Categories: Bride Bloggers, Flowers
May 25, 2010 / Danielle Freedman
Today, Bride Blogger Kimberly tells us about how she found a florist that fit her style and comfort level…
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
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Tags: Beehive Events
Categories: Flowers, Planning & Ideas
April 15, 2010 / Emily Machernis
No one can deny the beauty of fresh flowers and unique arrangements! They can truly add to the style and mood of your wedding, and add that fantastic pop of color that brings a fresh touch to any venue.
Beehive Events, a fabulous District Favorite, does a top-notch job at creating amazing floral arrangements and special touches to your wedding. They can also provide more comprehensive services, adding linens, furnishes, and décor that mesh with your vision and floral ideas. I had a wonderful conversation with Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events, who gave me great information about her creative process, eco-friendly work, and so much more!
As I am sure you have an endless variety of floral options to offer, how do you narrow down the choices and what questions do you ask a new client to jointly form a vision for their event?
During our first consultation I try to define the style of the wedding. I encourage brides to bring images of things that they like. It is not necessary that they be pictures only of flowers, I love to see images of fashion, décor, food, gardens, interiors….. images that the client loves. This helps me understand their vision and establish whether they are attracted to an old world/ flower robust style, a dressed organic/rustic style, modern/ sophisticated style, an estate/luxe style or a 50s/vintage style.
Photography Credit: Meg Runion
The next step is to define the color palette of the event keeping in mind the season and the availability of floral elements. Then I gather all the other details like venue location, time of event, style of food service, number of expected guests, budget….. Each wedding is so unique and I really work hard at trying to design the flowers and décor so that they reflect the taste and style of the couple.
At this point I spend a bit of time reflecting on all of these details and then present our first proposal to the client. I also include a couple inspiration boards that show many of the floral elements that I am suggesting to give the bride a visual to help her better understand what we are proposing.
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Tags: Beehive Events
Categories: Planning & Ideas
March 15, 2010 / Danielle Freedman
A few weeks ago, during the snowy Valentine’s Day weekend, King Family Vineyards, Beehive Events and Photographer Meg Runion teamed up to create a mock wedding on the property. Since the pictures arrived in my inbox, I cannot stop ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the magnificent details.
Here at District Weddings, we believe that inspiration comes from everywhere. This weekend, while flipping through April’s issue of House Beautiful, I was intrigued by new and modern uses of wood in decor. The exposed beams and hardwood floors of King Family Vineyards are so warm and rustic – similar to images I saw in House Beautiful.
Although the models, Suzi and Kyle have been married for almost 7 years, they look so in love — could it be the magic of this incredible setting and thoughtful decor? Despite the chilly weather, Suzi’s bouquet looks so fresh and succulent.
Beehive Events does a fabulous job using fruit to add depth and texture to the look of the wedding.
Candlelight gives you a big “bang for your buck” creating a soft ambiance and warm lighting.
Great job to King Family Vineyards, Beehive Events and Photographer Meg Runion! Thanks for sharing!
Tags: Beehive Events > King Family Vineyards > Meg Runion
Categories: Planning & Ideas
January 27, 2010 / Danielle Freedman
This past Sunday, I was lucky enough to attend the Washingtonian Bride & Groom’s annual Unveiled event. To say the least, it was FABULOUS and absolutely chalk-full of inspiration from the best vendors in town! Famed DC photographer Ralph Alswang was kind enough to share the event photographs – so many wonderful shots!
Guests were greeted by a dramatic escort card table by Amaryllis, who gracefully executed the floral design for the event and showed the incredible breadth and depth of their work.
District Favorites, Beehive Events and A. Dominick Events, teamed up to create this inspiring farm table. I witness dozens of brides oogling over this soft, earthy display.
Aimee Dominick also seamlessly worked with the Washingtonian team to plan the show – every minute was perfect!
Of course, Kendall Barrett of Kendall’s Cakes (another Favorite!), was there to share yummy tastes of her gorgeous work. I am not kidding when I say Kendall’s cakes are both delicious AND beautiful – quite the feat!
The darling Hitched ladies took a moment to smile for the camera with a few of their models, along with Jenn Haber and Jill Hudson Neal of Washingtonian, our lovely hosts.
Maria Cooke of Ritzy Bee did the adorable styling for the Hitched on site salon. I love this place setting!
Carine’s Bridal Atelier, yet another Favorite, worked to bring in Kenneth Pool of Amsale whose designs dazzled the runway. For more of these dresses, be sure to stop by Carine’s this weekend for their Kenneth Pool Trunk show!
This is such a fun time for the bridal industry in Washington and we look forward to featuring other upcoming events soon. Stay tuned!
Tags: A. Dominick Events > Amaryllis > Beehive Events > Carine's Bridal Atelier > Hitched > Ritzy Bee > Washingtonian Bride & Groom
Categories: Bridesmaids, Flowers, Planning & Ideas
September 29, 2009 / Devon Pearce
Although I always prefer to highlight the amazing talents of DC vendors, the gorgeous DC venues, and all of the District’s most creative real weddings, after being on the “other side” as a bride myself, there are a few things I learned along the way.
This first idea tops my list of recommendations…
I’m not sure how to begin, as I really don’t remember where this idea originated. But I have to say, this was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend.
One day it just hit me. I wanted to do something special with my bridesmaids before my wedding. Most of the girls are creative, and all of them like to have a good time. I personally love flowers and have always wanted to learn more about arranging them. Why not have a little bouquet creation class, so the girls can hand-pick and design their bridesmaid bouquets?
So that’s what we did. We had a bridesmaids bouquet outing on Friday morning, the day before the wedding. It was a surprise for all of the girls — they had no idea where we were going or what was planned until we arrived at the florist’s studio. Which, by the way, was in the middle of the Virginia countryside. It was simply beautiful.
Each of the girls was given a large vase of flowers from which to create their bouquet. Shawn Cossette, the amazing talent behind Beehive Events (and the florist extraordinaire behind our Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding), lead our bouquet class.
She first taught us how to shape roses — how to open up the petals so they become “fluffier.” Then we learned how to wrap orchids around a wire stem.
Photographer Sarah Cramer was on hand to capture the careful pruning, pulling, wrapping, and arranging…
Oh, how I love these women. The finished products were simply perfect.
And my, what flower-arranging skills they have!
Tags: Beehive Events > Cramer Photography
