My Favorite Flowers blog | Wedding flowers in Southern UT

Styled winter photo shoot

Olga Goddard — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:18 +0000

Working on the styled photo shoots is always a lot of fun. Last year I was involved in several styled shoots, some of them have already been featured in the national magazine and popular wedding blogs. In a next few weeks I’ll be posting all the amazing shoots that we did in a last few months plus as a bonus a couple of behind the scenes pictures. Today I would like to share with you our winter inspired photo shoot, that was featured in a national magazine (announcement will come later )

{Text by Taylor Proctor}

With this shoot we wanted to capture and inspire an almost masculine table. Something to contradict the almost girly, pretty inspiration shoots you see all over the place. We wanted to create a table that reminded brides the season between fall and winter. That boarder season, where the air has a bite to it but snow is yet to fall. The time where natural colors like browns and white are prominent but the bright colors of autumn refuse to give way just yet.

Although this table is simple and masculine, the details are in the textures. We wanted to capture both winter and fall with frayed white linen, dark cork place-mats, weaved silver chargers and smooth white plates with textured gradient cakes, one for the bride and the groom. The glasses found along the table had a frosted sugar look, reminiscent of early morning frost before snowfall. And the metal gradient balls and fallen leaves add to the table’s texture and contribute to the masculine feel without making this a “man’s” table. The perfect balance between masculine and feminine is found in the orchids on the branches and the textured bouquet the bride carries as well as the flower details on her gorgeous dress.

This was such a fun couple and with this shoot we really wanted to capture their personalities in the almost fairy tale story line that they are walking in the woods, find this perfect table waiting for them, hanging from the perfect tree and begin to live in the moment. Moments full of romance, beauty, laughter and love.

Thank you and we hope you enjoy this different and unique photo shoot.

Design, Style and Coordination: Taylor Proctor, Taylor Made Weddings & Events
Flowers: Olga Goddard, Myfavoriteflowers.com
Cake: Yvonne Borrowman, Bridal Cakes by Yvonne
Dress: Lauren James Bridal
Make Up and Hair: Kelli Miller
Photography: Michelle Edmonds and Lainee Read

WANT TO BE A MODEL FOR ONE OF OUR FUTURE STYLED PHOTO SHOOTS? Submit pictures of you and your contact information to olga {@} myfavoriteflowers.com.

Bridal bouquet giveaway winners

Olga Goddard — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:21 +0000

Thank you so much for joining us at the So Utah weddings showcase last Saturday. It was a great event and we enjoyed meeting with new Brides and Grooms who visited MyFavoriteFlowers.com booth and participated in our Bridal Bouquet Giveaway. We have 2 winners: BrieAna Francis and Jennie Kartchner. Please call us at 435.680.2914 to receive your bouquet. Congratulations!!!!

16 TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLORIST FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Olga Goddard — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:56 +0000

Your wedding flowers will be one of the most photographed details of your wedding (besides you, of course!), so it’s very important to choose the right florist who will be able to design wedding flowers that truly fit your taste and wedding style.

Picture credit: Green Apple Photography

There are a few things to consider when you talk to the florist:

1. Always ask your florist what flowers are going to be included in your arrangements. The price for flowers varies greatly. Even the same variety of flower can have a different price – depending on the quality and size of the bloom and also where it was grown (locally or imported). When you are looking at the proposals make sure that you are comparing the same flowers, same quantity of flowers, same size of arrangements, same vases/containers, etc.

2. How much time florist put in understanding you and your style. Do they give you just a generic quote on one page or do they give you a detailed description of what is going to be included in your floral decor. Do you feel like you are just another bride for them or does your florist really try to understand you, your personality, your vision and style.

3. How quickly does the florist responds to your initial inquiry. The expected time of response is usually 24 – 48 hours. If takes longer then that – maybe you should consider contacting someone else.

4. Make sure that you are paying for what you envisioned. Ask your florist to show you examples of what you will receive for your money (pictures of the arrangements, flowers, containers, vases and etc.). Note that florist may charge you for a sample arrangement.

5. Consider renting the vases/containers for your arrangements – it will help to cut the cost and this option is also environmentally friendly.

6. Be honest with your florist. When your florist knows your budget, it might sounds strange, but he/she can offer you more options. If you are on a tight budget, your florist can offer you ways to save money while still achieving the right look for your wedding. At the same time, don’t expect to receive a $200.00 arrangement for $50.00. It’s not going to happen.

7. Ask how much time your florist will spend on site with you during the wedding day. Will he/she just drop off the flowers or will the florist set up everything so you can concentrate on yourself and your special day (please note that additional set-up fees may apply). Will the florist pin boutonnieres and corsages or will your Mom or someone else be responsible to do that.

8. Ask how many weddings your florist is going to have on YOUR wedding day. If it is 2 or more weddings then make sure that they are happening at a different time and that the florist will have enough staff to arrange and deliver flowers for your wedding.

9. Does the florist fit your personality? Will it be just a business relationship or will you have fun working together.

10. Ask your florist if he/she has ever had their work featured in national or local magazines? Ask about the magazine policy when they feature someone: do they give priority to the vendors who advertise with them or do they feature someone that was chosen for the quality of their work.

11. Did your florist offer you just one option, or were you given a few options to choose from? It shows how much time/effort the florist put into YOUR wedding.

12. Ask your florist about their sources for flowers: is it just 1-2 wholesalers or do they order flowers from the growers, do they have access to flowers worldwide? The more options your florist has, the greater the chance you will get to have the flowers you want.

13. Look at the florist’s website. Is it something generic or does the website have personality? Does the florist have a gallery with the wedding images? Does the florist have a blog? Check how often it is updated and what kind of weddings they do. It will help you to understand if this florist is the right choice for you.

14. Check online reviews: on google, wedding wire, the knot and etc. Talk with other Brides and with other vendors.

15. Make sure that your florist is professionally equipped with a commercial refrigerator, air conditioned van and special tools.

16. Make sure that your florist has a business license. Always sign a contract/agreement to make sure that the florist will show up for your wedding day and will create the floral décor that you discussed.

If you have any questions about your wedding flowers please send me an email at olga {@} myfavoriteflowers.com or call at 435.680.2914.

Southern Utah Wedding Showcase: January 21st, 2012

Olga Goddard — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Wedding showcase in Southern Utah

Dear Brides, Grooms & Family members!

The Southern Utah Wedding Showcase is returning to St George Utah in January, 21st 2012.

What: The Southern Utah Wedding Showcase (happens only once a year!)
When: January 21st, 2012, 10am – 6pm
Where: The Dixie State College (Gardner Center Ballroom)

Come and visit us at our booth right in front of the main stage!

Click here to pre register for the show and be included in a drawing for a FREE Orchid Arrangement! (You will be redirected to our website, please mention in the “comment box” that you are pre registering for the wedding show. Thank you!!!)

Here are some helpful tips for attending a bridal show:

You might have to wait in line for just a few minutes to register. Be patient! It is well worth it.
It can be really convenient to bring some preprinted self-adhesive address labels or cards with your contact information.. This really saves a lot of time when you want to sign up for anything .
Bring a pen and print very clearly when registering for contests or to receive additional information.
You may want to have your checkbook handy in case you decide tobook a vendor or services or to hold dates with a deposit. MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHECK THE REFUND POLICY AND READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU GIVE PAYMENT OR SIGN ANYTHING.
Be sure to collect any information that interests you so that you can take it home to look over again when you have the time.
If you aren’t available on the day of the show then send someone close to you – perhaps your mother,sister or a friend to register you for prizes and to collect information about the services you might be interested in.
Wear a “Bride-to-be”sticker will get you special attention from the vendors.
Perhaps your fiance will be willing to attend with you,but only IF he is interested. As many as 30% do attend,so he won’t be the only one there!
Make sure that you arrive at least one hour prior to the time of any fashion show that you want to see. Seating is first come-first serve.

See you there and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to give me a call at 435.680.2914 !

Beautimatasticly Yours,
Olga Goddard.

Real wedding: Zion National Park spring wedding

Olga Goddard — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

I LOVED working with Amber! She is an absolutely gorgeous, smart and knows-what-she-wants Bride! Amber’s colors were pink and off-white…very classy and amazingly beautiful. The location was stunning – the world famous Zion’s National Park in Southern Utah. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Bridal bouquet:Oriental Lilies, hot pink Roses, light pink Tulips, off-white Roses.

Reception Centrepieces:white Hydrangea, white Oriental Lilies, light pink Tulips, green Mums buttons, hot pink Roses.

Boutonniere: Off-white Rose and satin ribbon.

Wrist Corsage: Two off-white Roses fixed on a beaded wrist corsage.

Many thanks to Alisha Shaw from One Memory at a Time for the amazing pictures.

Amber & Don, I wish you all the happiness in the world!

Location: The Switchback Grill in Zion’s National Park
Wedding Photographer: Alisha Shaw with One Memory at a Time
Wedding Flowers: Olga Goddard’s Plant & Floral Design

Romantic Wedding in Zion National Park

Olga Goddard — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:26:00 +0000

Kris and Mark got married in Springdale UT. Wedding colors were white and gold. Beautiful pictures were taken by my dearest friend and talented photographer Tiffany Jane. I hope you will enjoy these lovely pictures!

This wedding is so simple but so stylish! Love it! What do you think?

Beautimatasticly Yours,
Olga Goddard

Creative wedding bouquet wraps

Olga Goddard — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Of course the bridal bouquet is the star of the show when it comes to wedding flowers, and often the fine details are what make a bridal bouquet truly distinctive. There are a variety of enchanting ways to complete a bouquet, from ribbons and beads to other fine accents. Allow me to share with you a few ideas for creative and beautiful bouquet wraps and holders.

1. An unusual way to finish a bouquet holder is to use Equisetum and natural raffia instead of traditional ribbon.

2. Lace above satin adds a very romantic look to the simple rose bouquet.

3. If you want to add a truly distinctive look to your country style bouquet, consider wrapping Curly Willow around the bouquet holder. White pearls add even more charm to this unusual bridal bouquet.

4. For an elegant look, just add a few layers of pearls at the bottom of the bouquet holder. Doesn’t it look awesome?

I would love to hear about the fun and distinctive details that you added to your bouquet (or you would like to add to your bouquet if your special day is still in the future)! Just leave your comment below.

Love Story: Beth and Elliott

Olga Goddard — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

I LOVED working with Beth & Elliott! They are so gracious and elegant couple! Love the wedding colors: orange, white and true blue. The couple got married in the St. George LDS Temple, followed by a reception at a private residence. Beth and Elliott wanted a simple, garden-themed reception. Beth & Elliott’s wedding was featured on Utah Bride & Groom Magazine blog back in December 2010.

Today Beth & Elliott’s Love Story (with a lot of amazing details) is on my blog.

Bride & Groom: Elliott and Elizabeth (or Beth)
Ceremony: St. George Utah Temple
Reception place: Private residence
Wedding Flowers: Olga Goddard’s Floral Design
Wedding Cake: Bridal Cakes by Yvonne
Catering: 25 Main in St George, UT
Wedding Photographer: Green Apple Photography

Occupations: Elliott: Research assistant and student. Beth: Student

HOW DID YOU MEET?

We met at work in St. George, UT. I came in for an interview and Elliott was the one to give me a tour of the building. I was the first to catch his eye but it didn’t take long for him to catch mine.

HOW DID HE PROPOSE?

While visiting St. George, we found an old out of commission tandem bike. We bought it for around 17 dollars and took back to home to Salt Lake City. We spent a couple of months fixing up the bike together. One Saturday in November, Elliott and I had planned to finish the bike and take it out for it’s first ride. Elliott, however, had different plans. He coordinated with my mom to get me out of the house in the morning. My mom and I left and little did I know Elliott was in my garage finishing the bike. When I got home, he called me and told me to come outside. He was standing in my driveway and the bike was finished! He had loaded the basket with something (I couldn’t tell what it was). We took the bike down the driveway and out into the street only to have the bike chain break (it had to be over 30 years old). Luckily where he was planning on going was across the street from a bike shop so we planned to cruise down the hill to the shop. When we got there he kept idling in front of the bike shop and looking to his left. It took me a couple of seconds to see what he kept looking at, but eventually I caught on. The local Tower Theatre across the street had a personalized message on it’s marquee. It read “Beth will you marry me?” He then got down on his knee and asked if I would. Of course, I said yes. In the basket he had brought a few of my favorite treats and a thermos of hot chocolate.

WEDDING THEME:Simple, garden. Colors were true blue, white, and mango.

MENU: Luncheon: Jimmy John sandwiches, homemade chicken pasta salad, jones soda, and homemade sugar cookies. Reception: Catered by 25 Main in St. George, UT. This was one of our favorite restaurants while we were living in St. George. It was perfect for our wedding. They provided a strawberry poppy seed salad, bruschetta, fruit, turkey and smoked ham sandwich wraps and lemonade. We also had éclairs (from a different bakery), and cake of course! (made by Bridal Cakes by Yvonne).

THE BRIDE WORE:

An eggshell dress made by the seamstress at The Bride Shop in Salt Lake City, UT. Accessories included a pearl necklace and pearl earrings from the groom.

THE GROOM WORE:

A dark grey morning suit, white dress shirt, black leather shoes, and a blue, white, and grey tie.

SOMETHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD/SHARE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?

We brought the tandem bike down from Salt Lake to be part of the wedding. It was on display at our reception. We also rode off on the bike when we left the reception. Also, one of our favorite things about the wedding reception was the photo booth we rented. To sign the guest book, guests had to go and get their picture taken in the booth, post their picture in the book, and sign next to it.

ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO THE FEATURE BRIDES AND GROOMS:

Have fun with wedding plans and the actual day. It’s your day. Start planning early, don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities, and just enjoy it! It doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be your perfect day (one of my bridesmaid’s hair caught on fire). Find simple locations and find creative ways to make it personal, fun, and different. Remember what the wedding is really about and don’t stress about all the small details.

Carnations as wedding flowers? YES!!!!!!!!: Centerpieces

Olga Goddard — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I did a post about using carnations as additional flowers in centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres. Today I would like to talk about using carnations as a main flower in wedding floral designs.

Ever wonder how many different styles of wedding centerpieces can be created with carnation pomander balls? I want to share with you a few that I have created lately.

1. Tall clear vase with 3 yellow Gerbera Daisies arranged inside and with a purple Carnation Pomander ball on the top. A bit of colorful wire completes this distinctive arrangement.

2. Four different colored Carnation Pomander balls create a very striking centerpiece. Birds of Paradise and Roses add a tropical look to this intriguing arrangement.

3. Three different colors of Carnation Pomanders placed on various height vases. You could add some flowers inside the vases or place rose petals around them to add even more flavor to this charming centerpiece.

4. Carnations play an important role in this centrepiece that combines 3 arrangements of different shapes and sizes. Purple Gladiolus, green Chrysanthemums and a green Carnations pomander come together in this unusual and trendy centrepiece.

5. Carnations create an elegant welcome for your guests at the entrance to the reception center. Don’t they look great?

Location: The Ledges of Saint George
Photographer: Tiffany Jane Photography
Rentals & Décor: Samantha Martino with Martino Weddings & Decor, Salt Lake City
Flowers: Olga Goddard with My Favorite Flowers

Real Wedding: Spa blue and off-white

Olga Goddard — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:59:00 +0000

I was so excited when the talented Annette Belnap from the Little Jems Photography sent over these beautiful pictures of Lindsey and Shawn’s wedding day. Congratulations, Lindsey & Shawn – it was so fun being a part of your wedding day!

Bride & Groom: Lindsey & Shawn
Wedding date: May, 22nd
Wedding Colors: Spa Blue & Off white
Ceremony & Wedding Reception: The Bell Tower reception center
Wedding Flowers: by Olga Goddard with My Favorite Flowers
Wedding Pictures: Annette with Little Jems Photography

Caskade style bridal bouquet: Dendrobium Orchids, Roses, Oriental Lilies, Stephanotis, pearls.

Bridesmaid Bouquets include: One Dozen off-white Roses, Stephanotis and spa blue pearls. Cream Ribbon.

Centerpieces: Spa Blue water, white Oriental Lilies, off-white Tulips, white Hydrangea, off-white Roses.