A Deserving Couple - Jessica's Country Flowers

Jessica Robinson from Jessica's Country Flowers recently helped a couple with their wedding during this difficult, economical time. It's really great to see that even through tough times, there are still giving individuals always willing to lend a hand.

Check out the story (and photos) that Jessica shares with us and the people involved . . .

Each year we host a contest called "Deserving Couple" which we take applications from engaged couples who have financial hardship and yet still give back to their communities. We feel that we have been extremely fortunate in business and this is our little way of giving back. We donate our services at no charge to the couple and help to coordinate the entire wedding.

This year's couple, Amanda and Matt, were married on August 29, 2009 at Thomaston Congregational Church, Thomaston, Connecticut with a noon ceremony. About 170 guests attended the ceremony and then followed to the reception which was held at the Lyceum in Terryville, Connecticut. Amanda had recently lost her job from White Flower Farm of nearly 13 years and Matt works for a HVAC company. Both of their fathers had also recently lost their jobs and wedding funds were extremely low. Each year they travel the world with missionary programs helping out others less fortunate. They deserved a wedding that was incredible!

We had many outstanding wedding professionals who provided their products and/or services for the couple, which included:

- Jessica's Country Flowers (flowers, invitations and candy station)
- Jamie Collins Photography (photographs)
- Jubilee Events (coordination of event)
- Lamothe's Sugar House (maple chocolate favors)
- Emily's Catering Group (buffet reception dinner)
- Kim's Cottage Confections (wedding cake)
- Festive Occasions (linen and chivari chair rental)
- Kathy Faber Designs (custom bridal gown)
- The White Dress by the Shore (veil and shoes for the bride)
- La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa (pedicures and manicures for bride and her bridal party)
- Dana Bartone (hair and make-up for bride and her bridal party)
- Regal Stageways (transportation)

This couple's love for each other is felt and shared with their families. They are truly fortunate to have the love of each other and their close family and friends. They had a friend who was a DJ and provided all of the music. Their reception dinner was scrumptious with purple colored potatoes, pasta and apricot glazed stuffed chicken along with mouth watering pork tenderloin. You can see the glow of love in their faces!

2009 Vendor Advice and Trends - Jessica Robinson from Jessica's Country Flowers

Jessica from Jessica's Country Flowers gives brides some great advice when choosing the right florist for their big day! Check out some of her work below or visit her website: Jessica's Country Flowers

Tips and Advice for selecting a florist:

If flowers are high on your priority list you may opt for selecting a wedding floral designer vs. a traditional flower shop. Which means a designer in which will be completely dedicated to designing weddings and special events. A normal everyday shop probably won't give you the much needed attention you deserve.

Select about 3-4 floral designers to interview. You'll want to hire someone that can work within your budget and someone that you connect with. It's a long process with planning a wedding and you need to know that the person you hire will create something you will be completely satisfied with, or give you more than you imagined.

Expect to budget approximately 10-20% of your overall budget for flowers.

Be cautious when selecting your date if flowers are important to you. You will get more for your buck if you don't get married on Mother's day weekend or during a busy holiday season. Don't insist on peonies in August. If peonies are something you want, plan to marry in late May to mid-June.

Choose a color scheme with your florist and maybe a few important blooms. But, try and give your floral designer a little creative freedom.

Ask for a sample bridal bouquet as well as a sample table setting. This way you will view your design prior to the wedding and make any necessary changes or additions.

If you have a limited budget, spend more money at your reception. You have to figure, you're only going to be at the ceremony site for about an hour and spending most of your time at the reception.

Jessica also shares with us some trends happening in the floral design space...

Brides are looking for fresh, creative designs. Our signature "tree" centerpieces have been big for us. We are seeing more monochromatic weddings and color is big. People are looking to have events that people walk away saying "wow! I never saw anything like that!".

Colors that have become hot right now are purple flowers and touches of green along with all white/cream flowers with touches of green. We are utilizing more unique containers and coming up with natural organic table settings.