Mark & Crystal: Have Fun and Carry On!

All Photographs By: Matthew Michael Photography

Mark and Crystal were married at the end of June in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Looking back at this day I can't believe they have been married half a year. I suspect they have a loving and lively life together. The wedding was certainly anything but boring! With musical boutonnieres (inspired by Fritts Rosenow of SF) and birch tree decor in tow, my assistant Melissa and I got up at the crack of dawn and drove four hours to the church. We were greeted by the zany groomsmen as well as family and church staff. We never felt anything but welcome in the city that wasn't our own.
After the ceremony we found out that the bridal party had gone to a large fountain in the city and had a battle with the Nerf guns that were a groomsmen gift the night before. As a serious bride, I couldn't have imagined such a thing, but the more I thought about it... why not? It's your day right?
The reception kept with the musical theme and was held in a former recording studio. It was almost like a flash mob in the sense that everyone who attended really knew how to dance. No, I mean they could really dance! Some of Crystal and Mark's friends couldn't even stop themselves from swinging to the DJ's test music during the setup as we put the centerpieces on the table! Oh, and I loved the guitar groom's cake.

After spending the day with a couple's closest family and friends, you get to know them even more. Crystal and Mark surrounded themselves with kind and generous people who were so fun loving. There were no frowns that day even when the couple took a detour to the hospital to pin a boutonniere on their grandfather who had fallen ill the night before. You may also notice the bells on the bouquet that have a special meaning to the bride's family. It was a heartfelt, personalized, and happy union an I enjoyed every minute. I hope you enjoy this peek into their new life together.
P.S. I am now a big fan of the Nerf war idea, what hysterical photos!

French Navy and Gold: Southern Bride Magazine

One of the ways I knew I truly wanted to be a florist is when I still bought wedding magazines after we got married. Photo shoots are one of my favorite parts of being a floral designer. I love being able to create flowers that are unconventional and inspirational to brides and fellow bridal mag-a-holics like myself.

This season's cultural theme for Southern Bride was the reason our team chose the beautiful mid town antique gallery Palladio as the backdrop to a French Fantasy table.
The best part about having a group of vendors you trust is that all of the good ideas are incorporated. A good example is Jaime, Michelle, and Addie from Social Butterflies, who keep up with the latest in rental and linen trends. I learned so much about the gold cap on the table! I had never seen it before the shoot.
As always, Annabella Brandon from Annabella Charles Photography translated our setting into a feast for the eyes. I really tried to think 'inside the box' by making a majority of the floral items in a square shape to mimic the square table. I also created my first broach mini bouquet. Those broaches are addicting ladies!
So without further adieu, here are the faves and details from our ode to the Gold of Versailles France.
I hope you agree when I say, "C'est ce bon!".
-Karin

Southern Bride Magazine is on the Stands!


The latest issue of Southern Bride Magazine is on the stands and boasts wedding ideas for future brides of all cultures! Tomorrow we will post some fab extra photos from the French themed photo shoot. The look was pulled together by a cast of A-list vendors such as: Social Butterflies, Annabella Charles Photography, Mrs. Post Stationary, The Busy Bakery, Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals, and Chameleon Chairs.

Featured on The Pink Book: Shannon and Robert

When I first met Shannon she was so calm and easy going. I wasn't sure she was even going to hire me because I was so excited and maybe a little too jazzed about doing her wedding flowers. When her wedding day came it was a gorgeous day in East Tennessee and she was a beautiful bride without worry. She truly deserves so much praise for never losing her cool and enjoying the celebration of her love. For me, It was a first time at Carahills II and meeting their friendly staff. I also had fun visiting with my vendor friends at CFY catering.

What a great morning I had today when Shannon told me that the Pink Book had featured her photos! The Pink Book
The colors were mostly autumnal, but with a kick of teal and blue. Above are some more photos by Kara Jo Photography.

Home for the Holidays

I delivered some party flowers to a home yesterday. I say 'home' because the family has made their house so inviting and warm and have always treated me with kindness and a full heart. I didn't realize I missed them until I saw them again last night. You can see in the photos of this Christmas party set up that any guest would feel instantly welcome and full of delight. It also doesn't hurt that their decor is like a page out of a Pottery Barn catalog (my favorite home store).

I brought in a golden cherub from my personal collection and full white lilies to create a fragrant front door entrance. The buffet table wasn't yet full of the fabulous food from Club Windward Catering, so you must use your imagination, but isn't that what the holidays are about? Seeing beyond the sparkle and opening your heart and mind to give to others and imagine a better, more bountiful year ahead for all.
This entire year has been a blessing to work with flowers and create memories for my clients and with my staff.

Happy Holidays from Haute Horticulture!

-Karin