Friday Photo Spotlight: Rustic Elegance

There are some wedding gowns that we just can't get out of our heads and this is one of them. Could this gown be any more spectacular? Or this bride any more gorgeous? This is one of our favorite weddings - a rustic, yet elegant, affair at Vista West Ranch (with bouquets to match!).

Wedding Planner: Barbara's Brides

Murphy Mondays: Quality Control at Your Service!

Hey there people - long time, no talk! Sorry I've been quiet for awhile but boy have I been busy! First of all, I've still been swimming every Thursday and I am pooped! Second, it's summer and I have lots of things to do around the shop and at home. Let's face it, my work is never done. Recently, I added a new job to my list of many, many responsibilities. I think it's a good one and for sure something that will help me a lot at Bouquets of Austin. What's the job? Quality Control Specialist!

My humans at Bouquets of Austin definitely know a LOT about quality control. After all, they make sure that all the wedding flowers that leave our shop are perfect for our brides and grooms. So I've gotten to see real quality control at work every day. But I can't say that I've had to worry too much about it in my job at the shop. I'm mostly responsible for greeting clients and, of course, picking up any loose food crumbs if they find their way to the floor.

But recently, my cousin Jennifer took me to PetSmart. You know PetSmart, right? It's a store just for us pets. Anyway, I don't know if you know this or not but they have an entire aisle for treats. AN ENTIRE AISLE!! FOR TREATS!! I didn't know which way to turn first. But I did my duty as the executive Labrador that I am and I did my best to INSPECT each of the treats. QUALITY CONTROL PEOPLE!!! Consider it an internship. And I rocked it hard.

Here are the things that I learned in my time as a Quality Control Specialist:

1. There are WAY more treats than I ever knew existed. Apparently, my people have been holding out on me. I'll have to address that.

2. Not every treat is the same as the other. There are many varieties of treats - just like flowers - and some are awesome and some not so awesome (I would never say "bad" because NO treat could ever be bad).

3. I realize how important quality control is now. My people sure do have their work cut out for them and now I know they are even more awesome than I thought because they really do care that all the flowers that come out of Bouquets of Austin are just perfect.

Now I also know that I can be much more helpful around the shop. Now that I can sniff out the good stuff I can certainly help with sniffing around the flowers. Maybe there will even be some more treats in it for me. It's the least I deserve, right??

Have a good week!

Murphy

Friday Photo Spotlight: Gorgeous Gloriosa Lilies

A stunning bouquet from last fall - something for a bride looking to make a statement!
It features gloriosa lilies and hot pink coxcomb finished with a collar of scented geranium foliage and a lush pink velvet ribbon.
Photographer: Anthology

Wedding Faves - Allan House Reception

In Austin, we absolutely love our outdoor celebrations throughout the year. After all, on many weekends we're looking at temperatures in the 70s, blue skies, and gorgeous breezes; and a recent wedding that we did was no exception. We were fortunate enough to be able to work at one of our favorite venues, The Allan House - an intimate wedding space amidst elegant Victorian surroundings.

Our bride and groom wanted seasonal flowers to set their tone of outdoor garden elegance which was reflected in everything from the personal flowers to the reception flowers.

What began as an intimate ceremony space was transformed into a beautiful dining space, complete with soft peach linen draping, ivory lace overlay, and matching chair sashes. We created an eclectic and elegant centerpiece design that complemented the wedding colors and supported the overall tone of the wedding. Some tables featured a mixed collection of vintage milk glass with seasonal blooms - including garden roses, peonies, and stock - in shades of blush, peach, and ivory.

 

Other tables featured bird cages overflowing with seasonal garden flowers, setting the scene for garden romance.

 

 Finally, taking advantage of the natural beauty of The Allan House, the rock walls around the courtyard were lined with mason jars and assorted sizes of pillar candles, creating an outdoor glow of romance.

 

As always, we loved working at The Allan House - and, of course, with our awesome bride and groom. It was a beautiful weekend and a reception we'll never forget!

Friday Photo Spotlight: Gorgeous Four Seasons Ceremony

Nothing is more lovely than the lawn of The Four Seasons in Austin TX - the perfect, romantic spot to say "I Do".
This is one of our favorite ceremony designs from last spring - starting with a beautiful white stage (provided by Townsley Designs) and featuring our 4-post white canopy, aisle runner/petals and suspended pomanders on shepherds hooks all in shades of purples. Just gorgeous!
Ceremony/reception:The Four Seasons, Austin TX
Planner: Pearl Events
Photographer: AJH photography

Fall Flashback

It's May already! And as the summer heat makes its speedy approach, we're turning back the clock to show you some of our favorite pictures from our Fall, 2012 wedding season. Here are just a few that made the cut...


This is one of my favorite events of the season which included an absolutely spectacular 9' cross from Mancino Iron that we completely covered with flowers. Talk about a WOW ceremony piece!
We completed the look with two large, luscious arrangements - in the softest tones of whites, creams, and blush - at the entrance of the aisle. Finally, we lined the aisle with petals and candles for the ultimate romantic space.
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The bridesmaids bouquets were crafted with soft, romantic flowers - sweet and simple to complement the bridal party's rich, indigo blue dresses.

The gorgeous reception - held in the Darrell Royal Ballroom at Barton Creek Resort & Spa - featured gold chiavari chairs, champagne linens, and a combination of gorgeous tall and low centerpieces. Best of all, it featured an adorable bride and groom who were full of smiles - and that's always the best part for us!

Murphy Mondays: Keep Swimming

Last week I did something brand new. Something unexpected but completely awesome. I took a swimming class!! An ALL day swimming class!! My people found out about this amazing place not far from us where dogs like me hang out for the day and swim, play on the agility track, eat, relax, and do some overall socializing. Sounds great, right? I have to admit though...I had a couple of concerns. For one, how would they manage without me for a whole day at Bouquets of Austin? Secondly, I am not currently at what they call my "fighting weight."

Turns out, it was fantastic and I loved it!! Of course, the next day I was pretty beat and, therefore, not as much help with the wedding flowers as I am normally. When I got to the shop, first I did this...

 

Then I changed it up and did this...

 Then I thought Stephanie needed some help, so I did this...

Which, immediately after, caused me to do this...

Yes, I'm tired but I can't wait to go back and I'll get stronger every time. It's good advice for couples planning their weddings too...even when it gets crazy, keep swimming - something great is on the other side!

Have a great week!

Murphy