Fleur Bliss

NEW BLOG & WEBSITE!

2009-11-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

Check out www.fleurbliss.com for our new blog/website integration experiment!

Oregon Bride!

2009-09-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure this May to contribute a bouquet for a spread in the Fall/Winter '09 Oregon Bride magazine. The peacock-themed bouquet was really a labor of love and included mini green cymbidium orchids, turquoise, blue, and green hydrangea, delphinium, kangaroo paw, green gladiola blooms, mahogany pods, lotus pods, manzanita branches, peacock sword feathers and peacock eye feathers paved down the stems. Love it!

Heather & Al - September 5th, 2009 - Outdoor Chapel @ the Grotto

2009-09-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Colors of a sunset: deep reds, oranges, and yellows. Flowers: dahlias and zinnias.

Carolyn & Bryce - September 5th, 2008 - Persimmon Country Club

2009-09-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new camera that I had heaps of fun playing around with after setting up for Carolyn & Bryce's reception. While I will still post the amazing pictures that are sure to be produced by their photographers (Reversed Lens), here's a sneak peak: French-inspired theme with colors of red, ivory, pink champagne, and chocolate. Flowers: roses, callas, dahlias, and hydrangea.

Autumn Weekly - Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

These last couple of days of blustery mists have reminded me that Autumn is definitely my favorite of the seasons! Here is a cheery, zinnia-rich fall weekly I made recently. Zinnias' curly petals just warm my heart.

Kelly & Ryan - June 20th, 2009 - Fairgate Inn, Camas

2009-07-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Kelly is the (uber chic) cousin of a super close friend of mine, so I was more than elated to do her flowers when she got married in June. I think they turned out pretty close to what she had envisioned - bright, bold, but still on the elegant side. She loves stargazer lilies and they happened to work well with her color scheme - black, white, and bright pink, with damask accents. I used black glassware (which I am starting to love) with white and pink hydrangea, white and pink roses, white calla lilies, and pink stargazer lilies. So simple and straightforward, but I think it so worked...

Photography courtesy of Jonathan King of Seattle Digital Wedding.

Sarah & Brad - May 23rd, 2009 - Meriwether Golf Club

2009-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Such a luscious wedding - definitely one of my favorites so far! Colors: green, white, and shades of pink. Flowers: peonies, garden roses, spray roses, super green roses, ranunculus, viburnum, lisianthus, and cherry blossoms.

Photography courtesy of Bryan Rupp Photography.

Shauna & Steve - April 18th, 2009 - Portland LDS Temple

2009-05-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely, classic spring wedding - yellow, white and navy. Flowers: Dutch tulips, French tulips, parrot tulips, calla lilies, daffoldils, and freesia.

Ellen & Jeff - March 21st, 2009 - Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom

2009-04-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

Colors: yellow, green, and white. Flowers: white and green hydrangea, green hypericum, white ranunculus, yellow cabbage roses, white sweetheart roses, and lemon leaf.

Jenny & James - March 21, 2009 - McMenamin's Edgefield

2009-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Jenny was one of those brides who comes in knowing just what she wants - which I greatly appreciate - especially when her wants include a mix of reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and teals in March. In addition to the flowers that appeared in the various other bridal party and decor pieces, her bouquet included ranunculus, red James Storrey orchids, hypericum, roses, freesia, tulips, and fern curls - very substantial...

Jillian & Matt - Acadian Ballroom - February 21st, 2009

2009-03-18T23:33:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous & Crisp - white and greens: hydrangea, ranunculus, cabbage roses, hypericum, tulips, kermit mums, viburnum, & lemon leaf.

Photography courtesy of Jessica Hill Photography.

St. Patty's Flowers

2009-03-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Here are is a random weekly I did near St. Patrick's Day. I can't tell if I think it is weird. I had another St. Patty's weekly posted and deleted it because I didn't want to look at it anymore - green carnations and green anthurium... St. Patrick's day is weird.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Unlike quite a few florists, Valentine's Day is actually not too stressful for me as I only do special pre-orders. Here was one of them: black baccara roses, black/eggplant callas, fern curls, and red ti leaves.

Rachel & Her Man - January 18th, 2009 - One of the McMenamin's Venues

2009-02-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

I just love the vague nature of this post. Rachel was a cool, low-key bride from Seattle who contacted me just for a bridal bouquet - it was a winter wedding and she wanted her environmental impact to be a minimal as possible. I never learned her fiance's name or her venue information. Oh well. Rachel's dress was a gorgeous gray-teal and bouquet of eucalyptus with a mix of white and silver flowers was the perfect complement! I think I used seeded and heart eucalyptus, gladiola blooms, hydrangea, and eucaluptus pods - probably some lisianthus too. Just so wintery and nice. Sorry, so close ups...

Amber & Husband - January 3rd, 2009 - World Forestry Center

2009-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

So earthy and cool. They used edelweiss for the boutonnieres! Here are some pictures of the bride and groom (with the bridal bouquet). Her bouquet reminds me of something that Ink & Peat would do - they are awesome and so distinctive - rosemary, seeded eucalyptus, trichelium, lycopodium, magnolia leaves, fern curls, ranunculus, roses, mokara orchids, and kumquats. Loved it!

Photography by Brian Lee Photography.

Tracy & Quinn - September 20th, 2008 - Lawrence Art Gallery

2009-01-21T00:27:00.000-08:00

Palette: Black, White, & Red; Damask detailing. Flowers: dahlias, mokara orchids, gladiola blooms, carnations, tulips, & celosia.

Photography by Artistique Photographie.

Meredith & Corey - October 11, 2008 - Black Walnut Inn

2009-01-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

This was a destination wedding for the Meredith & Corey (who are both from Colorado). They were inspired by a past vacation to Oregon wine country and couldn't resist choosing it for their nuptials. The Black Walnut Inn hosted their tasteful gathering of around 35. It is an unreal venue - definitely my favorite so far of the vineyards outside of Portland. Their palette: white, yellows, oranges, & gold. Flowers: several rose varieties & callas.

Photography by Aisha Harley.

Leah & John - October 4th, 2008 - Bridal Veil Lakes

2009-01-20T22:05:00.000-08:00

Such a beautiful couple, setting and wedding overall! Colors: cream, brown, green, & accents of pink. Flowers I used: white dahlias, pink garden roses, green hypericum berries, Star of Bethlehem, fiddle head ferns, variegated aspidistra leaves.

Art of Weddings - My Pictures

2009-01-20T21:38:00.001-08:00

The Setup:

Art of Weddings Bouquet #6: Vintage White

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Inspiration: Soft, Antique Detailing Accents: Lace, Pearls, & Feathers
The Bouquet: Ranunculus, antique "Sahara" roses, Peterkort ‘Metallina’ roses, & hyacinth

Art of Weddings Bouquet #5: Gorgeously Green

2009-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Inspiration: Local, Organic, Recyclable Detailing

Accents: Burlap & twine
The Bouquet: Succulents, Peterkort Super Green roses, horsetail, Old Man's Beard moss, & bush moss

Art of Weddings Bouquet #4: Fleur Couture

2009-01-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Chic, uber Feminine DetailingAccents: satin bow & braided English rose textile wrap

The Bouquet: sweet peas, lisianthus, ranunculus,sweetheart & garden roses

Art of Weddings Bouquet #3: Purely Pewter

2009-01-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Monochromatic, Metallic DetailingAccents: snakeskin cuff, aluminum wire roses, hematite beads, & smoky pearls
The Bouquet: magnolia leaves, silver dollar eucalyptus,fiddlehead fern curls, & calla lilies

Art of Weddings Bouquet #2: Violet Luxe

2009-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Inspiration: Deep Purple with Opulent, Regal Detailing Accents: satin cuff w/ vertical ruffle, rhinestone brooch and pin embellishments
The Bouquet: violet carnations, stock & mokara orchids

Art of Weddings Bouquet #1: Modern Sunshine - Yellow, Black, & White

2009-01-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

I created 6 very stylistically-diverse bridal bouquets for the Art of Weddings show last week. Here is the inspiration board for the first bouquet.

I love the sharp modern contrast of black and white patterns paired with striking shots of lemon yellow. I used all yellow flowers - button mums, germini, and tulips - along with black and white buttons mixed in the flowers and a black and white patterned ribbon on the stems (see pictures below).

Inspiration: Crisp, Contemporary, Fresh Detailing

Accents: black and white patterned buttons & ribbon

The Bouquet: yellow buttom mums, germini, and tulips

Art of Weddings

2008-12-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be participating in the Art of Weddings boutique bridal show in less than two weeks! I have big plans at this point and am busy with the preparations. I am creating a space based around a black, white, and turquoise dandy damask theme - bright and bold to attract all my potential brides' eyes! The other vendors that are going to be there are diverse and premium quality and should attract a unique type of Portland bride. I look forward to posting loads of pictures from the event!

Holiday Designs

2008-12-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas & New Year!

Fragrant Pine, Snowflake Mums, & Holly

(My Fave - red roses, green spider mums, peppermint carnations, ming fern, green button mums, white button mums, sparkly leaves & ornamnets, green & red apples, pears, & pomegranates)

(Dusty miller & eucalyptus pods for a silvery January table)

2008 Weddings In Review

2008-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

With year 1 as a full-fledged wedding florist coming to a close, I have finally mustered the gumption (and time) to look back and see what actually happened since this random alteration of my life's plan. As of today - total wedding count: 46. Here are a few of my favorite bouquets & such that weren't featured in any of my previous posts:

Gooseneck, Dusty Miller, Star of Bethlehem, garden roses, & lisianthus

Anemones & ranunculus

Blue hydrangea, white lisianthus, & white freesia

Cream football chrysanthemums, white lisianthus, & white gladiola blooms

White callas, white lisianthus, white roses, Queen Anne's Lace, & purple vanda orchids

White dahlias & white lisianthus

Peach roses & peach hypericum berries

White dahlias, pink garden roses, green hypericum berries, Star of Bethlehem, fiddle head ferns, variegated aspidistra leaves

Pink tulips, orange mini gerbera daisies, orange mokara orchids

Mini succulents, fiddle head ferns, poppy pods, green lisianthus, super green cabbage roses, white lisianthus, spiral eucalyptus

Champagne callas, fiddle head ferns

Orange mokara orchids, green dendrobium orchids, pink nerine lilies

White hydrangea, white freesia

Orange pincushion protea, orange tulips, decorative peppers, & green anthurium

Pink carnations

White mini dahlias & pink spray roses

Green cabbage rose, white lisianthus, & fiddle head fern

Pink garden roses & green hypericum

Purple callas, purple cymbidium orchid, & lycopodium

Lizzy's Wedding - October 14

2008-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Though many brides give me a ton of artistic license when it comes to their flowers, it never gets better than having a sister get married!

Because I also served as a makeshift wedding planner, the color pallette was primarily my choosing. While I could have gone with a traditional fall color scheme of rust, pumpkin, and chocolate (read: borderline blah...), I just couldn't resist the fresh pop of clear, brights hues of green and orange. Liz loves green, so it just took convincing her that the orange wouldn't look too garish (or gourd-ish).

The right floral combos were finally achieved using Bells of Ireland, decorative peppers, mambo and super green cabbage roses, green hydrangea, green gladiola blooms, orange pincushion protea, orange ranunculus, orange standard and mini dahlias, orange mokara orchids, orange celosia, and green dendrobium orchids.

Despite having one of my last 35" gathering vases bust in half in the back of my Element on the way home, the day went just beautifully! Here is a small glimpse...

Photography by Robbie Augspurger

Nikki & Spencer - September 27th, 2008 - Veiled Gardens at the Abernethy Center

2008-10-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

Caitlin & Edward - September 20, 2008 - Tualatin Country Club

2008-09-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

I found the most amazing large-petal mottled purple hydrangea to make up a large part of Caitlin & Edward's deep purple, blue, and gold wedding. It all turned out so lush.

The elements: deep purple hydrangea, cornflower, aster, bella donna, scabiosa, and stock.

Above photography by Tanasbourne Photography.

Above photography by Images in Time.

Tricia & Phil - August 31, 2008 - Rhododendron Gardens

2008-08-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

Tricia was one of those brides that floral designers like me dream of. A designer herself, Tricia wanted something completely apart from the norm (think: polar opposite of "I just think red roses are so romantic...). During the consult, she just kept repeating the word "sticks" over and over. I actually had to convince her to incorporate some flowers (in her bouquet at least)!

She originally wanted fresh eucalyptus pods to match the sashes on her bridesmaids' gowns, but the pods aren't in season until late November, so I had to wing it - I ended up using dried eucalyptus pods (originally brown) sprayed to match and then whitewashed to look like they do when they are first snipped from the tree. I attached the pods to a bark covered wire to add some length. We wrapped a cameo necklace in the ivory satin cuff on the stems of Tricia's bouquet in remembrance of her grandmother.

Elements used: Dried eucalyptus pods, tiger sticks, white lisianthus, seeded eucalyptus, & pheasant feathers.

Photography by Jasmine Photography.

Lindsay & Pete - August 30, 2008 - Tualatin Country Club

2008-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have to say that Lindsay and Pete are probably one of the absolutely nicest couples I have ever met. Not only did Lindsay have great taste, but she was conscientious, alert, and caring throughout the process as well - such a pleasure to work with! Their colors were white, shades of pink, and turquoise. We used pink california roses, white garden roses, pink garden roses, pink & white bicolored dahlias, white freesia, pink and white spray roses, and white hydrangea for a fabulous mix of pink feminine and white & turquoise crisp sophistication. I just love that Lindsay liked the belted rhinestone buckles on all the tall & short centerpieces as much as I did!

Dropping off the goods.

Karin & Robert - August 31, 2008 - Youngberg Hill Inn & Vineyard

2008-08-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Talk about a fragrant wedding - all thanks to some humungous California garden roses! Karin's awesome southern taste showed through with her soft peach, pinks, and white wedding. Their ceremony took place overlooking the most stunning hill view of wine country I have ever seen. Football mums, tea roses, garden roses, spray roses, and dahlias created such a soft romantic look for the bouquets, centerpieces, cake, and nosegays. Matching pomanders hung from a gorgeous wrought iron gazebo at the end of the aise, adding to the drama of the bride's entrance.

Stacey & Travis - August 2, 2008 - Cannon Beach, OR

2008-08-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

A graphic designer by trade, Stacey Holton (now of Stacey Holton Bridal Coordination) has exquisite taste. Though she had originally planned to go with tawny reds, burnt oranges, and chocolate, Stacey found a plan-altering inspiration from a David's Bridal ad. She finally decided on white, cream, and chocolate - a decidedly cleaner pallate that still maintains a touch of warmth - perfect for a crisp August Oregon Coast wedding! I used white dahlias, vendela roses, lemon leaves, and variegated aspidistra leaves.

Photography by Lauren Brooks Photography

Randi & Jake - August 6, 2008 - Bridal Veil Lakes

2008-08-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Rand & Jake had an intimate, picnic-style wedding & reception. The centerpieces were definitely the most fun to make - long white wooden planters and apple baskets filled with flowers and wheat grass.

Julie & Joel - July 20, 2008 - Ainsworth House & Gardens

2008-07-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

Julie and her daughter were super spastic and awesome to work with - I think we laughed the whole way through the consult. She loves lavender - both the flower and the color - so we used both. The mottled purple and blue-ish hydrangea BM bouquets were so 'Real Simple.' I love the lavender against the dusty apple green dresses. The flowers: purple roses, lavender, white callas, white roses, and purple hydrangea.

Joanne & Chris - July 19, 2008 - Private Residence - Silverton, OR

2008-07-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

Colors: burgundy, deep purple, and varying shades of green. Joanne wanted a more exotic look, without going completely overboard. What we went with: green spider chrysanthemums, purple callas, purple cymbidium orchids, purple mink protea, lily grass, & brazillia.

Heidi & Alonzo - June 28, 2008 - First Baptist Church & World Trade Center

2008-06-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Heidi & Alonzo's choice of a black, white, & red color scheme is one of the most classic. Heidi opted for red roses, white roses, and stephanotis for all of her arrangements. Although I am not generally one for such a limited pallette or traditional designs, their wedding really did turn out simple and beautiful.

Erica & Tony - June 28, 2008 - Cornelius Pass McMenamin's Roadhouse

2008-06-30T14:10:00.001-07:00

While Erica and Tony opted for a classic red and white wedding, I was so happy that they embraced their venue's unique setting and added some rustic touches to their flowers. We started with hypericum and either red or white roses and then "nested" all of the arrangements with curly willow to reflect the wonderfully natural setting of Erica and Tony's nuptials.

Photography by Studio I Do

Roxy & Chris - June 21, 2008 - Portland LDS Temple

2008-06-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Being from Hawaii, Roxy loved the exotic & tropical look of nerine lilies, stephanotis, and orchids and I happily complied. I had these pink-throated phalaenopsis orchids flown in specially from Hawaii as the perfect finishing touch to her bouquet. Chris played the part of the good groom and submitted to a pink calla boutonniere. Their flowers: pink hydrangea, pink callas, pink nerine lilies, stephanotis with white and pink pearl accents, and white & pink phalaenopsis orchids.

Photography by Captured Memories