Floral Fashionista Fridays Presents: Holly Stalder

Friday, May 29, 2009

Holly Stalder is an independent designer from Portland, Oregon.I think her work is fabulous and she is just a hop, skip and jump across the pond from us here in Victoria! Holly uses salvaged antique fabrics and trims in her designs to create modern pieces of wearable art. You can check out her shop here. She takes custom orders.Hurray!
The Opera Society tiered,corded dress with vintage pearl collar made to order.Just Love. I am hoping one of my brides comes to me saying this is her dress because I have a fabulous idea for a floral piece for this dress that I am just longing to create.
O.K. How sexy is this dress? Ivory silk,chiffon and lace backless dress. I love backless dresses. I think the back is underrated as a very sexy part of the human body male or female.
I LOVE this caplet by Holly Stalder! Little Red Riding Hood goes Baroque or something....really just love it. I think it would be fabulous used in a Boudoir photography session for a brave bride. Little lacy, red bra and panty set, high heels, this caplet and basket of flowers and goodies for Grandma! Can you visualize? The Big Bad Wolf would probably just love it!!
I am really into yellow wedding details these days. Although, I actually detest yellow for myself and do not own a single yellow piece of clothing or accessory. I love it in spring weddings so bright , cheery and joyful.
A little reclaimed velvet ribbon here, a little Edwardian lace there, salvaged antique applique from a 1920's dress and Voila! Pure Holly Stalder fabulousness here!

Labels: boudoir photography ideas, clothing design, Floral Fashionista Fridays, Holly Stalder, wedding fashion

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:41 AM

Meet the Brockintons=Inspiration

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I stumbled upon this video on YouTube and it just brings me such joy that I thought I'd share it with you all. I love it as an introduction to their photography business. It gives you a sense of who they are....wouldn't you just want to hire them as your photographers for your wedding? I also think Ashley has an incredible fashion sense. I love every single outfit she wears! Also, their children are just adorable.
But then, I had an idea...Oh Oh....
I thought, why don't a bride and groom hire a videographer to film themselves in a similar manner. Share quirky details about themselves,why they love each other,pet peeves about each other,how they met,with costume changes and various locations and send it out as a wedding invitation. All with a great soundtrack! They could provide all the details about the wedding in the video. Send the guests a video link via email. How cool, fun, and eco friendly would that be!
Do you like this idea? I have them all the time you know.....ideas I mean.

Labels: alternative wedding invitations, eco friendly wedding invitations, meet the brokintons

posted by Bella Fiore @ 1:50 AM

I've Been Interviewed!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I've been interviewed! Not by some fancy smancy magazine, but by my teen-aged son....which in my opinion is even better! Although, if some fancy smancy magazine wanted to interview me I wouldn't turn them away ; )
He had to interview an artist for one of his classes to help him design a piece of art that represented himself; and he chose me...just imagine. I was incredibly honored actually. What follows is the interview he conducted.


Sunlight floods in through our living room window as my mom sits down on the couch kitty corner to me and sets her feet up after a long day of work. Tired but happy, she is excited to be my artist interviewee. I have prepared a set of questions both to gain an understanding of floral design as an art and to help myself with the process of finding a way to illustrate my context visually. I have a general idea of how she will answer the first two questions, but after that, I am interested to see how she responds.

Q: To start, tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: Well, I have always been artistic, and have dabbled in creative pursuits from painting to poetry to dance and theater. I would consider myself a Renaissance woman.

Q: What made you decide to become a floral designer?
A: I decided to become a floral designer after being a massage therapist for over 20 years and my poor thumbs were taking a beating. I have always loved flowers and liked the idea of being able to create something that brings joy to people, no matter their circumstances, from birth to death and everything in between.

Q: How would you define art?
A: Art is subjective, and whatever gives a person pause to reflect is art. Art evokes a response and emotion.

Q: So if someone came up to you and said that floral design is not an art form, what would you say to them?
A: I would say that I disagree. Floral design is an art because you use form, texture, shape, scale and colour to create something out of the ordinary that evokes an emotion and a response.

Q: Where do you find inspiration when working on a floral piece?
A: Nature, photography, fashion design, interior design, and from other floral designers whose work I admire.



Q: What is your favourite floral piece to create and why?
A: My favourite floral piece to create is anything of a custom nature, in which I have to take into consideration the person, the place, the event, and the mood to create a work of art.

Q: If you could pick one flower that represents you, and that you identify with, what would it be and why?
A: An orchid, because it is exotic, beautiful, unique, graceful and flamboyant, but not too gaudy. Orchids have a classy elegance, a subtle beautiful scent, yet are amazingly hardy.

Q: Throughout history, we have seen the influence of society reflected in the art of the time. Do you think society today has influenced your approach to floral design?
A: Yes. Today there is a greater demand for green initiatives: flowers grown locally, and without the use of pesticides. There is the influence of modern and Japanese styles, with exotic flowers over generic roses and carnations.

Q: When you put together wedding bouquets for brides, are there certain things you look for in their personalities that you can translate into the bouquet?
A: Absolutely! Flowers are as unique as people, and people have certain characteristics and styles that can best be represented by certain flowers.

Q: Can you offer any advice for me to help create a piece of art that reflects my values, influences, and nature? How can I look into myself and create something that is synonymous to me?
A: I would say to write down the first five things that you think about when you think about yourself. I would tell you to write down the first five things that come to your mind when you think of your favourite colour. I would tell you to write down the first 5 things that come to your mind when you describe the thing you love to do best. I would ask your five favourite people to describe you in adjectives. Then I would pick from each category one description that resonates best with you and create your art based on those. Do not over think things!

There's the interview. My son got 97% on his art project and it's defense. That's my boy! The best boy in the whole world!

Labels: bella fiore custom floral design interview

posted by Bella Fiore @ 12:35 AM

Memorial Weekend Wedding Floral Details: Sneak Peek

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I had the honor of creating the floral designs for Susan and Lauren's wedding this weekend. A nicer couple I have not met. It was an intimate affair; which are always the loveliest of weddings.The couple came all the way from Alaska to have their wedding here in our fair city and I must say the weather did not disappoint!
The bride, I would say is a true classic, romantic and requested flowers with a romantic,garden style theme. She also requested no daisies or carnations and said in her initial email to me and I quote, "I am a complete flower freak and there must not be any daisies or carnations in this wedding!" It was a pretty easy request to comply with! She also requested some heather and thistle as Lauren was wearing a kilt. Susan also loves sweet peas which were tricky to get as it is still a bit early in the season for them....but we managed to snag some at the auction...yeah!
Here is her bouquet...so utterly feminine and romantic.
What do you give a woman wearing a kilt probably more comfortable in jeans and t-shirt? Who does not want a bouquet? Not a corsage, not a boutonniere but a borsage....my new name for a floral piece that has a little bit of both elements ! Floral designers are allowed to make up words...it's true!
The corsages.
The boutonnieres .
The wristlet.
The altar pieces.
The flowers waiting patiently for the bridal party to arrive at the church.
The fabulous stained glass window at the church. The First Unitarian Church has the most beautiful vibe of any church I have ever been in. Such a lovely venue.
The centerpieces in the studio.
Centerpieces in the venue.
A tented affair. Setting up.
A close up of the head table piece.

The head table piece.
Susan phoned me tonight, the day after her wedding just to tell me how much they loved the flowers and how the floral pieces totally exceeded their expectations.This was so nice of her and completely unexpected as she really should be honeymooning . This just made my evening! I love flower freaks! Any more of you out there?
We wait with bated breath to see the professional photos once they are finished being processed.
All the best to Susan and Lauren for a life rich with love and happiness!

Labels: floral details for weddings, memorial day wedding 2009, weddings

posted by Bella Fiore @ 11:09 PM

Wedding Favors: Cocoa Mosaic

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I love chocolate! Especially gourmet chocolates with unique flavors. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Cocoa Mosaic an artisan chocolate and truffle company from Toronto. Jackie the owner trained in Switzerland to make truffles and chocolate creations by hand using blends of Belgian chocolate and other natural ingredients.Her chocolates contain no preservatives. She also makes custom chocolates that I think make great wedding favors. She can customize the chocolates with your monogram, design or picture. Custom orders should be placed as early as possible, a minimum of one month in advance. Edible favors are so much more enjoyable than salt and pepper shakers! These favors won't be left on the table....they are that delicious !
Sweet little boxed chocolates with exotic flavors like matcha green tea, Italian espresso or vanilla bean. There are many more flavors. Jackie is also working on a line of single origin chocolates that I look forward to trying in the future.

Here is an example of one of Cocoa Mosaic's custom wedding favor orders. Aren't they beautiful and elegant!
Remember the movie Chocolat with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche.....one of my favorite movies by the way....remember that big vat of melting chocolate ? I had dreams I was swimming in that vat of chocolate for weeks after watching that movie! I have a feeling I will be dreaming Cocoa Mosaic dreams tonight!

Labels: chocolate wedding favors, chocolates, cocoa mosaic, custom chocolates, truffles, wedding favors

posted by Bella Fiore @ 6:23 PM

May Long Weekend Floral Details: Sneak Peek

Monday, May 18, 2009

Here are some of the floral details of the wedding I did this May long weekend. They had beautiful weather and the bride was beautiful inside and out. I can't wait to see the professional photos, but in the meantime you will just have to make due with mine!
I met with the bride, her mom and sister last May they wanted a real fresh spring like wedding. The bride really liked the pairing of white and chartreuse green with garden like elements and a loose bouquet style. The Mother of the Bride loves lily of the valley and wanted to incorporate some into the floral details.
This is the bride's bouquet. I used parrot tulips with a ruffly edge for added texture and added a little bling into the stephanotis to pick up some sparkle in the bride's dress.
This is the groom's boutonniere. I like to use flowers from the bride's bouquet for the groom but feared the tulips would not withstand the beating boutonnieres can take, so I substituted the chartreuse button mums.
These are the groomsmen boutonnieres.I made sixteen total boutonnieres and corsages for this wedding in an hour! Hmm...a world record me thinks. I was seeing a little cross eyed by the last one but I think they turned out simply beautiful and elegant with just a touch of whimsy; just like my beautiful bride!
The Corsages.
This one just for the Mother of the Bride because of her love for lily of the valley.The studio smelled fabulous with the mix of lily of the valley and stephanotis. Floral aromatherapy heaven!
Simple centerpieces with bear grass swirls, parrot tulips and chartreuse spider mums.
I also did centerpieces in tall fluted vases with just the tulips to provide visual interest in the room. The venue has a very high ceiling and open glass windows to the ocean; very bright and airy. I think the room called for some height with the centerpieces.
The bride brought to the initial consultation a tear out from a bridal magazine which contained candelabras covered in grass and hanging amaranthus. She loved the organic green quality of them and wanted to know if I could recreate them? What did I say? But of course!
The altar flowers. Sometimes you don't need big flashy altar pieces; in this case I think these fit the bride's style beautifully.
I hope the bride and groom have a wonderful honeymoon in Maui. I'm so jealous with all the awful rain we have had today...I was so loving the sunshine on their wedding day....come back sun....pretty please.

Labels: Floral Details, floral sneak peek, May long weekend wedding, May weddings

posted by Bella Fiore @ 11:52 PM

Sweetness and Light

Thursday, May 14, 2009

I have a huge wedding this May long weekend but wanted to give you a little sweetness and light to take away with you.

Labels: kahlil gibran, poetry, sweetness and light

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:06 AM

The Art of Being Prepared

Monday, May 11, 2009

Despite months of planning for your wedding, chances are that something might just not go according to plan. When the unexpected happens try to stay positive. Keep in mind the big picture.This is your wedding day,you are celebrating your love in front of friends and family. Most likely, no one will notice or even know about the little things that did not go according to schedule. Do not " sweat the small stuff".Keep your sense of humour intact and it helps to be prepared for the little crises within your control.
Here is a little be prepared list.You may want to add items that are important to you :

• Be prepared for the weather rain or shine. Have umbrellas handy if it starts to rain during the outdoor photo shoot.Also hand fans are handy on hot days...hot,grumpy bridal parties do not make nice wedding photos! Bottled water...heat stroke equals not fun.Think of your guests too in regards to the weather especially if you have planned an outdoor wedding.

It is wise to put a little"be prepared kit" together with some of these items:

• Aspirin or pain medication for headache
• Antacid for pre-wedding jitters
• Bandaids for blisters from those fancy high heels
• Safety pins...just in case (God Forbid!)
  
• Needle and thread in your colours
• Personal Hygiene items
• White chalk...I have heard this hides marks on a white dress in a pinch
  
• Spot remover
• Crazy glue....once a bridesmaids heel got caught in a grate and tore right off her shoe...crazy glue saved the day!
• Handkerchiefs.....sometimes even the groom cries!
• Hairpins
  

Hopefully, your wedding will go according to plan and if it doesn't ....well, you will be prepared with a good attitude, a sense of humour, the knowledge that in the big scheme of things nothing is more important than your LOVE!!

Labels: bridal be prepared kit, bridal emergencies, love, wedding details

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:44 AM

Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers in the World! I hope you all were spoiled rotten......and now it's time to put my feet up.....aah....and sleep....I hope my kids bring me breakfast in bed....

Labels: Happy Mother's Day

posted by Bella Fiore @ 11:51 PM

And the Winner Is!

Friday, May 8, 2009

The winner of our Mother's Day Give Away Contest 2009 is Steve.Who won this fabulous clutch made by Red Ruby Rose for his wife by submitting this heart wrenching poem:

The rose bush bloomed on the day you were born
With tiny pink petals like your fingers and toes
You smiled up at your mom and dad
A mysterious Mona Lisa kind of smile
Curled tiny fingers,little nails sharp as thorns
We didn't put you in frilly dresses and bows
or yell at you as a teenager for being rebellious and bad
We only held your hand for a very short while.....

We didn't get to hold you close for long
You breathed,sighed and then were gone.

Thank-you for holding this contest.My wife really deserves to win this clutch.We lost our first baby girl last summer and I really want to honour her for being so wonderful,strong and brave. I think she will really love it along with the bouquet I ordered. Much Thanks, Steve

We think she deserves to win it too Steve . Thank-you for your heartfelt poem and Thank-you to those that entered .

Labels: Mother's Day Give Away Winning Poem

posted by Bella Fiore @ 6:56 PM

A Cherry Blossom Fairytale

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I love cherry blossoms and in a cruel twist of fate I am allergic to their pollen...sigh. They also tend to be pink( one of my least favorite colors), but strangely, I love them still.
Maybe I love them because if I did, I could wear a princess dress like this...
or diamond earrings like this.



After the ceremony I would have my picture taken here under a canopy of blooms and a carpet of petals. The blossoms would gently flutter down like snow. I would make sure I wore my glass slippers. I wouldn't sneeze once, not once.
At the reception I would cut this cake for my guests....except I wouldn't want to....but I would, because hey,even I can let them have cake.
I would lounge on a white divan surrounded by massed cherry blossom branches in crystal illuminated vases sipping this martini (all princesses love martinis by the way). I wouldn't sneeze once, not once.
I would have my maids over for a sleep over a few days before the wedding; where we would make these lovely meringues for wedding favors. We would tie them in sweet little clear bags with pink and white satin ribbon.We would be allowed to eat only two but I would have three because I am the princess. We could have as many martinis as we like ( because maids love martinis too). I am a generous princess. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot we would all have to wear those open toed slippers with a heel and feathers like movie stars from the 50's wore and pink satin aprons that say "Cupcakes" on the front. I found them online somewhere ( because even princesses shop online and presidents wives too I'm told).
After the reception my prince and I would escape in this pink Cadillac. I fired my coach driver because he really was a mouse..... Oh yeah, and I wouldn't sneeze once, not once!

Labels: cherry blossom wedding inspiration, pink weddings, wedding details

posted by Bella Fiore @ 10:42 PM