The Flower Bar

Barger Estate Wedding

2011-09-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Outside weddings always take the risk of rain and this wedding was no exception. But thanks to the planner Tammy Waterman from Events by Special Moments and her staff the day was perfect. She worked extremely hard to keep everything flowing and working around oncoming storms. If anyone doubts that they need a planner for their wedding day then they need to think again. This wedding at Barger Estate in Thonotosassa could have taken a whole different turn without them! Below are a few photos from the day, it turned out fabulous! Great job everyone! Other teammates for the day were Orange Blossom Catering, A Fly on the Wall Photography and those fabulous linens were from Connie Duglin Linens!

Outside the box bridesmaids

2011-08-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

I love when brides will chose things that you don't see everyday for themselves or their bridesmaids! Check these out!

Make Him Feel Special On Your Special Day

2011-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Its the big day and the focus is primarily on the bride. Lets give the groom and the groomsmen a little extra attention. Here are some fun ideas. The boutonniere made by Events In Bloom is a fun way to add a personal touch to the grooms attire. The other pictures I came accross on a website called Etsy.com.

Another Video from Starstruck

2011-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

While looking for Laura and Matt's video in the last post I came across Sarah and Dustin's video from
The Palmetto Club!!

Sarah & Dustin from Starstruck Video on Vimeo.

Laura and Matt's Video!

2011-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Laura & Matt

Check out a video from Laura and Matt's wedding at Davis Island Garden Club. I loved their wedding because they were open to a little different look for their decor. Jessica and Lori from Simply Divine Events did a great job coordinating the day.

Take a look!

The video was produced by Starstruck.

Laura & Matt from Starstruck Video on Vimeo.

Unique Floral Designs

2011-07-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

There is a few areas in the wedding industry that creativity will make you stand out, florists, wedding planners, photographers and videographers to name a few. Many florists are capable of large traditional and beautiful arrangements, but only the select few can interject creativity to make them unique. Being creative takes work, innovation and a lot of times logistics is a big issue. But those who make the effort to push through the problems to be unique, stand out in the crowd.

One of the floral designers that I look to for inspiration in the creativity department is Mandy Majerik from HotHouse Design Studios Mandy’s artistic designs and words of wisdom have been captured in international publications as well seen on multiple television appearances. Mandy tries to transform the traditional craft of flower arranging into a modern art form: her floral designs can be appreciated for their use of color, style and originality. Mandy likes to share her world of creativity - incorporating the unexpected and the unusual.

So when choosing your florist for your wedding, pick someone who fits your personality , whether it’s traditional or innovative and creative. Below you will find some of my favorite photos of Mandy’s work. It’s not the easiest road to take to be the innovator, but it sure does pay off. Good job Mandy!

Avila Golf and Country Club Wedding

2011-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Being in the wedding industry I meet tons of brides and grooms. Once in a while you will have a couple that really sticks out. Somehow you have a personal connection with them and feel like you have known them forever. Amy and Brook were one of those couples for Events in Bloom. I was truly disappointed when their wedding was over. Congratulations to Amy and Brook for a long and happy life!

Amy and Brook's wedding was held at the gorgeous Avila Golf and Country Club, the photos for the occasion were provided by Limelight Photography! Thank you Limelight!

Colorful wedding at Sirata Beach Resort St. Petersburg

2011-06-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

I had to share a few photos from our wedding yesterday. This colorful and unique wedding was successfully coordinated by Cindy from Stonehouse Events and More and held at the Sirata Beach Resort. Of course all of the floral decor was provided by Events in Bloom Tampa! The lighting for the reception was provided by The Production Crew, RJ Vida.

Blogging Strategies Carrie Wildes Photography

2011-05-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a great time at the ABC meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel learning strategies about blogging from Carrie from Carrie Wildes Photography.
I learned so much and plan on attending her full class on June 6th! If you need help blogging call her!

Florist Review Magazine

2011-02-21T04:42:00.000-08:00

Recently I was quoted in an industry magazine called "Florists' Review" They asked me how a florist can diversity their business to make more money in these tough economic times. Thought I would share. : )

Real Wedding Todd and Yolanda

2011-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

This week Todd and Yolanda's wedding made it to the Style me pretty Blog. It's a great story and a beautiful wedding. What an honor to be a part of it. Lori from Simply Divine Events coordinated this fabulous wedding and from what I saw, it was flawless from beginning to end. I loved the look they chose and was delighted to know the bride was so happy with her florals that she cried. That's what makes this job great, being a part of making brides dreams a reality.

This is Pattie from the Elegant Bee Florist. She flew into town this weekend to help with the wedding. She is a fabulous creative
floral designer and great friend of mine from Texas. You will be hearing more about her soon.... Stay tuned : )

Other Vendors:
Catering by Design
Inspire Entertainment
Pepin Hospitality Center

Raise the Cake!

2011-02-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

When I meet with my brides, I am always encouraging them to personalize their wedding. This is their one chance to make a party all about them! I also stress how many times that I have seen gorgeous wedding cakes brought in and just flopped down on a table, with no regards to how they are displayed. There is a HUGE difference when you pay attention to detail on your cake table. You spend a lot of money for a cake, show it off! I recently came across a website called Raise the Cake. Here are a few examples of what can be done to help boost that cake look! Enjoy!

2011-02-14T06:07:00.001-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

To celebrate Valentine's Day we recently did a photo shoot themed "Sweet Picnic." This was a great opportunity for
me to create something a little different than usual for floral.
We were also featured today on the blog One Stylish Bride. Check it out!

Photographs by Carrie Wildes Photography
Custom Dress by Anglo Couture

And a special thank you to Brandi Hobby and David Curfman for being so great to work with!

Blogging Love X O X O

2011-02-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Events in Bloom was fortunate today to be featured in Andi Diamond's Blog! Check out her blog post and mark her page for future wedding planning advice. Andi has taken some fabulous photos of our weddings. Here's a couple of my favorites!

Nadiah and Ray's reception took place at the Westin Harbour Island Ask for Joanie!
and their cake was by A Piece of Cake Ask for Lori

Thanks Andi!

2011 Color of the Year HONEYSUCKLE by Pantone Guru Lee Eiseman

2011-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

This article was published on istockphoto and I think everyone will find it interesting.

antone has selected the bold, reddish-pink Honeysuckle as its 2011 Color of the Year, calling it "a brave new color for a brave new world."
While Turquoise, 2010's Color of the Year, served as an escape of sorts, Honeysuckle confidently goes a step further to encourage and uplift, according to Pantone Color Guru Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman. It's a hue that's meant to scream, Recession be damned! We will prevail!

"In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits," said Eiseman. "Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues."

Fashion designer James Mischka, half of the famed Badgley Mischka duo, is already incorporating Honeysuckle into his spring collection and told the Associated Press he hopes it does, in fact, provide a sense of hope and renewal in the year ahead.

"It's a positive, strong, affirmative color, and I think that's what hopefully everyone's attitude is going into [2011]."

While Honeysuckle may help ward off the blues, it isn't trying to ward off the beautiful blue-green that is turquoise. Eiseman said turquoise isn't going anywhere anytime soon, just like Mimosa didn't suddenly disappear last year.

"As I always say to my students and audiences, the color of the year for this year does not fall off the ends of the earth at the end of the year — it is simply combined in with other colors where the 'newest' color of the year becomes more dominant," she said. " As I demonstrate in all of my books, there is a 'pecking' order of color: dominance, subordination and then accent or touch."

So turquoise becomes the subordinate to Honeysuckle, and yellow the accent.

Alone and paired with other colors, Honeysuckle has a bit of a retro vibe to it even as it inspires a new beginning.

"All colors travel in waves and cycles [and] there is truly nothing 'new' in color," said Eiseman, adding that it's all about how it's combined with other colors. " That seems fresh and new, but there is still a feel of nostalgia and retro that is somewhat reassuring to people in difficult times such as these."

Just as Turquoise enveloped the design world last year, from scarves and bar stools to product packaging and websites, expect to see Honeysuckle popping up vibrantly not only in fashion but also home décor, print ads and web design.

Anglo Couture and Paper Presence Opens its doors!

2011-01-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Vicki from Anglo Couture and Andrea from Paper Presence are not new to the wedding industry but they have decided to venture out and have their own space to meet clients and work. The Grand Opening was a blast with lots of great vendors who pitched in to make it a success.

Here are some great shots of the event by Carrie from Carrie Wildes Photography and all the other vendors involved. Enjoy!

Other vendors who pitched in!

Me! Jana Events in Bloom
Christina from Udream Events
Aymee Brace from Puff 'n Stuff
DJ Universal Entertainment

Why are Roses from Equador better?

2011-01-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

I ran across this article on a wholesale flower website and thought it would be great to share!

Ecuador is highly regarded as one of the best regions to produce the highest quality roses

Ecuador is located on the northwest coast of South America. It is bound by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Ecuador offers optimal conditions for premium rose farming due to it’s geographical, climatic and geological conditions. Ecuador is a country that grows flowers all year round; the rose being the number one flower produced in the country.
Ecuador’s geographic location has very similar seasons; therefore, roses and flowers can be cultivated and produced during the whole year. The weather does not vary much month to month, making it easier to grow roses. Quito’s high altitude allows Ecuador’s flower producing region to receive intense sunlight and contributes to the rose’s very vibrant and well defined color, as well as a deeper tone on its bud and foliage. This characteristic also contributes to the Ecuadorian Rose having a solid larger bud versus other roses that are grown in different countries. Ecuador exports fresh cut flowers to the whole world, selling a large quantity to North America, Europe, and Russia. Roses are among the top 5 exports from Ecuador.

Need help planning your wedding?

2010-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a helping hand to plan your wedding you need to not miss this event. Learn trade secrets from two of the top wedding planners in the Tampa Bay Area!

New ideas for decor

2009-06-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

I got this idea thanks to Mandy Majerick from Hothouse Florals. I can't wait to try these! They are hydrangea squares in all colors used for centerpieces, doors, etc. Lots of possibilities!

Back on the Blogging Trail

2009-06-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally jumped back on the Blogging Bandwagon! It's hard to keep all of the balls in the air in this business, but here it goes!

This is the Rappisi wedding from June 13th, 2009. This was a fun wedding for a great family. It's always a pleasure when
your working with creative open mined brides. Thanks Diane and Lauren for making my job easy! I can't wait to get the professional photos back from Lauren Pauline Photography!

Superbowl Tailgate Party Setup

2009-02-02T14:34:00.001-08:00

This past week I spent working for Party Planners West and Hidden Garden Flowers from California on the official NFL Superbowl Tailgate Party. I was chosen along with two other flowers shops in the Tampa area to put together all of the florals for the Tailgate Party.

When I think of a tailgate party, I think of a few barbeque grills, pop up tents and a radio tuned to your favorite jams. Well... I WAS WRONG!!!!

Party Planners West knows how to throw a party. Two story tents filled with everything you can imagine. Two levels of wood flooring covered with color coordinated carpeting with tables, lines, cherry wood bars, lots of lounge furniture sets and of course fabulous florals. At the end of the Lagoon area was a very large stage that was hosting the band Journey for entertainment. (That new lead singer is fabulous!) We were lucky enough to enjoy seeing Journey practicing two of the days. There were tons of amenities for everyone to enjoy and lots of fabulous decor flowed in from all over Tampa.

This was an incredible experience that I will never forget!

The final wedding of the year!

2009-01-01T08:52:00.001-08:00

A New Year's Eve wedding is about the closest you can get to an end of the year wedding! What a great time for a party.

Here are a few preview photos. I am hoping to get some pro pics from Corey Conroy Photography soon. The wedding was at the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
This bride was such a delight!. She just finished her residency and will be moving to Chicago to persue her career.
Anyone will be lucky to be cared for by Charlotte! Good Luck Guys!

I also ran into Michelle from Connie Duglin linens at the event. They were working New Year's Eve too!. Nice to see you Michelle.

A nice thank you note....

2008-12-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

I got this very thoughtful note from one of my brides recently. It's great when they take the time to show how much they appreciate your effort! Thank you Rebecca!

Dear Jana:
I want thank you for making my wedding the day of my dreams. I gave you a very limited budget and vague ideas of what I wanted and you created floral masterpieces! I would recommend you to any bride. You are creative, professional and a joy to work with.

I interviewed many florists and you were leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else. You have an amazing vision and creative eye as well as the patience and understanding to work with frazzled brides.

You understand that not every bride can afford to spend a lot on flowers, but you can still give her the wedding floral decor of her dreams. I still can't believe how beautiful my flowers and centerpieces were!

Please feel free to use me as a reference or anything else. I am a huge fan of yours, but I imagine all of your brides are happy with their flowers!

You are wonderful and talented and I can't thank you enough for how beautiful you made my wedding day!

Rebecca Epley Cunningham

Bonifay wedding

2008-11-28T17:26:00.000-08:00

Here are a few shots and a video from a wedding November 8th. The photos and video are provided by Limelight Photography
Thanks guys!

Create your own storyboard

2008-11-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

When it comes to planning and being prepared for the big day, I see all different types of brides. Some have nothing on paper and have no ideas of what look or feel they are trying to achieve. Others have large stuffed binders full of tons of ideas. Most brides though have a hard time pulling all of this information together and focusing on a main theme. I have helped many brides chose their wedding colors during our floral consultation! Storyboards to the rescue!
A storyboard is helpful for even the most organized bride. Cut out or print photos of every element of your wedding so you can see it all together. Then things will become obvious if they don't "fit". Here are some samples of some storyboards that I came across. Storyboards can be done on a regular poster board or right on your computer. When your wedding is over, replace some of the ideas with real photos and make thank you postcards. Get organized with a storyboard and you will have a well composed look! Have fun!

Focal points within your reception area

2008-11-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Many brides out there are unable to spend a great deal on centerpieces or decor for each table. A good alternative for this is to create a couple of focal points within the room. You really need something that will get your guests attention and wow them when they enter the room. Place two smaller tables that no one will be seated at among the other guest tables within the room. Place large lit displays on these two tables with uplighting and lots of drama. That will be sure to catch their attention and only have the expense of two large displays instead of lots of expensive decor for every table. Always remember don't just go through the motions......create memories.

The perfect location for a fall wedding

2008-11-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

Jessica Taylor and her fiance married at Cross Creek Ranch in Dover on October 31st. What a perfect location for a fall wedding. Bonnie from Cross Creek did a great job as usual embrassing the holiday and wedding in one big event! It was gorgeous! The photos below are compliments of Don Eggert Photography I will be receiving more soon that I will be putting on my website so watch for those!!!

Jessica Potter's Wedding

2008-11-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jessica and Wayne!

Jessica and Wayne were married at Hunter's Green Golf and Country Club in Tampa on November 22nd. Fuschia, Ivory and Black made for a striking color scheme. Aren't her shoes cute!! I can't wait to see the professional photos from Captured Art Photography

Care Crew

2008-11-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure of making some floral arrangements for a booth at the Pet Adoption Expo. The Hillsborough County Animal Services CARE CREW displayed a quite elegant exhibit at the state fairgrounds last weekend. Buccanneer Mike Alstott and Olympic Silver Medalist Zach Railey were there to sign autographs and help support the cause. The Care Crew was founded by a local celebrity among animals in Hillsborough County. Bob Reina recently gave his heart and his financial backing to some very special animals right here in our area. Want to see what he's done? Bob Reina gives back.

Seabulk Towing 50th Anniversary Party

2008-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to say that Events in Bloom got to be a part of the Seabulk Towing 50th anniversary party. Victor Davis and Cheryl Brown were easy and fun to work with and pulled together a very memorable event. Many great vendors were involved to pull off this "fabulous" evening.
The event was held at the Tampa Marriott Waterside(Scott Peavey) The lighting, special effects and palms were provided by Paul Thomasson at Extravaganza Productions. The cake was prepared by Wrights Bakery and of course Events in Bloom did all of the florals for the table decor and the decorating of the cake. Everyone involved did a fabulous job. I also want to say congratulations to Seabulk Towing for 50 years of success!

Tablescapes are IN!

2008-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

What are you seeing a lot of in the high end wedding magazines? Large family style tables with tablescapes. I wish everyone would try something like this! It adds a nice warm feel to the room and lots of color.
Here are a few samples of tablescapes I have found from the very elegant to the very simple.

Congratulations Gena!

2008-10-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Gena brought in fall with a bang. She was married at the Palm Harbor White Chapel and had her reception next door at Harbor Hall. What a charming place to get married! Congratulations Gena!

Congratulations Zaydee!

2008-09-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Zaydee was one of my beautiful brides that got married this summer in Ybor City. Thanks to Zaydee and Lauren Pauline Photography, I am able to share some of their special moments!

Brides Florida Magazine

2008-08-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to work with several wonderful people to help create an ad for Hunter's Green Golf and Country Club in New Tampa. The ad will be in BRIDES FLORIDA magazine and on the stands sometime in the next week or two. Thank you Aymee from Brides Magazine and Gretchen at Hunter's Green for the Opportunity. Also a big thanks to Rebecca from Limelight Photography for the wonderful photos! Your always there when needed! Check it out!

A Thank you card idea

2008-08-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I helped one of my brides create a thank you card for all of her guests using a collage of photos from her wedding. I did this for her in photoshop and I think it is really cute! This is a 5x8 card and we ordered the cards through http://www.overnightprints.com/ One more time for everyone to see my flowers too!

Escort Card Displays

2008-08-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Samples taken from my portfolio and theknot.com

Not sure what to do about your escort cards? There are lots of options out there. There is no excuse for just having those white tented cards on that white table cloth.

This is your opportunity to use that creativity and let your personality show.

Escort card tables or areas are usually placed either within the cocktail reception area or somewhere just outside of the reception door. This area is like the front door of your reception. This is a place that you need to give a good first impression for what is about to be unveiled. Great wedding are all about the total experience.

As one of my brides mother's stated, "I don't want anyone to walk away and say--what were they thinking?!" LOL Don't let that happen to you.

Above are some photos of ideas for that area. Enjoy!

A New Venue in St. Pete, FL

2008-08-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I couple of months ago Carrie from Carrie Wildes photography and I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened and remodeled Nova535 facility in St. Petersburg. Everyone needs to stop by and see this unique facility. Hardwood floors, brick walls, large art pieces, a bar, dance floor, a balcony with the latest sound system and much more. This is a great place to have an event if your tired of the standard hotel scene. It would be great for wedding receptions, business meetings, etc. They also hold some comedy nights and other events there throughout the month.

To top off this experience their food was INCREDIBLE!!! This is a must see in my book!

Wedding and floral decor

2008-08-11T20:15:00.001-07:00

WELCOME TO MY FIRST BLOG! Hope you enjoy!

Wedding and floral decor as a whole can be a frightening experience for brides. When you choose a venue for your wedding they will usually present you with a "package". This probably means white linens, that mirrored square on the table and the hurricane lamp with a candle. Does this mean that is what you have to use? ABSOLUTELY NOT The more you make changes the more unique your wedding will be. Just remember that they offer that same package to all of their brides. Do you want your wedding at 6pm to look just like the one from 1pm? NO not if you want anyone to remember your wedding.

Wedding decor is not all about the centerpiece (I know you can't believe I'm saying that as a florist) It's about linking a lot of different elements together to create an experience. Now flowers can be a big part of that, but I would not be honest if I didn't say its not the only important thing.

Before making essential choices for your wedding and reception, dig deep within yourself on what you want the overall look and feel to be that your guests to walk away with. Make your wedding your own!

Your wedding and reception is your one opportunity to transport all of your guests into "Your World" Bring them to your vision of romance or splender. Only you can decide what is most important to you and make it your own creation. Keep your guests attention and they will stay until the end. Give them the same wedding as last week and they will dash out after the dinner. Think....create.....personalize