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  

Love in Lace: Radonich Ranch Part 4


Without spilling too many photos of the vintage looks created by the team at Radonich Ranch, I can't help but show some more soft and wistful images. This vignette is partly a table scape that reflects some of the amazing lace tablecloths and blankets that Robin now has in her antique store/bridal boutique. I love the colors and the feeling I get from the images in a story board.
(This collection also features a full yet delicate cascade bouquet. This is something that is certain to keep showing up in future bridal trends for 2010 and possibly beyond. I already have brides asking for shapes that are less "round" and more textured.)

My hope is that this inspires the brides out there who are ready to cut their wedding from the cloth of vintage and the still enjoy comforts of our modern world.

Posted in: , , on Friday, November 27, 2009 at at 8:05 PM 0 comments  

Sugar Country: Radonich Ranch Part 3


This next set of photos from the Radonich Ranch series is just too sweet not to post. The model is so naturally beautiful in the vintage dress and hand tied and natural bouquet. Whenever I hear brides say they want their bouquet to look like it was "hand picked on their way through a meadow", this is what I visualize. Most floral work in weddings can be so structured and this is a truly serene contrast.


In events and photo shoots, typically the more natural and loose a hairstlye or dress or floral arrangement looks, the more skill it took to create. Amburlee Price proves this when she created this hair updo that looks so perfectly easy and flowing but I assure you I could never do this in hours with my own hair! Hairstylists are just one part of the magic that happens when you hired trusted professionals to make all your event details look seamless and effortless.


Posted in: , on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at at 12:45 PM 1 comments  

Dusty Pinks: Radonich Ranch Part 2

When Monica and I started creating the flowers for this shoot we wanted to capture the softness and beauty of dusty pinks and all of the shades in a hydrangea at the end of the season. This bouquet perfectly embodies the fabulous range of the hydrangea itself as it also brings so much detail out of the other flowers. I enjoy photos shoots because there are no limits on the creativity or whimsy of a moment. Model Anastasiya looked so free and happy standing barefoot and yet I would have never done such a thing when I was a bride myself!

Again I must mention that these photos are so true to the day because of Chyna Darner's talent.

Posted in: , on Friday, November 20, 2009 at at 9:42 AM 0 comments  

Radonich Ranch Photo Shoot is Here!

I received the most wonderful DVD in the mail from Chyna Darner this week! I will feature a montage every other day of this amazing photo shoot at Radonich Ranch. It started with a sunny day that was soon filled with happy vendors and models (as well as honey bees) buzzing around the property getting made up and dressed, setting up props, posing, and photographing. I had such a great time I didn't want to leave!

This is the first session of the day inspired by the vintage dresses of Robin from Recapture Vintage Bridal Designs and my grandmother's peach cameo. Hair and makeup was by the talented Amburlee Price and hosting by the exclusive event coordinator of Radonich Ranch, Marky Carr. Working on all florals along side me was Monica Kau from Signature Bloom.

Posted in: , on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at at 10:35 AM 0 comments  

As Seen In: The Flirty Guide


The Flirty Guide reported on the San Francisco Dream wedding giveaway earlier in October and I must have missed Stacie Tamaki's awesome recap of the evening's events on October 6 at 1 Fort Mason. It was so surprising to see my Golden Gate Bridge in the article, as well as my Pink Rock table and my beloved mentor Nancy Liu Chin setting up her mouth watering popcorn display. These photos remind me of my dear friends in San Francisco and San Jose. I am sure they are going full steam ahead into the holiday hustle and bustle of The City by the Bay.

Liz Guthrie's San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway 2010 is nearing the closing date for entries. No matter where you live in the U.S. if you are getting married and have a good story to share, why not enter?

Here is a photo from The Flirty Guide blog! Thanks Stacie!! It was so great to meet you!


-Karin

Posted in: on Monday, November 16, 2009 at at 3:45 PM 0 comments  

Bouquet of the Week: Amethyst in White


What a magnificent way to end my wedding season in the Bay Area of California. Amethyst and Paul are a kind, gracious, and generous couple, and I wish them the best in their new lives together. Here is a set of photos that just came to me from S&J Photo Creation. I can't wait to share all of the details on my website this winter. Until then, here is the latest Bouquet of the Week. Enjoy!

Posted in: , on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at at 12:01 PM 0 comments  

Bough Frau

Loosely translated into "tree branch lady" the woman behind Bough Frau is more than just a maven of nature's bounty. Nikki Pham is opening a storefront in Galena, IL this weekend as well as a website that helps us decorate our homes and lives. New businesses are so exciting to me and with a slogan like, "Embrace Your Space" how can one resist the temptation to do just that with dried naturals, wreaths, and German themed decor. As Bough Frau grows and prospers, I will give updates on this exciting new store. Both Wreaths and Nikki are dear to my heart!

Posted in: on Friday, November 13, 2009 at at 9:14 AM 0 comments  

New Beginnings

It has been a while since my last blog post and I assure you I have been both hard at work and extremely busy with the move to Tennessee. The last month in the San Francisco area was a wild one with photo shoots, weddings, and parties galore. I cannot wait to share all of the fabulous pics with you! The DVD's are soon to be rolling into my mailbox with photographs galore by some of the best in The Biz of the Bay Area. Since the pro photos are in transit, I will instead share a photo from the inside of my new home. We have chosen a "fixer-upper" in the form of a beautiful and semi-famous log home in Arlington, TN that used to be know as The Lodge at Hickory Withe. Perhaps the family will come up with an updated name for out little piece of history. More details to come as I unpack all of Haute Horticulture's treasured inventory and organize it into the new studio located underneath the lodge...


Posted in: on at at 8:56 AM 0 comments  

Come Join the Party!


If you are thinking of entering the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway, supporting someone who has, or are a supporter of this local cause, you should come to 1 Fort Mason (San Francisco) for the Meet the Dream Team Mixer on October 6th next Tuesday. It will be a great feast for the eyes and yours truly will be donating some conversation worthy floral gifts to the evening. Don't be surprised if you see the logo above come to life in 3D on a table for 8!
Liz Guthrie knows how to host a party as San Jose Wedding Consultants and the Dream Team do their magic! I can't wait to see it and be a part of a good cause at the same time. This will be my very last event in San Francisco this year and feels bittersweet. I love this area and yet it is time for me to move across the country and start decorating the South. Memphis look out!


Karin

Posted in: on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at at 3:21 PM 0 comments  

Sign Language



There are so many ways to guide your guests to the right location when they come to your wedding or reception. This sign was made for Bena and Ed to make sure their guests knew exactly where to be on their special day. The idea that originally came from Liz Guthrie ,their coordinator, was then brought to life by Quyen Murphy and embellished by Haute Horticulture. The bold purple print and coppery red flowers were hard to miss! See for yourself.

Posted in: on Friday, September 4, 2009 at at 11:22 PM 0 comments  

Bouquet of the Week: Irish Lace and Lily of the Valley

This week's feature bouquet is from the Ireland Meets Italy Wedding in May. Terry Way took this stunning photo of the bride holding her bouquet of sweet pea, lisianthus, beautiful swan garden roses, bells of Ireland, and lily of the valley. Every flower had a special meaning to Catherine and even the pearl bracelet in the photo has a story behind it.

The bride had taken a necklace, that used to belong to her dear grandmother, to a jeweler who broke her heart by saying that it was not worth the time to repair or remake. Catherine's friend, who also made all the necklaces for the bridal party, was able to restring the sentimental pearls and give her a special bracelet for her wedding day!

I just love a good wedding story!
The photos below are of the bride and groom before they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. Daniel also had a sentimental boutonniere that held a silver claddaugh in the front of lily of the valley to match the bride's bouquet.

Posted in: on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at at 8:51 AM 0 comments  

Ireland Meets Italy Wedding


Failte!

The photos from the Ireland Meets Italy wedding are now on the Haute Horticulture website! Being Irish myself, I get a little misty eyed thinking about the bagpiper as he played in front of Catherine down the wedding aisle and then played the couple out of St. Mary's together. Then the entire crowd of 150 guests followed the piper through Los Gatos to a cozy park for pre-cocktail refreshments! This wedding had it all: perfect weather, a happy couple, beautiful scenery, great food and spirits at Testarossa Winery, and (one of my favorite things) a candy buffet. It was non-stop photo ops for everyone involved!

Thank you to Catherine and Dan for allowing me to share these photos with the world. Thank you also to Terry Way for capturing the emotion of every moment. www.terryway.com

To view the entire slidewhow click here:

Posted in: on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at at 9:29 AM 0 comments  

Red Roses Renewed


I know it isn't Valentine's Day just yet, but I had some leftover roses from a client sample this week and made an arrangement in the name of modern love. With only maidenhair fern, lily grass, and red local roses this crimson and clover gem sits pretty in its silver vase.

Posted in: on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at at 8:35 PM 0 comments  

Sneak Peek: August 1st Wedding Part 2


Here's another sneak peek at the wedding collaboration with Monica Kau this past weekend.
The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is a hidden gem at Golden Gate Park that is filled with beautiful flowers and plants even during the off Tulip season. See for yourself!

Posted in: on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at at 9:56 AM 0 comments  

Sneak Peek: August 1st Wedding


I still don't know exactly what I will title the wedding from this past weekend. It was a beautiful blend of a garden wedding with Asian elements and Chinese banquet reception. The colors were hues of purple, blue, copper, and orange. Often the night before the big day I will send the coordinator, in this case Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, an iphone photo of all the flowers sitting pretty in the cooler. I do this for few reasons:

1. It's a sneak peek at what is to come for the next day
2. It assures her I am ready to go for the wedding
3. It's fun to see all the flowers waiting for their big debut.

Above is an example of one of the photos I sent her in the middle of the night. I'm just too excited to keep them to myself!

Posted in: on at at 9:18 AM 0 comments  

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