Just in time for Halloween: The Bat Orchid

I swung by the flower market yesterday to pick up a few extra things & ran into their Dutch flower buyer - he was so excited about the Tacca Chantrieri Black Orchid that has recently hit the market, and I can see why! I was so psyched when he gave me one as a treat to take home! (Which I totally did! So the image below is from the web until I can decide what to make with it...it's just so pretty all on it's own!)


These things are putting the spring in everyone's step... I was at another wholesaler today who couldn't wait to see if I got the gift he sent - yep - a few Tacca Chantrieri! I feel so lucky, this is like Christmas! I can only imagine this was the first week they became available considering all the buzz.


The Tacca have a long stem with a deep chocolate color similar to the Chocolate Cosmo, long dangling whiskers and these outer wings that hold smaller petite blossoms within...so cool! While they are a little on the pricey side...they have a long life as a fresh cut, so they are well worth it! But they will have some limited availability, so if you are as hot to trot about these as I am, just give me advanced notice to bring them in for you!

It's happening!

It looks like we are on the slippery slope to digging out our cars from 18" of snow and pining for our "Vacation of a Lifetime." Pack up the flip-flops, say 'good bye' to Lily Pulitzer. I peeked out my apartment window this morning and it is official. Fall has arrived!

But along with great sorry comes hope...gorgeous Dahlias, lovely textured berries, vines and branches are arriving into the flower market for the new season. It's like celebrating a Birthday or Christmas when I go buying - there is always something new. Seeing them is as if old friends are back and I can't wait to dive into designing Fall.

I love an Open House!

It has been a crazy week but I take every chance I get to help out the NCC and Max and Me Catering when they have a showcase for prospective brides. They send me a list of all their rentals and linens for the tables, and ask me to design a complimentary arrangement.

Sofia wasn't available, so I took these shots with my new iPhone that my sister got me for my birthday. While it does have a flash; these images are just validate my resolve that while I am a good florist - but a terrible photographer!

Spring was on a Antique Violet linen and a sleek sliver container was requested:

Summer was on a soft peach linen and modern black containers were requested:

Fall was a twist on the regular harvest theme and a copper/bronze yet retro container was suggested. I went classic - that's retro right?

And Winter threw me through a loop - they asked for lanterns and mine are white/silver...but they had gold accents on the table settings. So I just went for it & I think the overall look ended up pretty romantic!

ISES: Networking at Octo Lounge

I have been slacking on my networking these days - but now that the trips and get-a-ways have waned I thought I would catch up with my friends at ISES. The monthly meeting was held last night at Octo Waterfront Grille on Delaware Avenue. I am not sure how I missed this patio summer hang out - but the food was plentiful, tasty and the company delightful. I got a chance to catch up with Gal pals Sofia (Sofia Negron Photography) and Gretchen McHale (World Cafe Live). Sofia is doing great - she recently moved to NYC but don't fear! She is still booking Philly weddings! (I'll post out latest together at the Rittenhouse ASAP!) Gretchen is planning a wedding of her own - this event was the debut of her super cool custom designed wedding ring!

Basically these are industry events where we get to mix, mingle and catch up with other "events" people to swap ideas, share tips and hopefully get a little business out of it. Occasionally, there are people whom I have run into at these things but we don't get to spend any quality time together.

Marilyn Sukonick-Zeff is one of them. She is a professional Tarot Reader & Company of Psychics. Yes that's correct. Apparently, Gretchen is an acquaintance of hers and has multiple readings. All of which she says were "relevant and insightful." How could I resist hearing about my possible destiny when Marilyn's business card is a virtual mullet - all business in the front and Tarot on the back! The flip side of my card showcased this image:

Yikes! I have to admit I was quite curious to hear what my card was going to tell me & was totally glamoured by Marilyn when she spoke. I couldn't really remember all of the details that she shared but here are the basics - with the added note that this change in my life is going to happen on the first...the first of what she couldn't say...:

"Those who pull this card in a reading are in for an incredible adventure. This card marks the beginning of a new direction - particularly in matters of creativity.This card is calls loudest to artists, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and those seeking to set out on a new creative path. To them, it is the "green light" card - a sign of positive encouragement, a signal to go for gusto! in their endeavors. The ace of wands Tarot card meaning is all about taking our internal creative fire in hand and holding it out for the entire world to see. Now is our time to spread our warmth, passion, and vision to others."

Wow! I am so psyched for the 1st!

San Francisco's Flora Grubb Vertical Gardens

I had a few projects out in SF this summer & one was to help Hubbard Foss revamp some of their showroom space now that they are branching out into more planters and garden gear. I took the opportunity to take them on a field trip to one of my favorite garden centers - Flora Grubb. Our mission was to check out her Vertical Gardens in particular: 

One of the things I miss the most about SF is the California weather and the floral materials that are available all year long. The flower market is one of the few wholesale markets in the United States that is owned and run for and by flower growers. There is so much gorgeous materials it's hard to be a bad florist! I think that's why I love Flora Grubb Gardens so much. It a a gorgeous balance between local available product and natural loose design. We got a lot of great inspiration for different plants that we could use to build our own living walll - as well as some just fun great eye candy: 

Road Trip To NYC!

It's NY International Gift Fair week so we headed to the big apple - by way of Jersey City! What?! Yep! I had a meeting and walk through at the almost completed Maritime Parc event space with a lovely prospective bride who is getting married next June.

I have this thing for the Statue of  Liberty, I crane my neck when headed to Long Island just to get a peek. I've never been there, but have it on my list, it just seems like something I should check out. So I was especially delighted to see that the Maritime Parc is situated right across the street from where the ferry is located to hop on over to Ellis Island! The view from the marina is amazing and you can see the Lady Liberty on the drive in.

The event space is still under construction, but it looks just like the virtual renderings. They have really cool details too like pinspotting in the ceiling for every table, uplighting around the room and some pretty cool fabric panels that are so much better than regular draping. I am really excited to begin working on the decor designs for her proposal!

We were having so much fun that I didn't get headed over to the gift show until 1PM - but that ended up being plenty of time. The exhibitors seem to be fewer and more consolidated every year, only two of the Piers were open. The rest was at The Javitz Center. The good news is that most of my favorites were there showcasing their latest and greatest, and I scored a few new sources for upcoming events.

Gal Pal Sofia Negron lives in NYC these days and we had a chance to meet up and cruised the show together. Here are my top three finds (in order of discovery) of things that caught my eye:

1) The Dunes & Duchess hand crafted candlesticks. I readily admit I was drawn to the table because of this huge leather hinged hurricane - but was quickly swept away by the gorgeous colors and craftsman ship of their signature lacquered candlesticks. Owner and Stylist Stacy Kunstel teamed up with her photographer husband to "dream up wildly romantic products for the home." And I think they've done it. I hear The Knot was by asking questions, considering a photo shoot - I am sure you will see it in their glossy pages soon!

 

 2) I couldn't resist Middle Kingdom's bright porcelain vases from their 'Red Chamber Collection' - I can just imagine hundreds of them clustered down the center of a long dining table. Bo and Alison Jia started the company in 1998 to "strive to revive the luxurious connotations of 'made in China' for a modern audience." They have a story that is as beautiful as their pieces.

 3) I'm in love with the felt flowers, pins, brooches, napkin rings from Digs (Duchamp’s Irreverent Guiding Spirit, Inc) - there are so many ways I can think to use them, I can't wait. The designer for these particular pieces is Vacide Erda Zimic from Peru. She employs recycled and reclaimed scrap fabrics such as felt, cotton, georgette, alpaca and industrial carpet combining them to make objects using different processes such as sewing, rolling, sticking and cutting. Another great company with a great story that got started in 1991. Digs is a little like Etsy - but on a different scale. They have a specific mission of sustainability and fair trade - their membership in the  Fair Trade Federation and Co-Op America is just the tip of the iceberg!

Michelle and Matt's July Wedding

Michelle knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding when we met over the winter - Schwartzwalder Calla Lilies. She has a clean and simple sense of style, and the designs we worked out were a perfect match.

Her chuppah was sleek lines with bright yellow Oncidium orchids cascading down the top corners. (More images to follow once the photographer posts them online!) The wedding and the reception took place in the Please Touch Museum.

The guests mingled for cocktails in the Carousel Room, and dined in Hamilton Hall. The Bridesmaids had dresses that complimented Michelle's deep purple Callas and the girls balanced out the design with bright yellow mini Callas.

I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures to check out the details of the centerpieces. Until then these images of them having a total blast will have to do!!!

2010 Chef's Dinner for PAWS

I am definitely a little out of order here with the blogging but as the pictures come in I will wax over this summer's events. I just got the images back from my friend Michael Persico of Persico Photo (thank you!) from the 6th annual Chef's Dinner for PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society.) This is the second year I had a chance to support the group and showcase some creative table settings.

This year the PAWS organization was able to raise almost $220,000 with support from sponsors such as Campbell Studios and the attendees who purchased tables/tickets for the event.

The event took place Monday, June 28, 2010 at the Union League of Philadelphia. The high-style event showcased the talents of more than 40 of the region’s top chefs from celebrated dining destinations. Each chef presented an intimate, unique and unforgettable experience for their table of 12 guests, who had the opportunity to meet-and-greet the participating culinary masters while tasting decadent creations prepared personally for them. To enhance the experience each table has a local decorator trick-out the table to polish off the dining experience.

Now, for those of you in the catering industry, the news of my crush on Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix is old news, to the rest of you I am coming out. I can barely speak when I am around him...he is just so...nice. I have appointed him my wishful father figure. (Insert little daydream here.)

So when Max and Me wanted to launch him as their official partner, they decided to host a table & ask me to design it for them. I think I grinned for a week. Check out these great shots - It took all my control not to jump in the photo with Ginger Bickley (Max and Me Catering Director) and Chef!

Instead of the assigned long tables, I used some serps and made an open circle so Chef could interact with his guests. The flower market was overflowing with gorgeous peonies, I couldn't resist designing something girlie. I lined the inner circle of the table with vintage milk glass containers and filled them with Peonies and Garden roses. Accents of Maiden Hair ferns gave some bounce to the table and with the flicker of candles we were ready for guests.

And my two favorite things about the evening....

 

Caitlin & Jim's Wedding: June 26, 2010

I had such a great time working with Caitlin and her family on her wedding this June. We met on one of those chilly days at the National Constitution Center (NCC) - and hit it off. I knew I was in trouble when the conversation turned to Caitlin's plan to wear shoes with a pop of color on her wedding day - she turned me on to Rue Lala; my life (and wardrobe) has not been the same since!

This was the first event I had the opportunity to work with Kevin from from "Spark Photography." He really captured the spirit of their day; and the personalities of everyone attending - these folks were having a great time! They got married at St. Augustine's on Old City and the reception was at the NCC. Caitlin had every detail down from the "I DO" written on the bottom of her shoes to the handmade pinwheels she and her mom made for the escort cards...

There were just too many great shots - check out the slide show for a few more favorites!
Thanks Kevin & Spark Photography! 

8.11.2010 Update: 
I got a really nice email today from Caitlin's Mom; Ann...It's so nice to know I seemed to have touched them as much as they touched me...


"Hi Judith,
Many, many  thanks to you for all you did to make Caitlin & Jim's day so special.  From that first snowy day we met at the Constitution Center we knew we were competent hands. Our comfort level was so high that Caitlin said she had a new best friend.  Your attention to detail and color is impeccable. The pictures are amazing.  I will send the pictures as soon as I can figure how to!!

Our sincerest best wishes to you in all your future endeavors.
All the best!!"

Ann & Frank  Dillon

PAMPI Gala 2010: "A Night in the Piazza"

More fun stuff happened in June with the PAMPI Gala.
I belong to an event planning organization called "PAMPI" (The Philadelphia Area Chapter of Meeting Professionals International - a regional professional organization dedicated to serving the diverse needs of meeting professionals) and was thrilled to have been invited to work with Kris Sumey from Event FX as the decorator for the PAMPI Gala on June16th. The event took place on The Piazza at Schmidts and we could not have had a better evening. The theme of the event and all of the decor took on a Italian twist with inspiration from the Trevi Fountain we awarded honors and ushered in the new president.

Todd Zimmermann from Pictures by Todd was an event sponsor for the evening and the official photographer that evening; he was kind enough to share some images with CS (Thank You Todd!):

 

The event would not have been possible with out all of the event sponsors - just a few of them are pictured in this post: Event FX provided all of the lighting & props (and Kris was the Chair of the event!) Sandy Fergus represented with her living statues from Creative Juice Group...and you know I love cake - Cupcakes Gourmet did not disappoint!

Check out more of Todds work form the event! Please visit http://www.collages.net , and fill in the following

information: Username: MPI Awards Ceremony; Password: 21885