February 7, 2012

The Color of Roses….and What they “could” mean

Long ago, in the Victorian era (19th century time), special meanings were attached to types of flowers, as well as colors of flowers.

Lovers exchanged flowers that gave guarded and veiled messages to each other.

When you combined the different types of flowers, with certain colors, a very special message was sent to a very deserving someone.

For Valentine’s Day, more than any other day of the year, we are asked over and over for what the colors of Roses mean.  So, I thought I would share some of the meanings with you.

Red Roses — (we all know this one) — means LOVE.

White Rose — stands for Purity, innocence, Secrecy and Silence

Soft pink rose – Perfect happiness

Yellow rose — Delightness, joy, gladness, Freedom and Friendship

Other flowers can have equal meaning:   Red Tulips, as a bunch, can be a declaration of Love…… while Yellow Tulips are a sign of Hopeless Love.  Gardenias  signify Joy.  A forget-me-not means just that — Do not forget me.  Ivy can signify Fidelity and marriage.  An orchid of any variety is a sign of Beauty.

So, as you are thinking about that “perfect” Valentine card or gift, while not send a “Very Secret message”   with Flowers?

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February 5, 2012

Why We do What We Do

Sometimes, people ask me why I design wedding flowers.

Over the years, I have given this question a lot of thought because it can be a very stressful but also very rewarding career.

Just the other day, a note from our December 3, 2011 bride  reminded me again about why I love my work:  Here’s there message:

“Dear Cheryl:

Thank you for the fabulous flowers, centerpieces and trees.  Heinz Chapel was breathtaking too!  Your gift of understanding a bride’s vision will never go un-noticed.  the bouquets were beautiful and they complimented the dresses and tuxes perfectly!  Thank you again and again!  Lindsey B. and Andrew “

A warm glow came over me, and a smile stayed on my face all day that day, as I recalled the flowers we had provided for Lindsey and her bridesmaids and the University Club.    Lindsey is actually the second daughter in this family to use our floral services.  (We did her sister’s flowers a couple of years ago).  My warm glow was in knowing that we had done our very, very best work for our Stunning December bride. …….and that she appreciated it.

Sometimes, it’s just the little things in life that count and make me continue to do what we do best…….try our very best to satisfy all of our brides dreams and desires.

Thanks for allowing us to help you Lindsey….and for the beautiful note!

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August 5, 2011

Pennies from Heaven

Sometimes, the very simplest things are the most awe inspiring to me.

Our Bride and Groom today, Kaitlyn and Dan, had the most wonderful way of remembering a number of family members that were no longer here.  I just had to share their story and thoughts.

As we set up the outdoor garden for the ceremony, I noticed a number of pennies seemingly strewn down the main isle.  I was puzzled.  More pennies than someone who had dropped a few……more like a man with a really big hole in his pocket.

Then I opened their wedding program, and found the meaning of the pennies on the isle.  The pennies were scattered in loving memory of those who were no longer with them.  This poem (source unknown) accompanied the scattered pennies.

When an Angel misses you,

They toss a penny down.

Sometimes just to cheer you up,

or to make a smile from   a frown.

So, don’t pass by that penny,

When you’re feeling blue.

It may be a penny from heaven,

That an Angel has tossed to you.

What a wonderful way to  include and remember those that you care so much about!

Kaitlyn and Dan, my very best to you today…..and thanks for the wonderful  new tradition to share.    Your ceremony was beautiful and very meaningful.                     And……..  I’ll be looking for those pennies.

 

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July 25, 2011

Kids Need Cool Things, Too!

One of the challenges in planning a wedding is how to occupy the energy and the minds of the little flower girls and ring bearers.  After all, they are just little so sometimes the dress is scratchy, the tux is hot, and the new shoes hurt!  Did I mention that they might be a little shy also?

We have found that sometimes the kids just need something familiar and “cool.” So nows the time when we would like to introduce to our teddy bear.

Teddy is a soft and cuddly stuffed teddy bear. His necklace is made from braided ribbons, while enhanced with artificial flowers in the colors of the wedding. Last Saturday’s wedding at Heinz Chapel allowed us to use hot fuchsia and purple colors against a white bear for a stunning contrast.  So, Teddy wears the flowers,and the flower girl holds teddy.  She smiles really nice, is as cute as a button and has a take home forever gift to keep!

We think you will agree that our teddy, who was given the name ”Sammy,” went very well with our wedding colors. Enjoy!

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July 24, 2011

Many Roads Lead To A Pittsburgh Wedding

Sometimes we, who are native “Pittsburghers,” question why we like living here.  Sometimes we have to hear from others why they chose to come here to live.  This was the case with our wedding on July 22, with Caroline and Darius.

Caroline actually came to the USA to play hockey in high school.  Yep, she was recruited from Canada.  She spoke no English at all, only the wonderful French language.  She grew, matured, and went onto college in Northern New England, again playing hockey.  There, she met Darius. Love blossomed. And thus, the frantic job/career moves happened.

Caroline is a Sports Medicine Physical therapist. She and Darius moved to Pittsburgh not too long ago.  She loves her work, and wanted both of their families to become familiar with their new home — Pittsburgh, Pa.

It was our pleasure to plan and execute wedding flowers for their intimate outdoor ceremony and reception last weekend.  It was also great fun to listen to everyone switching languages from French to English back and forth so easily.  (My college French skills are quite rusty, but I was able to catch a few words). Congratulations to Caroline and Darius!  We hope your families enjoyed the city as much as you do!

Below are some photos from Caroline and Darius’s wedding. Check them out!

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July 19, 2011

A Relaxed, But Colorful Bride

Our second wedding on July 16th was with Becky –  the most relaxed and calmest bride I have ever met!

Becky’s bridesmaids wore short, kicky summer dresses in a deep Salmon color.  This was my challenge for the weekend, and I was very concerned that we would get this one right.  When Becky and I first talked, the color was described as a little lighter than it turned out to be.  When I finally saw an actual swatch, the color was much  deeper and bolder.  I knew that the colors of the flowers we originally picked, and actually ordered, would not be right.  So, I began to work my sources and my magic to get the right colors pulled together.

Becky and her maid of honor actually brought a dress over for me to see, and them to see the actual flower on Thursday prior to the wedding.  I was so glad they did, because what I had located was a Great hit.  We actually did Becky’s bouquet with two colors of roses.  Marlyse — the lighter peach roses — is one of my favorites because it has an incredible fragrance.  The darker two toned variety is a new rose to us, but was wonderful in color.

The pictures below don’t do justice to how pretty she and her Bridesmaids look on Saturday.  We hope to post more pictures of this wedding in the near future.

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Becky, thanks again for your trust and your calmness, and for allowing us to “do our thing”.   We loved working with you!

 

Just received this note from Becky:

Dear Cheryl:  Justin and I want to thank your for being such a wonderful, reliable florist.  All of the flowers were gorgeous!  You came up with such a beautiful color scheme that matched the girls’ dresses perfectly.  I really appreciate that you took the time to get the flower colors to look amazing with the dresses.  You are truly gifted, and great at what you do!  Thanks again,

Justin and Becky

Becky, thanks again for allowing us to play a small part in making your big day a wonderful success!

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July 19, 2011

Erin & Mark’s ‘Heinz Field’ Wedding

And no, it was not for a Pittsburgh Steeler!

Did you know that Heinz Field can be rented for weddings and other fun events?  Many people do not know that!  Our wedding on Saturday, July 16th, took us to Heinz Field for both the ceremony and the reception, which took place in the West Club area.

We were able to set up early.  Very, very large carts helped us move all of our equipment, flowers and “stuff” from the loading dock to the club area. Elegant white linens with champagne satin sashes provided the perfect touch to a sports world kind of place. There were also monitors throughout the club that had Erin and Mark’s name on it. What fun!

We finished rather quickly, and then returned later in the day with the personal flowers and bouquets.  Erin was a very understated, classic bride.  However, her dress had lots of detail and bling! Her handsome groom, in his dress uniform, is an active duty member of the US Coast Guard.

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More pictures will be posted later — but we just wanted to tease you a little!  Oh, and what is a wedding at Heinz Field without a Steelers Cake for the Groom? Just the right touch, but a total opposite of the elegant wedding cake Erin chose.

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July 11, 2011

Bright Colors & Bling Bring Fun!

St Bernard’s Church in Mt Lebanon, Pa is a grand, very stately Catholic church and was the setting for Deidra’s very bold and bright wedding on 7/9/11.

Everyone marches to a different tune when choosing their bouquet, and Deidra’s tune was the color pink!  She also requested that we include some “bling” in her bouquet. Deidra carried a round bouquet of all hot-pink Ravel roses, accented with crystals.

The bridesmaids dresses were a watermelon color, which meant not pink, not red and not coral. More so one of what we call an ”in between” color. To tackle our “watermelon” dilema,  we did not try to match the dress color, but complimented it instead. The flowers we created turned out to be a perfect accent!

Below are pictures of the pompadour ball that Deidra’s flower girl held.  This  placecard table piece could also be a perfect addition to a bright pink wedding!

We think these colors were just the right combinations for a 90 degree summer July day, and our bride who loved the color pink!

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July 10, 2011

Classic Brides Are Always In Style

On Saturday, July 9th, we had the pleasure of providing our bride Deanna with very classic flowers for her up-scale Wedding.  The ceremony took place at Duquesne  University’s Chapel, with a full Catholic mass and was followed by an evening reception at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott located  in Moon Township.

Deanna asked us to create a “classic and clean” look for her.  She loved Callas!!

We supplied large clear glass urns, filled with full-sized, open cut calla lilies at the Chapel.  The bridesmaids all carried a clutch of 4 large callas, as well.  Deanna’s bouquet consisted of 36 miniature white callas, which complimented her very stylish dress nicely.

After the ceremony, the large urns of callas were moved to the reception to decorate the luscious Pittsburgh cookie tables that flanked each side of the ballroom.  Huge clouds of white hydrangea were suspended over each guest table as a centerpiece.  The accents of silver branches incorporated into the centerpieces drew the eyes to the twinkling lights on the ceiling.

A grand time was had by all (as we have been told).  Congratulations to Deanna and Mark! 

Below are some pictures from Deanna’s wedding. Take a look at the big and beautiful calla lilies!

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July 8, 2011

Hot Days Call For Happy Brides!

Sometimes a hot day and hot, hot colors just seem to fit together so well. Below are some pictures from our very happy June   18th bride, Ashley:

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Ashley also sent us a small message along with her photographs;

“Cheryl,

Thank you again for all that you did to make our wedding day FABULOUS!! The flowers were gorgeous and all the help you gave during the ceremony was amazing and our day was perfect!! As promised I wanted to send you a few of the pictures with the flowers!  Also thank you for the beautiful job you did with the kissing balls and centerpieces!
 
Best Wishes,
Ashley”
 
Thank YOU Ashley for sending us your photos and your kind words. We loved having you as one of our brides and are thrilled that you were satisfied with our services!

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