Catherine & Pro's Kake

I couldn't resist putting up a few more pictures from Catherine & Pro's wedding. Kathy at KB Kake Kreations made this fabulous & yummy cake that Dove Photography captured.

A closeup of the topper. What great flower placement by KB Kakes. They filled in between the layers with flowers we provided, so that they are a perfect match to the flowers used the rest of the day.

Catherine & Pro

Catherine & Pro were married on a gorgeous January day. I thought I would share with you the fabulous pictures that Dove Photography provided me of the day. Colors were important to Catherine, not specific flowers. She gave me the freedom to create beautiful flowers for her, as long as they were the right color. After meeting with her and Jessica at A'vie, and finding out the colors, and the contemporary - tropical feel she wanted to create I come up with some great ideas for her. Her bouquet was made of blue hydrangea, brown hypericum berries, white roses, trachelium, and green cymbidium orchids. Here you will see her surrounded by all the bouquets, hers and the bridemaids.
For the guy's bout we used green dendrobium orchids, with blue delphenium, and a lttle beading to pull all the colors together.
We did a few different styles of centerpieces, and I think this picture of one of the designs is great. It is a large cylinder vase, with curly willow & floating cymbidium orchids.

Thanks Christine at Dove Photography for providing me wih some great images.

Ceremony: United Church of Gainesville
Reception: Best Western Gateway Grand
Photographer: Dove Photography
Florist: Us
Caterer: Best Western Gateway Grand
Cake: KB Kakes
Planner:A'vie

HUGE YARD SALE - Saturday 8-2

So, we have done some more cleaning out of our storage area, and have found some great items that need good homes. Stop by Saturday, November 22 from 8am - 2 pm for some great deals. There are boxes of Christmas ornaments to help decorate your trees or give as a gift. Prices starting at $.50 each.

Celebrations Catering Opens a New Restaurant!

Leah at Celebrations invited us over to the Grand Opening of Cafe C on Friday the 14. Since they are pretty much across the street from us (424 NW 8th Avenue), we said yes we would love to attend. I thought it would be nice to send over a little something to add to their festivities. Thinking about the green bubbles that Celebrations has on their deliver vehicles, I called Larry - my flower guy, and ordered some Billy Balls. Billy balls are yellow ball flowers, on a stem. When the flowers got here, I still hadn't decided how I would use them. Then inspiration struck, thinking about the colors that they use in the new building, I decided to spray the billy balls assorted colors of purple, red, & hot pink. Here is what I came up with.

I knew I had made the right decision, when I walked out of the shop to deliver the arrangement, and I looked over toward Cafe C to see colorful paper lanterns & linens hanging up under the tent in the back parking lot. It was as if I was a Fly on the wall when Leah was making her decorating plans for the grand opening.

Thank you for inviting us. The atmosphere was great, and the food was even better. I just wish I hadn't needed to go to the Gym after, and could have eaten more. I loved the door prizes. They placed a sticker on the bottom of some of the dishes served. If you got a dot you could turn your plate in for a prize. I won a Cafe C T-shirt and lunch for 2. I am very excited about both.

Sarena & Basil

Sarena & Basil were wed over the weekend at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, with Jack Edmonds proceeding over the ceremony. The bridesmaids wore a lovely light shade of blue, which were a perfect match for the light blue delphinium we used in the bouquets. Sarena's bouquet was made of ivory rose, blue delphinium, green button mums, green carnations white alstromeria & brown hypericum berries. The bouquet was hand tied and a larger version than the bridesmaids.

I can't wait to see the pictures that J.S. Photography took of the day.

Ceremony & Reception: Kanapaha Botanical Garden
Photographer: J.S. Photography
Florist: Us

Maris & T.J.

Maris & T.J. are about to celebrate their 2ND wedding anniversary and I thought I'd share her bouquet with you. She stopped in the other day, and was walking around looking at our new location, when suddenly she realized that a picture of her bouquet was hanging on the wall. She took it down and excitedly showed the friend she was with. I asked her how she realized that it was her. She said she was looking at it, and thought it was pretty, and then noticed the bracelet.

Good Luck to them as they are expecting a baby soon. Thanks to Powers Photography for supplying the photo for me to share.

Tina and Dan, Part Two

Okay, so there were so many good pictures by Powers Photography, and I just have to add a few more. Here is a close-up of Tina's bouquet.

This is a great view of the stems on a hand tied, ribbon wrapped bouquet. There is the added detail the bride attached to personalize her bouquet

This is by far, my favorite picture. I love it. The night of the wedding, when I went to pick up all of the rental items, the Powers had a computer up and running showing some of the pictures they had taken that day. A great teaser for all to see some of the images, I know I stood there and watched the slide show, and fell in love with this one. I think a large copy hanging up in the store would look great (HINT, HINT).

Tina & Dan

Powers Photography supplied me with these wonderful images of Tina and Dan's March wedding. I have been waiting for these images (it took me a while to figure out what I wanted), instead of using mine, because I knew I could not do the flowers justice. Most of the pictures on this blog are ones I have taken, but you can so tell the difference when a pro takes them.
Tina's bouquet of made of hydrangeas, stephanotis, brown hypericum and green cymbidium orchids.
Dan's bout was a green cymbidium orchid with green hypericum berries.
FYI: Hypericum berries are St. John's wort. Many a groom has joked about popping a few berries in their mouth during the ceremony.
Don't you love how the bouquets just pop in front of the chocolate dresses. I am in love with that lime green color.

Here is the magnificent cake by KB Kake Kreations. You will notice the palm tree in the background. We rent those and other plants to help cover up unsightly areas, or to make you location a little warmer.

Ceremony: Baughman Center
Reception: Thomas Center
Photographer: Powers Photography
Florist: Us
Caterer: Chef's Brothers
Cake: KB Kake Kreations

Martina & Ryan

Martina and Ryan were wed on October 18Th. Fall was in the air and the colors of the day were Red, Orange & Chocolate. Marina wanted a lot of texture in her bouquet. I used mini calla, roses, hypericum berries, pin-cushion protea, hanging amaranthus & some copper wire. To add more copper, I sprayed yarrow with a copper paint made for flowers. Martina had seen a bouquet (Emily's) I made last year, and wanted something similar, but different. Martina's bouquet is on the top, and Emily's bouquet is on the bottom. Emily's bouquet is made of pink mink protea, roses, cymbidium orchids, mini calla, green amaranthus & curly willow. Both of these brides knew what colors they wanted, and that they wanted lots of texture, but they left it up to me to decide what flowers to use. It makes it fun for me to come up with new combinations of flowers. Thanks ladies for letting me be creative.

I am very excited to see the picture that k Gallery took, and will share them with you. k Gallery also photographed Emily's wedding, and A'vie was her planner as well.

Ceremony: Plantation Hall
Reception: Plantation Hall
Photographer: k Gallery
Florist: Us
Caterer: Celebrations
Cake: Danette
Planner: A'vie

STRAWBERRY ABBEY

So Abbey had it set in her mind that she was going to be Strawberry Shortcake for Halloween, so being a good mother I started my search for costumes. And like many mothers did not find what their child wanted. I however had a backup plan.....also know as my mother in law (Donna). Donna sews, and she sews well, so I found a pattern, and fabric, and then I gave her a call. I asked her, if she would be willing to sew her granddaughter a strawberry shortcake costume, which being a great grandmother, she could not say no. Here is Abbey in one of the two costumes that Donna made. Abbey loved her costume. Thanks Donna.

Pumpkin Carving

Here is the pumpkin we (read as: I carved). Our friends (Shonta & Scott) have been hosting a pumpkin carving party for about three years now. I being a novice carver, was not sure what I was getting myself into. They made it easy. They have all these patterns, that you photocopy, and then carve onto the pumpkin. Abbey picked out Cinderella and then ran off to play.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

We meet some of Abbey's friends at a Pumpkin Patch last week. Thought you might enjoy. This is not the one we picked out, but we did take home 3 baby pumpkins and one we are going to carve on Thursday. This will be the first time we carve one with her, it should be interesting what she wants us to do.

Gainesville Wedding Expo, Sept. 14th

I spent Sunday, September 14Th surrounded by many blissful brides. It was a wonderful day full of answering questions and listening to eager brides. To create the booth, I got inspiration from my brides on Saturday, the 13Th. We had two main tables. This table showcased Fuchsia pink, lime green and brown. There are a lot of elements that could be used on one table, or on many tables.

This table was the show stopper, full of red roses & petals, and floating candles.

A new soccer dad?

Recently one of our customers decided to leave the working world, and spend more time at home with his family. To wish him well we sent him a Teleflora Ford Pickup Truck. A nice gift for any man, or a mom with a new bouncing baby boy.

Football Mums & Weddings: do they go together?

They do, when you are huge Gator Fans and are you getting married before the Florida Gator - Miami Hurricane Football game. A few weeks ago, I got a call from Erin, who was coming to town to marry Derek, before the game. With a casual ceremony on campus, surrounded by good friend & family. Orange, blue & white are the colors of the day.
Corsages of white football mums for the moms, orange spray rose for a friend and orange rose bouts for the guys.

Erin bouquet was a hand tied of orange roses, with a smaller one for her attendant.

Being a Gator fan, myself.....I added a Gator pin to the blue ribbon holding the bouquet together. A nice surprise for the bride.

Best wishes to Erin & Derek and GOOOOO GATORS!!!!!!

Grandparents Day, Sunday September 7th

Grandparents Day is a family day. Schools, churches, and senior organizations honor grandparents with special events. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings. Others celebrate by holding a family reunion.
Everyone is a grandchild and can be involved in the observance of this day - a time to discover one's roots and learn patience, understanding and appreciation for the elderly. Grandparents Day is the perfect time to enhance communication between the generations.
Many times, only grandparents have answers to questions about family histories. When this information is passed down to the grandchildren, everyone can be assured of his heritage being preserved. .
Most important, Grandparents Day can signify a loving spirit that lives with in us throughout the year--a spirit of love and respect for our elders.
Why send flowers, or a card, or give your "Grandparent" a call.

Birthday Wishes to Jennifer!!

A very Happy Birthday Wish to one of my favorite customers........ Jennifer.

Jennifer's birthday is this upcoming weekend, but we sent her flowers from her friend Kim (another one of my favorite customer)a few days early. Jennifer loves the English Cottage Garden look. I called my supplier, and we came up with a great garden look for her gift. Hydrangea, Iris, Bupleurum, Salal leaves, Calycinia, and a little Bear Grass. Instead of a basket or vase, I used a metal planter, with a vase inserted in the middle. The cream colored tin features a design of hydrangeas, which can later be used as an accent piece in the home or office.

Hope everyone has a great and safe Labor Day Weekend.

Baby Boy!

The last few days we have had quite a few orders for baby arrangements. I thought I'd share a few with you. The first has a before and after. A florist called up and wanted us to send The Crystal Baby Block from Teleflora. However, they didn't want it to look anything like the picture in the Teleflora book. Their customer wanted a little orange and blue, because the proud parents are GATORS. But they also wanted pink spray roses (always a nice touch to do something for mom, since the baby doesn't know where it's fingers are, mush less the fact that there are flowers around). Well, we didn't have any pink spray roses, but I came up with an idea for the florist to give the sender.
Here is the empty container. It spells out BABY as you turn the sides. Always a nice gift, as it is made of crystal, and can be used in the nursery.

The concept I came up with, was Orange, Blue & White, with an extra special gift added. A pair of Gator Baby Booties. The sender thought it was a great idea. So here is what we sent.....

The Gator Baby Booties are dear to me, as Terry brought a pair to me in the hospital when Abbey was born. In true Terry style he proudly announce that he had shoplifted them, much to the astonishment of the nursing staff in the room. I then had to explain that he had "stolen" them from my store, so it was not really shoplifting.

Another arrangement I did was also for a baby boy. This one is in a blue ceramic container, which can also be used in the nursery. I used dark blue Delphinium, green Carnations, yellow Daisies, with a touch of Caspia.

Sorority Bid Day

Sorority Bid Day at The University of Florida was this past Sunday. So, Monday morning we got calls from proud Moms and Aunts wanting to recognize their new pledges. Below are some of the arrangements we sent out. We tried to match the sororities colors or flowers for them.

For Ann at Alpha Delta Pi:

Colors are Azure Blue & White. Blues & White in a blue vase.

For Katherine at Chi Omega:

All white Carnations with Bluperium and greens in frosted white vase.

For Alyssa at Alpha Chi Omega:

Colors are Scarlett & Olive.

Red Carnations and Green Hypericum in a red vase with Olive Ribbon

Friday, August 29th

College Colors Day seeks to celebrate and promote the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great by encouraging fans, alumni and students to wear apparel of their favorite college throughout the day of Friday, August 29, 2008.

College Colors Day, which coincides with “back to school” and the kick-off of intercollegiate athletics, strives to promote higher education through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, acknowledging their critical and fundamental importance to the United States.

We will be participating. Hope you do as well.

Kelley and Scott, Pretty in Pink Bouquets & Reception

Here are the pictures of the Bouquets and Reception. The Cocktail Hour was done Gator Style: Orange & Blue, with a touch of white/ivory flowers. The Reception went back to Pink, Ivory & Brown, with the use of Calla Lily, Roses, Hydrangea & Curly Willow.

Kelley's Bouquet: Matron of Honor:
The Escort Table:

With an engagement picture in the background, done by Powers photography.

Kelley & Scott used Silver Photo albums, which let guests know at which table to sit. Inside the album was a card to present at their place, so that Sweetwater staff would know their meal choice. The tables were named by the Couple's Firsts...... First Vega Trip, First Ski Trip, First Christmas, etc. Which gave the guests a little insight to the couple adventures over the years.

Guest Table:

We used containers that the bride provided for half of the tables.

The Sweetheart Table:

The Cake: Another gorgeous job by Vivian Sparkman

Kelley & Scott are Pretty in Pink Ceremony

Kelley and Scott wed on Saturday. Pink, Brown and Ivory were the colors of choice. Kelley used traditional arrangements for the ceremony, and then went a little contemporary for the reception. At the Church we did pew markers, greenery accents on the doors, traditional altar arrangements and florals on the candelabras. Her bouquet was made of Hydrangea, Rose, Spray Rose, Calla Lily, & Hypericum. The Matron of Honor bouquet was made of Calla Lily, Rose, Spray Rose & Hypericum. The Bridesmaids were similar, but without the Calla Lily.

The Doors to The Church:

One of the Candelabras

Ceremony: First United Methodist
Reception: Sweetwater Branch Inn
Photographer: Powers Photography
Florist: Us
Caterer: Sweetwater Branch Inn
Cake: Vivian Sparkman

Stacy & Lance, Lovely in Yellow

Stacy & Lance were married this past weekend on the grounds of Haile Golf & Country Club. Sunny Yellow was the color of the day, even though the sun was not out for the beginning of it. The bride's bouquet was near and dear to my heart, as it was made of my mom's favorite flowers....yellow roses & white daisies, with a little bluperium added. The bridesmaids were clover green, and their bouquets were a mix of yellow daisy, white daisy and green button mums and green hypericum.

Ceremony: Haile Golf & Country Club
Reception: Haile Golf & Country Club
Photographer: Caroline Johnson
Florist: Us
Caterer: Haile Golf & Country Club
Cake: Cake by Jenny

Pink Perfection

Kristin & Nick said "I DO" this past spring. Pink was the color of the day. If you ask Kristin, she would say that you can never have too much pink. Nick on the other hand......
The ceremony was at The Baughman Center, followed by a wonderful reception at Haile Golf & Country Club. Allison Middleton was the coordinator, and Ms. Debbie made the cake. J.S. Photography captured these images for me to share with you.
Here is a close up of her bouquet of Pink Roses and Stephanotis:
I just love this shot by J.S. Photography, what an intimate moment.

Ceremony: Baughman Ceneter
Reception: Haile Golf & County Club
Photographer: J.S. Photography
Florist: Us
Caterer: Haile Golf & Country Club
Cake: Ms. Debbie
Planner: Allison Middleton

Abbey goes to Disney

Here are a few highlights from our Disney Trip. We spent a few Magical days at The Magic Kindgon with two other families. When you ask Abbey what her favorite part was she says "EVERYTHING". Enjoy the pics. I know we will enjoy the memories for years.