Art Comes to Life: Old Dominion University Wedding, Part I

Where did you meet the "love of your life"? Where did you fall in love? For one of your recent Bridal Couple, Sharron & Christopher (who now live in Washington, DC), they first met and fell in love on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. So it was important for them to make this location a part of their special day. They thought it would be a unique idea to come back down to the Hampton Roads area and have the ceremony on the University's campus.

During our first meeting they told me that they wanted to use black, white and a touch of mint in their colors. They also liked Calla Lilly, Damask, and Branches but wasn't exactly sure how to put it all together. Of course this was not a problem, after all, this is one of the many reasons to hire a professional Event Designer. We helped to cohesively create a vision and bring it to life.

I asked them one of my personal favorite questions, "If you had to pick a movie, book or television show that represents you or your style what would it be?" The response? The Bride said, "Sex & The City" while the Groom said, "Ocean's 11". A few more creative questions we were able to identify their personalities, likes, dislikes, possible themes and style.

We later developed a few custom designed concept illustrations and (for their convenience) compiled them into a slideshow which we emailed to them for their review... THEY LOVED WHAT WE CAME UP WITH! Below are the original concept illustrations of the Ceremony Design and pictures showing the execution of this couple exchanging their vows at ODU... Congratulations Sharron & Christopher!

Damask & Calla Lilly Wedding - Part I

Bridal Bouquet & Groom's Boutonniere Concept Illustration

Oh we just have to share this one. The venue (while the Ladies were getting dressed) had to evacuate due to a fire alarm so our Bride & Bridesmaids had a little fun... and yes, we made sure everything still ran smoothly with now worries. It's just another reason to consider having a Professional Wedding Design and Coordinating Services Company to keep everything rolling!!

Old Dominion University Wedding -

Ceremony Concept Illustraiton

Special thanks to Debonair Photography for the images.

We'll post "Part II" which will feature more images of the fun, glamorous, unique and simply fabulous "Red Carpet" Reception at the Virginia Beach Convention Center soon... Cheers!!

Bridal Event: Bridal Inspiration & Maritime Romance

Join us (and many other fine local Wedding Vendors) for maritime romance at the unique and exquisite Mariners' Museum as we "Sail into Weddings Bridal Expo". This Bridal Expo gives Brides & Grooms an opportunity to gather ideas, book services, and spend a few hours discovering many of the elements they'd need to create their special day. See the latest in bridal and tuxedo fashions, demonstrations, wedding ideas, and more!

Vivid Expressions LLC will be giving away a Special Custom Designed Gift Favor (valued at over $5 each) to the 1st 100 visitors of this event. Bridal Expo Tickets will also includes admission to the Mariner's Museum... it's a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Be sure to stop by our display and say "Hi" - We look forward to seeing you there!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

2pm - 5pm

The Mariners' Museum

100 Museum Drive

Newport News, VA 23606

For special discounts or to purchase your tickets online at: http://082111-efbevent.eventbrite.com/

IT'S ALIVE!! Things your Florist knows

Well, we (here on the East Coast) are experiencing one of the hottest weekends of the year. I hope you and your loved ones are staying cool and safe - especially those of you who are celebrating with weddings today. If you feel like you're "melting, melting" in this heat just imagine how flowers are feeling today, after all... they're alive too!

This sweltering summer weather will pose a unique problem for many DIY (Do it yourself) Brides. Particularly those Brides who have spent a great deal of precious time and money (perhaps even hundreds) to try to create their own fresh flowers Bouquets, Centerpieces, Ceremony decorations, etc. that may now find themselves faced with flowers in distress. Oh don't get me wrong, there are so many of cases where delicate, utterly lovely flower petals are simply enchanting in a wedding design but having your fresh flowers wilt, discolor, brown or even fall apart in the hands of your bridal party when you simply wanted to save a few dollars is probably not what you had in mind.

The Problem:
"But it looks so easy in the bridal magazine or blog" you say? Yes, of course magazines and blogs are chocked full of wonderful information, exciting inspiration and fun project suggestions. And if you were looking for creative little projects with flowers to try something new, express yourself, and have a little fun (or perhaps even saving a little money) I'm all for the experience. The concern? Well, odds are you're probably no doing just 1 project for a wedding or special event. Not just 1 centerpiece but 9, 12, 15 or even 20 centerpieces which means 9, 12, 15, or 20 small projects involving fresh flowers. And that's not including your Bouquet, your "Tossing Bouquet", the 3, 5 or 7 (each) Bridesmaid's Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages, etc. Also, you'll probably be on a pretty time sensitive schedule and you're probably not equipped with the professional equipment, chemicals or space for the care, storage and transportation requirements needed for the more complex designs. There's a bit of a difference between a small, simple "let's try it and see" home floral project that's meant for you to enjoy at your leisure and "once-in-a-lifetime" event fresh flower projects that you don't want to waste money doing and... let's face it, you definitely want to get right.

The Solution:
I'd suggest working "with" your Event Pro to get creative! Talk to the Florist, Event Designer, or Planner you've hired for your special day. Remember earlier when I said Flowers are "alive"... yes, it's true. Cut flowers are still alive and many varieties are like people... they each have their own distinctive quirks.

Flower Professionals know the proper care, chemicals, special techniques, and treatments used to extend the life of your flowers. Yes indeed, your Pros know. They know which flowers are heavy drinkers and which flowers can hang tough. They know which flowers are in season and which flowers will give you the most visual bang for your buck. They know how to deal with a certain popular flower that has a troublesome stamen that will stain your fingers and clothes with the slightest touch if not processed properly. They know which flower's stem (one of my personal spring favorites) will continue to keep growing even after they have been cut and placed in a bouquet or arrangement - which if not dealt with properly will change the look and form of the design on the "day of". They know which flowers are sensitive to heat, other flowers, ethylene, and more.

Let your Wedding Florist, Designer, or Planner know you'd like to work on a "DIY project" and see if they'd be able to suggest, consult and guide you through a few simple projects. Perhaps a non-floral project with non-perishable materials or items that you can rent from them - no fuss, no muss yet very satisfying.

Blessed wishes to you all... oh, and don't forget to drink plenty of water... cheers!

Simple Soothing Summer Solutions

Ah, Summertime. The shimmering Sun, the fragrant fresh produce, and the heat... oh, yes the heat. As much as I love chatting about events and design I believe it's hard to feed the soul without refreshing the body. Creativity thrives off of balance so here's a few simple (and oh so cool) recipes for dinner and drinks.

Simply Peach Sangria
A crisp, light twist to a summer favorite!

Slice citric fruit (1/2 medium Orange, 1/2 small lemon and 1/2 small lime and place in a large pitcher. Sprinkle in a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sugar (or splenda) and mix together in pitcher with a wooden spoon until citric juices are mixed with the sweetener. Set aside. Slice 2 to 3 ripe peaches and 1 pear (and 1 star fruit - optional). We love to also add a sprig of julienned mint. Add fruit and mint to the pitcher and muddle slightly with the wooden spoon. Now add 2 bottles of light-bodied white wine - Our favorite is a Riesling or a nice Pino. Chill for at least 4 hours but overnight is best... enjoy!

So Nice with Ice!

Quick, easy and stylish way to endulge in sensational sips!

Freeze a small amount of your favorite juice (Mango, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Cherry, etc.) in an ice tray. Drop a cube (or two) in a Champagne or other tall glass and pour your favorite Champagne (I personally love a good Perscio or Spumante), sparkling water, or sparkling cider... enjoy!

Simply, Soothing "Summer Gazpacho"

Have you ever tried a cold soup? On a sweltering summer day this make ahead delight that's sooo refreshing!

6 ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped)

1 purple onion (finely chopped)

1 cucumber (peeled, seeded and chopped)

1 sweet red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)

1 tbsp chopped parsley

1 - 2 cloves of garlic (mined - raw garlic is fine but roasted is preferred)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp sugar (or splenda)

1 to 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

4 cups tomato juice

squeeze of lemon to taste (1 to 2 teaspoons)

salt and pepper (preferably white pepper) to taste

Note: You may also add a little Tabasco sauce to taste a little zing!

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend slightly - until it reaches desired smoothness. Transfer to a container and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This soup can also be made a day before - in fact, it's best when the flavors are allowed to blend overnight. Serve with some nice crusty bread or (to make it really endulgent) some cooked, cold "peel & eat" shrimp... enjoy!!

Art Comes to Life: Asian Inspired & Cherry Blossom - Part II

Today we continue with the second part of one of our favorite Client's "Asian Inspired-Cherry blossom theme wedding... enjoy!

Part II - Reception

Special Thanks to Glenn Fajota Photography for the stunning images.

Art Comes to Life: Asian Inspired & Cherry Blossom Wedding - Part I

Once again congratulations to Melissa & Gary!

I know, I know, everyone saids this but really... we LOVE our Clients! We try to create a unique design process (and truly special experience for our Clients)... taking an intensely creative and personal journey with them from envisioning a design on paper to bringing theses images to life. Here's one of our recent favorites! The Bride & Groom (Melissa & Gary) wanted guests to experience the look and feel of a celebration that focused on a Cherry Blossom theme. Throughout our design process I picked up on several Asian-inspired theme and modern style concepts that the Bride and Groom liked and incorporated them into the designs. Here's some of the Original Concept Art and what we brought to life!

Part I - Ceremony

A special thank you to Glenn Fajota Photography, the stunning photographer for this event.

Coming soon, "Part II - Reception"... Cheers!!