Secret Window Floral Studio

Trash the Dress? | May 9th, 2012

We have all heard about the new trend “trash the dress” right?  Seriously, brides spend thousands of dollars on their wedding dress, and although they may only wear that dress one time, how many brides can actually bring themselves to trash it?

One of my recent brides told me that she is having three wedding ceremonies.  A formal ceremony here in Colorado, and two out of state for family members who can’t attend the church ceremony.   This was the first time that I had ever heard of a bride having three wedding ceremonies and actually getting to wear her wedding three times!  I told her how lucky she was, because most brides only wear the dress once and then put it into storage.  She then told me about the plans she had for her wedding dress.  Her dress would only be saved until the birth of their first daughter, because the dress would be used to make her daughter’s Christening dress.

What a wonderful and beautiful idea!  This child will wear a dress that was part of the union between her parents.  What a symbolic gesture for a child’s Christening day.  It would be wonderful if more dresses were used this way instead of sitting tightly packed on the top shelf of a closet.  What a wonderful gift for the child, one that can be handed down and worn again and again.

Trash the dress?  I guess in a way yes, but in a much better and useful way.

Avoid wedding day disappointment | May 1st, 2012

 

Ever wondered how many brides receive their wedding flowers on their wedding day and are disappointed with the quality and the way they look?  This happens more than you think.  Having been in the flower industry for over 25 years I have heard many horror stores, and have come to the rescue of many distraught brides.   I recently had a mother come into my studio asking if I do weddings.  When I told her that I did she breathed a sigh of relief and told me that her daughter was getting married in two weeks.  She had not heard from the florist that they had originally booked with so she decided to pay them a visit.  To her dismay she found out that the florist was no longer in business.

Imagine your wedding day with no flowers.  There could be nothing more disappointing on your wedding day, than having your flowers arrive and not meet your expectations.  If I can give one word of advice to all you future brides, it is do your homework on your florist.  Do they have an actual business location, or work out of their home? Do they have a floral cooler?  Many florists who work out of their home or a remote location, do not, which means that your flowers are sitting out at room temperature until they are delivered to you.  If they have a cooler, Take a look at the designs inside, do you like their style? Don’t be afraid to ask questions! How long have you been in business, how much floral experience do you have?  How many weddings have you done? May I see pictures of your work?  Any reputable florist will be happy to answer any questions you have and show examples of their work to you.  It is essential that you do your homework ahead of time to avoid disappointment on your wedding day.

The Blue and Purple Bouquet | April 16th, 2012

Did you know that purple is the symbolic color of royalty?   Its cohorts lavender, lilac, and mauve provide a softer look in this family of cool colors. Flowers ARE grown in blue-from pale and pastel tones to intense azure and violet shades.   Flowers that come in blue and purple are:  Anemone, Aster, Calla Lily, Cornflower, Dahlia, Delphiniium, Freesia, Gladiolus, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Larkspur, Lilac, Lisianthus, Orchid, Phlox, Rose, Scabiosa, Stock, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Tweedia & Veronica.

The purple palette is lovely when used monochromatically, but is also very beautiful when complemented by white, cream, pink, and green.  Whatever shade of purple you choose for you bouquet it is guaranteed to make a lovely statement of who you are.

This bouquet features purple veronica, hydrangea, and delicate light-blue tweedia.

 

 

 

 

The all-white bouquet | April 9th, 2012

The white bouquet is the most classic of wedding palettes. Symbolizing innocence, purity, and newness, white also symbolizes the start of a married couple’s life together.  With so many varieties of white flowers available, traditional need not mean predictable.  White can easily transform from casual to formal, and from classic to contemporary.  This color can be a star on its own to create an elegant all-white wedding, or it can be a supporting role as the perfect neutral complement to colored flowers.   There are many variations of white, bright white, natural white, ivory, cream, alabaster, bone, and can be accented with hints of color, either in cool blues and greens or warmer yellows and pinks.

You can’t go wrong with an all-white bouquet.  This bouquet features white peonies, with Italian ruscus.  Very simple, yet extremely elegant, and oh so fragrant!

 

Your wedding bouquet | March 26th, 2012

Fresh flowers will enhance your wedding in every way, but the one everyone will remember is the Bride’s bouquet.

Choosing the flowers for your bouquet will be one of the most pleasant pre-wedding experiences that you will have.

Your florist should be able to create a unique bouquet that will be perfect for you, one that expresses your personality, and one that will be comfortable for you to carry throughout your ceremony.  It will be the most photographed floral arrangement of the day, and it should complement you and your gown in every way.

The most recent trend has been for a simple round hand-tied bouquet on natural stems.  The advantage of this bouquet is not only does it look beautiful and natural, but it always photographs well, however they are held.  The natural, just-picked look of flowers has also been popular, as well as the inclusion of herbs in a bouquet, such as lavender, rosemary, sage, lemon balm, myrtle, and scented eucalyptus.

To gain insight into the bouquet that you think you would like, browse through wedding magazines and books and look for ideas and flowers that appeal to you.  After a while, you will start to build up an idea of the design you like.  This will make it easier for you to explain the bouquet that you want to your florist, and it will help make it possible for your florist to create the bouquet of your dreams.

The one thing I always tell my Bride’s is “be sure you get the bouquet you want.  This is your special day, and all eyes will be on you.”  You can always cut costs somewhere else, but your bouquet is a reflection of you and who you are.

Bouquet Shapes | March 19th, 2012

 

Generally, bouquet shapes fall into five categories, Nosegay, Posy, Round, Hand-tied, and Cascade.

The nosegay bouquet is approximately 16-18 inches in diameter, and is a densely packed mound of flowers, greenery, and sometimes herbs.  Both simple and elegant, this bouquet works best with compact blooms such as roses, ranunculus, calla lilies, and tulips.  You can mix and match the flowers or use only one variety.  The nosegay is ideal for nearly every style of wedding, and can be dressed up or down, depending on your choice of flowers and stem treatments.

The Posy is smaller than a nosegay, but similar in design.  It is perfect for little hands, or for a bridesmaid’s bouquet, and is usually made with smaller bloomed flowers.

The round bouquet is similar in style to a nosegay but usually larger.  The classic round bouquet usually contains large flowers loosely arranged.  It is a good option for the bride in a formal wedding that wants something bolder than a nosegay, but less conspicuous than a cascading bouquet.

The hand-tied bouquet is a bunch of blooms casually hand-tied with a ribbon.  This type of bouquet works best in an informal wedding since it has a just-picked natural look.  A mix of garden flowers or French tulips can give a simple yet elegant look for a spring wedding.

The cascade bouquet or shower bouquet is the most formal and traditional of the bridal bouquets.  It is often composed of blooms that are wired to “cascade” or shower gracefully over the bride’s hands.  Petite brides should pass on this bouquet, as it can be potentially overwhelming.

Bouquet Types | March 11th, 2012

To find the perfect bouquet for you, think in terms of an overall style.  Simple, natural, or romantic.  A simple bouquet, either in a traditional or modern sense, can work for almost any wedding style.  Simple may have only one variety of flower.  A dainty posy of staphanotis, the most classic of wedding flowers is subtle and elegant.

A natural bouquet is more freely styled, loosely arranged, and is ideal for semi-formal or informal weddings.  Natural can include sunflowers, zinnias or a variety of seasonal flowers.  Herbs can be mixed in along with numerous grasses and pods providing a wildflower look.

A romantic bouquet is lush and overflowing, and can be tailored to many wedding styles.  Think of a bouquet with a mix of peonies and David Austin garden roses, parrot tulips or frilly sweet peas.  A romantic bouquet can also be complemented with berry accents and swirling tendrils of ivy or other greenery.  Of course, these styles are always open to interpretation and adaptation.

Your wedding bouquet | March 5th, 2012

Your bridal bouquet will be the most special handful of flowers you will ever hold. And, like the gorgeous gal carrying it, your bouquet will be the center of attention.

Your bouquet is part accessory, part medium for self –expression, and part work of art. Your bouquet will give an indication of the style of the celebration. It’s style should echo your own, while complementing that of your wedding. Your bouquet will establish the style of the rest of your wedding flowers. For example, the groom will most likely wear a boutonniere made from one of the flower varieties in your bouquet, and while your bouquet will be grander than your maids’, theirs will borrow from its shape, varieties, and palette.

For the best possible bouquet choose flower varieties that are long-lasting without water, and durable. Your bouquet will be in motion and handled throughout the day. Next, decide on color. All white has always been the most traditional, however, your bouquet should reflect your personality. If you are fun loving and adventurous, then anything goes!

When choosing your bouquets shape, consider the formality of your gown and body type. Generally, voluptuous brides should go with bigger bouquets, as small nosegays might seem out of proportion. Petite brides should pass on the grand bouquets, as their tiny figures might get lost behind a sea of flowers.

Whether classic, glamorous, sophisticated, or playful, your bouquet can be as individual, and beautiful, as you are.

The lonely carnation | February 28th, 2012

In the Victorian language of flowers the Carnation is symbolic of admiration, and pure love. Why then has it become almost obsolete in the wedding bouquet?
The carnation has become an outcast in the flower industry, mainly because people view it as a cheap funeral flower, but the carnation is not the cheap flower that it used to be, there are so many advantages that are often overlooked.

The best advantage is that it gives great value for the price, and comes in a wide range of colors. They are also extremely long lasting, and have a wonderful fragrance. Their soft ruffled edges give bouquets texture and visual interest.

Can’t afford hydrangeas? Carnations when massed together can mimic the look of hydrangeas, and will last twice as long! Massed flowers of one type have recently been the most popular choice for weddings and are perhaps one of the most successful options because they photograph well.

So don’t be too quick to discount the lonely carnation. It may just be the flower you need to express YOUR admiration and love!

Wedding painting is the new trend | February 27th, 2012

We just returned from the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas where picked up on some of the new trends in the wedding business.  One of the newest trends is wedding Painting.

Have you ever wished that you could capture your wedding day in a portrait?  Well now you can.   The new trend is wedding painting.  Just what is wedding painting?  It is where you commission an artist to paint a picture of your wedding day, complete with guests and all!  What makes this painting special is that you will have a quality work of art that you can hang on your wall depicting your wedding day, without having to bring out the wedding photos.  It is something that you will cherish forever.

Wedding painting can’t be done by just anyone.  You will need to find a skilled and talented artist that can capture the essence of your wedding in a couple of hours.  Not an easy feat for just anyone!  Your best bet for finding an artist who is able to paint your wedding is to visit galleries or visit artist associations.  They most likely will be able to refer you to an artist that will have the capability of wedding painting.

Secret Window is able to provide you with a wedding painter for your special day.   Instead of the typical girls night out bachelorette party, consider having a painting party, where each of your guests will walk away with their very own painting.  If you would like to find out more, come and visit us at Secret Window Art Gallery and Floral Studio in Monument Colorado.

What is a Tussie Mussie? | February 23rd, 2012

Originally, the term tussie was defined as a knot of flowers, and mussie referred to a clump of moist moss used to keep the flowers fresh. During the Victorian Era, these small bouquets became a means of communication. The language of flowers became an integral part of the social life. This was a very romantic time in civilization, and the floral tussie mussie incorporated romance into everyday life.

The traditional tussie mussie of the Victorian era is still used today. It may be the bridal bouquet or a bouquet for the bridesmaid. A smaller version may be used as an alternative to the traditional Mother-of-the-bride corsage. With the proper material choices, a tussie mussie can tell a virtual story of the relationship of the bride and groom.

Your Premier Monument Colorado Florist | February 12th, 2012

We are Monument’s premier florist specializing in weddings and events. We also service Palmer Lake, Larkspur, Jackson Creek, Black Forest, and Colorado Springs. Our promise to you is that you will receive beautiful, thoughtful and fresh flowers for your wedding or special event. Because we tailor our work to each individual, we choose not to be part of Teleflora or FTD. Please give us a call to place your flower order or to schedule your wedding consultation.

Reflect Your Personality! | February 4th, 2012

I love it when brides get creative and share a bit of their personality in their wedding centerpieces.  The right table decor can tie together the sincerity of the ceremony with the celebratory atmosphere of the reception.  There are so many fun options these days whether it be homemade, vintage or chic, the possibilities are endless!  All it takes is a little creativity!  Remember, some wedding centerpieces compliment a wedding theme, while others are meant to be a focal point of the day.  Knowing the difference is the key!

Peoples Choice Award Winner! | February 3rd, 2012

Secret Window was honored to accept the Peoples Choice Award for best tablescape arrangement at the Zonta Glass Slipper Ball on January 28, at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs.   We were among some of Colorado Springs finest florists who contributed their creative designs to the annual event which was attended by many prominent business people in the area.

This year we decided to do something really different and unusual.  I have always been a big fan of foliage arrangements.  There are so many different colors and textures of foliage available on the market these days that you can create almost anything.  With a little thought and creativity, you’d be amazed at what you can do with it!  Not only did we have fun making them, but it was also a kick to watch everyone check them out.  Yes, there were two, a boy and a girl!

 

It’s Engagement Season! | December 12th, 2011

December is by far the most popular month for guys to pop the question.  Is it because they are looking for that special gift for that special girl and are influenced by all the diamond and jewelry commercials at this time of year? is it because they are feeling a little sentimental?

The month of December brings about so many different feelings for so many people.  Most view it as a very happy time of year filled with lots of activity and the frenzy of shopping.  December brings families together from near and far, and what better time than this to share the news of the upcoming nuptials.

If you don’t get the ring you want this Christmas, don’t worry.  New Year’s Eve is the second most popular day to get engaged, and don’t forget, there’s always Valentines Day!

Brides, short on time? Have your floral and cake consultation in one place! | December 7th, 2011

Planning a wedding takes  a lot of time, time that you may not have.  There are so many details to deal with, from the dress to the venue, and everything in between.  Maybe Mom can only get away for one day, and you need to squeeze everything into a Saturday afternoon.

We would like to make your time a little more effective.   Secret Window and  Wild Flours Confections are now able to offer you the convenience of having your floral and cake consultation in one place.  No need to run around town with time constraints.

Wild Flours Confections specializes in gourmet cupcakes, and incredible, edible art!  I had the pleasure of tasting her cupcakes this week, and they looked positively gorgeous, and tasted amazing!

So brides, if you are looking to save time by combining two consultations in one place,  give us a call at 719-481-9600 to schedule your appointment.  June weddings are booking quickly, so don’t wait too long, give us a call today!

Responsibilities of the Best Man | November 15th, 2011

It is an honor to be chosen as the Best Man at a wedding. Many times the decision is a difficult one, does the Groom choose his brother or his best friend since grade school? No matter who is chosen, make sure that they are responsible and able to handle all the responsibilities that come with the position.

Before the ceremony, the Best Man helps the Groom get ready and must be absolutely sure that he has the marriage license with him. If he forgets this, there will be no wedding, and that is trouble from the very beginning. He should get the ministers fee from the Groom and give this money to the minister privately following the ceremony. It is also the Best Man’s responsibility to look after the little guy, the ring bearer, and make sure that he explains to him what he is supposed to do. He assists with car arrangements and luggage arrangements for after the reception, and make sure that the Groom has all necessary tickets and travel documents. Before the ceremony, the Best Man should tell the ushers which ladies will be receiving corsages and make sure that thy don’t seat them before they are pinned on. The Best Man should arrive at the reception first so that he can welcome the Bride and Groom. So no riding in the limo together. If you do, drop him off first and have him go in ahead of you. In fact, send everyone in ahead of you so that you newlyweds can share a private moment together before heading inside to a reception full of people who won’t leave you alone for the next four hours! The Best Man should make the first toast at both the reception, and the rehearsal dinner, and hopefully, he won’t make one that will embarass you to death. He also should help the Groom get ready to leave the reception. And last but not least, he should make arrangements for flowers to be delivered to the Newlywed’s honeymoon suite.

So it’s not all party after all for the Best Man. If he’s on top of things he will ensure that the day runs smoothly from beginning to end. After it’s all over, he can sit back relax and give himself a big pat on the back for a job well done.

More About Wedding/Event Painters | October 18th, 2011

I was asked to add additional information about event or wedding painters which is a West Coast trend moving East.  Live event artists such as A.T. Archuleta (Secret Window Gallery) will complete your oil painting in approximately 4-6 hours.  Although most wedding painters paint with acrylics because of their short drying time, Archuleta prefers oils because it adds more luminosity.  The trade off with an oil painting is that it usually takes a couple of weeks for it be dry enough to glaze and be delivered to the bride and groom.  Archuleta also recommends putting a varnish on the painting after four to six months.  This will add to the archival capability and beauty of your oil painting.

I recommend that you look at several  paintings of the artist you choose so that you feel comfortable with their talent and ability to capture your special moment.  Not all painters are equal!

The artist should schedule a meeting with you to discuss the details of your event including day, location, and time. You should choose which special moment of your celebration you would like captured in the painting such as the ceremony or reception.  The reception is preferable since it allows more time for the artist to capture the feeling of the event.  The artist should arrive approximately two hours before the start of your event to set up the blank canvas and begin laying out the scene, and filling in the background.  The artist will continue working through your event capturing the look of your guests, including the bride and groom, and the overall beauty of the location as the moments unfold.

As your celebration progresses, the artist will finalize the details on the painting. Your guests will love to take a look at the work in progress and will be fascinated by how quickly the painting evolves.  A wedding painter is a great way to add entertainment to your event and give you a lasting memory.  The cost of a talented event painter ranges from $1500 – $3000 on up.

 

He popped the question, you said yes! Now who’s responsible for what? | October 11th, 2011

Planning a wedding is a lot of work.  It is easier when everyone involved takes care of their responsibilities, however, many don’t know what their job entails.  Maintaining traditional etiquette in this area can often eliminate frustrations, hurt feelings, and ruffled feathers.   We will help you identify who is responsible for what here.  This week we will start with the primary responsibilities of the Mother of the Bride.

First and foremost, the Mother of the Bride should help the Bride and Groom set a wedding budget.  Once that task is done it’s off to the fun stuff, Shopping!!  She should accompany the Bride and help her pick  out her wedding attire.  She should also select the gown that she will be wearing to the ceremony as quickly as possible, and then inform the Mother of the Groom of the color and style so that the two can coordinate without duplicating.  The Mother of the Bride should help create a guest list for the wedding, get a list from the Groom’s family, and assist the bride in ordering the invitations.  It is also the Mother of the Bride’s responsibility to accommodate her out-of-town guests.

This is just the beginning of the wedding party responsibilities.   Next we will cover the responsibilities of the Mother of the Groom so stay tuned for more!

 

Wedding Flowers: Who Pays For What? | October 4th, 2011

The most frequent etiquette question regarding wedding flowers is who pays for what?  Traditionally, the costs are shared as follows:

The Bride and/or her family are responsible for the Bridesmaid Bouquets, Flower Girl Bouquets, Grandmother Corsages  & Ceremony/Reception Flowers.

The Groom and/or his family are responsible for the Brides Bouquet, Mother’s Corsages, Groom’s Boutonniere and all other Boutonnieres.

Many do not know the history of “who pays for what” and find it quite interesting.  While tradition dictates the breakdown, it does not mean that the costs must be shared in this manner.  Often the bride’s family pays for all of the flowers.  While today’s wedding couples are a little older and more established, many choose to pay for the flowers and the complete wedding themselves.