Rountree Flowers NYC

Being a wedding blogger has made me aware of some of the finest artisans in the country. As a floral designer, I have a strong appreciation for unique and creative work. So when I decided it was time to start working in NYC again, I had a few florists in mind that I was dying to work with.

Enter Jessie from Rountree Flowers. Not only is she aces when it comes to incredible bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements, but she's super nice! Here is a sample of her gorgeous creations. I love her use of country wildflowers mixed with cultivated high end flowers, as well as the pods, berries and unusual greenery.







You can see more of Jessie's work on Sunday Suppers blog as well (it's an orgy for the eyes to be sure).

Real Wedding Rundown

Some weeks I find too many weddings to love on my favorite photography blogs to give each its due credit, so here is a peak at a few of my recent favorites:

Elisabeth Millay has an amazing knack for capturing warm pink tones of sunlight in her photos, making the details of the weddings she shoots so feminine. Alexa and Rodrigo's celebration was styled with armloads of peegee hydrangeas, soft shades of pink, blue, and ivory, and the prettiest lily of the valley cake to date.

Isabelle and Daniel's wedding is what a wedding should be; chock full of vintage inspired details, a jaw dropping dress, and a whole lotta love. Elizabeth Messina of Kiss the Groom is hands down one of the best photographer's when it comes to capturing the little things that make a wedding one's own.

There isn't much anyone can say about Jose Villa's work that hasn't been said before. His work inspires my romantic side. If you aren't a regular follower of his work, you don't know what you're missing. Jose has given us a sneak peak at Gamze and David's wedding (gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown featuring a very big bow) and a couple of florals with the promise of more to come this week.

Jennifer and Kyle's wedding, courtesy of the lovely Lisa Lefkowitz, has a simple rustic charm that is still elegant in all of the right places.

You can tell from the moment you see Julie and Tucker's quintessential New England wedding that the region is in Lisa Rigby's bones. The event was a surprising cross between a vineyard and a nautical style wedding, but it worked!


What a great way to start off the week, wouldn't you say?

The Floral Review: Garden Roses

A rose by any other name is still a rose. What more can I say about the ubiquitous flora? Well, for one, gone are the days of a client's demand that rose buds be tight as bullets. We want our wedding bouquets to look as if they were plucked right out of the garden. We want a rose to smell like a rose. We want our money's worth that a big, full bloom provides.

{image found here}

Garden roses are also referred to as 'english roses', 'cottage roses', 'cabbage roses' and 'heritage' or 'heirloom' roses. Their large, full heads with loads of petals are similar to peonies. Some varieties can be dated as far back as the 1500s, which may be why they have a vintage, antique look.

The use by florists is credited to David Austin, master cultivator and acknowledged authority of all things roses. Until 1999, his roses were not readily available in the United States, but because of the heartiness, unique colors, and beautiful varieties, the demand became such that stateside distribution was inevitable.



Most people will tell you the same thing when they hold a bouquet of garden roses; "they smell like my grandmother's garden". It is a fresh, peppery scent that tickles the nose and transports the bearer to sweet memories.

{image via Saipua}

{image via Flowerwild Designs}

Several of my favorite varieties are Cymbeline, Maria Theresia, Toulousse Lautrec, and Jeanne Moreau. The nature of the blooms make garden roses a perfect choice for diy wedding bouquets; they pretty much design themselves! And, garden roses look just as pretty in a mason jar as they do in a leaded crystal vase.

Stop by next week for a look at the dahlia, mad hatter of the garden.

New Weekly Feature: The Floral Review

I've been working on several new features for brides {bliss} the past few weeks and decided it was time to introduce one. The Flower Review will be a Wednesday post which gives an in depth look at a specific flower, trend, or DIY tutorial (bouquets, boutonnieres, etc.).

This afternoon will be all about garden roses. Once very expensive and tough as tar to find, garden roses have found their way in to most flower shops repertiore.

{image from Brocade Nashville}

Check back in this afternoon for the full scoop!

Tree House Wedding, by Ben Blood

I have to give a high five to Paige at Bash Eco Events for originally posting about Courtney & Eric's wedding from Seattle photographer Ben Blood. As she put it, I can't get it out of my mind. The overall mood of the wedding (besides awesome) is vintage 1920's (note the Victrola!) with woodland touches. You can just imagine flower fairies buzzing around. Smitten doesn't even begin to describe the way I feel about these photos.











Honestly, there are tons of photos from Courtney and Eric's wedding, so get on over to Ben Blood's blog now for the full scoop! His work is phenomenal!! Be sure to check out Paige's blog too, which is chock full of delightful ideas.

Mallory & Josh, by Rebekah Westover

I was super impressed with Rebekah's skills from the moment I saw her work, but I have to admit, reading her bio really got me. As a self professed nerdzilla, I am always jazzed when others fly their geek flags high and proud.

But I digress. Back to the awesomeness of Rebekah's work. I adore Mallory and Josh's yellow, gray and graphite palette, which has been a pretty popular combination the past few months. With the bride and grooms modern and playful choices combined with Rebekah's clean, bright photography, the day was captured so perfectly.












I'm not usually a balloon person, but I love the way these big yellow latex balloons play off of the crespedia used in the boutonnieres and bouquets. And who doesn't love a man in a vest and argyle socks?!

For more from Mallory and Josh's big day, click here.. Also, check out more of Rebekah's photographs on her website and blog.

Laundry Day Photo Shoot with Justin & Mary

I've really been into yellow lately, so when I came across this incredible photo shoot from the talented team of Justin and Mary, I knew I had to share it!

The details are absolutely to die for. Apparently, Justin and Mary threw the whole shoot together in four hours (seriously). They had some help from and excellent group of vendors and beautiful weather. I am feeling so inspired...

The Melissa Sweet dress was a perfect choice for the casual shoot which featured laundry related decor.

I LOVE the vintage handkerchief wrapped around the bouquet. The colors in the embroidery are just perfect!



The darling little cupcake picks read "You wash" and "I'll dry".

Jars of vintage buttons. Buttons on the escort tags. Cute as a button. Absolutely love these little details!

Pretty little table setting. I'm amazed at how elegant yet comfortable the picnic table looks.

For more photos and information on the fabulous vendors who helped make this gorgeousness happen visit Justin and Mary's site here.

Fabulous Florals

When I look at pictures like these, I miss my days as a floral designer. It was so fulfilling to create beautiful things that made people smile every day. I loved to work with people who had unique visions and wanted something different than the 'status quo'.

{flowers by ariella chezar}

{flowers by erin rosenow}

{flowers by nicolette camille}

{flowers by flower design}

{flowers by blush floral design}

I'm all for a DIY project, but before you consider arranging the flowers for your wedding, consider a few things. First, it takes time not only to arrange the flowers, but to process as well. And this isn't something you can do in advance. Flower arranging is a last minute project. I have spent thirteen years putting together bouquets, and an average wedding takes me about 20 hours in total to complete, and that's if everything runs smooth. If you frazzle easily, I don't think it's for you. Save yourself the anxiety and go with a pro.