Sunny Yellow Wedding

On a sunny day this past Saturday the Haute Horticulture crew and I set up a very happy wedding. The couple Stephanie and Jacob could not have been more adorable and this bold color fit their personality to a tee! The day was a bit hot (and I jokingly say "Haute" too) but when the sun started it's path toward the horizon, the bride and groom were married under the wooden Chuppah hand crafted by Mike, Stephanie's stepfather. I am still kicking myself for not taking photos of that beautiful structure. I also missed the bridesmaids bouquets, the cutest flower girl in a tutu carrying a flower wand, and the bride and groom! - So I will just have to wait patiently for Christen Jones to work her photography magic.

As for the reception, Gail and Mandy (bride's family) were fully supportive and uber creative when it came to all the details. I was along to help, but was speechless when I opened a package that revealed such things as custom tissue boxes with photo covered sides (made by Kleenex!). There were just too many great ideas to mention in one blog.
Stephanie and Jacob had a sweet bar which was absolutely stunning in those vivid yellows, blacks, and whites. My favorite candy: Black wax mustaches! I'd better get mine out of my purse before I lose it.


While guests were enchanted with the endless activities, such as writing a message for the couple and hanging it in a wish tree, they enjoyed the amazing catering services of Delectables. There were fabulous fruits & finger foods, tiny milk shakes and desserts, freshly spun cotton candy cones, and the southern necessities of lemonade and tea. It was nearly impossible to resist eating some of their treats so I instead distracted myself by manning the DIY photo booth; complete with damask background and a trunk full of props and hats. I think I had as much fun as the guests striking silly poses!
The reception also boasted the most beautiful ruffled cake by Myra of Designs in Sugar, while the tent itself became a magical backdrop with the hard work of Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals. Team Mahaffey hung the lanterns, pitched tents, and set up the rentals that tied whole event together. (Thank you for the help Clint!) When I arrived to the venue it was nearly unrecognizable with the structures and decor. Mahaffey truly transforms everyday spaces into extraordinary places. - Ooh, maybe I have just come up with a new slogan for them.
Finally, a huge (H U G E) thank you is owed to Kate and Melissa who worked so hard and without complaint in the 95 degree heat of the day, (and in all black clothes no less). I could go on and on about the wedding and the people who made it a success but I will simply let the photos I do have speak for themselves.

-Congratulations to Jacob and Stephanie!

Posted in: , on Monday, May 24, 2010 at at 6:37 AM 3 comments  

A $500 Flower


Every Day I learn something new in life and flowers, so when my neighbor asked me this past weekend to help her wrap a $500 flower in cellophane I was ready and curious! She had long ago learned a technique to make roses out of paper currency and created a $500 rose for her daughter's UT graduation. What a great idea and what a lucky recipient! Here is a phone photo of the most expensive flower I have ever wrapped. Enjoy!
PS She promised to teach me when I have the time. I can't wait to try it!

Posted in: on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at at 9:59 AM 0 comments  

Premier Bride Photo Shoot: Southern Peach


Last Tuesday I had an amazing day! We worked at the Hunt-Phelan House downtown Memphis to create stunning photos for Premier Bride's August issue. This was by far one of my favorite photos shoots. The proofs are now being processed by the capable and talented Annabella Jackson from Asian Bees Photography. She posted these delicious photos on her blog shortly after the shoot and just had to share them with you. They only make me hungry to see all of the carefully planned details involved in the day. More to come...

All of the vendors involved Hunt-Phelan, Premier Bride, Classic Party Rentals, Cakes by Mom and Me, Amy Miller Weddings, Asian Bees Photography, and our four talented models.

Posted in: on Monday, May 10, 2010 at at 10:27 AM 0 comments  

Spring Recap: Part 4 FCA Banquet



When approached by a client to make a few arrangements for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fundraising Banquet, I was more than happy to be a part of their event. While setting up the flowers I was given genuine heart felt thanks from the team members of this organization and just felt good about the experience. I only wish I could have hear the encouraging words and life's story from the University of Georgia's head coach Mark Richt as he was their guest speaker. In honor of Coach Richt, UGA colors adorned the head table in Red, White, and Black. I hope he liked it!

(The photos are not my usual as forgot my camera that day!!! )

If you are interested in the FCA Memphis click here:
Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Posted in: on at at 10:15 AM 0 comments  

Spring Recap: Part 3 Luncheon at The DoubleTree



A gem that not everyone may know about, the DoubleTree Hotel is conveniently in Downtown Memphis near the RedBirds Stadium, Rendezvous, and an array of unique things that our city has to offer. The staff at the DoubleTree is SO wonderful! What an amazing eye opening experience. We were all treated a southern inspired but Asian updated lunch menu and I ATE EVERY BITE. The new Executive Chef, Kaia Brewer created an array of mouth watering food sculptures on dinnerware. From the berry salad, to the pork chops and Asian potatoes, to the "Strawberries Three Ways" we ate so well that there wasn't much talking. That's when you know it's good! As dessert came out so did the camera phones and that's when you know it's beautiful too! The facilities at the Doubletree are perfect for weddings and large meetings and we learned about their in house staff for lighting and catering.
Luckily Jay Johnson of Jay C. Johnson Photography and Ande Demetriou of Gemini Multimedia were among the guests so we have photos and videos of the whimsical decor I provided as well as my shabby phone pics of the afternoon's fun.
As for the Flowers: There were over 500 mini Narcissus each bunched and leaning out of white ceramic rectangles, and at the center of the four tables was a display of Forsythia. All of these flowers are very dear to me because of their seasonality. I won't be able to work with them again until next March. Good thing I had an excuse this Spring!



A Special Thanks to the following people for making this possible:
All of the Fabulous DoubleTree Staff
(who were so friendly and helped me set up and clean up my flowers)
(for coordinating and making Haute Horticulture a key partner of the Luncheon and Jaime for providing my entertainment as seen by my phone pics of her)

Posted in: on at at 8:04 AM 0 comments  

Spring Recap: Part 2 JDRF Promise Ball



When the Social Butterflies asked me to help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with their 40th anniversary Promise Ball on April 10th, I had no idea how close to my heart it would become. After the meetings and designs and deliveries were all said and done I was honored with an invitation to celebrate the charity, their cause, and help raise donations that make it possible to fight against Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is scary, it is real, and it is something that alters not just the diabetic, but their entire families lives forever. And for one night those families and children were able to come together at the Historic Peabody and be embraced by the people of Memphis. It was very touching and I will never forget it.
The theme of the party was the Super 70's and since JDRF was founded in 1970 the peace signs and groovy decor was very fitting. Even some of the guests showed up in the hippest of hippie-wear. Here are a few amature photos I took before the evening began. The HH team consisted of me, Kelly S., Kate G., Melissa L., and Molly who tirelessly worked on the flowers and volunteered their time and energy (on a Saturday no less!). Behind the scenes, my husband and Bluff City Refrigeration expertly installed our newest walk in cooler to keep the flower-power going. Thank you ladies (and gentlemen) for being a part of the success that JDRF had. They were able to raise over $360,000 that evening.

Some of the Sponsor Partners for the evening include:
Social Butterflies, Mahaffey Tents, Cort Furniture, and The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. For more information please click here: JDRF Keeping the Promise

Posted in: on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at at 1:06 PM 0 comments  

Spring Recap: Part 1 Family Photos

There was so much going on in my world as well as Haute Horticulture this past month. So much in fact that I wasn't able to blog as often as usual. This is part 1 of my Spring recap.

Asian Bees Photography: Photos with the Family We had the pleasure of having our family portraits taken by Annabella Brandon in March at the Botanic Gardens of Memphis. We had the perfect day with just enough sun through the clouds as our family walked through their fields of Daffodils. I had brought my own bouquet just for kicks and even dressed the 'boys' in coordinating colors and yet my son loved the entire adventure. Annabella had great suggestions and went with whatever the mood called for. The images she captured will be treasured by my family forever.
A large sample of photos was on her blog March 26, and I was tickled pink to be a part of it! Read it here on the Asian Bees Photography Blog.

If you want to know the secret behind this amazing photographer: Annabella is easy going, sweet, visionary, and talented but extremely young for her skills. This blend of knowledge and adventure is the perfect cure for the same old - same old. If you want to know the secret behind her business name, you will have to ask her. :)

Posted in: on at at 9:52 AM 0 comments  

Country Club Reception

This early Spring reception had an amazing display of Gypsophila. Also known as Baby's Breath, this flower has been sneaking back into the designs featured by Martha Stewart Weddings and most recently Pacific Weddings Magazine. I proposed plumes of large "New Love" brand Baby's Breath on top of amazing white glass trumpet vases made in Poland. Inside the vases were LED lights that glowed the color of eggplant/purple after the sun set outside the gorgeous ballroom. The head table had a large a bold centerpiece of over 60 white Agapanthus. I feel that these flowers reflected the Colonial Country Club's crystal laden chandeliers. Event design was by Michelle of Social Butterflies and lighting by Moonshine Lighting. I must mention the great idea of a Girl Scout Cookie Buffet too (by Michelle)! Love it!!



Posted in: on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at at 12:08 PM 0 comments  

Bough Frau is on the Air!


For FM listeners in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, there is a special advertisement airing on weekday evenings that is dear to me not only because it is my friend's fantastic home decor store, but you may recognize the voice as well!

I present you with the Bough Frau commercial.




Posted in: on Monday, March 29, 2010 at at 6:57 PM 0 comments  

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  

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