“Marriage doesn’t make you happy…”

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Have you ever asked yourself what being married means? (Or, for the more modern and less traditional couples,  being in a committed relationship).

I always find people’s comments to a bride and groom very interesting. We always wish happiness, joy, and love. But really… they are all completely different ideas, and come from within, more than from marriage itself.  Happiness, as we all know, is fleeting. Usually a momentary event that comes and goes in between the daily grind. Joy is something that comes from within. Something that grows from contentment and peace in your life. Love… now love is a totally separate entity from those other feelings and emotions. Love is something you feel for someone else. Yes, its important to love oneself. But love in a marriage or relationship is all about giving, sharing, and doing for someone else.

Awhile back I remember reading a quote a friend gave me. It said “Marriage doesn’t make you happy. Marriage makes you married.” Marriage is a partnership, a team effort and just like with any team you have to practice. So for those of you who might be getting married soon remember a few things:

1. The more you give, the more you get back. That goes for love itself, acts of kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

2. Communication is key. Hiding or holding something back is like a little black worm in your relationship. Learn to say what you need to…even if its scary, even if its something you know your partner may not want to know or hear.

3. Learn about yourself and give your spouse space to do the same. You may grow together, but you are also separate human beings that need to realize you’re own potential and then you can value each other.

4. Patience… be patient with each other. People grow and change at different rates. People do the things they need to when they are ready. Pushing and trying to change someone will only frustrate you. Your spouse is a whole package. You cannot pick and choose the pieces you like and try to change the rest. Love who they are fully and compassionately.

5. Stay best friends. Always….

Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf
Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf

Being married should create the space for you to choose to be happy. It should create a place for you to have a wonderful home and friendship, both of which can bring you happiness. The institution of Marriage itself does not do that… You do.

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Remember when you are choosing the right spouse, Don’t choose the one you think you can live with, choose the one that you can’t live without!

Now, work together and have yourself a wholesale flower filled life.

Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf

A Great Team

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What does it take to make a great team? Who do you look for when putting together a great team? When you were in school, teams were usually chosen by who was the most popular, the strongest, the biggest, the scariest kids. Unless you were creating a Math team, then, those qualities didn’t matter quite so much.

Fast forward, you’re no longer in school. You are choosing a team. A team to work with, and a team to grow your success. Now who do you choose? The requirements have now changed, but, who changed the rules? We are still going to look for strong people (strong personalities, strong interpersonal skills, strong convictions) We are still looking for Big people, (big names, big followings) We are still looking for Popular people (those who have lots of friends, lots of connections, lots of personality) I do think that we have put aside the scary people, for the most part, but, we will always need an “enforcer”, someone who gets the “dirty stuff” done. When you are planning an event, you want a strong team working together to help you make your event the very best it can be, with the least amount of stress.

Below are some of our team mates, these are the folks that we know can do a great job, and play nice with others. (After all, isn’t that what life is all about anyway?)

Event planner: Brenna Taylor… www.an-elegant-affair.net
Photographer: Roger Slater… www.ccsphotography.net
Venue: 1930 Grande Room…http://www.granderoom.com  & The Yacht Starship (Channelside) www.yachtstarship.com
Caterer: Stone Chef Catering…www.stonechef.com
Bartending Services: Spunky Spirits…www.spunkyspirits.com‎
DJ…(We have a few that we love)… today we will only list one,  Jacob Smeaton… www.musiconthemovedj.com
Baker: Corey Miller… www. coreycooks.com
Linens: Custom Linens… www.customlinenrentals.com
Stationary: Barbara Nelson-Fuqua… www.nelsonfuquadesigns.com
And of course, Flowers…Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Designs, www.bridesnbloomsdesigns.com

Now, go, form your team, play the best game you can play, and have yourself a wholesale flower filled day!

keep calm and carry your team

Time and Design

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I think this week we’ll talk about time. I am intrigued by the ideas designers use to conjure up the ‘feel’ and ‘look’ of a time past.

We try to keep up with the newest trends and what they’re based upon. Lately, of course, vintage is very popular. Our last wedding show we created a beautiful table of what is considered ‘vintage’ looking items. But I wonder if I were able to ask my grandmother what her bouquets or table flowers looked like, would it even remotely look like what she had? I decided to see if I could figure that out.

So, here is the vintage table that we showcased at the latest Tampa Bay Wedding Show:

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Now here is a picture my grandmother at her wedding in 1934… which by today’s standards, would be considered vintage! Notice she is holding simple spray roses and greenery. There are silk orange blossom strands on her hat/veil and strands of pearls around her neck

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It’s easy to see why items like flowing pearls, broaches with crystals & gemstones using white gold and filigree style patterns invoke the stylistic ‘vintage’ look of today. I would also venture to guess that it was not the common masses that owned much of those items, but what was shown in movies of that time or in pictures of the wealthier families who were famous then.

The 50’s retro style also seems to be based in a somewhat accurate replication of what was worn back then. Such as the sweetheart necklines, the Peter Pan collar & tiny rows of buttons on dresses, as well as the shorter “tea length” style dress so one can show off their shoes! Flowers were very traditional roses or carnations and smaller bouquets also seemed to be the norm. (though I’m sure the same was true then as is today, how much money one had to spend on their wedding would be a determining factor for that)

Here is my mother’s wedding dress which has the sweetheart neckline (though not as revealing as what we see today, it is the base for that design) and the small Peter Pan collar.  She also carried the popular smaller bouquet, though the long ribbon cascade ribbon creates a ‘bigger’ effect.

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This style dress from the 50’s definitely shows the typical style of wide skirts, button rows, Peter Pan collar and shorter dress.

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I look at what was popular in the 70’s and 80’s and I’m so very glad that today’s fashions are much more elegant and sleek instead of the large poofy styles that were popular back then. I can only wonder what accent details and styles that are popular today will future designers pick and choose from when I comes time to label our present time as ‘vintage’.

Our last showcase for the year, 2013

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For those of you who long to see, smell and feel the beautiful flowers that Bridesnblooms Wholesale and Design bring in…You’re in luck. Sunday, 10/13/13 will be our last showcase of the year… We have some incredible designer flowers that we are bringing to our table, some and see what kind of designs we’ve come up with to tickle your fancy.
We encourage you to come on by, it’s a FANTASTIC show filled with AMAZING event professionals. The entrance fee is only $3.00.

Big Event Shows   ***This is a photo from the last Coliseum show we participated in***
http://tampabaybridalexpos.com/
The Coliseum
535 4th Ave North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Date:
Sunday, October 13, 2013

Hours:
Noon – 4 pm

Coliseum Show

We hope to see you on Sunday, now, go, and have yourself a wholesale flower filled day!!!

PARTY IT FORWARD© A New Concept In Planning Your Event

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Co-hosted by Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs and 1930 Grande Room

Co-hosted by Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs and 1930 Grande Room

If you have not heard about Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs Party It Forward@ A New Concept In Planning Your Event show then here’s your chance to read all about it! If you have… well then we do hope you will come out and join us for a great day!

Our company co-hosts this event with a different event location each time preferably with either lesser known hidden gems or up and coming venues. This time we are co-hosting with the very contemporary 1930 Grande Room.   http://granderoom.com

We are so excited about this location and this show. 1930 Grande Room is located in historic Ybor City, Tampa. Their address is easy to remember… 1930 east 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. It is a very cool event venue with an industrial chic style and a great bar spanning the length of the room. Their secondary smaller area for cocktail hours and smaller events is located in the adjacent business next door. They are StoneChef Caterers, lead by the very talented Anthony Sanschagrin.   http://www.stonechef.com/

The show’s concept came about when Dorelle and I were discussing how after a big event is over there’s usually so many items that are left over like new and how daunting it can be for up and coming event hosts & brides to gather everything needed to make their event happen.  This includes the vendors, as well as the party items. Then after the big day is over everything you’ve had to purchase such as table decor, dresses, favors, etc.,  generally get shoved into a closet to gather dust.  Sometimes if a bride or past host is more industrious, they can get everything listed on craigslist and hope someone purchases it. We thought why couldn’t we combine those two ideas into one show. Hence our Party It Forward event show was born! A great way to meet the vendors you will need and have the chance to purchase items at discounted pricing that are like new.  All while giving  past hosts a chance to sell their beautiful party items and put some jingle back in their pocket! Reuse, Recycle… a big win in our book.

We hope you will ‘join’ and attend! Here is a link to the event on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/532565216798856/?ref=ts&fref=ts

And while you’re visiting facebook, please ‘like’ our page: https://www.facebook.com/BridesnBloomsDesigns

In anticipation of this upcoming Party It Forward,  here’s a look at one of our previous shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dot_ps2mWk&hd=1

Hope you will come out and join us for a flower filled, Party It Forward Event day!

 

 

Random Thoughts…

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Every so often I have these thoughts…. You know the kind that makes you sit back and wonder if its you or if it’s the proverbial ‘them’. (I am still waiting to find out who exactly ‘them’ is…but that would be for another blog) Here are a few random thoughts and items that have occurred over the last few weeks:

1. If I really wish and try can I make my dog stop shedding?

2. Did someone actually ask me if I could make sure that if I order a particular flower it will be in the exact color that matches her dress and would I promise that it would not vary?

3. If I use the power of positive thinking hard enough can I make my hair stop turning grey?

4. Why is there a ‘national moldy cheese day’? Who thought that was something we needed to celebrate?

5. How is it that it takes 2 months to lose 5 lbs and 5 days to gain it back?

6. I am disappointed that I completely missed  ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day’…  I so would have answered my phone with a hearty ‘Arrggg’ that whole day!

Now, I’m well aware that we all have random thoughts that cross our minds… not sure about anyone else, but mine seem to do it at the most inopportune times. Like when I’m trying to concentrate on my work. Or when I’d really like to be falling asleep rather than having these ridiculous thoughts. I think its important to note that both Dorelle and I realize that we think a little outside the box much of the time, which comes in handy for design and flower choices… we do like to look at that as generally a positive attribute about us. I do occasionally wonder how much of that is a combination of a little bit of skill and our somewhat offbeat view of  the things. In any case… I’m okay with it and I believe our clients are too!

I recently saw this pic and I’m pretty sure that it is so for me… Dorelle’s pretty sure of it as well…

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Now go out there, enjoy the humor in life’s random moments, and have a flower-filled day!

 

(photo courtesy of teleicious.tumblr.com)

A Bride Finds Money… Fairy Tales Can Come True

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What a great headline, right? It grabs you and you want to know more, don’t you? Who was she, where was she, how did she find it, where did she find it and what did she do with it.

As all good stories do, this one starts with… Once upon a time… there was a little bride. It seems that this particular bride had gone to multiple traditional florists, one by one, with all her photos and all her ideas, but the poor little bride kept getting sadder and sadder. Not one of them could make just what she wanted, for just the right price.

sad brideFinally, a friend of the little bride asked her if she had called Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs, in Tampa.  She shook her head sadly and said that she had never heard of them.  Can she book an appointment? Can she show them all her photos and all her ideas? Would they be able make her dreams come true? Where were they located so she could go and find them!

No, her friend said, you can’t find their “shop”, because they don’t have one! But, they will meet you somewhere that is convenient for you. So, the sad little bride called Bride N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs at 813-852-2052 and booked an appointment.

Ellen & Dorelle met the hopeful little bride, smiled at her sweetly, and listened to her as she sadly recounted all the huge numbers that she had been quoted. They asked her quite simply, what was the most important aspect of her floral dream? And what price would make her the most happy?

Then the girls from Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs got to work on the little bride’s quote. They cut a little here, added a little there and they worked and reworked, until it was just right!

When the little bride got her quote she was amazed… how could it be? It was less than the lowest quote she had gotten from all the others.  Ellen & Dorelle had said, “Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs has the word Wholesale as our middle name, so, you get to save money on your flowers!  Plus, we don’t have a “shop” so you don’t have to help us pay for our overhead and best of all, we promise your flowers will be fresh from the farms and designed to shine in your arms.”

happy brideThe little bride was no longer sad, she was very happy. She found extra money to spend on her honeymoon, got her flowers just right and had everything she wanted for her big day!

Then she lived happily ever after.

The End!

*now* go have a happy, fairy tale flower filled day!

Navigating a Bridal Show… Tips From The Blog

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Navigating a Bridal Show…Tips from the Blog

Attending bridal shows are exciting, fun and exhausting all at the same time.  There are basically 3 different types of bridal shows, so, plan accordingly before attending.

The Big Ones!

These bridal shows are great for the newly engaged and very excited brides-to-be because there is LOTS of excitement, lots of energy, and lots of free stuff. At these bridal shows you will meet multiple vendors who offer the same type of service. The benefits are:

  •  You can sign up to win stuff
  •  You can see a fashion show of what is in style this season and next
  •  You can taste LOTS of different types of foods and treats
  •  You will take home a lot of freebie type of marketing paraphernalia

The following tips will help you with “the big ones”

1. Create a separate e-mail address for just your wedding and the vendors. This way, once you are married, it can be erased, saving you valuable e-mail space.
2. Create labels that include: bride’s name, groom’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address and wedding date. Print out a few sheets of these and take them with you.
3. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. These shows are BIG, so you will have to buy drinks if you don’t bring them with you.
4. Bring your calendar to know what days you are available. Many vendors offer discounts if you book a consultation appointment with them on the spot.
5. Be patient. These shows are busy.  You will have to wait on line to get in, to register, and to see the vendors you are interested in.
6. Bring a camera. With all the displays there will be certain design aspects that will catch your eye and help the vendor you choose make your dream wedding a reality. (Be sure to ask 1st if it’s OK to take photos)

Example: http://tampabaybridalexpos.com

Big Event Shows

The Boutique Events

These events are great for those who like more one on one time with vendors. These events are usually held in more intimate locations, off beat places, or spaces that you might not know you could consider holding an event.

These events generally have only 1 or 2 vendors per service type. They may have a small fashion show or even an area where you could try on gowns.

These events are intimate, and give you time to really speak with and hear the vendors; You might even be able to have a little one on one Q & A right in the vendor booth.

There won’t be the same type of crowds and there will be way less giveaways and freebies.

These events are great to attend after you have had your fill of THE BIG ONES, or if you just like smaller, quieter types of events.

Example: https://www.facebook.com/events/532565216798856/

small show

The Trunk shows or Open Houses

These shows are small, usually held within the venue that is marketing the event.  At these events you will find the following…Vendor specific push. What does this mean?:

  •  If the location is a caterer, they will be showcasing food, with a few “preferred” vendors
  •  If the host is a bridal gown house, they will have gowns on display for you to try on, and will have some of their favorite support vendors there for you to speak with.
  •  Because these shows are small, there isn’t usually a fee for entrance or an RSVP needed. You may only need 30 minutes to navigate the entire event.

These shows are great for making final decisions on specific vendor types.

Example: http://whitemagnoliabridal.com/our_events.html

trunk show

Each kind of show has it’s own value. You need to decide which one is most valuable to you!

Now…go and have yourself a wholesale fresh flower day!

Link: check out one of Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Designs “Party It Forward©” boutique shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dot_ps2mWk&hd=1

Secret Ingredient…

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Sometimes I think I am so lucky…. I have a job where I get to work with my great friend Dorelle! I get to work with pretty flowers! I get to create artistic things and usually we are working on something happy and full of joy. Best of all though, we get to meet lots of people!

I have always been an artist and I’ve worked in many mediums. (Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, flowers are a medium). When left to my own devices I like to try something new or put colors and flowers together in fun patterns!  As consultants though, it is our job to listen to what our client wants and make that vision a reality. Give us a picture and we can make that happen. Explain your vision and we will work hard to bring that picture in your head to life.

Occasionally, there is the  client who really doesn’t know what they want and has absolutely no vision for their big day.  Sometimes we have the DIY client, who calls our Wholesale division and needs some guidance.  That is where Dorelle excels. She is the idea girl. If someone who calls needs some help, she will spend the time helping them bring their vision together. In our Design division I am sure that is why we work together so well. Whatever she dreams up, I will try!

Our families and friends have said we should be in a TV reality show because we play off each other so well. I’m not sure how entertaining for the masses that would be, but for us when working on a project it certainly makes the day more enjoyable. I know it is clear to our clients that we love what we do and we like working together.  Flowers, Friends & Fun. I think those are our secret ingredients and is there a better way to work than that?

Some fun floral designs:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q9ffmkYdwE&hd=1

Ellen & Dorelle

Friends & Business Partners!

Friends & Business Partners!

It’s going to take some time to plan…

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So, you’re finally ready to plan the big event! It could be a wedding, a bar/bat mitzvah, quinceanera, birthday or anniversary celebration.  One thing is for certain, it’s going to cost money and it’s going to take some time to plan.

My advice is simple, and straight forward:

1.   Start early:

checklist girl

Whenever possible, give yourself enough time to find the right venue & vendors. Interview vendors and make smart decisions based on solid information and choice rather than being forced to take whatever is available.

Make a list of what you need to do in order of importance and as you gain each piece, check it off on your list as done.

2.      Make a budget:

piggies

If you are like most everyone, money is going to be a big factor in planning your event. It will more than likely dictate each facet, so decide what is most important to you down to what is the least important to you. Be realistic about what each vendor will need to get what you want. It’s okay to be frugal, but don’t expect a $50,000 wedding on a $10,000 budget.

Brides N Blooms Wholesale and Design always asks our clients for their floral budget in our initial consultation. It helps the client think about what they will be comfortable spending and keeps us both on target with their budget range. It also helps us decide what flowers & design work we can offer without breaking the bank. We always tell our clients it is not our intention to reach into your pocket and take what you do not have to spend. There is nothing worse than having a client’s hopes for something be completely dashed because what we discussed ended up being totally out of their budget comfort zone. Remember, “budget” is not a dirty word, it’s a necessary word. No one will fault you for having a budget; we all just need to know what your comfort range is!

3.      Get Referrals:

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If this is the first time you are planning a big event, talk to friends and family who have been there before. They will have insight into details that you might not have thought of.  Ask for and about the vendors they used and what they thought. If there is a vendor you seek that offers something new or is something that your friends/family didn’t have at their event, ask other vendors that you’ve contracted with if they can help. Many times when sitting down with a client we will share the names of different vendors we trust and have worked with. So don’t be afraid to ask. If you have the resources to use an event planner, that is a great option as well.

The time to plan goes by so fast, though sometimes it feels like you will never be done! If you are organized and keep to your budget and goals when the big day arrives you will be able to sit back and enjoy the day with all the happiness it deserves!

Now go plan to have a wonderful wholesale flower filled day!

Some wedding floral ideas by Brides N Blooms Designs:  http://pinterest.com/bridesnblmsdsn/roses-bouquets/    http://pinterest.com/bridesnblmsdsn/wedding-decor-miscellaneous-items/