Cake Styling

A year ago I blogged about styling a cake for Joy the Baker. It was a blast to work with Joy, totally fun, and we had some good laughs over how very unglamorous these photos shoots are behind the scenes. If only people knew... I'm not going to lie, I was a little devastated when the cake I styled failed to pass muster with Joy's editors. You see, it was supposed to be for the cover of her new cookbook. I was sooooo excited about that. I've had my designs on the cover of a magazine... not once, but twice. That's a pretty big deal. But the cover of a Joy the Baker Cookbook? That made my little heart go pitter patter pumpernickel.

Alas and alack, it wasn't to be. The cookbook editors went a different direction. Ah, well, I suppose the cake I styled can live on in infamy on this, my little bloggity-blog. At least I can look at it, and that makes me happy.

Images by Joy Wilson | Floral Design by Lauryl Lane.

awards show weekend

The Academy Awards are tomorrow, will you be watching? It's one of my favorite evenings of the year, the chance to see Hollywood royalty (and many of my clients!) all dressed up in their most formal attire, coiffed, bejeweled, and utterly entrancing!

Every year I hope to see more flowers. Not that there aren't bajillions of flowers at The Kodak Theatre on awards day (I've watched the floral installations before and they are UNBELIEVABLE!!!), but we rarely see the film talent wearing corsages, boutonnieres, or any other floral adornment. With The Artist as one of the number one contenders for Best Picture, I'm really hoping that there will be a return to "Old-Hollywood" elegance this year. Might we even see some classic carnation boutonnieres??? Fingers crossed!

Carnations have gotten a really bad rap in the past, and I understand why. Poorly designed, as they almost always are in supermarket arrangements, they look like crap. But with the proper care, good mechanics, and unexpected accompaniments, carnations really can shine. And as a boutonniere, a carnation can conjure up images of the elite brotherhood of gentlemen who wore a carnation "buttonhole" every single day in England around the turn of the century. Oh dear, now I'm going to imagine myself in the world of Downton Abbey again...

Happy Weekend!

Image | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

the little things

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could not have said it better. The little things ARE infinitely the most important. Many people think of flowers as a "little thing." Or a luxury. I suppose they could be categorized either way. But whether "little" or "luxury," they make the world a brighter place. I can't imagine living without the ability to fashion and cultivate these gorgeous bits of nature into works of art.

Hand-tied bouquets are always my favorite. Always. Without question.

I also love boutonnières, and long for these to come back into vogue for more frequent use than weddings!

But centerpieces, where would we be without centerpieces? They make any dull table gay. They bring the outdoors in. They remind us of the beauty that surrounds us.

Oh sweet fleurs, I adore you. You cheerful red and orange ranunculas, you delightful textured balls of scabiosa pod, you perpetually-blooming stars of bethlehem, and you luscious cedar: yum. Yummy yum yum!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

warm and cozy

Happy Monday! I don't know about you, but I'm OVER this whole winter-thing. After many years of living in an absolutely ideal climate, I was excited about experiencing a real winter, snow and all. Unfortunately, I've got to say it gets really old really fast. Now I understand why people get seasonal affective disorder.

When I first moved to Denver, people told me that winter would be long, but the sunshine would make it livable. I hate to disagree, but no amount of sunshine makes endless days of cold and snow livable.

My husband and I are hibernating as much as possible. We watch Downton Abbey over and over again, drink tea like we'll never get the chance to drink tea again, and avoid other people like the crotchety old hermits we're quickly becoming.

I am longing for spring, and just trying to be as positive as I can... it's not easy. My floral choices lately have been bright colors. While I normally prefer muted, de-saturated shades, I am definitely needing a dose of bright and peppy right now. Hopefully, these cheerful colors and sweet blooms will sustain me until spring arrives!

It's no wonder that tax season is during it's-so-cold-I-want-to-tear-my-eyeballs-out season, right? Hopefully these flowers brings you a little cheer, especially if you're stuck in a less-than-temperate climate, like me! I'm going to wrap up in a blanket, turn on my electric heater, and try to stay warm and cozy while I attack the tax prep!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

winter white

White and green is my favorite winter color combination. Wait, who am I kidding? White and green is definitely my favorite any-time color combination. My own wedding over six years ago was white, green and chocolate brown, and to this day that remains my favorite palette. The palette can be fresh and modern, or rustic and earthy-- either way, it always looks good!

Here's a little table and bouquet that I designed recently, using holiday greenery, classic vendela roses, scabiosa pods, privet berries, and wonderful vintage-looking paper flowers with a pretty old-fashioned script! Of course, there's also some totally scrumptious (and uber expensive!) french grosgrain ribbon. Yummy! Enjoy!

Even though it's cold outside, this bouquet makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Flowers, designed well, can definitely banish wintertime woes!

Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

Celebrate!

Be always at War with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better person.

- Benjamin Franklin

Wow! 2011 has come and is nearly gone. Poof! The older I get, the more quickly time seems to pass. 2011 was a good year for me and for my business, and it also brought unexpected change in the form of a cross-country move. I still miss Los Angeles and my friends there, as well as the incredible Southern California wedding industry, but I'm slowly learning to navigate Denver and the surrounding areas, and I'm excited about the mountain weddings that I already have booked here in Colorado for the 2012 season. I'm also thrilled to have met some great fellow wedding industry professionals out here and to have had the opportunity to collaborate on a number of creative projects. I'll be sharing those in the days and weeks to come: first up is this festive tablescape and arm bouquet that I recently designed. Enjoy, and have a beautiful New Year's Eve celebration with the ones you love!

Images by Sara Hasstedt (1,2 & 6) | Additional Images | Floral Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

accepting bookings for holiday season 2012!

I've been honored to design and install holiday decorations in some of the most exquisite homes & work spaces in Southern California, and now I'm delighted to announce that I will begin professional holiday installations here in Colorado beginning with the 2012 holiday season! Whether your needs are large or small-- from 2-week home overhauls to 1-day tree trimmings, I have experience with every style of home, every size of living space, and every type of client imaginable. I love every minute of transforming a home or office into a magical winter wonderland.

From trees....

To garlands...

To mantles...

and everything in between...

... the holidays are a time for your home to shine!!!

If you want your home or office to be the most festive place around, you're in luck! I am now opening my calendar for 2012 holiday bookings. If you need a professional touch for the first time or want to try a new designer for a change, please contact me to schedule a personal consultation. Booking dates are available beginning Monday, November 26th and running through Wednesday, December 19th, 2012. I would love to work with you to create an enchanting space for you as you entertain your family and friends in the 2012 holiday season!

Images | Design | Styling by Lauryl Lane for Denis LaVoie.