This week we feature Lisa Gallager, a floral designer, and owner of Belli Fiori Florist in St. Louis.
Lisa is always a pleasure to work with. Her imagination and flare for creating unique and modern designs makes her one of our top floral picks. Belli Fiori also has a store front in The Hill area where you can "cash and carry" flower arrangements.
Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and BF=Belli Fiori
LBE: What exactly do floral designers do?
BF: Floral designers create arrangements using flowers. They apply the elements and principles of design such as scale,line, color, balance, harmony, etc to design a gorgeous bouquet.
LBE: How would you describe your design style?
BF: I like to think my style is clean lines, modern and contemporary.
LBE: What is a common misconception Brides & Grooms have regarding flowers?
BF: I think brides really do not realize how much flowers can cost. They see a lot of pictures in magazines and want certain flowers or certain centerpieces but it doesn't really fit into their budget. It then becomes my job to help create something similar but more budget friendly when needed.
LBE: Are there any hot, right now trends in bouquets such as color or flowers?
BF: I'm seeing a lot of requests from brides for yellow bouquets or mixes of yellows and other colors for next spring.
LBE: Do seasons really matter anymore? Or are flowers available at anytime regardless of season?
BF: Seasons matter for some flowers such as tulips or peonies. But for other popular wedding flowers, such as hydrangeas, callas, or roses, these are available year round.
LBE: If a Bride asked you whether they should use silk flowers or not to save money, what might you tell them?
BF:Unless they want to use spend the money on really good silks, I would suggest spending the money on real flowers. Sometimes "bad" silks cannot compete with the look of real flowers. I tell brides to think about how those pictures of the wedding day are going to look especially if the flowers don't complement anyone.
LBE: Do you think flowers inspire wedding trends or vice versa?BF:I think trends really affect the flower choices and colors. Trends such as round, compact bouquets really lend themselves to the type of flowers used, such as hydrangeas that really conform to that shape. Also, whatever the popular color wedding colors are at the moment will have an affect on floral choices. I was seeing a lot of blue mixes and purple mixes but now that seems to be shifting a little.
LBE: What do you love most about your job?
BF: I love having the chance to get creative with bouquets and centerpieces that I know will really excite the couple. There is nothing better than presenting a bride with her bouquet and knowing that you had a part
of bringing joy to someone on their big day.
LBE: If you had one piece of advice to give couples what would it be?
BF: Try and be as prepared as possible for the meeting with the floral designer. Things to bring to a floral appointment or consultaion include color swatches, either fabric or even paint chips (this will help give the designer a clear idea of the colors you would like to use). And unless the bridesmaids are wearing a neutral color, please make sure that the color of the dresses has been chosen. You want to make sure that the designer comes up with some ideas that will complement, not clash with the color of the dresses. Also bring pictures of bouquets and/or centerpieces that you really like.
A floral designer will ask questions to get an idea of your style but sometimes it may be hard to describe something. So, if you have a picture of what appeals to you, then it will help to clarify the look that you are trying to achieve. Doing some homework beforehand will really help the appointment go smooth and you will get what you want in the end.
LBE: What is your favorite flower combination and why?
BF: My favorites change constantly. With every new season, the color palette changes so I get to work with new color stories. I love going to market and finding the truly unique flowers and incorporating them into arrangements with your every day flowers.
Thanks again Lisa for taking time out of your very busy schedule to help us better understand floral design.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Andrea & Joe's 7-11-09 Pictures Round 2
Photos courtesy of CMAX Photography. We just received all of the images they took. They did an amazing job and we couldn't wait to share them with you!!
One of the things we love to do is encourage guests to look around the room. We often achieve this by doing different tablescapes, as we did with this wedding. You will see that we had 3 different linens a pale pink, an ivory, and lace overlay. We alternated pale pink and ivory napkins.
There were also 3 different centerpieces, but still complimentary.
Exclusive Events, Inc. washed the room in soft Pink and swagged fabric on the wall and ceiling to further create a romantic ambiance. Here you will see the lights in the room and the monogram (gobo) projected on the dance floor. This part of the event was a surprise to Andrea from her mom Beth! It was so much fun being part of a surprise like that and seeing her reaction.
Dream Team:
Floral: Belli Fiori
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting & Fabric: Exclusive Events, Inc.
One of the things we love to do is encourage guests to look around the room. We often achieve this by doing different tablescapes, as we did with this wedding. You will see that we had 3 different linens a pale pink, an ivory, and lace overlay. We alternated pale pink and ivory napkins.
There were also 3 different centerpieces, but still complimentary.
Exclusive Events, Inc. washed the room in soft Pink and swagged fabric on the wall and ceiling to further create a romantic ambiance. Here you will see the lights in the room and the monogram (gobo) projected on the dance floor. This part of the event was a surprise to Andrea from her mom Beth! It was so much fun being part of a surprise like that and seeing her reaction.
Dream Team:
Floral: Belli Fiori
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting & Fabric: Exclusive Events, Inc.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
First round of pictures from Andrea & Joe's Wedding 7-11-09
Photos courtesy of CMAX Photography. They did an amazing job!! More to come.
Event Dream Team:
Floral: Belli Fiori
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting & Fabric: Exclusive Events, Inc.
Event Dream Team:
Floral: Belli Fiori
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting & Fabric: Exclusive Events, Inc.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Guest Interviews..
Over the next month or so we are going to have several guests featured on our Blog. We think it is so important to share not only what we do as Coordinators & Designers, but what other people in the industry do as well. We are very, very, excited about the lineup we have in store. We hope that you are equally as excited. Each week we will post 1-2 different interviews. There will be Photographers, Florists, Caterers, DJ's, just to name a few.
To kick off the interviews, this week we feature Pam Bredenkamp, an amazing photographer, and owner of Signature Studio.
Pam has been published in magazines like St. Louis Bride, St. Louis Bride and Groom, Wedding Pages, and has been interviewed for Wedding Pages, Ladue News, and Wedding-Club.com. I first met Pam through ISES and bridal shows. Her happy demeanor and sense of humor makes you want to get to know her. I am glad that I can now call her a friend.
Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and SS=Signature Studio's
LBE: Tell us a little bit about your style of photography?
SS: We are a photo-fusion of various styles, a hybrid if you will, of fashion, documentary, photojournalistic and a sprinkle of traditional to taste.
LBE: What do you feel are some important questions couples should ask when they meet with potential Photographers for their Wedding Day?
SS: I think it is important to know your photographer, so you can develop a relationship. One of the best compliments we received was from a couple who had a very whimsical/creative style, who thanked us for really getting to know them and approaching their wedding as if we were old friends.
Another good question is how long have you been in business, do you have errors and omission insurance, backup equipment/plan.
Ask whose Preferred Vendor's list they are on. This says a lot about the integrity and professionalism of the photographer or studio.
LBE: Have you seen any shift or trend changes in Wedding Photography as of late?
SS: I can't speak for the wedding photography industry as a whole, but what I have experienced lately is that couples just want great images. It's not about the quantity of images but the quality of those images. In other words, instead of viewing over 1000+ images our couples would rather view 500ish amazing images.
LBE: What are three points you would like people to know when shopping around for a Photographer?
SS:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for references
2. Ask to view a complete set of images from a previous wedding at your venues. Many times this can be done online with a password.
3. I understand that price does play an important factor when making a decision about any vendor but don't make it the only factor.
The lowest price is not always the best price. A quote I read once and have since adopted; “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low prices is forgotten”. With the exception of your dress and jewelry, your photographs are about the only thing you get to keep from your wedding day; make your investment with a true professional.
LBE: Are all photography studio's created equal?
No, not all photography studios are created equal. Some studio's have a fleet of photographers, who may not know whose wedding they are photographing until 3 weeks (or less) before the wedding. How invested can that photographer be in your wedding? How or when could they have developed a relationship with you? Have you seen this photographers work? Does it match your style? We only do one wedding a day so we can invest as much time required ensuring we understand the events of your day and working with the planner to develop and ensure the timeline is met.
LBE: What is your favorite part of shooting the Wedding Day?
SS: Great question. I have the best job in the world! I just love weddings but my favorite, and I never get to photograph it - my associate does, are those final few moments at the back of the church between the father and the bride just before the doors open and they make their way down the isle. It's such a tender time for both, but we try to focus on the father. This is truly a pivotal moment for him.
LBE: What would you say if someone told you that they were trying to save overall costs by letting "a family friend" shoot their Wedding?
SS: Oh another good question - you are on fire tonight. There are so many ways to answer this question. Usually when this is the case, the couple has a guest list that is way over their budget and has to trim elsewhere. A good rule I read in a magazines was if you wouldn't have the guest over to your house for dinner then they don't need to be invited to the wedding.
My first thought was, unless their "family friend" IS a professional photographer I would reconsider that idea. It may be a very kind jester from their friend but usually not the outcome the couple are expecting. After all, who will create the finished album?
When we are working a wedding show we are approached several times by brides that "had a friend" photograph their wedding asking if there is anything we can do with the images because they are all fuzzy. We try to help them as much as we can but it usually ends up costing the couple more in the long run than if they would have hired a true professional in the first place.
Thanks again Pam for taking time out of your very busy schedule to help us better understand photography.
To kick off the interviews, this week we feature Pam Bredenkamp, an amazing photographer, and owner of Signature Studio.
Pam has been published in magazines like St. Louis Bride, St. Louis Bride and Groom, Wedding Pages, and has been interviewed for Wedding Pages, Ladue News, and Wedding-Club.com. I first met Pam through ISES and bridal shows. Her happy demeanor and sense of humor makes you want to get to know her. I am glad that I can now call her a friend.
Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and SS=Signature Studio's
LBE: Tell us a little bit about your style of photography?
SS: We are a photo-fusion of various styles, a hybrid if you will, of fashion, documentary, photojournalistic and a sprinkle of traditional to taste.
LBE: What do you feel are some important questions couples should ask when they meet with potential Photographers for their Wedding Day?
SS: I think it is important to know your photographer, so you can develop a relationship. One of the best compliments we received was from a couple who had a very whimsical/creative style, who thanked us for really getting to know them and approaching their wedding as if we were old friends.
Another good question is how long have you been in business, do you have errors and omission insurance, backup equipment/plan.
Ask whose Preferred Vendor's list they are on. This says a lot about the integrity and professionalism of the photographer or studio.
LBE: Have you seen any shift or trend changes in Wedding Photography as of late?
SS: I can't speak for the wedding photography industry as a whole, but what I have experienced lately is that couples just want great images. It's not about the quantity of images but the quality of those images. In other words, instead of viewing over 1000+ images our couples would rather view 500ish amazing images.
LBE: What are three points you would like people to know when shopping around for a Photographer?
SS:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for references
2. Ask to view a complete set of images from a previous wedding at your venues. Many times this can be done online with a password.
3. I understand that price does play an important factor when making a decision about any vendor but don't make it the only factor.
The lowest price is not always the best price. A quote I read once and have since adopted; “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low prices is forgotten”. With the exception of your dress and jewelry, your photographs are about the only thing you get to keep from your wedding day; make your investment with a true professional.
LBE: Are all photography studio's created equal?
No, not all photography studios are created equal. Some studio's have a fleet of photographers, who may not know whose wedding they are photographing until 3 weeks (or less) before the wedding. How invested can that photographer be in your wedding? How or when could they have developed a relationship with you? Have you seen this photographers work? Does it match your style? We only do one wedding a day so we can invest as much time required ensuring we understand the events of your day and working with the planner to develop and ensure the timeline is met.
LBE: What is your favorite part of shooting the Wedding Day?
SS: Great question. I have the best job in the world! I just love weddings but my favorite, and I never get to photograph it - my associate does, are those final few moments at the back of the church between the father and the bride just before the doors open and they make their way down the isle. It's such a tender time for both, but we try to focus on the father. This is truly a pivotal moment for him.
LBE: What would you say if someone told you that they were trying to save overall costs by letting "a family friend" shoot their Wedding?
SS: Oh another good question - you are on fire tonight. There are so many ways to answer this question. Usually when this is the case, the couple has a guest list that is way over their budget and has to trim elsewhere. A good rule I read in a magazines was if you wouldn't have the guest over to your house for dinner then they don't need to be invited to the wedding.
My first thought was, unless their "family friend" IS a professional photographer I would reconsider that idea. It may be a very kind jester from their friend but usually not the outcome the couple are expecting. After all, who will create the finished album?
When we are working a wedding show we are approached several times by brides that "had a friend" photograph their wedding asking if there is anything we can do with the images because they are all fuzzy. We try to help them as much as we can but it usually ends up costing the couple more in the long run than if they would have hired a true professional in the first place.
Thanks again Pam for taking time out of your very busy schedule to help us better understand photography.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Congratulations Andrea & Joe 7-11-09
We cannot wait to post all the details from this adorable couples day. Hopefully by the end of this week we will have all of the images. Check back...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy Birthday America!
Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.
Some Fun Facts: The flag of the United States of America has 13 horizontal stripes--7 red and 6 white--the red and white stripes alternating and a union which consists of white stars of 5 points on a blue field placed in the upper quarter next to the staff and extending to the lower edge of the fourth red stripe from the top. The number of stars equals the number of States in the Union. The proportions of the flag as prescribed by Executive Order of President Eisenhower on August 21, 1959, are as follows:
Hoist (width) of flag..................1.0
Fly (length) of flag.....................1.9
Hoist (width) of union...............0.5385
Fly (length) of union..................0.76
Width of each stripe.................0.0769
Diameter of each star..............0.0616
This great country of ours has afforded me many things! One of the most note worthy was the freedom to pursue my passion and open up Lacy Branch Events. Each year I block out the 4th of July weekend and spend time with family and friends. Here are some pictures from this year's party.
We kept the rain from ruining our fun by having a tent.
Chris Johnson (CJ's Disk Jockey Service) is an awesome DJ and kept the party fun.
We have a really big hill in our yard and it is put to use just about two times a year. The first time is during winter for sledding. The second is for the slip 'n slide we put out each 4th of July. It is always a big hit! (this is a picture of me taking the first run of the day)
Well we hope you all had a safe and fun filled Independence Day!
Best Wishes,
Lacy
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