classes are going. Basically I am all calm and chill in the beginning of the week. Mindfully moving throughout my day. However, but weeks end I'm downing 2 coffees by 9am and racing through all I have to do. No I exaggerate...not really (well the coffee yes). I have to say each weekend wedding so far has been really enjoyable and moving at a normal pace. This is good.

Here is some "bling" for your Friday. Flirty, girly pink. Was able to get some delicious watermelon colored sweetpea for the occasion.