Flowers | Rex and Regina Blog

Posts Labeled ‘flowers’

June 2nd, 2010

Bridesmaids’ Practice Bouquets

When coordinating wedding rehearsals, I often like to bring practice bouquets for the bridesmaids to use. Having bouquets helps them to practice holding the flowers at the correct height; coordinate the hand-off of the bride’s bouquet; and walk with a groomsman or collect their dress as they go up stairs while holding the bouquet.

Just in case, I often bring a practice bouquet for the bride in case she is not using the traditional ribbon bouquet compiled from her bridal showers.

The bouquets can be a thoughtful gesture for the bride to bring to the rehearsal as one more way to show her bridesmaids how thankful she is to have them as a part of her wedding.

Recently, I was inspired to create practice bouquets made from herbs in my garden.

ornamental sage bouquet

lavender practice bouquet

The bouquets are simple, but practice bouquets do not need to be elaborate. Creating an herb bouquet for your bridesmaids can be cost-effective, too. Snip some herbs from your garden or a family member’s garden and voila! They also smell wonderful. Just remember not to cut them too far in advance of the wedding rehearsal as many herbs wilt quickly and do keep them in water until they are ready to be used.

Other ideas for practice bouquets include small bouquets of inexpensive flowers (think the ones you see for 3 bunches for $9 at your local grocery store) or tootsie pops tied together with a ribbon.

Practice makes perfect!

April 2nd, 2010

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspiration Part Three

This is the last in a series of three posts on creating tablescapes for Easter entertaining. Part One illustrated a casual table — something you could pull together with little time on a small budget — and Part Two was a more modern take on an Easter table.

Today’s inspiration is for a formal Easter tablescape, anchored by rich gold and pink accents. A rose-colored silk dupioni horizontal runner adds color to the table and unites the place settings opposite one another. Gold napkins are placed under the plate to allow the charger, china, and menu card to be more of a focal point. Gold flatware helps keep the look consistent and individual salt and pepper shakers add even more formality.

An elegant gold and pink Easter tablescape

The floral centerpiece features a moss “nest,” held together with a new floral resource — a weblike material available at florist shops — that shapes and accentuates the “nest.” Tall branches and flowers give the arrangement height making it perfect to use a centerpiece initially, but it should then be moved to a sideboard during dinner to allow guests to more easily see and talk with one another.

menu card adorned with a vintage brooch

To add a little more “bling” to the already opulent setting, we attached a vintage brooch to the menu card and tied it off with double-sided satin ribbon. The menu card also serves as a placecard.

Etched glassware (photo courtesy of Morgan Wilson)

Beautiful etched glassware completes the setting. The delicate pattern in the three glasses matches well with the delicate china and other formal elements.

I hope these tablescapes have inspired you over the last three days as you prepare for your Easter entertaining. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday!

Floral arrangement by Karin’s Florist
Rentals courtesy of DC Rental

April 1st, 2010

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspiration Part Two

Easter is quickly approaching and if you are hosting friends and family in your home you are likely in the throes of figuring out your menu and how you are going to present and serve it. To help you in your planning, this week I am sharing three tablescapes which I hope will provide some inspiration for your Easter table.

Today’s tablescape is a modern approach to an Easter or Spring table. The square plates, sleek flatware, and stemless glasses each project a modern style.

A modern take on an Easter tablescape

The charger, or base plate, is actually a platter which is re-purposed here into a charger. Always consider pieces in your pantry in a new way — can a bowl be turned upside down to serve as a stand? An egg cup into a vase or candle holder?

The silver-banded charger is complemented by the sleek metal flatware and silver dupioni napkin — folded into a square to mirror the plate.

A pink glass salad plate adds a pop of spring-like color that is echoed by the pink tulips.

floral wire adds definition and texture to a glass vase of tulips

Floral wire — sold at florist shops and supply stores in a variety of colors — is wrapped around the top of the vase, mimicking a nest. The wire could also be wrapped around the inside of the vase for a dramatic look.

little treats rest on top of a wave-like demitasse cup and saucer

Finally, demitasse cups and saucers are joined by sweet treats — awaiting guests as they take their seats. The rectangular wave-like cup and saucer treatment completes the modern look.

Many thanks to the good folks at DC Rental who provided the plates, flatware, and glasware in this tablescape, as well as their creative energies!

Stay tuned for one more Easter tablescape inspiration this week!

March 13th, 2010

Parrot Tulips: Perfect for Spring Bouquets

On a recent trip to New York, my husband and I had the pleasure of having dinner at Daniel. While there, I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous arrangements of parrot tulips placed throughout the restaurant. Their simplicity and elegance was absolutely striking.

Combine all that with the fact that the tulips in my front yard are beginning to sprout up through the winter-weary ground, and I definitely have tulips on the brain.

One of my favorite types of tulips are parrot tulips. I like them for their uniqueness and for the impact that adding even a few of them to a larger arrangement can make.

Here’s a sampling of bouquets featuring parrot tulips that I think would be lovely for Spring.

A bouquet of parrot tulips, fringed and viridflora tulips and double-petaled narcissus, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings

A bouquet of green wave parrot tulips, green fritillaria, dogwood, lemon-scented geranium, maidenhair and umbrella fern, as featured on Brides.com

Parrot tulips are the star in this bouquet featured in Utterly Engaged

Bouquet of Yellow Parrot Tulips and Super Green Parrot Tulips, cuffed with Bupleurum. Featured in Ines del Mar Weddings, designed by Janie Medley

November 11th, 2009

Lindsay & John: A Colonial-inspired Wedding at River Farm

Working with Lindsay and John on their October 3, 2009 wedding at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia was such a wonderful treat. Couples like Lindsay and John are the reason I love my job so much — madly in love, sweet and kind to one another, fun family and friends, and a desire to make their wedding day special not only for themselves but for each of their guests.

The Bride and her mother worked exceptionally hard to ensure that each guest would feel welcome. From pashminas for each of the women attending to plentiful hors d’oeuvres to special touches like chocolate-dipped strawberries to accompany the wedding cake.

The decor of the wedding was inspired by the venue — historic River Farm. Colonial-inspired touches like iron lanterns lining the walkway and hanging with garland from the top of the tent played up the history-rich setting.

Congratulations, Lindsay & John! What a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple!

A gorgeous fall bridal bouquet

The maid of honor holds a hand-tied bouquet featuring cala lillies

The feather-trimmed boutonniere echoes the feather on the bride's gown

programs were tied with luxurious satin ribbon in coordinating colors

Adorable flower girls prepare the way for the Bride

The Entrance of the Bride

napkins were adorned with a single orchid

The tent at River Farm featured brown and gold hues and was accented with lanterns and romantic florals

Touches of gold were included in the tablescape

Lindsay and John are married!

The beautiful couple

Venue: River Farm
Catering: Windows Catering
Flowers: The Enchanted Florist
DJ: Aaron with Chris Laich
Photography: Amy Raab
Makeup: Victoria Stiles

October 14th, 2009

A Not-to-be-missed Opportunity: Floral Workshops with Petal’s Edge

Whether you are a bride hoping to save money by doing flowers yourself or a newlywed wanting to dress up yournest for the holidays, one of my favorite DC-area floral design studios has the perfect solution: fabulous and fun workshops!

Petal’s Edge recently announced the following upcoming floral design classes. To register call 703.518.8488. Space is limited so reserve your spot soon!

Petal's Edge centerpieces from a Rex & Regina wedding; photo courtesy of Chris Baltazar

Bridal Bootcamp. Want to save money but feel insecure about your ability to provide a professional look to your wedding flowers? Join this intense one-day, weekend workshop and learn how to arrange flowers with industry experts. Course covers flower selection and care, design tips, and common mistakes. $150 per person, which includes the cost of flowers and box lunch.

Flower School. Love flowers and want more experience? This series of classes takes place over three evenings and is appropriate to the person who wants to learn about how to buy, care for, and arrange flowers. Several methods of flower arranging will be covered. Classes are hands-on with flowers that students take home after class. $250 per person. Wednesday – Friday, December 2 – 4 or December 9 – 11. 6 – 9 pm.

Winter Workshop. Join us for holiday-inspired flower arranging projects. Take one class or both. Course includes the cost of flowers, all supplies, and a holiday masterpiece to take home. $100 per session or $150 for two.Floral Topiary: November 30, 6 pm. Use an uninterrupted mass of carnations to create a festive tabletop tree. Dining table centerpiece: December 7, 6 p.m. Winter fruits and vegetables add a conversation piece to this unusual pairing of flowers and holiday greens.

September 28th, 2009

Autumn Bridal Bouquets

My husband and I have been doing a lot of landscaping around our home in recent weeks. As we pull out overgrown shrubs and prepare beds for new plantings, I now have to decide what flowers to plant. It is such a tough decision as there are so many beautiful options!

All of this focus on flowers makes me think about my Fall brides and the bouquets that they will be carrying. Each bouquet will be unique and lovely in its own right, while reflecting not only the Bride’s personal style but the season as well.

Here are a few fabulous fall bouquets to inspire Fall Brides in their planning:

Incorporating more unusual items, like the seed pods in this arrangement for example, can add texture and interest to a bouquet.

bouquet By Flowers & Finery featured on InStyle Weddings

This tight bouquet features a striking contrast between roses and berries and seed pods. Absolutely gorgeous!

bouquet by Bardin Palomo as featured on InStyle Weddings

I love the unusual “ingredients” in this bouquet by Janie Medley Flora Design: garden roses, cymbidium orchids, gloriosa lilies, orange pin cushions, fern curls and billy balls. Gorgeous!

bouquet by Janie Medley Flora Design, featured on www.brides.com

Incorporating herbs into a bouquet dazzles the the senses.

a stunning fall bouquet by Emily Thompson Flowers, featured on www.brides.com

herbal bouquet featured on Martha Stewart

Yellow and aubergine make quite a colorful pair!

a stunning Fall bouquet featured on Martha Stewart

August 11th, 2009

A Tablecloth for all Seasons

Looking for a way to add a little punch to the tablescape at your next party? Try a tablecloth embellished with magnet-fitted flowers, a craft courtesy of Martha Stewart. The magnets allow for changing out the flowers according to the season, color, or theme of your soiree. I could see this feminine tablecloth working very well at a bridal shower or afternoon tea.

Martha Stewart Craft: Magnet-Flowered Tablecloth

July 15th, 2009

Laura & John: Southern Charm in Chevy Chase, Maryland

One of the best things about working with clients on a wedding is not only getting to know them better but also getting to know their family and friends. I had such a wonderful time working on a recent wedding in Chevy Chase, Maryland, in large part due to the fabulous wedding party, family, and guests. Both from the South, the Bride and Groom and their families were such a delight and from start to finish their energy, kindness, and joviality were contagious.

The evening wedding was held at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Chevy Chase with a reception for 280 guests following at the Chevy Chase Club.

The Bride and Groom arranged to see each other prior to the ceremony. Their “first look” was captured by Pablo Sartor of Freed Photography. Photos of the Bride and Groom were taken on the grounds of the Club.

The Bride & Groom's first look

A kiss on the lawn of the Chevy Chase Club

A very smart looking couple

A single gardenia graces the Bride's hair

The groom had ten groomsmen and several ushers; prior to the ceremony they relaxed and watched some golf in the Club’s Tap Room.

Groomsmen enjoy watching golf on TV at the Club before the ceremony

The bride’s two sisters were her maids of honor and her brother and sister-in-law were also in the wedding party.

The Bride with her two sisters, her brother, and her sister-in-law

The large wedding party included two flower girls and a ring bearer.

The Wedding Party

The Bridal Party

Laura was absolutely stunning in a dress from Hitched, makeup by Kari from Erwin Gomez Salon, and hair by Chris from Ipsa.

A stunning bride

As guests arrived, they passed the gorgeous bridal portrait and wedding cake, and were invited to sign “His and Hers” adirondack chairs in lieu of a guest book. The Chevy Chase Club is known for its white adirondack chairs dotting the back lawn of the Club so these special chairs will serve as a reminder to the Bride and Groom not only of all of the guests that celebrated with them that day but also of the unique location of the reception.

The Bride

His and Hers adirondacks

The Club did an amazing job on this four-tiered wedding cake, with each tier separated by clusters of hydrangea. But the cake was special for more than just its appearance. The mother-of-the-bride, an exceptional baker, provided her own special recipe for the Club to make and they did so perfectly. The cake was delicious!

A special wedding cake

The Bride and Groom do the honors

A delicious dessert

The Southern tradition of a groom’s cake was met with a new twist at Laura and John’s wedding. Instead of a cake, the groom chose an assortment of pies which guests sampled throughout the evening.

Peach pie

Key Lime pie

Chocolate mousse pie

A mixture of tall and low arrangements of white roses and hydrangea filled the room, thanks to the talented Sue Morriss.

Sue Morriss' beautiful floral designs graced the ballroom

Later in the evening, the Bride and Groom treated guests to flip flops, white workout headbands that read “Dancing Machine” in gold, and single floral blooms for the women to wear in their hair. They also partook of the bouquet tossing and garter traditions.

The garter tradition

The dance floor was full all evening, thanks to the fabulous sounds of the 12-piece band, Highway Star.

Guests enjoy the festivities late into the night

After all the guests cleared the ballroom to get ready for the Bride and Groom’s send-off, the Bride and Groom danced one last song alone.

The very last dance of the night

Sending off the Bride & Groom

Congratulations, Laura and John! Wishing you countless blessings!

Photography: Pablo Sartor, Freed Photography
Flowers: Sue Morriss
Caterer: Chevy Chase Club
Band: Highway Star

June 29th, 2009

Missy & Brian: Natural Elegance

When I first met with Missy and Brian and learned of their vision for their wedding, I was instantly hooked. Featuring elegant tones of warm browns, natural greens, and ivory — all very earth-inspired tones — and set in the beautiful grounds of Woodend Sanctuary, the design ultimately reflected a classical, formal elegance without being “stuffy.”

The wedding began with a beautiful ceremony under a birch chuppah, the perfect complement to the tree-lined Grove in which the ceremony took place.

The ceremony under the nature-inspired chuppah

The ceremony in the Grove at Woodend - a magical setting!

Guests moved from the Grove to the Lawn to enjoy cocktail hour. Passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were served by Occasions Caterers‘ impeccable staff.

Guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres outside

Dinner took place on the tented terrace, from which guests could admire the nearby woodlands. Gorgeous flowers for the wedding were provided by Growing Wild and were in keeping with the nature-inspired color scheme.

The Tented Terrace

Low centerpieces featuring shades of green adorned each table

The tablescape reflected the natural surroundings with its cream, brown, and green elements

Not officially on the guest list, but these onlookers were more than welcome at the party!

Night falls over the festivities

The wedding cake was adorned with brown satin ribbon, a white sugar flower, and a whimsical topper providing a nod to the wedding venue: The Audubon Naturalist Society.

A gorgeous -- and delicious -- wedding cake provided by Occasions Caterers

Music and dancing were important elements to Missy and Brian. They chose a 1940s-style band with a very vintage look. Talented and versatile, Raggs and the All-Stars played a variety of music throughout the evening.

Raggs and The All-Stars

The Bride and Groom hoisted by family and friends

Congratulations, Missy and Brian!

Photography: Visual Sketch
Catering: Occasions Caterers
Band: Raggs and the All-Stars
Flowers: Growing Wild Floral

Posts Labeled ‘flowers’

Bridesmaids’ Practice Bouquets

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspiration Part Three

Easter Entertaining: Tablescape Inspiration Part Two

Parrot Tulips: Perfect for Spring Bouquets

Lindsay & John: A Colonial-inspired Wedding at River Farm

A Not-to-be-missed Opportunity: Floral Workshops with Petal’s Edge

Autumn Bridal Bouquets

A Tablecloth for all Seasons

Laura & John: Southern Charm in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Missy & Brian: Natural Elegance

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