The Brides Cafe - A Joy to Visit

I recently discovered a great blog filled with masterful floral creations and stunning wedding ideas - The Brides Cafe.

Janie, who runs it, is awesome and I am really excited to get to know her better, share ideas and collaborate in the future. You must pop into The Brides Cafe!

Putting the "Pretty" in the Super Bowl in Tampa

I just arrived in Tampa, Florida for Super Bowl XLIII. The Hidden Garden was fortunate enough to be hired on to "spruce up" the big NFL Tailgate Party! Not that it isn't already a spectacular event!

This is actually our second year designing the floral decor for this massive event (see last year's post.) We start our 5 day prep for the big game tomorrow. Our flowers arrive from Miami tomorrow and the "process" begins. We'll keep you posted as the days progress. Wish us luck!

{Very Special} Bridal Bouquet & Groom's Boutonniere

Of course, one of the most important floral needs for a bride is her bridal bouquet. The bouquet is one of the most detailed and personal items in the wedding. Some brides choose to tie in nostalgic and traditional items to their bouquet, such as fabric from their dress, fabric from their mom or grandmother's wedding dresses, lockets, hankies, broches, etc. We've had a bride attach delicate lockets with pictures of their beloved grandmothers on their bouquet or a beautiful broche that belonged to a family member that is no longer with them. Many brides will take left over material or lace from their dress to embellish the stems, which makes a very complimentary treatment. Along with the bouquet, it's important that the bride and groom compliment each other, which looks best in pictures. We always suggest the groom's boutonniere to have a flower from the bride's bouquet to make certain they make a smashing couple throughout the entire day. Separately, we encourage the bridesmaids bouquets and groomsmen boutonnieres to also compliment each other...

All Eyes On Inauguration - Did You Check Out What Michelle Obama Was Wearing

Yesterday was inauguration day and watching the people and hearing the speeches really set the tone for the next four years and, ironically, the way Michelle Obama and her daughters embraced color, really reflected the color trends for 09’ that I blogged about last Friday.

Throughout the years I have learned that designer fashion always influences bridal and floral trends. Michelle Obama’s inauguration day dress was a beautiful lemongrass color and she accessorized it with green gloves and pumps. The two girls, Melia and Sasha, also donned beautiful colors; one wearing vibrant blue and the other pink and orange. Like I said last week, I see more and more brides embracing nontraditional colors like Michelle’s yellow and chartreuse, or Sasha’s pink and mango.

For the inaugural balls the First Lady chose a soft, feminine, ivory chiffon gown. This look hit on another bridal trend I talked about last week, that brides love ivory, as well as, blush pink and cream tones. And to enhance the elegance of this classic look, incorporate candlelight, crystal pieces, and antique silver and gold. It came easily for Michelle O with that gorgeous smile!

So in 09’, take a tip from the Obama girls and embrace color, elegance, and simplicity!

Terranea - A Great New Wedding Destination

There's a fantastic new wedding location opening up in June 2009, Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes. If you have been looking for a great destination location, this is the place. It's only 1 hour (possibly less depending on traffic) from LA but you will likely feel like you are in Hawaii overlooking the Ocean (without the added plane ticket expense!) The wedding ceremony sites are all ocean front, unobstructed ocean views! Just breathtaking. So if you are looking for a new "destination"... check it out. You will not be disappointed!

Wedding Flower Trends 2009

As a floral expert I get asked all the time about the next season's trends in wedding floral, so here they are.

Brides are embracing lots of beautiful color options, they're not afraid to bring in hot pinks, yellows, chartreuse, and mango. Jewel tones are always a favorite with rich magenta, amethyst, deep red, and vibrant green. Also, many brides are favoring monochromatic colors for their wedding and sticking to one color for the whole décor, which definitely gives it a more modern feel.

Going with tall centerpieces throughout is another trend we are seeing. Not just keeping them one height in tall arrangements but "varying" heights of tall arrangements which really makes guests' eyes dance around the room!

I want to note that many brides still go for the very romantic elegance of ivory, blush pink, and cream tones…to make it their own, we incorporating candle light, crystal pieces, and antique silver and gold. Very elegant!

The words "simple and elegant" are always used by brides. Even though I think they are referring to a more "clean and tailored" look.

For the latest trends in wedding invitations, check out this post at my favorite blog, StyleMePretty.