Scarlet Petal

Wedding Essentials Magazine Features Scarlet Petal

I think what draws me to most wedding magazines are the photos, especially when they are printed in a storyboard fashion. That's what is so great about Wedding Essentials. Published quarterly out of Indiana, Wedding Essentials features weddings from a large footprint, reaching all the way into Chicago. Lucky for us, Noopur and Scott (one of our Indian Fusion weddings) were asked to tell their story along with beautiful photos from their special day. What's even better about this magazine is that you can view it all online for free!! Click on the photo below to read more about their experience leading up to their wedding and about their big day.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Garden Rose Bouquet from "Meet the Experts"

If you missed out on this evening's event at the Left Bank, stay tuned for the televised coverage. We'll be sure to post it when it becomes available. You can see the teaser for the event here.

We were one of the many talented florists who provided a bridal bouquet for their "bouquet bar". We grouped together garden roses, sweet peas, nerine lilies and other assorted spring blooms. Enjoy!

River East Art Center Wedding: Ashley and Stephen

The greatest part about getting married in Chicago are the fabulous locations along the waterfront. One that I love in particular is the River East Arts Center. Selfishly, I love how you can rent out an art gallery and have the beautiful works on display for your guests to enjoy. The location on top of things is just perfect - right off the riverfront in Streeterville.

Ashley and Stephen celebrated their wedding day at River East on a beautiful December evening. We transformed the space by using modern table arrangements and colored uplighting. Below are the absolutely stunning photos taken by Dennis Lee Photography. Enjoy!

Congratulations, Ashley and Stephen!! We're so happy for you both.

 

 

 

Floral Trends and Color Forecast for 2012

A couple of years ago, we took a trip over to San Diego to attend the The Special Event conference. There we met some of the best floral designer's in the industry like Tara Guerard of Soiree, Nancy Liu Chin, and AIFD's Hitomi Gillian.

I have to admit, the first time I saw Hitomi's designs my jaw hit the floor. They were avant- garde, larger than life, and totally unique (at least to me). Here's an example of her style:

I continue to draw inspiration from these fabulous women! Hitomi recently shared her Floral Trends Forecast for 2012 with the International Floral Distributors (source we often use while researching the latest and greatest blooms available on the market). Visit here to see the four emerging trends for the events industry.

Also, check out the Pantone report of colors for 2012 here.

Enjoy!

 

You're Invited to "Meet the Experts"

We're excited to see all of the beautiful bouquets (ours included) on the bouquet bar at the "Meet the Experts" event at Left Bank Jewelry. View the invitation below and join us next week!

A Pretty Wedding Affair at Spiaggia

I just love intimate weddings at Spiaggia. The location on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Oak St. can't be beat.  The view of the magnificent mile and Lake Michigan is such a stunning backdrop for a ceremony! Plus, one of Spiaggia's famous chef's, Sarah Grueneberg, competing for the title of "Top Chef" is still in the running on the hit Bravo tv show. What more can you ask for in a reception location?

Our bride, Jenny wanted each of her attendants to carry their own unique bouquet in their own color palette. The outcome was just beautiful. Then she carried a colorful bouquet of all of the flowers carried by each of her attendants. Here are a few photos captured by the incredibly talented Steve Koo. Enjoy!!

 

Top Ten Things to Know Before Your Floral Consultation

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

As we head into 2012, I know many of you might feel the pressure of securing all of your vendors for your big day. It's true, florists like us are booked up to a year in advance. If you haven't already, pick up the phone and start scheduling your consultations.

To make the most of your time during your floral consultation, do your homework beforehand. Here's what to know before coming in:

1. Reception Venue: Make sure to have this booked first, then bring in your contract, possible floorplan, and any other special requirements, like special vendor insurance coverage, before visiting your florist. The more we know about your space, the better we can assist with your design elements.
2. Color Palette: While I know many of you struggle with this, it's best to have a few colors in mind before sitting down with your florist. From there, we can coach you on whether or not it will work with your flower selection and reception venue.
3. Bridal Party Members: Make sure to have picked your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Also think about others who you would like to honor with flowers. Traditionally, mothers, fathers,  grandparents, flower girls, ring bearers, readers, and ushers receive these.
4. Ceremony Location: Some churches and temples have restrictions on decorations. Ask if they have a list of requirements that you can provide to your florist.
   
5. Favorite Flowers: If you have a list of flowers you would like to see incorporated into your arrangements, bring it along. Please remember, many flowers are seasonal or novelty varieties, preventing even the most resourceful florist to procure them.
   
6. Number of Guests Invited: This is helpful to know when proposing the number of table centerpieces. It also helps us work within your budget parameters.
   
7. Floral Budget: The average cost of wedding flowers is 10% of the entire cost of your wedding (less your dress and rings). This is a good rule of thumb to follow when figuring out how much you will need to spend.
   
8. Personal Style: Flowers today represent your personal style. Take some time to flip through magazines, websites, and blogs and print out or email these to your florist before your consultation. This will help them guide you during your floral selection. If you have found your dress or bridesmaid dresses, bring pictures or fabric swatches along with you.
   
9. Lighting Requirements: Often times certain reception sites lack luster in their decor. It may appear to be a blank canvas, with little to be inspired by the architecture of the space. Here is where lighting can make a huge difference in the overall decor. Whether it's candlelight or beyond, it would be worth asking your venue if they have any restrictions before incorporating it into your space.
   
10. Linen Options: Ask your venue what types of linen come with your package. If working with a caterer, find out what is included in your contract. Linen color and texture can make a huge impact on your entire table display.
    

Chicago Style Weddings Feature: Chicago History Museum Wedding

Vendors:
Venue: Chicago History Museum
Wedding Planner: Clementine Custom Events
Caterer: Blue Plate
Florist: Scarlet Petal
Photographer: Jennifer Driscoll Photography

 

 

Napa Valley Inspired Bridal Bouquet

I can't wait for the photos to be released from this wedding! I have a personal fondness for Napa Valley as I have always drawn inspiration from this romantic vineyard. Our bride, Noreen, came to us with some magazine photos that reminded me of such a place. Together, we found the perfect balance of floral to capture the essence of the northern coast. Here's a teaser, but stay tuned for more.

Enjoy!

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Winner!

I'm so excited to announce that we have been awarded The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Vendor. That means we are #1 in our market in the city of Chicago! Thanks to all of you for providing such positive reviews online. We couldn't have done it without your support! Thank you!!!