November 18th, 2008
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Mike and Paige's Wedding

Mike and Paige were married on September 27th, 2008 at Saint Mary's Cathedral in Portland, Oregon with a reception immdiately following at the Tiffany Center. For the flowers the couple chose a classic combination of roses, calla lilies and asiatic lilies in shades of orange. Clean lines and minimal foliage lent a simplistic and modern look to an otherwise traditional mix.

Paul Rich shot and provided the images from the wedding. As always he did an excellent job!! Be sure to check out his site for more info about his services.

Asiatic lilies, roses and miniature calla lilies made up the fairly round hand tied bridal bouquet.

Mike wore a burnt orange miniature calla lily boutonniere accented with grass flips and a simple black satin ribbon wrapped stem.

Different styles and heights of table centerpieces kept the decor at the reception interesting and unique. This tall arrangement featured golden asiatic lilies, calla lilies, asiatic lilies, dahlias and twigs.

Several calla lilies were placed inside the cylinder vase of the tall arrangements. Vose petals and votive candles completed the look.

Low centerpieces featured a combination of dahlias, roses, mokara orchids, asiatic lilies and hydrangea.

A photographer's dream moment ;-)

Congratulations Paige and Mike! All the best to a fantastic couple!!

November 17th, 2008
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Bravo Wedding Affair!

The Bravo Wedding Affair will be held THIS SUNDAY at the Embassy Suites in downtown Portland.

Monday morning (november 17th) Jordan was in an interview promoting the event on Better TV.

For more information go to the Bravo Wedding's site.

Hope to see you there!!

October 30th, 2008
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Vincent and Angie's Wedding

In June of this year I was fortunate to provide the flowers for Angie and Vincen't wedding at the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. The bride and groom were aiming for a simple wedding that still had a beautiful, soft look.

As always, Jasmine Photography did an outstanding job of capturing the beauty and mood of the day. Please check out more of their images at www.jasminephotography.com

Cheers!

For her bouquet Angie selected peonies, tulips, roses, sweet peas and mock orange blossoms in a palette of whites, creams and ivories accented with touches of blush and pink.

The bride wore a fresh gardenia in her hair. It looked, and smelled, gorgeous!

Vincent wore two fern curls accented with fern tips and black satin ribbon wrapped stem boutonniere.

The flower girl helped us collect petals after the ceremony. She wore a halo of rose buds and carried a basket filled with rose petals.

Petite galvanized tins were filled with hydrangea, roses and mock orange and hung along either side of the aisle.

Hydrangea, viburnum, peonies, roses and tulips continued the fresh spring theme of the other flowers. Lots of rose petals and votive candles were used to light up the interior of the octagon barn at the roadhouse.

I think this should be on the cover of Oregon Weddings. Classic!

October 16th, 2008
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Bravo Live!- October 29th, 2008

On Wednesday, October 29th Blum will be taking part in Bravo Live!. Bravo Live is a trade show at the Oregon Convention Center designed to showcase local event vendors to the general public with an energetic approach and interactive feel. Whether you're planning a golf tournament, large fundraiser, wedding, meeting or holiday party Bravo Live will be a great place to spend one afternoon talking with some of the best local event professionals.

Blum will be displaying our flowers in a "Northwest Inspired" tent near the stage along with Uncommon Invites, Barclay Rentals and Gourmet Productions Catering.

We hope to see you there!!!

For more information please visit the Bravo Live Website.

October 7th, 2008
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Shahrzad and Behzad's Wedding

On June 28th, 2008 I was honored to provide the flowers for Shahrzad and Behzad's wedding at the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland. The bride and groom are an extraordinarily beatiful couple who were striving for a wedding that was both modern and timeless (one of my favorite challenges!) Their wedding was also quite special for me as it was my first opportunity to provide the flowers for a traditional Persian wedding.

The first set of images are from the ceremony which was based in the library. All of the flowers were in shades of white and featured many dendrobium orchid blossoms as well as peonies, hydrangea, and cymbidium orchid blossoms for a look that was clean but still very full and soft.

The reception took place in the Heritage Ballroom at the Governor and featured a bright, rich color scheme of fuchsia, reds and oranges. Mokara orchids, hydrangea, peonies and roses continued the lush, full look of the ceremony but with the obvious color changes and a slightly more modern, clean style.

The images here are provided by Joseph Milton, www.josephmilton.com. The wedding was coordinated by the wonderful Nora Totonchy, owner of Bridal Bliss, the dress was purchased at Anna's Bridal, and the cake was created by the genius that is Judy Reese and Dreamcakes. All vendors are based out of Portland or Lake Oswego, Oregon.

September 25th, 2008
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Celebrity Florists? Oh snap!

When I first became a florist I had NO IDEA what an incredible industry I was entering into. I had always thought of working in a flower shop as a fun detour on my way to a serious, successful (aka incredibly boring) career and never really considered the alternative to that option until about two years after I landed that first job. At the shop where I worked we had STACKS of floral magazines and I would spend hours reading them when business was slow. It was in those magazines that I began to become a fan of certain "celebrity" florists. Yes, there are celebrity florists. Don't be surprised! Let's just say that Christian Tortu is to the floral world what Wolfgang Puck is to the restaurant industry. I'm convinced the reason that most people are not aware of celebrity florists is that they are primarily based in Europe where as most celebrity chefs are based in the States. However, have no fear my dears as I am here to educate you!! Below are three of my ALL TIME FAVORITE celebrity florists. All three have published best selling books, have separate product lines (usually with candles, incense, etc) and have changed our industry through their creativity and technique. The reason I've selected these three is that they have influenced my personal style as much as any other florists out there. Please check out the links. I hope their work and eccentrically glamorous personalities inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Cheers!

One of the first florists I ever read about that really excited my personal style was Christian Tortu. His shop is based in Paris (as many are) and two of his first clients were Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent (um, huuullllooooo?!) Mr Tortu took out the fluff of the country garden Constance Spry style (yep, another celeb florist) and replaced it with a clean, soft, modern, luxurious look.

Interview with Christian Tortu

Jeff Leatham on YouTube

Jeff Leatham is probably my favorite florist ever. He has created a signature style that both captures a simple look with an over the top luxury. For me, Jeff Leatham belongs in the same category as Chanel, Eames, Gehry and Dylan when it comes to creating something (be it fashion, decor, architecture, music OR flowers) that will always be the epitome of classic AND modern.

Interview with Daniel Ost

Daniel Ost Images

Quite possibly the most talented florist on the planet in terms of technique and creativity, Daniel Ost is by no means your mother's florist (unless your mom is the queen of Sweden in which case he's a close family friend!) His designs are mind blowing. Take a look at some of his work and if you can get your hands on one of his books, DO IT!

September 23rd, 2008
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Updates

As wedding season begins to calm down I'm finally finding the time to collect my thoughts, consider the past year and mabe, just mabe, have enough insight to create a few new blog entries! Thank you for your patience and keep coming back to check out the images from a summer full of wonderful people, beautiful places and gorgeous flowers. Cheers!!!

August 13th, 2008
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Sol Neelman at the Olympics!

As friend of a friend I fist met Sol Neelman about a year ago at a coffee shop to talk about weddings and the industry as he was looking to expand his business in the industry. While talking to him I got to learn about his experience working for the Oregonian as a sports photographer. It was fascinating to me as I am OBSSESSED with sports. As such, I am ENTIRELY consumed by the Olympic Games in Beijing. Upon visiting his blog yesterday I learned that he had receiveed an all access media pass to shoot the events.

The reason I'm making this post on MY blog (other than I think it's so fun and interesting) is that in an era when "photojournalism" has become such a popular adjective describing a style of wedding photography I think it's important for people to realize what that means in the truest sense. When you look at Sol's images you see moments that are completely spontaneous. And as an extraordinarily talented photographer he's able to capture these people, times and places in a beautiful and artistic way. If what you see is what you love, I recommend contacting Sol sooner than later to learn more about what he can do for your wedding!

Sol Neelman, if you're reading this, CONGRATS!!! Michael Phelps, if you're reading this, MARRY ME!!! (or at least let me do the flowers when you DO get married!)

For more about Sol visit his blog- http://thewwwofsports.blogspot.com/

as well as his wedding page - http://www.tarasol.com/weddings/index.html

GO USA!!!!

July 9th, 2008
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Photo Experiment!

About a month ago Nataliya Sostin, a wonderful photographer here in Portland contacted me with an unusual, and rather fun request. She will be providing a demonstration at a fall Association of Bridal Consultants meeting regarding the quality comparison of hiring an amateur versus a professional photographer and wanted to do an "experiment" with flowers at my studio. Now, I see A LOT of wedding photography and also take A LOT of my own photographs (have dinner with me and you may experience some serious high school prom flashbacks) but I've never really compared the two styles of photography. With that said, personally, I would NEVER consider having a non-professional shoot something like my wedding but this "experiment" was still a fascinating and reaffirming example of how much of a difference quality equipment and an artistic eye can make. The first image in this lineup was taken by Nataliya with a point and shoot (and I was there so I can tell you there was no messing with lighting or anything like that) and the following are with her professional equipment. A picture (or four) speaks a thousand words!!

The flowers used are green hydrangea, lavender roses and green cymbidium orchids. This style of arrangement is a lovely centerpiece style for a table seating 8-10.

July 3rd, 2008
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Jenna and Tyler's Wedding

On May 17th I was honored and excited to provide the flowers for Jenna and Tyler's wedding ceremony and reception at the Oregon Golf Club. Jenna chose a classic combination of Spring flowers in all shades of pink (although her bouquet was all whites, creams and ivories) to compliment the otherwise clean decor of black and white. Peonies, open roses, sweet peas, ranunculus, tulips, viburnum and lily of the valley gave an otherwise HOT day a fresh spring vibe.

Images courteosy of holland studios.

I love this photo! To me, this is what weddings are all about. Family and friends coming together to share and celebrate the best things this life has to offer- happiness, relationships, delicious food, great beauty and, of course, L.O.V.E.

July 2nd, 2008
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Flower Shops in the Homeland!!

One of my favorite "have to's" when traveling is checking out the flower shops and I'm happy to say the infatuation appears to be spreading! When Linda Cress, a close family friend, traveled to Norway several years back she did a wonderful job of remembering me and taking some images of the local flower haunts. Even more special about the photos is that I'm a Norwegian/German mutt and therefore quite attached to the "homeland." Unfortunately, I don't share the same attachment to lutefisk. Perhaps I am a true American after all!!

If anyone else feels the desire, or need, to take pictures of other flower shops or amazing displays in distant lands I'd love to see the images. What a wonderful way to capture a local culture in a universal language. Thanks Linda!!

June 30th, 2008
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Portland Wholesale Flower Market

People (clients and otherwise) often want to know where I buy my flowers. Purchasing and sourcing the best flowers available is one of the biggest challenges of my business. I'm CONSTANTLY talking with new and old vendors to search out better quality product at a better value. I often compare the purchasing portion of my job to that of a restaurant. You've got to have the best ingredients in order to make the best meal (or arrangement!!)

Although I do import some flowers from places such as Hawaii, LA, New Zealand and Holland the vast majority come from the Portland Wholesale Flower Market on Swan Island. The "market" is made up of four large fresh flower wholesalers, two large hard good suppliers as well as the Oregon Flower Grower's Association. Typically, I go to the market every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the early morning. For weddings and events I always order my flowers in advance but I almost always end up buying "spur of the moment" items that are unique to the season or just exceptionally beautiful that day.

Buying flowers in the early morning is both a great and very stressful part of my job. There's something so exciting and invigorating about getting up early, making the drive north and entering the bustle of florists and flowers. On a contrary note the bustle can sometimes turn a little ferocious as most of the florists in town are racing to find the best product available. My strategy is to turn what feels like stress into a adrenaline rush. (It's the same approach I take to wedding and event setups.) Of course, a strong cup of coffee can also help . . . ;-)

With my "go to girl" Christy at Billingsley Wholesale Florist.

The Peterkort Roses booth inside the Oregon Association of Flowers Growers. The OAFG is the best source for locally grown flowers. It looks a lot like a typical "farmers market" with numerous farmers selling their goods.

With my other "go to girl" Sandra at Peterkort. They have a great website for information on roses.

Justin at Frank Adams Wholesale.

The beautiful view on the drive back to the city.

June 18th, 2008
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The season has arrived!!

Wedding season is here and I feel like a kid on the first day of school! Excited and a little stressed at the same time I'm so ready for things to get busy again. After all of the planning it's such a wonderful reward to see the reception and ceremony sites come to life with the flowers we've been talking about for so long. The best part for me though is definitely giving the bride her bouquet, seeing her in her gown and feeling the energy of the moment.

Looking forward to a wonderful summer and fall!!

June 9th, 2008
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Facebook

Blum now has it's very own Facebook page. Become a fan and invite your friends!!!

May 28th, 2008
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Amy and Dave's Wedding

In September I was honored to provide the flowers for Amy and Dave's wedding. The ceremony took place at Saint Mary's Cathedral in NW Portland with a reception at the World Trade Center immediately following.

For the flowers the couple wanted to use local, classic, fall flowers but they wanted the decor to be simple and clean as opposed to a "harvest" look. To create the look we limited the number of varieties of flowers (mainly dahlias, roses, bupluerum and calla lilies) and designed the flowers in a clean, soft way.

Images provided by Steve Harmon.

www.sjharmon.com