Floral Friday
Tussie-Mussies
tus·sie-mus·sie (t
s
-ms) n.
1. A small bouquet of flowers; a nosegay.
2. A cone-shaped holder for such a bouquet.
You will see a lot of spellings of this fun little term. And, unfortunately, there are also two major meanings and lots of misnomers. I started off looking for “silver bouquet holder” and came up with all sorts of crazy information. Gotta love Google!
So the general consensus of sources I read explains the following:
Back in the day when bathing was rare and stank people were the rule and not the exception, ladies would carry nosegays. These little bundles of fragrant herbs and flowers helped to ward off the odoriferous emanations (Hulk would approve). They were often carried in sweet little cones with a pin to place through the bouquet to hold it in place and a ring to dangle it off the finger until it was needed near the nostrils. Often there were matching holders to place the tussie-mussie in upon returning home.
As time went on the tussie-mussies took on a little more character and meaning. In particular, the Victorian era saw a revolution in nosegays as symbolizing different sentiments. A suitor would give a meaningful nosegay to his lady and she had to figure out his intentions. Each flower or herb had a different meaning that could be interpreted by using a floral dictionary (which were rife with contradiction so some would send a note with meanings if they weren’t trying to be aloof). It all became very romantic (seriously, it’s like they had 14 extra hours in a day back then to court each other in the most roundabout ways).
Today asking for a tussie-mussie can be met with confusion for several reasons. But if you are working with a florist in the know, chances are the big question would be, “Are you looking to buy the bouquet holder itself or a nosegay?” I think I would do both! Not only am I in love with these spectacular flower holders, I really dig the idea of having a bouquet that has more meaning to the flowers than, “I think peonies are pretty.” If you explain the flowers in the wedding program, everyone can appreciate your thoughtfulness and be in on this beautiful tradition. Or, it can be a sentimental secret among your wedding party. And the joy of these sentimental arrangements doesn’t have to begin or end with the bridal party. Gift your mom or MIL a really meaningful nosegay with a note attached to explain your message. Or surprise your fiance with a special boutonniere. Everyone loves flowers but they become so much more when we attach additional meaning.
Photo Ops – Denver – Little Man Ice Cream
This winter I photographed a favorite spot to share with you and then kinda forgot about it. Lucky for me, a photographer submitted really good pics for me to share with you shortly after! Little Man Ice Cream is located in the Highlands neighborhood (right by two wedding staples – Anna Be and Scarlet Salon). You can see its adorable, over-sized milk container building from I-25. I’m so happy to see that a couple utilized this sweet (literally) location and the nearby I-25 pedestrian bridge which I was also eyeballing! The weather chased them and really let loose but I think the snow made the ice cream shots that much more fun and quirky. Congratulations Sara and Brandon!
Thank you so much to Ampersand Studios for submitting this lovable engagement session!
Posted in Photo Ops
Tagged Ampersand Studio, Denver, Highlands, Little Man Ice Cream, Photo Ops, Silly
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Married App
If you and your wedding goers are app-happy and attached to their cell phones, here is an app that will rock your world. I’ve shared ones that function as photo booths, photo sharing, etc. But this one does everything! Information, photo booth, photo sharing, timeline, song requests, and so much more! Check it out.
Posted in Organization
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French Cafe Wedding Styled Shoot
When this styled shoot came to me this evening I wanted to blog it right away. I am so perplexed that I have never realized this splendid little French cafe existed in Denver. The shoot took place at Bistro Vendome. In keeping with the venue, the details are delightfully French – celebrating classic pieces, form, and flowers. While still being modern, it is timelessly elegant. I’m struck by how the use of vintage pieces doesn’t feel “old” at all even though the repeated love letter details bring to mind a simpler time. Another element that I really enjoy is the play on light and dark between the ladies. The contrast is very visually interesting and almost creates a motion as it is laid out together on the page. Très belle!
P.S. I rarely display pictures of food so much but I felt I had to show them. I have to go there!
Photographer: Red Shoes Photography | Planner: Weddings by Jamie Flower | Designer: Vintage Rentals Denver | Floral Design: Beet and Yarrow | Stationery: Anthologie Press | Hair: Rebel Salon | Venue: Bistro Vendome
Floral Friday
Posted in Flowers
Tagged Bart Young Photography, Floral Friday, Jennifer Lee Floral Design
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Moody Blooms
I know it’s spring time and everyone is thinking of bright blooms or soft pastels. But right now I’m stuck on dark and moody. You don’t have to be goth to appreciate a dramatic bouquet. And we’re not just talking “black” (no blooms are actually black), but dark purple, red, blue, and even green. Feast your eyes on these moody blooms:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T |U |V | W | X
Real Colorado Wedding – Jamie and Brad
Bride: Jamie Klinetob, 33 - Marketing and Events Manager
Groom: Brad Pletcher, 39 – Warehouse Manager
Date: August 18, 2012
This wedding makes me *squee*. It has such great details that it’s a treasure trove of inspiration. Those are my favorite weddings to publish for you guys! So please forgive me in advance for a TON of pictures on this post to capture all those little things.
Jamie and Brad met in Maryland where they worked together. However, their romantic relationship would be a full 6 years of friendship later. Shortly after they started dating, it was in the cards to move to Colorado. Today they live in Boulder and again work together! I think that being able (and willing) to work together repeatedly bodes very well for this charming couple.
Our birthdays are 1 day apart (Feb 18 & 19) and we decided to celebrate with a weekend in the mountains in 2011. On the last run of the day on top of Peak 8 in Breckenridge, Brad stopped me to “take a photo.” He then surprised my by getting down on both knees (since his feet were strapped in snowboard) and proposed. I was shocked and a little reluctant to remove my glove, but of course said YES! – Jamie
The couple wed in Estes Park at The Black Canyon Inn. The beautiful backdrop was perfect for a couple with a strong love of the outdoors and all that Colorado has to offer. Drawing that theme indoors to the reception, Colorado wildflowers played a fun decorative and functional role as part of the table design and the table numbers. Guests’ escort cards had an image that corresponded to photographs on the tables. The photos are produced by a local photographer and now grace their home. (You know I love it when couples re-use wedding elements.) Flowers covered every surface of Twin Owls Steakhouse, the reception venue, including the stairs and window ledges. Hand tied bundles of fresh rosemary and purple status were tucked into every napkin. And local goods were tucked into hand-stamped bags as favors.
The wedding was rich with meaningful details. The bride’s necklace was made of her grandmother’s engagement ring and other vintage jewelry pieces. Their wedding date was the bride’s grandparent’s wedding anniversary. The groom’s uncle and former NFL player, Jeff Seimon, helped them write their vows and performed the ceremony. Local band and close friends, Monocle, played acoustically during the ceremony.
One of my favorite things about this couple is how fun they and their guests are. Jamie describes a “sister on sister showdown” for the bouquet and a surprise compatibility game hosted by two of their guests (thus the holding up of shoes). But my favorite silly aspect was the cutting of the cake:
Our cake cutting was unique with an underlying devious plan in play. We wouldn’t want to disappoint our guests by politely taking a bite nor did we want cake all over us, so we asked our maid of honor and best man to join us at the cake cutting to be in the picture. Just as it seemed we were taking the polite approach, we shocked them with frosting to the face. I think everyone got a good laugh and I enjoyed the rest of my night without a sticky sugar residue. – Jamie
Congratulations to Jamie and Brad!
Wedding Venue: Black Canyon Inn | Reception Venue: Twin Owls Steakhouse | Photography: Jenae Lopez Photography | Flowers: Blooms Mountain Floral | Cake: Colorado Rose Cake Company | Hair: Bella Capelli | Dress: Nicole Miller from Anna Be | Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew | Menswear: Men’s Warehouse | Photobooth: Booth 66 | DJ: McKinney Entertainment Group
Think Outside The Knot
You’re searching for inspiration. You spend hours pouring over your favorite wedding magazines, blogs, and Pinterest. And you’re seeing a whole lot of the same thing. That’s because you need some distance. So take a seat with some non-wedding reading material and you may find the inspiration you are looking for all along. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Don’t forget all of their associated web pages and Pinterest Pages.
- Home decor magazines and even catalogs – Home decor is a lot like wedding decor. You can get color inspiration and style ideas, see creative vignettes, and even find the actual objects you like…with prices. Just this week I have seen several great tablescapes, floral arrangements, and objects that would be great for weddings. The professionals come into these homes and sets before photo shoots and design them beautifully. (Did you really think everyone in Better Homes and Gardens actually has perfect floral arrangements, bowls of artisan breads, and extensive tablescapes on their patios?) So take advantage of their creativity and design skills! Depending on your style: Better Homes and Gardens and any of their special interest publications, Dwell, Crate and Barrel and CB2, Pottery Barn, Martha Stewart Living, 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Traditional Home, Fresh Home Ideas, Elle Decor, Domino, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy.
- Shabby chic, junker, and craft magazines/blogs – If you love vintage, shabby chic, or DIY weddings, there are a ton of great publications and websites dedicated to you. Flea Market Style, Cottage Style, Junk Market Style (weird theme here), Country Living, Creative Home, Romantic Homes, Dollar Store Crafts, Positively Splendid, One Pretty Thing, Geek Crafts, Skip to my Lou, Not So Shabby – Shabby Chic.
- Party Planning blogs – This may sound crazy, but a lot of ideas for non-wedding parties are pretty much the same as weddings – even kids’ birthdays. So don’t limit yourself. Hostess with the Mostess, Bird’s Party Blog, Catch My Party Blog, Little Miss Party Planner.
- Personal style publications, blogs, and catalogs - Sure Martha Stewart Weddings will give you beauty advice, but the go-to sources that really specialize in the matter will be your companion before, during, and after your wedding. Skin care, outfit ideas, trends, etc. Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Redbook, and oh so many of your favorite catalogs.
- Window Shopping – Head to your favorite home decor and clothing stores. If you need help putting together an outfit for your engagement session, look at some mannequins. If you are looking for tablescape ideas, head to Pottery Barn. And if you want great color inspiration, look at both. Or even better:
- Nature – There is no better inspiration than nature. This is especially true when it comes to color schemes. If you find colors you like that exist together in nature, they belong together at your wedding too. So if you can’t get outside, check out a garden or nature magazine.
Mood Board – Puppy Love All Grown Up
First Monday Mood Boards: I’ve decided to post mood boards only on the first Monday of the month. That way I make sure to do them with some degree of frequency but not so much that my life is overrun. I don’t know if it’s a problem that other people have when making these things but they typically take me somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-15 hours to research, create, and write the post! I tend to treat them like a real wedding and I’m way too picky. =)
I wanted to make a mood board that would show a cute couple of kids if they were to grow up and get married. While I found some great options, the classic “Dozens of Daisies” by Donald Zolan captured my heart because of the childlike details of daisies and little Mary Jane shoes. I wanted to make them all grown up as individuals but with the same sensibilities. So she once again chose a sweet (in this case eyelet) dress and modern woman Mary Janes. Cute puppy love emblems of daisies and hearts are repeated through the board. As well, fun elements of red and white baker’s twine, brown kraft paper, bold red and yellow, and strawberries (because they look like hearts) recur. Burlap, eyelet, and crochet add the country feeling of the painting. It was a major undertaking for me to find good examples of using these elements in a modern way that didn’t look too stereotypical country. A more tightly woven burlap with sophisticated pleating and eyelet being used in modern ways (like the chair banners from BHLDN) really help inject the idea without going overboard. I think I’ve proven that grown up country kids can still be soft but trendy and modern in their aesthetic choices. I finished with another adorable couple in the making, also running together. Enjoy!
Bridesmaids | Bouquet | Necklace | Cardigan | Bride’s Shoes | Dress | Groom | Hair | Utensils | Save the Dates | Check Yes or No Card | Spoon Tag | Centerpiece | Lemonade Bar | Pleated Burlap Table Cloth | Chair Banners | Strawberry Farms | Pillow | Children
