For the wedding we will be adding in a lot more texture with dahlias and various other red flowers. The groom is in visual effects, and the couple wanted something that reflected their simple, modern style. We will be doing a mix of square and round tables with red details for the napkins. I love it!

A couple of weeks ago we contributed to a California wedding magazine editorial shoot. I was asked to find inspiration in something small, and I chose to do sepia photos. I have two of my grandparents on both sides, and love looking at them. Such a time in romance! 
You'll find the inspiration below (not of my grandparents) and the bouquet we made.. I designed and Sine executed. My first choice were antique roses and chocolate cosmos, but both were unavailable, so she improvised and did a splendid job!
The magazine comes out in the Spring! Oh, and the Hicksville shoot we did last spring will finally be out in Modele for their Valentine's issue:) Sweet!

I feel so incredibly blessed to get the chance to meet with, and work with, two of the top people in design. David Stark Design is probably the most sought after designer in the US, and one of the best in the world. He started as a painter, then florist (I own a couple of his books) and then full on event design. As you can see from the first photo below, he uses a lot of materials, such as these paper centerpieces. He went to RISD, where my bro went. Speaking of RISD, I've had the pleasure of meeting all sorts of alumni from there and they truly are some of the best artists out there, in all fields, from graphic design to glass-blowing, sculpture to fashion design. 

I also met with Emily Thompson Design. She's on this month's cover of Martha Stewart Living - not too shabby, huh. She's also done the White House holiday flowers. Her shop in Dumbo, Brooklyn is so freakin cute. Even though I'm in NYC to focus on writing and the show, I couldn't help but get back into some floral design, especially when it's the chance to work for really great, amazing, talented, and inspiring people! 

Above: David Stark Design, courtesy of David Stark Design
Below: Emily Thompson Flowers, courtesy of Emily Thompson Flowers

I always have on hand these plastic silver cups because they are so versatile. For thank-you's I place a single 4'' succulent in them. For a wedding we did last year, each table had two of these silver cups filled tightly with purple carnations. Carnations look so good all jammed up together. It almost resembles one ruffley flower. 

For a holiday party, this is a great way to decorate your home or give to the hostess with a bottle of wine. 

For each one, you need:
1 silver cup
1 bunch (approx 10 stems) purple carnations

Fill cup half way with water. Cut the stems at once length, about 4'' long. Place entire bunch inside vase and create a round shape by gently moving them around. Pat down with your palm. Voila! Easy as that.

We've booked quite a few weddings for Fall... of 2013... sounds bananas to say that. So it looks like this coming year ahead will be filled with more <3 <3 <3

Sine (pronounced see-na) is my Events Manager, and gives the couple a complimentary consultation to work out design, logistics, and planning. She's the bomb! Like seriously good at what she does (way better than me), and makes our clients feel so relaxed. Contact her sine@flourla.com for your wedding or event inquiry!! It'll be the best thing you do, promise. 

T-Minus 13 days until I arrive in NYC. 

It's on. Sometimes you gotta just click and do it. Go for it. No backing down, no backing out.

I've always believed in doing something you're totally uncomfortable with if it means the unknown could be a great adventure, a life-changing learning experience, something worth more than you've previously had.

It's got to be a good enough reason not to do it. Feeling lazy or tired? Not a good enough reason. Scared that it won't work out? Not a good enough reason. Cause as my mama pointed out, everything in life is temporary. 

For me, the quote below, from my fellow Jew, sums up this point in my life:

"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails."
-- Albert Einstein

And with that, I say, go live your best adventure, cause when you're 80 years old and looking back, you don't want to think, Man I should've just done it. 

That's probably why I chose this as my high school senior quote for the yearbook:

“I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't.”
--Lucille Ball

I can honestly say, that's how I have, and will continue, to live my life. It's a good way to live, trust me. My Lucy love doesn't stop at the quote- my childhood dog was named Lucy and I still have a picture of her and Desi on my desk. 

Three years ago I started Flour LA. While in its' infancy, I booked a Thanksgving job for a prominent architect who wanted something crazy. I used broken glass, test tubes, and sand. Maybe a little too out there, even for me. Looking back, I'd have fully covered the floral foam with moss, or shaved the foam down- something...anything... I thought my concept was right on, but could've been executed sharper. 

Like my critique? It's because I'm watching Top Chef Seattle right now:)