The "Orchids Team" is Back, and This Time, for Good!

After a lengthy hiatus from proper blogging, we are back with a fresh outlook for the 2012 wedding season.  Our design assistant and new blog author, Raisa, will be keeping the blog updated and keeping you all at the forefront of what's happening.   With a plethora of avant garde events, photo shoots, and galas on the horizon, we are making it a priority to document and write about as much of them possible.

That being said, you are probably wondering what we have been up to these past 8 months.  For this reason, we thought it would be nice to rehash some of the highlights and  best memories of our last season.  2012 is gearing up to be our best year ever, by the way. 

So please rest assured that we are back and (above all things) here to stay…

                                                                                                                  Erica J., Owner & Lead Designer

P.S.  It makes us smile to think of all the team's adventures of 2011.  Below is a hodge podge of our top 11 feats (in no particular order)...

I.  ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE FOUND OURSELVES MAKING LETTERS OUT OF FLOWERS…

Although an extremely painstaking process (from a design standpoint), fresh floral letters can make for fabulous wedding décor (as we will next see)...

II. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, WE SUSPENDED “LOVE” FROM THE CEILING...



Forty feet above Olivia’s dance floor and guest tables were fabulous floral (carnation) letters that spelled the word:  “LOVE”.  To this day we are not sure how the letters got down, or where they wound up (post-event), but they will forever go down in the team's history as being part of our craziest design stunt to date.

 III. WE HELPED GIVE BACK TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES…

Our studio had the honor of participating as Wish Granters for the first couple of Wish Upon a Wedding (Boston & New England).   Pictured below are our  assistant designers holding the bridal party flowers for Joe & Joanne’s Larz Anderson Museum Wedding.  The other is couple's swwetheart table, with the infamous moss letters in the background.

Although the client (Joanne), has since passed away, the memories of that day will be with our team forever.  We are more than honored to have been part of this amazing and special event.

IV. WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH SOME TRULY AWESOME CLIENTS…

Designing flora solely for weddings and events isn’t always the easiest job.  However working with clients who are good-natured, easy-going (and downright friendly!), helps to make each project worthwhile.

One bride in particular, stood out above the rest for her kind heart and refreshingly warm spirit. Therefore I’m sharing my utmost FAVORITE image from Zana's special day back in November. The look of happiness on her (and her daddy’s) faces are absolutely priceless. 

Oh, and her bouquet (and corresponding bridal table) weren’t too shabby either. ;o) 

V. WE LEARNED THAT DESTINATION WEDDINGS ARE SOME OF THE BEST EVENTS TO DESIGN FOR…

Oh Southern Florida (Boca Raton specifically), how we do miss thee!!!   And we miss the strikingly hot color (yellow & black) color palette for this destination event, one that we rarely (okay, never) get to play with this far North.

Shown below is the very grand “show piece” that sat on the couple’s gift table.  The arrangement boasted yellow roses, spider mums, oncidium orchids, tulips (and black feathers!).  Per the couple's report, guests are still raving about it and the rest of the tres fab décor.

We could certainly use some of that warm Florida weather right now, but alas our turn in New England will come.  Until then we will just reflect on the sunny, vibrant, and bright décor that Rashida & Jon’s wedding brought us.

  
VI.        THE TEAM REALIZED THAT WINTER WEDDINGS HELP BREAK UP THE DECEMBER THROUGH MARCH MONOTONY...

Look at how nicely the blue & white flora looks pops against the snowy backdrop!

{Photo Below Courtesy of Melissa Coe Photography}

VII.  WE’LL NEVER FORGET THE ONE EVENT THAT EPITOMIZED WHAT A COASTAL NEW ENGLAND WEDDING SHOULD LOOK LIKE…

VENUE:  The Towers (Narragansett, RI) 

BRIDAL PARTY PHOTO (Below):  Courtesy of Molly Bergeron - Molly Anne Photograpy

BRIDAL STYLIST:  By Caitlin Murphy

 
Katie & Andrew’s wedding was both Seaside and Country Chic.  Everything from the bouquets, to the table décor, to the wreath on the chapel door were simply charming.

VIII.  It is our belief that some best bouquets (of yesteryear) came in PINK!

Photo (Above) Courtesy of AMW Studios Photography

 IX.       We learned that a designer should never be shocked by a client’s request, even if that request involves designing a bouquet with bats (and other winged creatures) in it…
This bride was a self-declared bat expert and enthusiast...need we say more?

X. We endeavored to teach couples that the best approach to successful Floral & Event Design is through a Trifecta of rich flora, luxe table linens, and upscale professional lighting. 

Steffany's wedding had all three components and on the day of, the client and staff alike marveled at how well all decor elements complemented one another.

VENUE:  The Villa at Ridder Country Club (East Bridgewater)

LINENS:  Rentals Unlimited

FLORA:  Orchids N' Blooms

LIGHTING:  Groove Entertainment & Lighting

XI.  The mother of all church aisle runners can also be known as:  our team making excellent use of 20,000+ Rose Petals...

What's to be done when the client requests a fresh floral aisle runner to span the 200 foot church aisle?  You design one of course!

Thanks to our assistant designer Elizabeth B., Olivia's decorative scroll-work aisle runner was completed in 2.5 hours and with twenty thousand rose petals to boot.  A lot of painstaking, precise work, but well worth it for the photo op that such decor affords.

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Kate Photography

Conclusion? The 2011 season was slammin for sure, but the Orchids Team is on a mission to outdo themselves during the upcoming year. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the studio's projects and floral capers.  :o)