How did you get your start in floral design?

I grew up surrounded by flowers, as I am a third generation floral designer. I was raised working in my grandmothers, and eventually my mother’s flower shop. Having worked with flowers my whole life, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Photo Credit: Eric Oberg

Where do you draw inspiration from?

My sources of inspiration vary widely. Not only do I look at emerging designs within the industry, but I also get ideas from a variety of different magazines. I like to see what trend are out there, and how they might influence my floral design.

Photo Credit: Eric Oberg

What advice do you have for brides who do not have much knowledge about flowers and are not sure what they want?

My best advice for brides who are unsure of what they are looking for is to look through magazines and blogs to draw inspiration.  Once you have a color or a style in mind, it is easy for us to help tease out your vision and make it a reality.  As with all wedding décor, it is important for brides to choose flowers that they love, and not just what is trendy.

Photo Credit: Edge; Eric Oberg

What are your favorite seasonal spring flowers?

My favorite seasonal spring flower is a sweet pea.

Photo Credit: Edge

For more information about Edge Flowers please visit their website here.

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Last week our wedding seemed far off and had yet to come together.  Fast forward a few days and it is only 5 months until the big day.  I am finally starting to picture what the day will look like, thanks in part to our flower and décor meeting with Da Vinci Florists over the holidays.

Early on James and I decided we wanted to keep the flowers simple and focus instead on showcasing the amazing view at 101 Constitution.  We both agreed that candles, lighting and smaller centerpieces would create a romantic yet modern and elegant look.

Photo Credit: Bouquet Bridal

While looking through photos of previous weddings, Jen suggested choosing a flower that was in-season during May, explaining that it would be less expensive to use an in-season flower.  James and I both love tulips and are in luck, because they are in-season in May.

Photo Credit: Silk Wedding Designs

With the flower choice selected we started on the smaller floral arrangements – the bouquets.  From then on we were on a roll.  Since our colors are navy blue and pink, our tulips will be white, light pink and a deeper pink.  Bridesmaids will have bouquets of light and deep pink, my bouquet will be white and light pink.  Our centerpieces will feature all three colors.  In this post are photo examples of different tulip bouquets and centerpieces that were our inspiration.  In March I will get to see samples of the actual pieces and I will make sure to take photos to share with you.

Photo Credit: Perfect Wedding Day

How pretty are these photos by Freed Photography  of this super stunning ceremony setup in the Columbus Club at Union Station?!

Syzygy, Edge Flowers, Plan It Parties and Showcall came together to create this winter wonderland this past November. Love it!

How did Helen Olivia get its name?

Helen Olivia is named for Craig and I’s maternal grandmothers.  Helen was my grandmother.  She was the first person to teach me how to arrange flowers when I was about 8 or 9 years old.  She had studied floral arranging as a home economics major in college and helped me to use the wonderful flowers from my father’s garden for pretty designs.  My husband and business partner, Craig, and I were also inspired by singer, Greg Brown, who once said, “All the wisdom of the world is passed down through our grandmothers.”  We felt if we created a business inspired by our grandmothers’ wisdom, elegance and spirit, we couldn’t go wrong.

What services do you provide?

Helen Olivia is a boutique florist providing exquisite custom floral designs for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.  Additionally we create lush, premium floral pieces for weddings and events.

What is the largest number of arrangements you have ever put together for one event?

Helen Olivia has created approximately 90 table centerpieces for a single gala dinner.  However, the opening of Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase was our largest single endeavor.  Not only were there arrangements in almost every single corner of the store, some of the arrangements were just so very big!

What inspires your floral design, and what keeps it fun and fresh?

I look at books and magazines all the time.  I’m inspired not only by other floral designers but also by interior designers.  My two favorite things about floral design are color and texture so interior design provides wonderful ideas.

What is the largest design project that you have ever done for a wedding?

It is hard to single out one design project as weddings often require many elements each of which is intricate and detailed and all come together to create a challenge as a floral designer.  Chuppahs are usually Helen Olivia’s largest single project to design.  We have done beautiful chuppahs out of branches such a cherry or birch.  We often spend a few days creating these chuppahs wiring each branch on to the chuppah frame.

Credit: Elyse Hall Photography via Style Me Pretty

When you determine what florals the flower girl(s) should have on your big day, there are quite a few fabulous options to consider.  I love an angelic hair wreath, a darling pomander ball, or a traditional petal basket.

Keep in mind that the age and interests of your little friend will impact what the best choice is for her…Can she pretend that the wreath is a princess crown? How about thinking that the pomander is a purse? In any case, it is best to ask the parents of the flower girl what they think she will prefer, let her practice and remember that no matter what, the flower girl will be cute coming down the aisle!

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

My favorite tree was one dedicated to County Fairs across the nation…but the fruit themed wreaths were certainly a close runner up…oh, and the replica of the most famous dog in America, Bo, made with approximately 39,000 pipe cleaners twisted into curls to resemble the Portuguese water dog’s coat wasn’t too shabby either…More on that later but today, I have holiday inspiration that is going to blow you away!

I am pleased to share this beautiful holiday decor from Volanni…this is major inspiration!!

Flowers are one of those things I have never been able to live without.  I go to the store, I pick up fresh flowers.  When I would have a date with a new guy – bringing flowers = bonus points for trying to make a good impression.  So I am surprised at my lack of enthusiasm with incorporating flowers into my wedding day.

Here’s how I answered Aimee when we discussed flowers and what I wanted, “I love flowers, but they die – quickly! I really feel like they are a waste of my budget.  How few flowers can I get away with having”?  Always the consummate professional, she assured me that incorporating flowers into any budget doesn’t have to be expensive.  Traditionally, five to ten percent should be spent on flowers and décor for your ceremony and reception.  Since that area clearly isn’t a priority, I’ll be staying towards the low end of the range for reception décor.

Photography Credit: Holland Photo Arts

St. Matthew’s blessed to have a wonderful space that doesn’t need much decorating (smile).  My reception location, however, is a different animal altogether.  While it’s a beautiful location that (luckily) works with my color palette, it’s still going to need a few enhancements.  Aimee had me meet with some florists whose design style I liked and would work for my budget. After a few meetings, I was feeling skeptical about finding the right florist.  However, I did see a glimmer of hope once I met with Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events.

Shawn has this easygoing, wonderful attitude that immediately put me at ease.  She let me know that I had lots of options for decorating my ceremony and reception that didn’t have to involve lots of flowers. I described my vision and the colors in my color palette.  After sitting and taking everything in for a long time, she smiled and started giving me lots of wonderful ideas I could consider.

Photography Credit: Holland Photo Arts

Her number one rule was always use flowers that are in season.  Since the wedding is in October, I not only have Gerbera Daisy’s (my favorite) and Calla Lilly’s to choose from, but I can also use Pomegranates, Persimmons, fall foliage and curly willow as well.  All work with my color palette, which fall in the deep reds and purples; great colors for fall.  I now feel good that I have some flower options for me and my bridal party on wedding day.

For the reception, she suggested that I use rentals – lamps are one option.  I can also rent small trees and hang votive candles from them as well.  I also love tall votive candles that will add maximum ambiance to my evening reception without packing on maximum bucks!  The best thing is using rentals allows me to incorporate flowers within any rental I choose.

Photography Credit: Holland Photo Arts

After meeting with Shawn, I’m feeling better about adding flowers without sacrificing style or my budget and I guess I can get the best of both worlds.  I can’t wait to see the end result!

Yellow is a bold and happy color that can be incorporated into weddings at any time of the year. Below are some photos of beautiful yellow details that just exude personality and excitement. A yellow dessert bar looks great with bold black accents, and lemons are the perfect modern centerpiece. Bold bridal accessories look even better when coordinated with the groom.

Photography Credits: top: Amy Atlas, middle: Boutwell Studio, Jonathan Canlas Photography, bottom: Event Jubilee

There are many options for yellow flowers in bouquets, which look so fresh when paired with an abundance of green leaves. And of course, dressing your maids in yellow is the perfect way to tie it all together.

Photography Credits: left: Kate Osborne Photography, right: Kate Headley, bottom: Vrai Photography

Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you next week with more fabulous D.C. wedding inspiration!