A Parisian-Style Wedding

After last week's post where I talked about Parisian florist-to-the-stars Jeff Leatham, I got thinking about Paris. I love all things Parisian! I love visiting Paris, I love reading about Paris, I love photos of Paris! My idea of a really chic wedding would be a Pink (or maybe red), Black and White theme...complete with the stripes that frenchys are so fond of. (And why do they always look great in them? )

This gorgeous Armani gown isn't a true 'wedding' dress, but could work on the right gal...

it's all about the attitude!

How about a glorious paper hat from Chanel Haute Couture?

And don't forget the tables! A properly dressed table will help carry your theme all the way through. Black and White stripes just say Look at Me!

Striped wedding cake, anyone?

Carry the stripes through to your flowers...courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

And as for the reception venue, the Palais Royal has coordinating striped pillars!

Classy, sophisticated, maybe a little edgy...Could you be a Parisian Bride?

Bloomers has beautiful ideas for your wedding, striped or otherwise!

And as always, free consultations!

Fresh From Paris-Jeff Leatham

I'm smitten. Totally in love. Head over heels. But can you blame me? Jeff Leatham appeared on TLC's Flowers Uncut in the fall, tempting me with what turned out to be only a few episodes. I was disappointed, but went on with my life, until this month when TLC started running all the episodes, and I couldn't be happier! And since they air when I am busy in my own flower shop, well, thank you TiVo! There are muscles, flowers and drama in every episode-what's not to love?







So who is this Jeff Leatham? Most recently, he was the resident florist at the famed George V hotel in Paris (where he often used 17,000 stems just for the lobby!), and has done floral designs for private clients such as Gweneth Paltrow and George Clooney. Having conquered Paris, Jeff and his assistant Mathieu decided to move to New York City and try their luck at wooing
high-end clients in yet another world-class city. Not a shabby resume for someone with no formal florist training. He's brash and outspoken; definitely not a shrinking violet!








This beautiful church photo is of Eva Longoria's wedding in Paris a few years ago. Did someone say all-white flowers are boring? I think not!




I love the simplicity of his designs; the reliance on masses of form and color and balance rather than an elaborate 'arrangement', though his final design is far from simple. These are events that often have flower budgets in the 6 figures. Jeff is fearless with flowers...got thousands of flower stems that need to be cut? He'll take the whole bunch and crack them against his knee! Obviously, these blooms are not meant to last for weeks. They are simply to be enjoyed for the moment, for the event. Many aren't even in water, which shocks and sometimes upsets flower lovers!

Though his favorite flowers tend to be hot-hued Vanda orchids, roses, Calla lilies, and Hydrangea, on a recent episode I was happy to see he used masses of hot pink Carnations for a designer's fashion show party. And it was beautiful!

I do have to say though, that his signature look occasionally makes me nervous. Leaning a bunch of flowers over the top of a huge glass vase: well, I just envision broken glass and wet party patrons! But I love the 'drowned' blossoms, the over-the-top blowsy blooms, and the masses of loose petals scattered everywhere.

What do you think of his designs? Do you think they are fabulous? Do you love the bold simplicity? Or do you think it's really all just too much? Do tell!

Bloomers has lots of beautiful ideas to make your party sparkle, even if you don't have a six-figure budget!

St. Patrick's Day

March 17. St. Patrick's Day. Who is this St. Patrick, anyway? Why, the Patron Saint of Ireland! It's a National Holiday in the Emerald Isle, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Ireland, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their clothing or hats. Girls may wear green ribbons in their hair.

Many countries, including the US, hold large parades on the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day. In Boston, there has been a parade there since 1737. Canada's longest running parade, in Montreal, began in 1824. Having attended both over the years, I can attest to the festival atmosphere that prevails!

34 million American have Irish ancestry, and that is nine times the population of Ireland in total. That's alot of Carnations!



Are you one of those who dislikes the Carnation, in any color? You'll have lots to choose from if you're looking for green flowers for the day. There are now beautiful green roses, tiny green button mums, and large green spider mums, to name just a f ew!




Bloomers has green flowers for your St. Patrick's Day celebration!

You may also enjoy this past post...

And Speaking of Floral Cupcakes...

In last week's post I mused on the trend of using masses of cupcakes in place of a traditional wedding cake. Well, what if you aren't clever with a pastry bag? What if your baking skills aren't up to par? Then it may be time to create those "cupcakes" out of flowers!

WHAT? You've never heard of such a thing? Then here are some fun ideas for your next bash. This muffin tin (above) filled with carnation "cupcakes" is especially fun for birthdays, and, it's so easy: fill each muffin cup with a bit of wet floral foam, then insert your blooms and candles. Done!

Since carnations (Dianthus) come in so many great colors, you'll have fun matching them to your party's color theme. And they are relatively inexpensive. Order them in advance from your florist to assure they will be the freshest possible. Your guests will be closely scrutinizing your creation-this is no time to buy frumpy flowers!

And this chubby Cupcake-for-One makes a unique centerpiece! Two colors of Dianthus gives the impression of frosting. And remember to add the candle!

The pink carnations in this scrumptious creation perfectly sets off the 'chocolate' candle and cake pan. Yum!




These aren't exactly cupcakes, but I love these cocktail glass centerpieces. They're filled with colored floral foam, which provides the water needed for the white mums and the yellow rose topping the whole thing. Adding a slice of real limes and a color-coordinated straw is a fun touch.



Need something larger than 'cupcakes'? How about the whole "cake"? Daisies, roses, mums, Dianthus- what a fun surprise this would be!

Call Bloomers anytime. 910-815-8585. We can help you with your creation, or deliver one to someone special for you!
PS: have you reserved your space in our upcoming Floral Design Class yet?

It's a Cupcake Wedding!

Cupcakes are all the rage! Have you noticed? At the last few weddings I've attended, the brides opted for 'cupcake cakes', rather than a traditional tiered confection. And they were lovely! Of course, wedding cupcakes don't have to be decorated with flowers, but many are (and of course are my favorites!). Here are some really beautiful examples. And you can relax- this page is calorie-free!

Floral-decorated cupcakes are well-suited to other occasions, too. Birthday parties, baby showers, anniversary celebrations-cupcakes just add an element of extra fun that a regular cake just can't match.







Isn't this one beautiful? I love the vintage-looking wrapper. Anything wrapped this gorgeously just has to taste good!



These fun laser-cut cupcake sleeves really elevate these beauties to a whole new level of yum!




I'm not sure why, but these particular floral cupcakes make me very hungry. I especially love that they have a fondant icing rather than the traditional gooey creme frosting. They'd be great for a bridal shower, or even a baby shower!


Now that I've whet your appetite for cupcakes, watch for next week's BloomersBlog, where I'll talk about real flower cupcakes and other goodies!