myKPW Photo Shoot - Floral Design by Apotheca

Late this summer, myKPW held a photo shoot with the concept of a bride getting married at different times during the day. We challenged four photographers, a hair and makeup team, a bridal stylist, and floral designer to create a look unique to each of our four brides according to their ceremony time; morning, afternoon, late afternoon, and evening.

Alyssa from Apotheca graciously jumped on board and designed four beautiful bouquets. Check out the designs she created along with her thoughts during the design process. ~LS



A Morning Bride

Time of Wedding: 11:00am
Inspiration: Simplicity, Understated, Casual.
Color Palette: Moss Green, Limoncello, Warm White
Floral Palette: Lady's Mantle, Soft Yellow Roses, Scabiosa, Chamomile, White Asters

image by Studio Nouveau


Thoughts: Using smaller, busier textures leads to a more relaxed, informal bouquet. In this case, the chamomile, lady's mantle, and scabiosa, work with the roses to create an elegant, but "casual garden" feel. This design mix is echoed again with the textile choices in the bouquet wrap--white satin with twine.

images above by Studio Nouveau



An Afternoon Bride

Time of Wedding: 2:00pm
Inspiration: Colorful, Playful Interest.
Color Palette: Moss Green, Limoncello, Papaya, Apricot,
Floral Palette: China Berry, Coral Fern, Green Parrot Tulip, Helliobore, Limon Spray Roses, Yellow Calla, Cottage Yarrow, Roses, Ranunculus

image by Claris Photography


Thoughts: An early afternoon wedding can be playful and fun--but always elegant! The bolder take on the palette in the bouquet was "contained" by surrounding the colors in coral fern. For the wrap I used a Sophisticated & Serious Green Dupioni Silk, but cuffed it with a bright, vintage-feel silk rosette.

images above by Claris Photography



A Late Afternoon Bride

Time of Ceremony: 4:00pm
Inspiration: Depth, Sophisticated Textures.
Color Palette: Sage Green, Limoncello, Papaya, Apricot, Champagne,
Floral Palette: Apricot Garden Rose, Papaya Rose, Warm White Ranunculus, Yellow Calla, Succulent, & Peiris

image by Roxanne Ashey Photography


Thoughts: By introducing Champagne and Sage and more sophisticated textures like the succulents and Romantic Draping Peiris, the bouquet feels more elegant. The wrap is a generous amount of Double Faced French Satin in Pewter and Sage Green.

images above by Roxanne Ashey Photography



An Evening Bride

Time of Ceremony: 6:00pm
Inspiration: Structured Elegance.
Color Palette: Moss Green, Limoncello, Apricot, Warm White, Champagne
Floral Palette: Ranunculus, Calla, Roses, Phaeleonopsis Orchids.

image by Brea McDonald Photography


Thoughts: Monochrome Palettes are the safest way to sophistication, but in this case I wanted to keep the color; so, to streamline it a bit I cut back on the range of color and blocked the flower elements together. I also exaggerated the structure by giving the bouquet strong lines via the offset cascading orchid and the rolled leaf collar. The wrap was Double Faced Satin, French Ribbon in Pewter and Lemon, and was embellished with a patterned cuff and silver buttons.

images above by Brea McDonald Photography




Apotheca Flower & Tea Chest
Phone: 866.479.4594
Website: www.apothecaflowershoppe.com
myKPW State and Budget: NH $25-50k and $50-80k

Other vendors (including our photographers listed above) who helped make this shoot a success were:

Hair: Hair that Moves
Makeup: Joya beauty
Attire: Occasions Bridal and Tuxedos

my Kate Parker Wedding is a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Vendor Advice and Trends - Diana from Diana Ma Weddings & Events on Planning

Diana from Diana Ma Weddings & Events shares with brides some helpful advice when working with a planner and some ways to help you achieve that dream wedding.

1. Please be as specific and detailed as possible. Planners want to give brides and grooms what they want. We try to anticipate our clients' needs, but we are planners not mind-readers :-)

2. Always ask. I try to keep the doors of communication open with all of my clients. I never want anyone to think they are imposing... it's a really monumental rite of passage we are planning together. It's better to get your concerns out in the open than to stew on them!

3. Determine what your top 3 most important, can't live without items are for your wedding and arrange your budget around those 3 things. Are you artistic and want to splurge on photography/videography? Then cut back on something that is less important to you. Too many times I have heard clients come to me for sophisticated photographers but they've only allowed $1,500 in their budget to book one. It's always best to evaluate your priorities first. You want to be able to spend on items that are near and dear to both you and your fiance.

4. Planners have your best interest in mind. Even if a client suggests something that may logically be un-doable for the event, planners will often exhaust resources to try and make it happen for them. However, try to keep an open mind if the request cannot be executed as imagined. Often times there are alternative solutions that may achieve the desired effect better.

5. Make sure it is clear up front, what you expect from your planner - as far as what they are managing and tracking. Miscommunications are easily avoided when both parties clear the air at the time of booking. Also, make sure you tell your planner what additional items they are responsible for - i.e. showers & other pre-parties, after parties, honeymoon bookings, etc.

6. Trust your intuition. Do not hire a planner even if she/he comes highly recommended if you do not feel an instant connection. This is your day! You will be seeing a lot of each other throughout the process and she/he will become your partner in crime. If the chemistry is not there, don't be afraid to tell the planner up front. The most professional planners will recommend you to another one of their colleagues whom they admire and respect.

7. Look for planners that have access to support staff. The day of the event is adrenaline filled for brides, grooms, families and vendors. There should always be a planner by side your side as you get ready as well as one on site to make sure there are no glitches in set-up.

8. Planners are the calm in a storm of nerves. Make sure your planner has a positive, calm demeanor about him/her. It is best to stay away from visually high-strung people... it's an emotional time! You don't want to be keyed up more than you already will be.

9. Keep your sense of humor. Come on, life is funny! How great the day turns out is 90% attitude. If the unexpected happens, roll with it. You are celebrating with the love of your life! Keep your eye on the prize for a beautiful life together and you are golden!

10. Allow yourself to enjoy the day. It can take more than a year's time to plan and execute an event. The actual wedding goes by in a flash. Stay calm, stay happy and relish every single moment of it! It's equivalent to crossing the finish line to an intense marathon, after months and months of training.


Diana also says that brides are getting a little "bolder" with the use of colors...

I've seen a big trend toward big bold colors which I personally love! My last wedding had bridesmaids in dark blue dresses with lemon verbena pumps! I think the rules have become blurred lately and brides & grooms are stepping outside the box to make sure their guests are having a great time and their personal touches are incorporated throughout. It’s almost as if there are no “rules”. As long as you can remain positive, have fun and do all you can to make your guests feel welcome, there is simply no wrong way to get married!

image by Elizabeth Bradford Photography

image by Rodeo & Co. Photography

images above (4) by Justin Munroe Photography




Diana Ma Weddings & Events
Wedding Planner and Designer: Diana Ma
Phone: 617.529.2512
Website: www.dianamaweddings.com
myKPW State and Budget: NH <$25k and $25-50k

Diana Ma Weddings & Events is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

A True Reflection - Donald & Trenholm Photographers

The other day we saw a photo on Facebook taken by the very talented duo, Heather and Austin, of Donald & Trenholm Photographers. The reflection in the floor couldn't have been more perfect and made for a very stunning shot. Check out their Connecticut wedding...

Donald & Trenholm Photographers
Phone: 603.548.7233
Website: www.donaldtrenholm.com
Email: donaldtrenholm@gmail.com
myKPW State and Budget:

- NH $25-50k
- MA <$25k

Donald & Trenholm Photographers is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, a new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Barn Weddings - Donald & Trenholm Photographers

The rustic charm of a barn wedding is something that is becoming more and more popular among brides as the setting is conformable to many decorating styles or themes. Check out a barn wedding captured by Heather and Donald from Donald & Trenholm Photographers.

Donald & Trenholm Photographers
Photographer: Heather Donald and Austin Trenholm
Phone: 603.548.7233
Website: www.donaldtrenholm.com
myKPW State and Budget: Massachusetts <$25k, New Hampshire $25-50k

This particular setting was at the Laudholm Farm Reserve in Wells, Maine. The reception was held in the horse barn next to the main house. The bride and groom had lighting designers come in and install chandeliers just for their wedding. Austin said it was absolutely beautiful!