Expert Planning & Advice

Lake Valhalla Styled Shoot: Sneak Peek

BWE Weddings

July 21, 2016

Last week I drove up to The Lake Valhalla Club in Montvalle, NJ. It was a bit of a haul, but it was totally worth it! The lake, the mountains, the view, the breeze… I can not wait to share the photography by Alex Peterson from Idalia Photography! But for now, I’m just able to give you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek. A few weeks ago I shared the inspiration board for the styled shoot, see it and read about it here).

This shoot was an opportunity for me to test my floral design skills. I have shared with all of you that I am expanding next season to include In-House Floral Design to my brides. I took on the floral design for this shoot and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results.

My favorite item to create was this hand-tied organic bouquet. I filled it with some white hydrangea, spray roses in hot pink, some gorgeous large bloom roses in white, dark pink, and green (!!!) from Ecuador, Queen Anne’s Lace, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, and a small amount of lemon leaf (to vary the shades of green). Oh, and my favorite part: the addition of Amaranthus, that’s the hanging green flower. I can not wait for you to see the photos, the ones taken in my work space…they do not do it justice!

I did learn a few things, especially about boutonnieres in July heat (and it was only 85 degrees). But I can make one and replace one so quickly now, that all my worry about a droopy boutonniere has disappeared!

I had so much fun crafting a few centerpieces and small arrangements in copper containers that I borrowed from my mom (she has the best stuff!!!). I used the large one with the “feet” for the tablescape, the smaller one was used on the dessert station. And the two little ones got placed in the drawer of the cake “table.”

I loved everything I did! My house was transformed into quite the workshop to create custom garland (we decorated Adirondack Mr. & Mrs. chairs and a row boat!!!). I made a bit of a mess and took over a lot of space! But I loved every minute of it, despite working well into the night, and getting up at the crack of dawn to finish. My wonderful husband is very supportive and tolerant. It didn’t hurt that he was away for the week and only had to see the texted pictures I keep sending to keep him apprised of my progress.

I can not WAIT to work more with flowers. I have a few more floral events on my calendar in the next few months, so be on the look out! And be sure to let anyone you know who might be in need of floral design, that if they are willing to trust me (because I don’t have a portfolio—yet), I would love to work with them on their floral needs this year.