Sick computer… May 21, 2009

this has been a rough week. we will HOPEFULLY have everything back to normal soon. THANK YOU for checking in!

Dahlia… May 10, 2009

Whorton Blue Streak

Anemone Dahlia

Decorative Dahlia

Dahlia

Lilac Time

Ball Dahlia

Cactus Dahlia

Pompon Dahlia

Dahlia bouquet

One of the most spectacular and dynamic flowers out there is the Dahlia. Native to Mexico, Dahlias were used by the Aztecs for everything from food to smoke pipes. After they were discovered growing on the sandy hills of Mexico, they were returned to Spain and Belgium where a long history of hybridization has created many types of Dahlias we see today. As there are numerous types of Dahlia ranging in size from 5 cm to 30 cm (the ‘dinner plate’), so there are several groups as well-  each group with its own fantastic bloom and history.  

 

For this flower we’ll list the most popular groups:

                Decorative Dahlia

                Ball Dahlia

                Pompon Dahlia

                Cactus & Semi-Cactus Dahlia

 

As I mentioned before, this flower is both spectacular and dynamic in that there are so many variations and colors that makes this bloom perfect as a focal point or as accents in any arrangement. Whether you’re looking for a casual rustic or garden wedding; or an elegant outdoor fête, this flower works well in either setting!

Daffodils… May 10, 2009

Jonquil Daffodil

Yellow Daffodil

Chinese Sacred Lily

Trumpet Daffodil

Narcissus

Yellow Daffodil

Spanish Daffodil

soft, subtle yellow and white

Go bold! Go Yellow!

I. Love. Daffodils. They’re one of those garden variety flowers that everyone sort of passes on and takes for granted (guilty); but when you actually take the time to look at their vibrant white or yellow blooms and appreciate their happy shape and color,  it sort of lifts their status just a bit. Daffodils and Narcissus are essentially the same and are native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, as well as Asia- most notoriously China- and have 2 very different symbolic meanings to the western and eastern cultures. In the west, the Narcissus flower symbolizes vanity and narcissism as the old Greek legend of the flower sprung from the young Narcissus who couldn’t get enough of his own reflection and drowned (or starved to death, depending on which version you follow) in a pond. Conversely, the Chinese use this flower as a symbol of wealth and good fortune and, as such, Daffodils are a big part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.  Either way you take it, the Daffodil is a prominent bloom that will work in any number of arrangements or bouquets.

 

Here are some flowers we all know well:

                Narcissus jonquilla – Jonquil (in the southern US) or White Daffodil

                Narcissus papyraceus – Paperwhite Narcissus

                Narcissus tazetta – Chinese Sacred Lily

                Narcissus pseudonarcissus – Daffodil

 

For their color alone, Daffodils make excellent spring  bouquets. If you are really into yellow, don’t be afraid of going with a solo bloom bouquet- just be sure to own it and make it a full bunch. There are so many possible combinations of flowers that it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. However, there are 2 color combinations to focus on that may make it easier… for a more subtle arrangement, go for similar colors such as white, other yellows, or oranges… for a super fun colorful bouquet, bring on those stark pinks, purples, reds, peaches, and greens!

Happy Momma’s Day… May 10, 2009

Seriously, you guys… what a pretty, pretty day! The sun keeps peeking out and it’s breezy and birds are all singing (all of them).

I’m sitting upstairs in my bedroom with the french doors wide open just listening to all the sounds. And blended with the right mix of sun and clouds is amazing. I will never take moments like this for granted.

I can hear the far-off sounds of kids playing at the park; a few random cars here and there; birds, birds, birds, and more birds (I swear some of them are ‘beach’ birds in the middle of Dallas!); someone is sweeping next door and humming a lazy, yet upbeat, jazz tune.

It’s odd… I don’t often sit and listen to random outdoor symphonies anymore. Oh yeah… I have 2 small boys.

Today Baba (their father) has taken them to the park. And I am left to this… peace.

Some very, very blissful… peace.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all! May you have blissful moments of peace for days and years to come.

Dallas Wedding Planner a.k.a Karol Welsh… May 8, 2009

I would like to give a BIG personal and professional shout to Karol Welsh of Dallas Wedding Planner (www.dallasweddingplanner.com ). She has really given the lift and thrust to this venture and has, in more ways than one, provided a path that I hope will not only bring knowledge and excitement to planning your events; but bring a sense of courtesy, grace, and sanity to what can sometimes be life’s stressful moments.

Consulting, Planning, Organizing, or Managing… whatever the tasks we take on are a responsibility we choose to take out of passion and commitment and Karol has firmly bestowed these basics on us here at Voila la Fete. She has provided the map and encouragement to fully own and be proud of our paths whether it be with our career or in life.

I promote and encourage her as I would hope to be promoted and encouraged in the future and I wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Please take a moment to check out her site (her website, her blog; she’s on FB and Twitter) and give her a virtual hug as she deserves. If you are at all, or ever will be, interested in Wedding & Event Coordination/Planning/Consulting, etc. this is THE best bang for your buck; she will tell you the A1 important facts! (she’s listed on my Blogroll)

Karol, if you read this: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the lessons you have taught me both professionally and personally and wish you all the luck with your future and that of your family.

Cosmos… May 7, 2009

Chocolate Cosmos

Yellow Cosmos

Cosmos

White Cosmos

Ulama Raja

field of Cosmos

Yellow Cosmos

Cosmos vase

paper trumpet bouquet

The Greeks gave us a word for complete harmony and order – cosmos (κόσμος). Gardening Spanish priests named us a cute little flower with perfect petals centered on a bright, bulbous center– Cosmos.  Texas gave us the perfect conditions for the Cosmos flower to grow – harsh. This is, yet, another great flower that grows extremely well as a wildflower in dry, arid, scrubby heat. These flowers are probably the easiest and quickest to grow successfully and are therefore a frugal choice for brides on a budget. The Cosmos is quite similar to the Anemone in appearance and would, again, make for a great wildflower arrangement.

 

Here are some common Cosmos:

                Cosmos Sulphureus – Yellow Cosmos

                Cosmos Atrosanguineus – Chocolate Cosmos (actually has a chocolatey scent!)

                Cosmos Bippinatus – Cosmos a.k.a Mexican Aster

                Cosmos Caudatus – Ulam Raja (an herb known to improve blood circulation)

 

This is yet another great filler or accent flower. I’ve seen this mixed with Gerberas, Sunflowers, and Hydrangeas in awesome summer bouquets. As a solo bouquet, try bunching together and loosely wrapping in a newspaper trumpet with twine or thick embroidery yarn – a perfect touch to casual summer evenings!

Calla Lily… May 6, 2009

Pink Calla

Yellow Calla

White Calla

Amethyst Calla

Multi-colored bunch

Vibrant Fall Call bouquet

don’t forget the guys!

perfect for autumn weddings!

great deep winter hue!

Aaaaahhhh the Calla Lily… one of my personal faves (I have many). I could truly wax poetic about this dramaticly gorgeous  flower; but for sanity’s sake, I won’t. You’re welcome . The Calla Lily’s smooth, sophisticated swirl, in any color, gives me visions of the perfect dress. I can’t help but imagine a flowy, silk calla dress… does one exist or shall I get the scissors ready? This favorite of artist Diego Rivera is actually considered a weed in many parts of the world; yet is a favorite for weddings as they signify magnificence and beauty –go figure- and runs the spectrum of both bold and soft colors. It is also interesting to note (in an FYI sort of way) that this flower, in its entirety, is highly toxic and is capable of killing livestock and children.

 

Famous Callas (are technically not lilies):

                Zantedeschia Aethiopica – Arum Lily

                Zantedeschia Rehmanii – Pink Arum/Calla

                Zantedeschia Elliottiana – Yellow Calla

 

I have seen these flowers in any number of arrangements and bouquets. The Calla’s dramatic colors are striking whether a single color is bunched together or mixed with different colored Peonies and Apple Blossom (just to name 2). I’ve also seen them as a single flower standing upright in a tall, square vase surrounded by tealights and beads. Gorgeous!

Aster… May 5, 2009

Summer Aster

New England Aster

China Aster

Alpine Aster

Goldilocks Aster

Blue Aster

Pink Aster

Aster mix bouquet

Aster bouquet

Here comes the Aster. This dainty, daisy like flower is the perfect fall touch. It comes in a variety of fresh hues –that aren’t orange- that really make an autumn bouquet or arrangement stand out. Asters are great as fillers or accent flowers because of their showy spray of petals and bright yellow center. They can be found growing wild or in gardens across North America, Europe, and Asia and are huge bird, bee, and butterfly targets for their fragrance and bright color.

 

Popular Aster blooms:

                Aster Alpinus – Alpine Aster

                Aster Linosyris – Goldilocks Aster

                Aster Novae-Angliae – New England Aster

                Callistephus Aster – China Aster

 

If you’re on a budget or are going for something simple and cute for picnics and other low-key outdoor events, Asters are perfect! I’ve used small bunches of Aster along with several different types of wildflower placed in an old Crush (or Coke) bottle with twine wrapped necks.

Dallas Wedding & Event Planner / Consultant May 5, 2009

Voilà la Fête is excited to be OPEN FOR BUSINESS! We are ready to take on your biggest dreams and wildest expectations and turn them into reality! Years of experience in the Dallas market has given us insider knowledge of area venues, florists, A/V companies, fireworks, entertainment… you name it.

We offer everything from Full Service Packages for the client who wants it all to Day of Packages for those who have everything planned and simply need a “Stage Manager” to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Our market is broad and includes Corporate Events, Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, and Public/Social Interest Events.

Please don’t hesitate to call or email for more info or to set-up a complimentary initial consultation.

 

Thanks ,

 

Despina Karintis

Owner/Principle Consultant

411@voilalafete.com

Anemone… May 3, 2009

Pasque Flower

Buttercup Anemone

Japanese Anemone

Blue Anemone

Buttercup Anemone

Mountain Anemone

Japanese Anemone

Pink Anemone

Windflowers in Bouquet

 Today’s a good day to highlight the Anemone… a gray, simple day staring out the window at little pops of color in the fields below. The Anemone is commonly seen growing wild throughout North America, as well as Europe and Japan – the most popular variety being the autumn-blooming Japanese Anemone. Poppy-like in appearance, the Windflower (as they are generally referred to) can grow quite tall with only a single bloom per stem. There are over 100 different species of Anemone and they are, essentially, herbs that have been used to treat cramps (yes, menstrual) and emotional distress. Windflowers are great as filler for both bouquets and arrangements.

 

Some commonly used varieties are:

                Anemone Hupehensis – Japanese Anemone

                Anemone Ranunculoides – Buttercup Anemone

                Anemone Pulsatilla – Pasque Flower

                Anemone Sylvestris – Snowdrop Windflower

 

These are considered wildflowers and are great when mixed with similar blooms in a summer wildflower bouquet or as a simple bunch -en masse- in a mason jar or small tin vase. I mostly associate this flower with a more ‘woodsy’ or ‘earthy’ vibe which looks great when used in garlands or placed in hay for a touch of femininity in Western themed events!