New Year's Eve: Micah and Ruthie

When a couple decides on a holiday wedding like New Year's Eve, you know it's going to be a wild and unpredictable night full of memories for all. And that's just how I feel about the last wedding in Memphis on 12-31-2010 (or so it was for me, Amy Miller, and Annabella Charles, and Delectables Catering, and Moonshine Lighting).

Just after sunset Micah and Ruthie exchanged their heartfelt vows under a floating arch of Calla Lilies. The colors were fresh and as bold as the venue they chose downtown, Bridges. The staff at Bridges couldn't have been nicer and really helped me and my crew stay safe. As a choice for brides, I love what Bridges stands for and I applaud Ruthie and Micah for bringing their day to such a high spirited, community oriented place.
Ruthie exudes a happiness so true. I absolutely cannot wait to see all of the photographs.
Annabella was kind enough to post a sneak peek (as she usually does) and let me borrow the images for my blog as well. I must also thank Jaime Newsome for her support and help that holiday morning. Lastly, I thank my team which included my husband Wayne (hanging the massive modern wedding arch), Kelly, Kristin, Melissa, and Molly. Thank you all for bringing a beautiful close and grand entrance into 2011! If you are reading this now I would also like to thank you for following the musings of a half mother, half wife, half business owner, and the 150% (you need every bit of it) crazy demanding life of a "flower lady". Yes, someone yelled "hey flower lady!" across a parking lot at me on my birthday!
Here's to another year of blessings for all.
Karin

Posted in: , on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at at 7:34 PM 0 comments  

VIP Magazine: Jenni and Chris

The January issue of VIP Magazine featured some breathtaking photos from the engagement party by the bride's family in honor of Jenni and Chris. The Social Butterflies transformed and coordinated the rooftop affair at the Madison. Photos of the perfect evening were taken by Annabella Charles and featured luxurious white furniture from Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals. We were hired to help turn up the Miami Chic with hundreds of purple orchids and other modern flowers.

To see the entire event click Here and Here.

Posted in: , on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at at 3:49 PM 0 comments  

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!

Posted in: on Friday, December 17, 2010 at at 1:25 PM 0 comments  

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

Posted in: , , on Friday, December 10, 2010 at at 8:10 AM 0 comments  

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.

Posted in: , on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at at 2:13 PM 0 comments  

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.

Posted in: , on Monday, December 6, 2010 at at 2:50 PM 0 comments  

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

Posted in: , on Friday, December 3, 2010 at at 8:25 AM 0 comments  

The Bold and the Beautiful: Red and Teal

Courtney and Hal were married last weekend and their wedding colors grew on me each day I came down to my vibrant workshop. Everyone who saw the flowers made a comment and it dawned on me that bold colors work so well in the winter when the leaves are gone and we crave those hot tones.

Michelle from Social Butterflies chose all of the details and I really fell in love with the use of Black and White all around the wedding and reception. In a future post I will show the professional photos of the personal flowers. They were so vivid, I can't wait!
Congratulations Courtney and Hal!

Posted in: , on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at at 9:07 PM 0 comments  

Wedding Wands

Photo: Creation Studios Design By: Social Butterflies

Photo: Terry Way Photography

Rice is no longer the proper way to send off today's brides and grooms. One of the best alternatives I have seen is wedding wands. The wands are easy to craft yourself or purchase online and provide just the right amount of flare at the day's end with minimal mess. I have spent my share of time picking rose petals out of wedding and reception grounds to know that most florists, vendors, and venues shy away from them (even though they are very beautiful and romantic) unless a couple is willing to pay for the clean up. Enjoy some photos of two brides who have incorporated these clever keepsakes!
If you are looking for a great place to purchase try www.Etsy.com
Here's a colorful set by Romancing Juliet on Etsy.

Posted in: on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at at 6:05 PM 0 comments  

To Wreath or Not to Wreath?



Of all the floral designs wreaths are one of my favorites. I LOVE wreaths of all shapes and sizes as well as the various ways to present them. Whether on a door or from a hook (and everything in between) I am always happy to oblige a floral ring loving bride. Here is the most recent pair at Central Church in Memphis. The staff there couldn't be more accommodating and will let you adorn their building with flowers. Music to my ears!

Posted in: on Monday, November 8, 2010 at at 10:49 AM 0 comments  

As Featured on The Wedding Chicks


Today the Radonich Ranch photo shoot was featured on The Wedding Chicks Blog. I am so honored to be a part of the amazing team that day. Couldn't have done it without the following people:
Monica Kau - my partner in Floral Design
She now has her own business in San Jose: http://www.signaturebloom.com/
Photographer: Chyna Darner http://www.cfoto.com/
Marky Carr of Vignette Events http://www.vignetteevents.com/
Amburlee Price: Makeup http://www.amburleeprice.com/
Robin Densten Recapture Vintage Designs http://www.recapturedesigns.com/

Posted in: on at at 6:41 AM 0 comments  

A Sneak Peek: Sonia and Rudy

When I first met Sonia she was so trusting of my skills, as well as gracious and understanding. I will never forget her attitude towards the entire wedding process and the amazing guidance and help that Georgia and Alisa from Club Windward gave her and me. This is a sneak peek of her backyard as it was transformed into a night at a California vineyard
(taken by my very unprofessional camera).

Rentals, Linens, Lights, and Tents By: Classic Party Rental

Posted in: on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at at 11:15 AM 0 comments  

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