PAMPER YOURSELF EVENT 2010: COLUMBUS BOUDOIR STUDIO

Recently we had the opportunity to participate in an after-hours event at the chic Columbus Boudoir studio in Powell. After a long work day, our guests mingled with friends and local vendors while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and wine.

If you haven't heard of Heather Walker of Columbus Boudoir Photography, I invite you to discover the woman behind one of the coolest new gift ideas in Columbus. Many of her clients are brides who come to create gorgeous, flirtatious, seductive picture portfolios for their fiances. Imagine giving your new groom a stunning album of your gorgeous self on your wedding night! Honestly I had never heard of this concept before but it is proving to be an extremely fast growing trend. What groom wouldn't absolutely love this gift?! She has an amazing eye for quality and her photos are extremely tasteful and elegant. Check her out!

Also attending was Anji of Skin Abstracts. She is an amazing Makeup Artist that has tons of experience working with brides. She did a demo on a guest and it was remarkable. The word on the street is she's opening a new spa soon - so catch up with her before she is booked!

I had a wonderful time chatting with many brides and past brides about what's hot on the wedding scene right now. Last year was the color of PURPLE - my prediction for 2010 is GREEN. Also I am inspired to see more brides focusing on the details - the foliage or the texture of their bouquets. They want them not only to look good, but smell good too! After my formal schooling with a degree in Landscape Horticulture, I have a unique background where I can suggest different flowers and plants for that extra special bouquet. Many of which grow right here in Ohio! To say the least - I couldn't be more excited for this years wedding season!

To be included in the fun next time, send me an email or join us on FaceBook for future shows and promotions.

THE FLOWER VIGILANTE
Recently I ran across an article in Flower Magazine about Bella Meyer, owner of Fleurs Bella in NYC and the granddaughter of artist, Marc Chagall, which got me thinking for days. Meyer, a.k.a. the Flower Vigilante, is on a personal mission to add a bit of color and laughter to a city often smirk and impersonal. Having just visited New York City over the holidays, I can appreciate her mission wholeheartedly.

When I visit the city I almost always stick to the subways for transportation. I like to mingle in the local scenes. I like to stare out of the corner of my eye at the off-duty officers or nanny's traveling from here to there. Their faces are tired and strong. And most often they look like they need a hug (or a day off.) In a strange way it's a welcomed relief from all the tourism and camera snapping happening above ground.

On cold, rainy and especially less-than-perfect city days, Meyer and her team rally together and hit the streets armed with bouquets, arrangements and single cut stems to hand out to passersby and commuters. There really is no catch. The flowers are free and come with a smile. Although they are often perceived with a weary eye, they assure their recipients that the flowers are simple gestures of kindness and nothing more.

As well as passing out flowers in crowded subway stations and on corners to city workers cleaning the streets, Meyer and her entourage have been known to leave flowers inside pay phones, on littered sidewalks or on building ledges. "I like the idea of someone finding a flower or an arrangement where they least expect it," Meyer has said. I am incredibly inspired by Meyer and her courage to step outside the social norm to give a much needed smile to random strangers, just because she can. As an artist myself I can understand her desire to share her work with those who may not have the opportunity otherwise.

Even though I wasn't fortunate enough to run into one of her creations during my visit, I couldn't stop thinking about what a positive message Meyer is sending out to the public. Everyone should be able to appreciate the art and wonder of a gorgeous flower. They are a marvel and vital part of our very existence. To hold a flower is to hold life and love. By passing out Random Acts of Kindness to the unsuspecting, Meyer makes a moment in someones ordinary day, a life long memory...the day they received something very beautiful from an unknown person for no good reason at all. Which is a very good reason indeed, if you ask me.

(Photos Bella Meyer from Flower Magazine, Winter 2009)

It's true. This is my first official Blog. Even as a newbie I hope I can show you my passion for art, floral design and the natural world. Yes, Floral Designer for weddings and special events is my job title, but there is a whole world beyond that which drives my passion to do what I do. I look forward to sharing my personal discoveries with you and hearing your feedback.

As a designer I am inspired by things conventional and not. Fashion, music, the rain hitting my window, roadtrips and the laughter of friends are just a few. I like to collect these moments of discovery as if they were bouquets of flowers. What would this moment look like: it's form, color, texture, smell if I could put it in a vase and stare at it all afternoon?

Flowers are a part of my every day life and I know that is a luxury for many. I am fortunate to see gorgeous blooms and smell their beauty and watch them change from very small and tight to hanging dried on my studio ceiling. Even if you're unable to have a gorgeous bouquet of peonies at your bedside every morning to help awaken you, I believe we can still appreciate the essence of flowers in our daily lives. In the dead of winter, I am still struck by the elegant structure of last seasons hydrangea blooms dried and blowing in the wind in my front garden. They have lost their color, but their shell is strong and still singing songs to me.

Ok. Thanks for reading. I have many ideas and things to share with you. More to come soon.