Q. What do you love about being in the wedding and events industry?

A.  What can I say – I love to party : ) Seriously though, I do love how each wedding is so filled with raw emotion – from the laughing and the tears.  It’s a beautiful thing to see, and I love that I get a VIP pass to run around with the bride and see everything from the “front row” (so to speak).    I get to know my couples from our meetings and our engagement shoot together – so I feel invested in them.  I WANT them to have a wonderful wedding.  Watching my couples tie the knot makes me feel is a special day for me.  I wish I had started shooting weddings sooner : )

Q. what color bridal bouquets do you think photograph the best and why?

A.  Well, I’m a sucker for color so any sort of color, whether it’s bright and vibrant or soft and romantic, I love it all.  I used to work in a flower shop while I was in college, and I was utterly amazed at the variety of gorgeous flowers out there.  Some of my faves are the HUGE peonies, tiny ranunculus, black & white anemones, and who doesn’t like hydrangeas…come on.  The trend of having succulents in a bouquet is pretty awesome (wish I had thought of that when I was getting married : )

Q. Is it sometimes difficult to capture an all white bouquet against a white dress?

A.  Yes and no – there will always been some subtle difference – but the bouquet certainly won’t pop in the pictures.  Where there is color (even if it’s a very pastel bouquet) it can make a world of difference.  I also appreciate when a bride has a variety of flowers in her bouquet.  The different textures of the flowers can really add a lot to a photo.

Q.   I have been seeing a good amount of lighting in rooms, some colored some natural. What about candlelit rooms? LED lights etc.  What so you think is the best lighting for reception photos?

A.   Well – gorgeous sun light always wins for me hands down, but depending on the time of year the wedding is – candlelight can be very romantic – but you would definitely need a lot of candles…but the effect would be incredible!  I do love when a there is fun colored lights at at reception – makes the dancing look like fun.  But my favorite lighting at night would have to be the string of lights (large round bulbs).  I think it looks so festive (with a little vintage flair)

Q. How would you define your photography style for weddings?

A. Fun. Romantic. Modern.   Using a common setting to make something look extraordinary is always a fun challenge – but truthfully some of my favorite shots are the moments that I caught of something real – a real laugh, a real tear, that’s the good stuff.  I like to find a great spot with pretty light and let nature takes its course : )

Q. How far in advance should a client book their wedding photography?

A.   I like to say 9 months is a good average.  Some girls are far more prepared booking out more than a year in advance (I know I didn’t do that for my wedding).  While other brides are more “fly by the seat of their pants” and book with 6 months or less.  I just recommend any bride to think about what is the most important thing to them that day – and book that first (no matter what it is).

Q. Start to finish.. Client meeting to the finished  work!

How long does it take you to work on a wedding?

A.   My client meetings are very casual and can last between an hour or more if we’re chatty : )  Then we get to hang out and have some more fun during the engagement shoot which takes about 2 hours or so.  Each wedding is different (always a good workout though) then I spend time in my studio sorting through photos, processing, and all the other fun studio stuff.  I like to get my weddings done within 2-3 weeks from the day that I shot it.

Amie Schroeder  of  http://amieschroeder.com

Derouin predicts the appeal will begin with muted shades, such as mango, and “in time, we will see persimmon and pumpkin walking down the aisle.” For floral design in 2012, he anticipates seeing orange paired up with neutrals (whites, grays “and maybe green”) and that monochromatic palettes of peaches and oranges will be popular.

J Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, expressed much enthusiasm for Pantone’s selection. “We have more pink and orange flowers than any other. And pink and orange look great together — analogous colors that make people feel friendly and happy!”

Customers who gravitate to classic, timeless looks will choose monochromatic orange designs, while those with a more casual taste will choose pinks, reds and yellows to go with “tangerine tango,” Schwanke said. People “who want to cause excitement” will choose blue or aqua to complement it. “The trend will lead us and all we have to do is follow — color wheel in hand — to create the necessary emotion for the particular event,” he said.

For more on “tangerine tango” and its influence on 2012 nuptials, see “Wedding Colors and Style Trends for 2012” by Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI, on the Flower Factor blog.

Wedding Colors and Style Trends for 2012

by Carol Caggiano on January 10, 2012 at 9:45 am
As newly engaged couples anxiously plan their weddings, they look forward to see what is new for 2012. The modern bride wants her wedding to be a unique experience and she is searching for inspiration to achieve that goal which drives many of the trends we are seeing in the wedding market.
Photo courtesy www.pantone.com.
One of the most important choices a couple makes for their wedding day is color. The top 10 colors of 2012 from Pantone show direction toward a very vibrant palette lead by Tangerine Tango, a strong orange red. Roses, gerbera, stock, carnations, delphinium, asters and orchids just to name a few are all flowers available in these fashion-

forward hues and will be popular choices for this year’s floral bouquets.

• Bouquets will focus on texture while designed in a more relaxed style than the tight, compact bouquets popular in the past. Floral elements such a fern curls, echiveria and craspedia will offer diversity combined with more traditional blooms.
• Interest in the boutonnières for the gentlemen will continue to grow, making selections of unique designs of unusual materials popular. Emphasis on the men’s flowers will equal that of the choices for the ladies in the wedding party.

Lounge areas became very popular in 2011 and will continue to play a major role in 2012.

• Good lighting creates drama, introduces color and provides atmosphere. More and more focus will be placed on lighting in events and florals, professionally created, will add form, color and focal emphasis for the perfect look. Props such as chandeliers, shades and lamps are often added to further emphasize the lighting effects. Your florist will be able to help coordinate the right floral choices with your lighting needs.
• Lounge areas became very popular in 2011 and will continue to play a major role in 2012. Even smaller events will include areas for guests to visit with each other away from the formal table seating in a more casual setting. Rented furniture creates the space providing a unique and spontaneous look and casual arrangements of flowers add the finishing touch.
• Table sizes and shapes vary within the same event. Long banquet tables and rounds may be combined, as might ovals and squares. Table surfaces will be mixed as well. Linen covered for some and natural surfaces such as wood, glass or acrylic for others combined together in the same venue. Different style centerpieces are created for each table shape giving the overall look of the room a unique and exciting ambiance.

The possibilities are endless for today’s bride. Her personal style paired with event professionals can easily create the perfect wedding no matter what the budget. Start with your local florist. He can be a great resource for not only flowers but also other vendors to help your wedding to be everything you dreamed of. For more advice planning your wedding flowers and working with a professional florist, visit aboutflowers.com.

1. Saturated Color

Bold, bright color is back in a big way, so take advantage of its ability to make a statement. Pinks, reds, greens, and blues continue their reign, but royal purple and deep lilac tones are also making a comeback. To really focus on color, try designing arrangements in one dramatic hue and varying the type and texture of the flowers.
Knot Note: Think brown is a tough color to incorporate in your arrangements? It’s not — Leonidas and terracotta roses, cosmos in shades of chocolate, and even hypericum berries, which come in several shades of brown, will all make a rich contrast to warmer shades (such as pink or yellow) in your centerpieces and bouquets.

2. Bring in the Bling

Think jewelry is just for you to wear? Everything from brooches to pearls are being used to make bouquets beautiful, and they make a fabulous keepsake gifts for bridesmaids to use year-round. For the bridal bouquet, it’s also a clever way incorporate a “something borrowed” family heirloom like grandma’s antique hatpin.

3. Wraps

Focus on your vases, in addition to your blooms, by wrapping them in creative ways. Cover a rustic arrangement in tree bark, a winter arrangement in plush velvet ribbon, or a modern arrangement in metallic gold, silver, and jewel-toned wires. Bouquets stems are getting the same attention, cloaked in clean-lined, lithe banana leaves or in wraps ornamented with glass beads.

4. Get Moving

Tight, perfect, just-so arrangements are out, and large three-dimensional displays are in. This year, movement and asymmetry in bouquets and centerpieces are very important. Flowers should seem lifelike, not stuffed into a ball. The best blossoms for this? Varieties with long, flexible stems and a natural drape like vines, tulips and sweet peas.

5. Orchids

Orchids are the flower of the moment, especially since this versatile, elegant bloom comes in virtually all colors and sizes. Use an all-orchid arrangement to make a lush, architectural statement on your tables, or select a single orchid blossom in your wedding color for modern boutonnieres. Wrap the stem in black ribbon so that the blossom pops against the label.
Knot Note: Boutonnieres are no longer an afterthought. Guys are taking advantage of their chance to make a statement with greenery, whether it’s with big lush blooms, an arrangement of small delicate ones, or a sampling of interestingly shaped herbs.
Contributors: David Beahm, David Beahm Design; Carol Caggiano, Board of Directors, Society of American Florists; Preston Bailey, Preston Bailey Designs, Inc.; Michelle Rago, Michelle Rago LTD

Read more: Wedding Flowers: 5 Dramatic Ideas – TheKnot.com http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-flowers/articles/wedding-flowers-top-trends.aspx#ixzz1izPZQ3z3 ]]> http://www.leighflorist.com/5-dramatic-floral-trends-for-wedding-flowers/feed/ 0 http://www.leighflorist.com/ribbons-bows-and-trim/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ribbons-bows-and-trim http://www.leighflorist.com/ribbons-bows-and-trim/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:39:41 +0000 leighflo http://www.leighflorist.com/?p=2172 Continue Reading]]>

I don’t know about you but we are completely ribbon obsessed! Satin, Grosgrain, twine, organza, silk, linen, taffetta, crushed, burlap, velvet & shimmer .. it’s all fabulous! Not to mention the colors.. muted, bold, plaids, polka dot and patterned. It is way too hard to choose a favorite!

We have bins and racks brimming full, because you can truly never have every color and size.

This is how I new I was slightly obsessed!

 Flowers and Ribbons-

Part of our ribbon collection began to pile up during the changing of seasons.

Fall is the perfect time of year to add texture and contrast to floral designs. The flowers are so lush vibrant and ribbons are the perfect finishing touch!

Next thing you know its winter.. so.. We needed the tarten plaid, velvet and shimmers, in whites, silvers, golds, burgundy, reds and lime green for the Winter holiday Season. Holiday ribbon can be so classic, glitzy, shimmery or festive.

Then comes Valentines Day, rich colors and romantic floral designs. We are not huge on the typical heart printed ribbon. Cute but.. instead we gravitate towards rich reds in crush, silk, satins and organza’s. We love the pairing of deep rich red roses accented with chocolate taffeta  ribbons. We called this design Cherry’s and Chocolates. Really devine!

At the first sign of Spring we can’t help but get excited!

The pastel sweet shades of pinks and greens. A ribbon tied bouquet of tulips is one of the best gift for spring. We source our french tulips from a local Dutch farmer and they are wonderful!! I love this time of year..so of course we need the perfect ribbon!

Spring means the start of wedding season!  We love to match a lush bridal bouquet with the perfect ribbon treatment. The brides maid’s bouquets also need the perfect ribbon color to either coordinate or contrast with the dresses. Even the men have ribbons these days!! We wrap the boutonnieres with ribbon to add a finishing touch. Mothers and Grand Mothers wear corsages that pin on or wear on the wrist or even a small posy’s to hold. They will also need beautiful ribbons to accent their gowns. Bring dress swatches to our meeting and we can choose the color that is best! We also provide ribbon to wrap around the tiers of stacked wedding cakes.

This will need to be taken to the bakery, so they can add the ribbon while finishing the icing or fondant.

Ribbons turn into Bows-

We did a workshop recently with a local garden club. Everyone there was intrigued with bows.

How do we do it.. they want to know!! I would say the technique is easy.. it just takes practice.

I will be making a “how to video” for bow making in the next few weeks. I hope you can chek it out!

Thank you for stopping by and reading our blog,

Denise Herker

Floral arrangements, weddings and flowers for all occasions!
400 Amherst Rd. Audubon, NJ 08106T.

856-547-1090

http://www.facebook.com/leigh.florist

Leigh Florist provides local flower delivery service to the following areas and zip codes in New Jersey: Audubon, Audubon Park, Barrington, Bellmawr, Collingswood, Glendora, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Westmont, Haddonfield, Magnolia, Voorhees, Deptford, Mt Ephraim, Oaklyn, Runnemede and Westville.
Camden County, New Jersey

08030, 08107, 08107, 08099, 08059, 08030, 08031, 08108, 08106

Watch this video on YouTube.

Thank you for stopping by and watching our video.

Denise

Floral arrangements, weddings and flowers for all occasions!

400 Amherst Rd. Audubon, NJ 08106T.

856-547-1090

http://www.facebook.com/leigh.florist

Leigh Florist provides local flower delivery service to the following areas and zip codes in New Jersey: Audubon, Audubon Park, Barrington, Bellmawr, Collingswood, Glendora, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Westmont, Haddonfield, Magnolia, Voorhees, Deptford, Mt Ephraim, Oaklyn, Runnemede and Westville.
Camden County, New Jersey

08030, 08107, 08107, 08099, 08059, 08030, 08031, 08108, 08106

Leigh Florist Christmas Cactus

A beautiful holiday gift, that is great for the holidays and all year long!
We think this is an awesome alternative to the traditional poinsettia plant.

The Christmas cactus is botanically known as the zygocactus or schlubergera.
This is not actually a traditional desert cactus but a tropical plant native to South America.
In our area this is an indoor plant requiring bright indirect sunlight. Be careful
not to offer too much sun because it can burn the leaves.

Watering: These plants require water once per week or when the soil is dry to touch.
The water should be added directly to roots in the soil. Too much water will rot the plant and too little cause the leaves to drop off.

Re-flowering your Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus are what they call thermo-photoperiodic. In short this means bud set is triggered by a combination of day length and temperature. When day length is approximately equal to darkness the plant knows its time to grow buds. The secondary trigger that most miss is temperature. Chilling the plant at 50 to 60 degrees for a week or two should cause the plant to start setting buds.

A critical period for the Christmas cactus is during bud formation. The plant does not like to be moved or have its environment changed once buds begin forming. It aborts newly formed buds if placed in a drafty location, or the plant’s lighting is changed.

Now you know the secrets of Christmas Cactus. A properly cared for plant can live for 20 years or more flowering year after year.

Pruning Tips after flowers fade-
Start pruning a Christmas Cactus a few months after it has finished blooming and rested for several weeks. Simply pinch off sections of leaf that make up the stem. Pruning encourages new growth and helps the plant stay bushy and full.

Thank you for stopping by and reading our blog,

Denise
Floral arrangements, weddings and flowers for all occasions!
400 Amherst Rd. Audubon, NJ 08106T.

856-547-1090

http://www.facebook.com/leigh.florist

Leigh Florist provides local flower delivery service to the following areas and zip codes in New Jersey: Audubon,
Audubon Park, Barrington, Bellmawr, Collingswood, Glendora, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Westmont, Haddonfield,
Magnolia, Voorhees, Deptford, Mt Ephraim, Oaklyn, Runnemede and Westville.
Camden County, New Jersey

08030, 08107, 08107, 08099, 08059, 08030, 08031, 08108, 08106

Okay, everyone is rushing around shopping, baking and decorating. So, in the midst of all the bustle, are you thinking, “I need some holiday Poinsettias”? Leigh Florist offers premium, locally grown, Poinsettia plants. Now are you thinking, “How do I take care of this poinsettia?”

Here are some tips:

Right temperature & Location   Since the Poinsettia native to the tropical sun, they may like it warm but not hot. placed in a sunny spot indoors. Avoid displaying in any locations near heat sources or outdoor drafts. The ideal  temperature in your home or office is  60-72 degrees.

Proper watering  Poinsettias do not like wet conditions, especially to water logging, it is very sensitive. At worst, they can die. Therefore less is more. Water when the soil is slightly dry 1 inch down from the surface. First pour if the top layer of soil is slightly dry.

• For optimal care is best to use the immersion method. The root ball completely put into the water. If no air bubbles rise, drain the water for several minutes. When no water drips again put the plant in the pot and after about a week can crop up.

• ATTN: PLANT GEEKS

Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as Zack Wood or noche buena, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America. It is commonly known as poinsettia (pronounced /pɔɪnˈsɛti.ə ), after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the US in 1825.

Poinsettias are popular Christmas decorations in homes, churches, offices, and elsewhere across North America. In the United States, December 12 is National Poinsettia Day!