Ask Nancy: Managing Time

Hi Nancy Hard not to notice that you have a full time career plus you have a blog, you post on twitter, facebook, and contribute to other blogs. How do you do this? Do you not sleep? Tired but Inspired Floral Friend

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Tired,
Thanks for the frank question. Don't worry, I'm tired a lot! Just ask my husband, Kevin Chin! Recently I posted on my facebook page that I was sleep deprived. I know that I'm just not alone in this. And though it seems like I juggle a lot, I have a great team who helps!

I think what you are wondering is how do I manage being part of the social "network" world plus have a life, career, and business.

Honestly, if you want something bad enough, you will make the time to do all that needs to be done to achieve your goal. That's really it.

I write posts several times a week and actually put it on my google calendar. To me, it's part of my job. With the invention of the iPhone, facebook and twitter is quite manageable.

More importantly, you have to do what you have to do in this environment. I don't think everyone needs to twitter, FB, or blog. But to me, it's fun actually. I've met so many new people through social networking and I could keep up with my circle of friends, family, and work buddies without it.

Bottom line: Have a goal, make a plan, and do all that is necessary to achieve those. Don't feel that you have to join what others do. Do what works for you without hurting your home life!

My Wedding Heroes #2: Spotlight on Shawna Futagaki

About a month ago, I worked with Jubilee Lau and Augie Chang on a project for a couple who had a peach blossom tree motif. As many of you know, you can't find branches with blossoms in the summer time.

Since it was one of our typical high season double header weekends, I really need a good mechanic. Something that I could do ahead of time since we still had to do some finishing work once we got the the hotel ballroom(like attaching the orchids and hanging votives and turning on the battery operated lights). It was crucial for me to deliver the tree and the base filled with hydrangea, roses, dahlias, and other flowers without them "tipping over" or getting crushed. With many of these large trees to deliver, I worry about breakage from arrangement falling on top of each other and of course from tangling branches.

Many of you don't know that branches are very difficult to pack and store. Because of the brittle branches, they can break so easily.

On top of that, branches like Manzanita that I typically use, always looks a little different because no two trees or branches are alike. Given my Type A personality, I like all my centerpieces to look as if they are the same. As you can see, I was quite stressed over the delivery and the overall look.

After several months of planning, worrying, and testing different ideas, I really ran out of steam. And I began to realize we would just have to create them all on site and that each tree would be different looking(which I didn't like!)

Luckily for me, I went to visit my good floral buddy, Shawna Futagaki of Flower Divas. Not only is Shawna one of the most talented floral designers in the Bay Area, she is truly someone in the know. She's the best buyer I know! And she sources things that I can't even find. Being friends with another floral designer is rare in this business but I'm truly blessed to have Shawna on my side. Whenever I go to her studio, I swear, she gives me the best suggestions. This was true when I went to see Shawna about a few weeks before this July wedding.

After telling Shawna about my dilemna, she not only listened to my problem, she helped solve my problem and then offered to "loan" me some of her own"tree" props so that I could create the perfect peach blossom centerpiece. Can you believe this? Can you imagine HP asking Apple for some free advice and then Apple giving their secret to HP? It just doesn't happen with competing businesses. And here is my point. I've learned from great legends like Shawna that you don't have to see your peers as competitor. That there is no fear is sharing great ideas and helping. Period.

Shawna, for all that you do, you are MY Wedding Hero #2! You are a great example to all.

(The above image is one of Shawna's lovely bouquets. If you go to Shawna's website, she is now renting some props to other vendors. Isn't that awesome?

By the Numbers: Simple Place Card

This lovely placecard idea is so simple that anyone can do it.


It doesn't take much effort or time. What you will need is just these lovely an abundance of one great flower. I'm sure you've seen this with rose petals but I like to use other flowers like this wonderful purple stock. This place card design for roughly 160 to 176 guests requires ---

1 8 ft long rectangular table
1 banquet 8 ft drape linen
your own 3 inch tented cards
48 to 50 stems of purple stock
1 pair of floral shears
1 pair of gloves
Dental floss or string or stick ruler or measuring tape

To begin this project, first line the place cards evenly. This design had 16 rows with 10 to 11 place cards in each row. Use dental floss to make sure that the place cards from front to back is straight. Trust me a little string, floss, ruler, or tape measure will ensure that the rows look perfect(like soldiers).

Once the place cards are evenly lined. Begin by removing all florets from the stem. Make sure that there is no green stems left on the purple florets. Tightly place purple stock florets in a straight line. It's good to use gloves because purple stocks can sometimes "bleed".

That's it. Real simple. Real exceptional.

Enjoy!

Photo by our very own Karin Woodward, assistant extraordinaire.

W.I.L.L.- Reason #3 Who says you shouldn't...

Having worked in corporate America and studied business management at a Haas' business school, there are many who often say, don't make friends with your clients(and vendors and employees). Keep your personal life and your business separate.

Even though I know this, I've always felt uncomfortable with this philosophy because I am a people's person. Don't know anyway to act but with direct honesty sprinkled with a bit of diplomacy and always served up naturally(what you see, what you get!).

IMO, I feel that it's good to build rapport with vendors, employees, and clients. And yes, you probably should draw the line somewhere but certainly one of the reasons and benefits to why I love life(W.I.L.L) as a floral designer is that I can decide whom I wish to befriend whether it's my clients, vendors, employees - most especially my past clients.

Just because the wedding is over, doesn't mean that the "transaction" is done. Through working in the wedding field, I've been able to add many wonderful new friends and acquaintances. These post wedding relationships that have been built have actually helped sustain this business during the rough economic times. Getting referrals from our past clients and vendors are key components to a success business and an even greater asset in life.

Many of my clients-turned-friends have been instrumental in getting my business out there. A few clients have come work for me after their wedding. I've even encouraged a few to enter the wedding world. For the most part, many of them have just become good friends who sympathy, encourage, and support my endeavors.

Most recently, I received a wonderful email from my past bride, Ansley Majit. Ansley and Andrew got married last year(happy 1st) at the wonderful Bentley Reserve( a most memorable event!). Even a year after the wedding, I occasional get thoughtful emails from Ansley telling me about her wedding. Because Ansley and Andrew's wedding was featured in a wonderful magazine, our interaction after the wedding continued as we sent back and forth emails - usually just "gushing" about each other. Through the many emails, I learned that Ansley had a passion and love for Pilates.

It's with such delight that I get to say congratulations on your certification as a Pilates instructor. Ansley will be teaching classes at The Pad Studios . She also writes that she and Andrew also recently added a new member to their family, an adorable dog named Blue.

When I get news updates from my clients, I realize how lucky I am that even though my job and the wedding is over, the time spent together were never in vain. That through my job, I have met so many people that I wouldn't have met sitting at my desk job or working long hours for a corporation, never interacting with the customers.

My belief that you can mix business with pleasure may not be the popular opinion...

But I can't help to think that it's a blessing to build relationships with my clients(vendors and employees as well). It's not the popular direction but I've never been one to choose something for its popularity.

Thanks for letting me share and for all my clients who are now more than just that! I'm truly living a life that I love.

Enjoy!


Photographs by Andrew Weeks from Ansley and Andrew's wedding.

Real Weddings Recap

This is a first for me but I've finally put together a recap of Real Weddings that have been featured on blogs and wedding resources.

(You could say that the real wedding of my bride, Lindsey gave me the impulse to do this. Lindsey's beautiful city wedding with a white Gatsby style was recently featured on Style Me Pretty. It's quite an honor for me! So a big thank you to our friend, Abby at SMP.)

On this blog we feature many of our weddings as well as on our website portfolio but sometimes even I can't keep up with it! I'm especially excited about this post because it really, truly is an honor when I see one of our real weddings featured. It gives me goose bumps!

During our planning meetings, each couple expressed how important the details, flowers, and the overall guest experience meant to them. Because of their words, their personal experiences and their fanciful wishes that we have been able to style, create and design something exceptional for them. To say that they have put an endless amount of time and energy into their wedding decor is an understatement. To see their wedding featured, it really is the icing on the cake!!! Hope this is equally inspiring for Brown Bag fans who might have missed some of these great weddings.

Congratulations to these wonderful couples and the many wedding resources for telling their wonderful story!

Amy & Doug - featured in The Knot, MSN
Ansley & Andrew - featured in Project Wedding
Atsu & Ryan - featured in Brides
Beth & Kenny - featured in MSN
Brooke & Matt- featured in Project Wedding
Desiree & Tim - featured in SF Style Unveiled
Gena & Steve - featured in SF Style Unveiled
Jennifer & Al - featured in Chinese Wedding The Knot
Jennifer & James - featured in Snippet & Ink, Martha Stewart
Jessica & Matt - featured in Green Wedding Shoes
Kate & Tom - featured on Brides, Snippet & Ink
Kathleen & John - featured in Style Me Pretty
Lindsey & Chris - featured in Style Me Pretty
Lisa & Nick - featured in About Weddings, Style Me Pretty
Natalie & Robert - featured in The Knot
Nishka & Carl - featured in Brides, JuBella, Lotus Haus, Weddingbeepro
Noriko & John - featured in Green Wedding Shoes
Serene & Ben - featured in SF Style Unveiled
Susan & Erich - featured in Style Me Pretty

Image from Susan & Erich's wedding by Wayne Yuan

W.I.L.L. - Reason #2 E.Pals

Reason #2 - Meeting New Vendor Friends

Never did it cross my mind that entering into this business I would actually develop genuine friendships and E.pals(email pals). In the past when I worked at Macy's, bebe, and the Gap I had co-workers that I ate lunch with and talked shop with. But after work, I never hung out with them. Perhaps everything was about work related issues and there wasn't a chance to develop them over time.

In the Bay Area we have a large and wide circle of vendors. If you need a vendor friend, there truly is someone out there. In the past few weeks, I've gotten to know Lilia Ahner of Lilia Photo(see inspiration board above from our recent June wedding). Through email, we tried a dozen emails over a day. We laughed. We praised. We encouraged each other. It's hard to imagine that in a day you can have a wonderful, length conversation about so many things. Through this wonderful network I've built some real good relationships with special people.

Designing with flowers - amazing
Working on weddings - more amazing
Meeting friends through my business - priceless!

Images above from Lila Photo. Wedding of Chenin and Nick!

Ask Nancy: What's Available Part Three

This is Part Three of a four part answer to Laid Back Bride's question.

A couple days ago I tackled the availability issues with Peonies and Ranunculus. Today, I actually want to address where SOME of this conflicting information might be coming from and use Anemones as an example of misinformation.

Please keep this in mind that this is coming from a floral designer based in San Francisco. What I say is based on the information that I've learned, experienced and discovered during my journey as a wedding floral designer. The information below does not apply to other parts of the world or different areas of the country. More critically, I'm not the Flower Bible. In life and in everything, take things with a grain of salt. Seriously, always look at the source of information and realize that no one person is the end all.

Having said this, let's dive in.

_________________________________

Laid Back Bride's question about certain flower availability started possibly from misinformation that is out there. It's not wrong information it just isn't a complete story. When I touched base with LBB, she was able to tell me the source of much confusion which stemmed from the current website of CCFC(the California Cut Flower Commission). This is one of many floral resources which gives information on monthly flower availability. I spoke with Kasey Conquist, Executive Director and Ambassador of CCFC, on Thursday, August 13th. During the conversation I pointed out a couple issues that I have with the website's availability information.

For Example:

1) Concerning Availability(especially that of Anemones):

Statement: CCFC.org currently state that Anemones are available from October through July from California Growers.
Reality: If this is the case then why was it nearly impossible to find good quantities of Anemones in the market place for most of July, October, November?

You could find less than 5 stalls in the entire SF market who actually had more than a few buckets worth of Anemones in July. I have rarely seen Anemones in the market in October though it is possible in November. This is one flower that I personally cannot seem to find good quantities of.

CCFC position: Since the information is from a grower(w), CCFC.org does not know how much the grower is growing and they don't confirm the information. Kasey recently took over the job and he understands that consumers might misread the information and is addressing this.

Trying to locate anemones for this bride is becoming a real full time job. And the mystery continues. Honestly, I can't solve this which leads me to believe that if a floral designer can't locate it, it is as if it isn't available.

Going forward, CCFC is willing to change their website's format since it is due for a redesign. The future website could have a "disclaimer" so that LLB(laid back bride) and other consumers won't be MISLED. I'll be looking out for this change.

2) Concerning colors:

Statement: CCFC.org also states that white, pink, red, blue, purple, some with contrasting centers are available.

Reality: During most of the spring, it was very difficult to find white with black center anemones. One week you could find red and blues, other weeks you could only find purple. And many weeks it was extremely hard to find any whites at all. The white with black center is one of the hardest flowers to find in good quantities(over 100 stems). The color available for Anemones is very widely inconsistent.

CCFC position: Once again Kasey acknowledged the short comings of the system and noted that it doesn't specify which colors are available and it doesn't have the format to list which colors per month. Once again, CCFC will consider adding a disclaimer that will encourage end users to always check with their retailer supplier for exact color and availability.

I want to personally thank Kasey from the CCFC for willing to make changes to their website so that future consumers like Laid Back Bride are not mislead. It's the reactions from organizations like this that I applaud. They are willing to admit the system's shortcomings and they are not afraid to change it. Thank you CCFC. I look forward to a new website and new information in January 2010.

In the meantime, if you use CCFC.org, please understand that the information on availability may be a grower's availability but that doesn't mean a retail or wholesale business can actually find the product.

Bottom line: Always check with a reliable and knowledge floral designer, floral shop, or florist for what they can find.

As for anemones growing from other parts of the world. If you read about Ranunculus, anything is possible. With countries in the Southern Hemisphere jumping into the American floral market, the future looks bright but until I see it, I can't say that you will find Anemones in October. From experience I would say December through May but in very limited colors and quantities. Good luck, Laid Back Bride.

To be continued....What's next - dahlias?


Top image from Martha Stewart
Bottom image from Brides.com

Ask Nancy: What's Available Part Two

This is Part Two of a four part Answer to Laid Back Bride's question.

I tackled the availability of Peony. Now let's find out about Ranunculus.

Supply and Demand

Believe it or not, some of these spring blooms are starting to become more available. Many years ago, you couldn't find a tulip in summer, fall or winter. Now, because of technology and increase in popularity, you can find tulips almost year round and at a reasonable prices.

Another wonderful flower, the hydrangea, is also being massed produced and you can now get cream hydrangeas almost year round. It has only become more reasonable in the last two years.

When I first started in 2001, these imported cream hydrangea were so pricey but as more and more farms went into development, the cream hydrangeas that I can get these days are the same cost as some locally grown hydrangeas. This is quite a change from previous years.

So, as a flower becomes more requested and generally, in demand, growers will begin looking for new methods to cultivate them. My belief is that Ranunculus is like the next mini calla and tulip, you will start seeing wholesalers investing in them.

Bottom line: the more floral designers and retail florists start requesting Ranunculus, the better for everyone.

Relent to Buy - are you willing to take the risk?
For the time being, until a wholesaler is willing to order these imported South American Ranunculus, it is up to individual floral designers and consumers to decide whether they want to bare the responsibility and the risk for ordering direct from a farm.

What is preventing wholesalers from ordering from these farms?
I cannot answer for sure but part of it has to do with consistency and reliability. It is reasonable to say that most businesses are careful about their reputation. And if wholesalers genuinely care about their reputation then it makes sens that they don't want to be known for being unreliable.

Let's say, a whole bunch of floral designers request Ranunculus during an off season month like September. If a wholesaler takes the order and then doesn't fill them, these floral designers are not going to be very unhappy and they will be less willing to continue to order flowers with this wholesaler - right? No business wants to known for inconsistency or unreliability. I strongly believe this is preventing many wholesalers from ordering these imported Ranunculus from South America.

The second thing why I think most wholesalers are reluctant to order these Ranunculus is simply about profitability. The bottom line is this, the current cost for these Ranunculus is just too much.

Quoting from one online resource that offers fall Ranunculus from South America, the cost per stem for roughly 100 stems of Ranunculus is roughly $1.75 a stem. If the wholesaler has to markup the flowers, let's say they do a very low marking and make a quarter per stem, that means the per stem cost is $2.00 per stem.

If a regular bunch of Ranunculus has roughly 10 stems, that bunch would wholesale for $20.00 bunch which is 3 to 5 times the normal cost during spring time shipments. How many floral designers are willing to buy a bunch at this inflated cost?

That answer is easy - not many!!! I'm sure you get my point here.

The reality is this - current cost for these fall Ranunculus are set very high. The quality is also not as good as the spring, locally grown as one of my wholesalers has already told me. High cost, low demand for these out of season crops, and inconsistencies have prevented Ranunculus from being a year round flowers in mass. There might be a farm here and then that might produce some but when you are trying to fulfill the needs of hundreds, thousands of potential brides, the demand outnumbers the supply currently.

If you as a floral designer want to take the chance, I think you can and should. If you as the bride want to risk it, I don't see why you don't want to. Remember a few things

1) Order more than you need
2) Make sure you have a backup plan
3) Accept the costs

One last thing, I put a photo of an all Ranunculus bouquet that was featured in Martha Stewart. Just so you know how many stems were possibly in that all red bouquet - I would estimate 60 Red Ranunculus. And it's not that large. Look at the ti leaves in relation. If you noted what I stated above for off season Ranunculus, you will need 60 stems just to create that bridal bouquet. At $1.75 a stem at wholesale(not retail), total cost(not include the floral supplies or ti leaves) = $105.00 for one bridal bouquet at cost. Can you imagine what the retail cost would be?


If you are a floral designer, what would you charge for this off season bouquet?


Top Image courtesy of Martha Stewart
Bottom Image. Boutonniere by Nancy Liu Chin, Photo by Richard Wood

W.I.L.L. - Reason #1 Out of Site

W.I.L.L. (Why I Love Life) as a Floral Designer? Reason #1 ... Visiting New Venues

One of the things that I love about my days is that it's never the same. One day, it's all computer office work, another is all about client meetings, then it's about finding props or working with my staff. It's so different every day and Reason #1 that I love being a floral designer is that I get to go off site, out of the office! Whenever I have a day off (which seems rare these days) I get in my silver Jeep and we cruise and go on site visits.

A couple weeks ago, I agreed to meet client #1, Kristin at The Meadow Club in Fairfax. It's a private country club set in the Coastal hills of Marin County. Driving through Fairfax is stepping back in time. The General store has this rustic, 60's(hippie) charm. The Meadow Club is so private that I couldn't get into the site - can't fault a girl for trying. I don't even have a photo to show you so you'll just have to believe me when I say that I like it so much. It's recently renovated and the A frame ballroom feels more cathedral then lodge.


My second visit was for client #2 Annie at Cavallo Point Lodge(CPL). The Zen lover in me feels right at home here. Cavallo Point is an elegant and environmentally sustainable luxury resort. Set in historical Fort Baker and just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, CPL is where nature, nurture, adventure and culture meet. CPL has everything you expect, great food, authentic lodging, calming spa, and even a cooking school.

For ceremonies, there are several options including a vast lawn with a view of San Francisco, however I was completely charmed by their quaint butter yellow chapel. Perfectly Martha.


My favorite part of Cavallo are the wrap around porches. You can't be feel like you are home when you drive on the spot. Also, I had a delicious lunch(another perk of my job - oh me!). It was a BLT with stuffed crab and criss-cut chips.


If you are looking for two distinct locations, look no further! BTW, Raymond at Meadow Club and Jessica at CPL are two of the most accommodating catering managers. NICE!

Ask Nancy: What's Available - Part One?

Dear Nancy

I love peonies, anemones, ranunculus, and dahlias and would love to use them at my wedding in San Francisco in late fall[October to be exact]. Will they be available when I get married?

Laid back Bride

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Dear Laid Back Bride,

I also love those flowers. Nothing as pretty as white anemones with their black centers, paper thin petaled ranunculus in delicious hues of grapefruit, coral, orange, ruffly edged peonies with their over the top blooms, or deliciously plum and orange dahlias with their unique shapes and sizes.

However, as much as I would like to say that you should be able to get these elegant, romantic, fluffy, garden blooms, I would be misleading if I were to guarantee these flowers for a bride during late fall.

It's easy to assume that you should have access to these great wedding flowers because they are everywhere---- on blogs, in magazines, and in many vendor's portfolio. Partly as a wedding provider we are at fault for misguiding brides. I'm easily as guilty for putting on my blog, website, and my in studio portfolio, images of these wonderful blooms but they are not(and I repeat - NOT) flowers that you will find year round. Period.

If there is some magic wand or a person out there who can ship me peonies tomorrow, I am all there.

If you can deliver anemones, ranunculus, and summer colored dahlias consistently at a reasonable price, I am all here.
( The one flower that you might find year round are HOTHOUSE dahlias. However, other than that, I'm very sorry to disappoint. )

If you are a grower and want to chime in, I would love to hear from you.

If you are a bride and you have found a wholesaler who have good quantities of these(not just a one bunch and can do so at a reasonable price) please comment and send us your resource. I'll be more than thrilled to contact them and follow up post to all of you.

Peonies the Real Story
Until then, here's the real story.

Let us take for example the Peony. Peonies are herbaceous perennials. In general, perennials (flowering plants) grow and bloom over spring and summer, then die back every autumn and winter. They return in the spring from their root-stock. The characteristic of a herbaceous perennials is that the plant's leaves and stems die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level.

Huh?

Let me translate. No, there are no peonies in the late summer(Late July - August), autumn(Sept to November) or winter(Dec through Feb) that are grown domestically in the States or in a natural environment. Because it is a herbaceous perennial, the stems actually die after they bloom. They are also slow growers.

Famed gardener Jane Fearnley-Whitiingstall noted that many people often question why one should grow a flower that is only in bloom for a week or two, but she says, "Some peonies do flower for four weeks and longer, and by choosing carefully and planning for a succession of bloom you can have peonies in flower from mid April until the end of July. My own answer is that it is precisely because their season is so short that we love peonies so much."

Note: peonies bloom at best April through July. Some will flower within a week or two weeks time period. The only reason why we have cut peonies is that growers plant them carefully so that there is a SUCCESSION of continuous blooming.


Peony Confusion
I was doing some surfing on the internet and I see where the confusion begins. I noticed on a website (a Dutch one) where they advertise beautiful double peonies for $50.00 per collection. And it proudly posts that it ships for Fall 2009. What they don't tell you is that the collection are "plants" which you can "plant". These are plants that you have put into the ground and not cut blooms that you can put into your bouquet.

In China, peonies are one of the most visible and popular flowers. And trust me, I am investigating when Chinese Tree Peonies are grown so that hopefully one day, we will have more Peonies imported from that region. But even a noted website on Chinese peonies notes that they bloom for 1 to 2 weeks in April. And my resource which tried to get Chinese peonies told me that they have import issues. Do you know what happens to peonies when they are stuck in customs? You guessed it. You get "died" peonies.

There are some farms in Tasmania, New Zealand, etc which probably can produce some imported peonies. That is why if you are lucky and can stomach the price, you can find order imported peonies a few weeks during the winter in hues of white and burgundy(pinks are rare). These peonies are coming from Holland's large wholesaler. This short winter crop of cut peonies leads people to think if you can get them in spring and winter, why not the other seasons...right? Unfortunately, we aren't quite there.

Peonies The Future?

Though we aren't quite there at year round peonies, I do think that there is growing optimistism that one day soon we will have some peonies through the summer. It hasn't happened yet but Alaska with its cool weather is ripe for planting peonies. Over the past three years, many peonies enthusiast and experts have flown to Alaska to see if planting peonies is a profitable and good investment.

The Alaska state Division of Agriculture came up with an investment in 2008 to help Alaska growers travel to remote peony farms in New Zealand and Tasmania. These potential Alaskan peony growers worked at the farms and learned how to harvest large quantities of peonies and prepare them for shipping. There is a foreseeable future that peonies(at least) might be grown domestically for summer weddings.

Sorry for this rather long post but I feel it is important to know that as a floral designer trying to locate and find available product is a serious matter and that wholesalers, growers need to know what you - the potential clients want.

To be continued....

My Wedding Heroes: Kathryn of Snippet & Ink

Who makes My Wedding Hero list? It is a collection of individuals that run beyond just wedding vendors and professionals. I'll unveil a few each month. Some are trail brazers while other are guardian angels. Many are just thoughtful and nurturing individuals who are selfless, generous, and the best people in the business. No matter- simply put - all of them are people I admire and respect.

It's truly an honor to start the My Wedding Heroes series with a true legend - Kathryn Stroke's of Snippet & Ink. Kathryn is my hero because she brings to the wedding industry a refreshing edge and point of view. She inspires, promotes the best in people, and her inspiration boards are so darn - beautiful! What can I say. I recently interviewed the busy blogger while she was on the move. Listen in and be in awe of this legend!

Let's talk with Kathryn and find out more about her.

NLC: When did the inspiration for Snippet & Ink come together?

When I finished my commitment with Teach for America, I thought I would take some time off to apply to graduate schools. Snippet & Ink started as something that I did for fun during that time - a friend and I were looking around online for her wedding, and when I saw a few inspiration boards, I thought "I could do that!" So I did, and a blog just seemed like an obvious place to put them.
(to the left is Board #1 featured in September 2007 at Snippet & Ink)

NLC: You see so many weddings, do you ever get tired of them? If not, would you mind sharing one of your w favorite weddings?

Now that I'm planning my own wedding, I definitely have moments where I think, one more wedding photo and I'll scream! And then I see a lovely, totally authentic wedding that reminds me why I love them. One of my very favorite weddings was Shauna and Jeff's at the Headlands Center for the Arts - it's full of pretty details without being overdone. And Shauna works at Hello! Lucky, so you know she has great style!

NLC: What 5 new wedding trends are you loving?

In no particular order...

Vintage - it's fun to see all the different ways couples are incorporating vintage elements into their weddings.
Photo booths - I know they're not a new trend, but I think they're so much fun!
Dessert buffets - why limit yourself to wedding cake?
Gocco - I love that brides are taking those design elements into their own hands.
Balloons - even though they're all over the place, they're so so delightful! (Image courtesy of Snippet & Ink)


NLC: How has being a full time blogger changed your life?

It's changed my life entirely! Now, I'm my own boss and my laptop is my office - wherever there's an internet connection, I can go and still blog. It's allowed me to move to Austin where my fiance got a job, to spend a month in Montana with my family this summer, to work in my pajamas... :) Also, I've met so many talented people, and discovered this whole blogging and design community that I never knew existed.

NLC: You must know that I have a crush on your inspiration boards and I featured one a few posts back. So cute. Would you mind sharing with Brown Bag readers one of our recent favorites.

Tough to choose! Right now, I think my favorite is #384, Gingham in the Garden. I really love simple patterns right now, like plaid, checks and stripes. I also like the unexpected choice of black and white for a simple, casual garden party. (see above - for photo credit, go to link)

NLC: Now that you are engaged, what is the scariest part of planning a wedding.

I'm most afraid of my own perfectionist tendencies - that I'll get so hung up and stressed out about the little things that I forget to enjoy this time being engaged.

Congratulations Kathryn on your success and upcoming nuptials. We appreciate your time and cannot stop gushing. Make sure to follow Snippet & Ink's: daily wedding inspiration for the latest and greatest wedding insights!

Enjoy!

Floral Tips: August Flowers

This month I was a bit late getting this to you because I was in Cabo. Bad excuse!

Hope many of you will still find the information useful when planning your wedding. Many of these flowers/foliage come in select colors and don't always last throughout August so please check with your floral wholesaler and distributor. I'll try my best to note it so that you can plan accordingly.

Black Eyed Susan - This golden yellow flower with a black brown center is warm and friendly. For a wonderful country, rustic wedding - what could be more charming! Use them in centerpieces and bouquets. Not a great boutonniere flower because the thin petals often droop in heavy heat. You should see them through early September.

Calycina - A long draping flowering plant. Great for large arrangements. It's very interesting and has tiny little florets. You will find them in a white with a hint of pink. They say you can also find them in a faint yellow but I haven't seen it. The botanical name is thryptomene calycina. Say that 5 times fast!

Coneflower Pods - It's brown and fuzzy. It's one of those elements that I love using in pieces to add a little bit of interest. Because there are so few brown flowers, this flower is a great addition to any arrangement that requires a mocha brown element. I've also used them for boutonnieres. Not a bad choice.

Cottage yarrow - Very hearty filler flowers. Once again, very good for rustic, outdoor, relaxed weddings. Though it is known to come in several colors, I mostly find the yellow and reddish-pink flower available at the market. Did you know that you can dry them? Should see them through Fall.

Lysmachia - I love this textural flower because it's so interesting in shape. It's spikey in shape and comes in white. It's a linear flower. This is one flower that looks great in bridal bouquets for those who want a more natural, organic look. For something unusual, it can be paired with large white Oriental lilies. Very interesting. Not sure how many weeks into August you will see them so make sure to check with your distributor or wholesaler.

Oregano - So it's an herb but it also makes for a great "foliage". I love it. Fragrant. Distinct.

Pieris Buds - This has got to be one of my favorite elements. It's typically in the bud stage so the florets have not blossomed. Pieris buds is definitely something that you see in arrangement but never know it's name. A unsung hero. Great in boutonnieres, bouquets, centerpieces. It's very short so you can't put them in large arrangements. It's reddish-brown and green though the bloom is white. When I was in Japan, I saw them growing everywhere. This is one of the most expensive foliage/textural elements so use it wisely.

Safflower - Green with an orange center, it might never be a great focal flower but it's a great supporting flower. Unusual and fairly hearty, it's a good choice for those of you who want something that isn't the standard. Can be used in arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres and so many other things. Well priced and affordable.

Seedum Green - a textural flower that has a bush feel. I sometimes refer to it as broccoli. Available in a burgundy but it is the green that I love!

Solidago - A filler that's bright lime green with equally bright lemony yellow tips. A textural foliage. Unfortunately, it only comes in this color hue. Though it's very long, I enjoy cutting this linear element into multiple pieces to use in centerpieces. Very well priced. Great moderate element.

Sunflowers - Who doesn't like sunflowers? Though they are available in some varieties throughout the year, it's these hybrids that I love. What exactly is a hybrid sunflower? When crossing different species and varieties of helianthus("sunflowers") some very interesting results happen and thus we have these unusual sunflowers in colors like deep brown/black or maroon. I really like the hybrids because they are so radiant. These are happy flowers. How could anyone not love them for summertime weddings?

Most all of these flowers are available from my friends, Torchio Nursery! (Hi Sean, are you reading my blog?)


Enjoy!

About Nancy; Two New Series

After taking some time off, I'm finally feeling like my old self again. Nothing like a little r & r to refresh and replenish the soul.

So, I'm turning the big 4-0! To me, it's a defining point in my life. When you know you are almost at the half way point, isn't it natural to want to reexamine the key and focal pieces of your daily existence? My life is my brand, my work, my family, my faith, my fans, my clients, my buddies, my circle of industry friends - all commingling.

Being able to write this blog is my therapy - a gift, a reward, a joy. In keeping with this declaration I'm adding two new series.

Part One is called W.I.L.L.(Why I Love Life...as a Floral Designer). Each post will feature one reason why I absolutely am passionate about what I do. Of course there are days in which I might pull my hair but through it all(the stress, the issues, the challenges, the criticism, the mistakes) I've got to find reasons why I do what I do. Anyone who does this day after day must find the motivation behind the actions.

Second series is called My Wedding Heroes. My Wedding Heroes will be stories and interviews with wedding professionals, floral designers, growers, anybody I encounter that help make the wedding day, inspire people, and make a difference. People behind the scenes, unsung heroes, professionals who aren't afraid to help others through sharing great tips or go out of their way. It can be anyone that is making a positive difference in our industry. Some may even be trail blazers.

Can you guess who my first wedding hero will be? Let's just say, this famous blogger created this cool, chic inspiration board. Any guesses?



I know you WILL just love these two new series!

BTW, fans of the month series on Flower This Month will have to be patient. Just returned from Cabo San Lucas so I won't have it up until a week from now when I return! Stay tuned.

Enjoy!

Real Groom: Prioritizing the Budget Part One

In the continuation of our Real Groom series, our very own Danny Lai is going to tackle the all important question - how to prioritize the budget. Oh My!

Danny, you are a brave and courageous soul for trying to attempt to demystify this puzzling and difficult wedding issue. I for one have my own opinions on the budget which I think I'll keep to myself though I did interject on one of Danny's points. Remember as you read, that Danny is a real groom, not a vendor. Like anything, take it with a grain of salt.

Read on.

_______________________________

Weddings are expensive! The most difficult part of wedding planning is setting and keeping to a budget. Deciding where to spend the budget (e.g. food vs. photography, lighting vs. florals) really
depends on the couple's preferences.

Here are a couple of lessons learned during our own planning process:

GUEST COUNT Headcount is the single biggest multiplier!

An extra guest requires an extra invitation, an extra wedding program, an extra place setting, an extra meal, and a larger cake. These per-guest costs add up very quickly.

If you find that a wedding which includes everyone you know is too expensive, you may want to consider reducing the size to include a smaller circle of friends and family. Reducing headcount is
a way to cut wedding costs while preserving all of the structural elements of your dream wedding.

FOOD

It all tastes like wedding food. True or False?

There is a significant difference between fine dining and fine dining served wedding-style. When food needs to be prepared for 100-200 guests at once, quality MAY suffer to some extent.

Because of this, you should lower your expectations for food at your wedding, and prioritize your food budget accordingly.

When deciding how fancy and expensive the wedding dinner should be, keep in mind that while spending more on a high quality caterer will result in better looking and better tasting food, the quality difference between high-budget and low-budget catering is not as big as you may think.

(I've decided to interject a little of my own two cents though I know this is Danny's column. Of course, some people will beg to differ on this point that catered wedding food can taste like a fine Michelin star restaurant. So please remember that this is from one person's perspective though I have to agree with Danny on this point. Even the best in the Bay Area is no French Laundry.)


Please do share your comments on budgeting. We'd love to know.


Photo by Sherman Chu. Food by Dan McCall's Catering.