Valley Flower Company

Geo-rific!

2013-05-15T22:37:00.001-04:00

All that glitters is not gold....

2013-04-10T15:57:00.000-04:00

...sometimes its black, or shiny mylar, or even soft ruffly pink. Sometimes its even a mass of giant balloons floating in darkness.

You've got something on your head....

2013-04-01T20:09:00.000-04:00

Special things afoot.

2013-03-09T20:23:00.000-05:00

Guys, something really exciting is happening...I can't tell you yet. But it involves profession photos of extra pretty arrangements; and lots of answering questions about myself. Keep an eye, ear out...especially in 2014.

wattle, mimosa, aciaca, whatever you want to call it...

2013-02-25T21:44:00.001-05:00

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See those yellow balls there? They're my favorite.

Emily & Jantz 10.6.12

2013-01-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

(thank you photo by the magical Jauhien Sasnou, other photos by yours truly! More professional photos to come)

Jacqueline & Jesse 9.29.12

2013-01-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

Oh hi.

I can't say I have any real excuse as to why I haven't posted anything here in over almost two months. I can pretend to come up with reasons, but really there isn't one except for the fact that I'm tired. We are STILL doing events almost every weekend (which is amazing for business, but hard on my brain) not to mention I am in full 2013 wedding planning craziness, I'm also in the process of building a website, so unfortunately the blog has fallen to the wayside. I still have so many gorgeous events from the 2012 wedding season to share with you, so lets start with this one.

Its not often I get to use this color palette, which I adore...puce (yes puce) being one of my favorite colors is not a color often asked for, so I was on cloud nine playing with all of these magical textures. In the end, it produced one of my favorite bouquets of the year.

How to feel good about yourself.

2012-11-22T21:54:00.001-05:00

One day, I got an email from a woman named Janet Bell. She politely asked if she could paint one of my photos. This one to be exact....
...of course I said yes. Why wouldn't I? Well, I'm so happy I did...because the finished product is out of this world awesome. I permanent reminder of a super wedding, and beautiful flowers. Janet's paintings are amazing across the board. Check them out, at the Janet Bell Gallery facebook page! Also, prints of this painting are available for purchase through Janet should you feel the need to make me feel even better about myself.

Eloping v4.0

2012-11-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. We've been so busy, with the bulk of wedding season out of the way and only a couple more events scattered throughout the winter; I can finally focus on getting some of the wonderful events we took part in up on the blog. Let's see if I can keep that promise.

I long for winter...the smell of snow in the air sometimes splashed with the smell of a wood stove make my heart beat a little faster. In the same breath, I miss the sun. It keeps spitting snow and I'm currently layered under a quilt on my couch. My cat is curled up in a box way to small for her and her fur is spilling out the sides. Its warm in here. In other news, I was warm this day too...the day a tiny group of friends stood around and watched some friends get married in the woods.

Jess & Doug 9.2.12

2012-10-14T19:45:00.000-04:00

150 bottles+summery flowers= Rehearsal dinner 175 billy balls+twigs+green ribbon= Napkin flowers 88 free spirit roses+green hypericum berry= 11 bridesmaids bouquets. 3 types of yellow roses+ferny goodness+passion vine= A brides bouquet 38 mason jars+vibrant summer flowers+11 wooden boxes= Centerpieces for 26 tables 9 flats of grass+billy balls+roses+escort cards=A perfect welcome to their guests. 1 perfect view+1chuppah=the perfect ceremony Camp Ohana + a wedding=perfection

Mariah & Scott 8.25.12

2012-09-18T16:03:00.002-04:00

This summer has been filled with many feminine soft pink and white weddings...something that I've slowly grown to accept; and dare I say it, enjoy. I have always thought of myself as somebody who must be surrounded by a riot of color. Teal walls covered in rainbows of artwork and shelves of candy colored toys and trinkets fill our house. I feel comfortable in colorful chaos. Something about it soothes me. But you know what else I'm fond of? Ruffles. No, really...I love dreamy folds of fabric that spill in puddles, I collect photos of ruffled skirts, and the appearance of the never-ending ruffled center of a garden rose turns me into a totally swooning dork...in my opinion ruffles are best done in soft colors. Folds of dreamy white and the palest of pinks. There is just something about it harkens back to victorian ladies and princesses, and the obvious ballet dancer. Delicate woman of the utmost class. When Mariah's mother approached me about helping with her daughters flowers, I was happy to hear that Mariah was an equestrian who wanted vintage inspired ruffles...and white, with a hint of blush; and that Scott was a landscaper who knew his flowers! (Always a plus when the groom has a little input!) So on a summer day, surrounded by Home Hill Inn's gorgeous horses (and MINI DONKEYS) Mariah married Scott, surrounded by ruffles of the softest pink and white.
Breathtakingly perfect Snowberry. A happy Rebecca with the silliest puff she ever did make. My new friends...who I'm convinced were sad to see me go. Wild cucumber vine harvested from the tops of my backyard fence made for the softest tendrils and the tiny pop of spike...you know to offset all the ruffles. In true florist fashion I returned home that night and started on next weekends wedding while watching crappy TV and eating crackers. Just a little trivia for you...florists tend to like the worst TV shows and generally sustain themselves on liquid and crackers, with a few choice meals tossed in for good measure.

Eloping V3.0

2012-09-18T14:52:00.001-04:00

Sometimes is just about putting on your best t-shirts and heading to city hall...just the two of you.

Christine & Stephen 6.23.12

2012-09-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

Christine and Stephen were married on the very property where they both live and work. Beautiful Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield NH. Sweet personal details like library book check out cards were used as escort cards. (Christine, is a librarian...if you couldn't guess) Brightly patterned fabric lined the tables, and pinwheels spun in the early summer breeze. But the most important details, were the wonderful friends, family and laughter.
I used tiny perfect forget-me-nots picked from my very own front yard...in hopes for memories to last a life time. STUDS. Beautiful Christine. After working with 100s of brides over the last 10 years, I always try and tell brides and grooms...that this photo should be what your wedding is about. The flowers, food, dress, cake, are all pretty ribbons on the little package that is love and friendship. (Hows that for cheese!?)

Bridget & Dan 8.11.12

2012-09-07T22:25:00.000-04:00

Sweet Bridget and Dan were married at the lovely Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms the same day as our morning wedding. When we got there the fog had lifted and many of Bridget and Dan's friends were sunbathing, laying in the grass and having a rousing game of volleyball on the lawn. It made me happy knowing that such nice people obviously had friends who were there to have a great time! Bridget wanted something simple and elegant, not to fussy, yet soft and fun. Dan wanted wheat grass, that was his only request. Wheat grass. Bingo bango...done and done.

Garden roses for a peony loving bride...I can try and make pretty happen, but I cant make Mother Nature preform miracles. Call me crazy, but I think they're prettier then peonies anyway. Cuties. Check out that air split! Wheat grass for Dan!
All professional photos by the amazing Boro Creative Visions...all nominally ok photos by yours truly.

Alex & Teddy 8.11.12

2012-08-30T22:01:00.000-04:00

With coffee in hand and an empty belly, Rebecca and I packed the van at the crack of dawn...summer fog hovered over the mountains as we drove down twisty back roads, past crumbling barns and cemeteries hidden by 100 year old maples. A breakfast wedding? I remember asking in our original consultation. Originally I thought it was totally bizarre....but once I saw the tent, with the most amazing view and the fogg hovering over the mountains, I finally understood what we were doing there at 8am. I was told that I should try and make everything look etherial...places where fairies would romp. Consider it done.
A bouquet for Alex, who wore the most beautifully etherial Vera Wang dress I ever did see.. ...come to find out morning sun is stellar for photos. I collected these feathers while drinking at a friends house while trying to avoid having my toes bitten off by a gaggle of geese...and a few handsome ducks. The bridesmaids carried pink and wore the softest shade of aqua with a tiny tinge of gray. I like to leave notes. I get this from my mom... Fairly land complete.

Jenny & Tim 8.4.12

2012-08-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

PEACHES. That is all.

Elizabeth and Arjun 7.28.12

2012-08-13T22:08:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth (aka Scotty) and Arjun's wedding was a huge education for us all. The joining of two families from two very different backgrounds. A blend of Scottish traditions such as kilts and bagpipes with traditional Hindu wedding elements. For me it was a wonderfully interesting lesson in cultural traditions I was so unaware of. The blending of two families ideas of what a wedding celebration meant brought us to a final product of a traditional hindu ceremony with elements of rustic Vermont. The colors were softer then the expected reds, oranges and pinks, moss covered the tables...and yet there was henna, a Vermont version of a mandap, rice, and lots and lots of gorgeous saris.
My ever trusty father and manfriend...building something. Making my visions become a reality....my silly silly visions. For Arjun Because there was no bouquets, I was given the opportunity to make ropes of flowers for the bride and groom to wear. These were like making huge beaded necklaces, so much fun! "Hey Rebecca...how do we show people how big this thing is!?" Oh wait...10' later... "Hey Rebecca! How do we show people how big this place is!?" Oh wait...5'5" later... Booze on every table...what a way to start the party. Who knew the aftermath of a hindu ceremony included neon balls? I've come to the conclusion that every wedding should end with neon balls.

Maureen & Eric 7.28.12

2012-08-06T22:46:00.001-04:00

It rained, it was sunny, it was hot, it was cold...foggy, and bright...the 28th of July included a little bit of everything, including one of the most fun weddings we've done in awhile. With the help of the super fabulous Kristin of By Emily B. Event Design Maureen and Eric's wedding was over the top awesome. Giant Geronimo balloons, fabbbbbbbbulous linens, and the smallest of awesome details...and well, some pretty super duper flowers. (If I may say so myself)
A stunner for Maureen, made of the softest peaches, blush pinks and greens... ...and the total opposite for her bridesmaids. Ever wonder what our out takes look like? Well...check out that face, it just screams romance. Flowers for boys... ...and flower girls. (Complete with a sleepy looking florist) Wreaths for doors... ...and gold jars for pews. Beautiful flowers turned into bright and vibrant centerpieces... ...which were accented with the greatest linens of all. Tiny awesome details, really sealed the deal... ...and then there was the balloon. The most perfect balloon. (last two photos thanks to By Emily B Event Design)

Megan & Jim 6.30.12

2012-07-29T21:23:00.000-04:00

A snazzy monochromatic pallet of green and white set the scene for Megan and Jim's wedding. Simple, full of garden textures and modern, this one was a true stunner.

Gorgeous lady slipper orchids for Megan who just loved the stripes! Ruffled green garden roses make for extra prettiness.... ...sometimes there are so many centerpieces we run out of room... ...and we have to arrange in the other room.

Liza & Simon 6.23.12

2012-07-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

The story of Simon and Liza's wedding goes a little something like this...A bridal bouquet was made...

but was missing a little something. So a little something was added, and the bouquet was complete... ...well not entirely complete. No bouquet is complete without a handle treatment, and some gratuitous modeling. Containers, to numerous to count, waited to be filled. Vintage berry baskets, bottles, cans and boxes sat empty for days... ...slowly, things began to happen. Berry baskets were filled with flowers... ...and planted with herbs...and a few veggies. Vintage cans filled with flowers were babysat by Werepig, just waiting for something exciting to happen. I arrived at the Barnard Inn, on Friday prepare to sew (yes, you read that correctly)...little did I know, I would be forced to take photos of chickens to numerous to mention. It soon became painfully obvious, that I like chickens. While I sewed sweaters to trees...(you'll find out why in about 3 seconds...) Simon and Liza were involved in something pretty damn stylish... ...a traditional Korean wedding ceremony! A magical end to a Friday night! The next day we packed up the van...and headed back to the Inn. Liza looked stunning... ...as did the flower girls. Seating cards were hung... ...menu cards were placed... ...and tables were dressed with flowers, candles and veggies galore! Simon and Liza were married under a sweater bombed chuppah (thats were the sewing comes in)... ...and were officially man and wife (and really attractive). Thus ending another weekend of a summer filled with love and folks in fancy clothes.
All obvious professional photos by the obscenely talented Noa Griffel

For arts sake.

2012-07-03T16:07:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I get to do something that allows me to make whatever I want. No rules, no suggestions, no must haves. A chance for me to use much loved things that might not be so popular with others, odd color combos and slightly more expensive things reserved for special things. For the second year in a row I was asked to part of Woodstock Vermont's "History in Bloom" exhibit at the historical society. You know the deal...they pair you up with a piece of art work, or in my case a very old doll and tell you to make something pretty that compliments it. Well...here you go. You can see my little doll friend in the very last photo. She had the creepiest of needle teeth and made me slightly uncomfortable with her judging eyes.

Red Cardinal Delphinium...um, yes.

Jenny & Scotty 6.9.12

2012-06-26T21:36:00.001-04:00

Jenny and Scotty were married at my oh so favorite Camp Ohana, on a perfectly sunny afternoon surrounded by ferns, moss, rocks and grassy bits. Jenny told me in our first meeting that she wanted their wedding to reflect their love of camp, canoeing, and a magical place surrounded by moss, grasses and ferns (yikes, the name escapes me, maybe its somewhere in Canada?) they once traveled to. One of the best compliments a florist can get is that a wedding is perfectly "them"...and I've heard this numerous times about Jenny and Scotty's wedding. It was really, perfectly them.

Jenny let me make her a flower pile! I was SO excited. Ohana's dining hall is so perfectly perfect in every way. I'm a sucker for anything that feels like summer camp having gone for 11 years. Something about it just feels like home. I proper oar send off! (and a very excited pup!)

process.

2012-06-17T18:39:00.001-04:00

Ann & Ryan 5.19.12

2012-06-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

On a perfect day in May, Ann and Ryan were married in a chapel built for 15. A tiny button of a chapel tucked into the woods, over a tiny bridge, up a crooked path and surrounded by dairy cows. All in all, a perfect ceremony for a tiny intimate celebration, with only the most important people.

A photo I couldn't resist, of my favorite flower shop kid. His freckles and missing tooth really complement the bouquet. Nothing warms a florists heart more then a giggling flower girl with her nose in a bouquet.

Corporate goodness

2012-06-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

Hey! Its not always weddings around these parts...we also make arrangements for offices and other non-weddingy events of the more corporate variety. We made these lovelies for an office open house held at Dartmouth College.

Who ever said offices don't like to feel pretty every once in awhile?