Last fall I had the pleasure of designing flowers for a wedding in my hometown.  The family was local, the venue was local, the food was catered local and of course the flowers were local. Not only were they designed local, a good amount of them were purchased from a local flower farm. This was important to my couple and I thought it spoke volumes as to their support for the community. It was a great experience working with my neighbors and in the end we all won. I think now more then ever we need to support our local communities and the small businesses in them. It is truly neighbor helping neighbor that makes our towns such wonderful, unique places to live.  See more pictures here!

The other day I was on Pinterest, no surprise there. While browsing for some inspiration, I came across this awesome tutorial for a Thanksgiving table runner/centerpiece. Not your traditional look for the holiday but ohh is it stunning! And the best part...it's DIY! Check it out, give it a try, I promise you it will  be easy. 
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As much as I love my job it is still nice to take a break and unwind. This weekend I took a few hours and went hiking. The weather was gorgeous and I found myself at the top of Mosquito Hill in New London. I haven't been there since I was a kid. The view was amazing and my pictures don't do justice to the glorious fall colors. It was the perfect escape. What did you do last weekend? What did the colors look like in your area?

We recently had the opportunity to work at a very charming local venue in Waupaca, the Apple Tree Lane Bed & Breakfast. This 1880's Victorian farm house sits along the Crystal River and instantly takes you away from the stresses of life. For an early fall wedding the weather this particular day felt more like summer. The bride was absolutely stunning and everyone I spoke with was in high spirits. After a short walk along a rustic trail we had lined with vibrant fall color flowers, you found yourself along side the river where the ceremony would take place. The reception was also held on the grounds, in a cooled tent, with a catered dinner. Enjoying gems like this is one of the many reasons I love my work.

Click for more information on the Apple Tree Lane Bed & Breakfast or to see more of our photos here and some Distinction Photo pictures here. Comment below if you would get married here or if you have ever visited the Apple Tree Lane Bed & Breakfast.

So...it's the first day of fall. I have to say I am sad to see summer go. There is the hustle and bustle of wedding season mixed with all that great summer fun. When I'm not working I enjoy camping, hiking and fishing with my family. Summer for me is just a wonderful whirlwind of activities. But fall has its perks too. With the change of the season we get the wonderful colors and smells of nature, comfy sweaters and apples! Who doesn't love a fresh apple pie or some warm apple cider. As we welcome fall and all its glory make sure to take time and enjoy it!  We would love to hear why you love fall, post your comments below.

The appearance of the groundhog this past weekend has left me with hope that the long days of winter will soon be a memory. But since we still have a few weeks to go, all one can do is make the best of what Wisconsin winter will bring. As for me, I am growing use to the long hours of darkness. In fact I took inspiration from a recent starry night for this board. Lose yourself in the feeling of magic and closeness that only night can offer. Imagine yourself taking pictures with a full moon in the background or the soft glow of candles at your receptions. Regardless of the season, you are always guaranteed the wonder of nightfall and a show of evening lights. Whether they are from Mother Nature or mankind, both can offer unique beauty. If you need more ideas or help creating your own starry night to remember contact us.

Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. Chrysanthemums are considered one of the four noble plants among bamboo, the plum, and the orchid. It was once believed that drinking from a stream that flowed between Chrysanthemums would help a person live to be 100. From this myth came Chrysanthemum tea, wine and medicine to encourage a healthy, long life. The chrysanthemum is also an edible flower.


Common Name: Chrysanthemum, Mum
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum indicum

Modern cultivated chrysanthemums are much more showy than their wild relatives. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. This genus contains many hybrids and thousands of cultivated varieties. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, green, orange and red. Over 140 varieties of chrysanthemum have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

In general the Chrysanthemum symbolizes love, cheerfulness and optimism. It is also the birth flower for November, hence the reason to feature this flower this month. They can provide a wide variety of colors and textures to any floral design. Although they are thought of as a fall flower, chrysanthemums are available all year as a cut flower. The best part, they are super affordable.


Interesting Fact: It was once thought that bringing a Chrysanthemum indoors meant a wishful death.

Thanksgiving, a day to stop and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives, a day to spend time with family, a day for good food and gorgeous table arrangements. But if you are like most people I know, the gorgeous table arrangement may have slipped your mind. Well, I have a quick and easy idea to help you out, think Cornucopia.

Ever since I was a kid the Cornucopia has always captured my interest.  I guess even then I was drawn to things floral and decorative. The cornucopia or horn of plenty is a symbol of abundance and nourishment and commonly in a large horn-shaped container. Not only do cornucopias make lovely centerpieces at Thanksgiving they are great for the DIY'er.

How to make a Cornucopia:
First choose a container. If you don't have a cornucopia you can pick up a wicker or grapevine one at most craft stores. Or you could use a basket or even a burlap sack. Next choose any combinations of fruits, vegetable, nuts and seasonal flowers that you like. Collect and use things you have around the house; apples, oranges, pumpkins, gourds, potatoes, dried Indian corn, fresh or silk flowers, you get the idea, be creative and use your imagination. Then take your container and place it where you want to display it. You could choose to place a table runner, place mat or such underneath the container. If you are using a basket you could choose to tip it on it's side to create a spilling effect similar to the cornucopia. Finally arrange the items you found, in and around your container, start with your larger items. When you are happy with the placement of your items, sit back and enjoy.

We would love to see pictures of your "Cornucopias". Please post them on our Blooming Envy Facebook Page.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have you ever heard of a Pumpkin Tree? or Pumpkin on a stick? If not you have been missing out. Pumpkin Tree has a very appropriate name, it really looks just like a tree branch with tiny pumpkins on it. This really cool looking decoration is becoming more popular in fall flower arrangements. It is always an attention getter and the best part, it lasts a very long time.


Common Name: Pumpkin Tree, Pumpkin on a Stick,  Pumpkin Bush
Botanical Name: Solanum Integrifolium

Pumpkin trees grow best in mild desert climates. The plant grows three to five feet tall. It produces ribbed fruit, about the size of a miniature pumpkin. As the fruit grows, it is a deep green color. The fruit ripens to a deep, reddish orange. When the fruit is dried, it's color lightens, appearing more orange in color.  

Interesting Fact: Pumpkin Tree is a member of the solanum family, which also includes the likes of potatoes and eggplants. As you might infer, this means the little pumpkin shaped fruits are quite different inside than their namesake. Inside it resembles a pepper, with loose seeds and a mild peppery taste. However, westerners tend not to like the flavor and prefer to use it ornamentaly. In Asian cooking, the tiny “pumpkin” peppers are more popular.

A sad as it may be to admit, summer will soon be just a memory. But before you get too down, remember that this is a great time of year for a wedding. The change from late summer to early fall brings along a stunning color palate. Orange is still on top for the season but if your looking for a change try paring it up with deep burgundy or purples. Check out my inspiration and let me know what you think.