Just In…..

I started the day with a wonderful way. A styled shoot publication that I planned and designed florals for. 

I excited to share with you 

http://www.becomingone.co/post/heart-and-soul

I have a styled shoot group that I started about 3 years ago. Since then, we have done over 50 shoots and published about 100 different publications. Unbelievable !

I am not patting myself on the back for two reasons. I started this group to meet other artists throughout the wedding industry. I see work ethic, skills, and personality. When my clients ask, I can tell them that I know all about them. Second, I get to expand my skills in ways I never am allowed before. I get the opportunity to do creations that are off the charts cool. 

If you ever want to see some of my creations, check out my styled group, Styled Shoots with Annette & Friends on Facebook.

Heart & Soul

I know there is so much to do when planning a wedding. Choosing your venue, finding that perfect dress, interviews of wedding vendors, tastings for food and cake, sending out invitations, and making out the guest list. Now you have selected what you want, who you want, and where you want it.
The last phase is the decor for the day. Shocked on all the monies you have spent, going thru pages of Pinterest, having everyone give their opinions. I know you are overwhelmed.
I want to be the one that makes the process as easy as possible when deciding what flowers you will be using. I like to give a three tier alternative to my clients. This gives you different ideas for your inspiration and taking into account the weather being a factor. Too cold or hot summer days are all taken into account when choosing your flowers.
So many choices to make the day your dream day. Don’t stress. Make this this best time of your life

When I have the opportunity to meet with my potential clients, I always try to remind them of the important “spots” on your wedding day. Those most photographed areas on your special day are the places you need to concentrate on. Think about it. Table 19 is not important as the sweetheart table.
Here are the areas of importance:

1. Your dress

2. Your bouquet

3. Your ceremony area

4. Your sweetheart table or where you are seated

5. Your cake

focus on those areas. I am not saying spend a fortune, but I am saying make them photography ready. I love to put the bridesmaids bouquets around the cake for a bigger punch of flowers. The bridal bouquet in the center of the sweetheart table to be seen all night. Make the ceremony backdrop flowers in in a container that is able to move and place around the sweetheart table.

There are many ways to make your pictures even better memories. I would love to help you.

I am a true believer that you always need to keep learning. I was so blessed to go to Miami with an opportunity to master the skills of larger wedding installation. Intrigued Designs with Sarah Campbell hosted an amazing two days of learning . Wow is all I can say. I am so pumped up. I got to meet the Mayesch Designer of the year, Shawn Michael Foley. Also met Farmer Nick NYC. These three are the best of the best. I felt like I was with royalty. And the best part was, I actually taught them one of my tricks that I have done in designing. I taught them!
i learned some really amazing ideas. I cannot wait to use them

Sometimes I like to play with ideas on my table. Tablescaping an idea and bringing it to life is so much fun. I get to create a vision, pull in elements to accent, and then fill in with floral vocals.

now think about that when you are planning your sweetheart table. We can design, create, and add. Design your story. Create your story with elements to bring it to life. Add your bouquet to give that punch of nature.
I love it! Look at some of my beach feel

A defining part of any big day, flower displays provide a visual uplift and can even transform a venue.  
Bold statement colours are all the rage, as well as those with different textures and shapes. Speak to your florist about how they can layer up displays with an explosion of colour. Go big on scents too – this is going to be a big wedding trend that you’ll smell more of in the coming year!

It’s all about getting creative too. Think about different ways that flowers can add a pop of colour to other parts of the day, from the sweetheart table with large tall statement arrangements to a flower “tree” instead of an arch.

And when it comes to your bridal bouquet, it’s all about understated tidy bouquets with plenty of overflowing greenery for a majestic look. Or a more natural look with grasses, feathers, natural elements.

Remember it is your day, your style, your vision.

photography by Wild Heart Films

makeup Richmond Makeup Artist

hair by Cecily Morgan Hair

Over the years I have had so many memorable experiences doing what I love.  But, people always ask me what wedding design has been my favorite.  To tell you the truth,  it is very difficult to pick a favorite.  I am humbled and honored that my designs have been published in over 129 media outlets. Although, if you really must ask, I can narrow it down to 3 featured shoots that really stand out in my mind...

#1 Cinderella Styled Shoot

This story will always hold a place near and dear to my heart.  This experience was so special because the bride and groom had been originally married very quickly before her fiancé was getting deployed.  As a result, the beautiful bride ended up getting married in a $10 old navy dress.  Although romantic and heartfelt, she still has never had the opportunity to feel like a beautiful bride.

Before the shoot, she cried and was convinced that there was no way she could be beautiful. I, on the other hand, heard her say this once and was not having any part of it. I believe that everyone is beautiful and everyone deserves to feel like they’re a princess at least once in their life!  Once the bride was all dolled up you could just see her eyes light up! She was finally seeing the beauty from within that everyone else had been seeing all along!

I wanted to create blooms for her that really reflected her beauty and looked like they were straight out of a fairy-tale. In order to complement the blooms I added some romantic greenery that gave off the perfect whimsical touch! I am so happy I had the privilege to watch her and her husband during this shoot.  It was so heartwarming and I’m so happy that I got the chance to be a part of it! This shoot was featured in Pretty Pear Bride.

#2 Middle Eastern Styled Shoot

Sometimes I get the opportunity to make cultural magic.  The Middle Eastern shoot was by far the most vibrant inspired wedding design I have ever been a part of.  Due to the bold colors worn by the brides and grooms, it was necessary for the flowers to complement and enhance the design without overpowering it.  I was up for this challenge and it came together magically! I was in awe to see this Middle Eastern shoot was quite popular and was featured a number of times.  Some of the features include Hill City Bride, Love Inc., Black Nuptials, and Aisle Society.  

Hill City Bride, in particular, stated, “This shoot had one goal in mind, and that was to pay respects to a beautiful culture. Our team of vendors really dug in deep to learn about Middle Eastern wedding traditions, which go beyond bright bold colors. This inspiration not only uses beautiful, bold colors and silks but the details of the jewelry, makeup, hair and decor all have meanings in the celebration. Golden elephants were selected because they are sacred and symbolize good luck and prosperity, and they are also very prominent in Middle Eastern weddings. Marigold orange, red and bright yellows are often used in these weddings because they represent the vibrancy of life, and we definitely wanted to use plenty of those colors due to what they convey.” 

Truly breathtaking and quite literally a feast for the eyes.  I loved working on this shoot and creating something so impactful and beautiful!

#3 Waverley Winter Styled Shoot

Nestled in the countryside, The Waverley Estate is a beautiful location for a wedding.  The property is located next to a 200-acre cattle farm, with a house and church built in the 1840s, complete with a 175-year-old Hackberry Tree.  Dating all the way back to the Civil War, this land provides the perfect spot for smaller, more intimate weddings of those interested in history.  Although the location was beautiful, hands down, my favorite part of this shoot was that everyone agreed to steer clear of all the traditional winter wedding accents, such as the typical cranberry and evergreen.  Nothing makes me more delighted than being able to dive into a wedding or editorial shoot with creativity and design something unique for my clients.  In the end, we chose to combine heavy greenery and faux fur to give off the sentiment of a winter-themed wedding!  The unique combination of white blooms and winter white fur brought an elegant and sophisticated feeling. It was truly a magical end product and the shoot was featured in Pretty In Ink Productions.

Let Your Florals HELP Carry The Magic Throughout Your Big Day

Why have the floral arrangements embellishing the most important day of your life be boring and predictable? You are neither of those things! Therefore, why should your flowers be? It’s thoughts like these that eventually pushed me to move on to my passion of floral design. I have now been in the business now for nearly thirty years. That being said, I had always worked for other people in the past, but then, I finally realized that it was time for me to help brides of my own. Flash forward to present day, I’m thrilled to say that I just celebrated two years of owning my own business, and couldn’t be more over-joyed to have the opportunity to give my clients my full attention and more.  

As a floral artist, I live for helping my brides create their perfect wedding.  Creativity is the root of my passion and the main inspiration behind starting my own business. My least favorite thing on the other hand is feeling trapped into generic, cookie-cutter designs. This is why I love it when my clients allow me the freedom to think outside of the box and be more in tune with turning their personal stories into elements I include in their arrangements. I get to play around with beautiful blooms, feathers, and greenery every day, while also helping my clients concentrate on the actual products they’re receiving and making sure they’re worth their time and effort.

To me, flowers are like a piece of jewelry. They can make a huge statement, with gorgeous colors and jewels, or they can be simple and subtle, while still making a significant and sweet impact on your entire day. My end result of every wedding I work on?

Creating something unique and personal to you that you are head over heals for.

Let’s Get To Know Each Other!

Each and every client is unique and deserves customized attention.  Typically when we first meet, I will ask things like, “Tell me about you.” I want to know all about you, the core of your love story, and what makes you and your partner unique.  This is so crucial to my work.  Your love story defines the language I speak with my flowers. 

Having said that, I believe my clients should receive my full undivided attention (which is why I never take on more than one wedding a day).  I live for contributing to my couples’ wedding day by making my portion as perfect as can be.  As we get to know each other, you’ll find that I treat each and every client as if they were my own sons and daughters.

I hope to create a full, personal connection with everyone I work with, and aim to maintain a long lasting friendship well after your special day (as I’ve done with many of my previous clients). When we start working together, you’ll receive a consultation form with questions so I may get to know more about you. After all, this day should be all about you! I love having inspirational pictures and a mood board to work with, as this gives me a solid foundation to start my project. If you’re picking lots of photos with roses and cascading bouquets, then I know what possible arrangements you may be looking to have. If all your photos contain rounded or wispy florals, I know I can suggest a design that fits the tone you’re searching for.

I strive for each and every client I work with to know that they can put their absolute trust in me, and feel confident that I’ll create something unforgettable for them. My craft is focused on the details of your designs that truly bring your love story to life.   When we combine forces and work closely we can create the wedding day that you’ve always imagined. Helping others achieve their dreams has always been my passion, which is why, I Do Weddings With Love.