A Cascading Bridal Bouquet
The recent weddings of the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlene of Monaco have brought about nostalgia for all things royal, even in floral design. Brides are looking to more romantic flowers such as garden roses and peonies, preferably arranged organically as opposed to more traditionally structured shapes. The return of this trend has reintroduced the free flowing cascading bouquet, which were at its peak of popularity during the 70s & 80s. Undoubtedly, the bouquet Princess Diana held at her wedding to the Prince of Wales in 1981 solidified its modernity and inspired brides around the world.
Princess Di's long and trail bouquet consisted of Gardenias, Stephanotis, Lily of the Valley, Freesia, Ivy and Myrtle which are traditional flowers for the Royal Family.
When Brides Magazine asked us to create a updated cascading bouquet, we looked to it's history for inspiration. We picked a palette of whites, creams, and touches of greens with pops of peachy undertones. Base of the bouquet consists of a tight arrangement of white garden roses, white & peach Ranunculus and white Lisianthus. We created the trailing effect with long stems of flowering jasmine to give the bouquet an unstructured and free shape. The bouquet compliments the romantic Jenny Packham gown and art nouveau feeling of the story.
Cascading Bouquet
A Garden Wedding for a City Bride
One of our favorite sorts of bride is the kind that not only feels open to an interesting design proposal but one that comes to us with a specific concept around which we can design her wedding. That’s why when Lauren came to us with 60 vintage & unique teacups she had been collecting for the year prior to her special day, we wanted to offer a dream design unlike any other in In Bloom history.
Preferring a garden ceremony and reception in a colonial mansion to a city wedding, the bride & groom chose to marry just North of Manhattan at the Round Hill House in Washingtonville, New York.
Given her taste for a romantic & old world wedding, Lauren asked for a primarily white bridal bouquet with pops of green and hints of the most subtle pink out there. We came up with a mix of white freesia, white garden roses, blush ranunculus, and white sweet peas – keeping the stems naturally long.
For the bridesmaid’s bouquets, we simply paired white garden roses and white hydrangeas. For the groom’s boutonniere, we coupled a white ranunculus with sprigs of rosemary. This became the first introduction of herbs later to be seen in the reception table designs.
Pillar candles of varying heights with small groupings of white rose petals marked the aisle for the youngest participant to walk down to the altar.
We decorated the cornice of the birch altar provided by the venue with trailing Spanish moss, spraying dendrobium orchids, light pink & white peonies, and open garden roses.
Pale pink ostrich feathers at each place setting added an interesting element to the two table designs centering around Lauren’s collection of vintage tea cups.
The first design included an antiqued white candelabra with five unique teacups and saucers. Each cup contained a single type of either blush or white peonies, blush or white ranunculus, or white garden roses to keep the design pure.
The fruit bowl table design incorporated green grapes, green apples, brown sugar pears, and touches of white spray roses as well as fresh spearmint in a brushed gold pedestal bowl. Three teacups turned into appropriate candle holders for white tealights.
What a memorable trip outside the city to filfill a dream wedding for Lauren and Jarrod. Congratulations again to you both!
Photo Credits: Growing Tree Photography
-Parker Voss
10th Annual Tulips & Pansies – The Headdress Affair
Last Thursday saw a major spectacle at Gotham Hall for the 10th Annual Tulips and Pansies: The Headdress Affair. Hosted by VillageCare to benefit its network of AIDS services in Manhattan, the runway show showcases the design of 19 floral design companies paired with clothing designers. As a first-time participant armed with Betsey Johnson as our supporting designer, we gladly took the challenge to build something big, beautiful, and beyond.
And thus, a punk-inspired Marie Antoinette was born. 
Our queen captured the electric spirit of Betsey Johnson with the luxe-glam of roses and peonies. The brainstorm process evolved from a peek at the Betsey Johnson S/S 2011 runway collection. Once decided on a custom, spray-painted petticoat dress, we set our imagination on a headpiece fit for an 18th century European court. Additional references included Carnival, La Catrina, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
The pink cabbage roses, peonies and baby's breath that recalled a powdered wig became a veritable garden for 6” silver glitter butterflies. Details below.
While we succeeded in concealing the water tubes necessary to keep the peonies (queen of all flowers) looking their best, our incredible model Stephanie withstood the substantial weight with elegance and grace. Many kudos to her for making the look appear both natural and effortless.
Ultimately, the runway walk – though only lasting a minute – was the shining moment for our design. It’s always enchanting for a designer to witness their work being brought to life. The feeling can be so surreal or unimagined that it becomes easy to forget how such a creation came to be. 
It was a true pleasure working on this project for such a charitable cause, and to see where our minds and flowers could lead us given a little inspiration. Looking forward to next year’s show already… Meanwhile, thanks to VillageCare, Betsey Johson and to Stephanie for stealing the runway!
Photo Credits: Andrew Werner, LINDSEYBELLE
-Parker Voss
Spring Floral Trends for Bridal Guide
This month In Bloom had our second major feature in Bridal Guide magazine with our flowers featured in an editorial on Spring floral trends. We contributed several bouquets, each a very simple gathering of white or pink flowers to accessorize but not dominate the overall look.
Along with the March/April spread on Color Theory, our bouquets for this issue used a single color or subtle combination of pinks, whites and greens. The opening image features a bridal bouquet of soft pink roses, hot pink spray roses and seeded eucalyptus tied with two tones of pink satin and sheer ribbons as seen in a later image.
For these full-length shots, we provided a simpler alternative to the bridal bouquet that dominates the look; that is, the untied bouquet of a single flower type – such as the white peony blooms. Other pure options include the elegant yet often underestimated bundle of baby’s breath, or undoubtedly the blush ranunculus seen below. Open garden roses also tend to be a spectacular option coveted by brides for their beautiful fragrant.
Pick up the May/June issue of Bridal Guide to get a closer look at our flowers and the hundreds of wonderfully laid out pages on all things bridal.
-Parker Voss
A Verdant Bouquet for Bridal Guide Magazine
Green – as it is the leading color of all things floral (and evermore present in light of the growing environmentalism trend) – inspires us on a daily basis. So, when Bridal Guide magazine asked us last summer to design a bold, single-hue bouquet around a color of our choice we knew immediately that it would be the color GREEN.
Our inspiration for this particular combination arose from the local landscape on Long Island last summer where we were able to pick fresh sedum and succulents. Green applied to our love of adding fresh herbs (like mint) to arrangements for bolder color, texture and fragrance. We mixed the structured succulents with the more organic shapes found in the antique green hydrangea, garden roses, parrot tulips and variegated leaves.
Finally, we hand-wrapped natural cord around the stems to complete the look – perfect for a city bride at her garden wedding. Not only were we were lucky to contribute flowers to our go-to bridal magazine, our verdant bouquet landed on the cover page of the spread. Check it out in the current issue of Bridal Guide (January/February 2011) for a closer look!
-Parker Voss
Roses, Roses, Roses
On the coldest winter days we start to feel a little extra lucky for working among fresh flowers on a daily basis. On afternoons when the inside of our refrigerator feels warmer than the weather outside, I can’t complain about arranging beautiful blooms for hours on end. I always enjoy working with roses -- not only since it’s almost Valentine’s Day -- but also because of their classical beauty and versatility. While some may try to deny their appeal or argue their overuse, I’m feeling assured to see their (quite impressive) presence around the city, especially now on Park Avenue thanks to artist Will Ryman’s new installation.
What has the artist done but brighten another New York winter by planting ten blocks with 38 super-sized rose sculptures? I’ve been more than deligthed to see a resurfacing trend catching on as of late last year with Isa Genzken's Rose II replacing Ugo Rondinone's love-it-or-hate-it “Hell Yes” sculpture on the New Museum’s facade, or even seen at the Golden Globes with the giant, sequence rose blooming on Natalie Portman’s gown by Viktor & Rolf.
Yes, I do adore roses in all their colors, sizes, shapes, and mediums, but I also have a few favorites -- the one at the moment being the “sweetness rose” whose white petals transition into a vibrant pink at the edges.
At the end of January we arranged the centerpieces for a beautiful private party held at the Doubles Club at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel on 5th Ave using this special variety. The design incorporated the sweetness rose along with white garden roses and mix of blush peonies, white hydrangea, white lisianthus, white ranunculus, and dusty miller.
Stunning in their own right, the arrangements beamed in the signature red clubroom with pink linens.
In case you enjoyed these arrangements, you are welcome to participate in our current Valentine’s Day promotion on Gilt City where you may pick up a bunch of classic red roses in a simple ball jar just in time for the holiday: http://www.giltcity.com/newyork/inbloom ...
...Meanwhile, happy V-day and don’t forget to check out the gigantic roses on Park Ave if you’re in New York before May 31!
-Parker Voss
Holiday Transformation of a Chic Soho Residence, 2010
Now that the holiday season is fully upon us, we wanted to give you a taste of In Bloom New York’s own favorite holiday décor for Winter 2010. First in line is the transformation of chic Soho apartment we decorated from corner to cornice in colors, textures and combinations we find unexpected yet steadily in line with the holiday spirit.
The grand loft-style apartment combines living, bar, kitchen and dining areas into a single space. As such, our designers tailored every installation to its individual environment, giving special effects to each while seamlessly combining the various designs into a cohesive whole.
The display on the main entrance table featured an antiqued urn spilling over with red grapes, fresh pomegranates and freeze-dried red & black roses. As the first look of the party, the feeling was festive without making a blatant holiday statement.
Looking ahead to the centrally located bar, guests approached a lit wreath embellished with freeze-dried roses, dried pomegranates & lotus pods, pheasant feathers and eucalyptus. The richly decorated wreath hung as an appropriate alternative to the standard holiday tree.
The environment immediately to the right of the bar became the DJ both whose set-up we framed with a snaking, partially-gilded magnolia leaf garland and fresh red roses. The asymmetrical line of the garland moved the eye along and around the impressive cabinets de curiosités and down towards the decadent food station.
The food station became another focal point looking down the length of the room past the bar and DJ booth -- the grand statement being a 4 foot tall arrangement of rose hips, ruby red roses, tall ilex berries & red dogwood branches in a sterling silver bowl. We served up mixed florals in smaller silver containers combining magnolia leaves, purple & red anemones, hot pink peonies and dried pomegranates. A twisting, handmade white pine & redwood branch garland completed the table design.
Complimentary arrangements for the kitchen combined elements from the table such as redwood branches, purple & red anemones, hot pink peonies and ruby red roses.
In an area nearest the kitchen and entrance, we draped a life-size Grecian marble figure with gilded laurel & holly strung with ruby, black, and two-toned red roses. The result not only embraced but transcended the holiday spirit, allowing the owner the choice of keeping the garland on display for as long as desired.
Reaching far across the space to where guests could lounge, the seating area incorporated timeless and seasonal elements such as red poinsettias and a mantelpiece garland. Instead of obscuring the fireplace with florals we sought to accentuate its design elements by wrapping the columns with more white pine & redwood branch garland. The mantel's cornice of magnolia branches, red dyed eucalyptus, dried pomegranates, lotus pods and hundreds of freeze dried rose came together by the hands-on efforts of Eric, Roshy and Parker. We added glittered birds with exotic plumes as the finishing touches.
And finally, exotic orchids with red dogwood branches paired nicely with ilex bunches in the guest bathroom.
-Parker Voss
Skintimate Studios Event
Another night in NYC and another amazing event honoring the winner of the first Skintimate Studios all-girl film program. Skintmate, the #1 women’s shave prep brand, provided teenage girls with an opportunity to work alongside Director Gail Mancuso to see what it really takes to make a movie. The winning group of ladies, Team S.O.S. saw their 12 minute short film “Save our School” premiered at Skylight West followed by a true NYC after party. DJ Mia Moretti and electronic violist Caitlin Moe played while celebrity guests Molly Simms and Jessica Lowndes enjoyed popcorn and signature cocktails.
Inspired by the New York City skyline, the barscape adeptly showcased the new Skintimate line of shave gel. Vases of contrasting shapes and sizes incorporated florals in varying shades of pink. Roses, daisies, lisianthus and antique pink hydrangeas are just some of the blooms used.
To view more photos of the event, click here!
Enjoy!
Dolce & Gabbana Luncheon at Nello’s Summertime
Dolce & Gabbana had their annual Fall/Winter Presentation and luncheon at Nello's Summertime two weekends ago, and we were called upon for their floral centerpieces and accents. We drew our inspiration from their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection which had touches of floral patterns, pops of sweet marigold against black silks and grey cashmeres.
We wanted to use key elements of the show while keeping the arrangements looking seasonal and garden-like. Our color palette involved varying shades of yellow flowers mixed with summer greens and berries -- yellow Dahlias, orange Dahlias, red -tipped yellow Roses, orange Spray Roses, yellow spray roses, yellow Alstromeria, green Hypericum berries and lemons.
We styled the table with fresh whole lemons around the base of each centerpiece. So pleased with the overall result!
Campari 150th Anniversary Party: Design & Planning
Negroni? Campari & Soda? Campari & orange juice? Which is your favorite Campari drink? I am a sucker for a Campari on the rocks with a splash of soda and orange...always delightful on a hot summer day like today...
I'm regressing now! Back to the topic at hand - Campari! Dating back to 1860, this aperitif is one of the most recognizable in the world, primarily due to the brand's beautiful advertisements that have been captivating consumers and art collectors alike for over a century now. This past May, Campari celebrated their 150th Anniversary at The Bowery Hotel and In Bloom New York was asked to create the flower displays as well as the environmental decor for the fete.
The evening was produced by the Art Production Fund, with a special musical performance and never-before-seen works of art by Kalup Linzy. Co-hosting the event were mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Marco Dionysos, Francesco Lafranconi, Lynnette Marrero, Eric Alperin & Allen Katz as well as Manhattan Cocktail Classic and United States Bartenders' Guild.
There were a many elements that we needed to design for this event including bar displays, floral decorations for their vintage advertisements, a large-scale logo for stage backdrop, a photo booth display, one significant entry table design as well as several table centerpieces. We knew we wanted to create something entirely new and fresh while still maintaining Campari's classic brand and image.
Our immediate inspiration came from an antique birdcage at our hands as well as Alexander Mcqueen's 2008 Spring/Summer Butterfly headdress. We wanted there to be whimsy and also an element of darkness in this Campari garden.
First, we began brainstorming for the main installaion that would set the mood for the additional design elements. Envisioning the large antique birdcage coupled with a mannequin on display, we quickly put together a mock-up to get a feel of the layout. We conceived this display based on the image of a beautiful woman who lives in a garden with hair of butterflies and dresses in a bodice of flowers. Reaching out, she embodies an eternal desitre for this bottle housed behind the overgrowth of the antique birdcage.
As for producing this imagination, we first needed to create the bodice for the mannequin. After mapping out the pattern in pencil, we individually hot-glued every petal and ruscus leaf onto the heart shape-leotard. We simply used two elements to keep the design clean and fresh: dark green Italian Ruscus and red rose petals.
We built the boddice from the bottom upward with Italian Ruscus to achieve the effect of organic growth. Ruscus ended up being the perfect plant to achieve this goal.
Next, we added the rose petals one by one. Since the hot glue changed the color of the petal, we needed to ensure that we covered these areas by an overlapping petal. We initially thought to use silk flowers instead of fresh florals but decided against it, keeping in mind that we would have to house the mannequin in our floral refrigerator until the following day to keep the petals fresh.
The last element that we were able to prep in advance was the wisteria and branch design on the antique birdcage. We used branches varying in width, choosing the most twisted and interesting pieces.
Part 2 to follow with photos of the event!
