For Mama And Baby . . .

  . . . parrot tulips from Arcata, ornamental oregano, nigella, and scabiosa from Half Moon Bay, garden roses from Garden Valley Ranch in Petaluma, clematis vine from Napa, and freesia from Pescadero. Congratulations and welcome!

A Lace Trimmed Wedding

 Just about a month ago today (this is how behind I am on posts) we were having one of our first rains of the season, and I was worried for E&J's upcoming outdoor wedding. But lo! The clouds parted to reveal freshly cleared skies and soft sunshine, making the views from the iconic Auberge du Soleil even more breathtaking. The happy couple married with a backdrop of the Napa Valley, punctuated by roses, passionvine, and Queen Anne's lace from Petaluma, larkspur from Pescadero, stock from Half Moon Bay, lyismachia from Gilroy, and dahlias from Miramar.

I made the lace accents from a stash of vintage trims I first acquired while going to school in Iowa, and had carried along with me to Boston, Vermont, and back to California, waiting for a worthy use. I'm glad I held out! The incredibly sweet E wanted to incorporate as many lace detail as possible throughout the celebration; I can't imagine a more perfect use for my long hoarded treasure!

Congratulations again, E&J! It was a joy and honor to be a part of your day.

A Handmade Wedding

 Chefs M&L have made a food-filled life together up in Portland, but decided to celebrate their wedding closer to family at a friend's home in the El Cerrito hills. They married in a nearby park then returned to a reception full of delphinium from Pescadero, solidago and marigolds from Half Moon Bay, garden roses from Sonoma, lion's tale, nasturtiums, geraniums, and persimmons from Napa, and a feast prepared by the couple themselves. Quite an impressive accomplishment, which bodes well for many happy years to come! Congratulations and best of wishes, M&L!

M wore a retro knee length dress she reworked at the neckline with a bold nastutium applique salvaged from vintage linens (endless talent, right?). Her bouquet was a small and simple gathering of marigolds, mint, and nasturtiums (which I was worried about sourcing but managed to harvest enough of from a friend's garden- thank you L!). I hope someday to have photographs of the flowers and the dress together!

 

 

I Heart Chrysanthemums

Wreath Season

Even as I revel in the last few weddings of the season, I'm getting super stoked for the wreaths to come! Here's one of the first- acorns from South Bay, rosemary and olive from Napa tied with real silk ribbon.

Get Ye to Alice's

I'm super excited that The Monkey Flower Group is now delivering flowers for sale at Alice's, one of Napa's loveliest consignment and antique shops (newly relocated to Randolph and Third St. between the Uptown Theatre and Bilco's- my kind of block!). These photos are of last week's offerings, but I'll be delivering another little batch later today (by the lunch hour) and again on Thursday. Come by to grab one adorable nosegay for your desk . . .

. . . or a whole bunch of them to fill a vase for a centerpiece! 

 And then there's all the other goodies to check out at Alice's. I need someone to come purchase this beautiful set of silver with an awesomely dense daffodil motif before I do something rash!

A Few Tips to Share

Some of you may remember this tricky vase I was struggling/experimenting with designing in a few months back. Well, there is a solution! Today I am happy and honored to be able to share that tip and a few others for making the most of your garden's flowers over on Belinda's wonderful blog, Wild Acre. Most of you are probably already familiar with Belinda (that veritable powerhouse of jewelry, garden, and floral design, not to mention perpectual source of warm maternal wisdom, keen perception, and sharp wit). But if not, you're in for a treat! Thank you, Belinda, for including me in your lovely forum!

Lavender Blue

Nigella from Watsonville, roses from Petaluma, brake fern from Eureka, kale and scabiosa from Half Moon Bay, and acorns from South Bay.

For Grandma and Granddad

These forget-me-nots remind me of Grandma (who grew up in Alaska), the painting reminds me of Granddad (who purchased it while in Japan during WWII), and the clock reminds me of them both (it was a wedding gift).

Thank you for always being there for me, Grandma and Granddad! I love you.

A Barn Burner Release Party

Trying to describe Tom and Lauren Scott of Tom Scott Vineyard makes me feel rather silly, because the adjectives that come to mind all seem contradictory:  whimsical and practical, causal and elegant, fun-loving and driven. But it all rings true, especially when you observe that while Tom and Lauren are incredibly serious in their devotion to growing the highest quality fruit possible for their single vineyard field blend Cabernet Sauvignon, they still manage to maintain a refreshingly playful approach to life. I think that's something worth striving for! So when Lauren asked if I could design the flowers (colorful, casual, and elegant, in true Tom and Lauren style) for this year's party celebrating the release of their 2008 Barn Burner Cabernet, I was honored. Thank you for letting me be a part of your happy story!