Panacea Event Floral Design

We've moved!

2010-01-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Our blog has been improved and is now at a new address. Better content, stunning images, and lots of great design news and tid bits. Check it out:

panacea event floral design blog 2010

New Buzz - Guest Blog Feature on StyleUnveiled

2009-12-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

StyleUnveiled is quickly becoming a wedding standard for brides planning beautiful wedding days. Recently one of our weddings was featured on their beautiful site and is currently in the running for a local favorite wedding in the Local Love section of their site - if you haven't voted for Sara & Andrew's wedding yet - please feel free to cast your vote today!

This morning, we have the honor of being a guest blogger on their SF edition blog - again featuring another beautiful wedding at The Cliffs Resort in September. And this one - was a done on a budget! (realistic that is).

Many thanks to the fabulous StyleUnveiled ladies for the collaboration. Stay tuned for some really exciting combined projects in 2010 - and that's all I can say right now!

Enjoy.

Boutique Express Packages - the collection of centerpieces

2009-12-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

The savvy bride's choice for high style on a budget.

Thumbs Up!

2009-12-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Chloe at Mike Larson Inc. emailed this picture to me. Heidi one of our beautiful brides, whom I didn't meet until the day before the wedding (she lives in CO, and decided the Central Coast was the place to get married - and who can possibly argue!) planned all of her flowers via emails and a couple of phone calls. One of our very simple packages, was customized to meet her vision and was delicately packed and sent along with her photographer Chloe, who just happens to have an office right next door. It can be a scary process to plan from afar - for both of us. This picture tells the tale - and I'm so honored.

Such a pleasure to work with you Heidi - thank you for choosing to work with us and trusting us with your ideas.

Heather + Nick - 10.10.09 Meridian Vineyard

2009-12-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

There simply is nothing like the turning vines of a vineyard and the golden sun to bring on the instinctual need for celebration. There is no better setting in California for a fall wedding than a robust vineyard and on the Central Coast, Meridian is a classic and all artfully captured by Mike Larson at Mike Larson Inc.

Working with Heather and her fabulous mom Karen on this wedding was such a pleasure. Heather's choices for color and Karen's penchant for classic elegance were a really beautiful combination set against the setting sun, old California oak trees and acres or rolling vineyards.

Bright green, pink and orange blooms vibrated against the elegant black dresses worn by the bridesmaids. Natural elements of manzanita trees with clusters of green flowers framed the bride and groom through the ceremony, while velvety moss balls with clusters of colorful blooms hung on each side of the aisle. Stunning simplicity ruled the reception with several versions of centerpieces. Tall white calla lilies, one of the bride's favorite flowers were incorporated into tall cylinder vases, bound together with vibrant green wire and surrounded by smaller cylinder vases with floating candles in them. Another version worked three callas around the same tall cylinder vase, grouped with two vases of green hydrangea and more floating candles. The last version brought together a beautiful bouquet of bright mixed blooms and fun greens, again surrounded with candle light. One of my very favorite cakes, designed by Yarrow at the Cakery - black swirls on a classic square stacked cake accented with a profusion of our green cymbidium orchids atop our green silk boxes as a riser.

Harvest celebration menu and cuisine by Epic Weddings at CateringUnlimited.com. This day was beautifully orchestrated by the lovely Laura Robertson and her team at TOS Events - so great to work with you always!

Bursting with a Grateful Heart

2009-11-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

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 the San 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

2009-11-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

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!

Christine + Simon 8.29.09

2009-10-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Really sweet & simple wedding at Chateau Phillipe this summer - the video was put together by my friends at Mike Larson Inc. - always a great pleasure to work with their team.

We helped Christine and Simon with their personal flowers and very simple centerpieces - the rest was the natural beauty and the clever styling of Kristin at Jour Parfait Events.

Enjoy. (Click where is says "Video" below)

Video

Galeet + Alon 9.6.09 the details

2009-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

In love with this wedding... In love with this couple! These are some of my favorite detail shots from David Pascolla Photography. Watch for this wedding to be permanently featured on our website soon.

Two days after the wedding, I received this email from the bride and I was a puddle for a bit:

Hi Corinne,

Alon and I just wanted to say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!...for an amazingly colorful wedding. Your ideas, direction and execution were fantastic. Our reception tables, the chuppah and the bouquets looked simply gorgeous the day of and so vibrant in color. It was everything we could have hoped for and more. What's even better, is that you were a complete pleasure to work. I found that you made me excited yet calm every step of the way.

Thank you again so much. I know our wedding would not have looked as incredibly without you.

Thanks,
the newly married, Galeet and Alon Levi!

The wrought iron & silk chuppah is from our permanent collection available to our brides - it has many customizable options - because it would kill us to the the same thing twice. If you're looking for a cookie cutter wedding - you've come to the wrong place!

Heather + Nick 10.10.09 - Sneak Peek

2009-10-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's always a great day when we get photos back from our friends next door at Mike Larson Inc. This past weekend we had the pleasure of working with Mike and Rachel at Meridian Vineyard for Heather and Nick's day. I know there are more details shots to come - but I'm so excited about this sneak peek! Day of coordination provided by the lovely Laura Robertson at TOS Events

Ashley & Vance 10.08.05 - Happy Anniversary!

2009-10-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

There are so many memories of amazing people, places and blooms that I have been blessed to acquire over the last ten years. Probably there is nothing more rewarding than the opportunity to stay in touch with some of my brides and watch as they have beautiful families and live rich and fulfilling lives.

I remember an afternoon when Ashley and her lovely mom met with me. I was still working from my home at that time, and my daughter, then 3 1/2, was at home and very much wanting to be involved in the meeting. Ashley and her mom, both teachers, were very gracious and interested in my precocious little girl while we talked about the colors, ambiance and many ideas for Ashley's day. Over the ensuing months, I grew quite attached to these ladies and to this day, my daughter remembers Ashley and her mom.

This spring, we booked a wedding for 2010 - the bride is a dear friend of Ashley's. This is the greatest compliment in the world from one of our former brides. I am so thrilled to see Ashley in my FaceBook community with her beautiful children, thriving, happy - and best of all still in love!

Gema & Oscar - 7.4.09

2009-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic celebration day! Gema and Oscar were enthusiastically joyful about the celebration of their rich Mexican heritage and at every turn, the details of their beautiful day was a reflection of their love and their family. Both the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Mission and Vina Robles Winery supported rustic and historical theme.

Their wonderfully fun and colorful flower palette was a great adventure for us with a lively mix of bright green spider mums, hot pink and orange spray roses, purple lisianthus, calla lilies all set in our tall wrought iron stands or in authentic talavera pottery provided from the bride and groom on a quick trip south. Obviously, by choosing to get married on the 4th of July - a party would be important - but I didn't realize just how important until I got to the reception site to find an incredible live Salsa band setting up, Mariachis and the Central Coast's only happen' lady DJ - Melissa from Kramer Entertainment. There was a little vendor groovin' going on during set up I must admit! (Hey! 4th of July!)

Ben and Russell from Two Cooks Catering provided a stunning dinner of locally produced seasonal faire. Kristin from Jour Parfait provided her logistical expertise and planning and of course all photos provided with the talent and generous spirit of Colleen Rosenthal Photography.

Eve & Ben - 8.15.09

2009-09-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Mums the word - green spider that is. I love to see a motif that is consistently carried through a wedding that ties everything together. Sometimes it can go a little too far, but in this case, Eve chose a highly stylized chartreuse (swoon!) spider mum image that was on their invitations and programs. We also chose this fabulous green color as an accent linen for their napkins and chair ties inside the tent out on the lawn at the Cliffs Resort.

Eve's bouquet was an exubrantly fragrant combination of cream English Garden Roses and Lily of the Valley - simply classic. The bridesmaids bouquets, though - we a wonderfully colorful combination of colorful blooms against their navy dresses - and it really popped - celebration in deed. I especially loved working with Ben and Eve on the design of the chouppa we created for them - thanks to Ben and his engineering back ground - it all works beautifully in the breeze that "assists" us on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific.

It is always such a pleasure to work with Anna and her great crew down at the Cliffs Resort - from the bellmen to the servers - we always feel like we are a part of a team when we're working there and we so appreciate that spirit!

These fabulous images - provided by the oh so talented Chloe at Mike Larson Inc. - absolutely love to work with you Chloe!

Mark & David - Happy Anniversary!

2009-09-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, two of my very dear friends were married in Ojai on Lake Casitas. It was a very intimate gathering of about 20, uniquely themed around a Renaissance Pirate vibe. My husband Brian and I were honored to be included in the group of very close friends and family members and of course, I provided a few blooms for the occasion. Mark and David have been together as long as Brian and I have been married - 16 years, and that they were officially marrying was a very emotional and triumphant event. It was so beautiful!

Mark, being the fantastic event designer and planner that he is, provided me a color palette and then, surprisingly, let me run with it. I came up with black magic rose balls ensconced in gold gilt stakes accented with deep purple dendrobium orchids, peacock feathers and strands of sapphire jewels. A small gazebo draped in a rich rust velvet burn out fabric, accented with a garland of bay leaves provided a masculine focal point for the touching ceremony. It was such a wonderfully warm afternoon and following all the tears and laughter, we celebrated on the dock with a round of rum shots in old pewter shot glasses. For many reasons, I will never forget the afternoon.

In November 2008, Prop 8 passed in the State of California, banning the legality of same sex marriages going forward. Although, Mark and David are in fact legally married, many other couples do not have the same rights to honor and validate their relationships in the same way that many of us do. What a heart breaking and devastating law of discrimination we have allowed to take hold in our great state.

More Positive Buzz! - Style Me Pretty

2009-09-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

What a great way to start the day and week! Style Me Pretty - the be all, end all wedding style blog, has just featured one of our all time favorite weddings on their blog this morning. "I am MADLY in love with the flowers from this affair. The bridesmaids and bridal bouquets are enough to send me clear over the edge. Designed by Corinne Smith of Panacea in San Luis Obispo, they are gorgeousness defined." Be still my heart!

Allyson at Allyson Magda Photography captures the atmosphere, details and emotions of the day in a way that people just can't resist and the industry is taking notice. It is such a complete delight and honor to work with her - and it's like early Christmas morning - to get that precious cd of images from her after the wedding - and in this case, it is the gift that keeps on giving!
Natalie and Carson are now my official poster couple and I am so crazy happy to report that they have both found great jobs, just bought a charming house and are settling in the SLO area. So great to have them in our community long term - I adore them and their beautiful dog Ella.

Check out the images and if you don't already have Style Me Pretty bookmarked - you will after perusing through, Abby Larson is a passionate style guru of all things wedding style. Enjoy!

Jake & Necia - 9.4.09

2009-09-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have known Jake for the past two years as a fabulous associate photographer of Mike Larson Inc. - one of my partners at Broad Street Event Group. Jake has also done some graphic design work for me, including a redesign of our logo and corp ID. It was an incredible honor to be asked to help Jake and Necia with their flowers. On our first meeting, I could tell - Necia was a creative force all on her own and she definitely had a vision.

Jake and Necia shared my silly penchant for making up new words for different styles or combining two words to become one - my favorite one they came up with was "Frasion" for French with Asian influences - watch for it in the next edition of Websters!

Their wedding though, we decided would be "Anthropologie Chic".

This is a sneak peek from a crazy awesome photographer - Mike at Mike Larson Inc.

Galeet & Alon 9.6.09 - a teasing preview

2009-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

I remember the night that I was up late and emailing Galeet back and forth about the colors of the bridesmaids dresses last October - she came to the brilliant decision of a dark graphite - mainly because she really wanted the flowers to POP against the back drop of the dresses, against the back drop of the ocean. Months of planning, emails, sketches and decisions ensued.

Yesterday - was THE day!!

David Pascolla was so generous and kind to share this photo of Galeet's bouquet with me as a preview of what is to come. Obviously, I can hardly stand it - the waiting, to see what else he caught in his view finder. He is a masterful artist and probably one of the truly nicest people I have ever met. I shall post more images when they are available.

Congratulations Galeet & Alon! Molzotov!

Viva la Autumn

2009-08-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

If asked I will exubrantly tell you that my very favorite season of the year is, hands down Fall - or Autumn as I love to refer to it. The reasons are many, the biggest of which is that somehow my biochemicals signal the cooking and reading season. There is simply nothing better to me than a quite evening spent stirring a soup or a hearty pot of yum, then finished in front of the fire, cup of tea and book in hand, fat kitty girl beside me. It feels like harvest, celebration and cozy all rolled up together and after the non stop sun of California all summer long - I welcome the cool and the feeling of calm that fall brings.

Color - is a whole other realm of awesomeness in the fall. The warm and bold colors enhance the whole experience of this time of year. The earthy undertones with a pop of unexpected brilliance is one of my favorite approaches in design.

To that end - I always look forward to the Pantone Color report. I love to see the influences of this report trickle down in catalogs, magazines and then ultimately wedding design. I have attached some tid bits here - but for the full report - check out PANTONE color + fashion and enjoy.

7.04.09 Gema & Oscar

2009-07-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Some of my brides & grooms are so incredibly fabulous that when their wedding is over - I'm really so sad that I won't get to work with them any more - it's sort of like the day after Christmas - all that planning and then in a few hours - it's all over.

Gema & Oscar definitely were that for me. They are both astoundingly gorgeous and come from a proud and beautiful Mexican heritage. We worked hard to incorporate their roots into the flowers and decor of their day through color. They even brought back a bunch of authentic tela vera vases from Mexico for me to you use as one of their centerpiece versions.

Mission de Tolosa San Luis Obispo was the fitting venue for their ceremony, followed by the beautiful back drop of Vina Robles Winery in Paso Robles.

These are a few of my personal pictures of their flowers - they hired one of my favorite photographers - Colleen Rosenthal, and once we get her art work back - we'll post them.

7.11.09 Edna Valley Vineyard

2009-07-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

These are a few pics I took at one of our weddings last weekend for Megan and James. These two Ag Majors met at Cal Poly and believe it or not have found jobs in the area are staying here - Congratulations Megan and James!

Centerpieces of scented geranium, pale pink hydrangea, chocolate artichokes and green grapes.

Bouquets of pink hydrangea and white tulips.

Ring Bearer's chocolate silk pillow

Natalie & Carson - Pt. 2

2009-07-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

As promised, I am posting some of my favorite photos from Natalie and Carson's wedding which was just featured in Southern California Brides magazine that hit the news stands yesterday. All of these images are from Allyson Magda Photography, who's art continues to inspire long after the wedding is only a memory. Check out her site for more awe and wow factor!

Southern California Bride's Magazine - features one of our weddings

2009-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

On news stands today, Southern California Bride's magazine features one of our favorite weddings and couples from last fall. Natalie & Carson were absolutely the best - super fun and great ideas. (did I mention I'm in love with their dog Ella, who accompanied them to a couple appointments).

Together they found an amazing sytle balance between ranch rustic and high style. The venue was the historic Santa Margarita Ranch - the dress, Carolina Herrara... you get the picture. The floral elements were robust and romantic; English Garden roses, large dahlias - juxtiposed against descidedly "unarranged" elements like magnolia leaves and fluffy millet (bunny tails).

I must also say that the team of which I was a part was truly a dream team - my thanks and highest recomendations to them: Trumpet Vine Catering, Allyson Magda Photography, Usonia Jazz, Bridal Hair & Makeup, Kramer Entertainment and Accompli Event Coordination. We will post more photos from this unique wedding in the coming days - stay tuned!

6.20.09 Katie & Sam Pt. 1

2009-07-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Staci Welch for a sneek peek at some of the beautiful photos from Katie & Sam's wedding. Can't wait to see what else her lenses caught!

Andrea & Wes - 6.20.09

2009-06-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

Andrea was such a completely lovely bride to work with from the very beginning. In choosing robust and romantic varieties to work with - a stunning contrast against the blue Pacific at the Cliffs Resort brought a visually elegant celebration.

A huge thanks to my friend and incredibly talented photographer - David Pascolla for getting these pictures over to me so quickly after the busy weekend. Besides being one of the nicest people you will ever meet, David has an amazing ease about him and immediately makes people comfortable - critical to capturing the "it" moments of such an important day. I love your style David - thank you!

The Weekend - June 06 2009

2009-06-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Oh - dear - haven't been here in a while! Yes, wedding season has definitely hit - and it is a wonderfully happy time of celebration for all involved. I get to push away from the computer, the many proposals, contracts and questions - and actually get into the studio and see my ideas come to life - what an amazing job! I dream this stuff late at night when I can't sleep - and now it is coming together before my eyes. Surrounded by countless buckets of blooms, standing deep in stems and greens - I am in my true glory. Thank you to each of you for allowing me my dream life!

This weekend a few fabulous bouquets came to life and though I can't wait to post the pictures from the photographers we worked with - these are my personal view point.

The "Stacy" - quite possibly my favorite bouquet to date - I know I say that every week - but I really mean it this time! Texture rich and color rich - I had a really hard time handing this one over to the bride.

Morrocan Dream - A Tablescape

2009-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

This color palette I just can't get enough of. As usual my incredible crew at Mike Larson Inc. caught my intentions beautifully in their images.

Have I said recently how critical good photography is to your wedding - I am DOA without it in my business. I owe much of our success to great photography and Mike and his associates are some of the very best. Notice the lighting here too - Kramer Entertainment washed the walls of the studio in fabulous shades of magenta and amber - it completed the atmosphere and set the tone for a really great evening.

Chocolate = Shoes: Friday Resource Guide

2009-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Oooooh la la - be still my heart!!!

I'm afraid of have succumbed to tweeting on twitter. I have found so many wonderfully creative sites, blogs and exceptional wedding items and incredible professionals loving what they do.

Today - I found Bliss Bridal Shoes - stunning, couture wedding shoe designs (think - beyond Cinderella's glass shoe). If you have a "thang" for shoes like I do - you have got to take a look! I don't like chocolate (don't ask), but from what I understand from all of you chocoholics out there and living in my house, shoes are my "chocolate". There is a physical reaction when I see something wonderful, I crave them when I have a hankering form a little "som'in, som'in" and would rather buy shoes than anything else.

These are really profoundly awesome. Thank you to my new Twitter Pal Tamara - shoe designer extraordinaire (can you think of a better job?? - OK - mine!), for sending over these pictures of chocolate -- I mean shoes.

And for those of you not twittering yet - come join us!

panacea event floral design: BloomDiva

BlissBridalShoes

Chartreuse, Aubergine & White Blooms @ Robert Hall Winery

2009-05-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend we had a fabulous wedding at Robert Hall Winery along with some of my favorite professionals - the foundation to any great event. First, Robert Hall is really a beautiful venue with so many options for weddings and they have gone out of their way to provide excellent value to their bridal packages. My gal pal Jennie over at Trumpet Vine Catering provided artfully presented food with her usual epicurean flare. Kramer Entertainment provided grooving tunes AND lighting for the caverns (did I happen to say they are now doing lighting??!!). Amber Karson Event Planning handled all of the planning from Washington DC - she rocked it! And the incredibly talented Allyson Magda of Allyson Magda Photography captured these images and shared them with us. Every time I get photos from Allyson - it is like Christmas - images are everything, incredible images - priceless! Thank you to all for being the excellent team players you are and coming together to bring Chris and Buffy a fabulous wedding day.

Ode to Peonies

2009-05-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm in love again! Of course, every other week I fall - I'm easy - what can I say? I fall hard and am usually totally enraptured - the smell, the feel, the look - oh my! Blooms of course... this week the focus of my complete affection: PEONIES!

Probably the most asked for bloom from my brides - even in August - everyone loves their full, feminine and voluptuous form. There, frankly, is nothing quite like them - and sadly, such a limited bloom time. They're special - they need the cold of a good winter freeze to bring forth their glory in the spring.

This is definitely one of the most memorable flowers from my childhood. My mother grew them along the cool side of our home as too much sun can weaken their delicate stems. I remember trying to hurry their bloom along, peeling back the outer skin of that tight round head - to coax out that big fluffy burst of petals - and the intoxicating fragrance.

My bride this week has taken the peony and run with it - though we are only designing her personal flowers for her - she has stayed true to her love of peonies - and has kept the high visual impact that they provide - simple, clean and bold using shades of pink blooms for the bridal party, against black cocktail dresses - amazing. Though a huge pink peony on the groom's lapel is probably not appealing to the groom and his men (I'm not sure that even George in all his masculinity could pull that off) - we have selected some fabulous ranunculus in hot pink to cluster for some dynamic boutonnieres (don't get me wrong, that still requires a secure dude!).

Peonies have been around for about 4000 years and probably originated in China with the Chinese name "Sho Yo" meaning most beautiful. In Japan they have been a long held symbol of prosperity. Some incredible myths come from the Greeks - all surrounding this incredible plant and it's blooms. During the middle ages in Europe, the peony's healing powers were considered a "panacea" for almost every ailment. Ok - sorry I am a complete history dork - but if you want to find more information on this lush bloom's history, check out these sites:
La Pivoinerie, Munkin Nursery, Tulips Talk

Boutonnieres - Beauty for the Guys

2009-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

These are a few examples of some really fun boutonnieres that we done for recent weddings - the possibilities are really endless. Super fun to match the flowers with the tie or pick up some funky element that ties the lapel flowers into the rest of the wedding or the surroundings.

I think these beat the single rose pinned to the lapel and time!

Peacock Tablescape

2009-04-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite work activities is creating a tablescape for a dinner party or wedding head table. Coming up with a combination of linens, flowers and elements that create an experience - I just can't get enough of it. The possibilities are truly endless and it just takes one little thing to get me headed down the path of no return.

In this case it was a dinner gathering at our office and studio - and my beloved peacock feathers. When I announced the colors to my mates at the office - there was a slight hush and a look of "OK?! here she goes again". But, the evening of the gathering, once the linens and feathers were in place - they got it.

Bright turquoise chair ties, eggplant napkins and chartreuse linen with elegant golden lace overlay, accented with regal gold candlesticks and urns. I especially liked how there was a "lightness" about this combination - sometimes if you rely on the darker colors, it can come off as really heavy and overdone.

Many thanks to my incredibly talented crew at Mike Larson Inc. for some wonderful photos as always. And, one of our steadfast linen sources BBJ Linen for their donation of our whimsical combinations. You always come through and we love you for it.

Wedding Ideas & Resources Abound

2009-04-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Since I only have a wedding on Sunday this week, I had an extra day to meander around on the web finding some really incredible blogs by incredible people and thought I would share with you my favorites.

In addition to some really fabulous flower, bouquets and decor ideas - the photography on these sites is really breath taking. Even if these photographers are not in your area - taking these pictures to a photographer that you are interviewing would really give them a good indication of what you are looking for.

Several of these blogs have just broken ground in the last week - so there is some wonderfully fresh perspective here and a whole lot of inspiration. Enjoy!

One of my favorite San Fran designers - nancy liu chen design provides wonderful inspiration and information on her Brown Bag Blog - addressing in particular what goes into the cost of wedding flowers.

Daily Candy - just launched this week, Daily Candy Weddings! Now you can have wedding candy everyday too.

My favorite find of the day: The Bride's Cafe or TBC - amazing photography here of stunning brides and beautiful ideas - I had to go through all 37 pages before going to bed last night.

Launched just the other day: San Francisco Style Unveiled. And, in a fantastic follow up to our Earth Day entry - check out 101 ways to be eco-chic.

And last but far from least - my steady go to: Style Me Pretty.

Gorgeous Green Weddings - The Ultimate Demonstration of Love

2009-04-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

In honor of the best Mother of all - Nature, I have compiled some great little tid bits on creating beautiful weddings while consciously making earth friendly choices. In an effort to live more consciously myself, I have started noticing everyday little practices, that make a big difference, and have started adapting them to our weddings in an effort to help brides feel great about their wedding day and the impact it will have on our environment.

These are a few of my favorite things that we are currently doing to honor the environment:

composting all green waste - stems, leaves and all the extras that don't wind up in your bouquets get composted on our production property
recycle containers - constantly. we have a vast selection of containers including glass ware, iron urns, wood boxes, silk boxes and candelabras. we repeatedly use these containers, saving each of our brides the expense of purchasing these items, but in effect sharing them.
spread the love - in an effort to share the beauty we have a program where we will pick up any left over flowers from your wedding at the end of your celebration and deliver them to be enjoyed by others either at a retirement / rehabilitation center or at the local women's shelter.
buy local - as much as possible we work with local growers to cut down on our carbon impact in shipping flowers in. though availability is our guide, we are always happy to provide brides with a list of locally grown and readily available choices for their blooms.
in cases when we do import blooms from out of the area, all cardboard and packing materials are recycled.

A few other fabulous ideas that I've come across include purchasing and personalizing napkins and linens for your wedding - and then you have wonderful linens for your home following the wedding. This also provides a beautiful style statement for your guests as they enjoy your celebration. Personalizing shopping bags that can be reused over and over by your guests are great favors. I love the gift of tree seedlings, seed packets or bulbs as a favor as well.

Resources: Green World Project, Earthly Goods, Plant a Memory, The Knot.com,

Happy Easter - Blooms

2009-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Though I have a hard time getting excited about a visit from the Easter Bunny - I do get completely crazy excited about all that blooms at this time of the year. The possibilities influence our design approach with everything - the emergence of color after a dull winter - the spring green of tiny sprigs. There is no other season that touches spring. Some of my favorite spring delicacies are the periwinkle grape hyacinths, double Angelique tulips paired with bright green Bells of Ireland. Rananculus is especially robust at this time of year too - amazing.

Bill over at the SLO Country Club asked us to "spring up" his Easter Brunch this year - and with hundreds of new ideas swirling in my brain - I settled on a fantastic idea that I gathered from renowned Belgian designer Nico de Swert. The brilliance - taking an idea or element that is old and gathering creative dust - and refurbish it - into something new and wonderful. In this case - the dreaded grapevine wreath. By mussing it up, adding some moss and some "egg shell" vases - it is a whole new fabulous thing... a nest - or in this case the base for a profusion of some glorious spring blooms.

Inspiration Abounds

2009-03-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the great delight to spend some time in San Francisco with another great designer and friend Camilla Svensson Burns meandering through the displays of art and flowers at the de Young for the 25th anniversary of Bouquets to Art. In the mix, we attended some incredible design symposiums given by some of the worlds most celebrated floral designers. Mark Held from Mark's Garden (has done incredible weddings for Britney, Gwen, Jennifer, Charlie...the Oscars) was completely phenomenal, Paula Pryke from the UK shared her spin on design, Nico de Swert also had some great ideas about unique arrangements for Easter and Paige Dixon (Floral Director for Wynn Resorts Las Vegas) shared some truly inspirational color ideas and grand scale strategies for dynamic visual impact.
I definitely came back to my work with inspiration and awesome food for creative adventures.

Au Natural

2009-03-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

We are in the fabulous midst of planning season with our lovely brides and along the way we get to create so fun ideas that serve as the criteria for the whole event. It often starts with us asking some strange questions like "what's in your closet?", or "what kind of furniture do you like". The answers to these questions are critical in helping us understand a brides personal style and it is part of what keeps us motivated and completely in love with what we do.

This particular bride came to us with the words "unarranged, natural and non traditional". The venue for her April wedding is a wonderful winery in Paso Robles - Robert Hall Winery. Spectacularly traditional and classic winery. The combination of the bride's style and the surroundings create a wonderful design dichotomy that we love to play with.

What resulted was an aged iron urn (classic and traditional), with a robust combination of green and white blooms, interesting foliage, honey suckle vine, moss, fern curls AND my favorite - green pears and artichokes all interwoven into a spring burst of nature.

Can I just say have awesome it is to do what we do!! So fun and this pared with a some great linen in taupe, chartreuse and eggplant. Seriously happy.

My Favorite Flower Story

2009-03-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

I am often asked by clients and friends if I have a favorite flower story - I think they are mostly looking for me to recount a story about a bride that came unglued on the day of her wedding (I keep those locked in a vault and NO one has the key). I do have many funny bloom escapades from over the years but I certainly have a favorite and as I approach the anniversary of the happening itself, I shall share with you.

For the last 6 years Mark Padgett of Mark Padgett Event Design and I have styled and "flowered" an amazing annual fundraiser for Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. It has been an international extravaganza with the destination kept top secret until the doors to the ballroom open following cocktails. We have gone from Paris, Russia and Thailand to last years' phenomenal Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan (note the name of the event!).

Last year I ordered a bazillion cherry branches from Oregon - their bloom season is a bit later than ours in California and had the timing of getting them open down to what I thought was the exact second of perfection for our event. They arrived 10 days prior to the event and we proceeded to bath them each day in warm water to coax the desired pink blooms to abound. As the days wore on, the shy blooms kept me awake at night with thoughts of how I could rename our event to reflect the lack of cherry blossoms as they stubbornly stayed bundled in their little green bud cocoons (bare branch fiesta, dreary winter along the Potomac, Gorki Park were a few re-names that came to mind).

Smashing the branches at the base for maximum water uptake proceeded - no sleep or blooms followed. Can I just say that we are talking many hundreds of dollars invested here!!

As I was driving into my office two days before our fabulous Cherry Blossom Festival - completely sick with agitation and the sad recognition that I simply cannot control EVERYTHING (tears, whimper), I noticed an apple orchard in profuse pink bloom, with pruning in process. In my way-too-small Beamer, I 4 wheeled through muck and pulled up into the grassy field to have many Mexican workers stare at me in wonder. There before my eyes where the desired pink blossoms - already cut, laying on the ground - ready for my taking!!!

What followed was my pathetic attempt to communicate that I in fact NEEDED these branches and would be taking them (huge hand motions - but not a stitch of Spanish from me). After "talking" to several men, the senior staff member was summoned - a gentleman of about 70, rugged and weathered. My grand explanation again - met with a very simple "No". And then a big gasp from me.

I called Mark on my cell phone in exasperation - knowing that he too knew no Spanish (we are both in mad pursuit of French for our next trip to Paris). Mark called his assistant Hannah who was somewhere else in the county. Hannah called me in the field and I handed the phone to the old gentleman. He listened intently (finally relieved to have an explanation for what the crazy lady in the little blue car was trying to do). He handed the phone back to me with a very simple "si". He proceeded to tell his crew to help me pile the branches into piles so that we could load them into the truck that was on it's way.

That night - I slept, knowing that at last I had my "cherry" blossoms, and since then have had great fun recounting the story to all that ask. You gotta love Mother Nature and all that she brings to the table of the best laid out plans! Only one "avid gardener" at our event checked in, to let us know that our blooms were in fact apple blossoms.

This year due to the economic situation, the Dazzeling Diamond Ball will be happening sans Ball. This remarkable organization still needs the community's support though. Their compassionate care and training are invaluable and we have been so proud to be a small part of their efforts. Please feel free to get in touch with them to receive your own personal tax deduction in exchange for your monetary good will at Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.

PS - the Dazzeling Diamond Ball shall return in 2010 - but you won't know where it will be, until the doors open!

Play Date with Jennie and the Gordo

2009-03-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

So yesterday afternoon I spent sharing a bottle of Sangiovese while being a supportive friend to my "creative soul sista" Jennie Sturgeon from Trumpet Vine Catering - she was cooking for the Gordo (aka Gordon Ramsay) and crew of Hell's Kitchen. Though totally "over the moon" honored she was understandably a smidgen nervous (only noticeable to the trained eye).

The group was up from the big city, filming a wine blending excursion for the show at Meridian Vineyards and Winery. I volunteered to "style" the buffet table (red velvety kangaroo paw imported from the south... river rocks, moss runners, burlap) for her while keeping her company and helping her chill (ok - there was a significant amount of spying from behind the barrels involved too).

When Gordon came back to the prep station and asked what we were having - Jennie's ultra calm and collected response (while whipping up the Florentine sauce over the hot range) was to rattle off the specific ingredients contained in each dish and be friendly and warm (impressive!). We all did the happy dance as soon as he was out of sight and had another glass of wine. After the meal, he took time to kiss all the girls and shake hands - pretty nice guy. Did I happen to mention yet, that he's waaaaayyy hotter in person than on the tube?! Meooooww!

You too can have the "Gordo Pleasing Menu" at your next event or Wedding:

Mixed salad with feta, blood orange and braised fennel
Green Beans with grape tomatoes and garlic
Chicken Florentine
Flat Iron Steak with Romesco and Cilantro-avocado Pesto sauces
Manchego & Green chili polenta cakes
Pumpkin Chocolate Bread Pudding

Cheers to another great play date! We're planning more.

Photo credit: Me!

India Inspirations

2009-02-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

So have you seen it yet?? Slumdog Millionaire - the movie that is going to kick it later today at the Oscars? (yes I have the Oscars on my calendar every year! - more to come on that...).

I highly recommend you squeeze this gem into your tight schedule - it is a winner. It is a visual fiesta (or shall I say Diwali), the music is awesome - and oh yeah - the story is pretty good too.

Though much of India is devastatingly poor, it is so rich with color and interest that you just can't help being drawn in by wonder and amazement. There has been a growing vibe over the last few years, starting with the raging hit Monsoon Wedding, Born into Brothels and now Slumdog, infusing rich texture and color into the landscapes of design.

Again, the elements are integrated to bring interesting and festivity to weddings and events even though they may not be Indian in origin. I love this whole concept! Luscious flowy fabrics for example are a wonderful and relatively inexpensive way to add a whole lot of color and ambiance to a wedding. Gold accents are very much on their way to the forefront again, even in wedding invitation design.

Check out these fabulous little elements that we have available, to infuse some fun color and India inspirations into your wedding day: Lotus candle holders, wire lanterns, glass votive cups, incense sets (great favor for guests) and paper fans adorned with gold.

Addition to the Love List - Hannah Hartnell

2009-02-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

One of my Divine Brides of 2009 (check out our Album of Alumni on the panacea Facebook page), was telling me about her wedding gown designer - the studio, the stately gray whippet on the vintage velvet sofa, the personalized service and exquisite attention to detail and the woman’s dedication to giving back – and I was hooked. The name sounded remotely familiar to me, but I wasn’t sure how I knew it.

Google saves the day! (how did I figure ANYTHING out before Google – oops! That really dates me huh?) None the less – WOW… I meandered around the site and immediately emailed Hannah to see if she would let me post some photos of her fabulous designs on our blog – and she emailed back – from a beach in Mexico. Green light and delight! Why Hannah Harnell that is – has designed gowns for the likes of Barbra, Gweneth to name a couple of hot ladies. She is a standard at the Academy Awards with a look that is a stunning mixture of old Hollywood Glam, mixed with Vintage Chic and tossed with a smidge of eclectic full throttle goddess. She uses sumptuous fabrics and delights in the details of perfection.

What I love – she is a woman that supports the community and the women around her. You will not find these gowns on the pages of all the bridal magazines on the newsstands – they’re too special for that. But if you are looking for the special care and personal attention - what will make you look amazing on a day that you want to be gorgeous – Hannah is your choice. Check out her website, visit her design studio in Santa Monica and watch for her splendor on the red carpet of the Oscars.

Industry Play Date - Wine Tour 2

2009-02-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

OH DEAR!!! So wonderfully fun to take a day off and roll with some of my friends from the wedding industry in the Grapeline Van through the back roads of Paso Robles to taste a little vino.

This time we spent time at Dunning Vineyards, Adelaida Cellars, Carina Cellars. Some my favorite people were along for the fun - and to say we had fun is a serious understatement! Mary Allegreta from Villa Toscana, Paul and Linda Della Pelle from Fig Leaf Video Productions, Beau and Misfabulousity (aka Melissa) Kramer of Kramer Entertainment, and my creative soul sister Jennie from Trumpet Vine Catering were a few in the group. In our "research effort" to "taste the black cherry notes" we sampled some really great wine and made some new friends along the way.

If you haven't checked out this up and coming wine region - you are missing out on one of the great experiences of California. Many on our destination brides, put together fun tours for their guests as a treat the day before the wedding for everyone to mingle and bond before the big day. I can't imagine anyone not really enjoying this.

For more information on the Paso Robles Wine Region - check out PasoWine.

Ode to V Day...

2009-02-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Red Roses, chocolate, champagne, fabulous undies and candlelight - all the things we have been taught that are necessary for romance. Really? It's all so cliche to me. OK granted I've been with the same wonderful guy for the past 17 years - and yes we still do some of that stuff.

Actually Valentines Day was one of the tipping points for me when we had first started dating. I was recovering from a delightful case of mono and said guy had spent hours at my apartment making me Campbell's condensed soup and toasted bagels (we were in college OK?!). I remember Brian bringing take-out Chinese over along with a beautiful willow basket of plants (African Violet and Maidenhair fern) and a wonderful book about window box planting.

In my mono haze, I was pretty stunned - no chocolate (I don't like it - I know - weird!), no fresh cut flowers (I do my own) and a book - always a hit with me - and about gardening - Helloooooo!!! It was pretty clear to me that he "got me". And really this was only two months in - it could only get better from here - right?

It has - and we have settled into a very comfortable and happy tradition of low key Valentines celebrations that usually include take out Chinese. It works for us and I wouldn't have it any other way.

And so (you may wonder why I rattle on and on) these little traditions and quirky details are the things that can bring your wedding day personality and make it uniquely you. They are the inspiration of fun design details - find ways to incorporate them and you and your guests will end your wedding with some beautiful memories.

Sunday Gratefulness List...

2009-02-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

So it's really Sunday, (I know I promised to do this on Fridays!) and I really want to keep the good energy going - so... this week I'mgrateful for:

Color - it is the thing I find most beautiful in life
My incredible 2009 brides - they are growing everyday and I have a wonderfully inspired group this year
New friends - in the community and on Facebook
The Rain - it makes the color more intense and provides a good excuse to work from home
Old friends - here, there and everywhere - you are my family
Opportunity - it is around every corner, though some days you have to look a little harder
Always a sturdy cup of caffeine
My family that keeps me grounded and motivated
Shoes!! The more the merrier.
My iPhone - my constant companion, I don't know how I lived without you

Boutique Express Wedding Packages

2009-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

This is year we hope to help all brides with all budgets have beautifully styled blooms at their weddings. We have put together three fabulous packages that provide everything any bride would need to cover the basics - in style.

Timeless Roses, Classic Callas and Market Mix bouquets provide incredible value while giving brides a multitude of color options and styled details. Though we have been known for the past 10 years for providing larger scale all inclusive floral and decor elements for weddings and events - this is an opportunity for us to give every bride an option.

The Boutique Express Packages include all the personal flowers for the wedding party and family and there are several Simply Beautiful centerpiece options that can be added on, starting at only $18 per table including the rental of our beautiful glass components or recycled BlumeBoxes. The possibilities are endless - the detailed beauty is memorable.

Check it out!! Your personal Boutique Express Package can be reserved by calling us at 805/595-7795.

Friday Gratefulness List...

2009-01-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of mine writes and publishes a list of things that she is grateful for every Friday. I think it is wonderfully rich ritual and I shall attempt to be a regular grateful list writer. Not only is it a fun way be thankful - it makes me realize how incredibly fabulous my world is and what more (besides a stiff espresso) could one need!

Oh - by the way, the dear friend of 20 + years (careful with the plus signs please!) has a fabulous foodie blog called SWEET TEA & SUNSHINE - do check it out! The name sums her up better than any adjectives in the English language and I am terribly grateful for her.

Here goes...

Life in California - I feel I've adapted well
The miracle of love - unconditional and unending - my husband of 16 years
8th birthdays - Adrienne my love - you rock!
Photographers - you make my visions a reality and allow me to share with others
My Life with Flowers - how lucky am I to play and be paid?!
My Mother - her never-ending kindness and encouragement
My Web Goddess - Darcie at webeclectic.com
Opportunity - it abounds at every turn
Change - in all of it's forms (my new do, the political current and life)
My beautiful office and studio

The Eight Year Old

The Flowers

The office

Wedding & Party Magazine 2009

2009-01-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

So fun to thumb through and see our work through the magazine! Thanks to all that used images that included our work - AND - one of our all time favorite couples is on the front (see Vineyard Gathering on our website). Where is your bouquet darling??!!! Yeah Lacey and Jason!! Dreamy picture by Colleen Rosenthal.

Many thanks to the Monarch Club at Trilogy for enlisting us to help them in this shoot and to the Courtyard Marriott for using images from the grand opening that we showcased our work at. The cake picture is from a wedding we did in a barn this summer - the cake was beautifully designed and created by The Cakery.

Lastly our 2009 full page ad - photograph by Allyson Magda, designed by Jake & Chloe at Mike Larson Inc.

Thanks to all!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

The ox symbolizes hard work and persistance. Modesty, calm, patience and honesty also personify the ox.

Our new President was born in an ox year - how fitting?!

It has always been our great joy to work with brides to incorporate their heritage into their wedding day. Charlotte, one of those brides, came to us with an idea for an elegant and traditional Chinese inspired wedding. Her family was coming from China to the Central Coast - and she wanted familiar themes throughout the day. We live for this!
Thank you Mike Larson for sharing your images with us.

For some facinating tid bits about Chinese New Year visit: Chinese New Year: Year of the Ox.

The Miracle of Love - Cheers & a Wink!

2009-01-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

I happen to believe there really is someone for everyone - I am walking proof! But really, when you think about it - love is a true miracle. I get to be on the sidelines of many miracles during wedding season. Every bride and groom has a wonderful story about how they fell in love and all that life has brought to the path that they are walking down to their wedding day.

I recently had the great pleasure of working with some of my favorite people in the wedding industry, on a beautiful wedding at Meridian Vineyard. This is my shout out to a team of incredible professionals with a wild creative streak that knocks wedding guests of their feet! First and foremost - the man with the vision: Mark Padgett Even Design, Paul and Linda at Fig Leaf Video, Julie Wilson Photography, San Luis Jazz Band and Two Cooks Catering (they Rock!!).

The Diva's Details - Part 1

2009-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that I just love working on flowers for weddings - one of my favorite aspects of it is the little details that often happen in a flicker of inspiration in my design studio. Surrounded by buckets of blooms and knee deep in greens - there are often little flashes of ahhh and ohhhh even for me and I've been doing this now for 10 years. Sometimes it is the idea sparked by someone's suggestion (hello Mr. Padgett!!) - that the grid of grandpa's prized model be made of flowers, or the setting of a fourth generation ranch that calls for a little leather to be wrapped around the brides bouquet and entwined around silk covered buttons - with the groom's boutonniere to match or kumquats and button mums as the final adornment on individual garden pot cakes - I love it all and this all of this stuff and it is what keeps me jazzed about what I get to do - in addition to keeping me up late at night. Watch for more little details coming soon to this blog spot! Yes - this fabulous wedding happened in that old barn... more on that later. Thank you to the brilliance of Colleen Rosenthal for these images.

Industry Play Date - Wine Tour 1

2009-01-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I actually took a day away from work and joined some fellow industry professionals on a wine tour of the back roads of Paso Robles. Kathy at the Grapeline tours organizes this tour every month and I have been dying to go - finally I had good reason - two of my favorite wedding industry gals were going. Allyson Magda from Allyson Magda Photography just happened to bring a camera along and shot this fun video and stills of our day. Jennie from Trumpet Vine Catering provided a scrumptous lunch of tapas tidbits - and, well - there was some good wine.

Not only was the wine, company and lunch delectable, getting an opportunity to visit some of the wineries as a "visitor" was a fabulous treat. Quite literally every day, I hear of a new winery and new venue for events. Truly, Paso Robles Wine Country is a gold nugget that has just begun to gain recognition as a really great spot to tie the knot.

Eagle Castle Winery - Destination Wedding Bliss

2009-01-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Tami and Matthew decided that the wine country of California's Central Coast was the perfect place for a destination wedding. The rolling vineyards of California is a vast change of scenery from Milwaukee and the fairy tale setting of Eagle Castle Winery was the perfect venue for both families to enjoy for their fun and intimate wedding. This couple was so easy and fun to work with for us and it was a true joy to bring flower details to their special day. Many thanks to Chloe and Sophie at Mike Larson Inc. for some really great photos. Jennie at Trumpet Vine Catering provided an exquisite menu that was a true treat, all paired with Central Coast Wines.

Zen Elements add Beautiful Simplicity

2009-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

Somehow beginnings make me want to get back to basics, to simplify and appreciate the simple glorious beauty of single elements. As a new year begins, I am energized by what lies ahead. New brides, new ideas, new venues and new ways to present flowers.

Some of the most beautiful and classic floral elements are truly the simplest. These elements can be used in groupings to create a stunning centerpiece, as a single welcome statement at a bar, seating card table or entry table. These elements can also be built upon to create a more substantial ceremony or aisle design.

These are a few of my favorite ZEN elements that I love to design with:

Gardenias - at their simplest, floating in water, nestled in a pile of river rock or tucked into a napkin at a place setting. The fragrance alone will take you to a wonderful place.

Fruit - my current favorite is dark purple plums - combined with a birch branch on a bed of moss.

Candles - with a touch of the unexpected - tied with grass and a crystal for example.

Rocks - shiny black rocks, caramel pebbles or rustic river rock - they add wonderful texture and can be used in combination with candles or a back drop for a single glorious bloom.

Artichokes - actually they are flowers and can be absolutely beautiful for a harvest celebration - and they are very "California". The vast variety that is available is also inspiring - baby chocolate and globe for example.

Peonies - a single stem of a lush voluptuous peony in a very simple vase - ah nirvana...

Grass - bundles of bear grass in vases are a stunning vertical visual accent.

Mood Moss - I have a love affair with mosses - probably because as a child I had "texture" dreams. They come in a wide variety and offer a sumptuous beginning to some fantastic ideas. It always reminds of the perfect bed for a flower fairy!

Cymbidium Orchids - A single vibrant green orchid nestled in a wide vase of dark roasted coffee beans - hands down one of my very favorite combinations!

Tournament of Roses

2009-01-02T19:17:00.001-08:00

Picture this - little three year old girl huddled in front of the TV on New Year's Day completely enthralled by all the color, the shapes and the concept that a parade float could be completely covered in plant material. It has been my dream to see this in person since I was a very young child. New Year's Day on the Western Prairies of Canada is literally a world a part from the balmy golden sun of Pasadena.

This was the year - our whole family packed ourselves down to Colorado Boulevard to watch the whole thing. I was not disappointed. Beds of pavé roses, incredible sprays of oncidium orchids for trees and giant gorillas covered in green broccoli. Pretty cool. I had the overwhelming urge to get up close and touch though - and unfortunately I could not do it from the bleachers.

My over all impression really confirmed one of my own design philosophies - that brighter color has greater visual impact even in less quantity. This certainly applies to flowers and decor for weddings. Bright color goes a long way, while you really need substantially more flowers to make visual impact with a monochromatic classic palette. Bright color draws you in - it begs you to be a part of it - to get in closer and be vibrant.

So next time - I may need to drag my entourage down to Colorado Boulevard the night before so that we can sit on the road and get up close to the flowers. I'm thinking sleeping bags, hibachi and good reading material!

Christmas Eve Eve with my Peeps

2008-12-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

To say that I am a lucky, blessed creature is an understatement. In the last ten years of doing what I love (design and fleurs), I have been incredibly fortunate to bump into some of the most creative and unbelievably talented people to walk the earth. Three people in particular have become my chosen family of friends - they love me in spite of myself, they make me laugh at the tough stuff in life and - DANG!!! they are just plain FUN! We gather usually at NOVO in SLO over the Tempernillo, that really at this point should have our picture on it, and wonderful naush every month or so.

So this - is a shout out to my "girls" who share in the ups and bumps of life and work and celebrate the fabulous, every chance we get. Dawn Lambeth - truely amazing musician and stunningly beautiful person (Usonia Jazz), Linda Della Pelle - writer of the funniest emails EVER, fellow mother in arms and film producer extraordinaire (Fig Leaf Video) and my beloved Mark - creative genious, songster and travelling companion (and I don't mean just around the world!) - (Mark Padgett Event Design) - I am blessed with your witty intelligence and grace and I am so grateful for each of you.

In a last minute tango to have one more gathering before Christmas - we invited our husbands (yeah!!! we can all say that now) along to Blue to toast the season on Christmas Eve Eve. And Voila! New tradition has been born. Next year we'll make reservations though. Peace out my gals!

SLO Chamber Holiday Mixer - Hosted by Broad Street Event Group

2008-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wow - how much fun was that! We turned our parking lot into a fabulous event. No, probably you won't want to have your wedding reception in our parking lot - but this was a great exercise in turning the blacktop in to something completely unexpected and hosting 300+ members of the San Luis Obispo business community. Thank you to the Chamber for letting us step outside the lines a bit to do things our way. To say we had a lot of help - would be an understatement. So - this is a shout out to some extraordinary partners in our community who, in their generosity contributed to our Holiday Showcase at Broad Street Event Group.

Taylor Rentals - thank you is just not enough - but "thank you" for the tent, carpet, tables and chairs, linens and dinnerware. Bill Gains Lighting - Zak, once again - thank you for making me look good - you always bring out the best in my work and it is always great to work with you. EOS Estate Winery, Sextant Wines and Justin Vineyards & Winery - to have these world class wineries come and pour at our event was such an honor and serious treat.

These Shoes Are Made for Work'in

2008-12-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Like most the women I know, I too, have a pretty serious "thang" for shoes. Perhaps I inherited it from my mother - I know my 7 year old has inherited it from me - but I just have to have them - a variety. I think for women they are a true friend - and no matter what size your body is this week - your shoes are still going to look great. High ones, low ones, pointy toed ones, open toed ones - I love them all.

This morning as I headed out to the production shop to finish flowers for a wedding today - I slipped on my dear friends - the leopard clogs. They have been with me now for about 6 years - they're pretty beat up and usually have chunks of green waste stuck to them from my hours of designing and the accumulation of stems, leaves and petals that fall around me in what my mother calls my "never ending mess". They are wood and it is illogical to me that they are the most comfortable shoes I own - but they are. Perhaps my feet have formed over time, to fit them. When I'm stressed - they comfort me. When I'm happy - they share in my delight. When I am exhausted - they keep me going. No judgment, no disappointment, no teasing - just happy to be with me. I wear them to the beach, in the rain and if it were to ever snow here (heaven forbid!) I'd wear them then too - probably without socks! When my high pointy pumps come off after a day at the office or a night out - the leopard print clogs go on.

My fellow event colleagues know that when the clogs arrive - it means business. It is GO TIME - bring your "A" game - we're doing flowers! At 11 pm when I break it all down again - my wood leopard print clogs get me through. These shoes have become a part of me - almost my trademark - I feel like my truest self in them. And isn't that just the best kind of friend?

Sweet 16

2008-12-19T01:49:00.000-08:00

16 years ago today - I was an excited and glowing bride. The day is very clear in my mind and my wishes for the day as well. I desperately wanted a candlelight ceremony in a church with stained glass, no flowers on the cake - just pomegranates and gilded gold artichokes, red berries in the flowers and no plumosus fern ANYWHERE.

I had been really sick the week leading up to the day and following our rehearsal, Brian convinced me to visit the walk in clinic (quite a feat!). The exhaustion and inability to keep food down was more than just bridal jitters - kidney infection. "We'd like to admit you to make sure this clears up" a kind practitioner informed me. My determined reply - "I'm getting married tomorrow - that's not an option". After some negotiating, I agreed to a big shot (I think that needle is really for much larger land roaming mammals) of antibiotics in my delicate derriere with a trip directly to bed - no "night before" merriment!

I remember waking up the following morning feeling like a new person and thinking it was absolutely the most beautiful day on earth - overlooking Avila Beach. Not the usual scene for this girl from the frozen tundra (really just the prairies) of Canada. Brian my handsome California boy, picked me up and took me to Fat Cats where we wrote our wedding vows for later in the day over greesy spoon breakfasts surrounded by fishermen fresh off their boats. Nice!

The rest is beautiful history - the florist forgot the berries and ring pillows, added fern to the garlands, the church was a glow with candle light right at dusk, one of the ring bearer's stole the show, the stunning cake made the trip up See Canyon in one piece, my hair stayed up, we made it through our vows and my dearest friends were with us. It was completely perfect!

Denise & Ben - Santa Barbara, CA

2008-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

These two are the epitome of a beautiful collaboration. Having met this couple early in the year - some major changes in their plans came about. We all stayed flexible and it worked out so beautifully. I am so blessed to work with meet such lovely people. Their wedding day took place in Santa Barbara in the midst of burn season - and it was burning. Denise was one of the calmest brides I have every encountered the morning of her wedding. Thank you Denise and Ben - for teaching me much! Thank you too to my good friend and colleague Mike Larson

and team for your
stunning talents and for all that you share - your photos are truly art.

Panacea rocks Hearst Castle

2008-12-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

It was a huge honor for us to be invited by Friends of Hearst Castle to flower up their annual Holiday Feast Event this year. Honor because it was the 50th Anniversary this year and we have long admired this philanthropic organization for their significant effort in the preservation and conservation of this American historic venue. Mark Padgett Event Design was our guiding light in the intricate details of making this happen and as always it is a complete pleasure to share Mark's vision and see it come to life. Truly at several times during the day I found myself pinching myself - to make sure that this was really going on and that we were a part of it! Big thanks to Mike Larson Inc. for these off the hook photos too!

The little brown shack out back of the Castle was Julia Morgan's (the renowned California architect) office - it was the historic backdrop to our prep station - pinch!

Broad Street Event Group Hosts SLO Chamber Holiday Mixer

2008-12-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Join the gang this Wednesday for some Holiday festivities on Broad Street.

Therapy - It's a Beautiful Thing!

2008-12-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

The researchers from Rutgers determined that the flower recipients in the study experienced an elevation in mood that lasted for days. And Chinese healers - who've long believed in "flower power" - say that it doesn't stop there. They say you can utilitze flowers to summon whatever power or emotion you'd like - and that the secret is in the flower's color. Each color creates a different frequency of lightwaves, they believe, which travel through the retina and down the optic nerve, setting off a chain reaction of responses in the body. Neurotransmitters are then released, inducing the production of calming hormones like melotonin, stimulating hormones like adrenaline, and mood-boosting hormones like serotonin.

For example, RED stimulates adrenal glands, boosting energy. ORANGE strengthens the immune system, among other things... INDIGO also helps to free the mind of worries, fear and inhibition.

Read more about this study at About Flowers.com.

Lindsay & Adam

2008-11-24T17:17:00.000-08:00

In our ever growing file of "brides we love" - Lindsay floats right to the top. Lindsay and Adam contacted us from LA to plan their Central Coast wedding at the Cliffs Resort. We had the key words of modern, non traditional, black and white to work with and we emailed some sketches and ideas back. At our one meeting, we refined the details and had a blast working together. It is the best that I can hope for - to have a bride be excited about what we are doing for her - and share the vision. Kenneth Morgan's photo of Lindsay with the red shoes pretty much sums it up!

2009 Color Trend Alert

2008-11-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

the colour gods (pantone & Leatrice Eisman) have released their Color Report for Spring 2009. this is a great place to stay on top of the trends for wedding attire and coming style. it truly starts here and trickles down to everything from fashion, home wares, interiors - and yes - even weddings. i highly recommend Leatrice's books on colour - my two favorites are: Color - Messages and Meanings, and Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color. the colours that you choose for your special day say a lot about you and how your guests will feel - colour is a great way to make a statement. check it out!

Splendor at Meridian

2008-11-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

Rob & Ashley Rader @ Meridian Winery. Photos by Rosenthal Photography, lounge groove by Brian at AVSolutions, fabulous food by Two Cooks Catering, Event Coordination by Janice Cassaca, wedding cake by the Cakery. panacea provided the flowers, chandeliers and lounge furniture. Really a beautiful result of incredible team work!

Tasting Goodness

2008-09-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

my dear friend and colleague Jennie over at Trumpet Vine Catering hosted a wonderful tasting for her clients this weekend. we contributed some floral details and linens and had a blast working with Jennie in making this fun afternoon happen. oh - the food... tapas menu served on a lazy Susan, it was fabulous! Mike and Rachel showcased their supper fun photo booth too - we did some crazy fun pictures.

Showcase - Central Coast Wedding Professionals come to Broad Street Event Group

2008-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was our great delight to host our fellow industry insiders from the Central Coast Wedding Professionals at a showcase event at our offices and lounges on Broad Street. The whole evening was an incredible collaboration of efforts from our team of professionals and the outcome was impressive.

3592 Broad Street, Suites 104 & 106
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Broad Street Event Group Members: Mike Larson Photography, Kramer Entertainment, panacea event floral design, CateringUnlimited.com

Our Weekend

2008-09-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

the barn at Taft Ranch in Atascadero was the setting for Danielle and Bryan's wedding. a bonus of the lake setting up in the hills above the barn was a wonderful surprise to us - and the perfect place for this nature loving couple. one of my favorite photo journalists, Allyson Magda caught these shots.

Price Lists - Priceless Blooms for your Wedding

2008-05-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

As most of our wedding work is completely custom designed for your wedding day, we price all design elements stem by stem. Once we have had an opportunity to sit down with you a listen to your hopes and dreams, we develop your personal Flower Outline, that describes each element, bouquet, centerpiece, etc. and provides the cost for it.

Occasionally, we meet a bride that has set a floral budget of what she believes should be allocated to the flower part of her day. When I ask how the number was decided upon, I'm often met with a blank look and a response of "it seemed reasonable". Well of course - that is how we usually figure things out when we don't know - and assuming you aren't buying a lot of wedding flower packages, how would you know what it costs?

In hopes of being helpful to you, we have outlined a price list for you that we feel can be a guide for the cost for your flower needs.

Now, having said that - this list takes into account our unique design philosophy that your wedding flowers need to be WOW! We do not use a lot of greens and fillers - we are in love with blooms and want to provide you with the most beautiful bouquets and flower pieces - like they walked out of a magazine, and into your wedding.

You will find flowers for less - and we'd be happy to provide you with a list of wedding floral designers that will do everything for less. You will also be purchasing an entirely different product.

Please give us a call (805/595-7795) or email us (bloomdiva@panaceaflowers.com) and we will be happy to email you our general pricing guide for our Signature Custom Designed Packages. If you are looking for simplicity and an economical approach to your wedding flowers - please have a look at our Boutique Express Packages on our website. Each of these packages have been designed for excellent value and can be modified depending on the size of your wedding party. We also offer a beautiful line of Express Centerpieces which can be viewed on this blog.

Pricing, Value and Fabulous

2008-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

One of the most common issues we deal with in putting a beautiful floral and decor plan together for our brides is one of budget and pricing. I wish it were a simple issue to address - like when you hire a DJ, there is a rate - the variable is how many hours you want and the price of that time is very straight forward. The price is the same to everyone, regardless of the type of music you want or if you want to include the chicken dance or not (NOT!!).

Of course you can arrange to have a floral designer do your personal flowers only, and pick them up the morning of your wedding - they will be stunning and they will be less expensive than hiring someone to design your whole wedding - you will see why below.

In an effort to demystify this aspect of hiring a wedding floral designer, I will share with you the aspects of the equation.

The size of your wedding: how many bridesmaids = how many bridesmaid's bouquets, how many guests = how many centerpieces - it seems really obvious, but if you want to cut your flower budget - and really your overall wedding budget - have a smaller wedding party and invite fewer guests. Many of our favorite weddings have been small intimate gatherings where the bride choice quality over quantity in all the aspects of her wedding.
The varieties of blooms that you choose: flowers each have a different value - for example, lush English Garden Roses are about twice as expensive as their standard counterpart. Yes, they are incredibly fabulous, but maybe use them in your bridal bouquet, and not throughout your centerpieces for example. Hydrangea costs more than roses - but it also takes up significantly more space in a bouquet or an arrangement.
The season: the floral community's biggest connundrum, is the August bride that has to have tulips. Of course we always want to get you exactly what you want - but those tulips may be coming from the other side of the planet, and getting them here is going to add cost. Working with blooms that are in prime season of your wedding will not only have a better visual outcome, it brings the best value to your budget.
Scale: the bridal magazines that offer amazing ideas for you to fall in love with, have scaled things to a place where they have maximum visual impact. They also use a lot of blooms in each element or bouquet - but notice they don't give you a cost for those elements. When we actually tell a bride that the cost of the stunning centerpiece she has just fallen in love with would be $400 for each table and she has 20 tables, so just the centerpieces will cost $8000 (Gasp!), there is always disappointment and and an immediate let down. On that same note, a high centerpiece, requires more volume than a low - simply from a scale perspective. Usually mechanics are involved to the the flowers up there - that leads to more labour.
Design: working with a great floral designer often means that they are creating elements specifically for your personal event. We usually sketch concepts out for you, spend time researching elements that will fit in with the style that you are presenting and then figure out how many stems of each bloom will be required to accomplish that bouquet - times 20+. Unlike walking into the corner flower shop and buying a bouquet out of the refrigerated display case, your wedding flowers will be specially ordered for you and specially designed for you with the greatest of care taken along the way to find the best quality blooms, and personal care and attention. In addition, putting three stems of roses in a bud vase is an entirely different process than creating a cohesive, trendy palette of blooms, applying them to the various elements required at a wedding, engineering the installation of those blooms on your arch, chuppah or high centerpiece, all while keeping your personal color standards and style in mind.
How Profusely are the blooms used: for example - what is the ratio actual blooms to greens and filler? This can make all the difference in the world. For example, our style tends to be high bloom intensity. We don't use greens except for their ability to add to the design itself. In other words, we don't fill space with greens or fillers - we use flowers. What you end up with is high intensity designs with high density of texture and color. Greens are inexpensive and many designers use them to "thin out" the number of blooms needed for each arrangement or bouquet - thus bringing down cost. The look is completely different. For this day of all days, we take the approach of maximum beauty and grace and only use greens if they add another exquisite element of texture and beauty. Often we will you more than double the number of blooms in a centerpiece that the next florist would. So it is like comparing apples to oranges.
Care: from ordering each stem from the specific sources around the world that will provide excellent quality, to prepping each bloom with specific chemicals for maximum hydration and nutrtion to refrigeration. The goal is that your flowers be at their absolute prime, on the day of your wedding. Sometimes that requires extreme care - creating a mini greenhouse to get your blooms to open in time, or slowing the "ripening" process down so that come "the day" they are profoundly awesome. This requires time (labour) and education (expertise). A flower shop orders whatever is a great deal at the market for that week, and it goes directly into their cooler for you to purchase on the spot.
Expertise: hopefully when you hire a designer, they will have had experience working at your venue, and they will be able to give you the low down on what works and what the possibilities are. They will know the support staff at the venue and have a good understanding of what the venue's parameters are in addition to having a collaborative relationship with the venue. You are paying for experience and expertise. On your day of all days - you'll be glad that you did. The alternative isn't worth experiencing. Also, a fabulous wedding floral designer stays in the loop of what is current in weddings and events. What the current color palettes are, what the latest techniques are, what is happening in design and trends. Does your designer get out of the bubble that is their own business and community? Ask them - "what do you do to stay current and inspired?" If you are excited about your flowers - they should be too.
Inventory: what are the options available to you for arches, chuppahs, centerpiece vessels, fabric treatments, linens, lanterns, etc. Someone who has a vast inventory for you to choose from has invested their profits back into the business to be able to provide exquisite candelabras, arches, fabric to you their clients. These are often items that you would not be able to find, much less afford to purchase for your wedding yourself - and it is provided to you as a service from your designer.
Installation: so you have decided on the perfect design of your wedding arch - are you picking those flowers up to place them yourself? Getting a spray of blooms up high on an arch while perched on a ladder and water dripping into your eye, while making sure it is secured enough that the "coastal breeze" won't blow it to bits in the middle of your ceremony - is not as easy at it sounds. Great care is taken to ensure that your blooms are secured appropriately so that someone who has had a glass too many of wine, doesn't walk in a table and jilt the flowers off of their heavenly perch on a elegant candle stick. This all takes time and know how - and it is as important as the selection of your bouquet.