Color Palate: Browns

Call it fawn, chestnut, chocolate, khaki or tan, the color brown is a classic and versatile color to use in any event.  It can be matched with pink, bright blue or green for a bold look or with ivory and gold for an elegant, vintage effect.  For a pastoral or autumn themed event you can  mix wheat, branches, pinecones, leaves  and gourds or tree bark and burlap. A sandy beach wedding is the perfect backdrop for neutral tones. The options are limitless!

Charlotte Geary Photography's blog collected a  prolific group of photos featuring brown cakes, decor, dresses and more http://bit.ly/1204pS0. 

A Yellow Canary Favorite: Hydrangeas

Driving around Greater Cincinnati  you can see that one of our favorite flowers, the hydrangea, is beginning to blossom.  These beautiful blooms are both classy and classic and can be used to bring texture and fullness to any décor.  The versatility of this flowers is its true treasure.  It can be used in the most formal of settings or the most casual and be absolutely at home in each instance.  A bridal favorite, the lacy hydrangea symbolizes some of the most important qualities needed for a successful marriage, friendship, devotion, perseverance, and understanding. 

 Hydrangeas can come is a variety of shades of white, pink and blue.  Hydrangea fun fact: In the pink and blue variety of hydrangeas, the Ph and acidity of the soil determines the color of the bloom.  For deeper blues, you need more aluminum in your soil, for the pink you need a high Ph factor.  Another fun fact: In the garden, it is possible to change the color of the pink and blue variety hydrangeas (white stays white).   (learn more here)  Isn’t Mother Nature just full of tricks?

1950's Inspiration: Dreamy Gowns

Taking inspiration from Flirty Fleur's "Throwback Thursday", we would like to take a peek into bridal trends of the 1950"s.  The first aspect of the 50's that one must take in mind is that World War II was a time of rationing and re-purposing, brides in the 40's made do with what they had on hand and weddings tended to be smaller occasions.  In the post-war "wedding boom" that preceded the "baby boom", big dresses and lace were once again attainable and became the wedding style of the time.

With the success of Dior's "new look," Paris couturiers resumed operation and once again became the center for international fashion trends. Now that the usage of fabric had no constraints, The full, full and fuller skirt of the "new look" continued to gain popularity. Rounded and soft shoulders, an almost pinched waist, a pointed bosom and spike heels were the hallmarks of 50's Bridal wear.  The hourglass effect was further emphasized with crinolines and hoop skirts.     ~ Vintage Gown .com ~ 

 1950's era dresses had the dreamy femininity that still inspires women today to find the right man, the dream dress, the unique venue, the most talented photographer and  the perfect flowers to complement the entire occasion. ~YC~

 

The Birth Flower for June: The Classic Rose or Honeysuckle

June's birth flower is the rose, which has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means "I love you." A white rose signifies innocence and purity, while a yellow rose conveys jealousy or a decrease in love. A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means "I REALLY love you"). The other June flower is honeysuckle, which is a strong symbol for the everlasting bonds of love. 

"Good Fortune and a Happy Marriage"

Ode to Peony

(Translated)

I used the brush to praise the blooming peony

A cocoon-like bud bursting forth to beautiful flowers

Who said the peony is like a maid

Her scent and beauty makes the noble palace so inspiring, like a spring breeze.

Peony season is upon us and we couldn't happier! These spring blooms are anticipated year round.  The peony is the traditional floral symbol of China, the state flower of Indiana, and the 12th wedding anniversary flower, peonies are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage. 

The Delicate Cherry Blossom has Strong Meaning

Now that Spring had finally sprung, flowering trees are blooming everywhere.  In Washington DC, the  National Cherry Blossom Festival has just finished out another glorious year and blossoms are on the brain! 

The Cherry Blossom is a delicate, yet meaningful flower and although it fades quickly, it should not be counted out as a part of your special event.

    Florals from Martha Stewart Wedding

The flower symbolism associated with the Cherry Blossom is education.  In China it represents feminine beauty and love and in Japan it symbolizes the transience of life; which we translate into “seize the day or “carpe diem.  What better symbolism for a special event than love, beauty and “carpe diem”!?

Reds, Pinks, Coral and a Stripe

A striped twist on a love-ly palette - Happy Valentine's Day