White wedding on a white-hot day!

Last week was oppressive, wasn’t it?!  Well like the postal service ("Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"), Ideas in Bloom will not be deterred by the elements.

I gave these white beauties a stern pep talk before delivering them to the Colby Hill Inn in Henniker, NH on Saturday.  Even the freshest flowers can wilt under the hot summer sun, so we take ever precaution possible to ensure our blooms are picture perfect.  In this case, we provided a small spray bottle so the bridal party could mist their bouquets in-between photos.  Hydrangea, especially delicate in the heat, can soak up moisture from their petals and will stay perky with the right care.

Bridal Bouquet

This romantic rounded bouquet contained Hydrangea, Garden Roses, regular Roses, Lisianthus, and Spray Roses, all in shades of white, ivory, and cream.

 Bridesmaids’ Bouquets

The Bridesmaids carried Roses, Lisianthus, Stock, and Spray Roses in the same pallet.

Hot tip on a HOT day

Everything is wilting in this oppressive heat.  People, pets, and plants.  I've taken refuge in the cool of the AC and Kiera pup has been snacking on Frosty Paws frozen dog treats.  That leaves the plants (no pun intended, I promise!).

You might think that watering plants in heat like this is easy – switch on the sprinkler and walk away.  Well, good start, but your plants need a little extra TLC to make it through the day.  Here’s a tip for watering when the heat is so bad you are seeing mirages of icebergs and igloos…

Give each of your plants a good long drink directly at their base. 

This means you have to get out the hose or watering can and carefully tend to each of your blooming beauties, but it is so worth it.  Plants get stressed out in this weather too and need the boost of a good soaking.  Sprinklers cover a large amount of ground, but unless you plan on leaving the water running all afternoon, the moisture stays on the surface and rarely reaches the roots with the amount of hydration they crave.  Also, in temperatures like we will see in the next few days, the water will start to evaporate quickly, leaving your green leafy friends wanting.

Watering directly at the base of each plant ensures that every one will get the moisture they need to battle the heat without an additional stress. Thirsty varieties like Hydrangea will be most thankful for your extra efforts.  It may be a sweaty job, but your garden will thank you!

Vendor Spotlight – Laurel Events

I had the pleasure of sharing some great conversation and tasty gelato with Lauren Donovan of Laurel Events a few weeks back.  A former small town New Hampshirite, Lauren has a dynamic personality with a lot to offer a newly engaged couple planning their big day.  I thought our readers would enjoy getting to know her and her company as much as I did.  Oh, and their new and improved website launched THIS MORNING, so go check it out! http://laureleventsboston.com/

Date of company's inception / background experience

Started in Sept 2010 - Officially launched in Jan. 2011

Previously worked in Marketing, Events and Affiliate Relations for CSNNE (Home of the Boston Celtics) and was a Media Planner for MPG Arnold working for major clients like VW, Choice Hotels and Bentley Motors.

I decided events was really my passion and the most fun.  The "rat race" in the telecommunications world was making me a cold person so I realized I needed to make a change - and there has been no regret or looking back!

What makes you stand out from other planners?

I truly customize my services to each client's needs.  If you just want help with your invitations or if you want advice on everything - I'm here to help.  If you want us there the day of - or if you want us with you every step of the way - we will do it.  The modern bride typically has a full time job, is going to school, has pets, friends and family to attend to - oh yeah and who has time for hitting the gym or having fun?!  Planning a wedding adds a lot of stress because it is such an important and emotional day.  Finding the right venues and vendors for your personality can be time consuming - and most brides don't have that time.  I work with each bride to find the perfect vendors that fit her budget and personality and to make sure the planning process is fun and less stressful.  And I only work on what/where you need the help the most to stay within your budget.

Pricing Information

Since every package is customized it is hard to put a price point out there - it depends on the amount of work, travel and time involved for each task.

The only price point item we do put out there is our Day of Coordination Package.  For 2012 the Day Of costs $675 plus travel (and potential overnight accommodations for travel over 1 hour from Boston).  This includes our first consult together, unlimited email/phone discussions, another in depth in person meeting the month before the wedding, I will provide a full agenda for the wedding week and day of for the bride and vendors.  And on site coordination and management the day of your wedding from the beginning until the end. 

What's your favorite part of the work?

I've always been a hard worker and I enjoy the fast pace and moving - it makes me work better when I'm under pressure and the day goes by quicker!  I also love it when my client and their family tell me how amazing I've done - I know someone has seen and loved my hard work - and that's just the coolest feeling ever - to finally be recognized for all I've done.

What's the single best piece of advice you can impart to a newly engaged couple (without giving away all your secrets, of course!)

Ignore the TV shows, ignore the magazines or all the websites out there that say "You have to.... (insert comment about something way over the top and way over your budget limitations).  A wedding is ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER.  Despite your budget, you truly can have a beautiful wedding if you focus on the parts that are most important and true to your own personality.  If you have the right idea and resources you can work out anything you are looking for!

If you have any spare time, how do you spend it? Or some other personal tid-bit you don't mind sharing.

In my spare time I'm mostly with my pets - I have a cat Holly who doesn't leave the house and my dog Bear (8.5 mo old golden retriever) who is usually always with me where ever I go.  He's my new found best friend!  Other than my pets and the business, I too am getting married in November 2011 - so I'm working on that, spending time with my fiancé, family and friends and I volunteer at my yoga studio - I love heated yoga!  I try to stay pretty busy and active! 

{preview} Annette & Todd Married 6.25.11

We had the pleasure of driving out to Lenox, MA (that’s Berkshire territory for you coastal dwellers) for Annette and Todd’s wedding a few weeks ago.  Not having spent much time in western MA, I was bowled over by the plethora of drop-dead-gorgeous wedding locations hidden in those woods.  This couple’s wedding spot, Seven Hills Inn, was no exception!  A former mansion with Victorian flair, the Inn was the perfect spot for this New York duo's nuptials.

Luckily our good friend, the supremely talented Brooke McConnell of Hudson Photo, was attending the events as a guest and snapped a few photos of the decor for us.  If you are in the upstate New York area and need personal or professional photos, she’s your gal.  Brooke took many of the photos you see on our website and has a gift for capturing the spirits of young ones as well.  We love her, so you should check out her site: http://bshudsonphoto.com/.

Annette adores Sunflowers and we used them prominently in the centerpieces.

The entire Inn is filled with touches of gold, so these brushed metallic squares filled with blooms in hot summer colors were the perfect fit.

The look was “sophisticated yet garden-esque.”  Each centerpiece featured an appropriately dramatic “cage” of Curly Willow to give the arrangement an organic touch.

As a nod to Todd’s hometown of Saratoga (a horseracing town if you weren’t aware) we used silver mercury glass mint julep cups and greened them up with actual mint!  They were the perfect accent to the small cocktails tables in the Music Room where the dancing and bar could be found.

 

And here’s a shot taken by armature photographer, Tom, who came along for the scenic ride.  Passing storms with torrential rain pushed the festivities indoors, which is a pity, since they were supposed to be married in front of this stunning planter by Pam.  Fortunately all the other ceremony floral were easily repurposed indoors.

Just a taste of Annette & Todd’s wedding for now.  A little something to whet your appetite for more.  Check back in too see their photographer’s shots as soon as we have them!

Shout Out to a Local Artist

Yikes!  It’s been busy and I haven’t had a chance to post in a while.  My apologies.  We designed a beautiful wedding out in the Berkshires (more on that later) and have been going gangbusters in the gardens.  So, to appease the masses, here’s a great find for today…

Laura Warecki, a fellow former New Bostonian (yay!), posted this adorable save the date on her blog and I had to share it.

Laura is a Boston based illustrator and attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she found her niche in cut paper and watercolor illustrations.  She has some incredible designs featured on her website, which I would encourage you to visit - www.laurawarecki.com.  Check out her great work and connect with her if you are looking for custom save the dates or invitations!