Happy St. Patrick's Day! Is Gra' liom Eire!

Since I am Irish I could not let Saint Patrick's Day slip away today without mentioning my love for Ireland. It's people, history, landscape, and beauty inspire me like no other place in the world - and I haven't even been able to visit yet!
Even my wedding 6 years ago had so many Irish elements. The most noteworthy being the clover plants incorporated into the centerpieces (some are still alove out there) and the Irish dancing girls from the Inis Acla School in Memphis. What a wonderful country! I love Ireland!! Is Gra' liom Eire!

Posted in: on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at at 8:54 AM 0 comments  

Vignette #5 White Fantasy Table

When asked the question, "What would someone in Hollywood do?" this is what we decided on. All white for the modern luxury appeal with a serpentine "S" shaped table, custom linens, and a 9 foot "S" shaped trellis of branches and orchids. With over the top crystal beads and Lucite menus, extremely high end hairs and a dash of blue lighting, this was one of my favorites of the evening. Depending on the flash use, the photos here vary from dramatic to detailed. The professional pics are under wraps until we receive word on publication.

I hope you enjoyed the tour as White Fantasy Table finishes the 5 Vignettes at the Meet Mahaffey party in February. Next up for the blog is a look at the spring Daffodils and flowering branches in Memphis (my favorite!). I can't say it enough, thanks for following the Petal Press. The photos and articles are really going to be colorful this year. We have tons of unique weddings lined up for Wedding Season 2010!



Posted in: on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at at 10:03 PM 0 comments  

Vignette #4 Moonlight & Mannequins

A concept that was not new, Moonlight and Mannequins was inspired by and event that happened in San Francisco called Una Bella Sera and I just wanted to bring a touch of that to Memphis. It's a small table that could be used in the daytime as a theme for a bridal luncheon or at night it could be vamped up with many candles and flowers to create a formal but feminine theme.



Posted in: on Monday, March 15, 2010 at at 9:31 PM 0 comments  

Vignette #3 Crimson Candleabra


The lighting on this table was so red and deep that in person Crimson Candelabra demanded your attention. Upon approaching the table one's eyes were kept busy taking in every detail. I have to admit if I lived in fantasy-budget land I would have added hundreds more Freedom Red Roses and amazing black centered Anemones everywhere(a personal favorite). But that's what I love about my profession; it is fun, a creative challenge, and there is always something to learn from every job to make you a better florist. Even as the money crunch of 2010 is keeping flowers to a minimum there are ways to make big statements with less.
These candelabras (sacrificed by Social Butterflies) held black matte spray paint so well. Now I want to cover all my gorgeous silver items in wild colors! I will restrain myself for now....
I must also mention that the rose balls you see in the corners were made by the Social Butterflies. They are silk and reusable and if you would like to know their secret recipe, visit the SB Blog.

Posted in: on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at at 8:28 AM 0 comments  

Vignette #2 Bird Boutique & Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic was a blast to make! Just ask Jaime from Social Butterflies, who showed me her "find of the century" the morning of the Meet Mahaffey party. She found this old chair with a wooden birdhouse on top of it {on the "take me" side of her neighbor's curb}. We sprayed it to the proper colors and brought it right into the vignette. I love stories like that.

This table has a lot of details starting with the centerpiece which is flowing from a vintage tea tin (my new favorite piece) I found on Etsy. The centerpiece is held on a curved cake plate that has streamers of ribbon each ending in a tiny cameo or rose painted cameo. There are mini tart dishes that house flower filled pies and for a place card, the top of a jelly filled mason jar. Even the fabric is perfectly turquoise and lemon yellow rosettes!

I love the old windows and birdcages hung in the background. True story: The big grid in the back is from my largest window in the log cabin!!! Ever since we popped out the frame I have been wanting to hang something from it. I'm a sucker for suspended arrangements. The dainty flowers include some of the first ranunculus of the season and acacia. Add in the stock and freesia and this was the most fragrant table around. I hope to do more of this theme in the summer; it's a great look.

Posted in: , on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at at 9:34 PM 0 comments  

Vignette #1: Beautiful Butterflies


Since I have been working with the Social Butterflies on the Mahaffey Project I have been noticing the actual butterfly pattern more often in stores and merchandise. I am always that way with a wedding theme. If a bride loves copper, then I will stop at all things copper in the months preceding, during, and proceeding wedding. It takes a while to deprogram my mind from looking out for anything that matches the theme that the happy couple might want to have included in their special day. It's just the way I am.
That said, I have a feeling after this table and working with the fluttering ladies, I will have a penchant for anything beautiful and 4 winged for a long time.

Beautiful Butterflies table has a modern linen that even reflects the wings of this creature and all the flowers are such that a butterfly couldn't resist them! On the chandelier, a vibrant hanging teardrop shaped orange butterfly "ball" is made with Mokara Orchids, Orange Tulips, and Voodoo Roses. The Purple leis were hand sewn from hundreds Purple Mokara orchids. The whole table was fragrant and lovely! Michelle even got in on the flower action and hung extra orchids on the chandelier and placed them on the napkins. Those extra touches are one of the best parts about having a coordinator on your wedding day team to make sure every detail is the best it can be.




Posted in: , , on at at 2:07 PM 0 comments  

"Meet Mahaffey!" Open House

At the end of February I was honored to be a creative and floral part of the Meet Mahaffey Open House. There were at least 250 of Memphis' finest vendors there on that unsuspecting Tuesday evening to see what new rentals and amazing structures Mahaffey Tents now has to offer their clients.

Once you walked the red carpet entrance to the warehouse office, all signs of business disappeared into a display of 20 ft backgrounds, flowers, food, and decor at every turn! Clint the general manager and his staff did an amazing job. Moonshine Lighting set the mood with an assortment of colors, shapes, and a network of floor to ceiling effects. Teaming with the Social Butterflies who coordinated and designed the event, Haute Horticulture created the florals and floral accessories for 5 vignettes, 3 lounges, and a bar. Between the planning and the actual event, it came and went so fast. Luckily Donny G. of Creation Studios was able to capture the moments!

I will post each vignette separately this coming week on the blog starting with the Lounges:
There were 3 main lounges and an assortment of mini lounge tables and chairs around the massive center room. It was the perfect layout for munching and mingling.








Posted in: , on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at at 5:03 PM 0 comments  

Let the Sun Shine!


Let's take a side trip from the polished pinks and purples emerging from the bridal magazines in 2010 and show a little sun. Sun-flower that is. This yellow gem is another part of the Radonich Ranch Series photographed by Chyna Darner. Love this theme! It is called Sun Country on the website and makes me feel a little warmer on a cold day. The ball you see on the top of the centerpiece could easily be floating in a pool at a wedding. How fun would that be?

Posted in: on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at at 8:43 AM 0 comments  

February Recap


This month was extremely busy for me and yet full of wonderful opportunities for the coming summer. Since I wasn't able to blog much this month let's have a recap:

First, I am proud to announce that Haute Horticulture is going to be creating the flowers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 40th Anniversary Fundraiser on April 10th and the famous Peabody Hotel in Downtown Memphis.

Second, after the amazing party "Meet Mahaffey" on Tuesday the 23rd of this month, Haute Horticulture is on the preferred vendor list located on their website: Mahaffey.

Third, there will be a launch party for the Wish Upon a Wedding Tennessee Chapter this summer and I will be involved in the event as well as the chapter. I can't wait to see what the team brings to this worthwhile charity and to Tennessee residents.

Fourth, I have quite a few weddings booked and more than half are to work with the uber fabulous ladies of Social Butterflies for Wedding Season 2010. They have been instrumental in my leap into the heart of the Memphis wedding scene. I really enjoy their creativity, teamwork, and organization. They have already begun blogging about the 5 vignettes, 3 lounges, and other decor from the party this past Tuesday!! Check it out here: Social Butterflies Blog

I am so excited and even a little jittery when I think about all of the wonderful projects and businesses in our area. What an honor to be a part of them! Let's keep a promise to give more, work hard, and showcase what makes the event industry a valuable asset to the area!

Posted in: , on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at at 9:21 PM 0 comments  

Wish Upon a Wedding: America's Only Wedding Wish Granting Organization

Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants is not only a very good friend of mine, but she is the creative genius behind this amazing organization. She is also owner of San Jose Wedding Consultants and if you have seen my California weddings then you will notice she is the coordinator for over half of them! With great pride I endorse Wish Upon a Wedding - which is currently starting chapters in San Francisco, L.A., New York, Orlando, and Chicago. Eventually the plan is to spread to every major city in America and when the Nashville chapter starts, you can bet yours truly will be highly involved!

Take the time to browse the site, meet Florence the first Bride to have her Wedding Wish granted, and see what you can do to help.
Dreams do Come True!

Posted in: on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at at 5:51 PM 0 comments  

Meet Lilia Ahner

In San Francisco two days before I moved to Tennessee I had the pleasure of meeting Lilia Ahner at the Mixer for the SF Dream Wedding Giveaway. She is the official photographer for the contest and the $100,000 wedding that is given to a lucky couple.

I saw her walking around that night in October (and knew her name on the wedding circuit) so didn't want to interrupt her work as she shot frame after frame. I am so grateful she introduced herself because I may have been to nervous to bother her! With her red streaked hair and friendly smile she said she wished Haute Horticulture was around when she got married because she loved the Punk Rock Table theme I had created. That made my month!!!
Last night I was contacted by a fan of Rock and Roll Bride as she had seen the photos of the Punk Table on Lilia's Web Site. I had no idea (shame on me)! The photos were linked as part of a "Thursday Treats" segment on the Rock and Roll Bride site. What an honor!

If you are looking for a photographer in the Bay Area and have a rebel heart and rock attitude, then Lilia is your girl. Truth be told, it you are looking from any location Lilia is willing to travel worldwide. Now THAT's service! She and her husband Ray make quite a team. With Ray's expertise in shooting rock bands and Lilia's in everything from design to fine art, you have all the bases covered with this dynamic duo. By the By: This month you will find Lilia's work in Grace Ormonde's Blog, and Bird in a Cage Bride.

http://www.lilia.com/ These photos will inspire you
http://www.raymondahner.com/ These photos will ROCK you
(*prepare for lots of kick ___ music!)

I have a feeling that our paths may cross again, but in the meantime I want to thank Lilia for all she has done for Haute Horticulture. True. Talented. Creative. Lilia.

Posted in: on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at at 6:01 AM 1 comments  

The 101st Post on the Petal Press

When I started this blog I honestly didn't know where it would lead. I still find an endless amount of flower and event related topics to share and it seems even more so after my transition to Memphis TN. What has made this possible is friends and family. I cannot say this enough. When starting a business, support is key. As I see Haute Horticulture grow, it shows how much love and help I have really received.

As is customary every New Year one makes resolutions and plans for a happy future. This week after meeting clients for the 2010 wedding season I have also started the remodel to office and studio under our Log Cabin. I can't wait work in a space designed just for Haute Horticulture!

Other plans include collaborating with exceptional Mid South event planners and vendors this year. There is excitement in the air over all the new ideas and inspiration that will be generated by our hard work. As always, I will spotlight the best of the best ideas and people I love to work with in the coming months. Thank you for reading and being a part of something so dear to me. 2010 season here we come!

-Karin

Row 1:

Kevin Chin www.kevinchin.com

Gabriela Reid www.colorfulevent.com

Nancy Liu Chin www.nancyliuchin.com

Liz Guthrie www.sanjoseweddingconsultants.com

Amy Frugoli www.twitterpatedweddings.com

Astrid Mueller www.champagnepromises.com

Row 2:

Aditya, Kiren, Karina, Rudy, and Sonia

Row 3:

Rudy, Wayne, Karina, Aditya, Kiren, Krystan, Liz, Monica, Eric, and Sean

Monica Kau www.signaturebloom.com

Posted in: on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at at 2:01 PM 1 comments  

Expert in Confection Presentation and Design: Amy Atlas

Speaking of Purple ...


Amy Atlas has some beautiful new photos on her website and they are light purple and tastefully gorgeous as usual. If you are interested in more than flowers for your upcoming event, may I suggest you visit this website!

Amy Atlas Events

Posted in: on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at at 3:22 PM 0 comments  

Purple Wedding Flowers

At the wedding show one of the most popular questions asked of me was, "What purple flowers are available for my wedding date?" and the dates ranged from June through December. I have to admit I was prepared for almost every question, but that wasn't one of them. After the show was over I thought of so many more purple flowers than what I had mentioned in the limited time I was given to talk with each bride-to-be.
I would like now highlight some of my favorites to work with n each season. Not all of the flowers listed are in the photographs below.

Early Spring (February and March and the first week of April):
Iris, Anemone, Tulips, Beautiful Flowering Branches, Hyacinth, Stock, Sweetpea, Lavender, Lilac, Muscari, Veronica, Wax Flower



Spring/ Early Summer (April and May): Hydrangea, Allium, Anemone, Delphinium, Stock, Sweetpea, Sweet William, Trachelium, Tulip, Agapanthus, Lavender, Lilac, Muscari, Wax Flower

Mid Summer (June, July and August):
Hydrangea, Allium, Dahlia, Larkspur, Stock, Trachelium, Zinnia, Veronica


Autumn (September and October):
Stock, Orchid, Rose, Lisianthus, Trachelium, Zinnia, Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Freesia


Winter(November and December):
Lisianthus, Orchids, Ornamental Kale, Rose, Chrysamthemum, Carnation, Freesia


Year Round:
Alstromeria, Aster, Mini Calla Lily, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Freesia, Gladiolus, Asiatic Lily, Limonium, Lisianthus, Rose, Snapdragon, Statice, Tulip, Liatris, Scabiosa (can be harder to find)

Posted in: on Friday, January 15, 2010 at at 7:41 AM 1 comments  

Photos from the Bridal Show

The Premier Bridal Show was great! I did have a tiny cold that I was getting over, but the show really had me full of energy and hope for a creative and full scheduled 2010 wedding season. I met new vendors and reconnected with old friends who "did" my wedding in Memphis 5 years ago. That was a real treat and now that Haute Horticulture officially joined the Memphis scene I was welcomed with true Southern Hospitality.
Above are some photos of the flat screen TV used for the slide show of weddings and flowers. The difference between my flatscreen and all of the others that were in nearly every booth; over 350 carnations! See for yourself. We also assembled some modern arrangements to compliment the flora-vision. I really liked the all white table. It was complete with the 100 roses that were given away to the brides who talked to me at the show. What a Sunday! How can I top that this weekend? Probably by resting!
I must also mention the volunteers that made the show a success and kept me on time: Wayne, Chrystal, and Melissa I thank you from my heart. Also, my mother, as always, by supporting the HH team on the home front while watching my son. Photo below: Us three ladies before noon.

Posted in: , on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at at 8:59 PM 0 comments  

Wedding Show this Sunday!


The Premier Bridal Wedding show is almost here in Memphis (This Sunday from 12-4pm) and I am so excited I can hardly wait. I have a secret to share: I have never done a wedding show before. Now before Wayne and I got married we attended one and were actually in the wedding dress/tux fashion walk. We were recruited by our bridesmaid dress store (I'm still not sure what they were thinking; haha!) and had a great time. I'm not sure where those photos are and that's probably a good thing.

Last February I had the privilege of attending a show at the luxurious Four Seasons in San Francisco and all of the biggest names were there. It was a blast and I can hardly wait to be a part of Premier Bride this Sunday and meet some brides-to be! They are just so excited about weddings; almost as excited as I am and that's hard to find. These are my people and I promise there are many visual surprises in store on my corner of the show floor. See you there!!

Memphis Bridal Show
Hilton Memphis Hotel January 10, 2010 Sunday


Posted in: on Monday, January 4, 2010 at at 2:55 PM 0 comments  

Hard at Work & the 4 Foot Long Vase


While hard at work for the next event (The Premier Bridal Show January 10 in Memphis) I received some great photos from the hosts of the recently featured Holiday Party. I just had to share this great pic of the 4ft long vase that we filled with crystal deco "ice" beads, submersible lights, and just 5 spider mums for a simple yet impactful arrangement. I loved it! What a great vase to have in my collection now.
Here is another photo of us "Hard at Work" which prompted me to go back into my wedding snapshot archives only to find I don't have enough of these backstage moments. New Year's resolution for Haute Horticulture is: More team photos! Anca is one of a group of people that has helped me along the long road of event installations. If I had the right photos I could blog for hours about the sacrifices and help of others for this business and for me.

Thanks everyone (you know who you are) and let's start 2010 right. It's a New Year!

-Karin

Posted in: on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at at 9:08 PM 0 comments  

In Season: Amaryllis

There is nothing quite like the quadruple trumpeted flowers that pop from the top the long stalk of an amaryllis. They are most abundant in the winter making them all the more lovable in the cold landscape of December and January. I was able to use a bright red variety and give them away as little tokens of affection this Christmas. The best part of giving them away is that you know they will be flowering for another week, giving the recipient a new view of the arrangement every day!

Posted in: on Monday, December 28, 2009 at at 8:53 AM 0 comments  

Swanky Seasonal Decor

Every December while people are decorating trees, homes, tables, and parties around the world the same questions come up. What colors am I going to use? What theme am I going to have? Will I get a new set of ornaments or use the same decorations I keep in storage? In the case of Della and Richard's home, Della had a clear vision. She wanted something new, fresh, modern, and with enough "Umph" to make it special for her holiday party. She also had a color theme starting with her Christmas tree in hues of copper, teal, apple, and hint of silver. These colors complimented her home as well.

This house was deserving of arrangements and props that defied gravity and had very hard shapes in soft colors. I included everything! 4 ft vases, hanging glass balls, extra long flowers, and a crystal tree. All of the elements tied in from room to room in a dazzling display of the new floral style.
There was a repetitive theme of ball shapes and you could find them out in the open (flower and moss balls in bowls) or hiding in arrangements. The buffet table boasted 5 mammoth white double peonies in full bloom as part of an arrangement with coordinating flowers. The centerpiece rested under a famous chandelier that Della purchased and embellished herself. You may recognize this as the very same one that hung in the home on the movie "The Firm". I think that is so cool!
Starting with her sleek slate mantle, I shaped long white callas to bow over their vases in a dramatic curve. To retain the original feel of her home we blended the collection that normally occupies the space with the new flowers and the result was asymmetrical and awesome.
Next I mimicked the chic kitchen lighting with a wild arrangement that had 5 aluminum wired tentacles that held glass test tubes. In each tube was a stark white spider mum. I think these polished aluminum vases are so contempo!
Lastly, I could never resist a little bit of organic sculpture, so I made a friend out of flowers and galax leaves for their pet turtle "Sparky" as well as a little area for the floral turtle to live.

There were so many floral touches that my friend Anca and I installed to cause wonder at every turn. Also Anca took a majority of these photos. I thank her for her help Saturday and look forward to seeing photos of the actual event with the lights lower. I also thank Della and Richard for inviting us in their home. What a privilege.

Posted in: on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at at 12:33 PM 0 comments  

Beautiful Boxwood


When asked to decorate the home of Della and Richard for the holidays and later for their upcoming gathering, I just couldn't resist. Their style is modern and polished and they are fun to work with! Della really wanted to add some holiday cheer outside in the color palate she chose for this year: teal, apple green, copper, and a touch of silver. The boxwood wreaths and wood curl topiaries are only the beginning of what will await the party guests inside the house next weekend. Working with pounds of boxwood an making hand tied wreaths is a skill I truly enjoy using. If I could, I would teach classes for those who share my interest. Perhaps next winter?.... In the meantime I can't wait to blog part 2 of this Contempo Christmas theme with the next phase - fresh flower installation!

Posted in: on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at at 2:31 PM 0 comments  

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