{Fresh Floral Art}

7

Of the ten centerpieces I created for this KBM project this design represents my own personal style the most.  I love the color combination and variety of flowers.  The candlelight adds that special touch.  But most of all I am drawn to the clean, neat lines that the organization of flowers creates in this piece.  As I made my top 10 list I quickly filled 8 slots with must have flowers, containers and designs.  This was one of the two I couldn't make a final decision on.  I ordered two of the plastic based wreath rings knowing that I would use one for my raised white piece and the other one in some way.

The sage green candle became my inspiration for a soft, tropical color combination.  The pale yellow roses, green cymbidium orchids and pink lisianthus were a perfect compliment.  Green hypericum berries were added to create some texture and interest.

Photography by Clinton Lewis

6

Fresh fruit has become a trend in itself.  Lemons, limes, oranges, kumquats, and several other exotic forms of these fruits have become widely used to fill containers and as part of the arrangemnet itself.  I think that it is the look of freshness it creates that makes it so popular.  This photograph demonstrates how accents can change the entire look of your reception tables.  These (candlestick) napkin folds were used to mimick the height of the citrus arrangement.  Learn how to make this fold here.

The cylinder glass container is filled with halved lemons and limes.  Kumquats are used to fill in the spaces so that there are no holes in the container.  A fresh foam ball was used to create the floral top and could be removed for easier transit.  Green Cymbidium Orchids, Pale Yellow Roses, Green Hypericum Berries, and Italian Ruscus were used to complete the arrangement.

Photography by Clinton Lewis

5

I ordered these amazing containers from Decorative Traditions, Inc.  Their service, shipping and prices are great.  In keeping with our Tiffany Blue/Espresso color scheme we painted the containers a darker brown with a slight sheen.    The flower selection includes Cream Lisianthus, Fresh Blue Hydrangea, Cream Lilies, Chocolate Geranium Leaves, Green Hypericum Berries and my all time favorite Fern Curls.  With the popularity of brown's Fern Curls are the perfect accent for centerpieces, bouquets and especially boutonniere's.

Photography by Clinton Lewis

4

    What else is more beautiful than an arrangement that reflects the elements of nature.  There is nothing more inspiring than a branch loaded with fruit dangling softly or a vine that has wandered from one plant to another.  As a landscaper I learned that when plants are in close proximity they tend to entertwine and grow together, eventually becoming one plant with a variety of flowers, fruit and foliage. 

   Ariella Chezar's is one of my favorite designers that has mastered the art of nature and style.  This natural combination of Kumquats, Antique Green Hydrangea, Peach Lisianthus, and Green Viburnum is nature at it's finest.

A special thanks to Kathi Milam who let me borrow this beautiful white dish.  She was the inspiration on several of my pieces.

Photography by Clinton Lewis

3

There are two things I am loving right now.  Orchids & Coffee.  Orchids are the new rose~just pick up any floral design magazine or book and you will see what I mean.  They come in a variety of colors and sizes.  The are easy to use in bouquets, centerpieces, boutonierres and of course the traditional leis.  And they stay fresh even in harsh circumstances, such as sweating men in black tuxedos standing on the pavement in 90 degrees smoking a cigar!  If you are a wedding florist you know exactly what I am talking about.  This particular variety is a large burgandy cymbidium.  I also love green, light pink, gold/bronze, and white.

The second thing I am really loving now is coffee.  When the kids get settled down for their nap I make me a cup of coffee~really good coffee.  It's my time during the day when I can relax and read or work on the computer.  And the caffeine helps me get through the rest of the afternoon.  Coffee beans were used as inspiration for this centerpiece.  A thin slice of floral foam was put in the middle of the rectangle glass vase.  Coffee beans were poured in around the foam and I must say that they smelled heavenly!  The orchids were placed one by one into the foam.  Another element that really worked in this photo is the napkins in the glasses.  Here is an excellent napkin folding source complete with videos.  This is a centerpiece the groom will love too.

Photography by Clinton Lewis

Ten Trendy Centerpieces-REPRINT

This is a ten part countdown from last year that I thought I would share with my upcoming bride's.  These photos were published in the Kentucky Bridal Magazine.   I purchased the Base, Pillar, and Container from Afloral.  The flowers include White Lisianthus and Lilies.  The foliage include Belle of Ireland, Green Antique Hydrangea, Green Viburnum, Green Hypericum Berries and Italian Ruscus.  I think it's interesting that even thought this arrangement has more green than white it is still considered a white arrangement.  I love how the pillars raise the centerpiece above eye level allowing guests to have eye contact with one another.  These arrangements could also be alternated with lower centerpieces to save on cost.

Check back tomorrow for another centerpiece!

Masculine Arrangement

This is one of my favoritie arrangements I have made for Mackenzie's.  I love combining elements from nature wtih fresh cut flowers.  A birch branch, fresh moss and stones create the base for this masculine arrangement.  Fresh tulips, bells of ireland, seeded eucalyptus, and orchids are naturally arranged.  I have a lot more to share with you and will be posting again soon.  Sorry to be so behind!

Velvety, Silvery Dusty Miller

I used to think of Dusty Miller as the old fashioned flower my grandmother always put in her containers combined with Red Geraniums.  But I am becoming more and more fascinated with their potential for creating unique and elegant centerpieces, bouquets, et cetera...

Here are a few photos displaying the beauty of Dusty Miller!  And another plus is that if you want to use it for your wedding you can probably snatch some from your grandmother, aunt, or neighbors garden!

Photos from Martha Stewart Online

Fun Holiday Arrangements

Love these fun and festive arrangements from Jane Carrol.  I am really busy with holiday work and three weddings in the next two weeks!  I promise to post lots of pictures soon.

Snippet and Ink

Check out Snippet and Ink for daily inspiration boards.  Every post is filled with tons of ideas and lots of inspiration.  Some of the color combinations are amazing!  There has been a lot of time and energy put into this blog so why not take advantage of it!  Here is one of her latest and it is fabulous.  Who would have thought of a grey and green color pallete?