The Petal Press

As many brides to be and fellow event professionals know, Grace Ormonde is THE name in high end design and events. I am humbled and yet so proud to say that Haute Horticulture, partnered with some of the best names in Memphis, currently has 6 photos (1 tabletop, 5 lounge) in their new Wedding Style Magazine Website Inspirations Gallery. I have been purchasing that big beautiful magazine for nine years since I was engaged and dreaming about the florals and tables capes I saw in every jaw dropping issue. It inspired my own wedding design and continues to inspire me today in my work. Since the age of the e-bride, Wedding Style magazine has gone digital with more platinum resources and photos. This is truly a wonderful day for all of the vendors involved in these featured events!

Posted in: on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at at 3:34 PM 0 comments  

For the second year in a row, I have been asked to decorate the head tables at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Spring fundraising banquet. This year they had Jason Sehorn as their guest speaker. I have to admit I probably only saw him as a defensive back (football) for the Giants when he was playing against my favorite team the Washington Redskins. He had a lot to say to inspire the young athletes who attended and he sure was handsome. There was quite the photo op line after the event! Special thanks to Melissa who took time from her busy schedule to come assist in the setup. It was fun but went fast! -Karin

Posted in: on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at at 4:24 PM 0 comments  

My most recent couple Andy and Becky were married last weekend among all their closest friends and family. The day was perfect, but wouldn't have been so easy had it not been for the hard behind the scenes work of the coordinator, Patti Braswell, as well as the accommodating owners and staff of Vinegar Jim's in Arlington. With their blessing, we set out to transform the restaurant only slightly from a rustic cabin atmosphere to a slightly more feminine decor. I liken it to a beautiful woman who doesn't have to wear makeup, but who catches your attention in a new spring dress. And as always, the food at Vinegar Jim's was delicious!

Posted in: on Friday, April 8, 2011 at at 5:08 PM 0 comments  

This past weekend was the true beginning of Spring in Arlington, TN. My dear neighbor's daughter walked down the aisle this sunny Saturday near our cozy downtown square and I was honored to be a part of their big day. The professional photographs will be coming in a few weeks, but I couldn't help but post some of my favorites from my own camera. What a photogenic couple! I want to say a special thank you to Wayne, Patti Braswell, Melissa, Molly, and Blake for all the help for the early a.m. setup. It was well worth beating the sun to rise!

More to come...

-Karin

Posted in: on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at at 6:59 PM 0 comments  

When I first met Jenn she described her wedding colors as "sangria" and Cool Water purple roses (her favorite). I have since used the word sangria about a hundred times to make sure that the flowers were indeed like a rich summer wine punch. One look at the harmonious hues of the sneak preview photos from Annabella Charles Photography, and you will see why these colors were so important to our bride.

The wedding and reception were at Hunt Phelan. (Side note: my husband wanted me to title this entry "That Luvin' Phelan" but I just couldn't do it!) Every detail was expertly managed and designed by Social Butterflies. I don't think we could have done it without their expert experience to pull us through some major weather back up plans. I am certain not a single guest noticed all of the changes made at the last minute. The wedding blended seamlessly into the reception while the rain clouds parted just in time for Jenn to walk down her rose petal aisle and marry her beloved. Personally I can't think of a better way to start the season of 2011 with such great vendors and friends and such a wonderful couple. Congratulations to John and Jenn!!!

Beautiful linens and rentals from Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals

Floor to ceiling pink and purple lighting by Moonshine

Posted in: on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at at 8:44 PM 1 comments  

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).

Posted in: Haute Clients and Events, Holidays on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at at 7:34 PM 0 comments  

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: As Seen In, Featured In on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at at 3:49 PM 0 comments  

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: Haute Clients and Events on Friday, December 17, 2010 at at 1:25 PM 0 comments  

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

Want to see more? Click here!

Credits:

Social Butterflies

Annabella Charles Photography
Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals
The Palladio Group

Mrs. Post Stationery

Southern Bride Magazine
Chameleon Chair Collection

Posted in: As Seen In, Colors, Featured In on Friday, December 10, 2010 at at 8:10 AM 0 comments  

Posted in: As Seen In, Photo Shoot on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at at 2:13 PM 0 comments  

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.

Posted in: As Seen In, Haute Clients and Events on Monday, December 6, 2010 at at 2:50 PM 0 comments