End of Month Recap: April Showers

I'm sitting here in my office writing about the end of April.  For me, it's a very special month, good things happened in April.   I got married in late April 2000, my parents got married early April 1961 and my cousin had a little boy, Alexander this month.   April is an auspicious month in my family.

Hoping that all the good in my life can be transferred to you.

If you were following the blog, April started smoothly as I celebrated an early anniversary in Cabo San Lucas with my hubby where we feasted on ceviche, fish sashimi salads, and chips (yummmmm!).  My favorite new restaurant in the Cabo area is The Market at One and Only Palmilla where I was treated with such warm and inviting service.   When you arrive at the One and Only, each staff you meet graces you with a lovely greeting and their hand pressed against their heart.  I'd love to come up with a greeting for my brides, how about a slight bow?  I think not!  As always, I ventured to several new resorts like Capella Pedregal and Hacienda Resort to see the latest in design.

While everyone in the office was busy with wedding prep, I concentrated my time on the Wedding Floral Academy and of course, Nancy's Brown Bag blog. How's everyone liking the new design?  Do you like our new 3-posts-per-week format?  Every month we are trying to come up with a theme and as you can see, it's not that easy.

One thing we did focus on were Easter pastel hues.  Didn't you like the Lilac and Rose inspiration board? Lovely, right? Or that ruffly cake?  Best ever.

Since today there is a royal wedding(my congrats to Kate and Will), it's obvious that nothing speaks more royal than shades of purple. I'm going to end my recap with some royal "pale purple" flowers.  You can call them lavender, some are even lilac but  together or separate, they all are just splendid.

Since April showers tend to bring May Flowers, I'm hoping that May will bring you some colorful blooms.

Top Row: Sweet peas, Mum, Novelty Tulip, Carnation
Middle Row: Dendrobium orchid, Hydrangea, Rose, Lisianthus
Bottom Row: Mini calla, Dahlias, Hyacinth, Cattleya Orchid

Courtesy of Fiftyflowers, Sierra Flower Finder, and MyFlowerBuyer.com

By the Numbers: Floating Wreaths

Photography by Anna Kuperberg

Readers, it's been a while since I did a By The Numbers article.  I hope I can ask for some "forgiveness" as   Erin, my intern, and I have been so focused on inspirations, real weddings, and our new "best thing ever" topics.

Starting this May, I'm going to bring back 'By The Numbers' posts for our midweek posts.  Usually on Wednesday I feature Real Weddings and Best Thing Ever articles but I'm adding 'By The Numbers' to add a little fun.

For starters, I'll attack how to make these floating wreaths and what you need.

For one 18 inch White Carnation Floating Wreath with Bubble Bowl and gardenias,
you will need

158 - 168 stems of white carnations
158 - 168 tooth picks
1 15 inch styrofoam circle - with center "hollowed" up
1 large Bubble bowl
Water for inside of Bubble Bowl
5 to 7 white gardenias
1 fishing wire
4 to 5 - mini washers - Around 2 pound if possible - 4 to 5 will give you 10 pounds.

Tip:  The washers attached via fishing wire should be adhered(tied) to the styrofoam before you start putting your carnations(with toothpicks) on your circular wreath.  It's really crucial that when you put them in the pool of water that the bubble bowl be placed "evenly".

Good luck and let me know how it works for you.

Lessons: The 4 P's of Success

I'm a believer that it is never just one component that will make a business successful.  Long lasting brands and small businesses stay in business because of a combination of attributes.

Oh, I've heard my own critics, other floral designers, who say that I'm JUST a great marketer(and to them, I will take the high road and not call them out).   Heck, I hope I am a good marketer, I practice marketing on a daily basis (just ask my assistants). Sure, it's not my experience in marketing that makes me want to be a better listener, owner, and manager.  It's not my degree in marketing that helps me want to create and innovate.  And it's definitely not my love of marketing that makes me practice running a business or producing consistent designs.  Hope you hear what I'm saying.   If people think that marketing alone can lead to a successful business, I'd have to shutdown that theory.  Good marketers might get clients to find them but in the end, our clients are more savvy than that.  And even if you are the best floral designer, if your clients can't find you, that's not a good thing at all.  Perhaps you are good at selling and closing a deal, but if you are disorganized, things will fall through the crack.  Bottom line: it's not one thing that makes and breaks you.

Your strength has to be more than just one component. 

What I find common amongst successful individuals and business owners can be narrowed to what I call the 4 P's.   I've probably said it before and I'm not afraid to say it again.  You need ----

Passion, People, Practice, Persistence

Of course, you have to have a love and passion for your craft. And passion isn't a fling, it's built over years.   Passion for your craft, your business, your industry - hello, it's a must.

Beyond that - Successful people didn't become a success without some help.  They have a great understanding of the importance of people.  We need all sorts of people to help, to support, to advise, to produce.  It goes on and on.

Successful individuals and businesses have been practicing their craft for years.  That means, one or two weddings under your belt doesn't make you an expert.  And for those who planned their own wedding, that doesn't mean that you can now be a wedding planner.  Your own wedding isn't enough to qualify you as a successful planner or a great invitation designer just because you did all the paper goods.

More importantly, successful artist, individuals, businesses have an innate personality trait - they are persistent.  One has to weather the storms to learn valuable lessons.  If you've been doing invitations, photography, or cakes(cupcakes) for your friends, you haven't weathered any storms(yet).  You can't do things for cost or give them to your family and friends and expect that you have persevered.  You need real paying clients, many failures, and big flops for you to understand how to fix, adapt and change.  Hardship and suffering are all part of the growing process that leads to success.  A business owner who hasn't any understanding of failure, hasn't grown that much.  (Trust me, I know what it means to fail and I'm still standing!)

Remember, successful wedding vendors, we've been in the muck.  And if we rise above the crap, we become stronger.

Floral Inspiration: Loving Lilac

It's April and lilacs are in full bloom! From bouquets to centerpieces, fragrant lilac clusters are a delicately darling addition to any springtime event. 

Definitely loving lilac.

Credit: Project Wedding (photo 1) and Weheartit.com

Best Thing Ever: Pastel Cakes

Every month, I'm looking for something that catches my eyes.  When it comes to oastel cakes, this multi tiered cake with "frills" and flat faced "peonies" is a dream.

This sweet confection reminds me of my childhood lampshade however, I never wanted to eat my lampshade but this - I want to eat up!


Our lovely cake is designed by Maisie Fantaisie Cake in London.  They are a favorite of mine.

Tell us what you think.

Press: Style Me Pretty

We are so fortunate to have this beautiful Napa Valley Wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.  Of course, anything with peonies is a love for us.  All credit for this wedding goes to a great team that was led by Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events, Gloria Wong of Gloria Wong Designs, and Lisa Lefkowitz.

Next month I will feature a more detailed story of this wedding.  But for now, I hope you enjoy this.

Inspiration Board: Lilac and Rose

When I think of the Easter season, the first things that come to mind are pastel eggs, Easter lilies, and marshmallow peeps. For the sake of design, I'm leaving behind cheesy chicks and focusing on the better parts of this holiday: muted shades of pink and lilac, dainty candies, and classy florals.

Style: Easter Elegance
Colors: Lilac, Pale Pink, Cream
Textures: Silk Ribbons, sweet candies, lady-like dresses and hats

Credits
Top Row: Martha Stewart Wedding
Bottom Row: Crumbs and Dollies, Etsy

Best Thing Ever: Candy Table by Aileen Tran Designs

I'm getting ready to go on my annual visit to Cabo San Lucas but before I leave I know that I have to write one more article. Inspiration seems to have escaped me.

Suddenly I decide to stop writing because the words refuse to come out. Surfing the endless internet seems to be a good idea but of course, I'm floating through dozens of blogs and countless images with no end in sight.  Out of nowhere, I randomly found a link to a blog by Aileen Tran - event stylist.  Having known about Karen Tran, one of my favorite floral designers(ever!), I was so pleased to read about Aileen's styling.  And it's so so brilliant.

As I dive into Aileen's blog which is delicious and fabulous, I fell in love with this vintage candy bar with the most adorable simple arrangements and beautiful details.

Inspiration - found!  Don't you like the vintage glam of this pretty candy bar?

Who doesn't want to just gobble everything up?

Behind the Scenes: My Internship Part II

The Many Languages of Style…

I cannot believe it has been almost three months into my internship with Nancy Liu Chin Designs! I’ve come to realize that being in the office only once a week is simply not enough. So much goes on in a week! (Trips to the flower market, client meetings, event set-up, and whatever else comes Nancy’s way!)

It is astonishing how much I have learned about the amazing (and sometimes crazy) world of floral and event design. But I have to say the most interesting thing I’ve discovered is what I am now calling “the Language of Style”.

Style (whether is it fashion, décor, color preferences, or floral arrangements) can often be indefinable. Or, maybe it is just difficult to put something visual into words. Just by listening to conversations between Nancy and her clients it becomes clear that certain key words (“formal”, “organic”, “glam”, “rustic”, “simple”, “clean”) can mean SO many different things.

One client described this table and floral design as formal, busy,  and overdone.  In Nancy's style language she would describe this as organic, rustic, and informal.  Another designer who works for NLC Designs described it as casual, country and loose.

This is where things get messy when one person's definition of a style is so different from a designer's standpoint.

In the design world, elements of style may overlap and become blurred. I think that is the beauty of this profession. You are always learning, discovering and creating something new, something stylish, something fresh.

If I could say anything to brides planning their wedding, if you aren't familiar with "language of style", bring images, color swatches, and ideas to help facilitate discussion. If not, you could be getting a wedding that is nothing like you pictured!

For those who are planners, this is also good advice.  When you go into a design meeting with potential floral designers, be fluent in the "language of style" so that you get the most out of your consultations.  It will make for a smoother execution.

Inspiration Board : Cottage Chic Drama

I seem to be fascinated with spring hues that are light, airy, soft, feminine.   This board reminds me of a sunroom in a Victorian bed and breakfast.  A room that has a collection of old china with wicker furniture, cottage prints and of course, simple plate of cake!

Style: Cottage Chic Meets Victorian Drama
Colors: Seafoam, Sand, Antique Gold, Teal, Cream
Textures: Lace, Seamstress Trims, Gold Wallpaper, Wicker, Large Floral Patterns, Sweet Motifs, Mismatched china, Teacake, Fluffy English Flowers


Credits
Top Row: Thisnext.com, Coastel Living
Middle Row: Boutwell Photography, Whyweflourish.org, Pretty Paper Blog

Real Wedding: Julia Morgan Ballroom Wedding by Kevin Chin

When I was growing up, all I knew about weddings was that the bride wore a red Chinese gown.  When I planned my wedding in the 90's(late 90's), I probably hurt my poor Chinese mother's feelings when I refused to don a red and gold Chinese gown for my outdoor Sunday afternoon wedding.  Unintentionally, I offend all the Liu women in my family by going against tradition without regret.  A little wiser today, I know now how special those cultural traditions are and I certainly will embrace them in the future. (Kleenex moment!).

Well, I have to hand it to Amanda and Steven. They got it right.   They wove their cultural traditions and blended it with Western influences.    Through elements like a traditional tea ceremony, they were able to honor their parents.   Even the groom and groomsmen were involved in some Chinese "door" games(don't ask, I'm not sure what this is myself).  After the morning activities, Amanda changed from her beautiful Asian gown to a more traditional White wedding dress and walked down the aisle in a grand ballroom.  Dinner was a blend of East mets West with Chinese food served Western style.

Beyond all of this, Amanda herself is very special to me.  As many might already know, Amanda has been a dear friend of mine. Her kindness over the years has no limits.  Amanda has been an assistant to Jubilee Lau Events and has also been instrumental to my own business when we needed an extra hand.  Some of my brides might even recognize Amanda from their wedding as Amanda has been a key behind the scenes person.  Her attention to detail during weddings can be seen in her own as she designed her own invitation and paper goods.  Look how beautiful the escort cards are?

Please enjoy these beautiful images by my daring hubby, Kevin Chin. Of course, this wedding wouldn't have been so smooth without the leadership of Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events and the lighting which was done so well by my good friend, John Woods of Enhanced Lighting.  A special thanks to Linda Hylen of the Julia Morgan Ballroom.

Press: Style Me Pretty

Our heartfelt thanks to all those at Style Me Pretty for featuring this wedding on February 15th, 2011.  The wonderful post completely slipped my memory so I'm a little late getting it on the blog.

For those who don't know Kate Harrison, she's a lovely photographer and her beautiful photojournalistic style is evident in this gorgeous Northern California wedding of Tammy and Mark.  Of course, you can't say enough of Kathryn Kalabokes the planner who went over and beyond on this wedding.  Thank you KK of Dream A Little Dream.

As many of you might recognize, our bride is an amazing person who knows a few things about reality TV.  Do you recognize our reality tv star bride?

End of Month Recap: March Madness

The month of March came and went.  In San Francisco, it was cold, gloomy, and pretty much grey.  Though the weather outside was not delightful our blog was nevertheless upbeat and colorful.

March is typically a quiet month in the office but unlike previous years, ours was nothing but quiet.  Between the many events and weddings, there was Bouquets to Art and one very fun Classic Party Rentals' Open House(if you follow me on Facebook you might have seen my version of a Robot dance move).  Yes, who would have known the deeps of my talent outside of floral design?

One thing you might have noticed is that in the middle of this month, we changed our blog design.  With the help of Kelly of BlushInk Designs, we refreshed our blog, taking it from three columns to two columns, added a new header, and of course, made everything a bit cleaner.  Lisa Wong Jackson did a wonderful job of creating a logo for the Brown Bag.  Now, both our website and blog are consistent in style.

Of course, we are all dying to hear your thoughts on the new and improved Nancy's Brown Bag.  So don't be shy, tell us what you think!

To end this recap, I'm going to make up for the lack of green hues in my warerobe with a final March post of my favorite green flowers.  My hope is that every month I can showcase the many wonderful flowers in each hue.  What will April be?

May Luck Be With You!

Top row: Hellebores, Viburnum 'Snowball", Gladilous
Middle row: Air Plants, Lisianthus, Rose 'Super Green'
Bottom row: Ranunculus, Lady Slipper Orchid, Euphorbia