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Friday, May 29, 2009

Featured Flower Friday "RANUNCULUS"

Your Must-Know Info...

Colors Available:
White, Pink, Magenta, Purple, Red, Burgundy, Peach, Orange, Yellow
Seasons Available: Winter through Spring (December - May)
Lasting Quality: 3 - 7 days
Pricing: $3.o0 per stem

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image courtesy of Jen Kroll Photography


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image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

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image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings 

Ranunculus has become a favorite of ours with its "dynamic floral personality" and incredible scent! If you are a bride who wants a tight compact bridal bouquet or one who wants to show off the flowers naturally curvaceous stem, this flower is absolutely perfect. This flower mixes in well with others and can stand alone to be as equally fabulous! 


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Why we LOVE what we do!


They say a picture says a thousand words and in this case I think it says everything!  So often as designers, we don't get the opportunity to see the faces of the ones we touch.  When Karen finished this bouquet, I knew it was only fitting that she be the one to present this unbelievable beauty to our bride Nina.  Of course, Erin, my assistant, and I were there to capture the moment..are you kidding me we wouldn't have missed it!!!!!

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Nina stared at the bouquet for a good minute before asking if Karen would help her with holding the bouquet - which was too cute!
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After our initial consultation and seeing pictures of Nina's dress it was obvious that no standard bouquet would do!  The waterfall bouquet was designed to work perfectly with the ornate details of her dress.  It is very important when selecting a bridal bouquet that it compliments the prettiest part of the dress.  Also adding embellishments like pearls, crystals and other non-floral elements can really accentuate the dress bringing the entire look together.   

This dramatic bouquet was a combination of Black Magic and Charlotte roses along with James Story orchids, red hanging Amaranthus,  Italian Ruskus and finished with stunning crystals and an amazing brooch.  The bouquet was designed in large bouquet holder.   The unused cut rose stems were used to wrap around the plastic handle giving the bouquet that European Hand-tied look.  This technique also makes the bouquet easier to carry because lord knows this beauty weighed a cool ton!  :)  I'm sure the maid of honor is still cursing us!  



Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Educational Series at A Modern Event

This Thursday night at 6:30, all of us with A Modern Event will be hosting our first educational series "Style Your Wedding!" We would love for you to join us!

We will be discussing a few of the hottest styles: Vintage, Beach, Classic, and Modern! Not only will we be going over the current trends in event design, florals, photography, and cake design - we'll also be discussing a few "tricks of the trade!"

Our first class is complimentary so feel free to bring anyone and everyone to hear great tips and enjoy some delicious treats!


Please RSVP to events@amodernevent.com


We will be meeting at:
125 Ottawa Ave. Suite 170
Grand Rapids, MI 49503


If you come late, we will have a sign letting you know which room in the Ledyard Building we have moved to! We hope to see you all there!



Going to the Chapel: Amanda and Adam

Coming up this weekend, May 30th, we have the pleasure of designing for Amanda and Adam! This couple is so incredible and their story is absolutely adorable! 


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photo courtesy of Firefly Photography

Amanda Bongard - Director of Corporate Development
Adam Rogalski - Political Director


Tell us about the first time you two met!
"We both attended an MSU Alumni event where we met briefly. A week later I coincidently ended up sitting behind Adam on a flight to Detroit. We talked in the airport when we landed and have been together ever since!"

What is your idea of the "perfect" date?
"It doesn't seem to matter where we are or what we're doing, we always have fun together. A few things we like to do are: grill out in the backyard, go golfing, try new restaurants, go for walks and taking weekend road trips together."

What is the one thing about your wedding you are most excited for?
"We are so excited about every element of our wedding. It's going to be amazing to see it all come together: our families and friends, the rehearsal dinner, the church, my dress, the party bus, San Chez and the amazing space there, the band, the dancing, the food, the flowers (of course!), it's going to be spectacular!"

Tell us about your proposal story!
"Adam surprised me with a hot air balloon ride on my birthday! He surprised me again when, at one point during the ride, I turned around and he was down on one knee with a ring!"



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Photographer: Firefly Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Mary Brown of Lucky Girl Weddings
Ceremony Location: St. James Catholic Church
Reception Location: San Chez


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Leave it to Michigan!




Leave it to this fabulous state of Michigan to make a complete liar out of me!  Just hours after a gloomy start to my day- the sun came out, dried up all the rain and now I'll just have to enjoy a mojitos while relaxing on my patio with my poochies of course.  

Have a great night everyone!  

Ciao! xoxo






Top Wedding Flicks

Here it is again... May in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the weather has turned from gorgeous sunny skies to a rainy mess (uh, why do I live in Michigan, again???) This is enough to make me want to crawl into a hole and not come out until the nice weather finally sticks.

However, I did start thinking about some positive things that comes with having a crappy view out my office window... and that is curling up to watch a movie inside at home! A blanket, a good cup of coffee or glass of wine, my Cavalier King Charles (Jack) and Whippets (Frank and Sam) who love to snuggle up right next to me, mind you, if not directly on me ...and of course, my comfy clothes. Who doesn't love an evening spent curled up on the couch with your favorite "pals", anyway?



So, if you are lookin' to just kick back and relax, here are some TOP WEDDING FLICKS to enjoy this week:

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{Photo: Courtesy of The IMDb}



My Best Friends Wedding
"Julianne fell in love with her best friend, the day he decided to marry someone else"

Father of the Bride

"Love is wonderful. Until it happens to your only daughter"

The Wedding Planner
"A romantic comedy about love, destiny, and other events you just can't plan for"


Wedding Crashers
"On July 15th, they're coming to your wedding...with or without invitations"

The Wedding Singer

"He's gonna party like it's 1985"

Made of Honor

"It takes a real man to become a maid of honor"

My Big Fat Green Wedding
"Love is here to stay...and so is her family"

Sweet Home Alabama
"Sometimes what you're looking for is right where you left it"

Princess Bride
"She gets kidnapped. He gets killed. But it all ends up okay"

Meet the Parents
"First comes love. Then comes the interrogation"



I will enjoy some of these this evening and appreciate the rain. After all, the rain right now is working hard on bringing us some BEAUTIFUL fresh blooms later to love! :)



Friday, May 22, 2009

Featured Flower Friday "HOLLIA"

Your Must-Know Info...

Colors Available:
Brown with a slight hint of purple!
Seasons Available: All seasons (grows on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island)
Lasting Quality: Approximately 1 week 
Pricing: $7.00 per stem


This native Hawaiian foliage has become quite a hot little number here at Modern Day Floral. It is one of my favorite and unique elements brides select to enhance their bouquets and arrangements! Look for the curled stem that looks like a monkey's tail!



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photo courtesy of Dusty Brown Photography

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photo courtesy of Ben Harrison Photography

After a few days, the hollia gets a little "fuzzy" and becomes more texturized! This is great for your escort card table as you can see below!

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photo courtesy of Jen Kroll Photograpy


For anyone interested in the organic, natural styles... or anyone who just wants to add some fun to their flowers... this is one of the best examples out there! Enjoy!


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Taking Center Stage: Vita Dolce

A delicious new addition has made its way onto the shelves at Modern Day Floral! All you chocolate lovers better great ready! 
The girls of Vita Dolce are ready to introduce your taste buds to some chocolate heaven! 



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Knowing a phenomenon when I taste one, I knew we NEEDED Vita Dolce chocolates available in our store. Where there are beautiful flowers, there must be scrumptious chocolate. I'm proud to introduce all you readers to this incredible duo, Jessie and Dana, the proud owners of



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Is your mouth watering yet?!?!

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This tasty little guys are my absolute favorite... you'll have to taste and see why!!

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Here are the adorable and delicious favors for weddings and events... scrumptiously beautiful!


(all images courtesy of Daniel Pesta)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Going to the Chapel: Nina and Nick

On Sunday, May 24th, we will be creating absolutely stunning designs for Nina and Nick's wedding. After months of making sure that perfection will be achieved, we know it is going to be a huge success! We already can't wait to see pictures from this upcoming weekend!!


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Nina Schwarz - Cardiac Nurse at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ
Nick Menardie - ASU Student (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)


Tell us about the first time you two met!
"Nick and I met way back at Grand Rapids Catholic Central my freshman year (1998). At the time, we were both dating our high school sweethearts and didn't have the slightest interest in each other. I remember thinking that Nick was a nice guy, but really "dorky" and not the kind of guy I wanted to "associate" with (Geez, I sound so mean!...My family remembers that one)! Anyways, once we broke up with our respective "ex's," Nick graduated and I transferred high schools. However, for some reason, Nick kept calling me! At first I didn't want to talk to him, but over time we became friends. When my parents started having marital problems, I found myself turning to Nick more and more. He was always there for me and I started to fall in love with him; though of course, I wouldn't admit it. Finally, one day, after a trip to New York, Nick came back and told me point-blank that he loved me. I was stunned and not sure that I felt the same. So of course, being the dramatic gal that I am, I decided a "test" was necessary to determine if we were meant to be: I asked Nick to dance with me. I told myself if I felt anything for him at all, I would know after this dance. When we began to move, I closed my eyes... and I could just FEEL his love for me. It was warm, unconditional, and pure. It was almost as if we were an old couple dancing. And for the first time, I allowed myself to love him back. As they say, the rest is history... We have now been dating for 7 1/2 years and engaged for 3 1/2 years. We have literally grown-up together and been through everything you could imagine by each other's side."

What is your idea of the "perfect" date?
"Getting up early with Nick, having devotions and making breakfast (he makes the most amazing egg scramble). Then going hiking up Camelback Mountain in AZ. Afterwards, resting and relaxing by the pool, followed by a fabulous night on the town with dinner and dancing! I love just hanging out with him! He's my best friend"

What is the one thing about your wedding your the most excited for?
"Nick and I are not seeing each other before the wedding ceremony, so I am most excited to see his face as I walk down the aisle! We have been waiting for this moment for so long (many years) and I know that he will be the only thing I see and everything else will kind of fade away for moment..."

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Tell us about your proposal story!
"The day of my 22nd Birthday, I had a huge exam first thing in the morning and went to class in my PJ's. When it was over, I decided to "treat" myself and head to the salon where I work to get my hair and nails done (after all, I figured I deserved it)! When I got back home, I was shocked to find my best friend, Beth Beery, waiting for me (she lives 3 hrs away). She told me she had arranged a birthday surprise for me downtown and that we had to leave at that very second. I was thrilled until I discovered where we were going. Turns out, we were going to get our hair and make-up done at another salon. Obviously, having already had services done, I told her I would just sit and wait for her. Two and a half hours later, I was a bit hungry and cranky... I begged her just to take me to my Mom's for dinner. Feeling bad, she told me she'd make it up to me with a quick cocktail at the beautiful Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and she would even have Nick meet us there! I grudgingly agreed, but told her to "make it quick" because I was hungry! When we walked inside, Nick was waiting in the foyer in a full suit and the biggest smile I had ever seen. Beth immediately excused herself while Nick and I took a "walk." Visibly upset from waiting around all night, I frowned as Nick led me to the chandelier room and sat me down on a velvet sofa so we could "talk." He told me that he was certain my night would get better and when I asked him what he was talking about, he got down on one knee. Stunned, I started crying so hard that I didn't even hear a word he said. I just remember hugging him and glancing down at the gorgeous ring on my finger! Suddenly, out of nowhere, applause erupted from above. I was speechless to see all my family, including my sister from Tennesse, and Nick's family cheering for us! I couldn't believe everyone was there and of course, I cried some more. To top it all off, we continued the celebration at the elegant 1913 Room for dinner, where I am happy to say... I hardly ate a thing!"


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Introducing the Mrs.

It was over two years ago when I met the amazing Alishan and let's just say, I haven't been the same since. Upon meeting her I instantly feel in love with her sassy nature, impeccable taste and genuine down home personality. She was the bride that we term in the industry as a "DREAM BRIDE!" She trusted her vendors to do their jobs and the end result was a gorgeous wedding that in her own words was PERFECT. During her long planning process I used to tease Alishan about what she would do once her wedding was over. So what better way to keep her busy than having her grace "Petal Talk" as our guest blogger. I'm so excited for all of you to meet her so I'll shut up now and let her tell you a little about herself!!!



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Hey y’all! I’m Alishan and on June 14th, 2008 I had the joy of marrying the coolest kid I know, Michael. Why should you care about that...I hope you care not because I married Mike but because I took 20 months to plan what I believe was the perfect wedding from Atlanta, GA.  I will be sharing with you all that I learned throughout the process, the good, bad, ugly and downright humorous, at least to Team Alishan.  That is what I dubbed those that assisted me on my journey to the big day. It’s a pretty elite team J But before I go there, let me fill you in on the story of Mike + Alishan. It’s a good one if I do say so myself.

 

While both of us grew up in Grand Rapids, Mike and I met when working at a restaurant together back in the Spring of 2003. He was a cook (and still does most of the cooking) and I was a waitress. It was love over pasta. He is a school teacher and wanted to experience life outside of Grand Rapids, so he got a job teaching in the Boogie down Bronx, in August ’03, loved it and stayed there for four years. I on the other hand was born to live in NYC and moved to Manhattan to live life in the big city and moved (note: I did not move for Mike. It was merely a coincidence) in May of 2004.  We broke up for a while and reunited while in NYC.  Living in my favorite city with the man of my dreams was a dream come true. In May 2006, I realized that we couldn’t live a truly “adult” life (with a savings account and everything!) in the city and decided to move to Atlanta, and Mike decided to follow.  On October 1st on top of Stone Mountain, he popped the question with the most beautiful ring, I jumped up and down screaming, and the planning began. 



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You will have to tune in next week to begin that journey.  You might laugh, you might shake your head in wonder or dismay but most of all I hope you learn and take something you can use away from my experience.  I’m so excited to share this time with all of y’all and will answer any questions you have. Gimme whatcha got! 

 

Happy Planning,

Alishan




(All Images Courtesy of Ben Harrison Photography)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Going to the Chapel: Amanda and Alex

This beautiful Memorial Day weekend, we have the pleasure of designing flowers for the fabulous couple, Amanda and Alex. Here is a little introduction:




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Amanda Buurstra - Teacher
Alex White - Computer Network Engineer


Tell us about the first time you two met!
"We met working at our first jobs in high school. We then got to know each other in our high school math class. Alex would come over to my house to get help with his assignments!"

What is your idea of the "perfect" date?
"Our perfect date would be going to Fricanos in Grand Haven, Michigan and then watching the sunset from the Grand Haven beach."

What is the one thing about your wedding that you are the most excited for?
"Seeing everything come together; the flowers, cake, friends and family."

Tell us about your proposal story!
"Alex told me that we were going out to dinner at Cygnus to celebrate his new job. I brought Alex a congratulations card and had no idea he was going to propose to me on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel!"



Photographer: Kate Touzel
Ceremony Location: New Hall Community Church in Wyoming, MI
Reception Location: Till Midnight in Holland, MI


Friday, May 15, 2009

Featured Flower Friday "TULIPS"

Your Must-know Info...
Colors Available: Green, Yellow, Orange, Peach, Red, Magenta, Pink, Purple, Lavender, White
Seasons Available: October - May
Lasting Quality: 3 - 7 days
Pricing: $9.99 per bunch for basic 40 cm tulips, Parrot Tulips and French range from $3.00 - $5.00 per stem


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OK, I'll just say it right now, I really love tulips. The structure of the flower makes it so modern. Plus, this bloom is a real champion for this time of year! Tulips come in a variety of different styles that create all sort of different textures in arrangements. 



Parrot Tulips


One of my favorites is the Parrot Tulip... 
it's unique petal line creates some real sass for all to enjoy!  





Thursday, May 14, 2009

Your Petal Palette: Purple

If you have chosen the lush, sassy color purple for your wedding palette get ready to have some serious fun! This fabulous hue is especially great when you choose to use it in your floral elements. No matter what style wedding you choose to portray your special day, purple can take it to the next level.  



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(photo credit: Ben Harrison Photography)

This hand-tied design takes on the classic garden style. By using rich purple drum stick allium, pale coolwater roses and delicate lisianthus, this romantic design took on a edgy and sophisticated look.




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(photo credit: Brianna Graham)

The saying "less is more" goes perfectly describes this simple bouquet of fluttering cattleya orchids. The curves on this beauty make this flower one of our favorites here at Modern Day Floral. By choosing light purple, just enough color is added to make the bouquet pop against your beautiful wedding dress!





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(photo credit: Jen Kroll Photography)

Finally, what would we do without the clean lined, tropically lush phaelonopsis orchid submerged in water?! Complimenting purples with a metallic wire is one of the hottest trends right now in modern style weddings. You truly can't go wrong with this sassy little number!




Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Another Exciting Addition to Our Modern Day Family!



The other week we told you we have hired our first intern. Now we have additional help and would like to introduce our fabulous new employee Lauren! Lauren just graduated from Grand Valley State University and is our new PR and Advertising go-to gal!

After my experience in San Diego spending time with Jodi and meeting her new PR goddess the lovely Leila Khalil, I realized we needed someone to spend extra time on our marketing aspects here at Modern Day. That is just what Lauren will do, she is an intelligent and lovely young woman and we are happy she joined our team! Welcome aboard girl!