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...

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

Billowy Blooms for a Yountville Autumn Wedding | Bouchon Restaurant | Yountville, CA

We just love when our inbox is filled with lovely photographs from our wedding clients! This November wedding in Yountville was classic and breathtaking with lush, billowy blooms and sweet personal details. Naturally, we had to share these stunning images of our designs captured by Vicen Forns Photography. Thank you Vicen Forns for sharing! Enjoy!

Venue: Bouchon Bistro (Yountville) Photography: Vicen Forns Photography (Napa) Hair & Make-Up: Carrie Aldous (Napa)

The (Floral) Red Zone

There is this NFL channel the husband watches called The Red Zone. Basically the channel bounces back and forth showing all the important highlights from each game. It actually drives me crazy! As soon as I get into one game, it switches to another and I can never keep up (and here I've digressed once again). Anyway, here is a little (Floral) Red Zone highlight action for what the Pollen Mill has been up to.

We provided the floral designs for this beautiful photo shoot at Vizcaya Sacramento. Photo courtesy of Liz Zimbleman Photography. Aren't these two dreamy?

And one more close-up. Gah! Photo courtesy of Liz Zimbleman Photography.

These centerpieces were created for the wonderful ladies at Backdoor Bistro to celebrate their monthly Winemaker's Dinner. We LOVE Backdoor Bistro and are so excited to watch their delicious restaurant grow into a hometown staple.

And then there was this bright backyard arch...

And this one for a wedding at The French Laundry Culinary Garden.

And this bouquet with the beautiful Brooke for a fall photo shoot with Crystal Lynn Photography, Danielle Lucas Hair, and Brooke Anderson modeling. Photo courtesy of Crystal Lynn Photography.

And Brooke with another fall bouquet. Photo courtesy of Crystal Lynn Photography.

And then these designs for a 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration at the Westin Verasa Napa. Photo courtesy of Crystal Lynn Photography.

And these dining table centerpieces for a wedding reception at Ad Hoc in Yountville that the bees couldn't even stay away from.

Oh, Jen's blue and lavender bridal bouquet was not to be forgotten.

We celebrated the grand opening of Sweet Pea's with a pop-up floral shop.

And our designs made the cover of California Meetings & Events Magazine at Soul Food Farm with styling and Photography by Amber Johnston at My Sweetness Stylized Photography.

And plenty of pretty fall flowers went out for delivery.

And that time when Crystal Lynn Photography & The Pollen Mill joined forces to start their new design adventure Foraging Light. Follow us on Instagram @foraginglight to see what we have coming up. Hint Hint: enjoy our flowers every month through… — And that time when Crystal Lynn Photography & The Pollen Mill joined forces to start their new design adventure **Foraging Light**. Follow us on Instagram @foraginglight to see what we have coming up. Hint Hint: enjoy our flowers every month through all of 2015. :)

And then there was this welcoming design for the Flourish Health Summit.

This custom terrarium in a vintage glass cage.

And we designed this entryway piece for Bouchon Bistro out of the back of the Prius. #moblieflorist

The Keane's Baby Shower buffet design. Photo Courtesy of Alison Pfaff

Then we took our hand in event planning & coordination, decor & staging, and full floral design for this one-of-a-kind event which included Olympic Games! Delicious catering by The Organic Countertop and furniture/tabletop rentals from Wine … — Then we took our hand in event planning & coordination, decor & staging, and full floral design for this one-of-a-kind event which included Olympic Games! Delicious catering by The Organic Countertop and furniture/tabletop rentals from Wine Country Rentals. Photo Courtesy of Alison Pfaff

And the temperature decided to drop below 80 degrees for the first time in months. So we made some more moody blooms.

And then it FINALLY rained the day we made this fluffy bridal bouquet.

Last but definitely not least, our boys nailed down a dynasty with one more World Series Win!

Is your head spinning yet? Information overload!

We are so blessed to work with so many great vendors, venues, and restaurants especially our local buddies right here in the 707.

We have much more coming up through the holidays. Keep your eyes peeled for our Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop and Winter Wreaths. We are booking up quickly for weddings & events in 2015. Please contact us ASAP to schedule your consult. As always, thank you for your continued support. Love Locally!

Blog

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

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

Billowy Blooms for a Yountville Autumn Wedding | Bouchon Restaurant | Yountville, CA

The (Floral) Red Zone