Visit our website at www.platinumfloraldesigns.com

Our Official Trade Show Signs 

Well here they are officially.  We contacted Graphic FX to finish the final product, and they did a stellar job!  We love them so much, we just had to blog about them.  These images would have not come together without talented vendors here in Victoria, BC.  A special thanks again to, Nichole Taylor Photography, Sharon Rai Hair and Make-up Artistry, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, and Blush Bridal.  

Who ever said Carnations Weren't Beautiful?

Here is some more imagery from our past wedding thanks to Nichole Taylor Photography.  We used strictly yellow carnations and everything turned out just stunning.  I loved the blumebox's, what a great idea for favours at your wedding.  Please contact us for more information about these amazing products.

5- Star Prestige Ocean Front Resort - Grand Opening

For more pictures of our floral Design and information about our Prestige Event, visit our Corporate Page.

Leanne and Mike's June 11th, 2011 Wedding

Mike and Leanne's wedding took place on a beautiful June 11th, 2011.  We incorporated yellow carnations, lady's mantle and bear grass into her stunning bouquet.  When Leanne was just in the planning stages for her florals, sadly her grandma passed away!  We held off for a while to further discuss ideas, when Leanne said she still wanted to purchase a corsage for her grandmother who had already picked out her dress for the day.  I had to do something, this story had struck my heart!  It's so hard to loose someone so dear to you just months prior to your BIG day!  I decided to create a beautifully framed poem written to Leanne from her grandma along with an arrangement.  I passed it along and I hope it was able to bring a sense of peace to the family. This is what Leanne had to say:
 "OMG!!! Amazing! Thanks so much for everything and especially that beautiful poem and flowers for my nana. LOVED it!!!!!  Thanks again so much.  I am very happy with your work."
Leanne and Mike - congratulations!  Thank you for the lovely pictures!

Angila's Pink Bling - June 11th, 2011 Wedding

Above Photography taken by Nichole Taylor Photography

What a blast! I never realized I had missed colour so much.  Many of this years wedding orders have been so soft, pastel hues and vintage inspired.  So when Angila phoned and wanted to discuss her pink bling wedding flowers, I was excited.  What a blast!  The colours were insanely bright, joyful and amazing! I made a monochromatic bridal bouquet in shades of pink using only roses to compliment her hot pink dress.  Angila wanted BLING, so we special ordered in heart shaped diamond picks and added as much BLING as we could.  I was so happy to be apart of this wedding. Stay tuned for professional photographs of this wedding.  Thank you Angila, have a beautiful day!

Engage 11

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Engage 11 is a business summit catering to the wedding industry professionals worldwide.  It's a show were ideas unite creating the best for all our clientele.  I came across a quote written by Liene Stevens and I just had to post it.  It's so true, check it out !

"I love that the art of story telling is being embraced by the wedding industry because it is what we do better than anyone else. We help create memories and tell the stories of our clients. It's trendy to think of a wedding as just another, albeit fancier, party, but it's not. Weddings are emotional and carry stories that we may never even get to hear: the story of the bride's parents who stashed away money in a wedding savings account every month since the day they learned they were having a girl. The stories of estranged families reunited for one weekend because they are celebrating their love for the bride or groom. The stories of the maid of honor who stuck by the bride's side through every story that didn't quite work out before she met "the one." Every wedding has thousands of stories, some spoken and some quiet, and we are lucky because we get the privilege of helping people celebrate them."

Read more: http://www.thinksplendid.com/2011/06/engage11-recap-part-2.html#ixzz1OhjF9f3P

Simply Amazing!

I've just recently received my CD full of amazing images from Nichole Taylor Photography!  We had a blast with Blush Bridal, Sharon Rai Hair and Make-up Artistry, and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.  Together we put some amazing bridal looks together and we hope to inspire you for your wedding. I've posted just a few of my favourite shots from the day.  

Our New Rental Items

Take a look at our new fabulous products available for rent at your special event.  We are so excited!  Contact us for pricing.  

Featured - Vanda's

I'm thrilled I have been able to work with the lovely Vanda orchid again this year, I must say, this variety is one of my favourite orchids to work with.  I am, every time blown away by their colour, the veining, the detail and their size.  These beauties "Vanda Miss Joaquim" is the National flower of Singapore.  Orchids are highly coveted, no doubt!, and represents luxury, love, strength and beauty.  Ancient Greece assiociated the word "virility" with orchids and the women believed if the father of their unborn child were to eat orchid tubers, they would have a boy.  If the mother ate small orchid tubers, they would have a girl.  

Stacy's Wedding Samples

Stacy from E and S Event Support came to us asking to see 4 different wedding samples for her engagement party all using her theme colours, purples and greens.  We worked within her budget and came up with 4 different looks all ranging at different price points.  They turned out so bright and vibrant.  We look forward to working with her for her wedding next year.  Congratulations Stacy!

Prestige Hotel - Sooke, British Columbia

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I had the honour of meeting with Krista, event and wedding coordinator at the Prestige Hotel located in Sooke.  It's a fabulously crafted, beautiful hotel with a beautiful ballroom.   Entering the hotel you are greeted with the scent of freshly made treats and latte's and your eye is automatically drawn to the very luxurious crystal chandelier, pure decadence!  The view is outstanding, walking out to the back deck.  Any bride and groom marrying there will have amazing memories and outstanding photography for years to come.  For more information regarding booking your wedding with the Prestige, please visit their website.  I look forward to working with Krista and her brides in the future.  

Green Palette

Here are some ideas for a Green inspired bouquet: Green cymbidium orchids, green hypericum berries, ti-leaf, bupleurum, green carnations, green roses, anthurium, amaranthus (seasonal item), brunia (seasonal), calla lily, chysanthemums (all sorts of sizes), gladiolus,viburnum (seasonal), sedum (seasonal)...just some ideas to be inspired by!

Mike and Leanne

Pictured above are 90 Blumeboxes for Mike and Leanne's June 2011 wedding.  We figured we had better get a head start on them seeing as we are heading full steam ahead into the wedding season.  We are gearing up and are so excited to be apart of so many great new families this year.  Each one of these blume buds are hand stamped featuring the bride and grooms initials.  We'll also include a rhinestone on each one, then when the time comes, each box will hold 1 single yellow carnation which will act as favours of all 90 guests!  We're excited to show you the finishing result.  If you have any questions about these fabulous products, drop us an email at [email protected]

YOU'RE INVITED
"IT'S A SPRING THING"

We've been asked to participate at THE FASHION AND EVENT INDUSTRIES OPEN HOUSE The Fashion and Event industries open house will take place on Sunday May 29th from 11:00 am-3:00 pm at the Victoria Ramada Hotel on Gorge Road East showcasing talented artists from Victoria, British Columbia.  Come and see the talent and receive exclusive deals!

DOOR PRIZES AND MAKE OVERS EVERY 30 MINUTES.  NOW'S A TIME TO REHEARSE YOUR WEDDING DAY MAKE-UP
COME JOIN US!

Our New Ad Campaign Concepts

We have been recently working on our new ad concepts and here are just a few preliminary conceptual ideas.  We wouldn't of had these images if it wasn't for some very talented local artists from around Victoria, British Columbia.  I must deeply thank Nichole Taylor Photography for the outstanding imagery assisted by Tracy Risinger Photography, Sharon Rai Hair and Make-up Artistry for the beautiful hair and make-up looks, Blush Bridal for the beautiful dresses, and The Oak Beach Bay Hotel, Shawna, Kevin and Brian, thank you for allowing all of us to invade the presentation center for a day of shooting, and last but not least, our models, Paige, Terese, and Svea from Coultish Management.  This is what happens when great vendors from Victoria come together to create magic!  Now, just imagine us all at your wedding! See you soon :)
PS. We'll have more images posted shortly, come on back for some inspiring ideas.

2012 Wedding Colour Trends

 2011 is a year of softer, pastel hues, and the most predominant colour this year is a dusty rose colour.  I am a lover of all things vintage, so this year melted me heart!  The lace, the rustic and the garden approach to floral design is steller.  Next year we'll continue to see more of a vintage inspired feel, but we'll incorporate a bit more colour.  They are already predicting, shots of lavender, dusty blues and striking oranges. 

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Our Sweepstakes T-shirts have arrived!

What a blast!  We loved launching our First Annual Wedding Sweepstakes and loved telling our winners the results!  Our shirts arrived yesterday which all our winners will receive shortly, yea, gotta love Free-bee's.  They turned out so amazingly cute!  Each winning bride will receive a personalized "The future Mrs......" and a Just Married T.

Wedding Sample

I was called by Linda Payne of Designer Wedding and Special Occasion Rentals to make a floral centerpiece for her bridal table at the Sears Bridal Show.  She wanted it to match her black linens with lime green sash, so I created a high arrangement and died the water lime green to continue the table theme.  I incorporated spring blooms and of course my son just couldn't wait to pose with the arrangement.  I can't get him out of the pictures.  You'll probably be seeing more of him in the future, thanks Hayden for making my blog pictures just that much more enjoyable to look at.  

Sweepstakes Winners!

1st Place Winners - $500.00 Free Wedding florals

We just finished wrapping up our first annual Sweepstakes Contest and are proud to announce the winners to you.  Kaila and Michael have placed 1st.  Congratulations, a very deserving couple.  It was love and first site for Kaila and Mike, they met at V-Lounge when Michael had actually decided to move back to Ontario.  Well after meeting Kaila, everything changed.  Mike proposed to Kaila last year after celebrating their 3rd year anniversary in Nice, France while on a walk on a beautiful boardwalk.  Their wedding date : July 31st, 2011 at the Olympic View Golf Course.

2nd Place Tie-breaker - 25% off the entire wedding order

I am glad I didn't have to be the official judge of all these entries.  What a hard job!  The judges actually couldn't decide between these two entries, so I said lets have them both win!  So here they are:
Congratulations to: Emilie Buchan and David Lane
Wedding Date: Ceremony : May 15th, 2011 - Tofino
Reception date: to be confirmed

Congratulations to: Lyndsay Alexander and Bryon Wallace
Wedding Date:  Sept.3rd, 2011
Location: Beacon Park and Pavillion

3rd Place Winners - 10% OFF their floral order and 2 Free Wedding T-shirts

Congratulations: Anya and Dean Johnston
Wedding Date: to be confirmed
Location: to be confirmed

We would like to thank all of the entrants we received.  We appreciate the time you took to enter and we wish you all the best.  You all have amazing love stories.  

Behind the Scenes with Platinum Floral Designs

Every once in a while, I get asked what it takes to be a florist.  I decided to share with you some behind the scenes shots.  

Empty, sterilized buckets waiting to receive their fresh flowers.  I've already treated the water with flower food to keep the flowers as fresh and happy as can be.

Next step, strip all leaves below the water line to prevent any bacteria growth in the water which will kill my flowers.  Remove guard petals and re-cut the stems at a 45 degree angle for maximum water consumption.  Each and every stem must go through this process, I must of had around 200 stems.

A finished stem ready to drink nutrient enriched water.

What was once an empty box.......

Is now a full box of stems and leaves ready for the compost bin!

Awww, finally, they are ready for arranging.  They have been able to take up water over night, relax in their cooler and we're ready to begin the creative process.

My tiny little helper has been patiently waiting for this moment.....

Pictured here is the very early stage of an arrangement.  At this point I am filling in my base line which I will use to determine how wide my arrangement will be.  As I continue to fill in my arrangement, I will not place any flowers outside my base line ( I am making a English, traditional arrangement, this rule can be broken if creating a modern arrangement)

I have continued to fill in my base line with locally grown limonlium, which filled my entire space with a beautiful fragrance.  From here, I will determine the tallest point of my arrangement and begin adding flowers at the top, then I fill in my sides, which I happened to forget to take a picture of.  Once I start the creative process, I get so engrossed in it, I had forgotten about my "picture" taking job.

Here it is, the final product inspired by my new garden!  I called this arrangement, "My Secret Garden".  I'll spray the flowers with some water and stick in back into the cooler untill it's ready for delivery.

4-Points Bridal Show

Here's our 2011 Sheraton Bridal Table.  Thanking all who came out to enjoy a fabulous day full of wedding inspiration.

Garden Themed Bridal Bouquet.

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We have been invited by the 4-Points Sheraton in Langford to participate in their 2nd annual bridal show.  We invite you to join us.  You can download the invite, email Leigh Ann (wedding coordinator) and RSVP.  We hope to see you there.  We'll be offering some great deals.

Crystal Gardens - Flower Power

I am always excited about the Crystal Garden Bridal Show and although I will not be a participating vendor this year, I will be visiting the event to relax and I am hoping for some fresh inspiration from all the great vendors!  I did come across a great article posted on their site regarding booking a florist and they really speak the truth :
"flower power
Put flowers first on your planning agenda. Why? Flowers are one of the most vivid, tangible expressions of love! Often, they’re the first things your guests notice when they arrive at your ceremony. Think of the impact your flower arrangements can have in filling the senses through a feast of colour, shape, texture and scent the minute your guests walk through the door. Over the years, wedding florals have evolved from simple hand-held bouquets to vibrant, artistic arrangements that set both mood and theme for the entire celebration. "
Read the whole article at http://www.bridalevents.ca/index.php/blog/news_item/flowers_and_arrangements

One more great tip they didn't cover : When carrying your bouquet down the aisle, in pictures and for the rest of the evening, always try to hold the bouquet as low as you can!  Often I will receive pictures from my brides and they are holding the bouquet right up high.  Not a good thing, let your dress be seen, let your face smile. Of course your flowers are beautiful and they will be shown.  Don't cover up your top half.  Carrying them low and perhaps slightly to the side will enhance your pictures ten-fold!  One more thing to remember as you walk down that aisle, don't worry, no matter what your day will be fabulous.!

New Mexico

I have just received a couple more pictures from a wedding I was a part of last summer in New Mexico.  They are so beautiful I just had to post a few more!

Wedding Tablescapes

On the discussion of tablescapes - is there really any better way to complete your wedding look with an amazing display of candles, flowers, vegetables, personalized photo-frames and accessories.  Really, anything and everything can be used and I bet you have a few items lying around your house that would work just perfectly.  Now, tablescapes can get pricey but let's dissect what a table scape is, how to minimize the cost and important features to maximize your spendings.


What is a tablescape?  A creatively designed "arrangement"(s) or "centerpiece"(s) that showcase a specific location ei. tabletop, mantles, side tables etc.  Tablescapes bring a focal point to a particular object and visually enhance any space often finishing the overall scheme.


What makes up a well balanced and visually pleasing tablescape?  Maintaining a visual balance is the most important part when considering a design for a tablescape.  Remember, the scape will most likely be viewed in 360 degrees.  The scape must present beauty on all sides in consideration of all viewers.  Creating different heights and visual interest through the use of grouping vases, candles, candle stands, branches, flowers, and any items used are important to create an over pleasing and cohesive effect. Colour is another factor and must be considered.  It's a prime opportunity to enhance your wedding day colours and to also create a river-like flow carrying the viewer's eye through the design.


How can you save money when hiring Platinum Floral Designs to design your scape?  The first place to start is to discuss your overall theme with us.  What is your vision and how to do want the scape to feel? You may want to limit the scapes to just the head table which is the most viewed table at any wedding event and a simple centerpiece on all other tables.  Look around your home for inspirational items you would like to include.  Remember anything can be used!  Search for unique items at thrift shops, they often have a large array of china, uniquely coloured vases, photo frames, silver plates, bowls and the likes.  Shop at your friends house.  They too might have some items to consider.  Rent!  Renting vases, candlebras, LED lights, and crystals will save you a considerable amount of money and you won't have to worry about what you will do with all your items after the event.
DISCUSS with your floral designer BEFORE purchasing your items.  You may end up with too much or too little.  Here at Platinum Floral Designs, we'll sit down with you to discuss your dreams.  We'll draw up a scaled sketch showing you the overall design.  Then, when we have an approval we'll send you a detailed list of items required, which you can shop for OR we can.  For more information on tablescapes email us at [email protected] OR please don't hesitate to call 250.382.1900


HERE are some great examples of tablescapes :

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Custom Bouquet Wraps

As previously blogged, I had mentioned working together with a very talented designer to create custom bouquet wraps and here are two sample designs Kendra had sent to me with amazing detail and a custom corset tie around the back.  They are just outstanding, so personal and luxurious.  Not only will you be able to use them around your stunning Platinum Floral Designs' bouquet as you walk down the aisle, but you can later wrap it around a vase for all time sake, a great keepsake and something to possibly hand down to your children.  We are still in the very early stages of putting everything together, our design collection, colour and fabric choices, themes etc.  We have also been discussing possible ideas for fabric floral bouquets and brooch bouquets.  We'll be launching an online shopping center on my official website with all of Kendra's information (she's a momprenuer too! yea mommy world!)  So stay tuned and when we have everything complete, you'll be able to shop exclusive and custom designs, shop luxurious, shop personal, and shop quality.  Thanks Kendra.

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Interested in Custom Bouquet Wraps?
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What's new?

I have finally found a great product!  I have been searching for these boxes for the last year and now have them available to our fabulous clients.  Blumebox, my muze.  They come in a range of sizes, colours and looks.  What's even better, they are earth friendly.  The blumebuds are my favorite!  They serve dual purposes, doubling as centerpieces and take home favours for all your guests.  Here are some photo's to get ideas flowing.  Contact use for pricing details!  

Winter Weddings

Heading into the colder season, I always appreciate the Bride marrying in such cold, unpredictable weather, pure bravery in my eyes!  Here are few floral tips to consider when planning your special day.
1.  Because the weather is unpredictable this time of year, your flowers will need to be hearty and resistant to the temperature, wind and rain changes. 
2.  Try to order flowers that are in season - this allows your budget to stretch the farthest


NO shortage of flowers in the winter!  Here are some in season choices for consideration:
*  Amaryllis - available in red, pinks and whites

Orchids - a wide variety of orchids are available throughout the Winter months - cymbidium orchids are a sure win - a wide range of colours are also available - white, greens. yellows, reds

Rose - Roses are available year round (thank you commercial growers!) - if using an all rose bouquet try incorporating different colour hues to create depth such as combining Black Bacarra Roses, Cherry Love Roses and Flaming Red bicolour roses

Gerbera Daisies - a great seasonal flower (yes they are cheaper in the winter!)  - They grow in colder climates naturally and now is the time to purchase them - they come in a wide range of colours and styles - double blooms, single, teddy bear .....

Do you want OUTSIDE THE BOX?  Here are some further options: Silver Brunia, Craspedia, Stephanotis, Hypercium

The flowers are endless, so don't feel like you have only a few options.  Book an appointment with Platinum Floral Designs and we'll help you to discover your options.

2011 Floral Colours

Here are the Haute's Colour's for 2011 coming right off the runway:
1. Flaming Hot Reds - mixed with bold blacks (summer will take a hit with reds as well, but the use of navy will soften the look)
2. Boudreaux - combinations of red, rich plums (eggplant), and olives using lush textures as a bouquet wrap such as velvet, taffeta, brocades
3. Retro Palette - chartreuse, corals, emerald green, soft pinks, saturated yellows combine to create RETRO
4. Army - olives with lime green and dark avocado mixed with soft caramel colours creating a striking effect
5. Sophisticated Blue - blues leaning toward the icy crays are paired with caramel colours to create sophistication
6. Softer Black and White - Black and Whites were seen in 2010, but this year we'll combine caramels and natural tones to soften the look
7. Dark and Glamourous- Navy, cobalt and midnight black will be a new colour palette this year to evoke the night city lights 
8. White, White and More White - Using a variety of shades of whites into the soft creamy tones will combine to create a clean, modern/vintage look

Paper Rose Bouquet

Well I finally completed my first paper rose bouquet and I just love it ( after hours of rolling paper, I think my fingers are going to fall off!).  I also love the fact it can be kept for all time as a lovely keepsake, a great remembrance!  This one was inspired by some vintage styled paper I had in my scrapbook chest. 

Paper, Brooches and Buttons

Now that the wedding season has slowed down, I find myself with some extra time to head into a new venture.  I am creating my first paper floral bouquet and seeing as I love vintage, I am using vintage inspired papers.  My first bouquet will be made with unique daises, roses, crystals, pinecones and buttons.  I will post a picture of the completed project.  I hope to find a daring bride wanting one of these fabulous bouquets.  Posted here are some great bouquets I found on the internet which gave me some insight and ideas! Thank you Anemone Paper Flowers! Source

Emily and Mike Continued

Sweet, I have received just a few photographs (more will be coming, so keep coming back to check out the updates!) from the amazing photographer of Nichole Taylor Photography. This wedding took place on July 24th at the Victoria Art Gallery and it was amazing to see it all come together.  A beautiful couple (and super nice and patient!) who had some great visions for their special day.  Emily hired great vendors to work with and you can tell when all these great vendors come together to create one large story, one large vision which is portrayed in the great photography, I'll keep posting as I keep receiving!

I had to post the only picture I have on my great assistant, my mother.  She's really a great help, cleaning up my floral messes and supporting my every move.  I could have NOT have done it without her.  In this picture, we have finished the set up and she's taking away a bucket full of stems left over from the job.  Thanks MOM!

Tiffany Blue

What a blast.  I had a great time working on an amazing wedding for Daye.  The wedding was held at the Royal Colwood Golf Club!  Daye had a very specific look in mind and wanted an extreme amount of hydrangea in blues and purples.  We also included white scabiosa, which I just adore ( a great flower for a vintage inspired wedding, just to let all you vintage inspired brides know! ) , white with purple throat phalaenopsis orchids, green button mums, and greenery.  We made 19 table centerpieces in hydrangea and button mums, 2 large head table pieces with curly willow adorned with orchids and cystals and the vases were rimmed with hydrangea.  For the ceremony Daye rented 2 silk floral arrangements which Platinum Floral Designs constructed for Linda Payne of Designer Wedding and Special Occasion Rentals, we also made 2 large vases with sunken orchids in water and flowing orchids on top.  12 aisle markers were created out of purple hydrangea and orchids, and of course all the bridal party items!  I just have to say I LOVE MY JOB.  As I was setting the arrangements up, I can here the oooher's and awwwer's and "aren't those flowers magnificent? and "WOW!" and then you get the cute old ladies who just stand there and watch you work and I get this gooey feeling and a huge smile on my face.  I guess you could say I am my own worst enemy and am constantly making sure every petal, every bloom is just where I want them to be, so it feels great when I get the employees to stop there work, to get the guests to stop their rushing, and to just get people "to stop and smell the roses" and to smile, to enjoy one of nature's finest splendors done up to the nine's, it's my pleasure to bring such great joy into those people's lives for just moments, and to be apart of a bride's special day is really such a great honor!

Luscious Burgandy

This week, I have been busy putting together a beautiful wedding which will be held this weekend at the Hatley Mansion located in Colwood.  Incorpated are black bacarra roses, white freezia, burgandy and red gerbera's, green and red hypericum, sweet, sweet garden roses, locally grown hydrangea, carnations and spray roses.  The colour inspiration came from Jarrah's burgundy dress.  I cannot wait to see everything come together and I have a few tricks up my sleeve for this one including a heart shaped bridal bouquet, heart shaped tails in the boutonnieres and heart shaped ceremony pieces.  I used locally grown bamboo for the ceremony arrangements featuring dripping gems in soft pinks, reds and crystal clear.  My inspiration stemmed from Jarrah's bamboo centerpieces so it just seemed like a natural fit tying everything together.

French Floral Design

There has been a swift movement into French floral design and I must say I am very excited about it.  French design is so romantic, natural and lovely.  In my search for inspiration I came across Laura Dowling, a french trained floral designer based out of Washington.  What an amazing designer, her use of greenery is stellar, her technique is outstanding, and I do hope her bouquets will inspire you too!  I would love to experiment with a french inspired wedding, anyone up for grabs?  Source

Bouquet Wraps

The bouquet wrap can sometimes often be over looked by my fabulous brides.  It's an element that can really add that personal touch to any bouquet.  A wide range of looks can be achieved and a large range of items can be used.  The choices are endless, it stops at your creativity.  I am proud to announce I have been working with a talented seam-stress and together we will be launching custom, couture bouquets wraps to all of Platinum Floral Designs clientele.   As we work together to get some amazing looks I will be posting pictures for feedback from all of you. But for now take a look at some of these awesome wraps for just a quick hint at what we'll be striving for. Source

Erin's Vanda's

Oooh!  I have already started to piece together some amazing florals for my up and coming wedding this weekend for Erin and Jamie!  I am sooo excited to put the bouquets together as we are incorporating some amazing blooms such as the Vanda orchid.  As soon as Erin had mentioned dark purple flowers I first thought of Vanda, one of the most beautiful orchids in the world!  Not only are we using Vanda's (which has satisfied my deepest desire to finally work with these beauties), we are also incorporating sweet peas, stephanotis, ranunculus, beautiful locally grown dahlia, lisanthius, carnations, freezia, gerbera's, mums and when I say beautiful, I mean they just don't get any sweeter!  The deep purples are creating a luxurious and mysterious feel.  Stunning. 

Wedding Floral Photo Shoot

I spent the day with Deanna McCollum of Deanna McCollum Photography and Linda Payne of Designer Wedding and Special Occasion Rentals creating and improvising 6-8 different floral and table spread looks.  It was such a blast, I love going to Linda's as I am allowed to take the children with me to play in her fabulous large and wonderful yard.  Her grand children keep mine entertained and I love it.  I just met the very talented Deanna (such an honor!) and she was very pleasant to work with, she's also very very patient as Linda and I created and improvised different looks.  So hopefully with three heads combined, we've created some unique, not your every day wedding look for brides who are looking for modern, west coast, or just plain different linens and flowers.  Deanna will be working hard the next couple of weeks to get through her shots and when she's complete, you'll all be able to view our work.  We'll keep you posted!  

Here is a sneek peek of some of the looks we completed that day.  More to come!

Sweet, Sweet Garden Bouquet

I'll have to say, garden bouquets, I just adore creating.  Not only are they usually locally grown, but offer a country, unique, and special feel to any occasion.  Pictured here is a small bouquet (great size for a small flower girl!) using flowers grown from my cut flower garden.  Sweet Peas, pansies and poppies are used is bright, saturated colours.  Many believe that these flowers are too delicate to withstand an event out of water, but these picks will hold! 

Elaine & Dan Are Hot Pink

What a blast!  The flowers turned out fabulous, so bright and summery!  Elaine and Dan were great clients to work with, Thank you!

I am so excited the weather has warmed up and we are heading into a fabulous week.  My team is gearing up for another weekend wedding.  Elaine's wedding theme, HOT PINK!  Her wedding dress is white with a flirty hot pink bottom and her girls will be wearing hot pink dresses!  We will be highlighting the hot pink theme using none other then hot pink flowers and locally grown cedar straight from Elaine's beautiful backyard!  We'll transform these lovely flowers into spectacular arrangements soon enough!

Emily and Mike's Love Patch

As we are heading closer into July, Mike and Emily's fabulous wedding is approaching.  Emily wanted to create some very unique mantle spreads using succulents and flowers for her reception which will be held at the Victoria Art Gallery.  Succulents, succulents and more succulents have been a hot topic between Emily and I for months now.  Pictures of the wedding will be posted soon, but for now take a look at the succulents growing in Emily's and Mikes' love patch.  These hardy succulents will be used in all aspects of the wedding from the bridal bouquets to the mantle spreads!

Centerpieces

An ongoing trend, sunken blooms are a sure win and often cost effective.  Using only a few blooms per vase makes this a great option.  Incorporating coloured wires, diamonds, beads, rice or anything you can imagine can add just a touch of glamour!  Featured in these samples are Phalaenopsis orchids and Pink stargazing lilies using touches of florist wire, greenery (featured here, Bear Grass) and faux diamonds!  By using a curved vase with the lilies magnified the flowers to make them even more grand!

Rose Centerpiece

A grouping of small floral arrangements can make a large impact.  Here is a sample for an upcoming wedding.  Four smaller arrangements will be used per table.  A large photo cube of the couple will be placed in the center and a floral piece will adorn the top of the cube as well.   We'll use a combination of orange and red spray roses, green hypericum and white hydrangea! Lovely.  

Calla Lily Bouquet

Calla's are very popular and quite majestic all on their own.  Here a small sample bouquet was put together to show their beauty.  Not a flower for a budget wise bride!  Incorporating a few calla's amongst other beautiful blooms may be of consideration to save a few dollars.  Calla's on their own make a wonderful statement, however many blooms are required to make up a nice sized bouquet.

New Wedding Rentals

We are in the process of supplying some very unique wedding accessories.  Please ask us for more information about our wedding rentals.

Mari and Curtis

I finally had the chance to meet with Mari and Curtis, and Curtis' mother Louisa yesterday at my studio to discuss with them their florals for their wedding July 3rd.  Louisa requested to see a sample centerpiece, so we planned to meet for the first time.  Mari arrived the day before from her long airplane ride and came out to see her centerpiece; "Perfect" was the first word that came from Mari's mouth and I was thrilled, I had goose bumps running through my body.  It can't get any better then perfect and smiles throughout the entire meeting.  They took home the centerpiece to enjoy which included creamy and delicious vendela roses and million star gypsophila as requested, and now I am headed into 20 centerpieces, 1 very large floral spray above the pavilion at the English Inn, which will double as the archway entrance at the Grand Pacific Hotel where the reception will be held, and 2 candelabra floral pieces.

Well, the wedding turned out just perfect.  I teamed up Linda Payne of Designer Wedding and Special Occasion Rentals and we completed another fabulous traditional wedding. 

Recycled rainbows

Ah, what's better then a low budget, high impact floral centerpiece?  A bride came to me last year and expressed her concerns both about her budget and about the environment.  She wanted to create a large spread of rainbow flowers on a minimal budget that also had a low impact on the environment.  I gave it some thought for a few days before an idea stemmed from my three year old son.  We played around with empty beer bottles, floral fill and colouring.  Sooner then I thought I was back on the phone with my bride and discussed our recycled rainbow idea, she loved it and so did I.  To jazz up the bottles we incorporated stickers, broken necklaces and anything we could find that was on its way to the garbage.  We made a total of 55 bottles ranging in colours and flowers.  Not only was this a unique idea, the guests loved it and they doubled as a favor for each guest. My son helped with every design dripping colouring into the bottles, it was a great lesson for all of us!

Wedding Trends 2010/2011

It's so wonderful to see florals come back in a strong way.  There are so many different options available it's almost hard to decide which way to go.  This year we are seeing a stream of ideas varying from grouping floral arrangements together using varying heights of vases and or unique containers, branches adorned with a terrific colourful display of flowers and candles, expressing love through passed down heirlooms in bridal bouquets and using candy is also a new avenue to explore and can double as favors.  As a professional floral designer and I am always interacting with other florists around the world and expressing unique ideas.  Above, the photos have been pulled from the fabulous and valuable website The Knot.  It is such a great resource for both brides to be and professionals within the industry.  They provide great visuals; you can create an online "favorite" folder file within their site and bring with you to all your wedding vendors.  Bringing such files and pictures of ideas you like not only help you to visual the overall theme but also provides the vendor with valuable information about you and your dream list.  If your anything like me, I love a wide range of design, so it's often hard to make that final decision.  Platinum Floral Designs will work with you, asking the right questions and narrow down the possibilities and come to the final floral design.  There are many design ideas we have waiting for you to explore.  You may or may not know anything about flowers, and this is OK.  We are here to guide you in the right direction.  We'll make a visual story board of flowers and accessories for you to look at.

This year, it's not about trendy colours, it's about and should always be about expressing your "couple" taste.  A vision of two people joining together, a magical collision of style, a fusion of love.  Get messy, ask questions and always, always explore new options.  Our team will join you on this journey and help explore the endless possibilities that are waiting for you!

Yvonne and David

I had the opportunity to drive down to New Mexico to compose a wedding there. Here are some of the awesome pictures I received when I returned home from the BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG road trip (as my 3 year old son would have said!). Driving with two young children, working without my shop (my comfort zone), and trusting new suppliers wasn't the easiest, but all was well, the bride looked amazing and her flowers did too! Pictures taken by Heidi Celine Noblet-Allred Photography!

Sheraton Bridal Show

Chelsea and Roland

I was invited by the Sheraton Hotel in Langford to participate in there first ever bridal show. Spring fever had attacted me so I decided to use bright, fun loving colours both on my table and in the floral arrangements. It was a blast!
I was also asked by Linda Payne of Designer Wedding Rentals to adorn her table with flowers too! I decided to use white calla's. They are so beautiful on there own so I kept them very simple!  Thank you to John Archer of John Archer Photography!

Chelsea and Roland wanted red, red and more red.  The bride mentioned red gerbera daisies and black ribbon tied around her beautiful bouquet.  The rest was up to me so I choose red roses, red hypericum and curly willow to finish off the bouquet with a modern feel.  I used a ballerina wrap with black pins around the stems and it looked fabulous! Her red wedding shoes complimented her flowers to a tee.  Everything went off with a hitch, I was again so honored to be a part of their day and deeply touched when Chelsea said..." I couldn't stop looking at my bouquet all day!"  Pictures produced by Shannon Wight Photography!
Arrangement pictures taken by BK Studios.