NEW MODERN DAY FLORAL BLOG!!!

image courtesy of island review

After much consideration, we have decided to change our entire blog. Please visit the New Looking in Blogging via Modern Day Floral :) Make sure you save our new site to your favorites!!! We hope you enjoy!!!!

The Interior Design and Event/Floral Design Parallel

The parallel between event/floral design and interior design is so strong and absolutely undeniable. You can't flip through any interior design or architectural magazine without seeing some floral element, whether it is used to compliment the overall design or what has inspired the design. You also can't attend an event or wedding that isn't somehow themed around a key period in design history.

Saarinen's Tulip Chairs

image courtesy of Knoll

Over the next several months, we will be featuring these parallels... which will hopefully in turn, help you find your style and encourage ideas on how to implement that style throughout the details of your event!

Enjoy!

Erin

Grand Rapids Wedding Affair 2009

A few weeks ago we posted about a few fabulous headpieces that were designed by our floral design artists... Today, we're showing those of you would couldn't make it out the the Grand Rapids Bridal Show at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, our booth!

As partners in A Modern Event (Harrison Studios, In Any Event, Sweet Cakes Design, Special Events Rental and Modern Day Floral), we decided we would take our business venture and create something unique and exciting at the show! Enjoy the images below!!

Me, Rueben, Lauren and Karen carrying couture bouquets showing off a few different styles!

Employee Spotlight: Erin

Hello! I'm Erin, Jenn's assistant :)

image courtesy of Harrison Studio

I have been with Modern Day Floral since May of 2008, though sometimes I feel like it has been years :) I'm fortunate enough to work with some of the most incredible and talented men and women in the industry along with the best clients anyone could ask for :) Thanks to everyone for helping me LOVE my job!!!

(yes - that is me in the background making sure the tiniest detail was 100% perfect...)

Image courtesy of Lizzie Photo

This past May, I graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design right here in downtown Grand Rapids with a BFA in Interior Design. Since there are SO many parallels between interior design and event/floral design, I find myself using my education on a daily basis. Once in awhile, I get to dabble in AutoCad or draw perspectives for presentations and clients!

Just some randomness about me...

- I am engaged (as of September) to my best friend, Joe :) We will be getting married next August and can't wait to start our lives together!

- I am completely obsessed with Thursday night television :) It is such a great way to kick off Friday!

- If I could live off crab rangoon, chocolate chip bagels and popcorn I totally would :)

- My favorite vacation spot is Maui with Rome closely following...

- I am IN LOVE with the Twilight series... more about Team Edward, but can't help feeling some love for Jacob...

image courtesy of Harrison Studio

So that is me in a nutshell :)

Thanks!!!!

Erin

Art Prize: Room 1

As mentioned in my earlier post, the closing gala was one of the most incredible events we have had the honor to design. Jodi Bos of In Any Event along with the team from Special Events Rental did an amazing job transforming a not so glamorous site into something spectacular. Also, thanks to Jen Kroll,we have these gorgeous pictures to share with all of you!

The venue was split into three very distinct sections and styles: organic/botanical, modern and swanky couture. In an effort to share all the lovely details (and prevent a mile long post!), I decided to split this event into three blog posts.

First up - Organic/Botanical!!!

Focal Design

This 8ft. ginormous botanical design greeted guests as they entered the party. Affectionately known as the "little shop of horrors," this design featured an unusual blend of pin cushion protea, green goddess calla lilies, orange banksia, wildcat oncidium orchids, succulence and a mixture of tropical foliage.

Cocktail Table Design

Orchids come in many different varieties and one particular species that thrills me every time is the lady slipper. This little beauty takes center stage with it's beautiful lines and unique characteristics...amazing right?!

Bar Design

The bar design was a culmination of all of the floral elements used in the room. I loved how the flowers accentuated the colors of the room.

Next up room #2 - Modern! I can't wait to share with all of you...it's one of my favorites! Until then have a wonderful day!!!

Love,

Jenn

Wedding Recap: Lorri and Alex

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Lorri and Alex, our fabulous couple from Colorado! On Halloween, these two celebrated their love with family and friends at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The fabulous Amy Carroll shared some great shots of Lorri and Alex, the wedding party and of course the flowers! We hope you enjoy what you see because we had an amazing time working with these clients!

Lorri loved texture and color, by using bright pin cushions, we were able to add A LOT of zest to this bouquet!

His socks matched her bouquet!!!!!

It was super chilly on Halloween... this shot of the Uggs - priceless :) I even heard the boots made a debut on the dance floor!!! I love it!

I get chills just looking at these bouquet shots...

Unique chair treatments are so in right now! Lorri was ALL about the details - and we LOVED it! She requested that everyone at the head table get something special on their chairs :) It really added so much to the overall look!

Congratulations Lorri and Alex and thank you SO much for allowing us to be apart of such a special day in both of your lives! It was truly a pleasure working with you... and if you need anything for your baby shower ;) ;) we hope to help!!!

Art Prize Opening Ceremony

In Western Michigan, we are fortunate enough to live in a city that is rich in art and culture. We are also blessed to have many families who give back through their philanthropist efforts. Back in April, Rick DeVos announced that in the Fall of 2009, Grand Rapids would be home to the largest art prize competition. His ArtPrize would be awarding $250,000 to the first prize winner! Anyone and everyone was encouraged to enter and the end result was spectacular.

On September 23rd, the two week festivities kicked off with the help of the extraordinary Jodi Bos of In Any Event. We were asked to design a fresh, clean look to bring the colors of slate and saffron colors to life; craspedia, pin cushion protea and locally grown celosia were used as our primary design elements.

The crinkled taffeta linens coupled with the ghost chairs looked spectacular.

Great work Jod!

I absolutely love these crisp white containers! They're perfect for super mod jumping designs!!

This little eclectic beauty was designed by Rueben whose unique style added the perfect flair to the registration tables. And how much do you love this container?!

The VIP opening reception was one of many events we were fortunate enough to design during the ArtPrize festivities. I look forward to sharing more!

I would also like to send a special thank you to the DeVos family for continuing to give back to our community and for making Grand Rapids such an amazing place to live! I'm so proud to be a Grand Rapidian!

All images courtesy of Jen Kroll Photography

Wedding Hairpieces!

Back during the bridal show back in October at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, we were able to design a few couture hairpieces for a few of the Design1 models. One of our designers, Emily, came up with this excellent idea of making hairpieces for brides and women who want to spice up their look. As we encourage her to get on Etsy and sell her unique and creative talent... we had Rueben practice Emily's look just in case she has to go into mass production ;) Enjoy!!

all images courtesy of Look Lake Photography

Employee Spotlight: Lauren

Hi, I'm Lauren! I've been working at Modern Day since...March? Boy time flies by fast! That's probably because I have so much fun here. Everyday is something new for me, I do everything from writing publications to setting up events to selling flowers. There isn't a part of this job that I don't enjoy and that's probably because everything that MDF does turns out absolutely stunning. Jenn, Erin and the designers amaze me every time!

Okay more about me, hmmm, well I'm originally from the U.P. and no I don't have a Yooper accent (I hide it well). I moved to Grand Rapids to attend GVSU where I received a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations. When I'm not at Modern Day working on weddings, I'm at home planning MY OWN WEDDING! Eeeee :) Check out our blog!

My wonderful fiance, Brent, and I rescued a fabulous little beagle, named Quincy, from the Humane Society. She is 20 lbs of pure energy! When I'm not working on our wedding plans or walking Quincy, I'm figure skating. I've been skating since I was 4 and I still coach beginning skaters and give private lessons at Kentwood Ice Arena.

images courtesy of Photography by Phrene

New Moon Premiere Party!!!

We all know that one of the "hottest" things in 2009 was the Twilight Series. It is all over the bookstores, Volvo commercials and internet. Next week, the long awaited "New Moon" film is making its debut!! We will be participating in the premiere party at Celebration! North in Grand Rapids.

The party will be filled with fabulous giveaways from local vendors, free appetizers and regular popcorn along with a cash bar. We hope to see you there!!!!

Wedding Recap: Joe and Amber

Back in July we had the pleasure of designing for Joe and Amber's wedding! Held at the super modern EVE Lounge on the 4th floor of the B.O.B, we knew we were going to be able to design something "big city" - and it was incredible!

Head Table with simple accents of green cymbidium orchids... it adds so much and makes this table just a little bit more special!

To create a backdrop behind the head table, we created this simple, yet dynamic display of wheat grass, candlelight and screens from Ikea!

Thank you to Russ and Rebecca of Tiberius Images for sharing these fantastic images!!!

How To Pin On A Boutonnière

Our "How to Hold a Bouquet" post last week provided a lot of great feedback from our readers so we thought it was necessary to publish a post for the men. We don't want to leave the guys hanging!

The last thing we would want is to see the day of a wedding, would be our fabulous groom and groomsmen walking down the aisle with a bout that's about to fall off so below are a few easy steps to pinning on a secure boutonnière.

Photo Courtesy of Jen Kroll

Pinning a boutonnière isn't that complicated but knowing how to hide the pin without stabbing your guy is the real trick.

Step 1. Hold the stem of the boutonnière, the front facing you, on the left lapel. The boutonnière should sit about 4 inches below the top of the guys shoulder. Tilt the bout on a slight angle and take a step back and look where you'll be placing it. We don't want you putting a million holes in the guys tux because the placement isn't correct.

Image Courtesy of JK Photography

Step 2. Start the pinning by piercing the fabric from under the lapel on the left side (guys left) of the stem of the boutonnière.

Step 3. Move the pin over the top of the stem and pierce the opposite side of the lapel. Pull tightly to secure the boutonnière. Ideally, the only part of the pin that should be showing would be a thin line on top of the stem and even then, the pin should be placed in a location where a petal or leaf could hide this.

Image Courtesy of JK Photography

Step 4. If the boutonnière is extra heavy two pins can be used to secure the weight. If you are worried about the boutonnière moving or a bit of metal showing, you can pierce the floral tape on back of the boutonnière instead of having the pin go over top of the bout.

Going to the Chapel: Lorri and Alex

Our fabulous cross-country couple, Lorri and Alex, are celebrating their marriage here in Grand Rapids! We are so excited for what she has in store for her guests :) Lorri has incredible taste and style!!

Lorri was a merchandise manager at Macy's but has since switched careers to become on to a full time "wedding planner."

Alex is the manager of Communications/Media for USA Hockey in Colorado Springs.

Tell us about the first time you two met!

"We officially met online through EHarmony! Sounds cheesy… but we truly were a perfect match. Our first face to face encounter was at Bar Louie for drinks and fabulous conversation on April Fool’s Day 2008."

What is your idea of the "perfect" date?

"One of our favorite things to do is experiment with new foods and recipes in the kitchen. Afterwards we usually end up enjoying a beautifully cooked meal together. Don’t they always say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?"

What is the one thing about your wedding you're the most excited for?

"We are so excited to bring our closest family and friends together in one spot to celebrate this special and memorable event. It will be a party we remember for a lifetime."

Tell us about your proposal story!

"Alex completely surprised me with a December 26th proposal. We came home on Christmas day and there were 3 surprise gifts on our fireplace mantle from "Santa". I was instructed not to open these gifts until midnight. The 26th was our dating anniversary so I thought it was a cute little anniversary present. However, after opening a bottle of champagne, champagne flutes and a card, Alex said a few sweet things to his wide eyed girlfriend, pulled the engagement ring off a one of the branches of our Christmas tree and got down on bended knee. I of course said yes and this will truly be an everlasting love. Thanks EHarmony!"

How to Hold a Bouquet

Your bouquet is something you have hand selected to reflect you and your wedding style. You've spent hours upon hours choosing the perfect shade of flowers for your bouquet and when it comes time for you to walk down the aisle, you want to make sure you are not only comfortable holding your bouquet but both your dress and bouquet are photographed perfect.

Here are a few tips on how to hold a bouquet:

1. Bend your arms 90 degrees. Let the weight of your bouquet bring your arms down just a touch further. The bouquet should rest about belly button level and your forearms should be resting on your hip bones. Your arms should feel comfortable, we don't want them turning into jello mid ceremony!

image courtesy of Jen Kroll Photography

2. Show the front of the bouquet. If your bouquet has a brooch, bow or decorative piece make sure it's facing forward. If your bouquet is only flowers search for flower that stands out. If you are having trouble finding the front, ask your florist!

image courtesy of Jen Kroll Photography

3. Grasp the bouquet gracefully. Don't hold the stems to tight and don't interlock your fingers. Save that for the hand holding!

image courtesy of Dusty Brown Photography

4. Finally, it's okay to sass up your bouquet shots after the ceremony. Maybe hold the bouquet with one hand to your side or better yet, have your new husband hold it for you!

image courtesy of Dusty Brown Photography

Remember be comfortable, show your dress and smile!

Wedding Recap: Emily and Art

Last week we gave you a little teaser to Emily and Art's wedding. Below are a few details shots of the bouquet and of the head table. Enjoy this super fun, super local wedding!!

Bouquet shots on the trolley!

The wedding reception was held on the lawn at Mangiamo's. Natural wood folding chairs were brought in from Detroit's very own Special Events Rental.

Thank you Emily and Art for allowing us to provide some dynamic flowers for your wedding!!! Congratulations!!!!!