There are so many fun Sacramento weddings we have worked on this year, and Sean + Caitlin’s wedding was definitely a highlight!  Working with the very talented Kevin Cohee of Do An Event, there was more excitement and unexpected personal touches to this fun wedding than you could imagine!  Here are just a few of the exciting wedding elements all captured by Sacramento wedding photographers, The Memory Journalists.

The Sacramento wedding ceremony took place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.  Here are two church arrangements we created that actually had live fish in them!

Bridesmaid bouquets were created from a few miniature calla lilies which we wired and added a few green hanging amaranthus to.  These modern bouquets were not only different, but cost effective as well!

The green and orange bridal bouquet was a teardrop bouquet, created with ‘Flame’ calla lilies, succulents, orange ornithogalum, orange dahlias, string of pearls and white freesia.

The gentlemen wore boutonnieres which were created with vintage postcards, which the couple used as save the dates.  This was Kevin’s original inspiration which we interpreted into these fun pieces.  Each was different, and we accented these paper boutonnieres with decorative green wiring, orange beads to tie in with the color theme, and a single hypericum berry.  Very fun boutonnieres, modern boutonnieres… for a unique couple!  Love it!

Tomorrow, we will get into the details of the reception, so make sure you stop back in to see the fun wedding ideas we’ve got in store to share!

Here’s one of my must have wedding planning tips I share with all of my clients…. follow wedding blogs!  If you are looking for wedding inspiration, or a “pulled together” vision for your wedding decor and wedding decorations, wedding blogs are loaded with the most amazing wedding photos, wedding ideas, and expert wedding help.

From design templates where you can create a customized inspiration board, to hundreds and thousands of photos for you to browse through, there’s nothing like keeping the pulse of what the latest wedding trends are then right here on the internet.  And, a bonus, you’ll discover new bridal vendors, budget-friendly wedding ideas and free give-a-ways for your own wedding!

Here are a few of my favorite blogs to follow, I think you’ll love them too, so add them to your Google reader or RSS:

Green Wedding Shoes

Style Me Pretty

100 Layer Cake

The Inspired Bride

Ruffled

Snippet and Ink

Junebug Weddings

Ritzy Bee

I know we are all “on the go” type people… I’ve added an app on my iphone so I can catch up with any down time during the day.  If I need a little inspiration or want to see what other weeding ideas are becoming more trendy, I’ll check in and see the many talents of my peers!

Do some research and find a few blogs to follow for a little wedding inspiration for your own wedding.  There are budget wedding blogs, DIY wedding blogs, luxury wedding blogs, wedding planing blogs, and much more!

Personally, I have found that brides who follow blogs are much more confident in their overall decor, they have a more personalized wedding experience and their photos to die for!

What’s your favorite wedding blog?  Any suggestions you’d like to share with me?

Tall centerpieces are a great way to add visual interest to your wedding reception.  Here is an example of some elegant centerpieces for a recent wedding we designed at Serrano Country Club located in El Dorado Hills, CA.  Instead of using all low centerpieces, which don’t tend to bring your eye up from the tables, our clients opted to do a mixture of low and short centerpieces to add some interest to their elegant wedding decor.

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Wedding Photographer:  Gino Creglia Photography

For this tall centerpiece, we used white hydrangea, white stock, white delphinium and white lilies.  Tall brown branches added additional height to this brown and white wedding.  Loops of beargrass created movement throughout the arrangement.

To see more tall centerpieces at Serrano Country Club visit our recent post:

Fall Wedding at Serrano Country Club

Yesterday we designed a destination wedding in Paso Robles, California which turned out gorgeous, and just about a month ago, we were out of the studio at another destination wedding in Malibu, California.  I was just able to get my hands on some amazing photos Sarah Maren, of Sarah Maren Photography took of that Malibu wedding and I just couldn’t wait to share!

Aimee and Jarrod are such a lovely couple, and I was more than honored to work with them on bringing together their decor and flowers for this hip and trendy wedding full of family, friends and the most amazing details!  Their wedding took place on a gorgeous sunny afternoon at the Malibu West Beach Club.  The ceremony was held on the patio which later tuned into a glowing lounge thanks to the talented Sonny Gallardo with Exquisite Events and Entertainment.  {See photo, bottom left}  The ceremony was filled with bright florals, a crystal strung backdrop with hanging orchids, and a mixture of lounge and traditional furniture for guests to sit and watch the couple marry.  Turquoise-teal glass added a pop of color with fun and bright florals to liven up the outdoor setting.

As guests entered into the reception area, the feel was “cabana chic.”  Thick black and white striped runners which the bride’s grandmother made were placed across the tables.  Turquoise glass was filled with white phalenopsis orchids and other white blooms to add to the stylish decor.  A dessert bar created by the talented Carissa Jones of Sugar and Spice was filled with colorful treats to match the decor of the wedding day.

Get the Look….

Photography:  Sarah Maren Photography

DJ:  Exquisite Events and Entertainement

Desserts & Cake:  Sugar and Spice

Bridal Dress:  Miosa Couture

Hair and Make-Up:  Image Provocateur

Videography:  Acti-Video

Invitations and Paper Products:  Stephanie J Designs

Floral Designs:  Botanica Floral Designs

A couple of months ago we participated in the Glitz and Glamour Wedding Showcase out at Scribner Bend Vineyards.  I love wedding shows because it gives me an opportunity to create something not every bride comes to me with a picture of.  An all rose bouquet has been done thousands of times… I thought we’d liven it up a bit with this lovely design.

This bouquet is a bit rustic, but still very elegant! The look was designed for an outdoor- casual wedding.  It was a show favorite of the brides with the preserved cotton bolls, soft lamb’s ear, ‘Sahara’ roses and green hanging amaranthus.  I also finished it off by adding a few rustic branches throughout the flowers to add some movement.  The stems were treated with a layering affect of brown freshwater pearls of various sizes and styles.

Not necessarily a bouquet a bride would come to me and ask for, but now maybe a little interest has been peaked?  Of course we do the traditional designs, but this had to spark more thought and creativity and when you take a look at this in person, you say, “yeah, I like… no, I love it.”

What things are you interested in seeing in a bouquet?  I’ll take on the challenge and surprise you to create something any bride would be proud to carry, all while staying elegant and stylish for your wedding day.  Let’s hear from you??

Our 101th post on our new blog, and do we have some eye candy to feature today!

When Carmen of Carmen Salazar Photography decided to put together a photo shoot that was Spring-Inspired, we were more then excited to participate!  Today, you can view the creative ideas Carmen Salazar Photography, Kristina Smith of Wish Bridal, Shelley Larkin of Pizzazz! Event Planning and yours truly came up with!

We’ll be featuring more of the detail shots later on down the road, but can’t resist to share the feature linked in the photo below!  Thanks SMP!

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this come together:

Sweet Cakes By Rebecca

Ryan Douglas Custom Clothier

The Flower Farm Inn

Those delectable treats, oh my!

A few insider tips from wedding flower expert, Audrey Gardemeyer! Today we are teaching brides {and bridesmaids} how to properly hold their bouquet{s} so you look awesome as you walk down the aisle. Check it out and let us know what you think! If you are a wedding vendor, check it out and share with your brides!

As many of you know, we do weddings all over Northern California, and lately, all over the state!  We’ve recently been down to Malibu, we have a wedding in the San Luis Obispo region in a few weeks, and this featured wedding comes in from the delightful town of Murphy’s, California.  The couple was married at Broll Mountain Vineyards, a gorgeous winery about an hour East of Stockton.

Get the Look:

Wedding Planner:  Paige One Events

Photography:  Angel’s Photos by Jeannette

Wedding Flowers:  Botanica Floral Designs

Shayne’s floral colors ranged from deep purple to hot pink and lime green accents.  We used miniature calla lilies, lisianthus, fiddlehead ferns, pink gerbera daisies, ‘Hot Lady’ roses, dianthus, and green dendrobium orchids.

I can’t believe I am posting this!  Yes, that is me with my first arrangement I ever created.  Gotta love how my shirt matches it!  I was in the fourth grade, and while my arrangement looks scary now, I’d like to think I’ve come a long way!  Hope you get a laugh, I think it is pretty funny!

Most people don’t know that I started designing flowers over ten years ago when I entered high school, started judging cut flower quality and designs in FFA {Future Farmers of America}.  I participated in a Statewide competition which my team won and further participated in Nationals, placing 7th in the Nation and individually, placing 4th overall.  My agriculture teacher, Mr. Jones, now Dr. Jones was a huge influence on my career now.  Hey Dr. Jones!  He taught me one of the lessons I live by:  ” if you take what you love and make it your job, it will no longer be a job, and you won’t ever have to work.”  Isn’t that so true?

Upon graduation I went off to study to become an ag educator, and with a change in major I knew that my decision to study horticulture was the right choice.  I transferred from Fresno State to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where I learned everything horticulture. From floral design, to studying plant materials, plant physiology and cultural greenhouse and landscape practices, the “learn by doing,” philosophy taught me hands on what the horticulture and floral industry is like.  Studying under inspiring and supportive floral artists, such as Melinda Lynch, AIFD and many other industry leaders, I was lucky enough to participate in more National Competitions, even earning the title of  the countries top Floral Crop Evaluation team and individual champion.  Managing the on site floral shop on campus, working with wedding professionals on the Central Coast, and keeping industry ties all had such a positive impact on where I am today.

Here I am with Kim {left} and Pam {right}, both AIFD designers that I worked with at A Secret Garden Florist in Clovis, CA.  In this photo we are at the Rose Parade where we were contracted to work on the floral designs for the floats!  If you’ve never attended, you’ve got to, it is AMAZING!  Thanks ladies for all you’ve helped me with!

It’s easy to do something you are passionate about.  As I look back over the years of all of the events, people and wonderful things I have been a part of, I feel so lucky and blessed to be loving what I’m doing and doing what I love.  With all of my industry exposure, there is a lot to say about apprenticeship in this industry.  I have been so lucky to what seems like “meet the right people at the right time,” but I think it is more than just coincidence.  It’s passion, It’s finding what you love and living it!  I’m going to keep doing what I love and loving what I do, hopefully you’ll do the same.

What are you passionate about?  What drives you?  I want to know, what makes you get up and do what you do every day?  Is it for the money, or is it much more?

Photo By: Allison Stahl Photography

1.  What colors are really available?

There are some gorgeous color trends out there right now, but what you may not be thinking of is how these colors you commit to may not coordinate with your flowers.  You’ve got to see the big picture first.  How will the bridesmaid gowns tie in with your flowers?  Your linens?  And your ultimate vision that you are piecing together?  Instead of making a bunch of separate decisions, think of the grand scheme and how it is all going to come together.

I also see many brides come to me with inspiration photos of flowers which have been edited by a photographer with computer software.  The flowers are tinted with shades which aren’t true to their natural color, and sure, they look cool in photos, but they are totally unrealistic.  That’s fine if you like the look, just be open minded that you are seeing an edited photo.  You’ve got to talk with a professional designer who knows what they are doing and can help you coordinate your flowers with the other pieces of the puzzle you have already selected.  Show them swatches and other items you have chosen to find the best match.  And, keep in mind that saying your color is plum doesn’t cut it.  Bring in a swatch or color chip to show your designer the exact shade you are looking for.

2.  Is your budget realistic?

Unfortunately there is a lot of mis-information out on the market regarding how much you should budget for flowers.  Magazines and wedding shows are partly to blame, but my suggestion is to always talk with a professional who is going to meet your needs to get you accurate pricing for what it is that you are looking for.  Your style might be more expensive based on a number of items.  I always compare it to purchasing a home and getting the upgraded granite, crown moulding and finishes…..  What is it that you are looking for?  It will have a direct effect on how much your flowers are going to cost.  Along with this, you should express any concerns with your budget upfront so that your designer can offer realistic options.

3.  Is what you are asking for available?

Let’s face it, we are dealing with Mother Nature, plants and flowers are dependent on weather, worldwide trade and availability.  Are you looking for red roses the week or two after Valentine’s Day?  This is when supply is very limited.  Are you wanting peonies in September? Chances are, not going to happen. Unfortunately there are letdowns, and you need to be working with someone who is smart enough not to promise you something you can’t have.

4.  Can your designer do the job?

Don’t just meet with four florists to meet with them.  Narrow down your search by finding the right people to match your needs.  Do you like their work?  Will they deliver?  Does their work look good, clean and professional?  Most importantly, do you feel comfortable with them and can you trust that they will do what you are asking them to do?

5.  Do your flowers fit your personality and theme?

Ultimately, you want your decor to tie all together.  Whether you are having a Spring wedding tented-event or a Fall inspired candlelit reception, your personality, style and wedding day decor should be easily recognizeable and YOU!