Blog | Rose Red & Lavender

Guastavinos is a gorgeous venue underneath the Queensboro Bridge. It has enormous vaulted ceilings and beautiful lighting.

I was thrilled when Amanda and Steven asked me to create the decor for their wedding.
Here is a sneak peak of the flowers, I am hoping we will get some professional photos soon.

This is such a great space to work in. With soaring ceilings, you have to go tall. We combined hydrangea with babies breath and quince branches to create dramatic centerpieces.

Branch Centerpiece with Lanterns

This wedding was three days after Valentine’s day so we took a quick break on the 15th from being neck deep in Red flowers and switched gears on the 16th to be neck deep in White flowers.

Low Centerpiece

For the ceremony we lined the aisle with candles trimmed with birch and created an arch with willow branches and quince. The arch was made in 2 pieces so it could be taken apart after the ceremony.

Arch

For the head table, we created a more intimate setting with pillar candles, mercury glass pedestals and groupings of white flowers.

Guastavinos

Amanda and Steven loved the results.

Bride and Groom

Mercury Glass Pillars

Unfortunately I was rushing around and didn’t take the time to photograph her bouquet. I can’t wait to see the professional photos.

Congratulations to the newly married couple.

2012 was the year that Boho Chic hit its stride with weddings and when we were asked by a BIG NAME WEDDING MAGAZINE to design some Bohemian inspired bouquets and floral headpieces, I smiled. Ok, I smiled for like 5 minutes and then I panicked.

Flowers

I love putting together wildflower bouquets and creating that “just gathered” look. Truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of time to put together the controlled chaos without it looking like the Bride’s cousin, who “really loves flowers” put it together and I need to be in the right mood to do it.

We were given the job to do in January, and in January, I am not feeling all warm and sun shiney I can’t sit on the roof of the studio with my bees and flowers and relax and get that bohemian feeling, I am not wearing a sundress, I don’t have sandals on. I am wearing sweater dresses, thick tights, and Sorel boots, I am cold! Not to mention that there aren’t many wild flowers are around.

To get that wildflower look in the middle of Winter, I reached for anenomies (a favorite) scabiosa, lilacs, parrot tulips, garden roses, amaranths,  tuberose and scotch broom to create the looks.  I also added some berries and little bips and bobs to give them those special touches.

To get in the mood, I put on some Coachella inspired music, and took a look at some pictures from weddings past, thought warm thoughts and put on my favorite perfume. Here are the results.

Yellow and Cream Wildflower Bouquet with Lace and Burlap

Peach Wildflower Bohemian Wedding Bouquet

White Wedding Bouquet with Birch Wrapped Handle

White Wedding Bouquet with Anemones and French Lilac

Gramercy Park Hotel is a special place.

The rooftop terrace is amazing and what a great place for an urban-chic wedding. They call it Haute Bohemian.

The Lobby is full of 20th century masterpieces by artists Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, Keith Haring, and of course, Julian Schnabel.

Your party will be spread through several rooms each has the vibe of being in a private club.

I love doing weddings here, and with so much going on, white is a great go to color.

We chose a more wildflower look for this wedding, keeping the floral arrangements more as an accent than a focal point. The vases have a hand made look with a dimpled orb that has irregular edges.

The groom’s family is Persian so we used lots of hyacinths, a traditional persian flower.

I love Liberty Warehouse and I was so upset when the Hurricane hit, I was afraid that Sandy would destroy one of my favorite venues.

Liberty Warehouse is in Redhook and has one of the most amazing vues of the Statue of Liberty. It is in an old warehouse that is also home to Steves Key Lime Pie, and Perch.

Tall Centerpiece

January weddings are always special. What a great time of year to get friends and family together to celebrate. Liberty Warehouse has a few fire places that can make it cozy and warm on the coldest days.

We used a lot of light to create a warm mood for this wedding. Tables were set with white flowers in birch containers with mercury glass votive. We also used quince branches with hanging lanterns on some of the tables and candle holders on pedestals.

Centerpieces

Amber lights were  used on the perimeter and on the dance floor to create a warm, glowing light.

Birch Chuppah

We trimmed a birch chuppah with quince and curly willow with dendrobium orchids and lit them with amber lights.  The room was filled with pillar candles, what a beautiful setting.

Chuppah Detail

Natarir Peapack is a gorgeous estate that is located about an hour west of New York.

The main house which was built in 1912 sits at the top of a hill overlooking rolling acres and scenic mountain views.

We had the pleasure of putting together a wedding there. Our inspiration was the natural setting with trees and the mountains as well as the Tudor-Style country mansion that has a stately, romantic feeling about it.

I love gardeny arrangements that are natural and free flowing, just as much as I love wearing casual clothing and running around without any makeup on.

Just the same though, I love getting dressed up, having my hair done and putting on a pair of heels for an evening out.

This was one of my evenings out.

Mason Jars, burlap, medicine bottles and found items have been a common thread with weddings that we have done lately. I was thrilled to be able to do something a little different and create some large, formal centerpieces for a wedding at Capitale in Manhattan.

Capitale is a wonderful venue that is the old Bowery Savings Bank. Listed by Racked as one of the most expensive venues in NYC.

This was a great chance for me to show off a little more formal, and over the top style. We made theses centerpieces using hydrangea, roses, and orchids.  The lighting package in the space is dramatic and worth every penny.

I think the results are beautiful.

I love laid back Brooklyn Weddings and having your wedding at your favorite restaurant is a way to celebrate and be comfortable and have some amazing food. Brooklyn has some great spots for weddings including Frankies on Court Street, Cafe Ici, My Moon and the Brooklyn Winery.

Today we have the pleasure of putting together some flowers for a celebration at Il Passatore.

Deanna wore a vintage inspired gold dress that was gorgeous and a floral headpiece that was made of wildflowers and inspired by a 1920′s bridal hairpiece.  I was lucky enough to see the ceremony, it was so sweet. I love weddings.

The Bride

Here are some pictures of the fun, laid back wildflower arrangements that we put together for this very special celebration.

Wildflower Bouquet

So pretty. I love summer and all the flowers it brings. Congratulations Deanna and Andrew!

We had the pleasure of putting together a wedding at the Metropolitan Building in Queens last Week.

I love the Metropolitan Building, it is an old factory building that is filled with lots of props and gorgeous antiques.  In my dream life, I would be able to prowl around for props and stage a magnificent dinner party with all my friends. Costume some sort would be required.

In my real life though, I get the honor of  setting the stage for weddings, and what a fun place to work.

This wedding was inspired by the blending of old and new worlds for Brian and Ariana. My favorite chicken joint Pies and Thighs was the catering company and Spanish Tapas was served as appetizers.

We created centerpieces using birch branches, air plants, garden roses and wildflowers. I loved how the birch stands turned out and took a lot of pictures. Here is a sneak peek. Can’t wait to see the professional Photography.

Birch Tripod

Its Summer!! I haven’t kept my promise to write, we have been so busy with weddings.

Peonies are abound. I love peonies and this year has been an especially good season.  These are for a wedding at the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, I love using creams and whites and yellows with dusky greens, so lemony and creamy don’t you think? Makes me want some Lemon Tarts or some Key Lime Pie.

Summer is also a time for Lavender and Lemons.

I love Meyer lemons and have a hard time finding them. Luckily, they grow great in containers and make perfect house plants. They like bright light and not so much water. If you have an outdoor space they you can put them outside in the summer, and inside in the winter.We have a full selection in our shop in sizes from one gallon to 45 gallons. We even have a 5 in one tree that has Meyer Lemons, Oranges, and Grapefruit, all on the same tree (I am secretly hoping it doesn’t sell)

Here is our recipe for Meyer Lemon Marmalade, Delicious.

Meyer Lemon Marmalade
Makes about 12 jars

Warning: This recipe takes three days.

14 to 15 Meyer Lemons
1 sweet orange
Enough water to cover the fruit, about
4 1/2 to 8 lb of sugar, depending on the size of your lemons

Slice the  in half lengthwise, then into thin horizontal slices, removing the pips as you slice and placing them in a bowl.

Place the lemon slices in the biggest bowl you can find (or two bowls) and cover them with water (I use filtered water). Cover with a plate and set aside in a cool place overnight. Cover the pips with water and set aside, covered, in the refrigerator.

The next day, pour the fruit and its water (not the pip water) into a large saucepan or copper jam basin. Bring to a boil and let the mixture bubble at a steady boil for 40 mins, stirring occasionally. Let this mixture cool, then weigh it and return it to a cool place to rest overnight.

The next day, place the fruit with its water, the strained pip water and an equal weight of sugar in a large saucepan or jam basin. Bring to a boil, then let it boil steadily for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. To test the marmalade, pour a little onto a small plate that you have chilled in the freezer, then wait a minute. Tilt the plate and if the syrup wrinkles, it’s time to transfer the marmalade to jars.

Use 3 part canning jars, Wash jars with hot soapy water and rinse.

Fill the jars nearly to the top and close the lids as soon as you can (make sure the rims are clean). Invert the jars onto a towel and let rest until cool. Make sure that you have a seal on the lid by taking off the ring and seeing if the lid is depressed and makes a bright tinny noise when you flick it with your finger. If not, replace the lid, cleaning the edge of the jar and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

The marmalade could keep for years or perhaps days, depending on how many marmalade-lovers you know.

As far as lavender goes, we just got in our first harvest of Munstead and Hidcote. Oh the smell is heavenly.

Meyer Lemons

So much has been happening, I don’t know where to begin. I always promise myself that I will blog once a week. I don’t Its terrible.

Home Grown Tomatoes

We have been busy beavers over at the shop and have been making all sorts of mischief. Over the past coupla weeks we have totally transformed out outside space into a big, luscious garden. We have also planted a few thousand herbs, veggies and fruits just for you. We like to grow our own so we know its all good and organic, and we can grow all sorts of cool varieties that I never see on the market.

Teapot Vase Featured in Time Out New York

Mother’s Day is around the corner, I peeked in my back yard and saw the first roses. They always bloom around Mother’s Day. The market has been full of GEORGOUS! Peonies and I can’t get enough of them, Lilacs have also been coming around….but this year I have been mad about Hyacinths. Hyacinths have the sweetest scent and I have noticed an incredibly long vase life. We take a lot of care when processing them to make sure that they last extra long. Click here to place your order, we sell out.

Photo by Danny Kim for New York Magazine

Wedding season has begun and we are in full force production. I was excited to see that we where one of the few people selected to be in New York Magazine’s Summer 2012 issue. This beautiful headpiece is made of Wax Flower and Anenomies. I was inspired by some vintage headpieces that I had collected. These can be made and shipped overnight all over the country.

Me on Martha Stewart

Press!! In addition, we were named as one of the top 10 garden centers in New York City by Time Out New York. I was shocked and incredibly honored to be on the same list as Jamali and the Garden center at New York Botanical Garden. Even happier because we didn’t need to have a mascot or some trendy gimmick to get there, just great plants, cool gifts, and sound advice.

Martha!! I was so excited to be on the Martha Stewart Show. OK, in the audience on the Martha Stewart Show. It was a special about Etsy and the great sellers there they featured a terrarium class that I taught at Etsy Labs. My mom was excited to see me on National Television but didn’t understand why I wasn’t interviewed and on the show more, thanks Mom.

Birds and Bees

Speaking of Mascots though…I love bees and our birds. Yesterday I had the pleasure of installing not one, but two packages of Bees. These are Italian honey bees shipped up from Georgia and they are chemical free. I am proud of my organic bees. We put a hive on the roof of our studio along side our Fruit trees that we just planted. Ok. Yes I hauled a few dozen fruit trees onto a

Tara and the Bees

roof, but what the hell. A little exercise won’t kill me. I hope the bees will feel at home. I also put in an observation hive so that everyone can come and see the bees in action.

Tara, is my bee keeper partner. She grew up in Queens and has been keeping bees since she was a little girl, before it became all kinds of cool and trendy and she got me hooked on bees. Last year she got stung and discovered that she is allergic, after all, but was still a trooper and put on the white suite and ventured forward. I can’t wait for the honey and bees wax.

Moss Graffitti

Moss Graffiti. We love moss and taught a fun class on how to paint with plants.

Robb put together a nice presentation and even played MC Hammer to get people inspired to make some graffiti.