Exotic Flowers in Boston

 Rick Canale, yes that is me. As my twitter profile suggests; married to Suzie with 2 sons. My interests include family, food, wine, baseball, reading, Boston, flowers and orchids. My family comes first and everything else second. My blog posts are not only meant to inform, but entertain as well. You can often find me hanging out at Exotic Flowers in Boston. My goal is to deliver breathtaking flower arrangements to residents, workers and visitors in Boston and New England. My favorite flower is the phaelenopsis orchid.

Suzie Canale grew up in Andover, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Salem State College.  She began writing as a children's book author after a twenty five year career in the wholesale floral industry in Boston at Back Bay Wholesale where she was inspired by flowers named after child friendly foods.  She developed the concept of "The Beantown Tales" - a series of books geared towards educating children to make positive changes within the key concerns of our society.  Suzie is the recent recipient of the Green Difference Award for Green Book of 2011 by the Massachusetts Green Schools Organization as well as anHonorable Mention in the 2011 New England Book Festival children's division for her first installment of the Green Series, "The Land of Chocolate Cosmos".  She has also authored "The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom" and "The Candy Roses of Cape Care,".
As she continues her career by writing books, articles and blogs for online websites, magazines and local businesses, she is also busily raising her two sons. Married to Boston florist Rick Canale, Suzie's blog posts focus on weddings, wedding flowers and wedding planning for the Boston area. You can also download her free ebook for wedding planning.  Her favorite flowers are sweet pea and of course chocolate cosmos.

       Jonathan Bornstein is a Newton resident and graduate of The Roxbury Latin School and Cornell University. Jon is the owner of L. Bornstein and Company, a wholesale floor covering distributor servicing the needs of members of the floor covering trade throughout New England. Jon is active on twitter and writes an amazing blog about great sandwiches that he has ingested. His contribution to the Exotic Flowers in Boston blog ranges from Halloween treats to being a Jew at Christmas. His favorite flower is the gerbera daisy.

Exotic Flowers in Boston is always on the lookout for guest writers. If you would like to write for our blog, let us know. We will make it worth your while.

Chapter 1: Setting the Date...

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person"~Germaine Greere

Setting the date is the first issue of wedding planning that every Boston bride should initially tackle since this can very well determine every other aspect of her special day.  While the most popular months to wed have historically been during the spring of April, May and June, couples now have ample reason to investigate the benefits of reciting their "I do's" during the other nine months of the year.   Spicy color decor, Budget efficiency/availability and exciting wedding locations all provide an alluring incentive to sway from the traditional matrimonial season.   Flexibility can be your greatest asset when mapping out your bridal endeavor, often rewarding the savvy soon-to-be's with  higher economic efficiency,  essentially giving the couple "more bang for their buck."  Although spring weddings represent the blessings of new beginnings, beautiful blooms and pastel fabrics, there are several incentives to pique curiosity towards the possibility of reciting vows during the winter, fall and summer seasons of New England.  

Vibrant Color Splashes and Textures~ While the traditional springtime wedding often encompasses pastel linen and centerpieces filled with bulbed blooms, events which take place during the winter, fall and summer have a vast selection of rich fabrics, exotic flowers and fun styling potential!  Creep out of the ho- hum routine and dare to be different by implementing exciting colors and textures such as crimson table clothes accessorized with gold tableware.  Autumn weddings are stunning when we begin to experiment with large color spectrums of green, orange and red while incorporating the festivities of the season using brightly hued maple leaves and pumpkins to decorate rooms.  Summer soirees are equally impressive using tints of hot pink, yellow, orange, sky blue and lime green to create eye popping pieces whether seen throughout the dining area or worn as bridesmaid's gowns.

Buffering Budgets and Availability~ It is a true known fact that "off season" wedding events are generally less expensive and have a wider availability of trendy locales than those taking place during the spring.  Due to the higher rate of matrimonies occurring during this time, functions rooms reflectively become higher in demand causing the price to rise.  For example, the bride who books her wedding at a popular venue during June is almost guaranteed to pay anywhere from a 10% to 15% higher rate than the bride who chooses to tie the knot in the exact same place during January or July.  Friday night and Sunday afternoon weddings are also climbing in frequency due to the decrease in price compared to the usual Saturday night affair.  Couples who have their hearts set on a particular spot to recite their vows may run into issues of fully booked hotels and reception sites during peak season, making flexibility a key to nabbing a dream wedding location. One more thing to keep in mind for those considering the option of throwing an off season wedding, spring in New England is often unstable with frequent snowstorms and frigid temperatures so the more compromising bride may find more change in her purse as well as better agreeable weather patterns.

Fabulous "Alternative" Venues ~ There's no telling the interesting places where couples can be married by using a little imagination during the chillier or steamier months of the year.  New England is gifted with many blessings from Mother Nature which are easily transformed into sensational ceremonial and reception sites with breathtaking views and inspiring symbolism.  Marrying atop snow capped mountains, ice skating rinks and along lakeside shores are not only striking for your wedding photos, but are conveniently entertaining sites for winter and summer activities!  Other possibilities might include events thrown at carnivals , aquariums or apple picking orchards. The northeast is filled with natural treasures stunning coastlines so take advantage of the eclectic resources that she offers throughout the entire year.

Suzie Canale

www.beantowntales.net

On Twitter @SuzieCanale

Introduction....

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love,

and they blossom when we love the ones we marry" ~ Tom Mullen

Marriage is a wonderful occasion where two people are brought together by a mutual understanding of commitment, loyalty and most importantly, love.  For centuries, couples have entered this cherished sanction, legally binding themselves with one another under terms of "in sickness and in health," "till death do us part" and "to love, honor and cherish," in order to demonstrate a promise to weather together all circumstances which life may bring.   No matter which region of the world, culture, ethnicity, or era, matrimony has long been recognized as a sacred ritual composed of traditions designed to bless the beginning of a new unity.  Each day, couples recite vows towards becoming a single entity with their loved one based on affections of friendship, compatibility and adoration, electing weddings one of the largest practices conducted around the world.  With over 2 million marriages occurring yearly in the United States with average costs ranging anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 dollars, the importance of wedding planning has become essential in terms of selecting location, date and event design.  The orchestration of collaborating specialty vendors within a cost efficient budget is often experienced as a massive undertaking, causing an abundance of anxiety and stress, two emotions which often interfere with the primary purpose of the initial wedding celebration. 

Boston brides, have no fear.  Amongst the mile long receipts, cross- fire opinions and endless to-do list that is being prepared, this city holds thousands of hidden treasures just waiting to make your special day spectacular in every way.  Many soon-to-be's will become surprised to find the amount of time, energy and money saved just by utilizing creative concepts formidable  to your vision of a picture perfect wedding.  Equipped with four inspiring seasons, eclectic style, a bustling atmosphere with historic background and a multitude of authentic New England cuisine, walking down the cobblestoned aisles of Boston will be a cinch for the resourceful couples willing to think outside the "matrimonial box".  

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. Sorry guys, all eyes are on the bride. The most discerning guests notice every item from how the bride wears her pearls to how her flowers are held.  Want to be a head turning bride ? The presentation of the bride is not only one of the most important elements of your wedding but also the most fun. Once the bride chooses her dress, shoes, flowers and bling; it is time to plan your cosmetic design.

Some Boston brides prefer to hire a professional makeup artist. Many other brides choose a friend and family member .  All you need is the proper guide to application and color contrast.  Keeping the makeup in house is a great way to save money on your wedding.

 Color tones in foundation, blush, lipstick and eye shadow that reflect the hues present in either the dress or wedding décor is a common mistake.  Colors should always reflect a bride's natural complexion. Brides often make the mistake of wanting to look tan and come out orange.  The worst thing you can do is look at your wedding album in twenty years and have your children ask why you look like an orange crayon.

Blush should be a shade darker than the chosen base then applied underneath the cheekbones.  Once you’ve found the proper shade, then the bride can narrow down her lipstick by either sticking to deeper, more romantic shades ( mahogany brown, maroon or sultry red) or lighter shades expelling a soft bridal effervescence ( honey, peach or delicate pink).  Eye shadow should also reflect the particular lighting of the bride's eyes to ensure a dramatic statement.  Blue eyes SHOULD NOT be glazed in shadows of blues.  This washes out the natural beauty of her eyes and delivers no “pop” appeal.  If you have brown eyes blue eye shadow sets off a sexy composition, finishing them off with black mascara and liner.  Green eyed or hazel eyed beauties should enhance their assets with shadows of gold, using either black or brown finishing products to complete this earthy and exotic fashion. 

Less is almost always more in this area of bridal etiquette so let the natural beauty in you glow.  Every bride has an inherent shine that comes from within making this an area where most need very little help from bottles and tubes of artificial enhancement.  Keep it simple and let your inherent loveliness and charmed smile do the radiating of glamour.

Suzie Canale

on Twitter @SuzieCanale

www.beantowntales.net

My Boston home is always filled with orchids. Orchid plants, cut orchids, phaelenopsis, dendrobiums, cymbidiums. My wife Suzie and I cannot get enough orchids. Cut orchids last for weeks while orchid plants last for months. Like any plant purchase in Boston, do not waste your money on an orchid plant from Ikea, Home Depot, Lowe's, Target or Roche Brothers. Leave it to the experts. The staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston knows orchid plants. We're experts. 

Zygopetalum. This unique purple , brown and green orchid is one of the sweetest smelling orchid plants commercially available.

The cattleya orchid: what's old is new again. I often hear stories from my parents how cattleya orchids were used almost daily decades ago. Watch the Godfather and you will see them in the funeral tributes at Don Corleone's funeral.

The Vanda orchid is my favorite. The plump blossoms protruding from a mass of dangling roots make this plant an orchid lovers dream.

The Lady Slipper orchid is prized for high end wedding work. The  Paphiopedilum is one of my wife Suzie's favorites.

Miltonia orchids are a great choice for the orchid plant lover who is tired of the Phaelenopsis and likes more of a challenge.

The Phaelenopsis orchid is the most sold orchid plant in the United States. What's not to love?

Orchids and orchids are available nationwide through Exotic Flowers. Contact us today.

Christmas themed weddings on the Cape, in Boston or in Newport are all enhanced with the back drop of Christmas. There are so many ways to put the jingle in your jolly for your winter wedding in Boston. Drapes of pine roping, shimmering candles, Christmas ornament wedding favors along with a decorated Christmas tree can transform your Noel nuptial into a Boston Christmas extravaganza. Winter themed weddings are surprisingly economical and easy to design. If you really want to take the next step into North Pole Blowout bash, then recruit your wedding party to assist. Here's how to get started...

Brides cherish choosing their ring bearers and flower girls. Dressing them up, coaching them down the aisle and prompting them to show their tiny white teeth all add to the excitement of your Cape Cod wedding.  Let's face it, these cherubs are one of the highlights of any wedding. Why not dress them to suit the season ? Instead of traditional mini tuxedoes and small angel white dresses, opt for an elf suit. Think about the children in the movie The Santa Clause.  If you do not want to go extreme, how about handing out Santa hats to all the children in attendance ?   Not only will you ignite a wonderful holiday magic for guests but create an exciting and entertaining role for all children and want to be children who are  involved.

 The bridesmaids and groomsmen can also adjust their wardrobes. Bridesmaids can opt for a sleeky red dress and groomsmen can wear a green bow tie. Boutonnieres made of holly and mistletoe hanging from the dance floor chandelier can only enhance the event. These natural Christmas decorations can of course be provided by Exotic Flowers in Boston.  Shoes can even be altered and the bridal party can show off their dancing feet in elf structured shoes. If your bridal party is really animated, have them wear Santa hats. Sure to bring  giggles and smiles as your bridal party strolls down the aisle, you will have your entire ceremony engrossed in the magic of the season.   

Suzie Canale

www.beantowntales.net

Follow me @SuzieCanale on Twitter

The Land of Chocolate Cosmos by Suzie Canale is excellently suited towards Nature studies, and will teach students the material clearly without overcomplicating the subject. Its high standard of excellence, making sure that it stays one of the foremost Nature studies textbooks. 

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach has been rated the best book of 2011 by Amazon.com This novel is the best book I have read in years and I encourage any and all to pick up a copy.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain is one of those books that everyone wants to read but has never picked up a copy. This book is well worth reading and is a quick read. Pick up a few copies for friends as it is very affordable.

 Winning the Customer by Lou Imbriano is a keeper for all those looking to build their business. Lou is a great story teller and his ideas can be implemented for a business of any size.

The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom by Suzie Canale the second installment to the Green Series. Written as the sequel to "The Land of Chocolate Cosmos", this children's book portrays a land with magical popcorn popping flowers, busy drive in movie lots and a determined, environmentally conscious little boy, named Nicholas.  This poetic tale will educate both adults and children on the dangers of air pollution as well as empowering children to make key changes in their communities.  Illustrated by Kevin Coffrey, readers won't be disappointed by the fantastical popcorn world created to teach children about the importance of clean air while keeping tummies tantalized by the buttery popcorn imagery.

The Christmas season is all about magic, mystery, dreams, memories and inspiration. Evergreen boughs, scented candles and Christmas keepsakes are just a few small tokens that can transform your white wedding into a holiday wonderland. Try adding a few of my simple Christmas wedding ideas to make your Boston Christmas wedding magical.

Ask your guests if they coud wrap their gifts in holiday gift wrap or if their wedding card could be a Christmas card. In lieu of a flower arrangement on the gift table, set up a decorated Christmas tree and guests can leave their Christmas wrapped wedding gifts under the tree. A great decoration for this tree could be photos of the bride and groom hung as ornaments.  If your wedding is the week after Christmas then you can score a great deal on Christmas trees and decorations.

Another great way to include the spirit of giving is to insert a game into your Boston wedding. How about setting each table with a small gift wrapped box. Then underneath one of the place settings, leave a gold star. The guest who has the gold star, wins the Christmas present.   Or you could even put a larger gift on the table in lieu of flowers. Of course, nothing takes the place of fresh flowers at a wedding. Not something that the staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston would recommend for any wedding. HeHe. :)

Another idea for fun would be a karaoke like game of singing Christmas Carols. You would be surprised what a punch bowl of spiked egg nog can do to get guests to sing. Not only is this feature fun for all the guests, but can also serve as free entertainment.

Suzie Hearl Canale

@SuzieCanale on Twitter

www.beantowntales.net

The Christmas season is filled with hope and possibilities. The season of wishes and dreams forces us to extend the season as long as we can; hence the arrival of Christmas music on Boston radio on November 11. In Boston, we hang garland, bake cookies and even mount Christmas wreaths on our cars. The aroma of vanilla, pine and cinnamon brings us back to our childhood. Even Boston brides try to recreate Christmas magic for their weddings. 

Christmas is all about lights. Twinkle lights, LED lights, twinkle lights, sphere lights, musical lights. You can never have enough lights for Christmas in Boston. Lights can hang from the ceiling, on archways, over mantles and on trees outdoors and indoors. Not only electrical lights, but how about candle light ? Tea lights, hurricanes, tapers, pillars or even battery operated candles will create Christmas romance for your wedding. Another favorite of mine is candle lighting your church with no electric light. Call up the fire marshall and illuminate your church with hundreds of candles along the aisle and altar.

Another essential for any Christmas wedding are evergreens; boughs, garland, wreaths, kissing balls and trees. Holiday garland beautifies chairs, banisters, mantles and can even be draped along the aisle of church pews. Christmas garland may also be accented with berries, pine cones and ornaments as well. Candle rings are also a cost effective centerpiece. A candle ring is just like a miniature Christmas wreath; add a cream pillar candle to the center and you are done. Christmas trees are also a great wedding prop. Six to ten Christmas with white twinke lights on a church altar will give you your own indoor forest. This tree scape is an ideal backdrop for timeless wedding photos. 

Suzie Canale

www.beantowntales.net

follow me at www.twitter.com/SuzieCanale