a week "off"

This fall has been non-stop with events and football and we've finally caught our breath to post on the old blog. Last week was particularly thick with projects...The UA Student Affairs Hall of Fame, a stellar engagement party, entertaining for the first "big" game, and of course, our usual route of football flower deliveries. Sorority initiations, Homecoming, fall galas, weddings and much much more is on the horizon for fall. While we have these next few days to rest our bones, we'll try to get in the groove of blogging again. Here's a snapshot of a bridal bouquet we sent out recently for a portrait. Isn't she lovely?

LOV for the MOB

Last weekend's wedding (a few images here) was a sweet celebration and we were honored to work with such lovely clients and friends. Though the reception site - the childhood home of the bride - had little structural damage from the tornado, the landscaping was a bit disheveled and debris was piled up and down the roads leading to the home. With the help of some talented folks, everything was cleared and re-scaped beautifully, just in time.

When we started planning the event a year ago, the MOB (mother of the bride) kept mentioning Lily of the Valley. It's not often that we work with the tiny, delicate, fragrant blooms, but we were able to sneak it into our flower order for the weekend and nestled it around the reception as a surprise for her. A quick google search brings up the storied history of the flower with some references reading that it symbolizes a return to happiness. Undoubtedly, the wedding weekend brought a new found joy and we think we'll try to use Lily of the Valley every chance we get.

how sweet it is

To have a single gardenia bloom at your desk.

mother mother

A snapshot of our Mother's Day peony arrangements that were sent on Friday.

another storm

The lovelies over at Pi Beta Phi are hosting a little teacher appreciation event this afternoon. We special ordered some happy cherry brandy roses for this soiree, but it seems the Fed Ex truck with our sweet roses is running behind because of this morning's storm...this should make for an interesting afternoon of playing in the flowers.

While we wait and listen to the thunder rumble, we thought we'd share these nautical cocktail napkins from Gayle Warwick Fine Linen. The nautical trend is here to stay and the quality and craftsmanship from the London-based linen designer is unparalleled. The line of luxury linen is only available at a few retailers worldwide, but she will be hosting a trunk show in Hotlanta next Thursday (the 28th) from 10-6 at Gramercy Fine Linens and Furnishings.

new from nest

We love Nest candles and we love peonies (who doesn't?), so we've been pretty revved up about Nest's new Peony Blanche candle. Our shipment arrived today and the shop smells fantastic. Fresh, floral and feminine, it's perfect for Mother's Day. Hurry in - they are sure to go fast!

be bop

We've been be-bopping all over the place the past week and haven't had a chance to share our latest! Last weekend, we put on an amazing wedding and reception at Smith Hall. You may have seen our pictures on facebook. This week has been jam packed with meetings for new projects and planning florals for various UA-related events this weekend (rush, A-Day, meetings, graduation party planning) and more engagement showers (and future weddings...!).

We also had a major breakthrough in the shop: baby's breath. Call us flower snobs, but we cringed at thought of having it in our shop. We needed it for the wedding last weekend to make a sweet halo for the flower girl. It turned out beautifully and we decided to let down our guards (and elitist flower-designing values) and try it in an arrangement or two. We're not ashamed to say that a chic container filled with a big baby's breath bouquet is just lovely.

image via Real Simple.

sunny

A polka-dot relief vase filled with moss, sunflowers and bright roses could cheer up even the gloomiest day.

orchids and lilies

Not your typical orchids and lilies! Orange Mokara and Mini Dark Pink Callas made it through the weekend's five events and are happily brightening our office.
In other news, we've been working on a charming little DIY project this evening for a ladies garden club presentation tomorrow. Can't wait to share it on the blog!

required reading

We have a fantastic little book with fun ideas for flower arranging called Flowers: Chic and Cheap by Elle Decor editor Carlos Mota (whose followers include Ms. Tory Burch). Clearly, he's as big of a fan as we are of flowering branches - from azaleas to cherry blossoms to viburnum, Mota nestles them throughout. All this Tuscaloosa sunshine is encouraging some of the branches to pop around town. Rest assured, we'll have our snips handy when they do.

february flowers

Our flowers for Valentines Day and the weekend events have been rolling in all morning. The workroom (pictured) looks like Spring has sprung and with the sun shining, the MCD team has a little pep in our step.

If you haven't placed your vday order, call us ASAP! 205 464 0488

snow day

We don't get to take a snow day today, but have had a pleasant morning enjoying Tuscaloosa in whiteout. The weather has our flowers for the weekend held up in Memphis, but isn't it beautiful?

We started our day with coffee, Krispy Kreme and Karis (our go-to girl at Special Events). She's moving and shaking this new and elegant branch of Game Day Tents event rental empire. Without a doubt, their team is our first choice in Ttown for tents, tables, chairs, heaters, fans and the like.

In the meantime, we've been taking VDAY flower orders...it's not too late! Call us today 205 464 0488.