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Gilded Girl

kp: Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 4:55 PM

gild·ed/ˈgildid/

Adjective:

1.Covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.

2.Wealthy and privileged

Sometimes I have to stop myself and remember to enjoy the weddings I'm involved right now. This season. But I just can't help myself sometimes! And right now I'm infatuated, no obsessed a bit, with the idea of gilded.....anything! I've decided that even though I haven't seen it on anyone's radar for 2013 trends, I'm calling it. Hell, maybe I'll help create a trend for next year! Think Old World. Think Baroque. Think Versailles. But of course, modernized. My Jersey friend would be so proud of me right now..

Enjoy these few pics I've found.....

http://louisamarionphotography.com/ I'm loving the photography by this Minneapolis based photographer. Thanks for letting me share!

http://bklynbrideonline.com/12349/wedding-galleries/wedding-food/?imageName=modern white catering display&imageID=20095

http://zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com/

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EaieiRw-4Js/TNxoKUE_nWI/AAAAAAAAANY/tWg3SnkjbA8/s1600/Champagne%2Bgold%2B%25283%2529%255B1%255D.jpg

Ask your crafty floral designer to hunt up some gilded glass before you take on any pain in the rear diy projects...

http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-us/crafts/pages/gilded-home-decor.aspx

http://soc.li/4wQkkdS Deep burgundy is SEXY!

Go to mbandblonde.blogspot.com/ to see a compilation of awesome gilded cakes!

Not sure you're quite ready to go gold? How about incorporating the color as contrast sparingly throughout? Think the already popular sandstone and burlap taken to the next level. Check it:

http://gildandgrace.blogspot.com/2012/02/convertible-colour-mint-and-neutrals.html

Or can't you just see it? The portrait backdrop that you'll be looking at over and over through the ages...may as well be gold.....

Thanks to: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVeXVJpXq-U/TdKhZEA1q4I/AAAAAAAAOL4/1Bh88gRerfo/s1600/6.jpg for sharing

"Richard Wright's mind-blowingly gorgeous wall-painting...wow. (image via The Guardian spotted on All Things Stylish)"

And as I'm writing this, I'm thinking about all of the possibilities of flower choices. Not sure there's much you can't do with it...

Chocolate cosmos, fig dahlias, blush peonies, green viburnum, eggplant callas, bella donna delphinium, amaranthus, celosia, kelly green ruscus ...

I could go on and on and on....but I'll digress to those who've actually done the work and put some boards together.... I particularly love these combos....

http://www.theperfectpalette.com/2011/08/autumn-elegance-palette-of-fig-light.html

http://pinterest.com/pin/1548181092156928/

http://pinterest.com/pin/71002131595297407/

http://pinterest.com/pin/152981718561731152/

Thank you Pinterest for existing and making this blog easy.

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transitions...Get the most use out of your Wedding Flowers

kp: Posted on Monday, June 04, 2012 4:48 PM

Recycle flowers? Huh?

Here at Nectar we push the idea of taking wedding flowers to their extreme.

It's pretty common now for the ceremony flowers to be transported over to the reception or for the bridesmaids' bouquets to become part of the tablescapes or land themselves on the cake table.

But did you know you can go one step further and donate your flowers to your local charity? We thought it might be fun to watch the transformation from start to finish by sharing this event with our fans. And though it takes us another 4-8 hours of work sometimes, it's all worth it when we deliver these flowers to

The Ronald McDonald House. The thank yous we get from their staff is so rewarding that we offer this service to all of our brides. Why waste such pretty flowers when you can stretch them just a little further...

We of course have to thank our friends at

Blue Sky Studios for the amazing pictures---you can guess which ones were taken by the professionals.

And also a big shout out to the ever popular VanLandingham Estates for an amazing backdrop.

And our beautiful bride, Nikki Chapman (err...Nikki Shytle) is shown at the end--thank you to Alively Photography for these bridal portrait pics!

In the beginning

After processing, the flowers are hydrating happily in the shop. Looks pretty unassuming, right?

on duty...tablescapes

Photog: Blue Sky Studios

showing off...ceremony decor

Photog: Blue Sky Studios

After a hard day's work..

Post event, they've been gathered and stored

New life...brightening up the room

Donation to Ronald McDonald House

New home...

Donation to RMH

Greetings...front desk

Ronald McDonald House

Hanging around

Ronald McDonald House

Bride

Photog: Alively Photography

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Just another day in paradise...

kp: Posted on Friday, May 25, 2012 6:29 PM

Every once in a while (like every day-at least once a day) I think to myself "somebody pinch me! this can't be my life!?" Seriously think I may have the most fun, most fabulous, most rewarding and challenging and exhausting career. Now I'm not comparing my job to a neuro surgeon or anything. Not demeaning anyone else's path in life. I'm just ridiculously happy. And I feel blessed. So I thought I'd share a day in the life of a floral designer:

First on the list today was: pick up flowers from the wholesaler. Took my time here and chatted with my friends there 'cause they're awesome. They keep me happy, keep my clients happy and they happily take my frantic last minute orders
Next was unloading at the shop. Separating orders. Selling to the general public. Took a few orders for next week.
Started today's orders. A sympathy arrangement. Some standing orders. The usual.
Next I was off to check out a new hot spot in Charlotte. This really got my wheels turnin' --RIDICULOUSLY Cool Interior. Already have a few ideas in mind here as to how I can add some installations to their art deco meets modern urban vibe.
Then I had lunch with my boo.
My tomorrow bride was in to go over last minute details for the nups. It's always fun for me to help them organize their boxes full of goodies.
Outdoor plants need some love. water and pruning..
Office work next. NOT my fave cause I can't stand sitting still. But... the variety of work keeps me going..... order topiaries for July bride, accept new bride's contract, shop for candleabras for June bride, put together propo for outside planter installation, send off some invoices to regulars, send new estimate for new bride, check out facebook and "like" new peeps...done.
More design work: Bridal bouquet, 4 bridesmaids, toss bouquet Coldplay and U2, thank you.
And now while I'm officially working late to write this, I'm dehydrating dusty miller in the microwave for tomorrow's boots and corsages...cause I'm nothing if not a multi-tasker. And there may or may not be a glass of wine on my desk--cause I can do that if I want. Cause I'm the boss.
My job rocks. Thanks for letting me share my joy!!

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Studio Rental Available for DIY Brides!

kp: Posted on Saturday, September 03, 2011 5:58 PM

Listen up DIY-ers!

I'm gonna rant a bit, but in the end

I'm gonna offer a little bit of relief

and hopefully a fun stress reliever!

Ok, here goes...

I know you know this person:

Super Trendy but also Super Thrifty.

Ridiculously Crafty but Cost Conscious

Patient and Full of Labors of Love

Whiny and Annoying

Cheap

Stubborn and Relentless...

Oh oh oh

and don't forget bossy.

Ok, ok. So not all of these are qualities

we would like to coin ourselves

or our friends as being.

But let's face it.

DIY projects, especially Wedding Projects,

unless your Martha Freaking Stewart

or have no job, an endless budget, and all the resources in the world,

can absolutely drive you and your friends

B-O-N-K-E-R-S! !! !! !

HOWEVER...

Had I not been a DIY-er myself,

I may have gone on to get that

Textile Chemistry degree back in 1999.

I may have been a psychologist. A teacher.

Or.....

I forget what my next major was-I'll have to call my mom.

But eventually the Craftiness in me prevailed and WHALAH!

A business owner/floral designer was unleashed.

So it's not lost on me the importance of coddling hobbies.

It's absolutely necessary at certain points in your life

to recognize some artistic value in yourself.

But, And Here's the Clencher....

This is now my job.

I'm not a 9-5 banker.

Not a Professor. Not a Realtor.

I am a tried and true, through and through,

work til my fingers are blue Designer/Crafter.

In my profession, I meet with tons of potential crafters.

Most of them are brides who are on a budget (who isn't!?)

and who are absolutely insisting that they can Do It Themselves.

"It" being plan a wedding, pay for a wedding,

make the wedding decor, print invitations,

remember which side of the aisle you walk down,

make a play list, assign ushers, host the event from start to finish, remember to dot all the i's and cross all the t's

that come along with making that one day the BEST day.

All of this on top of their already crazy, busy lives!

*?*@#!!!

I can only imagine all the normal details of life

that get missed in this span of time.

And when it's all done and they look back,

are they going to think

"Holy Cow! That was hard! Stressful!"

Or are they going to think

"I LOVED my wedding. It was PERFECT."

I have brides say to me all the time, "I cannot wait for it to be over!"

As a wedding professional, I think this is sad.

This is supposed to be a life celebration.

Not work. You already do work. You went to college for work.

I love when a bride, or any client for that matter, comes to me and says, "This is what I want. How much is it? Great! See you at the wedding.

Let me know what you need from me other than a check. ...

Thank you so much! Everything was wonderful!

Couldn't have been better! Perfect!"

So, Brides and Family of Brides, I'm gonna get real honest with you here.

I'm not saying that as a non-DIY-er you have to spend a ton more $.

What I am saying is, Let Us Do Our Jobs

so that you can enjoy yourself,

your family can enjoy your day along with you,

and we get to say we helped created Your Perfect Day.

Trust me, We're Worth It.

More importantly, You're Worth It!

Ahhh...in a perfect world....

Some of you right now, are waggling your head at me.

That's ok.

Though I stand by my words,

I still get that you want to do something hands on for your day.

So I'm offering what will be to some, I hope, a relief.

Nectar is now offering Studio Space for rent

for your projects leading up to your big day.

For $200 you can bring all your nifty ideas to my shop,

invite up to six of your friends

that you've ever so considerately delegated work to,

and work your little DIY tushes off.

You'll have plenty of space, light, tools, and be in maybe a little bit

more creative of a nook than your living room.

I'll even provide a little vino, some tunes, and

(Here's what would seal the deal for me),

You don't have to clean up!

Just take your finished product home and forget about it.

Feel free to call and rant back to me (hope I didn't offend anyone). Sending out love to the DIY-ers of the world.....xoxo kp

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Catching Up

kp: Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2011 9:02 PM

What a crazy busy summer we've had here at Nectar!...thus the lag in posts.

But I can't go any longer without mentioning the

Brides and Grooms I've been privileged to work with.

It's been a whirlwind of a year so far,

and the end is no where in sight.

So before I get any more behind,

and without further adieu,

Please allow me to introduce the following couples...

In March I had the pleasure of partaking in Anthi and Adam's cuter than cute day.

The ceremony took place at Colonel Beatty Park in Matthews

then the guests headed into NoDa to Green Rice Gallery to end the night.

When I say this couple is adorable, you just have to check it out to believe me.

Beauty for Ashes Photography Takes the Credit for These Uber Cool Photos.

Click Here and search "adam and anthi" to take a peek.

We used Purples, Oranges, Blues, and Yellows to Trend up a Wildflower Mix.

So fun!

Click here for more on Kim and Cass.

When Kim teared up over her bouquet,

I almost lost it myself!

BTW, Love, Love, Love Blue Sky Charlotte's work!!!

Click here for more on Macree and Louis in May.

Then... in June it was Samantha and Michael, here at Nectar's home, The McGill Rose Garden,

where the magic filled the night.

This couple went all out with Extra tables filling the garden

and with twinkle lights and white lanterns in the trees.

We used Primarily Cream and then accented with Greens

to give a Classic Wedding look an Organic, Gardeny feel.

Really pretty!

And we always love it when our friends at

Something Classic cater the events here.

Their tables are always nicely done,

the staff is professional, and the food is Awesome!

Thanks to them for being so Cool!

Moving on Along...

When I met with Christina and Kelly for the first time back in March,

I knew instantly that they were going to have a BEA-U-Ti-Ful Wedding.

Those of you who know me well know that I used to work part time at Del Frisco's

and Guess where they wanted their Wedding and Reception to be Held?!

You got it!

Knowing this restaurant like the back of my hand

certainly helped with set up as we moved in

over 35 fluted vases in all different sizes.

Those of you who know me also know that I absolutely ADORE orchids.

They are, to me, the creme de la creme,

and any chance I get to work them just adds

to my already happy, happy days as a floral designer.

So when Christina showed me a picture she'd found of a TableScape,

I almost cried for joy.

We used all different types of orchids,

Dendrobiums, Vandas, Phalaenopsis, Lady Slippers, Cymbidiums,

Gush, Gush, Gush...!

And added in Calla Lilies and French Tulips.

The color scheme was Moody Mango

with hues of Reds blending in for extra depth and D-R-A-M-A!

The ceremony site was flanked with Two Oversized Cylinders with Leatham Style Calla Lily Design and -wait for it-Orchids. Stunning!

The change over was quick and painless Thanks to Del's

who allowed me to come way early and get all these vases filled and arranged.

If you've never been to Del's you wouldn't know that their staff is

Amazing, Professional and Fun, and FAST!

We had the entire room finished in like 15 minutes.

Take a See for Yourself what the finished product looked like.

Can't wait to see JeremyIgo's Photos.

Also props to Amy at Wow Factorfor another decadent design!

And while Amy crafted

Sugar Orchids for the cake, (OMG!)

I swear my real orchids looked good enough to eat too!

I've got so much more to share, but my blogging time has expired--

as am I after a LONG Weekend of wedding work and special events.

Looking forward to sharing some

Succulent Love, Creations of Coral, and Pretty in Pink.

So Stay Tuned...

for

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Weddings, Here We Come!

kp: Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 3:16 PM

Well, It's Officially Wedding Season!

Congrats to my latest Brides Kim and Macree!

My first wedding of the season consisted of a fun, wildflower mix of colorful varieties of what seemed to be field flowers. Doubt you can get Scabiosa or Anemones around here though! What a fun look! The bouquets literally looked like they came from my personal garden and gave such down home feel that I kinda want to take credit for them. But I won't. Kim's ideas were so cute and yet simply captivating. Blues, yellow, pinks, corals, purples and white along with clusters of Gypsophilia---yes, you can use it tastefully-- made this wedding my first favorite event of the year! Pictures to come!

This past weekend I found myself traveling to The Kress Terrace in Greensboro for Macree's rooftop wedding. Elegant dark plum Calla Lilies coupled with vibrant Purple Dendrobium Orchids made up the design scheme here. We used tall clear containers with the purple orchids submerged in the water and topped it off with a floating candle. The contrast of the orchids against the stark white linens made the centerpieces seem as if they were suspended in mid air. Again, so simple, but what a statement! And we loved the cake with it's simple beading accented with a cluster of single blooms of dendrobium orchids. Also, nice to meet the Kress guys and have a contact in Greensboro. Would definitely revisit for future event.

Next up? Samantha's Garden Wedding at McGill!

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Cool in California

kp: Posted on Monday, April 11, 2011 11:30 AM

It's a shame it takes so long for the east coast to catch up with what's hot on the other side of the country. For, well forever, we've been watching those California Girls for trends that will eventually make it our way.

So I thought it would be cool to share a website that one of my upcoming brides turned me onto.

Check this out!

The website shows true blue weddings by brides and grooms that are fed up with cookie-cutter, "but mama said I had to," stay inside the box weddings.

Their advertisors are Spot On as well so be sure to scroll down their page to keep up with new printing trends, ideas for photo ops., and blogs by the trendsetters themselves.

Have fun!

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Charlotte Wedding Connection Come and Gone

KP: Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011 6:25 PM

The Charlotte Wedding Connection Show has officially come and gone...at least until October. This past weekend Nectar's booth was here at The Fillmore. So fun to meet future Mr.'s and Mrs.' (or Ms.'), and honestly couldn't have done it without a little help from my friends. Thanks to my ever loyal Dan, we got unloaded and set up in record time.

Headed over to Mattie's for some grub. Check out my "fur" Apropo, no?

Here it is! THE booth to check out. Complete with three different bouquet styles, Succulents on Display, and a Centerpiece to knock your socks off!

Guests signed in with our "LOVE" book. Thanks Kate at STUDIO K for giving me a no-ho-hum way to catch up with all the brides!

Guests took home ADORable pins and clip ons made by me and my dear Darcy.

We started on the Wednesday before and I was STILL making these suckers

on Saturday morning.

We made them from felt, foam, paper flowers, beads, fabric, ribbon,

dried flowers, and literally anything else in the shop that inspired us.

So cute, I kept a few to just have around.

Hopefully the brides will enjoy wearing them anytime and remember the name on the business card attached> Nectar!

Truly a Labor of Love!

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Nectar wins Bride's Choice Award!

KP: Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2011 4:40 PM

Nectar wins Bride's Choice Award! Charlotte, NC – March 02, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Nectar has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Flowers and Decor!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Nectar stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Nectar for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Nectar is among the very best Floral Designers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/nectar-charlotte/c35f31769e2854b9.html.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

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