Exotic Flowers in Boston

This past July, I celebrated my tenth wedding anniversary to my amazing wife Suzie. Many people renew their vows on this special anniversary and even seek to recreate a new wedding all over again. While Suzie and I did not renew our vows, some theme weddings caught my eye. My favorite was the Home Field Advantage featuring an an entire vintage baseball wedding.

Below are some photos from Realweddingsmag.com that showcase this ultra cool baseball wedding. 

The stunning bride is carrying jasmine, hydrangea, scabiosa spheres and accents. This lush bouquet really keeps the vintage timeless look for this theme wedding.

what a cool concept replicated old tobacco baseball cards that also serve as place cards for the guests. This would be the only wedding place card I would ever keep, a true collectible.

antique crates, vintage banners along with vintage bats and catchers masks; also having this wedding on the field really brings this wedding home. The addition of baseball fare like hot dogs, apple pie and bottles of coca cola make this a wedding to remember.

another great keepsake gift includes gift wrapped cracker jacks. 

I don't think my wife would be on board for this themed wedding. But I would love to be a guest if anyone is having a wedding like this. You could even have your justice of the peace be a real umpire. The list of possibilities is endless. 

: The Favors...

"Our wedding was many years ago.

The celebration continues to this day." ~Gene Perret

Traditionally speaking, wedding favors are given by the newly wedded couple to their guests in both thanks for their attendance to their special day and as a small reminder of the festivities.  There are several factors which decide the form of the particular gift such as a wedding theme, seasonal time of year and of course, a budget agenda.  While some choose engraved trinkets of couple's names and wedding dates, others opt for less customary items which reflect a twosome's spirit or interests.  Wedding favor shopping is an amusing to do during planning, allowing those who would like to exercise their artistic imaginations to do so as much as they wish.   Selecting anything from picture frames to satchels of candy, take a peek at these fabulous yet affordable ideas to offer your friends and family.

Traditional and Engraved~ Traditional favors are sometimes a safe and easy way to go if you and your mate are having trouble nailing down a particular item to give your guests.  Many past favorites include monogrammed baubles such as drinking glasses, photo hangers and key chains.  While all o these are low in cost and easily ordered on almost any wedding favor website, they also represent a useful keepsake from the occasion.  For those who would like to give an updated spin on this novelty theme, replace picture frames with playing cards featuring pictures of the couple's happy moments together.   Aromatic candles with the date of the ceremony and the couple's initials also make smart and useful replacements for drinking glasses and key chains and seeds.

What's "In"~ Modern times have given forth to a myriad of fabulous contemporary favor ideas involving anywhere from cherished sports teams to new age motifs so if the customary offerings don't excite you, have no fear.   Popularity is growing in areas of goody stations where patrons can make their own penny candy take home bags filled with jellybeans, tootsie rolls and lollipops!  For the sports lovers who desire to share their love for a team or game, miniature footballs, baseball caps and golf balls imprinted with the twosome's faces are perfect to liven the celebration.   Other trendy gifts include scratch tickets, photo infused coasters and on site photo booths which provide both the favor and entertainment for friends and family.

Homemade~ Everyone knows that homemade gifts come straight from the heart so roll up your sleeves and get cracking!  If you or your mate have a particular skill or creative talent, don't be afraid to use your personal assets.  Perhaps one or both of you are painters, calligraphers, gardeners or crafters?  Utilize those abilities to make personalized presents and keep the items simple and relevant to the specifics of your occasion remembering bigger is not always better.  Jars of homemade jams, hand tied nosegays designed with blossoms picked from your flower bed and even freshly baked brownies are "people pleasers" with virtually no room for disaster.  

@SuzieCanale

"In all of the wedding cake, hope is the sweetest of plums."
~Douglas Jerrold

It is the pinnacle of the wedding planning process, one which you must denote serious thought and scrutiny to. What size, shape, style, variety, and color will justly represent your affair? Should there be icing replicas of the bride and groom? Should the design use sugar or real flowers such as gerberas, roses or chocolate cosmos for decoration?  Perhaps the couple is looking for an altogether different theme such as seashells? Is the white vanilla frosting the ultimate in taste tantalization or is the dark chocolate mousse the fork-full that will make your guests melt in their seats? How about the question of buffering your budget by making it yourself or splurging on one of Boston’s award winning bakeries? Have you guessed what this mouth watering bridal task is? Planning your wedding cake of course!

One important issue which is critical towards completing this mission successfully is to solidify a set budget of expense for this sweet desert. Wedding cakes can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on the bakery making it wise to do a fair amount of investigating before committing to a vendor.  If this is an area where you are willing to tighten the belt buckle in regards to expenses, there are numerous recipes for making your own cake with step by step directions on baking and decorating. One resource worth checking out in your local library is the  book, “Wedding Cakes That You Can Make: Designing Baking, and Decorating the Perfect Wedding Cake” by Dede Wilson. Not only are you given clever baking tips, but you are also shown explicit directions on baking, decorating and icing. A second useful resource are specialty wedding sites such as allrecipes.com or lovetoknow weddings which give easy and descriptive recipes for just about any cake imaginable.  If you are interested in previewing your "sweet" ideas, visit Designed by the Bride which allow visitors to design a "virtual" cake to encourage creative thinking within this area.

If your baking skills are somewhat challenged and you own oven mitts which are for display only, consider Konditor Meister of Braintree, Ma or Montillio's of Quincy, Ma to fulfill all of your wedding desert needs. Holding a long standing reputation for their decadent wedding cakes, these ingenious bakers can pretty much replicate any idea, object or theme into edible bridal art. Beach themed weddings can be represented with sand dollar or starfish pieces added to their cakes as well as a sugar constructed sand castles.  Outdoorsy couples can serve guests a forest inspired desert incorporating pine trees or mountain landscapes into the design while the history lovers can marvel at a reconstruction of famous Bostonian landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, the Boston Public Garden or even Paul Revere's house. Taking a picture with you for model purposes is a helpful tip and try to remain open to options suggested to you by the professionals. The possibilities are endless so let your "sweet tooth" creativity run wild. Have fun with this project and indulge in the romance of a scrumptious wedding cake!

There is no doubt that floral designer Preston Bailey is a genius at his craft. Bailey has created some of the most stunning floral arrangements and events for his clients. He has elevated his craft to an art. As a Boston florist, I have often sought out Bailey's work for inspiration. Talk about a walking and talking version of Pinterest. 

I also read Preston Bailey's blog. Recently Bailey weighed in his opinion on how vendors should dress when working on an event. As a Boston florist who creates many weddings in New England, we work with many other vendors like photographers, bakers, party planners and musicians. Although our staff is uniformed for event set up, we often bear witness to some sloven colleagues as well. And while I am not upbraiding Bailey for judging his colleague's attire, I am questioning some other glaring view points in his blog post.

In his recent post, Bailey takes us into the audience of a recent wedding that he created and attended. Bailey observes a videographer whose attires upsets him. Bailey writes " I realized with horror that the videographer following her was wearing jeans and Ugg boots! I understand that some cultures are more casual than others, but Ugg boots at a formal wedding ? Come on.

 The very worst part, though, is that when one of my colleagues said something to the videographer about her unprofessional attire, her reply was very rude and she used the F word. If this videographer is reading, you know who you are, and shame on you."

Bailey and his colleague’s heart are in the right place. Unfortunately we have witnessed a drastic culture change where decorum has been cast aside.

I do admire the videographer for telling his colleague where to go. I do not think it was Bailey's colleague’s place to offer any further disruption to the event.

Perhaps a well written note next time would be better received. Or coordinating a team effort before the wedding takes place. After all, if the bride was confident in the vendor, then Bailey should have made an effort to reach out to the vendor before hand. The bride chose Bailey and the videographer with reason. I feel it is unfortunate that Bailey does not mention the videographer's name here. If you can drop an 'F bomb' at a wedding, then can handle a bad blog post.

The following is an excerpt from "Walking Down the Cobblestone Aisles" - Exotic Flowers Free Wedding Planning ebook.

Chapter 2: Where to Say "I Do"...

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, A church filled with family and friends.

I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,  

He said one that would make me his wife.” ~ Author Unknown

With a multitude of posh hotels, quintessential New England sites and natural attractions, Boston brides can luckily fulfill any dream day wedding wishes that appeal to her!  Perhaps she has always had her heart set on the lavish gold of the Fairmont Copley Plaza or maybe her "dare-to-be-wild" personality draws her to the slopes of Killington Mountain?  From the glamorous city ballrooms  to tented receptions lit by the stars above, there is an ideal location to fit every couple's individuality as well as their budget.  By taking a closer look at the specific vision that appeals to those readying to walk down the aisle (or ski, swim, run), wedding planners can begin to design the model appropriate for them by taking in account their spirit, tastes and cost allowances.  Here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling...

Boston Hotels~ There is no shortage of enchanting hotels in the Boston area, painting skylines with contemporary architecture and divine antiquity style.   The Four Seasons Hotel, which is centrally located, provides a choice of four rooms, allowing you to choose desired views, style and occupancy accommodations.  Not only will the staff assist you with finding photographers, transportation and decorators, this hotel also offers discounted rates for Friday/Sunday affairs.  The Ritz Carlton is another excellent choice providing visitors with historic grandeur and magnificent views of the Boston Commons.  Couples will also be delighted to learn that a five night complimentary Honeymoon package is included when booking their reception in the grand ballroom.  Other recommended hotels include The Omni Parker House, The Charles Street Inn and The Grand Harbor Hotel.

"Young princess, when you get your wedding ring,

your man is saying she's my queen." ~Nas

Boston Landmarks~ For the bride searching for reception locations which reflect the authentic Bostonian essence, she is in luck!  Landscaped with the stunning gardens of the Boston Commons, galleries such as the Museum of Fine Arts which hang the highest, celebrated art work and the towers of Alden Castle staging the perfect wedding for a prince to his princess, Boston is comprised of beautiful sites which not only tell the stories of our yesteryear but also stand proudly to encompass the beginning of a couple's journey together.   The Old State House of Boson offers the comprised package of luxurious event rooms while also revealing a rich tale of our city's heritage and the Boston Public Library is a desirable location equipped with a courtyard for cocktails and function hall which amply fits 350 guests.  For those interested in the Boston Tea Party, The Odyssey or Spirit Cruise Lines are a fabulous choice to coast these majestic waters which shows crystal clear skylines of Boston at sunset.  Whichever location of historical reference you choose, guests will be enthralled by the interesting atmosphere which of these cherished sites possess.

New England's Natural Attraction~ There are a multitude of reasons why planning an event within a natural setting can be an alluring alternative to traditional venues.   Resorts, function halls, restaurants and hotels rest under restrictions, sometimes creating problematic situations such as room rates, availability and occupancy constraints.  A secret which many couples are unaware of are the natural surroundings that bless New England, including  stunning forests, oceans and even large acreage meadows.  One reason for considering an "earthy" wedding is that nature provides the wedding decor for you.   Rooted paths with wooded landscapes exuding the aroma of sweet pine and silky sands with melodic sounds of crashing waves are available at no cost and are exquisites sights for reciting your "I do's".  Limitless guest space is another positive attribute, as long as it is kept in mind that the  wedding date should not coincide with the months engulfed by New England's Nor'easter season.   Suggested locations include Harold Parker State Forest located in North Andover, Ma,  Long Beach of Gloucester, Ma and Blissful Meadows of Uxbridge, Ma.

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".