Jackie + Candido

When I met Jackie and Candido I knew we were going to work so well together. They are such an adorable couple, filled with love and enthusiasm for their wedding day (like all couples I know, but trust me when I say they are SO cute). Then when I found out they chose one of my favorite venues I was overjoyed. The Armour House is an incredible location for a wedding, from the dreamy garden landscape, to the marble details, the fountain and lets not forget that staircase…..swoon…That staircase is what dreams are made of. Jackie and I were on the same page when I told her we HAD To make that the focal of the room. And it was so worth it.

Vanessa + Edgar

How have I not yet posted this gorgeous wedding on my blog yet I have no idea.  Vanessa and Edgar are the sweetest couples.  One of those couples that when they look at each other you can just see the love in their eyes and in their hearts.  I had so much fun working with them to create the perfect fall Chicago wedding at a local venue, The Carleton of Oak Park.  Vanessa wanted tons of greenery, moody blooms, and plenty of candle light.  I think we achieved all of those things.

Photographer: Loren Weddings

Venue: The Carleton of Oak Park

Kimberly + Patrick

Cassie + Josh

A rainy day in April didn't stop these two from having a stunning wedding at the incredibly gorgeous South Shore Cultural Center.  And can I just take a second to gush over these photos by Hello Rose Photography, I mean seriously!!  They are absolutely dreamy.  

Photographer: Hello Rose Photography

Venue: South Shore Cultural Center

Floral Design: The Petal

Dress: Hayley Paige

Spring Styled Shoot

My floral dreams came true for this spring styled shoot I did with a couple of amazing partners.  When Christy Tyler Photography approached me to be a part of her Lighting Workshop for Photographers I was thrilled.  I decided that I was going to totally go for it and create what I've been wanted to do for a while.  A romantic, whimsical inspirational shoot filled with soft florals and gorgeous candles.  This was my first time working with so many incredible people.  Everything was so perfect!  

Big shout out to all the amazing people who worked on this styled shoot.  It couldn't have happened without all of your talents. 

Photographer: Christy Tyler Photography                                                                 Model: Aimee Mazzenga
Cake: Elysia Root Cakes
Venue: Chez Event Space
Florals: The Petal
Dress: Alice in Ivory
Hair & Makeup: Debra Petrielli Freelance Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Paper goods & ring box: Jenn Heller Design Co
Linens: BBJ Linen
Rentals: Chicago Vintage Weddings
Video: Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films

Spring fever

My sister had a lovely engagement party with friends Sunday night and of course I couldn't show up without bringing flowers.  This arrangement had all the colors my sister has been dreaming of for her wedding day...let's just call it a preview.  I'm so incredibly happy for them, they are an amazing couple.  Let the wedding planning begin! 

Side note - don't mind that one wilted scabiosa in the middle.  The arrangement was on the table next to several hot trays and that little guy just had enough.

Caroline + Adam

Sometimes you get insanely lucky as a floral designer to meet a bride who puts complete trust in you and your designs.  And when that happens, magic happens.  I had so much fun creating a modern, elegant wedding for Caroline and Adam at The Dawson.  We were pleasantly surprised by the unseasonably warm November day which made this fall wedding truly perfect.

Venue: The Dawson

Photographer: Pamela Yasuko

Happy New Year!

Bring it on 2017!  

This year was incredible.  I honestly couldn't have done it without the support of my family and the amazing clients I've worked with.  Seriously though, I have the BEST clients!  So honored they let me be creative and to make magic on their wedding days.  

I've learned and grown a lot this year and I can't wait to see what's in-store for 2017.  Growing as a florist and a business has been a process, but after 2 years of The Petal I can finally say I'm completely confident and happy with where my brand is going, who I am as a designer, and all the possibilities for the future.  

Here are some highlights from this year.  

Emily + Brian

My garden has been very good to me this year...

Can you believe this gorgeous dahlia came from my garden?  It's amazing!  And there are plenty more just like it.  

Gina + Paul

Photographer: Erika Mattingly Photography

Mauve spring wedding

So excited to share some photos from a gorgeous spring wedding for a beautiful couple.

Photos: Sami Studio

Jewel tones

Put together a few arrangements that have the perfect jewel tones.  

Garland for days

When this bride contacted me for her wedding I was so excited I couldn't contain myself!  I absolutely love long tables and filling them with gorgeous garland of greenery.  The bride was so much fun to work with and so detail oriented.  She spray painted all the centerpieces herself and provided an amazing old rustic ladder for her alter as well as a wooden welcome sign, bar cart and sign in table that were truly unique.   I even got to use my new white shutter screen which was perfect for place cards and for a backdrop for the head table.  It was truly a fantastic collaboration, we were totally on the same page for everything and I think that shows.

Check out the amazing photos George Street Photo captured of the wedding.  (some photos are my own, I'm sure you can tell which ones lol)

Adding garland to a gift table is a great way to dress it up.

The bride used old pages from a book for her place cards.  They fit perfectly into the slats of the screen.

Classic and elegant wedding

I love the feeling of opening my email and seeing photos from a wedding I've done.  Elizabeth and Keith had a classic and elegant wedding filled with gorgeous peonies and hydrangeas at the Metropolitan Club of Willis Tower.  What a view!  The venue was gorgeous and this couple is so sweet. 

Photo credit: Dennis Lee Photo

So romantic

This arrangement is so classic and romantic and would be perfect for a wedding, bridal shower or even a baby shower really.  

Pastels

Sometimes all you need are some soft pastels with a hint of a gorgeous peony to brighten your day.  

April florals

I'm so sorry I'm behind on my blog.  Here is an arrangement and bouquet I did in April in mauve, white, and burgundy.  I love the color combination, it's so rich and elegant.  And, I really can't get enough of astrantia.  It's seriously one of my favorite flowers right now.  

Mauve mockup

Had a lot of fun putting together mockups for an upcoming wedding.