Yesterday one of our photo shoots was featured on Style Me Pretty which you can see here. I will try and list all of the reasons why this was so special. First I got to work with an amazing team of vendors, and I really want to thank Pam of A Trendy Wedding for asking me to join the team. Developing relationships with everyone was so much fun. Second I was destined to do this shoot since birth, what other florist or designer just happens to have a daddy with a farm stand. I can’t tell you how much fun it was to steal all of my fathers produce or better yet try and explain to my country, farmer, dad, that I was doing a photo shoot and sending it to Style Me Pretty. Daddy does not hear very well and he kept saying I don’t know what in the _ _ _ _ you are talking about, but ” yes you can take my produce, my signs and whatever the _ _ _ _ else you want. My father is amazing, I totally ransacked Heiders Country Store right down to the honey. ( Take the time to go to his website, it is super cute and I love the about us page)  ” Next I got to bring my daughter Abby along, it was fun to find out what an amazing eye my girl has. My favorite photos of the day were ones she insisted we set up. Lastly I just love, love, love, photos shoots it is so much fun to bring a vision to life. Thank you Style Me Pretty for featuring our farmers market inspiration.  Oh whoops one last thrill, my gonna be daughter-in-law Mallary has become obsessed with Style Me Pretty. Ever since she got the ring she has been a follower of the SMP blog, it was extra fun for me knowing Mall would appreciate this feature.

I even hit up daddies garden for baby strawberries still on the vine so that I could put them in the grooms boutonniere.

Believe it or not, when I saw this ribbon in the store I completely knew in my heart I would use it for a country farm themed photo shoot. I pulled it off the rack committed to bringing this shoot to life, that was five weeks before Pam asked me to do the shoot. It is amazing to me how one element can absolutely inspire a designer to design.

Pam made heart shaped shortbread biscuits for the shoot. The funniest part of the night was when the horses and the groom, started snacking on the cakes, the strawberries, and the whipped cream.

The beautiful, fabulous, Kendall created our strawberry cake.

Shoots are often done for submission to magazines and wedding blogs. They also help vendors expand their portfolios. This shoot had an additional really fun layer, Terra Dawn lead person/photographer in charge of this shoot had spent the entire day instructing on photography skills. At the end of the class Terra brought up her students for the photo shoot. The photographers were literally squealing when they saw the stage we had set for them. I love the below images when the photographers arrived these pictures are mine so the quality changes significantly.

Here is a fun photo showing all of the little worker bees. Far left Lynn- The Black Horse Inn, Terra Dawn Photography, Pam Barefoot – ATrendy Wedding, Abby Chapple ( my daughter), Holly Chapple and  Joe who provided us with his vintage truck. Joe had the hardest job of all because he had to watch us touch his precious truck for like 5 hours.

Thanks to all of the vendors who helped to make this so special. I loved the couple and because their love was real the pictures were electric, they will marry this January.  Thanks over and over again to photographer Terra Dawn, and Lynn from the Black Horse Inn, your place is stunning and your horses are the sweetest.

Have a great day!!

 

Photography: Terra Dawn Photography / Event Designer and Planner: Pam from ATrendy Wedding / Styling and Flowers: Holly Heider Chapple from Holly Chapple Flowers / Produce and Market Products: Albert Heider of Heider’s Farm Market / Event Location: The Black Horse Inn / Dress: Blush Bridal / Groom’s Outfit: J. Crew / Jewelery: Rachelle from Dominion Jewelers / Hair and Make-Up: Katherine from KPHair and Make-up / Rentals: Capital Decor / Cake: Kendall’s Cakes / Catering: Occasions Caterers / Chair Details: Etsy Vendor Lilmissi / Paper Inspiration: Valerie Metrejean from Southern Fete

I love designs that are rich, full, lush, and loaded with good stuff. I can't do inexpensive designs, I try and I just can't. My heart and my soul wants to help every single young lady that comes to me, but I can't create my look cheaply. I try to do inexpensive designs to help girls get on budget, but the good stuff costs. Lots of the good stuff really costs. Every time I discount my prices to help someone out, I create a design that I am less than happy with. In that instance, what do I do? I buy more flowers and I steal a little from one of my kids college funds. When I create a low price point design, I invariably have to put another flower into the design and then another to make it please me artistically. I can't let a design leave here profitable before wonderful, wonderful always come first. A piece or a design that makes my heart sing is far more important to me than a profitable one, it is simply who I am.

I am bringing this subject up because it is a common issue among true floral designers who are passionate about their work. I think it is important for everyone to know what the artist suffers if they are constricted by budget.  My look the Holly Heider Chapple Flowers look can't be done cheaply, unless Holly takes it right out of Holly's pocket. Holly Chapple Flower  designs are loaded in the yummy and need to be priced accordingly, not to mention the way we go over and over each piece. The time spent on a design in this studio is similar to the birth of a child. I have actually given birth to some of my babies faster than some of my bridal bouquets. Now that is saying something!! Not complaining, just changing, or better yet, just realizing completely who I am.

 

 All images on this page were taken by my mystery photographer.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of providing floral designs for a SESMA luncheon. The event was held at the DAR Constitution Hall in DC.  Design Cuisine sponsored the event and provided the catering. I am always in awe with the look and quality of an event hosted by Design.  The tablescape they chose for this event was so incredibly perfect for this venue and the meal itself was spectacular. In addition to the lunch there was a panel of wedding experts who were asked to speak about marketing to the wedding industry.   The panel included Terri Boyd from The Sunset Room,  Maria Cooke of Ritzy Bee Events, Steve Dunn of Well Dunn Catering, Katie Martin of Elegance and Simplicity, Jodi Moraru of Evoke, and me, yes me Holly Chapple, of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD. It was a complete and total honor to participate in this event and to be asked to speak on marketing and social media. People who knew me years ago might even call it a miracle, I constantly refused to have a website or even email. It is funny how things change.

 

The centerpieces were created with 25 Free Spirit roses, orange coxcomb, hypericum berry, leucadendron, and green jester amaranthus. I felt that the designs needed to be monochromatic so that they did not compete with the extraordinary linen. I wanted the flowers to enhance the table not take away from it.  Believe it or not when you have linens and place settings this awesome you probably don't even need flowers.  The room was stunning.

 

Yesterday was a complete pleasure. Thank you to all who were involved.

  

 

I thought it would be fun to show you the bouquets of the weekend. Yes we made five bridal bouquets. This weekends weddings were just awesome, amazing, delightful, inspired, beautiful, and we rocked it. Thanks to all of the flower shop girls for hanging with me through this. We had an incredible weekend.

Today I start the next phase of Holly Heider Chapple Flowers. I am off to DC to develop relationships with rental companies, this way we will be able to help our brides with the complete look of their wedding. I have several clients on the books already who will be working with me for their "Finishing Touches Packages". More about that soon…

I had the pleasure of  teaming up with some super fabulous vendors for a photo shoot. The shoot was really an Inspiration Challenge Contest that became known as ICcontest. Our shoot was featured this week on The Sweetest Occasion blog and here are some of our great photos. Thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who brought this awesome vision to life and a huge shout out to Vicky from My Simple Details. Vicky worked like crazy on this concept. 

 

This awesome veil became my total inspiration  for the bouquet and boutonniere. I am thrilled with the results, but you should have seen us in the shop trying to dye feathers turquoise. Lets just say that we have not mastered the use of Rit Dye, in fact we failed epically and the feathers were spray painted teal. 

 

Our couple truly were high school sweethearts, so it was fun to pick up that theme.

 

Vicki's attention to detail and her concept development was stellar. 

 

 

I absolutely loved the idea of leaving a message for the bride and groom, and yes Vicky thought of that also.

 

Christina from Paperzest wowed us with her paper products. She is quite the artist.

 

A huge thanks to the very talented Kate Triano for her amazing photography. How could we possibly have so much fun without a fabulous photographer. In my mind the photographer is the most important vendor of the day. Don't tell the florists I said that.

 

 Vendors:

 

My Simple Details
Holly Chapple Flowers
Kate Triano Photography
Paperzest
Unveiled Bridal Designs
Julia Juliette
Vintage Mama
Byrdie Graphics

{Photos by Kate Triano Photography.}




See you tonight for "in the cooler"

 

 We had quite the big week last week. I am shocked, floored, and blown away, by how beautiful everything was. I am totally proud of everyone at Holly Heider Chapple Flowers, we are rocking it.  Jamie was our Sunday wedding at one of my absolute favorite venues Whitehall Manor. I got this picture standing behind photographer Genevieve Leiper as she set up this shot. Look for the real images from this wedding on Gens blog.

 

This wedding was so much fun and so incredibly happy. Although it poured rain all morning on Sunday, the sun came out for my bride. She was able to have her ceremony outside seconds before the rain began again. Lucky bride.

 

Jamie chose a bouquet of all hot pink peonies. Every single precious blossom was from my garden. The flowers I had purchased for her bouquet were no where near as lovely.  We pinned a family locket onto the bouquet and we had perfection.

 

I took this picture!!! I am finally getting better at photography.

 

Maids carried the hot pink peonies, with pink ranunculus, and green viburnum.

 

The beautiful mothers carried mini bouquets, which is my preference for the moms. I think this look is so elegant.
 
  

 

Jamie made this fabulous place card board for seating.

 

Her family is Croatian and it is customary to use rosemary at a wedding. We made this cute little topiary design with the rosemary for the guest book table. I also used rosemary in the bouts, and corsages, as well as in the garland for the chuppah.

 

We filled the big window at Whitehall with floating candles and her centerpieces from the rehearsal dinner.

 

Whoops, I almost forgot rosemary was the party favor. You can see the little bottle of rosemary on the place setting.  I designed two styles of centerpieces, they were placed on these runners that were created by the family. The family could not decide which color to use. I suggested that they use both of them, and I love the way their tables turned out.

 

We used green spider mums, carnations, hydrangea and roses for both designs. This wedding was a great way to close out the weekend. We had 2 other really beautiful events but we will have to rely on the photographers to get us those images.  Happy married life Jamie and thank you for letting us do your flowers.

Kristin and Jeff married this past Saturday at the Thomas Birkby House in Leesburg VA. Krisin's wedding is one I have been dying for, simply because every little detail was designed. The above image was taken by photographer Michelle Lindsay , and I am mighty excited about seeing the rest of her work. The rest of the photography was taken by me, but  I am definitely getting better, that or this wedding is simply so hot, it made even my photography look good.

 

The bridal bouquet was created with orange and more orange. We used callas, ranunculus, tulips, two shades of roses, orange gloriosa lily ( this was the first time I have had them in orange) , pin cushions, and freesia. The bouquet was bound in bark wire and we finished the design with a broach from each grandmother. I LOVED this bouquet.

 

Maids carried bouquets of green spiders, green cabbage roses, green euphorbia, green dianthus, and green button mums. We added orange snapdragons, orange roses and orange ranunculus to make them hot.

 

When I met Kristin It became clear that she wanted more than just wedding flowers, she wanted theme enhancement and development. We absolutely love styling an event and because of our work with Krsitin and our many photo shoots, we are ready to offer  the "Finishing Touches Package".  If you are having trouble bringing everything together or finding those last little details that will make your wedding memorable, let us help. We have an endless supply of props and resources, and the wonderful On A Whim Antiques store. Here are some of the fun things we did to make this wedding special.

 

This fun station was created for guests so that they could leave a note for the bride and groom. Post cards and stamps were on hand. The post cards were designed by Kristin's sister Jennifer (superstar). Guests traveled from near and far for this wedding. One of the bridesmaids was from France and she did a reading in French, so the wedding had a underlying theme of travel.

We at Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD brought the camera, world globe, vintage suitcase, and of course the flowers, and we set up the display.

 

We also brought these fun little world maps.

 

These antique globes were bought at an auction with Kristin in mind. We used  our props to decorate small cocktail tables inside the mansion. Here are some of our sexy boutonnieres all lined up and ready.

 

We decorated the aisle with my antique blue mason jars. We used over 50 blue jars on this wedding. Yes, I have a major stash of these antique jars.

 

 Kristin bought these awesome lanterns and had them installed in the tent.

 

The lanterns totally matched and enhanced the theme of the paper products designed by Kristin's sister. 

 

Are you drooling yet?

 

We brought in burlap, maps, lanterns, baskets, suitcases, and flowers to decorate the buffet. Without our props and decor the buffet would have been completely functional but totally not designed.

 

Our centerpieces were designed in my antique blue mason jars, but to make them unique and larger we tied 3 jars together with twine. The taupe tone of twine and burlap was yet another design element in this wedding

 

Every place setting had a bright green spider mum. Total eye candy !!

 

Whoops, I forgot to show you the place card board. This was designed by Kristin.

 

One of my favorite designs of the night was this awesome piece. Kristin had decoupaged her monogram but had no way to display them, so I created this super cool arrangement. 

 

We brought a few extra suitcases just in case and I love how they looked at the bride and groom table.

This wedding just absolutely made my heart sing, I want to be involved from beginning to end so I hope you will consider having us style your wedding or provide those "finishing touches".

Happy married life Kristin and Jeff, I loved being a part of your amazing day.

With our growing inventory it became very clear that we needed a new shed. My business has completely filled the flower shop and the whole basement.  Evan and I purchased this shed in Lisbon MD. The arrival of our new storage space,was quite an exciting step for Holly Heider Chapple Flowers and for my little boy Sam. We now have enough room for all of our inventory and we will soon begin to offer some of our props as rental items.

 

The shed was delivered by one man.  He had a remote control device that actually shimmied the trailer around and then slowly the shed fell into place. 

 

Sam and designers Debbie and Jessie all had fun going inside for the first time.

 

With only two small weddings last weekend we were able to create all of the designs and  put them safe "in the cooler".  Once the weddings were finished we started the process of cleaning the shop and moving into our new shed. We removed tons of vases, lots of shelving and most of the furniture. A crew of men including my husband painted the shop over the weekend while we delivered the weddings. Today we have to get the rest of the stuff out of the shop so that we can clean the floors. Big Ughhh…

 

Here is the new color and some of our big mess.

 

This is the part of the post where I want to gag, I am embarrassed to admit that I do not like the color we painted the room.  When I left for the wedding delivery I returned to find the room half painted, at that point I knew I was not happy. When you have a team of men standing around they really don't care about your creative thoughts, they look at you like "come on lady  are your kidding me,  you don't like it". It took 6 people working all day on Sat. and 3 on Sunday to get the room painted. Guess what I have to live with it and every day I will be annoyed because it was almost right. If this had been for a client, I would have ripped the room to shreds. Since it is only for me, I will have to be grateful the room is at least clean and fresh. This happens all of the time when we are designing flowers, when I look at something and realize it is not perfect, I just add another element or remove whatever is offensive or quite frankly start over. It drives the designers crazy, but they understand my need for perfection and always oblige.  The painters and my husband Evan were not as willing as my flower shop girls, and honestly I did not have the guts, the funds, or the time for a redo.  First mistake I made was, picking the color in 5 minutes on the internet, but that is how my life goes sometimes. I did not know I was painting on Saturday, I got offered a team of men on Friday at 4:pm and all of a sudden I was off to the paint store. Picking paint takes time and a plan. It also takes an amazing eye, and for the life of me, in spite of the fact that I am extraordinary with color, I just can't seem to pick paint.  Perhaps I am only good with natural things. I am hoping when we get some fun furniture into the space that we can soften up the very bright green glow.  If not, you will hear me screaming in DC.

Here are a few of the designs from the weekend. The camera was buried in the shop when it was time to leave for the deliveries so we only have a few bouquet shots.

 

This bridal was created of yellow gerbers, hot pink gerbers, yellow callas, cream hydrangea and hot pink gloriosa lily. The lily was imported from Japan. Even with the volcanos last week, we were able to get every single bloom we promised. Super big success. 

 

This next bridal was created with lilac, pink peonies, purple carnations, hot pink ranunculus, purple freesia, lavender and dark purple stock, pink mokara orchids and hot pink roses. The colors were magnificent, the photography is not.

 

 

Maids carried bouquets of green viburnum from my garden, green cabbage roses, green spider mums, green berry and green hydrangea. My shop is about the color of this bouquet.

It is time to start a new week and begin life in our new shop. As many of you know, I lost a dear friend last week. I am trying to be grateful for the color I can see, the lunches I get to pack, and the true pleasure of just being alive.

 

Holly Chapple literally grew up around flowers. Her parents were landscapers and had greenhouses at their family home, instilling a love of flowers and design in their daughter. Holly decided to use her knowledge and passion to grow her own floral design business, Holly Chapple Flowers. She has been a floral designer now for 18 years and is one of the most sought-after, beloved floral designers in Washington D.C and Northern Virginia. Read on to learn more about Holly and enjoy the beautiful images of her work!

Holly Chapple is based out of Lucketts, Virginia but is available for floral design throughout Washington D.C and Northern Virginia. To Contact Holly Chapple, visit her website or call 703.777.8227.

Weddings Unveiled: Tell us a little bit about Holly Chapple Flowers.
 
Holly Chapple: I grew up in a family of landscapers so I have been surrounded by flowering plants all of my life. I married at the age of 21 and the property we bought was loaded in old time classics like peonies, lilac, and hydrangea. I started designing just for the love of arranging and I am self-taught. I would go hunting for unique elements that would make my pieces special and also affordable. People started asking me to do weddings. This was the perfect solution for me because I knew that I wanted to be at home with the children.

WU: How did you become a floral designer? When and how did you begin Holly Chapple Flowers?
 
HC: I would design for my parents at Christmas as a child in their green houses. My first real contract was the Washington International Horse Show. I had never designed professionally and I won the entire contract for the horse show. I was responsible for huge arrangements in the riding ring as well as centerpieces for all of the sponsors and the winners of each class. The contract was enormous and I had to find many different wholesalers to pull off the event. After successfully doing that for years I knew that I could do anything and people started asking me to do flowers for their weddings. I was searching for a way to stay home with my children and it looked like the perfect solution. I started the business almost 18 years ago when my second child was born. I am still home based and I have 7 children now, ranging from 23 years old, to my 1 year old.

WU: Describe your wedding style.
 
HC: Mostly I am proud of the fact that I am versatile. I can change from contemporary to garden in seconds. If I had to choose a favorite it would be lush, rich, mass, floral design. I am in love with garden classics and after all, it's how I learned to design.

WU: What inspires you?
 
HC: I am a total blog addict. I also love social media because it connects me to fellow wedding designers across the country. My gardens and nature are a total inspiration and the love of my many children and husband pushes me to reach new heights.

WU: How do you keep your ideas fresh?
 
HC: I am not afraid to try new things. I never think "that won't work." Instead, I always think "how can I make this work?"

WU: What was your favorite wedding and why? 
 
HC: My sister Lisa's wedding because I convinced my parents and sister that we could have her reception in my parents' greenhouse. The greenhouse had huge shade clothes in the rafters and we closed them off in sections so you could look up and see the stars or billowing white fabric. We hung white twinkle lights in the rafters and ordered the first shipment of house plants and blooming plants of the season to use as decor. My father built a stage in the corner of the green house with a waterfall for the band and for dancing. We used the checkout counter of the green house as a bar. Daddy had built it like a gazebo, so it was already beautiful. My parents had a hand-carved carousel horse in the middle of the green house. My sister is an avid horse lover, so we strapped the wedding cake onto the back of the horse. It was truly the most remarkable event I have ever seen. My parents were so proud to host the event in the family greenhouse.

WU: What makes Holly Chapple Flowers different from other floral designers?

HC: We use so many unique elements. My personal gardens are a huge benefit but it is the attention to detail that is remarkable. So much love and care goes into the designs. We know exactly what the bride is dreaming of and we hear her and execute her wishes.

WU: What would be your ideal wedding assignment or dream wedding to design?
 
HC: I would love to start doing destination weddings. I think it would be amazing to cut from tropical gardens.

WU: Tell us three things you can't live without. 
 
HC: My family, my flowers, my Apple computer.

WU: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
 
HC: Keep doing what you're doing, because it works.

WU: What is the best advice you can give to an engaged couple?
 
HC: Advice as far as planning would be to fall in love with your vendors. Advice on the marriage side, remember your wedding is about the marriage not about the day. You have years to make all of your dreams come true.

Images courtesty of Genevieve Leiper Photography.

 

 

 

POSTED BY WEDDINGS UNVEILED MAGAZINE AT 10:00 AM 0 COMMENTS 

LABELS: DETAILS AND DECOR, INTERVIEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a full throttle Holly post, and I will try to touch on all of the many wonderful things that have been going on, are going on, or will be going on this week. I hope I don't make you tired, but her it goes.

 

This is my beautiful and very sweet bride Khanh.  Someday soon I will share all of her wedding pictures with you, but for right now we are saving them.  We have big plans for her lovely images taken by photographer Laura Ashbrook. Khanh is really on the blog today because of the wonderful letter she wrote on behalf of her friends.  Read below the moving letter Khahn sent to us, her friends are the next winners of The Blessing Bouquet.


"I would like to nominate my friend's family for one of your blessing bouquets.  Last month they found out that their 20 year old son has a bone marrow failure disease.  Basically, his immune system is attacking his own blood cell-making capability.  He is going to need a bone marrow transplant.  This has been very difficult news for his family to swallow since finding a bone marrow match is very different they finding a blood donor match.  It has been a roller-coaster ride for the whole family.  Just a few weeks ago they told them that there was no one in the whole national database of 7 million donors that was a bone marrow match for him.  Despite the earth-shattering news, the family put all their trust in the Lord and just 2 days later,they found someone out of the country who is a match!  While this was wonderful news, this is only the first battle, and definitely not the biggest.


This family is taking each and every day in stride.  Whenever anyone asks if there's anything they can do for the family, they just say that they would like everyone, if they're comfortable, to register to be a bone marrow donor with Be the Match at www.marrow.org.  Although it may not help their son's situation, it may save the life of someone else going through something similar.  Holly, thank you for your consideration!  I know that they would count a bouquet from you as a blessing along this daunting time in their lives."

I've attached a photo of my friends mom after I dropped off the bouquet.  She couldn't stop talking about how beautiful it is!  She absolutely loved the lilacs in it because it reminded her of the lilac bush she had when they lived in Colorado.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for having such a generous heart and selecting this family for one of your lovely bouquets!

 


Also attached is a photo of me (khanh) about to eat some of South Street Under's ciabatta bread.  I took your advice and asked for a loaf to have with dinner.  The woman there was extremely nice and gave me the loaf at no charge!  Completely unexpected and unnecessary, but I'm completely grateful!  After coming home from visiting with our friends that won the bouquet, I told my husband that I want to move out to Leesburg because everyone out there is just so nice and genuine!

 

 Thank you again for the blessing bouquet!  Meeting you has been a blessing!!

Khanh

Many thanks, to Kevin Malon owner of Tuskies and South Street Under  in Leesburg Va. for your very generous support of the Blessings Bouquet. I love you and I love your restaurants you have a heart of gold.

 


The next fun thing I am sharing about is the B-List blogger conference which is taking place this weekend. We are providing flowers for the event tonight and we are very excited to be a part of this amazing evening.  The top wedding bloggers in the country are gathering and we get to provide the flowers for their kick off event at the Torpedo Factory. I will be working with the extraoridinary Design Cuisine once again, and you can see a little teaser of some of the decor on their blog.  Many thanks to Maria Cooke for bringing me in on this event. 

Here are some of the orange ranunculus "in the cooler" waiting to go to the B-list event. They are super sexy and I can't wait to get them out of the cooler and get to the event.

 

Here are the designs for this weekend " in the cooler" 

 

We also had a visit from one of my past MOB's and one of my favorite customers from the village of Waterford. They wanted to get some lilac before I hit the flower and garden show. The lilac from my garden is a favorite at the garden show.

 

Speaking of the garden show. In addition to the weddings, and our events tonight we also will be at the Leesburg Flower and Garden Show all weekend long. We have tons of lilac, roses and my viburnum is peak this week. Viburnum is the beautiful bright green ball you see in the bouquet above. Our gardens are rocking right now, and we can't wait to see you at the garden show. I will be on wedding delivery Sat. but I will be at the show on Sunday. My daughters Abby and Hannah will be running the booth on Sat. so be sweet and stop by for a visit.

 

Have a great weekend, and I will see you at the B-list conference, a wedding or at The Leesburg Flower and Garden show. Hope your weekend is full of flowers.