Valley Flower Company

Erika & Jon 9.10.11

2012-02-22T19:44:00.001-05:00

Hi! I know, I know its been awhile...I wanted to share some beautiful pictures from a wedding we did this past fall. I just recently connected with the photographer and I forgot how pretty and classic Jon and Erika's wedding was. Sometimes you just can't go wrong with white, fluffy and feminine.

I promise it wont be long until my next post, I've been working on some really fun stuff (both floral and non-floral)....and a new business venture to share with you! Hold on to your horses folks, I broke out my paintbrush again!

To check out the rest of the photos of Jon and Erika's beautiful day follow the link to Kingdom Wedding Photography and tell Kat I say Hello!

The push is on!

2012-02-05T22:31:00.001-05:00

With Valentines Day less than a week away, I wanted to remind the gentleman out there of something...this comes courtesy of the FANTASTIC Miss Pickering. (check her out...she's charming, hysterical and ever so talented)

With that said...if you're feeling uncomfortable "being creative"...dont be afraid to call the shop and ask for some advice! Please, please, please try your very hardest to pre-order by the 13th! If you do, you'll be sure to get something lovely, if you wait till the 14th, well thats fine too, but I can't promise we can get a delivery out for you or if we'll have much left to pick from. But rest assured, I have made some pretty awesome arrangements out of left over bits and bobs. So, call the shop damn it! 802.698.0350!

D.I.Why?

2012-01-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to write this post for some time now, as I feel its something a lot of brides struggle with. The idea of DIY (do-it-yourself) wedding flowers. I often hear from brides that they are looking for help with personal flowers such as bouquets and boutonnieres but are looking to take care of the rest of the flowers themselves. One question for you...why? I don't mean to be rude, or generalize that the majority of people have zero clue about arranging flowers, or belittle a smaller budget...but seriously, why would you do that to yourself? Florists (myself included) are generally perfectly happy to try and work with your budget, and usually have very creative ideas on how to stretch a dollar. If you're talking to a florists who offers you no options on how to work within your budget, walk away....actually run away as fast as you can.

Here are my thoughts, in no particular order (warning...lighthearted snarkiness to follow):

1.This is your mom...

...this is your mom the morning of your wedding. Does she look like she's enjoying herself? (To be honest, I have no idea who this lady is...and I'm sure she's a delightful woman, but she looks totally stressed out and miserable) The way I see it, your family and friends are guests at your wedding. Sure, some will say they are happy to help, and are willing to put in the time to do a project. Please, just let them tie bows on favors, fold programs and drink. Because really, this is all they're expecting to do. Your friend does not want to be stressed out trying to arrange centerpieces for the first time, in 90 degree heat while all your other friends are out getting their hair done. She's left there thinking "oh god...this is HORRIBLE, my friend is going to kill me, and I'm going to ruin her wedding. Should I cry now? No, no...hold it together...just cry later, and pretend you're just SO happy!" or "oh my god...my hands are green, and my nail polish is gone! I just paid $30 for that! Wait...why is everything dying on meeeeee!?" (insert 4 year old tantrum here) In the simplest terms, you're friends and family are there to celebrate with you, not work.

2. Ordering flowers online is scary. There are many websites that offer bulk flowers for seemingly low prices. I'm sure you've heard the old expression...you get what you pay for? It could not be more true with online flowers. Flowers are obviously delicate creatures, so the thought of them sitting in the back of a hot delivery truck all day is beyond troubling. Not to mention package handlers aren't exactly the most delicate people when it comes to their deliveries. I give you example numero uno below.

I personally would hate for somebody to spend $300 on a shipment of flowers only to open the box two days before their wedding only to find broken heads, completely wilted flowers...and god forbid, the wrong flowers all together. It's a crap shoot, if you're willing to take the risk, I wish you well...

3. Ok, so now you've got your flowers and are ready to start arranging. Are you aware of how to condition your flowers to keep them as fresh as possible? Do you have the proper tools and supplies to make your bouquets? Do you have an air conditioned room, refrigeration? Did you get the right floral foam? Do you know that the flowers you've picked for boutonnieres and corsages are actually able to hold up out of water for extended periods of time? Do you know how to prevent gerbera daisy heads from popping off? I could keep going with questions...but seriously, ask yourself these questions before you even think of making your own bouquets. If you answer no to any of these...do not consult youtube. It lies.

4. You're picking your own flowers for your wedding the first week in May? I beg to differ in the nicest way possible. Are you sure there are things even growing then? What happens if its a really cold spring and nothing has come up? Or lets say you want to pick your mothers peonies for your wedding the first week in July. What happens if it's unseasonably hot...or rainy?

I mean don't get me wrong...these are LOVELY, and I'm sure they'll look beautiful against your $2000 lace gown...but maybe it's not worth the risk? My best piece of advise, don't rely on Mother Nature, she currently has a major attitude problem.

5. So you're friend Sarah says she wants her wedding gift to you, to be her doing the flowers. Wow, that's so, so very generous of Sarah...word of advise, ask to see if Sarah has any pictures of flower arrangements she's ever made. If any of them look like this, decline nicely and say you already have the flowers covered, and then ask for a crock pot instead.

In the simplest terms, florists and other wedding vendors are there for a reason. We are confident in what we do and you should take advantage of our knowledge and ideas. Seriously, that is what we are here for. Pick our brains, the majority of us have more ideas then we know what to do with. There are so many other simple ways to stretch your dollar at your wedding. Maybe you don't order the best wine, but decide on the second best...or decide on a smaller wedding cake with a sheet cake in the kitchen for your guests. So you don't really like cake? Who says you have to have one...skip the cake all together and have your grandmother bake your favorite pie. (I'm sure she would be tickled pink to do this for you!) You could even DIY all your invites, seating cards, and menu cards. Make a thoughtful bridesmaids gift. I really believe that DIY projects should be personal and stress free...and if you choose to involve your friends and family in your wedding projects think about their strengths. Your mom can sew? AMAZING...skip on renting table runners and have mom whip some out at half the cost. Your friend has great musical taste? Hellllllllo instant Ipod DJ in the hizzouse! All in all, think long and hard if the stress of doing your own wedding flowers is really worth it. If you're still unsure if you can afford a florist, stop by a shop and have a really casual conversation with a florist, you might be surprised what you find out!

2012-01-14T19:17:00.001-05:00

Hello to you 2012.

2012-01-10T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hello.

It's been a colorful start to the new year, one in which I'm very much looking forward to. Exciting weddings on the horizon, national recognition, a award from wedding professionals, amazing customers...a even more amazing employee who happens to be one of very favorite friends, and friendly faces discovering the shop for the first time. It's all such a good way to start off 2012.

HELP!

2011-12-28T20:52:00.003-05:00

We're currently working on a project in the shop, and we need YOUR help. In the comment section, tell us something you love...it could be a person, thing, smell, place, thing. Anything! Hell, tell us more than one if you want! All we ask is for your location (city, state, country)...no name needed! You'll soon find out what your sentiment of love will be used for....and I can safely say, it's pretty awesome. Thanks in advance!

2011-12-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

Dressing me up as a human christmas tree was almost like predicting the future...almost. Seriously though, much love to you all, thank you for your continued support and love. May your holidays be happy, healthy and filled with fattening food. Love, Morgan

Eloping v2.0

2011-12-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

Eloping is still awesome...

...because it is still this simple.

2011-12-06T16:53:00.000-05:00

Thats right, you're hearing that correctly. It's Montell Jordan, and this is how we did it in 2011. Keep in mind these were just our weddings, and not out daily stuff, smaller events, parties or other silliness. We've been busy and I'm happy to share everything with you guys! As always, thanks for the love and support!
-Morgan

Shay & Seth 11.12.11

2011-11-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

Our final wedding of the 2011 season...and man, if I may toot my own horn a bit, it was a good one. When Shay had originally sent me her first email of inspiration photos, I was a tad on the excited side. Her color palette was among one of my favorites, as it's not much of a secret that I adore the color peach, and not many brides let me use it. People, peach is BEAUTIFUL, and it works with so many other colors! (ok, enough with the hard sell...sorry) Shay and Seth wanted a vintage travel styled wedding without making it feel like they were shoving stamps and airplanes down their guests throats. Shay's attention to detail was amazing, and no detail was left out. All in all, I'm pretty proud of this one, and so happy to be a part of Shay and Seth's beautiful day.

I'm a sucker for beautiful paper elements, the graphic designer in me will never die. Shay took the time to painstakingly use vintage stamps that best represented the recipient of the invitation. Details people, details. Floral wreaths welcomed guests to the church, these smelled amazing as they we're 50% herbs! Vintage mixed glass compotes added to the vibe and really allowed the flowers to fall nicely A sweet cake topper for a simply beautiful understated cake If you would like to check out more pictures of Shay and Seth's day (and you should...they're absolutely beautiful) Head over to Dreamlove's blog and view some gorgeous shots of a really good looking couple. As well as some of the details I was talking about before. It's really worth the 10 min. Promise.
To view Shay and Seth's professional Photos...click here!

A gift from me to you....

2011-11-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

Devon & Brian 7.2.2011

2011-11-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

I'm really embarrassed that I haven't shared anything from Devon and Brian's wedding until now. They were so much fun...and a pure pleasure to work with. Daria and Andy Bishops photos captured that joy perfectly. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from their amazing wedding day, but please be sure to check out the full slideshow over on Daria's site! They're all gorgeous. (Click here to view slide show)

.....and lets not forget one of my favorite things from the day. I'm not sure who filmed it, but I thank them every single time I watch it.

2011-11-08T21:50:00.001-05:00

Kristen and Chris pro shots

2011-11-06T18:42:00.000-05:00

Remember Kristen and Chris? We just got some gorgeous shots of one of my favorite weddings of the summer...I'm still pining for that bouquet. Man it was pretty (totally tooting my own horn...sue me)

Photos were taken by the super duper Allison Hope Photography... check her out!

I love how excited Kristen looks here..her krinkled nose makes me super happy.
Hello gorgeous...how YOU doin'?
Can't beat getting married in NH/VT...its magical in the summer...not to mention the spring, fall and winter!

Meredith & Vince 9.24.11

2011-10-31T17:20:00.000-04:00

We just got the link to some really gorgeous pictures of Meredith and Vince's wedding this past September in Quechee, VT. Check out the full post of all the beautiful pictures over on Becca Wood's blog at Becca Wood Photography Here are some of my favorites from Becca as well as a couple slightly amature photos taken by yours truly.

Obviously the flower shots above were taken by me...

Abi & Adam 9.24.11

2011-10-26T17:22:00.000-04:00

The story of Abi and Adam's wedding day goes something like this...

Abi and Adam got married in Lyme, NH, surrounded by trees and loved ones... Abi carried this bouquet. A bright and jazzy number, filled with late summer wonderfulness. One of this, one of that...and a little of those tossed in for good measure. The bridesmaids wore emerald... (I dare you to ignore the El Camino) ...and carried these. Even their dog was there, and of course she got flowers...as all dogs should. The End...or is it just the beginning?
(pro shots done by the AMAZING Boro Creative)

Emily & Aaron 9.10.11

2011-10-25T15:11:00.000-04:00

The way I see it...I have at least 25 weddings I haven't shown you yet this year. Its a sad state, I know...I just can't seem to get it together. Maybe its the fact that I worry about silly things like, "If I write more about one wedding will the couple from another wedding think I hate them?" Or maybe "What if I don't have anything witty to say? Will people protest in horror?" Then there is always "I wonder what's going on on PerezHilton...?"

THIS.IS.MY.LIFE.

So instead of thinking through all those thoughts (except for the Perez one, I'm totally thinking that now) I've decided that wedding posts will be primarily photos with a tiny bit of background info, unless of course I have something I just NEED to tell you. If you know me well enough, or have followed the blog for some time, you know this is a 100% possibility. Don't protest in horror, I promise I will post randomness filled with delightfully sarcastic quips about being a florist and how super duper it is, and maybe I'll even update you on the latest celebrity gossip.

So, with that out of the way...Emily and Aaron were married at Camp Aloha Hive in Fairlee, VT...on seriously the most PERFECT day of the summer. I wanted nothing more than to skip across the lawn like a sugared up 7 year old with those giant perfectly round balloons in hand. I reserved myself...but man it was hard.
(see! short and simple)

For shame.

2011-10-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

Guys, I got called out today. JENNIFER (hi! I know you see this...) was standing at my counter this morning, and she called me out. Purple dahlias in hand, she reminded me that I hadn't touched the blog in almost a month. Which is turn made my friend Emilie tell me I totally sucked at blogging. Sorry...I never claimed I was a good blogger. In fact I know I kind of suck at it. I get so wrapped up in weddings this time of year, not to mention pretending to clean my desk that I just forget that the blog is something that actually qualifies as work. I'm hanging my head in shame...promise.

I figure while I'm here I might as well share something flowery, since thats what this is all about right? We've had a strange fall here, normally by this time we've been hit with frost. But we're still hanging on around these parts, there are still zinnias grown along fences, the occasional marigold is still hanging out in front of McDonalds and wispy white flowering ground covers are still dancing in median strips across the Upper Valley. The best part of our frost free fall is that local dahlias are still growing by the hundred in a magical dahlia farm not to far away. We'll have them until the last moment...if you can't come in and purchase some of the most amazingly vibrant flowers I have seen in a long time, I will force you to look at pictures. Enjoy.

Wedding posts coming soon.

yeahhh, it's totally a cell phone picture...dont chastise me for it!

Mikaela & Christian pro shots!

2011-10-01T21:27:00.002-04:00

We just got the link to Mikaela and Christian's professional pictures...the magical Kate Preftakes did such a fantastic job of capturing every little detail of the day. If you want to check out the rest of the photos follow the link to magic town! PICTURES...WEEE!

Mikaela & Christian 9.17.11

2011-09-27T16:17:00.000-04:00

On a beautiful fall weekend, at the gorgeous Home Hill Inn in sleepy Plainfield NH, Mikaela and Christian tied the knot. The horses were playful, the sun was brilliant, there was not an ounce of humidity, and man...the flowers were pretty.

...I'm totally obsessed with this lace from the 30's. It's as soft and delicate as you can get.
um, really.
I could have talked to those two ponies for hours...but I'm pretty sure all the really cared about was if they were going to get apples or not.
note to self: red garden roses=magic
A morning suit, and a dress with a lace jacket? Um...yes please. Such style from these two.

Kristen & Chris 9.3.11

2011-09-19T16:01:00.000-04:00

Wow...totally dropped the ball. I was feeling so good about myself blogging on the regular, and then...well life caught up to me. We've been so busy with all the fall weddings going on. The next two months are shaping up to be very busy, but will provide me with TONS to blog about. (Lets just hope I actually find the energy/brain power to do so)...

SO, its not a secret that I'm not a huge fan of summer. I really enjoy when the weather snaps and suddenly all the beautiful berries, grasses and cones show make themselves known. I love that crap. But, what does one do when they're getting married the first weekend of september and they want to use fall colors? Because, really it's not fall yet...in fact there are 20 something more days of summer. Kristen and I had a heart to heart and decided it was best if we combined the last summer hues of yellows, grass greens and washed out peaches with the beginning of fall rusty orange, burgundy and browns. Personally, I fell in love. TOTALLY right up my alley...but I might be one of the only people you'll ever meet you counts peach as one of their favorite colors. Now I will bore you with pictures.

COME ON!!!!! That dahlia alone should make you weak in the knees

...and now for my favorite detail shots, it was hard to pick as I think I took about 47,980.

There were even delightful little boutonnieres and corsages for those not able to hold AMAZING bouquets (as you can tell...I was a little fond of these)

We also decorated an arch, which was super sunflowery -they are one of Kristen's favorite after all.

The table were also decorated with simple little nuggets of awesome.

All in all...this one might be hard to beat. BUT...coming right around the bend we might have a strong contender...think succulents, red garden roses and chocolate cosmos. MmmmmHmmmm thats right.

Danielle & Matt 8.20.11

2011-09-06T17:00:00.004-04:00

Danielle and Matt's wedding brought me back to the city where I learned everything about flowers...Boston. I was happy to go back and set something up in one of the giant venues I was so used to working in during my past life...but man I was even happier to come home. The Liberty Hotel is amazing...it was once a HUGE city jail, now fashioned into a very swanky boutique hotel. Check out the site, the moving home page gets me every time. Danielle really wanted a soft, romantic, southern vibe to contrast against all the black in the hotel. If I do say so myself...I think we pulled it off pretty well.

The chairs and wallpaper in this joint couldn't have matched everything better if I had designed the space myself. All be it a really tricky space to photograph (hence the somewhat "special" pictures)...it was kind of perfect!

(damn you sky-light from the right for washing out my pictures!)

The reception was held on the third floor catwalk over looking the lobby...check out this view from one of the tables...dont get to down on the photo quality, it was taken with an iphone. Don't hate.

The table were dressed with flowers and vintage mis-matched candle sticks. Basically there was a centerpiece in front of every person, not too shabby if you ask me.

All in all our visit back down to the big bad city was a success...and I got to eat BBQ and wander the city at night. Pretty awesome if you ask me. I think Matt and Danielle would concur.

Hey look!

2011-08-30T16:50:00.005-04:00

BIGGGGGERRRRR PICCCCTTTTURRRREEEESSS!!!!

Rachel & Matt 6.25.11

2011-08-29T17:05:00.004-04:00

Oh man, typing this is fairly bittersweet...as I'm not sure if the inn where Rachel and Matt got married is still in one piece. Killington, VT where beautiful Mountain Meadows Lodge is located was hit pretty hard by evil hurricane Irene. (She was REALLY mean to our little section of the world)...so I thought it would be appropriate to remember how beautiful Rachel and Matt's day was.

Well somebody is a looker...

Rachel's bouquet, was texturally awesome...and obviously photographed well. (I train them before the leave the shop...)

The boys even got little fun, texturally interesting boutonnieres...because as much as we like to pretend that it's all about the bride, the groom actually needs pretty flowers too!

Bridesmaids bouquets....oh, Hi foot, why are you in the picture looking all goofy?

I had a lovely conversation with the inn's groundskeeper while I decorated this arch. It quickly became apparent how much he loved the inn, and how he much he loved "his trees..." I sure hope for his love of the property that, that beautiful lake there...stayed right where it was supposed to.

Sweetness.

Come on Irene...

2011-08-27T13:57:00.002-04:00

In preparation for the "deadly east coast hurricane" I made sure to buy the prettiest dahlias they had at the farmers market. Who care about wind and rain when you have perfect flowers on your kitchen table?