We're getting a shopmate!

Vintage, made modern. ... Is it flowers? Well, it could be. But this time, it isn't.

Just to share some info on what's going on at 'The Hill'-

First, we've quietly celebrated our tenth anniversary in May. Why so quiet? Because, honestly we had so much going on in May and June -thankfully- we've had to put off the celebrating a bit. We'll celebrate, a bit more loudly this fall during our Open house.

Along with celebrating our tenth anniversary, we'll also be celebrating a new 'look' in the shop. Currently, we're in the middle of a re-do at the shop. We'll be making some visual changes, moving our consult area and most importantly- we'll begin designing on the floor. Yes, you can pop in the shop and stroll into the design room and watch the magic happen.

As if those things aren't cool enough our next big announcement is....we're getting a shop mate!!

Swell Dwellings will be opening a working studio inside Lavender Hill!! They'll be available by appointment only. 

Founded by Kristen Reinhart Davis in 2011, Swell Dwellings focuses on modern upholstery and furniture redesign. They'd love to help you recover a sentimental piece or even find a fabulous new-to-you piece that would be the perfect addition to your home. They believe that every piece of furniture deserves a second chance to be gorgeous. 

They can also tackle headboards, ottomans, and many other projects. Just ask!

If you'd like to meet regarding a project contact Kristen via swelldwell@gmail.com.

Visit their website at  http://itsaswelllife.com Their goal is to be officially 'in' in September. So, be sure to check back and enjoy the changes in the mean time.

Pop in the shop for some beautiful flowers. While you're there, you can pick up a gift, work on some decorating ideas for your furniture and let us create a beautiful permanent arrangement for your home, to go with that snazzy newly upholstered piece of furniture. It's a win-win all the way around.

Some awesome news to share... This time tomorrow, one of our designers- Jessica, will be in Miami at one of the biggest floral events in our industry- The National Floral Symposium- hosted by the American Institute of Floral Designers. This year's theme- Caliente!

Jessica received a scholarship to attend. She was one of only few, out of many applicants, to receive the scholarship. While there, she will spend quite a bit of her time in the design room. She has been given a great opportunity to be one of three designers on the design team of 

Master Dutch Designer, Pim van Den Akker. This is only one aspect of what Jessica will be doing while in Miami. 

She will also be attending educational seminars, and the induction dinner celebrating the newest members being added to the AIFD family of designers. This event is a floral feast for the eyes.

We're excited to share with all of our clients and floral friends, our commitment to our flowers and the importance of continuing education.

We look forward to following Jesssica's floral adventures, photos and fun.

Well, our big day has taken place. My darling daughter and her beloved were married this past weekend. I was busy being the Mother of the Bride, so I don't have many photos to post. Fortunately, we had a great photographer in the fab duo of Jessie and her husband Chris from Kriech-Higdon Photography. I look forward to seeing the rest of their amazing work.

Our vendors included.. Huber's Winery- ceremony and reception,  http://www.huberwinery.com/5/Weddings__Events   

Kriech-Higdon Photography,  http://www.kriech-higdonphoto.com/main.php#home/

Planned Perfection/ Stephanie MacDonald was our coordinator, she's super organized and kept things running smoothly   http://plannedperfectionevents.com. 

Wedding cake -by the amazing Adrienne's and Company  http://cakestoday.com/

Comfy Cow-  http://thecomfycow.com   and their delicious ice cream was an unexpected treat for the guests. 

Sound Specialists   http://www.soundspecialistdjs.com   kept the guest dancing and did a wonderful job at illuminating the room.

The whole event was captured on video, which I so look forward to viewing, by 750four Production http://750fourweddings.com/louisville-wedding-video.html

Linens by Chaney's Event Rentals dressed the tables beautifully so our flowers had a beautiful place to sit upon.  http://www.chaneyseventrentals.com/

Accommodations for traveling guests were made at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside. www.sheraton.com/Louisville

Magnolia Photo Booth kept people entertained while not on the dance floor.

http://www.magbooth.com/

Officiant, Gary Fields   http://www.louisvilleweddingofficiant.com/

And last but not least..  Invitations, additional linens, rental decor and of course, flowers all from Lavender Hill.

We had a wonderful evening with family and friends who traveled from near and far.

Make it personal..

That fun cake doesn't have to be just for the groom.  After all, it IS your wedding... and it will be your bridal shower, too. So, for the lucky family and friends planning this fun get together- make it personal!

At a recent bridal shower, the bride- a HUGE Harry Potter fan- [not in just a geekey way-she's also an English teacher], was in awe of the amazing cake celebrating her love of the wizard friends. The mother of the bride, knew the cake was going to be amazing, but even she didn't expect what she saw.  The immensely talented professional baker, who also happens to be a friend of the family- was not just asked to create the bride's shower cake, but, also her wedding cake. So, how does a baker WOW the client not just once but twice? Surprise the bride, mother of the bride, and guests with detail beyond their wildest imagination.

To say the cake was really nice, is an understatement. This cake had so much detail, creativity and love in it -it was like the guests received a gift also; and they did- a very delicious one. I don't believe I've ever witnessed so many guests take photos of a cake at a bridal shower.

So, aside from the obvious- it was an amazing cake- why did this cake get such rave reviews and so many posts on Facebook? because it was so personalized. The bride felt the connection to something she was passionate about. Guests at most bridal showers don't see themed cakes for the bride- they usually see it for the groom- at the wedding reception. It was a welcomed surprise to what most people will assume will just be food, presents and bridal shower games. The cake truly became a feature point which encouraged conversation between guests, many of whom did not know each other.

The point of all this? As I've posted many times..it's your wedding- in this case, your bridal shower- for those hosting or planning it- make it personal. All of the details, make the experience shared by family and friends, an even more memorable one. The details do matter. Enjoy.

Why waste money on Flowers?? They're just going to die.

Why waste your money on flowers?? No one is going to remember them. They're just going to die. Who cares? Not a priority. I hear this all the time. I am a professional florist, so I cringe when I hear this- sorry, but I do.

I could say the same thing about selecting a great menu- most brides and grooms, barely get to eat at their wedding. Why bother selecting anything other than the basics? Who remembers the music? I mean really? A cake is how much??- Heck you could 'just get sheet cakes' no one will know. And what about that dress? Really two thousand dollars for a dress you'll only wear once? Well, the photographers charge too much also, but- you've got to have photos.. Think about it.. what is in those photos?? That dress, you eating, dancing, that cake and those darn flowers!!

It does matter. All of these things; because it’s your wedding. It’s not just a get –together. It’s a significant day in your lives. Make it better than normal. Choosing the right flowers and floral designer can help do that- making it better than normal.

As a florist, I can honestly say- flowers can be expensive. But, the right flowers in the right professional’s hands can become worth every penny and more. Why? Because the most perfect flowers are used to create maximum effect, because they transform vacant hands, a vacant lapel, a vacant ceremony or reception location, a vacant table. Their mere presence is and can be, visually transforming- even in their simplest form. And, only an experienced, educated, professional florist knows how to use just the right blossoms and foliage to give you the most visual impact for the dollars you choose to invest. Given a small budget, using the most minimal of flowers in the correct form can also transform a space. It's not just what you have, it's knowing how to use it. We're all heard that line before- and it's true.

A professional, experienced florist will look at a space with a different perspective. Their experience will help transform your space because they will know where to place focus and know where and how to detract that same focus, need be. The same applies for the right blossoms complimenting the details of your wedding attire. They'll know exactly what will make everything just click and come together.

When choosing your florist, look at their portfolio. Do you feel they understand your vision and are you willing to listen to their advice? The vendor/client relationship has to match. Be honest and open with your budget. You cannot expect mega flowers on a small budget. This is where the experience of hiring a professional will be invaluable. They can transform a space if the budget is realistic and they can offer creative ideas if the budget doesn’t match the vision.

Once you receive your proposal and contract review that and be sure to ask any questions. If you plan to retain their services, let them know in a timely manner- dates book quickly.

Enjoy the process, but don’t micro manage the details. Let the professional worry about the little things- they’re very good at it. Remember, when you’re walking down that aisle, you have their name in your hands. No professional, will allow anything but perfection representing themselves. So rest assured, your flowers will be perfect.

I found 'The Dress'

I mentioned on a previous post, a bit earlier in the summer.. my daughter is getting married this June.

The issue wasn't her dress, it was mine. She had a very good idea of what she was looking for and found it quite quickly- first time out. She went dress shopping with her girls- and picked about eight dresses and the one she really wanted. She tried them all on but 'the one'. She said she wanted to wait until I was there when she finally put it on. [Which I thought was so, very sweet.] It was 'the one'. She 'SaidYesToTheDress.' I really look forward to seeing her in her beautiful dress complete with her amazing shoes and beautiful long veil, on her big day.- And of course, with her flowers. I wonder who she'll have do them ? ;)

So, now that she has hers...what am I supposed to wear? Now, I understand what every other mother of the bride has gone through trying to find, -'their dress'.

She did give me some guide lines... nothing frumpy, no jackets, basically- The Mrs. Doubtfire Spring Collection. Not like I'd ever wear that. So, I'm not in the wedding party, but technically, my husband, daddy of the bride- and I are the hosts. So, I wanted something to compliment the bridal party but not look like I'm one of them.

So, when she got the call her dress came in, she and I did look together while at the bridal salon. I did find one there, I liked it, but honestly, I really didn't want to wear black to my daughter's wedding. Or, a long dress, which it was. We'll be outside for the ceremony.

While out the other evening, I popped in to the mall- just to look. And low and behold, on a rack, was this dress. The right color, the right style, size and length. Just enough bling- I slipped it on and said- YES. Well, alrighty then. I can check that off my list. Now, I just have to find shoes.

It's all falling into place and I know June will be here so quickly. I'm glad I got one biggie off my to-do list. Now, I can focus on her shower...... and all of my other Brides planning their big day.

We're on Pintrest

It was just a matter of time, really. Pintrest, like many things, can be a good thing or moments in time you will never get back. If you have an account, you know exactly what I'm writing about. Time completely disappears when you're on your account. So, with that in mind, I've decided to spend my time on it in limited spans and for my client's benefit.

Our new Pintrest account is for our wedding and event clients. During our consultations, I often share photos from our personal collection- our own actual design work, as well as our floral friends. So, I figured we'll share this on a larger scale through Pintrest. Then our clients can take their time and also come better prepared for their appointments. They've gotten the 'Sneak Peek'.

I was a bit surprised to see how many people started 'Liking' and 'Repinning' within minutes of me uploading. I think it will become a great source for viewing a larger collection our photos. We'll also have photos of rentals we have available in-house.

I've noticed a number of people following us already. Please note, we will try and keep our following limited to floral industry friends. We want to keep our focus on images we feel will be helpful to our clients. We also want to select images from flower friends with design styles similar to our own.

Happy Pinning!