Rae Florae

Pinky French DIY!

2011-02-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Get-Ready-for-Valentines!

In conjunction with Krystel of Couture Events & Nichole of Nic.Roc Designs, we created an entire table setting for any happy couple who loves champagne and dreams of Paris..

You can see the entire table design in it's current feature at The Knotty Bride Blog!

Here on our space we'll show you the step-by-step for creating your own pretty in pink centerpiece!

Ingredients:

happy can-do attitude :)

3 stems White Hydrangea

12-15 stems Pink Garden Roses

1 sweet ceramic or glass footed urn

1 pair floral clippers

scotch tape

floral wire

sheer gold ribbon

round decorative photo frame

6 water tubes

feathers

Step 1: Create a criss-cross with the scotch tape over the vase, creating a grid to hold the flowers steady. Trim hydrangea of their lower leaves, then cut each stem at an angle.

Step 2: Fill the vase with water and place cut hydrangea stems into the vase so they fit together as a trio. Tuck feathers in between the 3 heads of hydrangea.

Step 3: Take 1 piece of floral wire and at a point about 3 inches down, make a round bend and with a twisting motion, wind around the length of wire to create a loop.

Step 4: Cut one of your garden roses high on the stem, just below the head, and thread it onto the non-looped end of your wire. Pressing the wire through the petals, rather than the stem, will be much easier and create a better effect in the end.

Step 5: Repeat this with as many roses as you need to create the right length collar for your vase. Finish your collar the same way you started, by twisting the wire back around itself, making a loop at the end.

Step 6: Thread your ribbon through both loops of wire and tie it securely in a bow around your vase!

Step 7: Remove the back cover and front glass from your decorative picture frame. Then, trim your remaining roses to a short length that will fit inside your frame’s center, and in your water tubes.

Step 8: Spiral your water tubes, fanning the rose blooms out in a circle atop the frame.

Step 9: Gently place your urn directly on top of the water tubes, if you’ve chosen your vase and frame appropriately, it should nestle right in safely.

Step 10: Voila! Enjoy your day l’amour!

Thank you to Erica of Acres of Hope Photography for the beautiful images to share with everyone!!

La Belle Fleur.. & Welcome to 2011!!

2011-01-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

Dawn & Brian desired the sweetest ceremony, with all the trimmings and details of homegrown love like theirs...

Dawn's childhood best friend and wedding planner helped her find a venue right in their own neighborhood- the ever classic Mille Fleurs restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe.

The palette of sky blues, marine navy and all hues in between popped with sunshine of yellow ranunculus, chamomile, and eucalyptus wrapped in vintage ribbon.

For the men, fetching handkerchiefs monogrammed with their initials on yellow gingham...

Nestled right inside the Mille Fleurs courtyard is this expansive tree- bedecked with playful ribbon streamers and dangling jars of blooms, it became the au natural backdrop the couple yearned for.

After the ceremony for cocktails, it was a free for all with croquet and picture taking!

The french countryside aesthetic came through the floral design with lush arrangements of tall white hybrid delphinium, acacia branches, yellow and white ranunculus, and icy daffodils in shimmering silver vessels.

Dawn & her mom made jam for all the guests as favors, topped with soft muslin fabric and a twine tie.

Dawn & I share a penchant for fancy vintage ribbons, so when she wanted something truly unique on her bouquet, it was easy to oblige! Apricot and grey embroidery of petite blooms wrap the stems of ranuculus and freesia, feverfew and scented garden roses.

Little egg cups and budvases toppled with blooms of every sort, including fresh lavender that gave the entire patio a relaxing fragrance.

More vintage ribbon to be found everywhere you looked, here tied around a vase adorning the table of family photos and the traditional Guestbook.

Rare cigar boxes provide housing for some fluffy china mums and ranunculus, acacia and yellow misty peek out the corners...

& the dessert display!

Ranunculus, and garden spray roses surround the cute cutouts of Dawn & Brian for their cake topper, while craspedia billy balls dot the cupcakes below.

Aahh... sweet love xo. Congratulations D & B ;)

Coordination by Tracey Beal, To0-a-T Events

Photography of Jill Thomas, Jill Thomas Photography

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

I hope from my heart that you are all enjoying a peaceful, joyful, and oh-so-loving holiday!

This is a season of beautiful energy and goodwill, so soak it in and send it back out to everyone you meet!

We here at the Rae Florae design studio are busy refreshing the space and bopping to festive music in excitement for all that is to come in 2011...

from fab weddings for new brides and grooms, to more & more images from all of our dedicated work for our happy couples from the year gone by...

We look forward to seeing you on the flip side & wish you the

merriest of all the holidays you could ever want to celebrate :)

xoxoxo.

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-31T03:38:00.000-07:00

By the power of Greyskull! or pinkskull, lavenderskull, greenskull..

Rae Florae wishes you a spook-takular-ly sunny Halloween!

Recently I went to visit my friend Suzanne Hansen of She Wanders Photography and just inside the front door I spied this amazing chair!! Covered from top to bottom in hot pink soft fuzzy yarn by the talented girls of Sitting in a Tree..

my imagination immediately started running with the funky festive banner of boneheads!

I wanted to take that hot shade of pink and twist it around - black and red.. the colors of a scary halloween movie, but rate it PG-13 with young feminine flowers, and a kick of hot sauce..

Just in for the season, shiny hot chili peppers with their perfect points of tonal black and red..

In direct contrast, Pink Mink Proteas wrapping it up like a feather boa costume, super soft and fluffy you could use it as a make-up pouf for your sparkle dust.

Love that tiny tip of black on each protea petal picking up on the black chili!

Flames of magenta celosia and coral red coxcomb complete the fiery bouquet.

& for your He-Man, a boutonniere of celosia and chili peppers in black satin- just tell him it's a flower version of Cholula meets Dracula ;)

Funky monkey says be nice with the tricks, kitty bitty says brush your teeth after your treats..

I say thanks to Suzanne for indulging my whim of halloween fun!

Boo!

Punky Protea

2010-10-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is what happy looks like!!

I love the mini orchid blooms trailing in Michelle's hair, so whimsical and romantic.

Michelle loves bright, fun colors- her dream of ranunculus in every rainbow shade came true for the vibrant bouquets!

Gotta love a good group of girlfriends!

Michelle's Bridal Bouquet of ranunculus, sweet smelling freesia, feverfew buttons, and young scabiosa, wrapped up in sunny yellow satin ribbon.

Shaun's boutonniere choice for himself and his crew were clean, simple and to the point- stacked Kermit mums wrapped in papaya orange ribbon to stand out on the classic black.

Another gorgeous day in Point Loma...

For dinner and dancing, we bent a bit of wire for a party vibe. Submerged proteas in different varieties- some sunny yellow with hot pink tips, others with curled tangerine orange feelers.

Wheatgrass set the stage- literally, glass bowls of floating daisies and sunken protea nestle in the grass..

Every open nook was a place to tuck just a bit more grass and another kind of protea- fuzzy white with yellow feelers and orange insides!

Bouquets doing double duty, decorating the front of the Sweetheart Table..

Oh Sweetness! Hula to my heart :)

Thank you Melissa McClure for the fantastic photographs &

Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees for a seamless, funtastic day!

Sunny Yellow to Amber Gold

2010-10-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

I loved planning with Catherine and Walter because they were so considerate of each other and conscious of wanting their celebration to represent them equally.. This is how we came upon the bright sunny yellows, being Catherine's favorite color.. mixed with the hints of blue, Walter's favorite!

Catherine's sister's Maid of Honor bouquet composed of yellow roses, white sweet peas, and sweet chamomile buttons.

Flower girl extraordinaire! Pale buttery tulips and fragrant stock flower in a bouquet just her size :)

Catherine's bouquet- a soft blend of white sweet peas, yellow roses, tulips, cymbidium orchids, daisy mum chamomile.

The ceremony took place in the historic Presidio Park of San Diego, and we decked out the columns leading to the altar with yellow ribbons, wreaths of fresh green leaves and yellow roses, with a scatter of petals... it was transforming!

Garden fresh baskets lined the aisle...

..& each chair was adorned with a special swag of miniature yellow cymbidium orchids and white alstroemeria- their guests loved them!

The fresh greens and bright yellows begin to transition toward a romantic glow of amber as the night wears on...

Welcome to dinner! Tall calla lilies with a cuff of white china mums and green hydrangea..

Walter's family creates the dishes of Solare Ristorante Italiano, so it was an obvious and fabulous choice for their dinner reception! (Fun fyi, the Point Loma-Liberty Station location of Solare can be seen in the movie Top Gun!)

We decked out the long feast tables with more golden rose petals than you could imagine and nestled votives all along the way.

Floating candles and clean white stones in fresh water filled vases- oversize squares and rectangles- fit the shape and tone perfectly.

The intimate dinner, in the family restaurant... such a sweet finish and beginning ;)

Thank you Tim Otto for the beautiful photos!

Southern Cal Events 2010 Party!

2010-10-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Rae Florae was honored to design for the Southern California Meetings + Events most recent industry party celebrating the best of the best in every vendor category you can imagine!

The party took place at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, California on a drizzly evening outside, but the amazing light show by PSAV Audio Visual kept us glowing all night!

Pink dahlias took center stage on the lounge furniture provided by Pacific Events Productions..

The entry was decked out with kiwi branches and dahlias, with magazine issues for everyone to take home.

Food stations and cocktail bars lent themselves to myriad mini-arrangements..

Safari Sunset in deep red, with hot pink celosia and coxcomb in mercury juleps..

More pink dahlias pave'd in peephole white ceramics..

& singletons in pink globes lit with river stones and candlelight.

Be sure to see the rest of the pictures on Facebook!

Thanks to Elle G Photography for capturing the fun!

Come Take a CLASS!!!

2010-10-06T11:50:00.001-07:00

Join us for a fun evening or early afternoon!!

We're gonna romp through the season's best and most interesting to most beautiful flowers and foliage learning how to create a unique floral piece of art for your own enjoyment!

With 6 classes to choose from there's no reason you can't join in at least once!!

All classes are geared to a diverse audience, so if you have no experience, or lots of experience, it will be fun and satisfying!! Bring a friend, two friends, or come solo-

The vibe at the Design Studio is warm and friendly with a way of bringing out your creative spark ;)

Of course we'll have light refreshments and music, too..

Find us on Facebook to see more details and email or call to make a reservation-

Peony Punch!

2010-09-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Such a bright summer day deserved a bright palette!

Monnee & Kentson went for a fun, fresh spring has sprung into summer color scheme with all the trim- it was a blast to work with her creative detailing as you can see :)

Bride & Bridesmaids in candy coated pinks and reds with that fresh burst of green, softened by ruffly dusty miller around the edges..

Daytime lanterns reveals their cute colors and floral patterns, keeping the sweet playful theme from top to bottom.

Kentson's boutonniere of candyland pink ranunculus and bursting red hypericum berries..

Flower Girl!! Q-T Pie!! Pink ranunculus and red ribbon streamers can't even compete with her adorable ric-rak adorned dress and big-girl-pearl bracelet, so cute!

Along the aisle, petite mason jars were filled with dahlias, hydrangea, and pink spray roses.

Monnee's 2 bridesmaids carried white hydrangea punctuated by delicious red dahlias in a cuff of silvery dusty miller and hidden pink bouvardia.

For Monnee herself, a fluff of pink peonies in every shade with their ruffly petals and pink ranunculus to boot!

Adorable Ring Bearer pillow and bitty boutonniere of fuzzy green dianthus and a pink ranunc.

Groomsmen & family were doted on with blush dendrobium orchids and red berries.

One of those cute details I alluded to... Super sweet vintage lunch tote in suitcase style to hold memorabilia and love notes signed by guests for M & K.

Precious rose blooms potted in biodegradable coir pots put together by Monnee and her friends- DIY at it's best.

Love under the evening lights in the tent at Orfila Winery..

I just want to say Well Done xo! to Monnee for taking a palette and expanding its potential beyond what others might have imagined belonged only to Valentines or Christmas. Truly, the sweet colors and freshness make her lovely vision work very well. In addition, she is a lovely person to know- You can read her blog and see more photos of the whole process and day, as well as life beyond the wedding here~ Pink Argyle http://pinkargyle.blogspot.com

& of course, Many Thanks to Jessamyn Harris (www.jessamynharrisweddings) for the fantastic photos!!

Purple Purple Purple

2010-09-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

It's everywhere you look- Purple!! Bonnie & Marty knew it would be a hit color and they were not disappointed.. there are so many ways to love purple, and theirs was very sweet.

I love how happy they are!! Bonnie's bouquet was a stylized gathering of white and purple miniature calla lilies surrounded by a cuff of lisianthus buds- it fit her personality perfectly!

Groomsmen boutonnieres of single "Cool Water" roses with lisi buds...

..And the Groom with his purple mini-calla to match his Bride.

Precious moments with the flower girl and Something old to go with the new, borrowed, and blue- Bonnie's vintage coin purse.

Sunny skies over Coronado Island's Cays Yacht Club.

Roses, lisi, and white flecked alstroemeria to deck the aisle with color.

Sometimes a single giant purple china mum is all you need! Love those fluff-ball flowers!

Table centerpieces of whites, deep to light shades of purple, grass loops and wraps of variegated tropical leaves..

Yummy cake with pearlescent beads- perfect match to the color scheme.

Thank you to Shannon Henry with Studio Carre for the beautiful pictures and credit to Sweet Cheeks Baking Company for the pretty pastry!

Hotel Del Delight

2010-08-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Overflowing bouquets of white phalaenopsis orchids and hydrangea welcomed guests to Karen & Matt's seaside wedding at Coronado Island's iconic resort.

A happy palette of pink and butter suited the ranunculus and rose bouquets just fine. :)

Creamy rose petals in white paper cones for each guest to shower the newlyweds as they came back down the aisle...

Darling spray roses for mothers and grandmothers & dendrobium orchids for each bridesmaid's hair.

Our shy little flower girl wearing her halo of white and pink mini-blossoms.

& How Cute is this! This was a first- the Official Ring Bearer Seal of Approval!

Petal borders and pink ribbons tie white stock, butter spray roses, and silver eucalyptus.

Our groomsmen- looking classically handsome with their single rose blooms.

SWAK! xox, Matt & Karen!

Baby blush pink and fresh white- simplicity at it's prettiest.

Love the warm lighting inside the Del's ballroom, with it's conveniently color coordinated walls and matching style, the room looks made for these centerpieces!

Many loving Thank You's to Staci Tiras-Jones with Bliss Events for stupendous coordination and Devine Photography for sharing their captures of it all!

And All That Jazz...

2010-08-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Great Gatsby era and all it's glitz married with non-chalance, the lovely herself Jessica Beltran of Moira Events conspired with Non Pariel Magazine to create a soothing afternoon on the glade. What follows is our contribution to what was a ethereal, yet bookish affair. Captured precisely by Sara France Photography, you can see it all as published with the words which set it in motion.

***

and All that Jazz.. the NonPareil Mag Feature

***

Magnolia blossoms set in a champagne tower.. sparkles of L O V E on antique mirrored furnishings.

Tickle those keys with music and my cheek with the softness of feathers and dusty miller..

White majolica roses exude grace, while sequin trims and blue velvet hint at the opulence we love to indulge :)

Glittered by hand, the perfect tiffany aqua bright to light up the fashionably cool chromatic table..

Absolutely gorgeous stationery suite by Chelle Paperie..

If anyone asks, I'm on the veranda with my gramophone spinning and blueberries to stain my fingers, letting my heart run back to that day and time when the living was breezy.

Veritable Valentine

2010-07-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Jenny & David's swanky celebration of marriage! Takin' you back in time to the day of love...

Jenny loves the spectrum of grape to regal purple anemones and classic red roses- a modern and bold combination, only improved upon by the bitty crystaline glamour and clean ivory ribbon wrap.

The Bride & her ladies! Lookin' fab in the sun sippin' champagne!

We love our pretty personals- boutonnieres and corsages in our signature vintage wooden delivery boxes.

David, our stylin' groom- such a sweetheart, he even ordered fresh tulips for Jenny to be delivered in the morning as a special surprise!! xo!

Did I already mention that I love the oversaturated light of these pics??

That and the wide aisle of soft white rose petals :)

Manzanita branches and white phalaenopsis, dried hydrangea and red roses in tall glass create a contemporary, windswept feeling space for the ceremony.

Thoughtful single rose stems for their mom's...

Honestly, this pictures is an homage to the officiant's cowboy hat. So authentically Texan.

David & Jenny are true romantics at heart and wanted their Valentine's Day celebration to be a lovely day not just for them, but all of their guests. So we went all out!

Petals and roses galore, and there was no stopping us with the candles!

Look at this mountain of petals for the cake!! It was so amazing!!

The Grand Finale!!! Sparklers Forever!!

Thank you to Studio Castillero for the images!!

& Krista Cremidan for the ever-so-helpful coordination!

Yacht me to the moon.

2010-07-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, this wedding has been made nearly famous with the number of posts and declarations of fun we've gotten as a response! So here it is, without further bowline or buoy pulls, live on our blog- Enjoy!

Lucky ducks Alex & Kelly had a blast decking out their home turf, the local Mission Bay Yacht Club. Bright colors and summer flavors kept the guests hoppin' for the all night long live band~

Bridesmaid bouquets of baby green hydrangea, orange & yellow bicolor tulips, with pin cushion protea to pop on the classic black.Lovin' on the crayola color palette...
Yellow mini callas, orange tulips, gerberas, and chamomile for Kelly's bouquet.Mr. Doggie likes orange, too, so we gave him a big bow- He handled it well :)

This photo cracks me up every time I look at it- so spontaneous and funny, caught in the act of who knows what...

The outdoor railing at the Yacht Club got the gerbera treatment- like white and yellow sunshines tied up with ribbon to blow in the breeze.

Ah, the quintessential mason jar!

Tulips, daisies, white scabiosa, and more protea..

Credit to Kelly, Alex, and all their friends for diligently saving nearly 100 jars!

So fun with the matching lanterns strung above the picnic tables!

Oh gingham, we meet again, you with your checks and cheery disposition.
Ahoy! Congrats K + A!
Thank you to Theorie for the fantabulous photos!
& Cynthia Zatkin's CZ Events for a very smooth ride all day through.
For more images of this wedding, go see the blogs for California Wedding Wave or Anthologie Weddings...

I HEART Liz & Greg!

2010-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is Liz :)

& This is Greg :)

& This is their wedding...

Wildflower style and all locally grown~ orange leucadendron and yellow acacia blend with bright purple statice and pink sweet peas.
Liz's mom's wedding dress lace wraps around her purple satin stems.

Have you ever seen such a look of sheer joy?! xo!

Bridesmaid bouquets of green dianthus with kicks of sweet smelling pink peas and more orange leucadendron against their grape dresses.

The ocean themed stationery was so unique and oddly pretty- octopus tentacles drape over the tented name cards..

..while ocean amulets adorn the table assignments.

Pin Cushion Proteas and skinny grass submerge in cylinders of water.

New varieties of locally grown Pinwheel Proteas spark up the tables.

Dinner with a view over the Pacific Ocean seemed only appropriate for this surfer pair.
Happy happiness to you two!

Fun photography by Stephanie Dana!
Amazing paper goods by Love at First Invite
Smooth coordination by I Do Weddings!

Sweet Sweet Summer

2010-07-01T13:50:00.001-07:00

Michelle's colors were so soft and gardeny, it reminds me of creamsicles :)

White scabiosa, orange dinner plate dahlias, yellow stock, and garden roses comprise her bouquet.

The vibrancy of bridesmaids~ deep orange ranunculus, multicolor dahlias, and copper clutches!

Cool blue with poppin' orange- bittersweet berries, purple thistle, and green dahlia buds..

The super sweet ceremony outside the La Jolla Women's Club- mossy cones with dahlias and vibernum berries line the aisle beneath bright red lanterns stung in the giant tree!
Simplicity of cocktail hour~ white stones, orchids, budvases, more dahlias.. oh summer.

Find your seat! Escort cards held by wine corks and wildflower bouquets in terracotta.

You couldn't get more fun loving then this- purple thistle and red dahlias going in every which way...

Floating candles nestled in coxcomb and celosia with enormous white dahlias...

Teddy bear sunflowers and Japaneses poppies add their unique textures to the mix above dangling candles.

Sweetheart Table: can you feel the glow. The shimmering navy pintuck linen sets off our white stones, orchid blooms..
Cake!

Congratulations Michelle & Josh xo

Thank you so much to Joshua Aull Photography for the pretty pictures!
& Bella Sera Event Design for the amazing coordination of this long-distance and multi-hued wedding!

Live to you from New York

2010-06-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Precious dusty pink garden spray roses bound into petite bridesmaid posies with silver satin, ready for the taking.

Lily of the Valley in a classic bundle of loops- fresh green foliage and ivory satin...
...Makes for a stunning accessory to Chantel's Vera Wang gown.

An adorable quartet of little men to escort the rings and coins down the well-polished aisle of University of San Diego's Immaculata Chapel.
Little girls need adorable accesories, too! Flower and ribbon streamer wands they waved while walking the aisle ahead of the ladies.

Detail shots of the many boutonnieres and corsages, given as tokens of appreciation to the many family members and sponsors.

The Mother of the Bride had such a lovely champagne tweed suit set, the textural fabric and fringe was fabulous!

Fragrant bouquet of garden roses and sweet pea for the Virgin Mary.

Decking out the ballroom with blooming dogwood branches, anemones, peonies, and hydrangea- an exuberance of spring into summer.

I love a tall cake! Not too many flowers though- just a few ranunculus around the rims and a bow at the top. I didn't want to cover up that glistening glittery frosting, it was seriously sparkly!

Congratulations to Chantel & Anthony, looking too cool for school ;)
Many sincere thanks to True Photography for their fine skills..
Naomi Goodman-Wilson with Enchanted Dream Weddings & Affairs for calm coordination of another "Destination I Do"..
& the Prado at Balboa Park for being the fantastic spot they are.

Fresh & Fun

2010-06-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

A softly overcast day in La Jolla welcomed Larissa's choice of vibrant colors- coral peonies and lime green cymbidiums in white hydrangea.Simple white cushion poms surround the Milva rose with it's healthy dark green leaves.Table for two with just a pounce of color to brighten the day- enormous white dahlias, green hydrangea, and Cherry Brandy roses and petals.

Chocolate brown satin wraps a green ti leaf around sweetheart roses and baby hydrangea.

Happy Couple enjoying their moment at the Darlington House :)

Table centerpieces marked by Hawaiian postcards with love notes to the guests...

Fun and funny cake! So cute and original!

Thank you to Theorie for the pictures!

Orange you glad you're a ranunculus?

2010-05-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Shining bright like summer and infused with orange juicy vibrancy!

The fresh palette that Sarah went for is one of my faves for SoCal- orange ranunculus, cymbidium orchids, and white with green parrot tulips- can you get more fresh?

Awww... :)

True tradition- this antique brooch has been in the family for generations- placed gently, but securely on the stems wrapped in Sarah's lace.

We get Papaya bridesmaid dresses to go with our Orange & Lime Bouquets!Have to give props to the Groom for his amazing street sign/table names & to the Bride et. al. for the lovely flower arrangements!! Way to go!

Cupcakes and kissing- doesn't get better than this.

Coordination by Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees
Photos by Gabrielle Fox Photography
Sweets by Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.
Shot on location in my neck of the coastline, at the Ocean View Villas of Ocean Beach

Trade you my cigar for your dahlia...

2010-05-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Terri & Erik!! These two had such heart and genious style, it was fate that we spoke on the phone late one night and they shared their ideas... I was hooked and here are the results! But first, check the heart-shaped toe peeps on her shoes- so cute!

Love those smiles!!!

Our beautiful bride, Terri with her deep red orchids....

Her bouquet of deep purple & black miniature callas, black magic roses and a multitude of monkey tails! A cuff of bright indigo purple statice and a butterfly brooch finish the details.Stylin' groom Erik with his shades... boutonniere of a single black calla, deep red orchid, and fiddlehead fern.Gorgeous sunny day at the Rancho Bernardo Winery.. garlands of fresh green leaves, black magic roses, and bright red butterflies framed their special moment.So cool! Step 1: Remove cigars. Step 2: Add flowers. Red roses, wine colored dahlias, and purple seafoam statice.. Favors were coasters fashioned from wine corks, two together, neatly tied with ribbon.

I just love the vintage pictures on each of the cigar boxes- no two were alike except for this pair on the Sweetheart Table; each one added a fun punchy flavor to the classic red & black color scheme.

Butterflies being very sentimental to Terri & Erik, the day wouldn't have been complete without a few on the cake. Amazingly delicate, crystalline sugar butterflies flit from tier to tier with the orchids, roses, and monkey tails.

Thank you to Acres of Hope Photography for the awesome captures &
the adorable Krystel of Couture Events for coordinating a perfect day!

Lilies for Lilly

2010-05-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lilly & Neal had the most miraculous ceremony- seriously, it was raining on and off all day, and like magic- the sun came out just long enough for us to decorate the canopy at Seagrove Park and have the happy couple walk down the aisle! No sooner had the guests arrived at the cocktail hour, than the drizzling resumed- luck & happiness surely follow them still.

Lilly loved her namesake flower, so we were sure to include them in her bouquet- both the pink and white miniature calla lilies, as well as the fragrant Stargazer, surrounded by white freesia and creamy vendela roses.

We love the dusty mauve color of these Ravel roses! With just a touch of pink bouvardia and chocolate brown ribbon lining the aisle...

Details of the bridesmaid bouquet with those same pretty Ravels, more roses & white hydrangea, wrapped in chocolate satin.

Ceremony cabana topped with full clusters of big, bright stargazer lilies and eucalyptus at each post.

Check the adorable custom color shoulder wraps for the bridesmaids- happily posing to show off their pop against the chocolate dresses :)

Elegance at dinner- tons of votive candles to reflect on the glass brandy vases and simplicity of floating rose blooms...

Au natural reception decor befitting the Del Mar Powerhouse outdoor patio- river stones and curly willow mix up the lilies, eucalyptus, and Queen Anne's lace.

Pink, pink, pink! & and some chocolate.. yummy cake layers with sweetly trailing bouvardia around Esperance roses.
Congratulations Lilly & Neal!!

Thank you Amy & Maurice from Theorie for the awesome pictures!!

Flowers for a Revolution

2010-05-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

In this life, there are boundless opportunities to make more of a situation. This generally begins with a little bit of service, generosity of spirit or material goods; and results in an exponential multitude of love given and received right back where it started.

In general, my posts are consistent- flower features based on my lovely brides & grooms, unique blooms, and stories of their day. For a special cause, I am breaking routine and bending your ear- for as we have something to offer, you have something to gain :)

By clicking this link or the image above you, will be able to bid on our flowers for your wedding at a deeply discounted price. We are part of a industry-wide collaboration to benefit one of our own. Besides flowers from Rae Florae, there are auctions currently running for DJ's, photographers, invitations, and everything else you could possibly need for your wedding. Take advantage of the amazing vendors who want to be a part of something good and need you to bid on our offerings to complete the circle of support.

Please, check out the following blogs for more information.. and inspiration.

Your wedding can be part of an even bigger picture-make a contribution that befits a celebration of your love!! BTW, Bidding ends this FRIDAY, May 7th so hop to!!

Rae Florae featured on the *REVO weddings* Blog

The blogpost that started it all... Suzanne Hansen of She Wanders opens her heart...

Peggi Walker's Blog - Cre8Love

xo- Paula Rae

Flames of Flowers

2010-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Victoria & Balasz wanted to celebrate their wedding in a very intimate manner... after being friends for a long while, the time had come to bring the family from near and far to sit around one long table...

Our beautiful bride, Victoria. In graceful repose on an adorable chaise at the La Jolla Darlington House.

Handsome groom Balasz's boutonniere of two red mini-garden roses and a cymbidium orchid.

Unassuming, naturally designed ceremony flowers to encircle the couple as they said their vows before family and friends in the Darlington courtyard...

Warm color palette of peach, rusty oranges and burnt browns and reds- lilies, hops, safari sunset, eucalyptus, roses, coffee berry, and antique hydrangea in scrolled iron stands. So begins our long tables... the Head Table punctuated by black budvases of bright red dahlias and floating candles.

Various textures and colors interplay down the length of our sweeping guest tables.

Bright yellow cymbidium orchids in a scattered bed of natural river pebbles..

Classic red garden spray roses drape diagonally for a new perspective.

Detail shot of Cobra Lilies- just one of the many unique flowers chosen to add diversity and depth in our arrangements- nothing ordinary about these tubular shaped specimens!
Congratulations Victoria & Balasz~ many blessings to you!

Nature's Texture

2010-04-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Christy's flavor for organic movement in the flowers, earthy colors, and stylized beauty was a story told best by her flowing bouquet of hellebores, orchids, fiddleheads, lisianthus, dahlias, and berzilia...

Contrasting simplicity of the Bridesmaids suited their royal purple dresses- papyrus flairs out around baby succulents, hydrangea, orchids, and lisianthus.

Outdoor decorations were simple clusters of kiwi branches, equisetum, lisianthus, and berzilia along the railing above their ceremony.

Table centerpieces of glass vases wrapped with variegated leaves surrounded by flows of polished river rock...

Hydrangea, dahlias, thistle, cymbidiums, coneflower, creamy coffee berries, strawflower, sew shades of blue, indigo, green, white, and pops of orange into the lovely Loggia Room at the Prado Balboa Park.A favorite flower for the couple and their family- Birds of Paradise- true to San Diego as their destination wedding location, adorned the cake with pizazz :)

Christy & Philip were one of the most enthusiastic couples I have ever been blessed to meet, so designing their wedding was an absolute work of artistic gratitude :) I wish them many, many years of happiness.. xo

Thank you to Aaron at AS Photography, I heart AS Photo!!

Crystals, purple, and pearls.

2010-04-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Lindsay's bouquet was a real stunner- beautiful composition of peonies and cymbidiums with their individual petals pinned with pearls to create a rounded shape, showing off the crystals sparkling in their midst.

Her bridesmaids picked up where the fuchsia left off- tones of deep grape purple and citron green in scabiosa, dahlias, vanda orchids, baby hydrangea, and amnesia roses.

Lindsay & Jeff's wedding cabana was lightness and romance in sweeping sheer fabrics.. crystals dangling with orchids in the sun, on the bluffs of Seagrove Park in Del Mar.
Cutie pie enamored by purple rose petals along the aisle :)

The happy couple!

Cocktails, toasts, and dinner were enjoyed on L'Auberge's rooftop terrace.. table centers of purple orchids and dahlias, crystal ice and glass baubles with candles galore.

Dancing the night away downstairs, Lindsay & Jeff's cake was revealed center stage- brilliantly colored orchids accented the tiers with the intricate icing details and bling topper!Fantastic coordination as always by Swann Soirees!
& major Thank you to the team at Jim Kennedy Photographers!

Sea Blue Stars & Green Spiders

2010-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Jeannine & Anthony were married in the adorable St. Agnes Catholic Church in Point Loma & then hopped over to Balboa Park's Spanish Art Village (by way of East Village) for their fun outdoor reception.

The bride and her 2 sisters carried white dahlias, hydrangea, lisianthus, freesia, and dusty miller with a touch of blue tweedia, wrapped in flowing streamers of aqua, periwinkle, & sheer white.
The beach net trapped one of our starfish and a green spider near the Guest Book :)

Vases of flowers and seastars suspended on ribbons around the gazebo bar.

Table centerpieces of dusty miller, white lisianthus, green hydrangea and more spiders in a glass vase wrapped with variegated lily grass.

I love this cake & cake topper!
Smooth coordination by the team of Liz Beck Events &
Wonderful photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier - Thank you!!!

Natural Beauty

2010-03-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Such a pretty picture... Lovely day for a wedding with rustic colors and a penchant for the raw, natural feel of flowers...I couldn't decide which bouquet shot was better, so I give you both :) I just love the mix of callas, wild eyed orange and green ranunculus, ruffly red roses, pin cushion proteas, rose-hips, freesia, and fiddlehead ferns wrapped with their long stems in a smooth ivory satin.

See how we coordinate? Bride and Groom, together in love and flower..

And now for the twist! Bright blue and white Bridesmaids bouquets with their ombre brown dresses!

Coordination without being too matchy-matchy, that is!
Groomsmen boutonnieres of textural eryngium foliage in electric blue with copper wire wrapping detail.

Sunlit ceremony on the greens...
Curly willow with chocolate brown satin, eryngium, and bells of Ireland adorn the arch in an asymmetrical way, just our style!

Simple chair accents- a few bells, loops of willow and a pop of bristly eryngium is all you need.And we have a happy couple!

Scratch that- We have a VERY happy couple! Check out the air on that jump! Go Bobby!Brought to you by the amazingly talented team at Red Letter Days- Thank you thank you!
And all photos courtesy of the also amazingly fantabulous Joshua Aull Photography!
Congrats Juli & Bobby!

Hot Fun

2010-03-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Holly & Jason flew in all the way from windy Chicago to be happily married at the classic La Valencia in La Jolla..

Focusing on a love for bright, fun colors that evoked the vacation feel of their San Diego destination, we found playful snapdragons and cymbidium orchids wrapped well in pink flax leaves.

Holly's bouquet was a soft, feminine spin on the color scheme- ruffly white nerines and ranunculus combine with blush garden roses and peonies with their golden centers.Jason was a great sport, allowing complete creativity with the boutonnieres, so we had a ton of styles to show off with their coordinating ties!
Orange mokara blooms and seeded eucalyptus in lime ribbon...
White mini-cymbidiums with fuchsia spray roses...
And for the groom himself - a green cymbidium and ruffly nerine to match his bride.
Table settings of hot pink coxcomb, gloriosa lilies, lime green hydrangea and spider mums all tied up in our signature equisetum and an orange satin ribbon.
An orange orchid for each guest to color the table around a vase of hot pink and coral roses with pin cushion protea.
We love making our Bride & Groom feel special with an extra touch :)

And the fun cake of winding branches dotted by sugar orchids, fresh spray roses & gloriosa lilies in a bed of petals..
Photos by Jennifer Dery
DJ Services and Day-of Coordination by ProMotion Entertainment

For the love of berry.

2010-03-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

You are in for a treat! This was such a spectacular wedding, from the fresh berry summer palette we planned for a year, to the fun music playing in the Bride's room as we delivered their bouquets..

Jessica's bouquet blended her sweet softness of silvery dusty miller, white lisianthus, and fragrant freesia, with her desire for a more unusual, botanical feel of rare lady slipper paphiopedilum orchids.

Sparks of color start flying with the bridesmaid bouquets- green hydrangea and cymbidium orchids with luscious dahlias in a variety of pink-y berry, natural leaves akimbo.One of the sweetest flower girl captures I have ever seen...

Matt's boutonniere of pearl dotted dahlia bud and white calla for clean style.

Our always tasteful corsages for moms & grandmas.
Welcome to the wedding! Graduated color from deep raspberry petals at the start, to pale pink and white nearer the wedding canopy.

Detail of the Green Goddess calla and hydrangea bouquets on each post of the canopy.The aisle of pomanders also played with the gradient of color, from deep burgundy to white and green at the front.

Moss laden wildflower arrangements of amaranthus, veronica, hydrangea, and of course, more dahlias, in scrolled iron stands.

Time for cocktails! Clean and clear~ white stones, floating candles, and a orchid bloom are all you need when your linens are so pretty!

Escort cards in a fresh box of wheatgrass tied up with citron satin and raspberry garden roses.

Tall stunners of orchids, amaranthus, eucalyptus, hydrangea, and submerged calla lilies fill the room with a lush, natural feel.

Table centerpieces of every yummy berry color pop with white lisianthus and veronica to set them off!To balance the wildflower with clean serenity... love callas in a band of smilax to tower around the room.Yay! for our happy couple!!

Photos: Shannon Henry~ Studio Carre Photographie (XO the pics!)
Coordination: Liz Beck Weddings & Events
Linens & Lounge: Concepts Event Design
Venue: Estancia La Jolla, Hotel & Spa

Bubblegum & Lime

2010-03-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Allison & Tyler celebrated their wedding at the Darlington House in La Jolla with a burst of citron and hot pink- perfect for a sunny, happy day.

Classically styled bouquets of mottled electric pink spray roses and green cymbidiums for the bride...

Spray roses and hypericum coffee berries for the Bridesmaids.

Sweet pomanders of kermit mums dangling on watermelon ribbons on chairs along the aisle.

Flower girls with big-girl bouquets are always adorable :)

Horsetail wrapped crystals with an orchid and fucshia rose bloom on the cocktail tables.

Clustered cylinders of floating candles with layered rose petals submerged in water.

Shades of bubblegum to strawberry and raspberry colored the table in locally-grown celosia with clean white and green stars-of-bethlehem for texture.Talk about a burst! Shocking pink nerines and garden spray roses adorned the top and tiers on either side of black bow-ties at each layer.
Congratulations to Allison & Tyler, who truly had one of the cutest ceremonies I've ever heard; and thank you Julia Ann Photography for the great pictures!

Crimson Cran & Celery

2010-02-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

Back to the bold! Deep dahlias, callas, and cymbidium orchids on a bed of celadon amaranthus...

Bridesmaid Bouquets of purple and citron orchid blooms in tufts of furry green dianthus.

Kate & Randy, so sweet on each other :) Love her dangle earrings with the orchid bloom just above, and the ruffly one-shoulder dress, to boot!

Ribbon streamers, wild willow, and palm fronds, alongside the mahogany bamboo of their ethereal & asymmetrical backdrop...A wooden ring bearer box of shells and cymbidiums.

Major shot of the whole crew- such a gorgeous day out at Sunset Cliffs, my personal home town 'hood of Ocean Beach.

Detail of the altar space flowers.. deep grape lilies and green dendrobium orchids spring from oversize monstera leaves..Hello sweetheart.

What a lovely bouquet you have there.

Time to party- succulents and sea glass with the occasional shell break the mold of traditional table displays.More wild palm fronds, copper sunflower heads, blue hydrangea, lime cymbidiums, and cranberry dahlias on a bed of blue glass add edge to the reception's funky feel.Can't go wrong with a mass of dahlias on top and palms flaring at the cake's base.

Obviously, thank you to Acqua Photo for the pictures!
Coordination by Melissa Barrad @ I Do Weddings
Awesome downtown, waterfront reception location @ Star of the Sea

Sunkissed White

2010-02-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

The unbelievably warm & sunny weather we're enjoying right now (mid-February global climate change craziness) harkens back to the gorgeous day Laura & Matt celebrated at La Valencia in La Jolla...Oh so SoCal... palm trees, sunshine, clear skies over the Pacific. Her elegant dress with crystalline T-back embellishment suited her vintage style perfectly.

Laura preferred a clean, classic palette of white hydrangea, snowy avalanche roses, mini callas and fluffy china mums for her bridesmaids.

For her own bouquet we pumped it up a bit with phalaenopsis orchids, lisianthus, and perfumed narcissus.

Sparkly white casablanca lily blossoms in clear glass adorned with rustic iron crosses on sheer ribbon... encircling the couple when they reached their altar space through a layer of white petals..

Short but sweet post today :) Now go get some sun & Vitamin D if you're able! Thank you Dapper Images for the pics & Ann Strobel from Ann's Plans for a smooth day.

Wild for Earth Tones

2010-02-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

Bari & Jimmy were your atypical rocker+treehugging couple which I of course loved. The earthy browns and greens stand out so well with depth against the creamy textural whites..

Bride & Bridesmaids Bouquets of antique hydrangea, fiddle head ferns unfurled, callas, millet, berzilia, scented geranium, scabiosa pods, cymbidium orchids, puffy dahlias and green coxcomb- that's enough, right :)

Up close with Bari- sweetness of the french manicure, dress, jewelry, and flowers from the wild side.

Our groom Jimmy's tailored boutonniere.

Our ringbearer gets a wire coiled "pillow" of magnolia leaves, moss, corn broom, and orchid blooms.

I Do, surrounded by natural fiber burlap, sheer white draping, palm fronds, orchids, millet, and wheat... scattered white dendrobium blooms line the walk.

Rough, au natural bark, magnolia and manzanita branches surrounded the ceremony space.

Dried lotus pods, vine spheres, and ivory mums nestled along the aisle leading to the chuppah.

Dangling cymbidiums on sheer bronze ribbon as the backdrop.Feast Tables for the wedding party of wheat grass, candlelight, and more orchids...
& The new classic: dark wood manzanita decked out for guest tables.
Thank you for an awesome color request Bari! Congrats to you both!
Shot by: Kevin Roche Photography (thank you for all the great pics!!)
on Location: Seagrove Park & L'Auberge Del Mar

Classic Color

2010-01-28T22:48:00.001-08:00

What a way to start your wedding day! Parasols and sunshine.

Classic Bridal Bouquet ~ creamy white majolica spray roses & crisp white dahlias.

Bronze mocha cymbidium orchids and seeded eucalyptus against a deep grape bridesmaid dress..

Ode to the coordinating Groomsmen boutonniere and attire.Elegant escort cards lined up neatly thank you to Krista Romberg of Orange Blossom Events :)Centerpieces of golden glass hurricanes, surrounded by crimson dahlias, purple hydrangea, lime lisianthus, and more majolica roses...

Mini square delights of curly willow wrapped orchids...
in the Prado at Balboa Park's Loggia Room.Such a smooth and lovely cake, orchids and petals were just the touch.

Blessed love to Jamila & Keith!
Gracious thanks to Betsy @ La Vida Creations for the photos!

I'll have the Coral with a side of Pearls & Feathers, please.

2010-01-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

Chelsea and Ryan truly set their day of love aglow from start to finish- corals and candles to sparklers and getaway cars...

Bride's bouquet ~ wisps of feather, creamy cymbidiums and soft apricot garden spray roses.
Lace and pearls romance the ring of history, majolica roses drape gracefully.

Sumptuous, right? That shade of coral and the wrap bodice- bouquets of hydrangea, monkey tails, and roses complete the vision.

Hi cutie with orchids in your hair!!

Ok, I love my job, but Brant Bender, you photographer, you.. the flowers are awesome through your lens!!

Fragrant casablancas for the ceremony - and so crisp looking against that coral.
Hello romance, can I get married under you?
Passion vine and big ol' garden roses.. what better way to frame the ceremony?

What a view! Note the difference a pinspot can make and the generous wood dancefloor- benefits of a great venue!
Dahlias, james storey orchids, hydrangea, monkey tails, coxcomb, feathers, candles, do go on...
Low florals to mimic the tall arrangement style with a variation in height.
Befitting stylish sweethearts ~ Bride & Groom chairs adorned by strands of pearls and rose blooms.
Mmmm spun cake n' petals on a gorgeously swirled linen..
Blingety bling bling. Bedazzle me a dessert server, baby!
SWAK! Congrats Chelsea & Ryan!
Venue: Prado at Balboa Park
Photos: Brant Bender Photography
Coordination: A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole
Linens: A Perfect Table

Shades of Orchid

2010-01-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

For Bianca and Darren~ To combine softness of dusty miller, smoothness of deep purple callas and mokara orchids, uniqueness of Picasso callas, fluff of dahlias, and dazzle of crystal studded stephanotis and cymbidium orchids.... to what do I owe the pleasure..

Bianca's bouquet is only the beginning. The wedding was beautiful, the ceremony traditional and sincere, attended by so many family and friends traveling from the US, Canada, and South Africa!

Bride & Bridesmaids smiling...

Bouquets smiling, too. Now you can really see those Picasso callas- the white with purple centers, and how they pop when set in among the greens.

Chuppah from behind, waiting patiently for everyone to arrive. I love the green dendrobium orchids banded around the posts to tie the fabric. The two tallis hanging above are from both Bianca's & Darren's families for special sentiment.

Chuppah from the front- plenty of orchids, roses, and hydrangea create a romantic space on the Fairway Pavilion at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.

Escort cards nestled in wheatgrass with unique bombay dendrobiums that blend the borders of white and purple.
Overview of the reception room.. The nearest centerpiece is a grid of different shaped vases each with orchids and floating candles.

Head Table shots...

Tall centerpieces of submerged green dendrobiums in the throat of the vase, a lush and wild bouquet of long white Hawaiian orchids & purple hydrangea on top.

The third centerpiece style: floating orchids and candles in a bed of wheatgrass and more orchids of course..

THE MOST DECKED OUT CAKE I have ever done- flowers and candles everywhere, live it up.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding. Congrats Bianca & Darren! xo
& of course many thanks to Ann Strobel of Ann's Plans (fellow Wedding of Distinction member!) for keeping it cool and smooth.
all photo credits to Carrie McCluskey Photography

2009 New Year's Wedding Glammified

2010-01-07T17:48:00.001-08:00

Brittany & Erik wanted their destination wedding to not only embody San Diego's beach vibe, but take it up a notch with festive glamour for the holiday sensation. Saying "I do" on the cliffs, overlooking the Pacific, with vintage style feathers and shimmery glass ornaments to decorate the occasion suited them just right.

Our flower girl and her knock out ensemble: Pearl necklace, check. Diamond studs, check. Hair fascinator (like Mom Brittany's :) check. Rose petal basket on red satin ribbon, check check!
Bridesmaids carried a contemporary version of the classic pomander kissing ball- white ostrich feather tufts in amongst Black Beauty roses on red satin ribbon.

Ah, the bride... gotta be blackest of black mini callas, Black Magic roses, and a plethora of fiddlehead ferns, nice and shiny with a softening cuff of white feathers.
Welcome to the party! Oversize ornaments pop in those magnolia leaves supporting a combination of preserved and fresh leafy manzanita + burgundy cymbidiums and mercury glass votives = complete.
Vavoom feather centerpieces and rose petals galore were so fitting in the tent with string lights.. the head table fit for fancy- floating candles mingle with flowers and mirrored spheres.
Up close and personal with the feast flowers.. dark dahlias and roses with safari sunset and bright lisianthus.

talk about up close and personal.. love the laundromat shoot :)
Many gracious thanks to Gabrielle Fox Photography for her stylish capture of the day's work and love. Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees pulled off another fabulous affair at the Ocean View Villas!!

Flowers in Paradise

2009-12-28T10:41:00.001-08:00

Veronica & Anthony were married in the lavish setting of Grand Tradition Estate's new Arbor Terrace Pavilion - tropical and lush, the flowers needed to not compete with the color palette, but enhance the richness of deep green leaves surrounding their wedding... Veronica's desire for shades of warm reds and rust orange with a ton of play in texture turned out beautifully.

Veronica's bouquet of wildly colored calla lilies, dark milva and rouge basier roses, with mocha cymbidium orchids.

The gorgeously relaxed and happy couple..Bridesmaid bouquets of bright hybrid callas and cherry brandy roses in a cuff of italian ruscus.Love the softness of her veil and hair flowers in contrasting combination with her highly textured and boldly hued bouquet!

Table centerpieces of safari sunset, orange dahlias, roses, and seasonal mums in glass squares.

Can you say vivid color saturation point??!! Overdye sunflower with red rosehips..What a fun surprise when I saw Veronica & Anthony Natividad's holiday e-card in my inbox! Love the photo and the perfect play on words :)

Congratulations!

& many many many thanks to
Heather Moreau - Vallentyne Photography
for her amazing talents at capturing those colors!

Coral & Aqua

2009-12-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Julia & Michael wanted a romantic and luxurious feel to their wedding getaway. As a destination, La Jolla, California isn't too shabby ;) especially when staying and celebrating at The Grande Colonial hotel... with a color scheme that blended unbelievably well with the hotel's own palette, the flowers covered a spectrum of warm corals to cool aquas...

Julia's bouquet knocked the color into place with it's deep flame and mango miniature callas, dahlias, proteas, orchids, and echinachea pods, all tied with two shades of rich turquoise ribbon.

The Maid of Honor bouquet was subtlety in comparison- softer shades of peach garden roses with golden coxcomb with a ruffly cuff of sheer turquoise.

Sweet simplicity for the mothers- corsages of white miniature cymbidium orchids and tiny peach ribbon wrapped in teal satin.

Guests were welcomed to the ceremony area by a bubbling fountain filled with floating dahlia blooms.Detail shot of the ringbearer box of moss, ribbon, shells, and orchids that held the rings securely down the aisle..

Funky pomanders awaited the couple, dangling in the tree above their heads to add color and fantasy to their ceremony..

Now you see what I mean with the color pops! Check out the gorgeous rings contrasting with the flowers!!!

The feast table for all wedding guests elaborately decorated from end to end...Miniature sea biscuits and shells in glass with fragrant garden roses.Burnt orange-red tiger lilies in crackling gold vases, turquoise and brown cone shells submerged in aqua glass with a floating candle, and a pillar candle set upon a bed of neon green moss safely guarded in a cylinder hurricane.

Mossy branches mingle with orchid blooms in a "cloche" glass dome.

Detail shot of spotty yellow gold mokara orchids on a wide piece of driftwood...Kiwi branches, dahlias, berzilia, and majolica spray roses in an antiqued urn assist in that organic, old world feel that suited Julia & Michael's taste just right! That and their smart party favors: petite bottles of herb-infused olive oil! mm mmm....
Coordination without a hitch by Mia & Bek at Red Letter Days
Photography of beauty by Helene Cornell

Clean + White Serenity

2009-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Devra & Jeff celebrated their wedding with a peaceful palette of whites, fresh green, and pewter grey- resulting in a classic affair that defies generations or trends, it was simultaneously elegant and contemporary.

Bridal Bouquet of draping white freesia buds surrounding tufts of white peonies in full bloom, mini calla lilies, and bells of ireland peeping through for another touch of green.

Bridesmaid bouquets of white dahlias, green hydrangea, and green miniature cymbidium orchids.

Just an awesome peony :) I love the way they blow out and just seem to overflow with petals...

Traditional chuppah topped in the four corners with simple posies of white roses and hanging green amaranthus so as to not detract from the gorgeous stained glass in the Beth Am Congregation of Del Mar.

Trio of vases for the Escort Card Table..

Cocktail tables to provide plenty of candles t0 light the evening well beyond sunset.

1 of 3 Table Designs - Classic "love" calla lilies in a glass trumpet vase.

Silver floating candles in a tall glass bottomed by white river stones.

Green spider mums and frosted votives covered the front of the Sweetheart Table.

2 of 3 Table Design - Oversize glass squares cut low to the table with floating candles and cymbidium orchid blooms, surrounded by a lush layer of white rose petals --
The definition of understated luxury.

3 of 3 Table Designs - Cylinder wrapped in a submerged ti leaf and filled with white china mums, silvery dusty miller foliage, and grand stars of bethlehem.

Congratulations Devra & Jeff!
Thank you Staci at Bliss Events for coordinating a flawless day..
..and to Michele at Captured Forever for the lovely photos!!!

Rusty and Right for Fall

2009-10-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

Alicia & Derek went for a tonal palette of deep to light oranges, rusty ruddy oranges and reds, with tons of texture. I know it looks a bit redundant, but I couldn't get enough of Eddie B's bouquet shots- so I'm posting them all! Thanks for making my art look even more artistic!! Eddie's angles and framing are unbeatable!

Macro view of red flame callas, mini roses, orange mokara orchids, echinacea coneflowers, red hypericum coffee berry, and orange dahlias.

Such a sweet repose... feels like such a feminine shot of the bride and her bouquet.

& then this killer! So strong in comparison! love the variety.

Bridesmaids': miniature spray roses, hypericum berry, and brick red safari sunset.

happy faces, happy flowers :)

Blue skies and a breezy day on Coronado Island were perfect for setting off the bamboo poles and ribbon streamers marking their ceremony space in an arc around the wedding party.

Centerpieces of glass square vases filled with seasonal orange marigolds, the mini roses, magenta coxcomb and celosia for that vibrant pop, hypericum berries, tiger lilies for a touch of exotica, and local eucalyptus for a graceful bit of foliage.

Ah, the cake- lots of lilies! and custom swirls courtesy of Sweet Cheeks.

Tiger lilies and gloriosa lilies combine for a POW! of color.

Erica & Mark

2009-10-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

This past week we celebrated a whopping anniversary for Brant Bender Photography (yay! more to come on this, I'm sure:)) So, on the heels of this excitement I want to showcase the beautiful photos Brant captured of Erica & Mark's wedding at the Hyatt Mission Bay...

Erica's beautiful bouquet of white peonies and a touch of freesia.

Corsages for the proud moms & grandmas...

Bridesmaid bouquets of hot pink peonies, white stock, and creamy roses.

Fluffy white china mums with pink and white roses, hydrangea, cymbidium orchids and mercury glass votives in a bed of winding rocks..

The cute cake & cupcake display.. ;)

Also the lovely handiwork of Jessica Beltran of Moira Events.

Doing your homework..

2009-09-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's planning time.. as summer madness dies down, there is a refocusing of attention on all the new engagements and couples starting to dig in to their wedding checklists. For the benefit of all the happy, giddy, nervous, overwhelmed, and overjoyed new fiances and fiancees, I want to offer a bit of "Flower Homework" that will help frame your discussions of flowers between the two of you, you and your mom, friend, bridesmaid, maid of honor, bloggers, etc.. This is an article I wrote for Weddings of Distinction- you're welcome to read it online at their beautiful website, or scroll down here for a read..

Hope this helps and post comments if you have additional insights! I'd love to hear your wedding wisdom!

How to do your Flower Homework :)

When preparing to meet with your florist it's easy to think they are going to have all the answers! But, if you are aware of your own preferences and needs in advance of your first appointment, the experience will go much smoother.
It's important to remember that it's your wedding and that your florist's job is to enhance your personal wedding style by translating it into the floral designs that become your bouquets, ceremony decorations, and reception centerpieces, among other details.
The more you know about yourselves and what you are hoping to see, the better your florist will be able to guide you and make recommendations that are perfectly suited to your tastes! It's true that couples often come in the door with partial ideas and leave with a much clearer vision for their wedding day, simply because the flowers tie everything together from the dresses to the favors- your wedding design develops through your conversations with your florist.
With this in mind the key things to do before appearing at your florist's door are to-

1) Know your colors.
Even if the shades change from dark to light or earthy to spring fresh, the general color scheme is a major force of guidance.

2) Know your budget.
Your florist can help you maximize the amount you prefer to spend if he/she knows from the start how much there is to work with.

3) Explore your options!
Look online at all the many, many blogs/magazines/websites (hello- look at the list on the right side of the page :)) with pictures of real weddings to help inspire you and show you the creativity available to personalize your day.

Article by Paula Rae ~ Reposted courtesy of

Exquisite Weddings Tabletop

2009-09-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

The new Exquisite Weddings Magazine has hit the stands and the launch party is next week, so needless to say we are pumped and proud!! Many many thanks to Terri Rippee for the beautiful photographs of our 'Tableaux' as she so appropriately called it..
Tableaux being defined as 'a beautiful scene, dramatic moment, work of art, life captured in time'... that certainly was our goal :)

Rachel Welland of Bliss Event inspired a table setting of vivid orange and aqua blue reminiscent of a Mediterranean poolside affair, and we went for it!

Our complete tableaux :)
Detail shot down the line...
White china mums and local eucalyptus in chic orange crocodile (faux please) skin platters...
Pin cushion protea, white river rocks, aqua beach glass, sea salt & sea shells, succulents...
Cute little flower pockets custom created by our friends at Noon Design Shop just for us!
Name cards with a motif to match Rachel Welland's custom placemats...
Clearly we're all about the custom and Noon Design Shop was up to the challenge- Monogram plate wraps in the perfect color and matching motif..

Look at that color pop! Vivid orange callas for each guest place setting~

& our signature cocktail to boot! Blood orange margaritas, of course! and a coordinated drink flag, no less. Check the EW Magazine Article for our recipe!

Be inspired!

2009-09-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful to be inspired and equally wonderfully flattering to be inspiring!! Well, you may recall a wedding we designed for/with Yia & Sal, and their wonderful coordinator Heather Balliet of Amorology Weddings... the photos have been featured hither and yon, and we're so thrilled to see the web-world take note of our sweet designs! Take a peek at the posts...

Featured photo in an interview between wedding blog ladies Leila Khalil of www.inspiredbythis.com and Jen Campbell of www.greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com!

adorable captures by Paloma Images...

the bouquets...

combo of etsy finds and flowers- LOVE IT!!

I personally love these colors and the kraft numbers resting on a grape leaf are such an original touch.

Summer's Sweet Simplicity

2009-09-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Oh yellow white and green, how do I love thee, so fresh and so cleanclean, and yet soft like a field of dandelions... well, Jamie & George knew how to do it right- from ultra fun bridesmaid dresses and mexican fiesta beer on the patio, to Lady Dottie and the Diamonds for a live band reception.. their ecologically conscious wedding was a hoot. Thank you for the amazing photos Susan Yee for En Pointe Photography.

Sweet satisfaction- white lilac and ranunculus with chamomile, locally grown and perfectly in season.

Feel that fearless color surge!

Standing by the sea, surrounded by blooming dogwood branches and wildflowers in mossy cones...

Detail perspective of snaps and wax flower...

Oh happy day.

Centerpieces of yellow, gold, white and grey-

Varying combos of dusty miller and ranunculus, hydrangea, and feverfew chamomile.

& how about this as a "green" (and green) wedding favor- reusable cloth bags!

Where would we be without cupcakes?

don't answer that- Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. to the rescue.

A little bit a' soul and Sol to make memories that last forever..

Our happy couple..

Oh wait.. you meant this happy couple ;) Congratulations J & G!!

Where have you been all my life?? or at least this month??

2009-09-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

:)
I know, you're just waiting.. waiting to see what we've been up to all month, all summer long! And I just want you to know, you will NOT be disappointed!! We have been loving on flowers and bling and herbs and wildflowers and neon and candles and draped organza and all kinds of other fun stuff!!! And you know that my favorite part (right after seeing the bride sooo happy with her bouquet and centerpieces..) is sharing every moment and every creation with you, my flower readers!

so, with no further ado, I bring you, back on the blog, another wedding (big surprise)...
but it's super backyard style!!!

The lovely and soo sweet Kristen carried a bouquet of coral and peach, orange, lime, white and a hint of purple- doesn't it scream summer? xox

Bridesmaids dressed in indigo purple carried a contrasting bouquet of orange mokara orchids and baby green hydrangea.. on a side note, I seem to be in love with hydrangea leaves lately! I've been letting them hang out all over the place! Watch for hanging leaves in all my summer weddings to be posted over the next couple months..

These crazy and vibrant floral arrangements stood in front of the coolest window pane backdrop for their wedding ceremony "altar space" at the church. The colors were rockin- from purple to orange and green in every pantone hue.. heliconia, snap dragons, bells of ireland, statice.. leave no flower unnoticed in our scrolled iron stands.

Ah, the sweetness of a true backyard wedding.. together with Continental Catering, we transformed the back patio and poolside deck.. So simple and fresh- ranunculus and statice in eucalyptus and gardenia foliage.

The cool and soothing effects of blue glass and fresh lavender stems for aromatherapy were appreciated in the hot sun of Rancho Santa Fe, though I heard there was some late night swimming, too ;)
Congratulations!

Organic Purple

2009-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Bryan were great stylists- wanting something unique and allowing the creative freedom that results in something different and surprising.. definitely fun from a floral point of view! Major credit to Dapper Images for the awesome photos.

Andrea's Bouquet of purple in all shades- lisianthus, dahlias, scabiosa, blooming oregano, miniature "Picasso" calla lilies, and dusty miller.

The amazing sun and wind on July 4th made the cabana come to life! Set on the Ocean View Villas' bluff, Andrea & Bryan enjoyed keeping it local in San Diego's Ocean Beach :)

Dangling mini cymbidium orchid blooms, vases, and votive candles swung in the breeze..

Vases of scabiosa and lisianthus greens hanging from the cabana cross bars.

Crazy composition centerpieces! Spanish moss, scabiosa, purple dendrobium orchids, curly willow, dusty miller, floating and votive candles..

Natural driftwood we incorporated to some of the tables...

Amazing lily in the perfect color combo- love that gradient of color from deep plum to ivory.

Dahlias and black river rock for the belly bars.

Yay! A happy bride and groom!!
Thanks again to DeShun with Dapper Images- fantastic shots!!!

2009-07-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Melanie and Anthony are such naturally nice people, it's beautiful to see them together..

No lack for yellow here :) Yellow orchids, freesia, calla lilies, dahlias, and fern for a wild and organic look.

I love the fresh combo of shiny stem green with goldy yellow and a clean matte khaki.

I'm sure there'll be more to see soon... thanks Melissa for the great pics!

Yummy Yellow

2009-07-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Anne, I can't thank you enough! The flowers look good enough to eat!!

Gina and Josh wanted a very organic, natural feel to their wedding flowers; and in summer shades of golden yellow, peach, and orange- it was a fun wedding to create!

Gina's bouquet of white allium and dahlias, yellow stars of bethlehem, orange mokara orchids, peach calla lilies, and variegated geranium.

Cutie pie ringbearer with a boutonniere of a single pink rose and white dahlia bud.

Sweetness in a bridesmaid bouquet- the specialty parrot tulips were the perfectly blended shade of butter yellow and candy pink all in one.

The venue Paradise Gardens has an adorable gazebo that allows for some fun arrangements to frame the couple, and with that amazing lotus pond in the background!

All along the aisle, petite vases of Creamy Eden spray roses, pink coxcomb, and orange mokaras.

Check out the amazing dahlias!! I love those big fluffy varieties that come in by chance in exactly the right color I need for the weekend! With the buplureum and parrot tulips, white trichyllium, and golden james storie orchids, this ringed their sweetheart table.

Thank you again Chelsea Anne, and Congratulations to Gina & Josh!!

More woodsy love..

2009-07-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

Even though I love to post my un-pro shots right away, I usually can't help but do a second post with the amazing pictures that come in from the many talented photographers I get to work with- so obviously when Pam Scott sent me a link to her blog with the photos of Kim & Gabe I was floored- the colors came out amazingly vibrant!

Gabe's boutonniere of golden james storie orchids and coral alstroemeria.

Kim's bouquet of mixed gerberas, alstroemeria, dahlias, and hydrangea.

The gerbera lined aisle, leading the way...

...and way to show off the arch! I love the close up of how a very rustic wrought iron arch can be so versatile, looking fun and bright covered in gerbera daisies and orange ribbons.

xoxo!