(#16) Just a glimpse...

of tomorrow's real wedding! See you back here!

Photo by Jen and Jody Photography.

I'm still here...

but the inevitable crazy days of the busy wedding season have hit. Surviving on Trader Joe's frozen goods, setting the sprinkler to cover the whole garden in one quick swath, putting a little more Sesame Street on, and running to the wholesale house at 5 am. But LOVING...having a wonderful new assistant, a studio full of a zillion orchids, blog readers that leave the sweetest comments about old photos and milestones, brides that invite me to their rehearsal dinner because now we're just good friends (thanks K.! I'm so excited for you this weekend!), and memories of Hayes eating oozing smore's last weekend.

See you soon!

Alexa

Real Weddings: Steve + Lex

Did you catch that? Yes, today is the actual big day (10 years!), and I decided to be brave and post a few photos from July 25, 1998. I feel a little nervous sharing these...it was before the day of "photojournalist" style photography, before the day I did event design professionally, and I just don't usually post pictures of myself on here. And because people always ask if we were twelve when we got married when they see these. We weren't. So here goes...


The 1998 version of photojournalist photography: have subjects pretend to look at a bracelet. But it does show my bouquet; fragrant multi-colored sweet peas from my mother's garden. I did all the bouquets, but none of the other flowers so that I could enjoy the day. Sweet peas have special meaning in our family, and although I love creating lush displays of orchids and garden roses and peonies for clients, I would have this same bouquet for myself if getting married today.
With Robin, my maid of honor and lifelong friend. I just had lunch with her today--I love that she has always been a special part of my life and will always be around. I absolutely treasure our friendship.


One of my favorite pictures from the day...maybe because it's one of the few that captures a real moment! Right before the ceremony all of the girls and I realized we were starving, and found (and attacked!) a bag of peanut butter cups. I'm sure it made for a lovely "you may now kiss the bride" for Steve!


Steve and a couple of his peeps. Nate and Steve went to elementary school together, and Johnny was Steve's roommate for all four years of college. He also happens to be my oldest friend since we've been friends since kindergarten.


We had a major cake snafu a few days before the wedding, so ended up with a buffet of gorgeous and tasty french pastries and tarts (and one tiny wedding cake). It actually was the best mistake ever!


For all of you just starting out, I know it felt like ten years was so far away back then. But how it has flown! I am so blessed to have spent these years with someone I truly love and who treats me like I'm a gift. I think that marriage can feel like a journey, a bumpy road, a refuge, a big ol' pile of work, and a joyful, comforting home. Thanks for hangin' with me Steven.

(#15) Just a glimpse...

of quite possibly my favorite wedding photo ever. By the super talented Heather Gilson of One Love Photo. Peonies, lanterns, pretty hair and pretty dresses...what else do you need in a wedding shot?

Takin' care of business...

Back from vacation, and a few things need to be taken care of. Here goes:

1. Rebekah, Becky, Tjada, Caitlyn, and Peonies and Polaroids...please e-mail me (ajohnson@fioreblossoms.com) your mailing address so that I can drop your copies of Bride & Groom in the mail. Enjoy! (And Cara--was it Once Wed that posted those cute books for guests to write in? I could be wrong...I'm trying to write quickly today and am not checking my facts at all! But I think I saw them there a few weeks ago...).

Update: If these are the ones, it WAS Once Wed. Such a cute do-it-yourself project (Once Wed has the directions!) and a great way to get guests talking at the table.



2. Fiore fresco is now listed on Delightful Blogs...what fun! And go rate it here if you're in the mood.


3. I love this Alexander McQueen creation from this month's Vanity Fair (modelled by Daphne Guinness). Just thought you should know.


4. My vacation? Let's just stay it started here...


and then involved rhubarb mojitos, an excuse to don a dress each night, an amazing artist that might just have changed my entire perspective on design and art, Michelin stars, jumping into a trough of mud, a great book, a three course breakfast each morning at the most charming inn, a piece of junk hoopdie, and a lot of time with seven other people that I totally adore. Oops--eight. I also met the most precious little baby girl, and can't wait to watch her grow up and experience the world. It was heaven.

5. Elizabeth Anne Designs launched their new EAD Library today. It's a comprehensive listing of wedding vendors across the country, compiled from real brides with real reviews etc. Vendors do not pay to be listed--so you know they are there because someone like them. What a great new resource!



I think that covers it! I'm off to catch up on paperwork and e-mails before I head out again for a few days. This time to the gorgeous San Juan islands closer to home. Have a good one!

more beauties...

from Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom. I have a weakness for gorgeous bags, and think that these are perfect. For brides or otherwise. Like me. (Oh, and last day for this.)

too beautiful to eat?

I think not. From CAKE, via Summer 2008 Seattle Met B & G. Get yours here, for zero $. Not the cake--the magazine.

(The description at the top of the page says..."white chocolate ganache and passion fruit mousse flavor the velvety white cake concealed underneath vanilla bean Italian meringue buttercream". Doesn't it sound dreamy?)

(#14) Just a glimpse...

of bittersweet cuff links.

Photo by a couple of my very fave Seattle girls, One Thousand Words Photography.

Beautiful tabletop

from The Adventure School; via the Summer 2008 issue of Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom. Don't forget to leave on comment on yesterday's post to win a copy!

A treat for me...

and a treat for you!

I'm heading out for a much anticipated, long awaited, and very neccessary vacation tomorrow--to celebrate 10 years of marriage, really good friendships, and wonderful food and wine. It's going to be a heavenly little sojurn to Napa with some of the best people on earth.


While I'm away though, I've planned a treat for you as well! The fabulous folks at Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom just sent five copies of their brand new, hot off the presses issue...for you! So, I'll be showing little snippets each day while I'm away, and as soon as I get back, will announce who will be receiving their own copies.

If you don't live in Seattle, you might not be familiar with our little hometown mag. It's gorgeous. It's huge (more like a coffee table book size, not a normal 8.5" x 11" shrimpy size). It has brilliant ideas. I'll pay the postage to wherever...so definitely enter so that you can get your hands on a copy!

To get one, please just leave a comment on this post, with a little note (it can be brief!) describing your favorite wedding or decorating detail you've seen lately. (Me? Do not ask me to pick a favorite between the bubble table and tie tree. Impossible.) Five readers will be chosen at random when I return next week. Have fun (I know I will be)!

Happy Tuesday

Go enjoy the out of doors.

Photo from Tine K via Decor8.

(#13) Just a glimpse...

of lacy paper.

Love this paper lace available through The Altered Abbey. It comes in a zillion colors and is totally affordable (350 yds for $19.00!). The possibilities are endless. (Check here for a few ideas...)

week in review {july 12 edition}

I've been having such a wonderful summer...sunshine (finally! it was a long time coming in seattle this year), weddings, friends, fresh fruit, swimming...so the blogging has fallen behind. And I hope you don't mind, because I certainly don't! So last week's round-up, on Monday.

Fabulous rugs from 0900 Design via Housemartin.

Lots of gorgeous pink weddings on The Bride's Cafe this week...

but my favorite detail was Christina & Chad's tie tree. They invited all the gentlemen to loosen up their ties and hang 'em on a tree. The perfect way to let everyone know they are about to have a good time...and a great photo op!

Such a sinister, arresting, and strangely beautiful photo on Cherry Coloured this week. I just recently started reading Nyla's blog, and it's fascinating!

A lovely little bedroom from Bodie and Fou, papered in pages from Pride and Prejudice. Wouldn't you love to curl up with a book here on a quiet afternoon?

And A Cup of Jo wrote about a sweet gift. Abby's husband gave her 52 envelopes--each one filled with a little love note and just enough cash to run across the street to the flower shop and get a bouquet every week for a year. Lovely! See them here.

(#12) Just a glimpse...

of me, the chic and stylish florist, looking gorgeous in my super cute vintage studio, dreaming up a new amazing creation...


(Not at all, but I'm so glad Anthropologie thinks my job is so glamorous! When working, I'm actually usually a little stressed and harried looking, with my cozy fleece and comfy shoes on, and my hair in a messy ponytail. Lately, there's been a little Cake and Candlebox on in the background. No time for dreamy contemplation...maybe I need to try the wool tights.)

Branching out

Love the huge impact and drama from these sandlblasted branches and moss balls at Japonaise. All three restaurants (New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas) feature the signature "orb tree". A huge statment piece for a not-so-huge budget. Uplighting adds even more drama...as would some great hanging lanterns in interesting shapes/colors.


A close-up of the hand-blown glass at the base (Note: this is where the budget starts to fall apart)

The adjoining wall of the New York restaurant also features balls of moss with votive lighting. Modern, organic, unique...love it! Interior design of the restaurants by Jeffrey Beers.

Real Weddings: Cat + David

Chenin Boutwell from Boutwell Studio (and blog Afternoon Delight) shot these amazing photos and has graciously shared them here today. Cat and David had a gorgeous wedding at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. I am told by so many brides that they want a "casual but elegant" wedding. This one got it just right.

I always have to show the dress first. Will I ever tire of this shot? I think not.


Such a gorgeous image of Cat coming down the aisle.

Their boys participated in the sand ceremony to symbolize becoming a new family. These are the moments that make me love weddings!

Reception details. Love the little bird images. And have you noticed Chenin's logo on the pictures? How perfect.

I do love flowers and fashion, but this is my favorite shot of the day. Chenin--you are a rock star! Thank you so much for sharing your work. (more pictures here!)

week in review {july 05 edition}

This is so late...not a lot of blog reading happened during holiday prep/holiday celebrating/holiday clean-up and a wedding. I still haven't had time to sit down with my lovely Google Reader, but here's what I was loving early in the week. Maybe an extended version for next week!

Abby from Style Me Pretty planned such a fun week! A color palette contest, with tons of gorgeous reader created inspiration boards. What I loved? Seeing the inspiration shot, and then how it translates into a wedding.

I have got to get my ice cream maker going. I can't wait to try Chocolate & Zucchini's recipe for Pistachio Gelato.

A breathtaking wedding appeared this week...on the talented blogs from Michelle Engvall and Michele M. Waite. Everything was spectacular; the color combinations (turquoise and scarlet), the cylinders of koi, the fiery red chandelier, the vintage bike. Such great details!

Martha B. has us getting ready for Christmas already. I appreciate the inspiration because every year when December rolls around I wish that I had started earlier to do something new and crafty. This is the picture I keep coming back to. (Originally from: Yarn Market News. Photograph by: Rose Callahan)