About Nancy: Thanks Barbara....we need more of you

Yesterday, four high school upperclassmen(junior and seniors) interviewed me for a documentary for their end of year class project - a most daunting task.  Many of you are wondering why a busy person like myself would even encourage and entertain the idea of being interviewed by high schoolers.

Mainly, I'm flattered but even more significant, I feel compelled.  Recalling that I, too, had to interview a career person for my final senior English class project, I will never forget going to KPIX, Channel 5, where I interviewed anchorwoman Barbara Rodgers(who retired several years back).  Never patronizing or condescending, Barbara took her assignment rather seriously and spoke with me about what she loved about broadcast journalism.  At seventeen, I idealistically thought that one day I might be an anchorwoman or possibly, an editor of a magazine.    Her willingness to show me what her routine was helped me to realize that being on the news wasn't that glamourous.

Though life obviously took me on another route as I never pursued journalism(it's evident that I haven't a knack for hard core journalism or prose), I am glad of the life session that I learned that day.

Seldom do I get the opportunity to help shape or influence young people, however, it's critical to "give back"(a term so overused but rarely put into action).  And when the chance arises, I hope all of you will help someone too.  This particular group wanted to understand the importance of wedding in our society.  How interesting and insightful is that?

If it were not for gracious individuals like a Barbara Rodgers, I wouldn't have been exposed to real people in passionate careers.   I'm forever indebted to the many Barbara's of the world who truly take the time to help young people find their way.

How can you give back?

Inspirations: Sex and the City

My inspiration board thanks to the fashion, the city, and the sexiness that is all Carrie Bradshaw.  To me, no television series has changed the way women feel about themselves.  From friendship, relationships, marriage, career, motherhood to menopause, Sex and the City has been one of my inspirations and it was quite fun to create this sultry, sexy, moody, ritzy board filled with imagery that puts me in an Empire State of Mind.

About Nancy: Weekend in the Hood

Ever wonder what one does on the weekend in the City.  This is what my day off looks like.  Here's Chin-Chin's walk in the hood. from Kevin Chin Photography on Vimeo.

Favorite Bouquets: White Splendor

One of my favorite bouquets of this year is this elliptical shape white bouquet with touches of green foliage and textures.

In the bouquet are Sweet Peas, large double petal Peonies, Lilac, Lisianthus, Stock, and Jasmine vines from our very own front studio.  We finished this gorgeous bouquet with a full handle cream ribbon trim.

The bride, Emily(fabulous, Emily), wanted a bouquet that looked natural, airy and definitely, not "round".  I honesty lovely that it's both feminine, romantic yet natural with movement.  To me, the Jasmine twining softly about really embodies Emily's sweet gentle spirit!  

Thank you Garrett and Matt of GB Photographers for capturing this beautiful wedding.

Inspirations: Palm Springs

Today's inspiration: Palm Springs!  It's about "bold" white walls  in contrast with sharp accents of luxurious details and color.  In this case, white flowers in decorative vases are paired with Kelly green Candles on top of stark white candleholders and Summer Orange hanging lanterns.  White West Elm styled chairs partnered with a retro patterned linen completes this seamless summery table that is more fitting for a Palm Spring vacation home than a wedding but hey, if you need inspiration ---  this modern, divine table has it all.

Credit the brilliant Gloria Wong for coming up with this concept that is a feast for the decadently sophisticated.  Linens from Wildflower Linens and table tops furnishings from Hartmann Studios.  All showcased at the Wedding University.  Can you believe that this was in a ballroom at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley?

Inspirations: Classic? Back

I've been muttering to myself lately(not a strange thing, really!)

In my head, I keep asking, is classic back?  Has the pendulum swung from one side to another only to end up right back in the middle; could classic, traditional designs be more fashionable than we think?

If Julia Roberts, not Lady Gaga, is the iconic choice for what is beautiful today(at least according to People Magazine's editors), are we not about classic, traditional, iconic elegance?

Does the success of Marchesa, Michael Kors, and Carolina Herrara reflect that we might be less inclined to want to look like a Kim Karadasian but more like Michelle Obama?  Classic, true and true.

Lead me no further than to suggest that we might want to add the Classic Bride Blog to our list of must reads, which is redefining what we view as classic and traditional and I for one am thrilled!

Behind the Scenes: Beg, Borrow, Balance.

Behind every photo shoot there are funny stories.  This one for Utterly Engaged Magazine issue #5 was one of those days that was comical.

This cute two seater bike was not planned at all for our shoot.  We wanted an old beat up bike but Anne Millett and I sort of gave up trying to find the bicycle because we were both in the middle of our busy season and we were running low on time and energy.  To turn this photo shoot around, we had enough on our plate.

As the afternoon went on, I kept saying to Anne that something was missing from this "Strawberry Shortcake" photo shoot.  We needed a getaway "vehicle" to make this story complete.   We both eyed this bike available at Wheel Fun Rentals at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.  This one with the red stripe awning was just perfect for our shoot so we begged and pleaded with the owner(more like I begged and Anne stood by my side) to let us use it for 30 minutes.  The clerk wasn't very keen on loaning it to us and wanted us to "rent" it at a cost we just weren't comfortable spending.

Luckily we had food from our photoshoot so we promised to bring him some grab(Food will get you everywhere).

Once we got the bike we knew what to do and we tied these fabulous ribbons that were leftover from our shoot and placed two centerpieces on the back of the bikes.  However, Chin Chin my dog who was at the shoot was not cooperating at all.  He insisted on coming over to see what all the excitement was about.  Finally, my husband, Kevin Chin(the amazing photographer) said that Chin Chin would actually look good with the bike so he shot it with Chin Chin lounging under the bike.

Chin Chin managed to be the star of the shoot and even got himself in the magazine.  Yup, he is sort of famous now.

After the photo, Anne and I had to return the bike so we decided to just ride it back to Stow Lake.  Not aware of the mechanisms of this bike and possibly taking for granted that we didn't really check to see if my foot could reach the brakes(I'm barely 5 ft), we road it down a sharp incline and lost control of the bike for a moment.  You could say that our Balance was off.  Anne with her strong legs used them to help slow our rapid speed but we were not able to stop it as we approached the road.  In mere seconds, we went from peacefully riding the bike to two screaming women, rolling to a stop, nearly colliding with a car, making for what is a memorable behind the scenes!  Perhaps that's why I haven't been able to stomach another photo shoot.  My balance is just a little off from that scary ride.

Till the next behind the scenes, expect the unexpected.

Behind the Scenes: Proposal writing, why so long?

Coordinators, vendors, and clients wonder why it takes so long to get a proposal out these days.  Partly, It's my own fault because I tend to focus on the immediately issues like the dozen of current brides/grooms who need updates and revisions, thus our poor prospective clients don't get the attention that they deserve.

Another reason is that sourcing isn't that easy and finding the right quantities at the right price makes it difficult to pinpoint exact pricing.   The whole proposal writing phase can be rather daunting and can take weeks of back and forth emails and revisions before a client can accept the ideas.

But seriously, the real reason is that with our new applications, I've been sketching more.  And the more I sketch,  the longer a proposal takes to complete.  Though it takes a while for me to do these renderings but when I do, the clients can visual what I am trying to do.

Here's one rendering for my Luxe Eco client.  You can see what the design will be and my staff can take this sketch and build the arrangement on site.

It's truly a great way to sell.  It's a great way to document.  And it's the way things are going to be when you have appropriate and complex designs.

Ok...now that I've answered the question why it takes time to write a proposal, as a potential client, don't ask for a proposal if you know you aren't going to work with a vendor.  Don't waste their time.  And definitely, don't take someone's sketches/written proposal and give it to a competitor.  That's definitely not cool.

Floral Inspirations: Orange Crush

Summer is quietly calling. Loving colors of citrus, bright and sunny, which remind me of a classic summer treat, creamsicles. This bouquet blending oranges, poppies, goldenrod with cream is definitely a Creamsicle Dream.

Inspirations: Black and White

Recently, Kevin and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary with a small and intimate Sunday supper catered by the wonderful Joshua Charles, good friend and one of the best caterers in the Bay Area. On the menu was Pork Belly, Parsnip & Pear Puree Soup, Bavette Steak, Duck Confit, Halibut, Tuna Tartare, and many more delights.

One of the things that I always stress when designing an event is to have fun, to think about the guest experience, and to keep the design simple. So I went into our warehouse and found everything that could work in black and white. To me, black with white is very neutral, classic, and when done correctly, it can look equally tailored and understated.

I used black spray paint to turn gold faux fruits into black fruits. Attached hand made place cards to them with double sided tape. Used white vases down the center of a banquet table and placed all white flowers in them. Using Orchids, hydrangea, tulips, and ranunculus, I went for simple flowers. White linens from WildFlower Linens with black satin napkins complimented the glassware and dishes from Classic Party Rentals. Lining the chairs and the glassware achieved a finished look. Though I don't often use black chairs, these Chiavari from Especially Yours Chairs with off white cushions blended into the background which was my hope and played off our accent wall.

I cannot thank Michelle, my intern, enough for creating very simple menus and place cards that fit with our Perfect Ten dinner.  Her "Pears and Apples" within a vintage frame pattern with a non-script font suited our soiree.  Many thanks.


My resources:
Linens: Wildflower Linens
Food: Joshua Charles Catering
Chairs: Especially Yours
Glassware, table, flatware, dishes: Classic Party Rentals
Wine & Beverages: Costco
Pear and Apple Tarts: Gerhard Micheler
Place card and Menu: Michelle my intern, printed on heavy white paper stock

Press: Wedding Wire

This is a shameless "pat" on the back but nevertheless I'm proud of everyone here at NLCD who made this award possible. We accept the award with graciousness and hope to be on there again and again. Thank you Wedding Wire for your support and partnerhip.

As the face of NLCD, I know that I often get the accolades but its the entire staff who are the unsung heroes of my business and they are the ones who are most deserving. Day in, day out, they are in the trenches sweeping the floors, emptying the trash, picking up supplies, standing on their feet working long hours, carrying boxes of vases up and down stairs, tying bows, removing stickers, filling vessels with water, lighting candles, processing boxes of flowers, washing buckets, throwing out the trash, organizing slideshows, emailing clients, filing the countless receipts, loading and unloading vans, striking after midnight, making appointments, getting directions, encouraging each other, and so much more.

My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the countless people who have graced our studio....You made it happen....Thank you.

Press: Wedding of the Year #3

We have to thank Brides for featuring Julie and Nathan's wedding which was captured and documented by the wonderful team of Gertrude and Mabel and planned by the awesome, Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events.

Colors of this wedding included: fawn, sage, and periwrinkle.   The bouquet had viburnum, tweedia, sweet peas, garden roses, lily of the valley, and textured bush foliage.

The wedding took place at the fabulous Ferry Building and one of the most memorable thing about her wedding was the fabulous tablescape.  I really love that fact that there were no linens.  And that hint of green in the glass - charming.  Thanks to the team at Paula Le Duc catering for always been so meticulous.

Read more in the June issue.

About Nancy: Loving Technology

Most of you know that our office converted to Macs in late January. Having been a PC user for ages, the transition has been slow(ask poor Michelle, my intern!). Though 80% of the time I can manage, there are slight nuisances that prevent me from fully adapting and utilizing my Mac to its fullest. When I cannot find the answer, I often get grouchy(irritable) and give up.  I want results quickly, who doesn't?

Nevertheless, one of the things I love about technology in all my Apple products are the great tools. Many of them have changed the way I do business. Our slideshow from iPhone application is both entertaining and unique. Putting together a book of images has never been quite this seamless. Even learning to do a simple website is possibly with iWeb. However, the best thing so far has been my Sketchpad Mobile Express application that I'm using for my iPhone.

With just my pudgy fingers I've been able to draw renderings of tablescapes, floral centerpieces, and even this place card Frame idea for a June bride(see above).

I love it and I hope that by the end of the year I'll have an iPad to follow my iMac, mini mac, and iPhone.

The lesson I'm learning is that to stay fresh, I do have to embrace technology. Many times it can be overwhelming but I feel liberated.

Floral Inspiration: From the Trash III

I am loving today's From the Trash arrangement.

My lead designer, Gaby,  and I always talk about our displeasure with the amount of waste when it comes to flowers.  First we dislike cleaning and sweeping away the nearly hundreds of stems each week that get placed into our compost bins.   And we get sad at the end of the event when we have to "trash" things.   The worse is when we have to cut flowers just for the "heads".

Can you imagine when I do one of those beds of carnations, how I cringe when I have to "throw" out the 3 ft of stems?  A shame.

Finally because of this From the Trash series, I had a reason to save a few worthy carnation stems.  This arrangement which literally was pulled from the "compost" bin is something that I love for its practicality.  The criss/crossing of carnation stems( submerged under water ) is a great visual.  The orchid stem which was used for my Bouquets to Arts piece was left over so I added that as the focal point.  With a few rose petals from the trash, I weaved them in the submerged carnation stems.  It's like water ballet when you have those rose petals and stems swimming in harmony.

Give these stems another life and find a use for them.

Real Weddings: Wedding of the Year #2

This wedding from 2009 recently was featured on Style Unveiled and since yellow is the perfect summer color, we had to share it with you. Congratulation to our couple Nanie and Clifton, read their full story at Style Unveiled San Francisco. The wonderful wedding featured all sorts of lemon items including a real lemon aisle.

 

We want to thank Kevin Chin for the images that are so lovely and Style Unveiled for featuring it. 

(if anyone is curious, care to take a guess as how many lemons we used for the aisle?)

Press: Snippet and Ink

Want to thank Kathryn at Snippet and Ink for always featuring our work and supporting interesting designs.  This table that I had the pleasure of producing for Wedding University with my good friend, Gloria Wong featured a "Lodge" theme. To read the full story, we invite you to enjoy the images so well edited and aptly named Whimsical Woodsy: Spring Table. 

I know that spring is officially over and we are heading for the warm summer, however, it's always hard as fan of jonquils, tulips, and such to say good bye, "farewell spring".

Press: Polka Dot Bride

We want to thank Polka Dot bride for featuring Chenin and Nick's wedding.  We invite all of you to read the full story of their "Seaside Romance" wedding. 

The photographer, Lilia Ahner, took these beautiful photos at the Corinthian Yacht club.  I think blue is such a big trend color this year that I'm thrilled to have Polka Dot Bride feature this wedding from last summer.

Behind the Scenes: Intern - Owning a Business, The Conclusions

Dear Readers,
Michelle's last post got lost in the shuffle of many other posts last week so I wanted to repost so that more people will get the chance to read her well written final farewell to us.
Nancy

___________________________________________

My internship is ending this week; three months passed by in a flash, and I wish that I could stay a bit longer and learn just a little more. (Fainting and fracturing part of your face makes a lot of things go by in a flash, I suppose.) As Nancy puts it, I've only scratched the surface of the job and the industry, but I have learned a few things that are worth sharing. /gets on a soapbox

Professionals are professionals for a reason. They know what they're doing. Nancy is almost always going to end up being right. If she says "cowboy chic is in", hold onto your own opinion for awhile, because you're probably going to be proven wrong when you go to an industry event and discover that four engaged vendors you meet are planning cowboy chic weddings. If she tells you never wear open toed sandals in the floral business, listen to her. You don't want to accidentally have your toe cut off when clippers fall to the floor (and they will).

As someone I met at the Wedding University said, "No one is making a huge margin. Everyone in this industry is in it because they love it." Brides and grooms, no reputable vendor in this industry is ripping you off. Seriously. If it sounds ridiculously expensive, it's probably the labor. When you're horrified by a floral estimate, try doing a calculation of the total number of hours for: consultations, proposals and redrafts, phone conversations, designing, flower processing, arranging, preparing, loading, transit, unloading, set-up, breakdown, clean-up, unpacking, and putting everything away. Then multiply that by $10 (or whatever minimum wage is in your neck of the woods). That's assuming the very very least - minimum wage for labor for one single person doing an entire wedding (which is pretty difficult unless it's super tiny).This is not even including the overhead to rent and maintain a studio, insurance for running a business, a special refrigerator for flowers, a space for props, containers, and materials, gas for transit, owning and maintaining a van for deliveries, and possibly the rental costs for renting delivery vans for larger deliveries. Subtract that minimum labor cost number from your proposal and look again.

Are they really ripping you off?

And ask yourself, if you were an experienced professional in this field, would you do this job for minimum wage? Try recalculating with the per hour price that you feel you would be willing to pay a floral designer, or with how much you feel you are worth. (This applies for other vendors as well, not just floral vendors. Planners/coordinators may have less material cost overhead, but they spend a huge amount of time emailing, calling, and coordinating with all the other vendors and ensuring that every detail is taken care of.)

If you don't want to hire wedding vendors, then don't. Do it yourself, there's nothing wrong with that if that's what you want. It may turn out awesome, it may not. But there's no need to badmouth the professionals, people who are just working hard, making a living in a business that they love.

Respect small business owners. They work really hard. I wish there was a way to expand this and make it sound fancier, but it's just that simple.

In the end, the formula for success in the wedding industry is unbelievably simple and straightforward.

- Have talent and be creative.
- Do what you love.
- Pour yourself into your work until you don't know where your work begins and you end.
- Push yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, in ways you could never even imagine.
- Try to always deliver better than the client could imagine - better even than you could imagine.
- Push to exceed your own standards of perfection.
- Never, ever forget that clients come first.

Congratulations to our intern, Michelle Chang.  She finished strong.  And along the way, she discovered what she likes about the wedding industry.  We can't tell you everything but we have high hopes for her. 

Though her time with us is over, is there still more for Michelle?  Now that she has seen the behind the scenes, what is she possibly going to do?  It's reality now, what will Michelle do with the knowledge that she gained and where does she fit?    Michelle will join her husband, Joe in Taiwan as they begin their new life together.  We wish both of them well.