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A little about what's happening in our big flower world...

Bright & Cheery Autumn Blooms at Park Winters | Winters, CA

C+C were full of excitement and wedding bliss all throughout their wedding planning stages. The Park Winters backdrop played perfectly into their planning on a gorgeous autumn day in October. They requested bright and cherry blooms in hues of orange, yellow, peach, apricot, and white for a celebration full of light and giggles. Designed in a natural and wimsicle aesthetic with a nod to modern-garden, these were some of our favorite flowers of the season. I’m repetedly falling in love with yellow and orange designs. Plus, these two are so kind, easy going; simply beautiful souls. I loved watching their vision come together for a unique, very special gathering of love ones as their day unfolded. The sunset was one for the books. Cheers to forever C+C! Thank you again for allowing us to play a part in your celebration of love.

Venue: Park Winters, @parkwinters | Photography: The Edges Wed, @theedgeswed | Cinematic: Johnny B Films, @johnnybfilms | Coordination: With Grace & Love Events @withgraceandlovevents | Rentals: La Tavola Linen @latavolalinen, CPR and Tents @cprandtents | Dress: The Lovely Bride, @thelovelybride | Cake: Freeport Bakery, @freeportbakery | Bar: Cosmos Alley Carts, @cosmoalleycarts | Flowers: The Pollen Mill, @thepollenmill

Source: http://thepollenmill.com/blog/brightandche...

Winter Wonderful at Park Winters | Park Winters, Winters, CA

Stacy and Calvin have a love for life, and each other, that is contagious.
As soon as Stacy reached out to us for design, we knew this was going to be one beautiful event. Her sweet, calm nature and classically romantic taste makes her not only easy to love, but a dream to design for.

Stacy and Calvin along with the assistance of the powerhouse ladies at Alluring Events & Design, selected clean, classic, and romantic decor for the event. Long linen runners with charcoal ticking stripes drawn across rustic farm tables and simple gold votives with a sprig of rosemary tied together the design. The flowers a soft, muted palette of blush pink and silver foliage paired with tiny accents of marsala and plum that popped in the overcast dimmed lighting. Each design included soft blooms with billowy petals such as ranunculus, hydrangeas, anemones, sweet pea, roses, and stock. Lush silvery eucalyptus garland with blush garden roses alternated placement throughout the dining room. We were just so in love with the overall design and feel of Stacy and Calvin's beautiful celebration of love.

Take a peek for yourself...

Aww...They're just so good together! Thank you Stacy & Calvin for including us in your special day! Many wishes of happriness to you both on your forever journey.
And to all our vendor friends who works with us on this dream wedding, you guys are the best!

Yountville Wedding with Moody Winters Hues & Texture | Yountville, CA

Brian & Jonathan are such a fun-loving, sweet, and stylish couple. When we first met, they said they had no clue what kind of flowers, table decor, and staging they were looking for. Just a few mood boards and blog reviews later, we settled on a palette of moody winter hues combined with mustard-colored candles, mixed metallic vessels, natural leather accents, and graphite grey linens. The overall feel was modern and unique with a touch of to mystic whimsy.

Their exchange of vows were held on a cool and rainy evening this past January at the Ad Hoc & Addendum culinary garden. Their sweet ceremony was followed by fine dinning (including Ad Hoc's famous fried chicken) inside the restaurant. Brian & Jonathan invited their closest friends & family to share in their celebration for an intimate event unlike any other.

We were also asked to design for their welcoming reception and rehearsal dinner on the night prior to the wedding. We filled the beautiful Groezinger Estate at Villagio Inn & Spa. White, crisp flowers in simple glass vessels adorned the bar, dinning room, hearth, and welcoming area.

Photography of their special weekend was captured by the groom's exceptionally talented friend & photographer Chantal of Pasagraphy (http://www.pasagraphy.com/)

Enjoy!

Welcoming Dinner & Rehearsal Reception at Groezinger Estate, Villagio Inn & Spa

Exchange of Vows & Reception Celebration at Ad Hoc & Addendum Garden & Restaurant

Brian & Jonathan~ Thank you for including us in your special day! We loved working with you both every step of the way. Watching our plans come to fruition from just a mixture of ideas was some true magic. I appreciate your trust in my vision and allowing me full creative license. I wish you both much laughter and joy on your journey together as married men! This was the BEST wedding to kick off 2016. XX

Venues: Rehearsal Dinner at Greozinger Estate at Villagio Inn & Spa | Wedding Ceremony & Reception at Ad Hoc & Addendum | Photography: Chantal of Passagraphy | Planning & Onsite Event Coordination Thomas Keller Restaurant Group Event Planning for Ad Hoc & Addendum | Calligraphy & Guest Tags: Laura Lambrix Designs

A Fine Wine & Dining Wedding to Remember | Bardonesso & Ad Hoc, Yountville, CA

Michael & Emily are such a sweet and talented couple. Both Ivy league alumni with with careers in investment and finance, they delight in spending their down time running marathons, enjoying delectable foods, and sampling fine wine. Planning their wedding from New York, Emily reached out to me with a few requests: bright, cheery, seasonal flowers, lots of texture with a touch of blush and jewel tones. They wanted their wedding celebration to feature the fine food from Chef Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc kitchen as well as the many wines their guests would taste from near and far.
Their August ceremony was located at Bardonesso Hotel & Spa followed by a garden dinner at nearby Ad Hoc & Addendum. The evening ended with dancing back at the Bardonesso ballroom. Their style exuded classic sophistication with noteworthy personal accents. Each floral centerpiece differing in color and texture from the next for a unique presentation. A personalized logo incorporating Ad Hoc's token pig dancing with a city mouse adorned their menus, signs, and stationary. Tables were named after marathons they've completed together. This was one of our favorite celebrations of the year. The gorgeous images of the event were captured by Matthais Photography of San Francisco. Here's a peek...

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Emily & Michael~ Congratulations again! Thank you for including us in your special day. We loved designing your flowers and the photos bring us so much joy to see you both enveloped in love. You were a true pleasure to work with right from the start. Many wishes to a wonderful life together filled with laughter, love, and plenty of fantastic wine. Cheers!

Ceremony Venue: Bardonesso Hotel & Spa | Reception Dinner Venue: Ad Hoc & Addendum | Photography: Matthais Photography | Hair & Make-Up: Carrie Aldous | Floral Design: The Pollen Mill

Farm to Vase Floral Design & Foraging Workshop | Soul Food Farm Vacaville, CA

I've had the pleasure of making so many friends and colleagues on this flower adventure, but this one little pistol really stands out. The first time I met Alexis, owner and "la granjera" of Soul Food Farm, I knew the two of us could get into something fun, possibly dangerous, but definitely exciting. That same day, she told me "girl, you've got something big." I'll never forget her words. She was the first person to say and actually mean this in a positive light. (I had a boss who once told me "you know, you walk in the room and take up all the space." This was definitely not meant as a compliment, nor taken as one). But Alexis's words filled my head and warmed my heart. And though I'm pretty sure I turned five shades of red, then stark white, and as I shook it off, it was the start to one sweet adventure.

Alexis and I have worked together on various occasions from photo shoots, to events, to dreaming up plans for a flower farm. This last year Alexis has started planting a crop of flowers for cutting. She’s had much success with her gorgeous lavender fields, olive orchards, and hundreds of chickens, naturally there has to be another project in order. After all, I’m pretty sure the lady never stops moving much less sleeps. So there we started. Alexis grows the flowers, I get to help cut them down (I know makes me seem like a real dream killer huh?)

This fall after many talks and dreams about a little flower farm, workshops, field trips, and true hands-on learning environment, we caved. We decided to host our first Farm to Vase: Floral Design and Foraging Workshop. We wanted to share with others the magic of the farm and give everyone a chance to learn, create, and of course get a little dirty.

The morning of the workshop was gently warm with a thin looming fog in the air. Our months of 90 plus degree weather was finally cooling into chilly nights and dew-filled mornings. The farm looked glorious in its royal greens and gold. Tiny pumpkins lined the fields alongside the last tomatoes of the year. We could hear a hint of chickens in the distance but mostly it was just peacefully quiet. And we were giddy with excitement.

Rebecca, Adam, & Kim (The Pollen Mill Team)

Our workshop participants arrived to the farm with welcoming smiles and aprons ready for the day ahead. After a brief introduction, we toured the farm with fields of ripe fall vegetables: chilis, eggplant, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, grasses, olive branches, and various cold weather blooms. I gave instruction on cutting, foraging, plant species, and of course a stop in to visit Wanda, the sweetest farm goat. Then participants were then set free to forage the farm for their design materials.

We gathered after foraging for instruction on how to make a garden style floral arrangement. Participants matched their foraged items with other selections of California-grown fall blooms we provided. What they created was phenomenal! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Every time I looked up, a new and totally different design emerged from the workshop participants. I kept telling them they were hired. And truthfully, they were really fantastic.

The workshop came to a close over a shared meal in the calm of the olive orchard. Delectable eats prepared by Alexis, her husband Eric, and my husband Adam featuring local farm vegetables, delectable cheeses from another farm just up the road, homemade pasta dressed with pesto, Soul Food Farm eggs with aioli and olive oil, Acme bread, and Pink Lady Rose from a woman vintner in the nearby valley. Rebecca, our workshop assistant, dressed the table with mixed matched china, hand sewn napkins, and silver for an understated but elegant table setting. It was the perfect end to a delightfully fun-filled day. Over lunch we shared stories and laughs. So many ladies from all walks of life coming together to share one special day on the farm; creating, exploring, laughing, telling stories, feeding our bellies and souls. It was truly remarkable.

Alexis and I are eager for our next workshop in April 2016. The spring blooms will be at their peek and ready for snipping. We can’t wait to share in this experience with you so stay tuned and sign up early. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@thepollenmill @soulfoodfarm) to stay up to date on our announcements.

A huge thanks to our Farm to Vase Team: Crystal Lynn Photography for the truly beautiful photos, Rebecca for thinking of all the things I need before I even know I need them, Eric for mastering the kitchen and helping to make the most delicious truly farm-to-table meal, and Adam for running around, do anything, and helping everyone. We couldn’t have done it without out you. You are so appreciated. XX~ Kim & Alexis

Rustic Celebration of Love at Chateau Montelena, Calistoga, CA

When Kelsey reached out to me and said their wedding was to be a held at the infamous Chateau Montelena, I screamed. This venue is one of my favorite wineries in the Napa Valley. My husband and I are members and frequent the location for its beauty as well as its delectable wine. Maybe you've seen the movie Bottle Shock, the story of Chateau Montelena putting Napa Valley on the wine map for its award winning Chardonnay? The location is nothing short of stunning. Even more, the venue is only open to family for weddings. My mind went...sweet bride, great style, down-home country couple, perfect private venue...um, yes, Major Score!

Kelsey and Kevin are avid nature lovers. Don't be put off by Kelsey's tiny frame and sweet smile, she can hunt and fish with the best of the boys. They wanted their wedding to be a reflection of the things they love; their close family, friends, & the great outdoors. Simple, classic, elegant, but not snooty, rustic, wispy, fresh from the land...just beautiful with a touch of nature's whimsy. Kelsey collected feathers from their hunting adventures for each floral design. The designs featured subtle earth-tones paired with soft ivory, white, and blush. Against the lush green backdrop of the Chateau, the flowers really popped. Just take a look for yourself at the images captured by the ever talented Mindy Aagard of Sweet + Marie Photography...

Gasp right?! These two are just so gorgeous! The camera loved them.

Kelsey and Kevin~ Thank you for including us in your special day. You two are so kind, easy-going, and fun to work with. The love you have for one another is contagious and was written all over your faces on your wedding day. Everyone present was so fun-loving and sweet to us, welcoming us with open arms. Kelsey, I will never forget your adorable reaction when I delivered your bouquet. You stole my heart! Thank you again for being awesome people, period.

Mindy Aagard of Sweet + Marie Photography~ Lady, you sure know how to make it hard for me to pick out photos to share. The photots are not only gorgeous, but capture their personalities so well. Thank you for always taking the time to shoot our designs in the most beautiful light and staging. I adore you (and Laurie) and cannot wait for more weddings together in 2016. XO

Venue: Chateau Montelena, Calistoga, Ca | Photography: Sweet + Marie Photography | Floral Design: The Pollen Mill

August on the Vineyard Wedding | Vine Hill House, Sebastapol, CA

What started off as a misty morning turned into the perfect summer setting for Jenna & Tom's August wedding. Overlooking the vineyards with juicy grapes ready for harvest, Jenna & Tom celebrated their nuptials along with some of their closest friends and family. Their wedding was all about the details...confectioners cookies depicting their coastal origins, monogram door decor, vintage crystal vessels from Jenna's grandmother. Each detail carried with it a little part of Jenna & Tom's love story. It was truly a special day honoring two of the sweetest lovebirds.

The first time I met with Jenna about designing for their wedding, her face beamed with pure excitement. Her true adoration for Tom shown bright in her eyes each time she spoke his name. Just the kind of excitement I've come to really appreciate in my career. Jenna wanted her floral designs to feel romantic, timeless, and fresh from the garden. Simply classic with some whimsy. Even her floral crown was as timeless as those worn during the days of the original Woodstock.

We dosed their wedding in summer's floral delight...dahlias! Accompanied by garden roses, flowering basil, waxflower, vibernum, lisianthus, Bells of Ireland, and scabiosa their flowers took on an English garden aura. All tied up in navy and white ribbon for the men and Silk and Willow hand-died ribbon for the ladies. It was just so much fun! Take a look at their dreamy photos captured by the talented Mindy Aagard of Sweet + Marie Photography.

Jenna & Tom~ Thank you for letting me play a part in your special day! I love when clients turn into friends and you two are some of the best. Thanks you for giving me creative license to design something special just for you. I know you two are in for some fast and furious adventures together. I hope we can hold hands over a glass of scotch soon. So much love to the two of you. Congratulations! XX

A Redwood Romance | Redwood Grove, Berkeley, CA

When Jessica contacted me to design her wedding flowers, I knew this wedding was going to be a blast! Jessica and Aaron were married at serene Redwood Grove followed by celebratory reception at The Bancroft Hotel in Berkeley, CA. Jessica and Aaron are epitome of fun, outgoing, and full of life. Celebrating the merge of their families turned out to be one festive event with many personal touches and bouts of laughter. Their wedding was such a perfect reflection of their personalities.

For the flowers, Jessica requested variations of pink, coral, white, and green to contrast the groom's men in navy suits. She wanted the flowers to feel romantic, fairytale-esque, and unique. Her exact request for her bouquet was "something fun and wild like me." The flower crowns that adorned the bridesmaids and flower girls were some of our favorite to date. Take a step into the redwoods through their stunning photos...

Jessica & Aaron~ Thank you including me as part of your wedding celebration! Jess, you were one of the easiest brides ever. Thank you for giving me creative freedom to design something beautiful and special just for you. I've loved watching your kids grow through photos. Best of wishes on your many adventures to come!

Ceremony Venue: Redwood Grove, Berkeley, CA | Reception Venue: Bancroft Hotel, Berkeley, CA | Photography: Jared Teska Photography & Mick Sweeney | Floral Design: The Pollen Mill

An Americana Celebration of Love | Vine Hill House, Sebastapol

Words can hardly describe how much I LOVED Kate & Taylor's 4th of July wedding! Everything from the flowers, attire, decor, lawn games, and smiling excited faces. Everything was simply beautiful and just perfect.

Kate requested flowers that were bright & cheery with a "fresh from the garden feel." She also wanted the flowers to reflect their celebration on America's birthday, but not just your typical red, white, and blue. So, we went with bright pinks, subtle red hues, ivory, and then separated the green and light blues to accentuate their true American love. We scattered fresh cherries, grapes, and dahlias about the dining tables and alter to tie-in with the gorgeous vineyard view. And we can't forget the cake we adorned with deep burgundy cherries and hints of robin's blue nigella...it was one of my favorites.
Take a peek at the magic...

Kate & Taylor~ I loved working with you and was honored to play a role in your special celebration! Your sweet first look on your wedding day will be forever embedded in my heart (and of course make me all misty eyed). The two of you have a true comfort with one another and a sweet understanding love that was very present throughout your planning and into the day of your wedding. I wish you many, many love-filled years and exciting adventures to come. Cheers!

Thank you Kelly Boitano for the stunning images. You're work is amazing lady!

Pretty in Pink & Navy | Park Winters, CA

Jessie & Kenny were married at the beautiful Park Winters on a mid spring evening. The day was warm and sun filled, perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony. With the styling and coordination of Alluring Events & Design, this was sure to be one gorgeous celebration.

Jessie requested floral designs in shades of pink and coral with accents of navy. They wanted their nuptials to reflect their personalities; sweet, classic, vibrant, and romantic. Jessie's bridal bouquet was filled with white peonies, ranunculas, veronica, lilac, lisianthus, stock, and silver hues from dusty miller and variegated pittosporum. The bridesmaids were adorned with vibrant pink and coral bouquets hand-tied in a navy and white striped ribbon we just adored! On the dining tables, wooden boxes and simple glass cylinders filled with collections of pink, coral, & white blooms and copper votives brightened the event barn.

Here's a little of the magic that happened on their wonderful wedding day...

Thank you Jessie & Kenny for selecting us as part of your vendor team! We love working with you and watching your vision come to reality! Best wishes on your forever journey together.

A huge round of applause to the ladies at Alluring Events & Design on planning another gorgeous celebration! We always love working with you. XX

Venue: Park Winters| Wedding Coordination & Design: Alluring Events & Design| Photography: Stout Photography