Bouquets to inspire

We recently had the pleasure of participating in the bridal bouquet showcase at the Luxe Bridal Event in the Pearl. Huge thanks to Alice of Mosca Photo for photographing the 10 unique bouquets we designed for this fun event.

1) Light pink/blush bridal bouquet with garden roses, cymbidium orchids and white cattleya orchids.

2) Bright pink bouquet with garden roses and black and white anemones.

3) White/ivory/cream bouquet (hydrangea, garden roses, phalaenopsis orchids and freesia).

4) Purple and fuchsia bouquet with hydrangea, calla lilies and phalaenopsis orchids.

5) Sunset-colored bouquet (peach, light yellow, salmon, light pink, coral, ivory) with garden roses, sweet peas, ranunculus, poppies, anemones and parrot tulips.

6) Purple/plum bridal bouquet with all purple tulips and crystal wrapped bouquet handle.

7) Pink, coral, yellow and bright orange bouquet with garden roses.

8) Black and white bridesmaid bouquet (white hydrangea and anemones with a black fabric rosette accent).

9) Airplant bouquet (bridal bouquet of airplants wrapped in burlap).

10) Bright purple fuchsia phalaenopsis bouquet.

Styled Shoot at Evergreen Aviation Museum

We had the pleasure of doing the flowers for a very fun shoot at Evergreen Aviation Museum a few weeks ago. Here are some of the beautiful photos:

Huge thanks to Misty Daminco with Luxe Event Productions (pictured above left) for coordinating the shoot. And thanks to the Pursuit 31 team of photographers for all your gorgeous photos!!

Other credits:

Barclay Event Rentals

Puddle Jumpin Cards

Valentine's Day Inspirations

Happy Valentine's Day! Last week, we had the honor of presenting some Valentine’s Day inspirations to the Portland Garden Club. Take a look at some of the fun arrangements we put together...

Conversation vases. Vases and containers can be a blank canvas and prime real estate for embellishment and customization. We painted clear glass vases with chalkboard paint and had one of our favorite calligraphers, Alesia Zorn, work her magic chalking them up with Valentine's messages. We also love the idea of chalkboard vases for table numbers, to-do lists, personal messages...you name it!

Ah, air plants. We love these wild things. Their dusty gray-ish green color and exotic texture bring a major wow-factor to any arrangement. 

Modern classic. Pave-style roses in a luxurious mirrored vase can also make quite a statement.

A dozen 'IT' flowers. It’s always fun to put a new spin on an old classic. Here, we arranged a dozen cherry-red garden roses in a chic white ceramic vase with a sassy asymmetrical bow. Garden roses are widely loved for their high petal count, sweet fragrance and peony-like lushness.

We were incredibly fortunate to have the talented Christopher Barth photograph these arrangements so we could share these inspirations with you. Chris's work is incredible and we highly, highly recommend him. Check out more of his work here:

www.ChrisThePhotographer.com   -   weddings

www.barthphotography.com   -   editorial/commercial

2012 Trends: Part 2 - Flowers

Happy New Year! Last week, we unveiled some of our favorite event design/wedding decor trends for 2012. This week, it's all about FLOWERS! We hope you enjoy Part 2 in our 2012 Trends series.

2012 Wedding Flower Trends and Floral Design Trends

1. Lush and high-petal count blooms. Let’s face it, these never seem to go out of style. In addition to peonies, ranunculus, hydrangea and lisianthus, we’re especially loving garden roses, which offer a peony-like lushness, sumptuous fragrance, a range of color options and a long-lasting season.

Photos: weddingbee.com, Tick Tock Couture Florals, Flower Exchange

2. Comeback queen: baby's breath. Baby's breath began its comeback a few years ago, but only recently started to gain acceptance. This year, we'll see it increase dramatically in popularity. Its ethereal and romantic quality makes it especially perfect for weddings. It's best when used in mass (i.e. oversized globes, lush hedges, garlands, fluffy halos, bouquets, etc.).

Photos: pintrest

3. Dusty silver and grayish green foliage.

Photos: JL Designs

4. Relaxed bouquets. Bouquets are getting a bit more relaxed--an evolution from the tight and perfectly round monobotanic bouquets we've seen so much of over the past few years. We'll see more dimension and texture, natural variety, movement and softness.

photos: pintrest

5. Embellished bouquet handles. Bouquet handles are getting more attention and customization. And the options are endless: oversized bows, rhinestones, crystals, sparkling brooches, lace, burlap, ornate ribbon detail, keepsake charms, monograms, beading, etc.

photos: Art With Nature, Beautiful Blooms Events, Yvonne Design

2012 Trends: Part 1 - Event Design and Wedding Decor

The past few months at Zest have been a whirlwind of excitement. The studio has been abuzz with 2012 clients, and we’ve been busy planning, designing and cooking up gorgeous ideas for the year ahead.

If you’re planning a wedding, party, special event, or just want to know what’s hot when it comes to flowers and event décor, here what's topping our charts.

2012 Trends: Part 1 - Event Design and Wedding Decor

1. Mercury glass. Whether it’s votive candle holders, candlesticks, vases, etc., the reflective elegance and antique-allure of mercury glass adds a classic and chic sophistication to tabletops and décor.

photos: West Elm, Two's Company

2. Mixed patterns and prints. Artfully mixing patterns and prints in similar hues can look over-the-top fabulous if done right. Try mixing chevrons and ikat, florals and stripes, or incorporate personal motifs, monograms or invitation patterns for a unique and personalized tabletop. Add variety and interest to large receptions by mixing solid and patterned linens; pick complimentary patterns and vary them from table to table; go for bold napkins; etc.

photos: La Tavola, JL Designs, stylemepretty.com

3. Unexpected embellishments. From blinged-out bouquet handles and custom table numbers, to individual place setting blooms and custom candle scents, unexpected embellishments are an increasingly popular way to personalize and add to the uniqueness of an event.

photos: Lauren Brooks Photography, Karen Tran, Erich McVey Photography, Karen Tran

4. Long banquet tables with lush centerpiece scapes. Communal dining is back, and at it's best, with lavishly decorated banquet tables, mismatched chairs, cushions and voluminous centerpieces. 

photos: White Lilac, Inc., stylemepretty.com, cocokelley.blogspot.com

Stay tuned as we leak more from our 2012 LOVE LIST for event design, wedding decor and floral trends, over the next few weeks.

Next up: Floral Trends!!