Inspiration

Ideas and visions don't always come easily when I meet with clients, and sometimes it takes a few missed cues before we hit the right direction. My initial presentations were completely incompatible with what the bride and groom wanted, and we went through a process of trial and error before we finalized designs for their event.

You can find inspiration in what you see everyday. Think about what makes you happy, is it the beach, could it be a lush garden, maybe it is beautiful farm. I challenge everyone that when you have a moment to think about this look at what is around you. Find something that inspires you.

You can also find inspiration in things that you read and magazines that you read. Some of my inspiration comes from Bridal Magazines, Wedding design books, even Interior Design Magazines. What ever your passion you can find inspiration. Follow your heart and remember that it is your day and you can have what ever you want.

Take Your Seats

Try to be creative with your seating plan. Setting up your chairs in a semi-circle can make for a more intimate ceremony. You might even like to opt for a full circle. If you do decide to put chairs in a full circle, remember to leave little access aisles so guests can get to their seats easily. I also like the symbolism of being married inside a circle of your family and friends.

Instead of the traditional folding chairs or chiavari chairs, look into renting something a little different to enhance the feel of your ceremony. Here are some alternative choices that I've used.

-Comfortable Couches, modern or eclectic

-Bamboo Chairs

-Wooded Benches

-Little Square ottomans

-Over sized cushions

You can dress up chairs by using seat covers. I like to accessorize further by tucking stems of flowers in the slip cover tie, Chivari chairs and folding chairs interlaced with threaded orchids, Ivy or smilax also look amazing.

Wedding Season

Good Day Everyone!

Did you guys miss me?

I have to tell you that it has been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks. The wedding season is definitely upon us, and I am definitely in my zone.

This past weekend was the wedding of Wes and Heather Jones. The weather was absolutely perfect for their wedding. The wedding was at First United Methodist Church here in Port St. Joe and the reception was held at the couple's home in the gorgeous back yard. A perfect backdrop as Heather is a Master Gardner and a garden reception was perfect. I have attached some pictures for your enjoyment.

I am looking forward to spending this weekend at home, planting and replanting for spring. I love this time of year and I am so ready for blooming plants on my porch.

I hope that everyone gets out and enjoys the weekend and gets in the planting mood.

Clay

Fine Points....Flowers

I am florist by nature, I firmly believe in flower power. The fragrance of the poseys remind us to cherish the day, and they have been associated with wedding ceremonies for centuries.

Contemporary couples can incorporate flowers into many aspects of their reception. You can print your invitation on petal-flecked paper, spritz enclosure tissues with the essence of a preferred bloom and post the envelope with botanical stamps. Dress doorways with welcoming wreaths, wrap columns in lush garlands, top tables with fabulous arrangements, and bestow a single bloom at each place setting. I think you should take cues from nature, look around your surroundings. Notice trees that bloom, natural greens, each season is full of its own unique bounty of blossoms. Decide on a few signature varieties, use them in abundance and express your reception in the language of flowers. Remember flowers should be an integral part of your budget and not an after thought.

Strategies for Working with Vendors

Book Initial appointments at off-hours for pressure-free meetings.

Get it in writing: be specific about service, dates, deliveries, and payment.

Don't skimp on staff: Heed the advice of your vendors and hire enough people to insure a smooth event.

Establish a chain of command: make sure that the point person-ideally an event planner has cash on hand for gratuities and unexpected expenses.

Provide all vendors with clear directions and contact numbers.

Dress-rehearse the table settings, centerpieces, and menu before the wedding day to guarantee all is right. In case of last minute emergencies, outline reasonable substitutions.

Allow at least two hours for musicians to set up and confirm in Advance that the space is sufficiently wired for all the instruments.

Finally, be courteous: you're hiring help, not slaves. Acknowledge superior service.


Till Next time,

Clay

Signature Elements

I think that every wedding should have elements that are unique for their wedding. I call these signature elements. Here are a few examples, feel free to use all or parts of these elements. Have fun with them change them up make them your own, it is your wedding after all.

Bloom With a View

I have done some fabulous floral arrangements in the past, but my favorite was the ones from a wedding that I did at Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola. I filled urns with blooming pear branches for the alter, and in front of them I filled glass cylinders with bunches of white french tulips fully open, they actually looked like magnolia blooms they opened so wide. In front of those vases I lined two rows of tiny clear votive cups and placed white candles in them. The arrangement was so beautiful.

It's a small world.

LuLu's Sweet Expectations is my favorite Pastry Chef in Port St. Joe, she has the cure for any sweet tooth. I will defy you to find a better baker. She is the best.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, why not come up with a individual, miniature cake design small enough for each guest to have their own. You could do chocolate with buttercream, or vanilla with a raspberry filling. LuLu can even match a signature flower or other element from you invitation or program. Just small enough to cure each guests sweet tooth.

Till we meet again, good bye friend. I hope this inspires you.

Clay

Small+Casual= An Intimate Wedding

Casual Correspondence

For a less formal feel, consider forgoing the traditional wording on your invitation and, instead, send out something that more resembles a letter. Why not hand write each of your invitations, addressing guests by their first names, and signing each one from the bride's parents. It was the first indication to guests of what an intimate, individualized affair it is going to be.

A great way to add a little custom flair while simultaneously saving a bit of money is to double up on your menu cards and place cards. Have a calligrapher add the name of each guest to the top of her menu cards in a larger script so guests will know where to sit. That way the menus pull double duty and guests have personalized keepsakes to take home with them.

I hope that these and all of my tips are helpful to each of you. If you ever have a question, whether I am your planner or florist or not please do not hesitate to call.

Clay

Your Wedding Color Palette

Once you have chosen the style for your wedding, choosing a color palette is the most important choice. The colors you choose should enhance the style of your wedding and continuity from invitations and bridesmaids dresses to the place settings and flowers on the cake.

You can pull your color palette inspiration from mother nature, from the seasons, from a holiday or from the blue of the ocean.

Color can enhance or distract from your wedding style, so remember that simplicity is best. Using one or two colors throughout will make a beautiful statement.

Classic, Traditional, Elegant, Refined, Tasteful Palette:

Tiffany Blue, Sterling Silver, Gold Leaf, Ivory, Ballerina Pink, Celadon,

Beach, Romantic, Soothing, Organic, Tranquil, Casual Palette

Sea foam Green, Celestial Blue, Deep Ocean Blue, Ocean Mist Green, Seashell Pink Sand Dollar Tan

Countryside, Carefree, Relaxed, Serene, Rustic Palette

Merlot, Moss green, Pumpkin, Dried Lavender, Misty Mauve, Antique Pink

Garden, Fresh, Airy, Enchanting, Natural, Frolicsome Palette

Pear Green, Grass Green, Sunflower Yellow, Rose Pink, Pink Popy, Peach Blossom

Fanciful, Adventurous, Imaginative, Unique, Out of the Box Palette

Bright Yellow, Bubble Gum Pink, Fire Engine Red, Grape, Turquoise, Apple Green

Contemporary, Modern, Chic, Cleanliness, Current

Cantaloupe, Mocha, Espresso Brown, Lime Green, Jean Blue, Steel Blue