Winter Berry Wreath

While I was up in Maine late last week I picked up this gorgeous winter berry wreath for my front door. The bright red berries enliven my homely front door! Greg keeps complaining that the twigs poke him in the eye when you walks out the front door. I tried trimming the twigs back a little so the wreath sits inside the door frame. I found the wreath at Wallingford Farm in Kennebunk, Maine. The farm is full of festive holiday decor including wreathes, trees, and decorations. Nice staff and reasonable prices!

Wallingford Farm
21 York Street
Kennebunk, Maine
(207) 985-2112

Saipua

I love these flowers by Brooklyn based shop Saipia. Great textures and colors. Saipia has a great blog that chronicles the real life of being floral designers. A really fun read. Above and below are some of my favorite arrangements from their recent events. Check out more: saipua.blogspot.com.

Narcissus Bulbs

If you live in a cold weather enviroment this is the time to order your bulbs and get them into the ground. I was thinking about planting tulips but I have decided to plant narcissus bulbs instead. I think I will buy the mix above to fill my front garden that borders the sidewalk. There are so many choices I am having a hard time making up my mind. Prices are around $32 for 50 bulbs. I think 50 will be enough for my front bed? Check out more: johnscheepers.com.

Rainy Fall Weekend

All weekend it poured rain here in Marblehead. By this morning Greg and I were feeling like we were stuck in a fog of perma-sleep. We headed out for a long morning walk to try to refresh ourselves when we spotted this impressive display of fall mums and plants at Flores Mantilla. A striking spectacle of jeweled toned reds, purples, and yellows flowers pulled us in from across the street. The impressive show lifted our spirits and reminded us how much we love fall.

Wedding Flowers from Nicollette Camille

I just got back from a wedding in NY. I am totally exhausted and in need of some r&r. Before I headed off to a nap I had to share these gorgeous flowers from my friend's wedding. Gorgeous! They were a total hit. I love all the different colors and textures. They smelled exquisite and they mesmerized all of us! All the flowers were designed by Nicollette Camille. I would hire her in a heartbeat for my wedding. Check out more: nicolettecamille.com.

Off to a Wedding in NYC

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a wedding in NY. The ceremony is scheduled for this Saturday (cross your fingers: no rain) under the Brooklyn Bridge. Even better? Nicolette Camille one of my favorite floral designers (I recommended her) is doing the flowers! I'll be back next week with a full report and pictures. For now check out Nicolette's portfolio here.

Buying Tulip Bulbs

I was just thinking that I should probably look into buying some tulip bulbs for next Spring. Last year I waited to long and everything was sold out. I really love peony, parrot, double, and fringed tulips planted in a single color and variety. I thought I could border the bed with some Muscari but I have to pick varieties that all bloom around the same time. How about any of these above and below? All the bulbs pictured here are from johnscheepers.com. I think my favorite might be the peony tulip called, "Carnival de Nice" above. Any gardeners with tips?

Pink Flowered Shrub?

Does anyone know the name of this flowering shrub? I spotted it on Monday in Marblehead, Massachusetts. I love the pink against the variegated green leaves.

Afternoon In The City

Lucky for me we work 1/2 days on Fridays in the summer. Since it seems not everyone get this special privilege I usually spend my afternoons just walking around and enjoying the weather. Today I was searching for a birthday present for my niece. I had this grand idea of going to Toy R' Us. I was frightened by all the strange plastic toys and bizarre dolls that were way to sexy for my taste. So I headed down to Flatiron where I took a few shots of Anthropologie's fun bug windows and then to Union Square's Greenmarket to pick up a few last minute items for dinner tonight. Have a great weekend!

To view larger versions of these images: just click on the image or on my flickr badge to the right.

Michelle Rago Events

I am absolutely in love with this Vermont wedding created by Michelle Rago. Every detail is perfect but not overdone. I love how the white birch and pine cones are extended through every detail. Using natural elements not only infuses the outdoors into your event but it also makes the style that is a smart idea for those on a budget. Use natural elements prominent in your region to recreate a similar. How cute are those canoes? Check out more from Michelle Rago amazing portfolio: michelleragoltd.com.

Offbeat Vases

I was going to try to incorporate this post with the last about Nicolette but there was just too many amazing flowers to share. In the May issue of Domino, Nicolette also did the floral styling for a "In The Vase" piece using common vessels you can find around the house. Nicolette arranged some gorgeous small pieces in teacups, bottles, and bowls that you could easily create at home. To check out more visit: dominomag.com.

Nicolette Camille

I kinda knew Nicolette was a floral designer (she also works at Domino) but I never knew that she made knock your socks off amazing and gorgeous arrangements. Nicolette was recently featured on Design*Sponge where Grace was equally impressed! I love the floppy romantic bouquets that incorporate just the right about of texture and color. Another great source I am filing away for when I get married. Absolutely stunning Nicolette! Check out more of Nicolette: nicolettecamille.com.

Rebecca Thuss

Rebecca Thuss is the style behind my often admired spreads from Martha Stewart Weddings. Rebecca has left Martha Stewart and now runs her own event design, photography, and branding company with her husband. I would hire this team in a heartbeat to do my wedding. I honestly can't think of anything Rebecca has ever done that I immediately love! The women is a genius! To check out more visit: rebeccathuss.com.

Jayson Home & Garden/Flowers

Spring has finally sprung here in the New York Metro Area. Daffodils, Tulips, and Forsythia are in full bloom. Yesterday, we had an unbelievable warm day that was amazing for shorts and sandals. I am thinking about having a dinner party soon to welcome everyone out from winter. I was inspired by the flowers at Jayson Home & Garden. My favorite is the arrangement (above) with Lambs Ear with Scabiousa. The contrast of the silky ears with the roughness of the scabiousa is amazing. You can order Jayson's flowers for delivery if you live in the Chicago area. For the rest of us check out the site for inspiration for your next party or wedding! Check it out: jaysonhomeandgarden.com.

Giant Paper Flowers

Click on image for larger version

I took a quick shot of these amazing giant paper flowers seen in the windows of store on Broadway in Soho. They instantly reminded me of the flowers I helped a friend create for her wedding last summer. The store's version looked stunning in oversized shapes and bright colors. If you would like to make smaller versions can purchase a kit from Martha Stewart's Craft Site for $19.99. My friend and I made our own but I am having a hard time locating the instructions online. Hmm let me see what I kind find.

Martha Stewart Weddings

O.K. one last post for the day. Martha Stewart Weddings Spring issue is now on newsstands. Weddings is my all time favorite magazine for those of you who didn't know. I haven't been able to pick up the newest issue because I've been home sick. I always love the Spring issue it's always filled with lots of bright colors. Some of the stories from the issue are now available online if you're looking for a sneak peek. How gorgeous are those rings and those flowers? Check out: marthastewart.com.

To view all things related to weddings please click on the wedding label just below this blog.

Stems

Kathi Littwin Photography

How gorgeous are these flowers from Stems floral designers in Red Hook, NY? I love the peonies in the top bouquet. My sister got married 6 years ago in the Hudson Valley and we used Stems as our florist. The experience was an absolute delight and her flowers were gorgeous. When cruising Stems' website I saw that they now offer diy services (fyi none of photos pictured here are diy). Basically stems will work with you to figure out where to purchase supplies and will offer a workshop for you to learn the different techniques involved to carry out your design. I love this idea since so many brides out there really do want to get dirty and be totally involved in the process. To check out more visit: stemsinternational.com.

China Jorrin Photography

Catherine Leonard Photography

Lisa Levart for Lush Photography