Last night we welcomed the new CEO of the Dept Of Tourism, Mr. Patrick Kaler to Loudoun County. The event was sponsored by some of Loudoun's finest industry superstars,  The Stables at Bluemont Vineyard, Celebrations Catering, Dandelion Patch, Reston Limosine, Fortessa, Fun Company and Events, and me Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD. Celebrations Catering will now be the in house caterer for events at the Stables. This is exciting and wonderful news for brides wanting a fabulous barn wedding, with an upscale dinning experience. I am personally thrilled and excited about this news, as I adore working with Celebrations. I know I can trust them to host an amazing event.

We had four different food stations! The first design featured an Argentiniean Themed table. I used peach cabbage roses, white stock, jasmine vine, cream roses, cream spray roses, and cream hydrangea to create the design.

The Italian table featured my sexy black pilsner vase, white open cut callas, phaleonopsis orchids, and lily grass.

We used sunflowers, blue delphinium, yellow golden rod, willow and aggies to create the American station.

French Parisian featured my new white chandelier, powder blue hydrangea, white ranunculus, and double white tulips.

One of the restoration projects was the new bridal suite. The suite is in the middle of two balconies, one balcony overlooks the ballroom and the other balcony takes you outside onto a beautiful deck. The view from the upper deck balcony is amazing.

Even on a rainy day Loudoun was looking mighty pretty.

Being a good Loudoun County girl, I decided to take the orchid and calla lily design to my friends at Tuskies. You can see this pretty piece there this week.

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When we confirmed that we would be traveling to NYC for the chapel designers conference, designer Alicia Schwede suggested we try for tickets to the Martha Stewart Show. It just so happened that the show was taping the week we were visiting, in addition to that the offices were one block from our hotel. Again we were blessed with amazing coincidences and gifts on this entire trip. We lined up bright and early with coffee in hand.

Once inside we filled out questionnaire’s.

Me and Casey.

Alex, Isha, Robin, and Trish.

Cori and Alicia

The set of the show is truly beyond beautiful. Watching the process and the work that goes into everything was my favorite part.

After the taping there is a period where guests are allowed to take pictures, and ask Martha questions. Much to my surprise I turned around to see one of the Chapel Designers, Liz from Portland Oregon with mike in hand.

Being the motherly type I was so incredibly proud of this very young and new designer for standing up and telling Martha that the “chapel designers” had arrived in NYC but I have to admit I almost fell off of the chair. Due to the announcement that she was traveling with flower designers from across the country, we were offered a visit to the corp. offices of Martha Stewart. Before I could blink an eye, 15 of us were running down the streets of NYC in dress clothes and high heels. We ran 8 city blocks to make it to the offices in time for our impromptu tour, each one of us dragging a huge pillow from Macy’s and bags of loot from Martha. I would have loved to have a picture of us running down the streets, we had to be quite the sight!!!

Once inside the offices we stopped taking pictures as everything in the building is obviously private and or about to be published. We did take this one picture in the waiting room before the tour.

Now I will tell you how I fell in love with Martha on this tour.  I admire Martha and all she does, but honestly I am not a Martha guru simply because over the last 24 and a half years I have been a little busy having babies and building my own business. I did not even have cable until 5 months ago so I have missed a lot of TV, and magazines are something I would love to have a lot more time for. Seeing her offices and understanding how she works made me a Martha addict. The offices fill one whole NYC city block and over look the Hudson River. The restoration of the Hudson is also a foundation that is very important to Martha and yet another very cool thing about her. Natural light is present everywhere and we were told that if all of the windows were laid out side by side they would cover six miles. Another thing I loved was the fact that everything is under one roof; crafts, flowers, decor, cooking and all the magazines are under one roof just like one big diverse happy family and you know that felt like home to me!! A big huge thanks to all of the people that made this magic day happen. We were all so incredibly impressed and inspired. I have a new found love for all things Martha.

Holly

 

  • melissa Says: (03.23.2011 | 05:58)

    AMAZING!!!

  • Molly Says: (03.30.2011 | 12:32)

    You make me laugh! I am in awe of YOU!! You too seem to be an amazing designer, businesswoman and mother all at the same time. YOU have inspired me. Thank you.

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After a fabulous lunch designers were told about the goods hidden behind the secret curtain. David had set up a whole supply room full of props, linens, china, chairs, and vessels, all of these elements had been hidden behind the curtain during our first lecture and our first design class.

Designers were paired into teams of two and each team went about creating a table design for their chosen celebrity.

The Whoopi Goldberg table was created by Trish Van de Merkt and Isha Foss.

Our very Southern inspired table was created for Shirley McClaine. This was designed by Samantha Greenfield and Alicia Broehl.

The Dr. Seuss table was created by Luara Williams and Liz Rusnac.

Frank Sinatra was executed by Jennifer Ederer and freelancer Robin Buop.

Sean Connery by Janice Wong and Alexandra Jusino

Martha Washington designed by Yasmin D’ Souza and freelancer Kristin Thompson.

Inspired by the royal wedding of Kate and William, flowers were designed by Katie Elfers and Courtenay Lambert. 

After our fun design time we went back into the offices and listened to David’s presentation from Engaged 10. We even meditated, yes we meditated, being still is really hard for me, and I even got caught opening my eyes by David.

The day ended with bubbly, and a surpise visit from Ed Libby.

The full class of Chapel Designers.

Luckily for us we were racing from our class to a cocktail party at the Ace Hotel. Amazing entertainment was provided by the Elan Artisits.

Our final day was all about Martha  and that will be our last post about our NYC trip.

Holly

 

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Design time began after our amazing morning lecture.  David, Jeremy, and I got the ball rolling by starting some simple creations in rectangular vases.  After we completed a few designs the Chapel Designers started their pieces. Each designer was allowed to pick from the blooms we had gathered at market. This was totally fun for the designers because they could choose whatever color combo or bloom they felt like using. Since we are all wedding designers we are used to designing with the colors chosen by our brides, the freedom was thrilling.

It was so much fun to be at the design table with David and Jeremy, but quite honestly it was a bit intimidating. Here are the three designs I winged out for the class.

I also created this fun and bright happy bouquet for the designers.

Here are the individual designs created by the Chapel Designers. I hope to be adding the names of the designers to the pieces throughout the day.

Laura Williams owner of Loda Floral Designs

Alexandra Jusino owner of Exquisite Weddings

Precious Pear, Janice Wong, our designer from Canada…

Liz owner of Fleur:ol0gy

Freelancer Robin Buop

Katie Elfers owner of Inspired Florals

Trish Van de Merkt owner of Grapevine Floral

The next pleasure of the day, was our amazing lunch catered by private chef and boutique caterer Liana Rae.  This girl is one seriously talented chef…

I am still craving the incredible food from this luncheon. I was in love with the fresh baby kale salad, and Oh, that gorgonzola pear tart was beyond amazing!!!

All images taken by the totally wonderful Vicki Grafton.

Holly

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After a truly remarkable visit to the market, the Chapel Designers headed over to the corp. offices of David Beahm. This office is where David and his staff typically meet with customers.  There are several work stations with computers for his sales staff, a beautiful board room, and then a design space where he sets up samples. We started the morning by prepping all of our flowers, which simply means getting them in water.

Here we are getting the flowers out of paper and into water.

This is lead designer Jeremy, in front of our mountain of flowers. BTW we love Jeremy big time…

While the flowers got hydrated we slipped over to the board room for our first discussion with David. The board room is a beautiful space complete with …

Pretty chandeliers…

a wall of magazine covers…

Yep, he did that wedding also…

and lots of room for our class.

David is an absolutely lovely person and being with him is so easy and comfortable. He showed us several of hig really big events and discussed his philosphy about life and business.

As you can see by the look on my face, I completely love and adore David!!!  Finding an amazing, creative, superstar talent that was willing to help with the first ever Chapel Designers conference was a one in a million find.

I have lots more to post about our day with David Beahm. Once again thanks to Vicki Grafton who photographed our journey!!!

Holly

  • botanical brouhaha Says: (03.17.2011 | 11:38)

    Wow…love that wall of magazine covers! It all looks amazing, but nothing is as beautiful as the look on your face! You were clearly in heaven…

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The NYC Flower market offered us many treasures beyond the blooms. We found endless supplies and props for this years events.  We even found some fun home decor items for my booth at On A Whim Antiques.

Our shopping list was seriously long, sorta like my kids Christmas list, endless…

Like a kid in a candy shop!!

Even these silk flowers caught our eye, so we gathered some up for a very special bridal bouquet. Miss Casey is dying for anemone and they just happen to be out of season on the day she is getting married.

Today we received via Fed- Ex, boxes and boxes of treasures we gathered in NYC. My brides and grooms will love the many things we found at the market. Next stop, the offices of David Beahm and a little design time…

Photography by Vicki Grafton of My Simple Details

Holly

  • Lauren Says: (01.06.2012 | 05:13)

    I adore the flower market! So many fun and beautiful things there. Love the pictures you captured!

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This post is going to be about the flowers, lots, and lots, of amazing flowers. Here tulips, and hyacinthus are waiting in racks for the customers of the day.

Anemone

Anemone

Hellebores

Ranunculus

Ranunculus

Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas

Dusty Miller

Oranges and Avocados

Fringed Tulips

Fringed Tulips

Peach Tulips

Poppy

Cherry Blossoms

Orange Pin Cushions Protea

Burgundy Peony

Brazilia Berry

Succulents

Cabbage Roses

Roses of all shades.

Blue Hyacinthus, pink peony, peach tulips.

Our designers studying rose varieties and making notes. Above Courtenay of Courtenay Lambert Florals.

Isha Foss of Isha Foss Events

The walk through the flower market with “The Chapel Designers” is one I will always remember, next year I hope others will join us!!

All of the amazing images were taken by the super talented event planner, stylist and now photographer Vicki Grafton of My Simple Details.


Holly

  • Susan Wenger Says: (03.15.2011 | 01:49)

    Let me know when you go next year – I would love to be included!

  • botanical brouhaha Says: (03.15.2011 | 01:59)

    Heaven…Every.Single.Picture! How could you possibly choose what to buy?

  • Perrier Elodie Says: (03.16.2011 | 07:26)

    Souvenir, souvenir, good memories!

  • Coach handbags Says: (04.18.2011 | 03:18)

    Other inventions – the vacuum tube to amplify sound, and coaxial cables to link long distances on land and under the seas — greatly expanded phone service. Transistors replaced the old vacuum tubes, and by the 1960s communications satellites eliminated the necessity of landlines. Today, bundles of glass fibers carry calls on laser beams of light.

  • Love and Good Fortune » Elegantly Arranged – Anemones Says: (08.07.2013 | 11:51)

    […] sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 ) Posted in elegantly arranged, floral, inspiration Share this post  Add a […]

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Since my very first employee many years ago, I have been teaching and or sharing my knowledge, love, and passion for floral design. I am constantly asked via email, twitter, and facebook, how I do, what I do. I willingly and happily answer these requests because I believe in the beauty of helping others. My business continues to grow and develop because I have been guided by other designers that are operating bigger businesses than mine. I am always reaching a little higher and looking to someone else for guidance and or inspiration. Those business owners who have willingly helped me or taught me, are also the reason why I help others. It is  important to share resources, and technique with others in your trade. Its like a huge support group. One of the greatest things I have discovered, is that many of us are searching for answers to the same questions. Just realizing that other designers need help or guidance took away a lot of my stress. As a business owner I felt like I should know the answers to everything. Realizing that we all need some help and guidance at times was very freeing.

Weeks ago I twittered "hey floral designers, who wants to meet me in NYC?" much to my surprise quite a few designers responded with an affirmative yes.  Knowing I had friends in high places I went to the amazing and awesome David Beahm and asked if he would host our group for a design class. Being the incredible person that he is, he agreed to teach a design class and I get to help. Our little group is now up to 20 people traveling to NYC, 16 students in total, some Holly Chapple employees, and a photographer.  In addition we will be shopping the NYC flower market, I have obtained a discount for the Chapel Designers at one of the major supply stores, we have a tour scheduled with Ovando, and many of us will be able to go to a taping of Martha Stewart, this trip is turning out to be truly incredible. 

It is clear that this trip is much needed, not only now, but in the future. Last Wens. just before I left for Texas we named our group, Chapel Designers. We now have a name for our group of floral designers that cater to the wedding industry. I bought the URL, got my twitter code and, Chapel Designers is now for real. I hope that this trip to NYC is the start of many adventures to come for the Chapel Designers.

Photograph by Anne Robert

  • Alexandra Says: (03.03.2011 | 10:32)

    I can’t wait to meet everyone and learn a few tricks. Get ready for a multitude of questions from me! Looking forward to meeting you in person.

  • lara ramos Says: (03.03.2011 | 12:21)

    holly! this is so exciting. have a BLAST in nyc and congrats on chapel designers 🙂

  • Liz Says: (03.03.2011 | 01:03)

    Holly, I freakin’ love you!! Can’t wait for this weekend – it’s going to be AMAZING 🙂

  • Perrier Elodie Says: (03.04.2011 | 03:52)

    what you organise is great Holly, congratulation to show people floral design is a truly art!

  • Danielle | Studio Fleurette Says: (03.04.2011 | 08:41)

    I sure wish I could come too! Perhaps next year– I hope! I can’t wait to see photos from the trip!

  • Ami Says: (03.09.2011 | 08:25)

    this is awesome, congratulations!

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This is a fun little love story about Kristin and Jeffrey!! This lovely couple married last Spring at the Thomas Birkby House. I provided the flowers and I of course fell in love with Kristin. Are you feeling the love yet? Kristin's sister Jen, is a graphic artist and she happened to be creating all of the paper products with Kristin for this awesome wedding.

We had so much fun working with this amazing pattern created by Kristin and Jen that we also fell in love with this sister duo.

As event designers it was wonderful to have so many fabulous paper products to work with. Kristin's wedding was one of the first weddings that we (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers) officially styled. We gathered props from everywhere, but it was the paper products that really gave this wedding it's signature look.

Working together on Kristin's wedding made this fabulous sister team realize that they loved creating paper products with personality for weddings and events and they loved working together. So the wonderful and very loving Jeffrey allowed Kristin to leave her big time high profile job, to start a career she loved!! So this wedding story is also the birth of LilyPadWeddings.

Here are some of the incredible designs being offered by LilyPadWeddings.

Isn't this a great LOVE story?

A big huge thanks to the amazing photographer Michelle Lindsay who captured not only the beautiful paper products but the wedding as well.  You are awesome!!

  • Kristin Regen Says: (02.23.2011 | 04:50)

    Holly, we are in love with YOU!! Thank you so much for this very kind feature. You were amazing to work with on a personal level when I was a bride, and it’s been such a pleasure continuing that relationship on a professional level. Your artistry, creative talents, and business practices are an inspiration!!
    PS – A big thanks also to http://www.michellelindsayphotography.com for providing these gorgeous images of our work.

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Today was quite the day, we are quickly moving back into full throttle Holly mode. The day started with baby Grace at 6:00 a.m., once I had her settled I packed lunches and I prepared for my first client of the day who was coming at 8:30 a.m. I had a floral design student arrive at 10:00am and then we went into designing. My first piece of the day was Lynda's bridal bouquet. I knew Lynda when she was 7 years old. I used to date her brother and I spent a lot of time in their home when I was young. Her family was absolutely the reason why I wanted a big family. In fact Lynda was the 7th child of the family and I have 7 kids as well. Her family seriously had a big impression on me. I adored this young lady and I recently reconnected with her in SFO. She literally saw that I was in CA. through Facebook and we agreed to meet. It had been at least 27 years since I had seen her but we had a blast meeting as adults. I promised her that when she married I would do her bridal bouquet. Being true to my word I FedExed my first bridal bouquet to CA. Yep California, lets all hope, wish, and pray that the bouquet makes it safely to the little girl I knew and loved.

I created Lynda's bouquet of wine toned callas, black magic roses, and black beauty roses. The bouquet was placed in a paper mache bucket.

We stuffed cotton into the center of the callas to protect the lily, we wrapped the bouquet in cotton t-shirts and stuffed the bouquet into a box. We actually stuck the bucket to the bottom of the box with putty, hoping it would make it more secure. We wrapped cotton and paper all around the bouquet to keep it tight and snug.

We also placed a grooms boutonniere in the box.

Making this bouquet was such a pleasure and I am hoping this story has a happy ending. I am sure I will twitter the results tomorrow. I am so excited for Lynda and I am so glad I got to be a part of her wedding.

These lovely designs of yellow and gray were created for our friend Jamie of Simply Chic Events.  

Next we started designing for tomorrows wedding. During this time my student just watched the comings and goings of a day at Holly Chapple.

These designs will be placed in silver compote bowls

I designed a bouquet of gray feathers, white roses, sahara roses, blue hydrangea, silver brunia, and dusty miller for tomorrows bride.

Huge balls of blue hydrangea were created for my silver stands.

Here are the pieces hanging "in the cooler".

We also had a visit from my man Don.

Don is doing an exhibit tomorrow and we created a centerpiece for his table using foliage's and branches from his property. Seeing Don was such a happy thought. We LOVE Don and I am ready to see him at my door every week. He is my favorite neighbor! Yep I will say it again we LOVE Don!!!!

We also had a visit today from photographer Genevieve Leiper and my past bride Kristin ( a story about her is coming soon.) The house was hopping all day long. Throughout the day I was able to answer questions and share knowledge with my student. We did a final consult at 5:00pm and sometime after 6:00pm my student left. When I had a few minutes to reflect on the day I was blown away by all that had happened.

My last big project of the day was ordering flowers for my sisters wedding. Next week I will be designing in TX. Being the nontraditional bride my sister just sent me pictures of the dresses and the colors of the wedding today ( I could kill her). Yep this one will be the challenge of a lifetime. She keeps saying "its no big deal, you can do this, it's only 25 tables." I can already hear the fighting and the screaming. Where are my scissors? Vases you needed vases?

Happy night!!!

  • Lynda Says: (02.19.2011 | 12:32)

    Holly, you are amazing! I am so excited to see the bouquet and boutineers tomorrow. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll send you a photo tomorrow to show you how it arrives.
    love,
    Lynda

  • botanical brouhaha Says: (02.19.2011 | 09:24)

    Wow…and you still have time to blog?! I’m dying to see how that gorgeous bouquet makes the trip to CA…that was a brave undertaking. Love the yellow designs and the huge hydrangea arrangement. I’m amazed at what you can do in a single day…those students are so lucky to shadow you. Hope you got a good night’s sleep!

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