Since When Does the Florist Make the Rules?

So yesterday, I met with a newly engaged bride-to-be. She says to me "I am wearing a formal wedding gown with a short train and lots of beading, do I need a cascading bouquet?" "Not unless you're Princess Diana." I answered. It appears that another florist told her that she HAD to have a cascading bouquet, a hand-tied would just not do! Seriously? In this day and age when a canine can be your flower girl and the best man can actually be your best woman. I can't even think of one wedding rule. O.k. maybe one...you can't marry a relative. So brides, if a florist tells you something out of left field, recruit another florist. If a florist thinks your ideas are questionable, call me. At The Painted Primrose we don't make rules. If you have your heart set on a bouquet of orange and blue Bronco's colors, our job is to not judge, but to make it beautiful! After all, this is your day, not mine! (AP photo)

Holiday Marriage Proposals

Did you know that 26% of all marriage proposals happen during the months of November and December? I must admit, that I fit into that statistic. Last New Year's Eve, my newly betrothed proposed to me. Come to think of it, my first husband, back in 1986, proposed to me on New Year's Eve as well. Hhhmm. I honestly believe there is something very magical about that night. (It also happens to be my birthday.) So best wishes to all of you single ladies hoping to hear those four beautiful words....After he does, and you say yes, wipe your tears and book your venue, than call your florist!
This photo is of Lone Hawk Farm in Longmont, CO.

An Autumn Wedding at The Hotel Boulderado

Enjoy these new pictures from a recent wedding that I designed at Boulder's Hotel Boulderado. Yet, another fabulous bride and groom. I am so lucky. Credit for the pictures go to Julie McGehan Photography @ www.juliemcgehan.com The cake is by Shamane @ www.shamanesbakeshoppe.com The bridal bouquet is made from white calla lilies and nandina foliage. The large floral urn is accented with locally grown burgundy dahlias, velvety as can be!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Thanksgiving is a week from today. One of my very favorite holidays! I love designing Thanksgiving centerpieces. Call me to design yours! My utmost favorite is adding taper candles in autumnal hues. As part of our "Stemulus" package, I am offering free local delivery from now until December 31, 2009. New to The Painted Primrose is our fabulous wire service. I can now wire flowers anywhere in the world. Yes! 1-888-280-8849 Call me!

Here's to 50 years!

Today, I posted an entry on craigslist offering 20 free yellow roses to the first person who showed up at my shop. You see, sometimes I have a few flowers left over from an event, too open to sell, to beautiful to toss. A kind gentlemen was the first to show up, dressed in jeans, boots, flannel shirt, cap and a Carhartt vest. A real rancher. He said he was celebrating his 50th anniversary with his wife. They met in high school. He 20, she 19. He said he loves her as much as he did when they married. I guess that would be in 1959. As I wrapped the flowers for him, he took off his hat and shook my hand. "Thank you ma'am," he said, "you're so kind."

Wow! 50 years! What an inspiration.

Well, I have a new husband. He's the bomb! He's kind, loving, understanding, accepting, gentle, (quite handsome) and a great friend. In 50 years we will be really old, but what the heck... here's to our 50!

The Jordan Almond Wedding Tradition, Italian Style

I just wanted to show the lovely little nests filled with five robin's egg blue almonds that I placed on the tables at my wedding reception. Little did I know that Jordan almonds are actually an Italian tradition. Sure, I saw lots of Jordan almonds tucked into tulle pouches at every family get together. I grew up on the South side. I figured that Jordan almonds were invited to everyone's family gathering. Hmm. Guess not.

A little fact from the Jordan almond website:

ITALIAN WEDDINGS Five almonds signify five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. These almonds decorate each place setting as favors, tucked into pretty boxes or tulle bags called *bomboniere* that are often personalized with the couple's names and wedding date.(Or in my case a sweet twiggy nest!) You can order the 3" nests from me $2.00 each. I purchased the almonds at www.ohnuts.com