Ready for the County Fair!

It's time for a  little slice of Americana! Sunflowers and gingham, tin cans and Queen Anne's Lace.  The county fair themed event just begged for these all American classics!  Click here and here for more photos from this throwback event with Viva Bella Events.

Dreamy and Lush: Romantic Greenacres Wedding

Early June was VERY kind to couples in Cincinnati this year.  Our recent wedding at GreenAcres could not have been a more perfect day.  There was just enough chill in the air and everything was fresh and crisp. The vision for the wedding was dreamy, lush gardens; timeless romance and mother nature agreed with the plan giving the couple a brilliant blue sky to complement the floral arch Yellow Canary constructed for the couple's vows.

The reception tent was a romantic, lush space with soft pinks, vintage lace, and candlelight.  Cozy round tables were interspersed with rustic farm tables making the space have a unified, elegant feel.

The bride chose to have a different bouquet for each of her attendants- below are a few of them waiting before ceremony.

This event was designed by the fabulous Viva Bella Events and Catered by Jeff Thomas Catering , stationary by Poeme, cake my Maribelle Cakery, lighting by Goodwin Lighting, video by Studio 213 Films and photographed by Michael Bambino & co.

Yellow Canary: Everyday "Must Haves"

Everyone has their little list of "must have" brands or products.  While the rest of the "canarys" are flitting around during our wedding season, I will contribute the Ginny list of everyday must-have products.  All will share by the end of the summer- feel free to share some of your favorites in the comments section!



1. Coffee- I have a few favorite brands or coffee shops, but truly, as long as it is strong and not scalding hot- it is all good to me!

2. Aquafresh Extreme Clean- If you have not tried this toothpaste I suggest you try it!  My mouth still feels fresh, even after the coffee I enjoy all morning.  The "extreme" in the name is not kidding around- this is not for the faint of heart!

3. Clinique Foundation and Powder- I have über-red skin and spend a fair amount of my "primping" time hiding my red cheeks and after years of trying to find the perfect cover, I have finally come up with a faceplan that works for me.  I use a foundation brush to apply the Clinique Redness Solution foundation to the apple of my cheeks and wherever it is the reddest.  After it settles, I use  the Superpowder Double Face Powder all over to even and smooth.  Neither makeup system is too heavy  or chunky- the overall effect is pretty smooth.

4. Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Lotion- I wear sunscreen regularly but like a little color, so lotion with a tiny bit of self tanner is my way to go.  It covers naturally and smells good and is not too heavy to wear in the hot summer!

5.Peppermint Stick- This is an awesome headache stick that I picked up at Nourish in Savannah, Georgia.  After the first application I was hooked; it helps relieve a headache, cools you when you are hot and helps you focus when you are fatigued.





6. Nourish Soap- Speaking of Nourish, I have had one of their bars of soap in one scent or another for the past three years or so.  The Lavender Oatmeal bar is probably my favorite, but they are all wonderful!

A Dash of Color

Confession time: I love so many colors and textures; it is nearly impossible for me to look at any floral design or flower without thinking "I love this!", but when it comes to what I flip for, it is the bright, loud colors.

I can't get enough of billy butons and zinnias drive me to distraction.  I haven't passed a lantana plant without saying, I love flowers with contrasting colors, I just can't do it.

I like my flowers to "hoot and holler" at me rather than whisper, soft and romantic would never be the way I would describe my perfect occasion- I am bright and loud all the way!

By: Virginia Gribben

In one sentence can you describe your perfect event style?

A few of my favorites:

After and Before: Peony Watch 2014

Floral Travels: Wild Flowers at Carter Caves State Park

As we wait for spectacular shots from the 2014 wedding season, here are shots from an amazing hike at Carter Caves State Park in Eastern Kentucky.  Among the breathtaking limestone arches and trickling creeks are a symphony of wild flowers so much a part of the surroundings that you need to look twice to see the flowers for themselves!!

140th Run for the Roses

Any favorites for the 140th Kentucky Derby?  I usually choose my horse by the name while others go by colors.   There are some crazy people that go by the odds-can you imagine? ☺

My choice this year is "Vicar's in Trouble".  The choice was made because I enjoyed the film "Bridget Jones Diary" and in the film she went to a "Tarts and Vicars" party.  

Scientific, huh?

A little about why it is termed "The Run for the Roses":

(From the Derby website)

In 1904 the red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The tradition was strengthened when, in 1925, New York sports columnist Bill Corum, later the president of Churchill Downs, dubbed the Kentucky Derby the "Run for the Roses." The garland as it exists today was first introduced in 1932 for the 58th running won by Burgoo King. 

Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with the seal of the Commonwealth on one end and the Twin Spires and number of the race’s current renewal on the other. Each garland is also adorned with a "crown" of roses, green fern and ribbon. The "crown," a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the Derby Winner’s Circle.

Each year the Governor of Kentucky and other dignitaries also present the winning jockey with a bouquet of 60 long stemmed roses wrapped in 10 yards of ribbon.