Petal Pick: Sunflowers | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

Sunflowers are always so bright and cheery.  We use them a lot as centerpieces because of their size and bright colors.  It takes a big room to lessen the impact of a sunflower centerpiece.   What I love about sunflowers are the different varieties.

WAIT WHAT?!

Yes, there are different varieties other than your typical sunflower.

Origin: Central America

Season: Summer into Fall

(Certain varieties are available only in the fall.)

The Chocolate Sunflower is available only in the fall.  What a lovely color and how lovely would this look in a centerpiece with fall colors.

Teddy Bear Sunflowers.  These are very fun and make quite a statement on their own.   They are also late summer into fall.

Ring of Fire Sunflowers.  These are actually dyed red, the sunflower only absorbs so much dye and gets this ring around the center.

These are dyed red and you can tell because the petals still show a little yellow and the greenery has absorbed the dye and has turned purple.

Colors: Yellow and brown, Brown, Red and Yellow, Red

History: Domesticated somewhere around 2600 BC or 1000 BC and was used by Mesoamericans as a symbol of their sun-god.  Spanish explorers brought the sunflower to Europe where in the 18th century it was developed to be used as an oil.  (the seeds aren’t too shabby either! yum)

Price: $$$

Mini Sunflowers make for lovely boutonnieres.  *We can’t claim responsibility for this one.  This was done by Marsh Floral Fashions

A very colorful fall bouquet!  (again, not ours, but just too pretty to ignore) For more sunflower inspired bouquets and wedding ideas go here.

*Sunflowers do face towards the sun by a process called Heliotropism

* International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day is celebrated on May 1st when gardeners worldwide plant sunflowers in unexpected places, such as deserted lots and other places in need of a little sunshine so to speak.  The idea  started in Brussels by the Brussels Farmers.

Would love to see a wedding inspired by this painting.  The blue and yellow would look great together.

Van Gogh’s Vase with Twelve Sunflowers – Version 03

Thanks for stopping by and having a look around!  We would love to hear what you think!

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Featured Wedding: Bianca and Ramon | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, but before we start work on our weddings, here is this week’s Featured Wedding!

Modern, classic and elegant best describe this destination wedding.  Bianca and Ramon, who hail from Charlotte NC, came to us with an idea of a clean and simple ceremony and a vibrant reception for their big day.  We love the fact that the ceremony and reception have different looks.  We hope you do too!

Breathtaking!

Lovely ivory rose petals with floating candles lead up to an arbor of white hydrangea and roses with a backdrop of strands of white orchids with crystals.

Ramon sported a lovely peach orchid.

Bianca carried a simple bouquet of beige roses.

The Maid of Honor’s bouquet featured green orchids with beige roses while the bridesmaids’ bouquets had peach and green orchids with beige roses.

She is just too precious!

(oh and we made the pomander too!)

Bianca used the other space in the ballroom for a pre-function area complete with a guest card table…and trendy highboys so her guests could comfortably enjoy their refreshments.  After that: a quick trolley ride to the Charles H. Morris Center for a lovely reception.

A very different feel from the ceremony, but perfectly fitting for a reception celebration!

Long tables on the sides of the room featured tall candelabra arrangements with burgundy rose petals,smaller arrangements and candles in between.

Best wishes to Bianca and Ramon!  It was a pleasure working with you!

Thanks for stopping by and we hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Vendors Who Made it Happen:

Ceremony: Ballroom on Broughton

Reception: Charles H. Morris Center

Wedding Coordinator: Tricia Huddas

Photographer: Allison Reisz

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Wednesdays with Amy–Aalsmeer Flower Auction–Event and Floral Design–Harvey Designs–Savannah, GA

Have you ever wondered why the price of flowers goes up drastically around holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day?  Basically, supply and demand.  The same growers that supply flowers throughout the entire year are pushed to their limits with production during these peak times.

The Aalsmeer Flower Auction merged with Flora Holland in 2008 and is the epicenter of the floral industry.  20 million flowers are sold there at auction daily and the international prices are set by the current supply and demand.  Roses from Kenya, waxflower from Isreal, allium from Ethiopa, roses from Equador and bulb flowers from Germany are just a few of the crops  imported into Aalsmeer for auction.

Buyers sit in front of large screens with clocks and information regarding each flower.  The pricing starts high and goes down as the clock runs.  The greater the demand for certain items, the faster bids are made and the higher prices are set.  Weather plays a large part in production of flowers.  If there has been a rainy season prior to Valentine’s Day, production of roses may be down.  Buyers that are aware of this situation will know that product will be scarce and therefore they will need to bid faster to get their quota.  Florists don’t choose to gouge customers just because it is a holiday, they actually have to pay double the normal prices to get roses during this peak time.

In the video below, you can actually see how this controlled madness happens under the roof of the 10.6 million sq. ft. building.  It is definitely on my to-do list of places to visit and things to see.

Thanks for reading and have an inspiring Wednesday.  Remember to follow us on twitter and friend us on facebook.

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Petal Pick: Dahlias | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

It’s a new week and the start of a new blog series for Harvey Designs: Petal Pick!  Every so often we will choose an in season flower to feature in our Petal Pick to help brides with seasonality issues and color choices for their favorite blooms!  If you have a favorite fall flower you would love to see featured let us know.

The Dahlia

* Origin: Mexico

* Peak Season: Fall

* Colors: Reds, deep purple, pink, orange, yellow, and white.  There are several varieties that are bicolor such as red and white, purple and white and pink and purple. (The American Dahlia Society recognizes 15 different colors)

* History: Discovered in Mexico by French explorers and popularized throughout Europe through extensive breeding and hybridization during the 1700′s and 1800′s.  This extensive breeding brought about many variations and species.

Thank you Wikipedia!

*Pricing: $$

($=inexpensive, $$$$= expensive)

While pricing can vary on availability and whether or not they are in season (the flower market is very supply and demand, which Amy will discuss later this week.) a typical dahlia is rather inexpensive.

One of my favorite bouquets we've done with dahlias. So many colors!

Some interesting facts about dahlias:

*National flower of Mexico

*The dinner plate species is a single bloom dahlia that is literally the size of a dinner plate.  Sadly it does not do well as a cut flower.  (Imagine, a centerpiece with dinner plate dahlias! *swoon*)

*Pre-Columbian Indians in Central Mexico used the Dahlia’s stem and tubers for medicinal purposes.

For more details go here or here

Thanks for stopping by and having a look!  Let us know what you think!

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Featured Wedding: Rachel and Glen | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

I’m not a big fan of feathers, maybe too many flashbacks to cheap dress-up feather boas from when I was a little girl, but I love this wedding and it has feathers in it!   This lovely wedding was held at the Westin on the Harbor lawn with a reception following in the Harbor view ballroom.  But first, get a look at these sprays on the gazebo!  Such a lovely color combination!

Lavender roses, blue delphinium, green hypericum berries, and peacock feathers add texture and color to this spray.

The deep pink throats on these white cymbidium orchids pop against the pristine white and dark textured black feathers of Rachel’s bouquet.

The structure of the white calla lily and the strong pattern on the feathers are so masculine.

Yummy!  Custom Cakes’ sugar flowers look so real!

Best wishes to the bride and groom. Hope you enjoyed this wedding.  We will have some very big news soon so keep checking back.    Have a great weekend!

Vendors who Make it Happen:

Photographer: Allison Reisz Photography

Ceremony and Reception: Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa

Cake: Custom Cakes

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Wednesdays with Amy–Vintage Couture Bridal Gowns–Floral and Event Designer–Savannah, GA

There is something to be said about vintage clothing.  The elegance and Romanticism in clothing through the generations by countless designers is showcased in an impressive collection of vintage couture wedding dresses at TheFROCK.  Their website offers over 70 vintage dresses apparently in impeccable condition spanning from 1890 through the 70′s.

If I had an extra $3700.00 lying around and burning a whole in my pocket, I would have to purchase this ivory silk chiffon, sweetheart bodice Jacques Fath gown complete with mink trim.  I think it is even in my size.  It’s hard to believe that a gown designed 60 years ago would still be so fashionable.  Another timeless favorite that I found is the dress in the middle by Valentino circa 1970.  The cream and bone scalloped lace gown with striated linen hem and a sculptural obi bow is sure to turn heads–if you have the figure to go along with it–there is certainly no room for error.  I can also see vintage clothing mixed with modern elements to create an updated look.  The rare art deco lace bridal coat dress with scalloped, circular train could perhaps have the sleeves altered to a cap length and possibly have a contrasting color slip underdress.  Add a colorful, floral enamel necklace and swanky shoes and you have a look that is quite unique.

I am calling this the fairytale Midsummer Nights Dream collection.  If you ever wanted to look like a princess, tulle it is.

If you really want to be different, why not pink!!  This 1950′s Christian Dior tulle gown would be the icing on the cake for a vintage wedding.  The strapless, sweetheart bodice gown with charming floral applique, bead and sequin vine overskirt  is offered for $6300.00.  The other lovely designs are a Grecian inspired 1960′s gown by Bergdorf Goodman and the other taffeta ballgown accented with crystals and seed pearls is Christian Dior circa 1958.

Thanks for shopping with me and check out TheFROCK to see their whole collection as well as other vintage pieces.  Have an inspiring Wednesday.  Follow us on twitter and friend us on facebook.

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Weekend Review: Leanne and David | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

Who says science can’t be romantic?!  This weekend review features a creative use of scientific glass containers in a romantic, vintage wedding.  I think this wedding is one of my most favorite weddings from a creative standpoint.  I love the personalization and creativity.  Leanne took her passion for literature and David’s passion for science and came up with the sweetest design and it is oh-so-cute!

We had close to 100 different science-y glass containers, and almost as many books!

Bethesda’s Whitefield Chapel is the location for a very simple and charming ceremony.  It’s the perfect location for an intimate ceremony.

Arrangements for the chapel doors, altar, and pews all featuring peaches, pinks, yellows and corals in soft vintage shades.

Only a few miles down the road, the reception is held at The Landings’ Country club for an intimate celebration with family and friends.

I love it! Vintage and romantic and just perfect for this couple.

I had a hard time not taking a sample of the cake by Two Cakes as we were setting up!  Delicious!

Test tubes with flowers on the bar, little groupings of beakers and a book for every guest!

Best wishes for Leanne and David!  It is always a pleasure to work with such creative brides.  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back for our Wednesdays with Amy and Featured Wedding Fridays!

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Featured Wedding: Kristen and Larry | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

This week’s featured wedding is all about some color!  Bright, bold hot pink, purple and turquoise come together in hydrangea, orchids, anemones and sweet pea.  (Wait till you see the bouquets!  They’re my favorite.)  The Charles Morris Center is the site of both the ceremony and reception for this wonderfully colorful wedding celebration.

Small pink hydrangea add a pop of color on highboys.

Bright teal linens with a punch of pink and blueish purple hydrangea with turquoise beaded wire.

It’s not easy to see, but we did use small pink stones in the bottom of these arrangements to add a little extra zing!

Statement making altar arrangements flank the aisle marking the altar.

Inside, the bright linens and colorful arrangements stand out against the simple brick walls and hardwood floors.

Orchid sprays tied to the chairs mark seating for the new Mr. and Mrs.

The groom's boutonniere features a pink cymbidium orchid with lily grass, pink baronia heather, and purple hydrangea.

I am in love with these bouquets.  Some of these flowers (sweet pea and anemones) are only available in early spring and I am always happy when we can use them.

Lovely bouquets of anemones, sweet pea, orchid and hydrangea.

While we were setting up we managed to snap a few photos of our work.

Submerged orchids with a lovely arrangement of orchids and hydrangea on top.

The very first thing we did was hang these lanterns.  Luckily we had a lift that made things a little easier.

I love the bright colors and festive paper lanterns.

Best wishes for Kristen and Larry.

Vendors that make it happen:

Photographer: Allison Reisz Photography

Cake: Delectable Designs by Michelle Still

Caterer: Cape Creations

Wedding Coordinator: Morgan Gallo

Thanks for stopping by and having a look!  We are always glad to hear from our readers.  Leave us a comment below.  You don’t have to have an account.

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Wednesdays with Amy–Tybee Island Wedding Chapel–Floral and Event Designer–Savannah, GA

Monday night I had the opportunity to network with some of Atlanta’s premier wedding planners regarding the charm of Savannah and the diverse locations and venues we have to offer for weddings.  The host of the evening, Stacye Jarrell, was very excited about her new venture the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel.  The quaint chapel was left behind after filming a recent movie on Tybee.  The hardwood floors, exposed beam ceiling and the abundance of natural light flowing through the beautifully arched windows echo the romantic charm of the 1908 inspired seaside church.

Harvey Designs is very excited about the possibilities that the chapel has to offer.   We look forward to working with Stacye, wedding planners and brides to create unique, elegant weddings in such a charming setting.

Have an inspiring Wednesday.  Remember to follow us on twitter and friend us on facebook.

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Weekend Review: The Emmys | Harvey Designs | Event and Floral Design | Savannah, GA

As I am sure you are all aware, The Emmys were on last night.   I wish I had been able to watch them live, yes I know shame on me!, but that opening act was amazing no?  As were the fashions.  I am reading the fashion reviews and there are a few trends that I think can go from “red carpet” to “wedding aisle”.  Here are my top three!

Navy/Purple

Black is always popular for such a formal event as the Emmys, but a few stars picked up on the trend of navy or dark plum as the new black.  No I am not advocating a navy bridal gown (though some girls can make it work and more power to them) but these colors are universally flattering and are a good choice for bridesmaids.  Or groomsmen, depending on how bold they care to be.  A navy suit instead of black would be very stylish.

Lea Michele from "Glee" in a striking navy gown by Oscar de la Renta, a simple navy sweetheart neckline cocktail dress, and a universally flattering v-neck a line dress.

Jane Lynch rocks a deep one shoulder plum gown (two trends in one!) and Christina Hendricks looks lovely in a very difficult to pull off lilac gown.

The lighter hues of purple can be difficult to pull off so opt for the deeper plum, or a more subtle dark lilac.

One Shoulder

Instant drama!  An embellished single shoulder or a very edgy and modern cut makes an instant statement by drawing attention to a single strap on a dress as opposed to the very balanced tradition of two symmetrical straps.

Elisabeth Moss looks oh so elegant in a one shoulder draped gown. Vera Wang (bottom right) featured one shoulder dresses in her collection this year.

One shoulder gowns can be very romantic and almost Grecian (another trend at the Emmys) or modern and art deco.

Sequins

Sequins can be challenging.  It’s hard to avoid looking like a Vegas show girl (unless that’s what you’re going for, then by all means rock it out) or like you just got back from senior prom.  The trick is simplicity.

Clair Danes dazzles in a sequinned sheath. No extra accessories needed. The vintage cocktail dress and long wrap dress show us how to do sequins more subtly.

One option is to go for a little retro flair and have a small amount of sequins concentrated on the bust or to go all out, but have a very simple cut and no other embellishments.  (Imagine Whitney’s dress with a lovely navy sash instead of black!)

I don’t know about you, but there are very few occasions I have for wearing a “red carpet” gown so I (along with most of the rest of you ladies) will make my “wedding aisle” gown as close to my dream of a Hollywood gown as I possibly can.  Doesn’t hurt to keep up on the trends so I always keep an eye out for good ideas especially during awards season when Hollywood is at its best!

As always, thanks for stopping by!  Let me know what you think in the comments.  Were there any trends you thought were just great for a wedding or were you worried about the sanity of some of your favorite celebs?

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