happy valentine's day!

In celebration of Valentine's Day, here's a sneak peek of a bouquet I fashioned for a recent collaboration. More on that later. For now, isn't that ombre effect exhilarating? Hope you're spending a beautiful day with the one (s) you love!

I feel like every day should be Valentine's Day, if this is truly a day of celebrating love. Sammy and I were cuddled on the sofa last night, discussing what we should do today. Sammy said something like, "we celebrate our love EVERY day." And he is so right.

This past year has been the hardest year for our relationship despite 9 years of togetherness. The difficulty mostly had to do with us being separated so much. The cross-country move and my many commitments in L.A. caused us to be apart for a total of nearly two months. Yeah, that time was broken up, but it sure added up. Neither of us had been apart for more than a week or two per year for any of the previous years since we first met during our junior year of college. It was rough. It led me to cut back on the number of destination weddings that I'm willing to commit to each year. And it made us think about how short life is and wonder if there is ANYTHING more important in life than being together?

We think not.

When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see, For all the day they view things unrespected; But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee, And, darkly bright, are bright in dark directed; Then thou whose shadow shadows doth make bright, How would thy shadow's form form happy show To the clear day with thy much clearer light, When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so! How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made By looking on thee in the living day, When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay! All days are nights to see till I see thee, And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

William Shakespeare Sonnet 43

Image | 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.