Southern Gentlemen

Southern Gentlemen
corinnaraznikov.com

Southern Gentlemen is a perfect description for my most recent grooms...
After talking to Ben and Thomas about their upcoming wedding that would take place in Boston, I was ecstatic that they asked me to design their boutonnieres and a specialty cake topper!

Creative Cake Topper - A Wedding Nest

Their distinctive color palette was a perfect fit for their personalities! I knew after talking to them there must be certain elements involved...

Stillwell's Feather & Craspedia Bout

1) Feathers
2) Craspedia
3) Buttons
and LOTS of creativity! Once they showed me their invitations designed by Birmingham stationer, Melissa Hill of Weddings, Etc. I knew I wanted to incorporate those as well!

Lovely Letterpress

Moore's Buttons & Craspedia

Once the floral was designed, I packaged them up ever so delicately for the quick overnight journey to Boston!
From the teaser pictures....I hate that was a party I had to miss!
Looking forward to a wonderful array of photographs by the very talented Corinna Raznikov.

 Congratulations Ben & Thomas - I am so happy for you both!

Industrial Garden Party

When I first met Brittany - I knew in an instant that she was planning my kind of wedding!

Sloss Furnace in Birmingham is a historical landmark full of history, bricks, texture, cool backdrops, old railroad cars, artisan's work, abandoned machinery, gears, twists & turns, beautiful trees, long paths,  little snippets of the greenest, freshest moss peeking through the concrete...

PERFECT for an INDUSTRIAL GARDEN PARTY!

Britanny wanted a garden inspired bouquet - with lots & lots of texture! 

Celosia, Succulents, Thistle, Eucalyptus and many other berries, pods and surprises were nestled together to create a stunning, yet natural organic garden bouquet - perfect for Brittany's style!

I always love the details. I don't really have anything to do with the attire, but how much do I LOVE his socks...and her shawl...and the two of them together.in.love.

I can't rave about this wedding without mentioning what a fun, cool crowd these two hang with.

I love this picture that Jamie Clayton captured.

Brittany designed all of her own stationary, signs, postcards and not to mention -

she wins the HOTHOUSE award for the MOST ORGANIZED BRIDE I have ever had! 

All of her details can be viewed on the RUFFLED BLOG! 

I love it when the details don't go unnoticed! 

Congratulations!

 BRITTANY - THANKS FOR BEING A HOTHOUSE BRIDE! 

It was an honor to be a part of your wedding day!

8 SECRETS...

Not only do I own a British toolbox, a British sofa, prefer sugar cubes and own more than one Adele cd...I think I was British in another life - or maybe I am meant to end up there in this one perhaps...

Do you know that people in Europe spend more than three times on flowers than in the USA?

Today, I want to share some unique information found from the Flower Council of Holland – 8 SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL FLOWER SALES – THE EUROPEAN WAY ( with Mandy Majerik commentary, of course!)

     1)   Make an attractive PRESENTATION outside. You only have one chance to make a first impression – make it a good one! Prop an old bicycle outside with a basket of fresh blooms or place some large planters or door wreaths to attract attention!

     2)   If you are a flower shop, then SHOW YOUR FLOWERS! If you want to keep your flowers in refrigeration for longevity, be sure to have a few buckets at your counter to show off new varieties or simply to let your client – stop and smell the roses.

     3)   GROUP flowers by color, shape and price. Always be sure to have an offering to all your clients – whatever price point they are searching for – make every client feel just as important as the last.

     4)   Dress your window for WOW stopping impact. Dare to be original, but keep it simple! In this instance, Less=More. Have one eye catching display that passer-bys can “read” in an instant.

     5)   Create your OWN STYLE. If we were all the same – the world would be boring! It’s not always about being better, it’s about being different! Set yourself apart from everyone else. Tell your story and share your passion – sell YOU and YOUR STYLE!

     6)   ENTERTAIN the FUN SHOPPER & be ready for the RUN SHOPPER.  Create a floral experience. Have a bouquet wrapped and ready for that run shopper and create the bouquets out in the middle of the store for that fun shopper! Entertain your clients by sharing your fun floral journey and some of your latest experiences – they will love to hear about you.

     7)   Create a different atmosphere WITH LIGHT. Proper lighting is very important for your store image! Add lighting strips and halogen spots to draw attention to special products. Think of your FLOWERS AS ART and show them off! Give them the spotlight they deserve!

     8)   TRY NEW FLOWERS EVERY WEEK! This is my favorite! Give you and your client something to talk about! Experiment with colors, shapes, sizes and scents! Always keep your blooms fresh and interesting – you never know when you will fall in love with your new favorite!

MEET MR. J SCHWANKE AND uBLOOM

The floral industry is full of people that offer advice, offer a listening ear and offer opportunities. Along my journey of decisions, highs & lows, and chances & risks, I have found one floral common denominator - Mr. J Schwanke. I first met J at a Southern Retail convention, let me rephrase, I was first inspired by J at a Southern Retail convention and well, the rest is all about the journey that has brought us this far...
If you have ever had the opportunity to meet Mr. J Schwanke, you understand just what the definition of charisma is. If you've ever had the pleasure of having dinner with Mr. J Schwanke, you understand just what a real, down to earth friend he can be. If you've ever had the opportunity to share the camera with him, you understand just what it feels like to work with a professional with incredible passion for this industry.

I had the opportunity to really get to know J when I won the uBloom contest a few years ago! If you missed my experience, you can read all about it in my earlier JTV blog! (MAY 2009)

We have seen each other all across the country, he has been to Alabama to share some fried green tomatoes and he has always been as close as a phone call.
The new uBloom has launched and what an incredible resource for the floral industry at large!

Club uBloom is setup to service everyone from the hobbyist to the flower professional!
Becoming a member has so many benefits, you'll have to research it yourself! One of my personal favorite benefits is the Flower Guide - it lets me know about season availability and characteristics of certain flowers!
Here is what my profile looks like!

So many videos, So much advice, So many tips & tricks of the trade...ALL available in ONE place!
Go visit uBloom.com to become a Club Member or at least get to know J through his new "Flower Thoughts from J" beginning in January!

I know I can't wait to learn a little from J every day - while drinking my morning cup of caffeine!
He has touched my life in so many ways - I think you should allow him to touch yours too...if you don't have a New Year's Resolution yet... expand your floral horizon...MEET MR. J SCHWANKE!
Right now!!!!

Behind the Video - Behind the Mayesh Design Star

Last week, I found myself boarding a plane headed to sunny, Los Angeles, California - one week before Christmas.
I was anxious.
I was nervous.
I was exhilarated.
I was beginning my journey as the 2012 Mayesh Design Star.

I wasn't sure what the first taping experience would be like, but I knew that I had Mr. Wes Wages on the other side of that video camera.

It means the world to have another talented artist being creative in their element and making sure you make the most perfect splash in the pool. Not to mention, having Tera Wages by my side (and his) for style advice, mental recap and a sense a calm. She is the prettiest mic boom girl, I have ever seen!

I was greeted at Mayesh Wholesale Florist by so many smiling faces, wonderful hugs and such a warm welcome by everyone from the sales team to the guys who drive the trucks and pack the boxes.

I was able to get a quick tour of the LA Flower Market and begin to really finalize the details of what awesome blossoms I would be using and what design I wanted to show the world. With that kind of floral selection at my fingertips - it was hard to make a decision! I wanted to share it ALL with YOU!

I sat down to a Q&A lunch with the Sales Team to really listen how they worked - and worked together. THAT was one of the most impressive qualities about the Mayesh Team - that they are just that - a TEAM. They had ordered lunch in for the whole staff and as we sat chatting over beautiful centerpieces - with gorgeous floral selection - I realized that they were just as excited as I was. I knew in that moment that I had to deliver videos that would ultimately inspire their customers to buy product and inspire them even more to sell, sell, sell these beautiful awesome blossoms.

The last day, I was able to spend most of it with Pat - the CEO of Mayesh. He was so warm and welcoming by sharing his story with us over lunch and even sharing his lovely family and family home. I left with great respect for him and his whole family - which it takes each one to pull off this floral powerhouse running like a well-oiled machine.

Special Thanks to Cindie for her constant attention to any detail we needed and to my girl Laura London (my sales rep - and the best succulent ornament maker in CA - I'm sure of it!) for taking care of us during our stay.

It is an honor to be your 2012 Design Star.

WHEN IS THE DEBUT OF THE FIRST VIDEO?!? YOU ASK.....

JANUARY 1, 2012
This is ONE kick-off to quite a FLORAL-FILLED year...believe me! I can't wait to share it with ALL of YOU!

TANGERINE TANGO - 2012 PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR!

Just announced....

PANTONE 2012 COLOR OF THE YEAR - TANGERINE TANGO!


What does this mean for us in the floral world?!?

For me, it gives me a 'reason' to keep using my orange, monarch butterflies, in my arrangements and my design shows. I just love them and now, I have one more reason to share them ;)


For you, it means that we will see an emergence of new accessories, containers and accents in this color. You will begin to see promotions of some of the beautiful blooms being available in this reddish, orange shade. First bloom that comes to mind for me are pincushion protea! Tangerine Tango is such a seductive color...let yourself have fun!
(Here is the cover of Alabama Weddings 2010, bouquet from my "Industrial Couture" Signature Style Series)

(Armosa Studios)

For our clients, customers and consumers, it means they will see it appear in fashion, interior decor and they will be looking to each of us (in this floral, creative driven field) to be able to provide them with suggestions of fresh flowers that will match what they are wearing or the new lampshade or bed coverings they just bought! Be knowledgeable, be prepared - KNOW what is on the tips of tongues in the design world - and of course, who doesn't love to just say, "Tangerine Tango?" Share your knowledge with your clients, they will be impressed, I guarantee it.

Want to sport the new color with coffee in them morning or as a journal at your next appointment? PANTONE has you covered! Look at this genius marketing.


Now go - be inspired and make sure to plan your Spring/Summer windows around this color! Make sure at your next bridal show you have a bouquet with some gorgeous, Tangerine Tango inspired blooms. In a consultation with a bride who has orange in her color scheme, share your knowledge! While coloring with your kids, choose 'Vivid Tangerine.' (Yes, it is a real Crayola color ;) Just for fun, at the grocery, be healthy - pick up a tangerine or two. This year, you will think twice when you see this color - everywhere!

(Armosa Studios)

For more information on this HOT color visit PANTONE
Tangerine Tango - just excites my soul.

CORNHOLE - THE "HOTTEST" WEDDING GAME!

I am not sure about the rest of us, but the best of us, apparently have discovered that the "hottest" game this year at weddings is CORNHOLE! I mean, it's even been seen on ESPN and MODERN FAMILY & in BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA!
I have been paying attention and noticed that over half of my spring, summer and fall weddings have incorporated this game as a special treat for guests! With the emergence of details, details, details being on the tips of the lips of my brides, this game offers them yet another opportunity to use their colors, monogram, logo, etc. to reinforce their theme!


Here are just a few pictures from some of my favorites of my brides as well as some inspirational shots from pinterest!








In case you want to know - WHAT is CORNHOLE?!?
The correct definition from WWW.CORNHOLE.COM - yes, you can order your own and even customize it!



Before I start having my backyard ideas/inspiration parties for my wedding vendor friends and those that are not crazy enough to be in the wedding industry ;) I MIGHT just have a customized set too....oh, decisions, decisions, decisions!