Bursting with a Grateful Heart

As I near the end of our 10th wedding season (our last wedding is this weekend), I am overwhelmed with all that has come to my little world in that time.  At this time of year, I feel especially blessed and just want to send this grateful list into the universe with a most thankful, true heart.

• My partner in life - who encouraged me to set out in my own direction and follow my bliss, who has stuck by me through the thick and thin of being my own boss, and who has been an incredible father to our beloved daughter while I am caught up in wedding fabulosity on the weekends.  You have made my world possible.
• My Parents - who upon my early declaration to be an artist when I grew up, encouraged me find something I could make a living at.  They always believed in and encouraged my artistic ability, but strongly encouraged some sense of practicality and grounded me in the realities of life.  They are both some of the hardest working people I know - and my sense of "getting things done" comes directory from them. They also recognized my deeply independent nature and allowed me to be who I had to be and find my way.

• My colleagues in the industry - many have become incredible friends to me and I have come to admire and appreciate them so much.  You continue to make me better and your support means the world to me.
  
• Our incredible brides - over 350 brides and mothers of the bride - we've met some incredible people.  Many have stayed in touch.  I love to see many start their own families, business and thrive in life.  It is such an honor to know you for the months before your wedding and to be involved in such a amazing day.
  
• Inspiration - it abounds.  It is the elixir that keeps me in love with what I do.  Sometimes it comes from my brides, sometimes from a dream, nature, art, the flower market, a trip or a shred of a creation I've seen somewhere that I can spin to make unique or personal.  I love the process and the possibilities. (pictures are from my biggest inspiration trip ever - Paris!)
  
• Opportunity - it's everywhere!  Even when the economy is bleak, I find incredible opportunity for growth, to learn, to be better, to work smarter, to take advantage of what is right in front of me and be creative.
• Challenge - without it, I would curl up and die.  It is what spurs me on, to the next great thing, to try things a new way and innovate - to solve problems on the spot, to look forward and anticipate. 
• Color - or Colour, as I know it.  Though I have a difficult time wearing it, I LOVE it - in my hands, on the walls, around me.  It makes me joyful, it helps me breath, see and feel.  It is an energy with its' own frequency.
• Experience - sadly, it comes with age (which I'm coming to terms with - sort of) - but I definitely rely on it - and even savor it at this point.  I didn't have it when I first ventured out, but it is in fact, the best teacher one could hire.
  

San Francisco Style Unveiled Featured Wedding

It's been a really good buzz week for panacea event floral design - one of our favorite weddings and wedding couples were showcased on in the huge featured wedding spread on theSan Francisco Style Unveiled site.


We're honored to say the least and have made some new friends in the process.  Most important - this is an example of what working with an awesome group of wedding vendors can bring to your wedding.

Stay tuned - there's more good news coming.

Katie + Sam 6.20.09 Santa Margarita Ranch

Katie was so fun to work with and had such beautiful and pristine ideas for her day.  Of course working at one of our favorite sites - Santa Margarita Ranch is always a wonderful bonus.  Many thanks to Staci Walsh Photography for sending this beautiful images over to us. 

This beautiful event was coordinated by Accompli Event Design & Coordination.

 

 

 

In Support of SARP

This evening we provided some blooms to a remarkable local organization as they hold their fund raising auction and cocktail evening at Edna Valley Vineyard. 

SARP center (sexual assault recovery & prevention center) of San Luis Obispo County is a non profit 501(c)3 organization, established in 1976.  For the past 32 years they have provided a safe and caring atmosphere in which survivors of sexual assault can begin to heal.  The SARP Center Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day to offer confidential support to survivors and their significant others. 

Through their crisis services and prevention education departments, they work to make San Luis Obispo County a safer place for all its residents, raising awareness and fighting to end sexual violence.

It was an honor to be involved in their efforts this evening.

Sara + Andrew 9.12.09

We are so grooving on these pics from Chloe, over at Mike Larson Inc.  So many fun things about this wedding that we really loved - Sara, the fabulous bride being a major one.  Santa Margarita Ranch has become one of our favorite venues in the last two years - the possibilities for making it truly personal are endless.  All ambient lighting (a must at the Ranch) provided by Kramer Entertainment & Lighting.

Sara definitely wanted some traditional elements - like soft muted and robust petaled blooms, but she definitely was into giving things a twist to make it her own and we just can't get enough of that sort of thang!  Andrew's last name is Berry - so we knew that little clusters of blush hued berries were a must.  Fluffy little white feathers were added into the bride and groom's flowers and velvety moss balls with clusters of blooms were incorporated down the the aisle.  In an effort to stretch the budget, we reset these elements to as centerpieces on some of the tables in the historic barn, atop large silver cups.  Unique and totally fun.  The rest of the centerpieces were massed greens and white orchids set in silver candelabras adorned with crystals.  This contrast between fun and elegant was a consistent ribbon of style woven through the day and is so reflective of the bride and groom.  So hard to tell from these gorgeous photos -but Sara is a dirt bike racing diva in her spare time!