The Petal Press

The other day I had the pleasure of visiting my friends at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos. Molly and Leigh will take good care of you should you decide to have an event there or just go for a tasting from 11am-5pm. I will soon be posting the professional photos that took place at Testarossa in May. The already lovely and ecstatic bride and groom are enhanced even more by the rustic backgrounds outdoors at TW.

In the meantime I offer a sample of the wine and cheese colored arrangement that was inspired by the winery. The flowers that compliment and flow from the copper urn include: dahlias, pincushion protea, mini callas, super green roses, green celosia, and a few stems of dendrobium orchids.

Cheers!

Posted in: Gifts, Vendors on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at at 5:31 PM 0 comments  

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events, Vendors on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at at 10:11 AM 0 comments  

Above is a small collage from a recent wedding collaboration with San Jose Wedding Consultants. It was inspired by the ocean and very modern compared to our last blue wedding. What amazes me the most is how every event is unique and how every bride's interpretation of her special day translates through the decor. This wedding had over a hundred of gallons of blue water to move around, but in the end the effects were worth the hard work. Thanks are owed to Monica, Sean, Eric, Amy, and Amber for helping. We couldn't have done it without you!

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events on at at 7:49 AM 0 comments  

Or bi-weekly featured bouquet is a rarity in the floral industry. For two weeks out of the year peonies come in an unusual color and size. These beauties start out a bright melon color the size of a balled fist and end up a peachy delight that is the size of a large grapefruit. When making this bouquet I had to use them in their unopened state or the flowers would have been too large to hold. The peonies seem to posses a secret in this unassuming bunch. After it was untied and placed in water the secret was revealed and their size tripled!

Posted in: Bouquets, In Season on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at at 11:27 PM 0 comments  

After Monica and I created a sample for a client, Sean St.Cin (who has photographed numerous HH occasions) and I were able to capture come great images of a single wreath on a shepherd's hook. The concept was that there would be several of these placed on the wedding aisle that would later be used for centerpieces. We also had some leftover rose petals and decided to make the "H" for Haute Horticulture. Despite the wind the "H" stayed intact, but I wouldn't recommend an outdoor grass monogram unless the wind is very light on a wedding day!

Posted in: Wreaths on at at 8:11 AM 0 comments  

Last Monday was my first time visiting the campus of Menlo College. This was the location for this year's Menlo School graduation banquet in honor of all the 140 high school graduates and their families. Haute Horticulture was asked to provide the centerpieces for this large event and I thoroughly enjoyed working in tandem with Cathy Chen (Dean of the Senior Class), the parent volunteers, and the amazing Monica Kau to get this party full of flowers!

The centerpieces were divided into two designs. The first was a composite made up of 5 cobalt glass cubes with golden flowers on top. This reflected the gold and blue Menlo school colors. The second design was the Menlo "M" logo made completely of blue dyed roses and yellow carnations in a circular dish. It looked pretty wild from above!

My favorite design, however, was a bit unusual and adorned the welcome table as students came into the entrance of the gym. I had created a canvas with flowers that read, "09" and a paint can filled with blue rose petals as to appear that the flower canvas was painted with petals. I also made another composite arrangement connected with lily grass and full of movement.

All in all it was both fun, easy, and rewarding to work for Menlo and I look forward to a future relationship with the school. I must also thank Kathy Goodman from Well Rehearsed for suggesting Haute Horticulture for this unusual decor.

Enjoy the photos full of school spirit!
Give me an "M"!

-Karin

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events on Friday, June 12, 2009 at at 8:39 AM 0 comments  

What happens when you have an Irish bride with a groom that has Scottish Pride? A rolling green outdoor wedding tucked away in the hills of Moraga. What a perfect day (and we all fretted over the weather all week)! The groom and best man wore a kilt, the bride was beautiful and glowing, and the entire day was perfection from beginning to end. I couldn't ask for a better event.

See for yourself!

-Karin

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events, Wreaths on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at at 3:57 PM 0 comments  

Posted in: Bouquets on at at 3:48 PM 0 comments  

I hope everyone had a wonderful and meaningful Memorial Day.

Here are a few amateur photos from last weekend's buffet table. The caterer had a new twist on buffets in that he refused to use chafing dishes. The food was not hot, but was extra juicy and flavorful. I was apprehensive at first, but we didn't even miss the heat once we got a taste! Out of this world!! Warning: you may get hungry!

For more info contact: Laurie Yee: Creativechef@comcast.net or 408-422-7673.

Now it's time to get ready for the green and blue garden wedding in Moraga. The weather looks like it will be supremely nice for the happy couple. More to come....

-Karin

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events on Monday, June 1, 2009 at at 9:37 PM 0 comments