Wedding Show at Earle Brown Center

It was a marvelous show!  Thank you to all who stopped out to visit the Intuitive Blooms booth.
Here are a few recaps of the show in case you missed it!  Visit my facebook page for more images of the flowers!

Professional pictures from Kate Botwinski

From the August 20th wedding.  Pro pictures done by the wonderful Kate Botwinski!
For more information on this talented lady contact her here:
Kate Botwinski Photography
940-337-9194
http://katebotwinskiphotography.com/

Fall weddings!

October was a great month for super cool wedding flowers!

Looking forward to the variety in November, where one weekend is tropical getaways and the next is nostalgic, vintage!  

A note about the new vase rental policy

As of November 1st, 2010 I am adding an additional rental contract for brides looking to rent out glassware, vase fillers and other decorative accents from Intuitive Blooms. As the original contract states, rental items need to come back in pristine conditions. I have not seen this happen as often as I should with my rental items, in specific glassware and river rocks.
This new contract will include a detailed list of items rented, as well as a tiered pricing system for rentals. The pricing system will be based upon the quantity of vases rented and any vase fillers (river rock, crystals, water pearls, Etc). A separate damage deposit check will now be needed to rent these items. If all items return to me in clean, like new condition, your damage deposit will be returned to you or shredded (your preference). This will not be an astronomical amount (expect on average about $2.00 per vase), just enough to cover my time if I need to be staning over my sink washing vases. As always, if a vase breaks, you will be responsible to pay full cost of the vase.
I will be posting on the website both contracts available for download this weekend.
Vase washing is just like any other dish washing experience. If the vases are small enough, you can run them through your dish washer. This goes the same with river rock or crystals. If that is not an option, a good quality dish washing soap and a sponge or clean toilet scubber (for tall vases) is suitable. I like using the blue colored Dawn dish soap, because it rinses well and doesn't leave water spotting. Don't worry about drying the vases with a cloth, air drying is the best to avoid lint fuzzies or streaks. River rock can be wiped with a sponge or cloth, rinsing doesn't work the greatest. You wouldn't believe how slimy they can get when mixed with flowers! Use more caution when washing crystals. I do not use the glass water pearls, but use a high quality crushed recycled glass that looks like raw diamond. Because it is made of recycled glass, the edges can be sharp. I have never cut myself, but want to warn you about them! If there are any questions about vase rentals or care of vases, please email or call me.

Lime and plum deliciousness

After playing catch up with posting new bouquets on the blog, I almost forgot about these ones!!  This was in mid August and so unique!

Classic Roses and Hydrangea

Every once in a while I still get the request for classic roses and hydrangea.  I still love that foo-foo classic look... I guess I'm a hopeless romantic at heart!  Couldn't let the funkiness get away though, we pulled out some bold colors for the bridesmaids!!

Early September Photos

Just a select few I got from the photographer's website.  The flowers were stunning and the photographer really captured the essence of everything.  Very fun flowers!

Ending August with Gerbera Daisies

This was a fun wedding, full of gerbera daisies!  Full, coinciding with LOTS!

Wedding at the Refuge

Thought I'd play a little catch up with the wedding photos!  August kept me very busy and also produced some gorgeous wedding flowers.
Here's a little sliver of what happened for mid-August.  Remember, I have a ton more photos on my Facebook page too!

Reception set up at the Refuge Golf Course in East Bethel.

Calla lilies & Orchids - Love it!

Quick pictures of a recent wedding from last weekend, calla lilies, large cymbidium orchids & flax made these bouquets super classy.  More pictures can be seen on my facebook fan page!  Intuitive Blooms

Why don't you just rave about it?

I'll dedicate this little feature for added commentary on how I'm doin.'  Sometimes it's just encouraging to hear what others have to say!  Any feedback is appreciated and can be left here or on my facebook page : Facebook Fan Page of Intuitive Blooms under the review tab.

Common questions about flowers

It's time I post something that would be helpful for everyone (plus, actually get a chance to actually blog!). : )

My inspiration comes from the Minnesota Bride Resource Guide and it has some awesome pointers about flowers that I figured everyone could use.

The article mentions tradition in bridal bouquets being white. Currently brides are pulling in their favorite colors into their bouquets. To add personal touch, blooms from the brides (or families) gardens are incorporated also. When it comes to wedding flowers, find inspiration from the world around you! (and I would agree 100%!).

Finding a florist can be a feat. While you're out and about, attending other weddings, ask for referrals from friends or the manager at your reception site. Start shopping for a florist several months before the wedding date (sooner if you have a popular month here in Minnesota!). There are florists and there are floral designers - if your wedding site has some aesthetic challenges, you'll want to call upon someone who calls him or herself a designer.

It's a good idea to talk to several florists or designers in order to find someone whose style matches yours.

Your contract with the florist should stipulate the delivery time and date, the total price and the cancellation policy. Can the florist guarantee freshness or that the product will be available? If product is unavailable, is there an acceptable substitution? You may be required to put down a deposit. The article mentions to not pay the entire bill until the flowers are delivered, but most florists will decline that. Typically, payments are made a week or two ahead of time.

Bridal Bouquets:

There are several styles of bouquets, most common is a handtied bouquet (sometimes called a nosegay). Cascading bouquets are also starting to make a comeback in Europe. They are definitely not the same as your mother's bouquet from the 1970s! They are turning into almost sculptural, glorious & stylish bouquets that have movement and sophistication to them. Crescent or arm bouquets are ones that nestles onto the brides arm (like a pageant bouquet). Toss bouquets are also great to have in case you plan on preserving your bridal bouquet.

Brides Attendants:

Your maid of honor might have a bouquet that is slightly larger or a little different in color.

Corsages & Boutonnieres:

This is where I receive the most questions! Who gets what and where you "draw the line" as I call it is always difficult! Here is what the article has to say: Grandmothers & Mothers corsages should be chosen with their dresses in mind. Boutonnieres for the groom's attendants, the ring bearer, ushers, fathers & grandfathers will likely consist of a single blossom. They should all be the same, while the grooms' boutonniere might be a little different or more elaborate. I always suggest the groom match a flower from the bride's bouquet and the groomsmen get something similar and complimentary to the bridesmaids. This way it looks great in the photographs and everything blends great!

Ceremony & Reception:

Flowers at the ceremony are used to draw attention to the altar, whether it is an arch, chuppah, outdoors, indoors, etc. The aisle can be decorated with flowers and ribbons, wreaths, topiaries or hanging pomanders. Wreaths and pomanders can be used as centerpieces for the reception, so always consider versatility in your floral arrangements. Table decorations should compliment linens and create an intimate and warm feeling at the table. Table decorations can be low or tall depending on the look you'd like to achieve at the reception hall.

Pro Photos from June Wedding!

Very excited to showcase some beautiful photography by Photobox Studio/Anlin Zen Photography!

The Walker Art Center was a great place to shoot!

Wedding photos - love them peonies!

I had a blast arranging the flowers for this wedding, the color palate was so soft and elegant that any flowers would have looked great together. I do enjoy getting some free rein when it comes to design also! : ) The last picture is the surprise lounge table piece I created for the bride - though originally supposed to be 4 squares on one table, we had to improvise once we got the reception hall and divide up my vases for 2 tables.

The brides bouquet was nothing short of stunning. Packing in 6 inch diameter peonies as focal points and collaring them with large cymbidium orchids. Delightful!

The bridesmaids bouquets were also a combination of light pink and hot pink peonies tangled with some calla lilies and bear grass. The look was kept very simple and classy, definitely drawing most attention to the flowers and reflecting the simplicity of the bridesmaids knee length dresses.

These were originally to be all calla lilies, but mother nature threw a curve ball and grew teeny tiny white calla lilies. The addition of the peonies was a sure bet!

The super fun lounge table design. The charcoal grey river rock really complimented the grey linens for the sitting area and adding a nice contrasting background to the floating peonies and swirling calla lilies. They would have been lost on the white linens.

These would be great for a long rectangle guest tables too - for those looking for something more unique and contemporary.

More images of the wedding can be found on my website : www.intuitiveblooms.com

Since we've booked with you, what happens if...

The end of summer and fall is looking jammed packed! I'm booked solid through August, picking up in September and am booking weekends in October & November already.

It has raised a few questions about booking flower with me, that I thought I would answer - I guess it can coincide with booking with any independent florist. It's the question of "what happens if you have an emergency and can't deliver my flowers?"

I have already told my clients, that unless I am on my death bed, you will be receiving your flowers. I am very dedicated to my passion and you have to keep in mind that this is my job. It's just not a fun 'hobby', this is my profession. You should expect the same professionalism in every aspect (product, design, delivery, set up, etc.) with an independent florist as you would at a retail operation.

But, things can happen... In the event that something does happen to your florist, ask their back up plan. I myself have surrounded myself with creative colleagues that are fully capable of completing bouquets and getting them delivered to the appropriate locations.

I Do Redo Sale photos

The show was SO MUCH FUN, I had a blast meeting with everyone and sharing ideas and inspirations.

Just wanted to pop a few pictures from the show on the blog, for those unable to attend. I brought several different bouquets and my large branchy piece with orchids and roses.

I also have accumulated some fantastic resin candle pillars from the sale. They will make fantastic pedestals for guest table floral arrangements.

Long overdue : A little about myself

I figured today I would blog a bit about myself and my background. I have had many people ask, what do you do, how did you get started with this? Many questions that deserve a righteous explanation for choosing me as your florist for the most important day of your life!

I was born with an artistic ability. Seriously!, I remember friends from pre-school commissioning me with cookies and candy to draw and paint them pictures. It has of course snowballed since then! My resume for art awards is a long one, from regional to national attention at an art show & competition in Washington DC - awesome trip!

I have been dabbling with floral education and experience since 2000, where I began taking horticulture and floriculture classes way back in high school. I did not pursue this venture after graduation by going to a technical college or anything like that for my formal education, but ventured out into the art world at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, then transferring to a more professional and challenging curriculum at the nationally acclaimed Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in the Fine Arts.

In between my college studies, I began working with a premier floral shop in the northwest metro called Maple Grove Floral. I began there as the bucket scrubbing sales clerk and grew into the wedding consultant and then manager within a couple years.

During my time at Maple Grove Floral, I have created dream weddings for many, many brides and clients around the state of Minnesota, as well as orchestrating my design team with delivery and set up, wedding shows and other special events.

I recently decided that I wanted to become more specialized in the wedding industry and was offered a job to become assistant manager at the Little Bridal Shop in Rogers, which allowed me to freelance myself out as an independent florist.

I enjoy being independent, as I can break the boundaries with budget and design. I don't have the overhead from a retail location weighing me down any more! I launched 'Intuitive Blooms' in January 201o and it has been a dream! I'll continue to do the bridal shows and expos when I can, showing ways to break the mold of traditional design, plus show ways to break the cycle of high price tag weddings! Though I do have The Knot, practically knocking my door down to join with them (she loves my work)! I invite you to follow my blog or my facebook to keep up to speed with my designs and personal adventures!

Free Tickets to the I Do Redo Sale!

Contact me on how to receive your free tickets to the I Do Redo Sale in Maple Grove on April 17th.

There will be a ton of great vendors there from planners to linens, as well as a wedding dress consignment area with dressing rooms to try them on!

It's going to be a great time!

www.idoredosale.com

Flowers and Feathers and Horns, oh my!

I've been hearing comments about some of the floral photography, including the pheasant wings and white tail deer skulls. Granted I would not do that for any client, unless specified to (I keep thinking of a gorgeous cascading head table piece with antlers though!).

I only use my props to help accentuate color and texture with the flowers. It also compliments the softness and femininity of the flowers, in contrast to something more rigid and masculine.

Though, my main reason is to play a little homage to a great American woman artist named Georgia O'Keefe. She had a wonderful gift that could "capture the essence of [the] natural beauty". I highly respect her artwork, it is gorgeous.

If you'd like to familiarize yourself with one of my creative inspirations, visit her online museum : Georgia O'Keefe.

Daisy the Flower Dog!

My faithful little companion, helping me do some flowers. Or mostly keeping me company!

I always thought it would be so fun to do a "flower dog" collar. I have seen it done before and figured I should at least try it on my own fur ball!

The collar is basically a heavy duty lei that fits securely around the dog's neck like a standard collar would. Depending on the size of the dog, you would want something that is proportional to your own pup. Larger dogs would benefit from flowers like roses, large cymbidium orchids, gerbera daisies, while the smaller toy dogs could wear lighter and daintier flowers such as spray roses, dendrobium or mokara orchids, miniature gerbera daisies, etc.

It's important to know which flowers are going to be mildly or very toxic to your dog! I would recommend staying away from lilies, carnations, daisies and larkspur - these can cause gastro upsets (or worse) for your furry friends on your wedding day! A great website to find whether your flowers or house plants are toxic or not is from the ASPCA Poison Control.

Going to the I Do Redo Sale!

I would like to announce that Intuitive Blooms will be at the I Do Redo Sale on April 17th at the Maple Grove Community Center!

More information will be provided later!

Thoughts for planning wedding flowers

Wondering when a good time to find a florist for your wedding?

It is always helpful for you to begin talking with a florist after you have decided wedding attire for yourself and your bridesmaids. In rare instances, I have spoken to brides who would like to decide flowers before the dresses are picked out. This method works fairly well, in cases that you are very particular about flowers matching specific colors for dresses.

As a general rule of thumb for the Minnesota climate is that summer and fall weddings should be planned out further in advance, than a wedding planned for the winter/spring months. 6 - 12 months is generally a good time to book with a florist in the more popular wedding months, while 3 - 6 months is adequate time for the more "off months".

I like to reiterate that florist do book up quickly, especially the good ones! Just because you are thinking of flowers for an August wedding, doesn't mean that the florist has that weekend available to service you. Most offer floral services on a first come, first serve basis.

And it begins with a business card,

I'm going to begin a very simple referral perk for anyone who suggests my services. Ask me how to be a part of it and how to get your slice of the deal!

I'm looking for a few good "scouters" that are willing to hand out business cards on a need by need basis.

It begins

Thanks for visiting my newly acquired blog!

I will update the blog as much as I can with information on weddings, happenings and photos of flowers of interest.

I'd like to start by sharing this blog from a florist in Michigan. Her flowers are gorgeous! Love the textural qualities, but I think they are a little heavy with the foliages...

http://floralverde.com/blog/