Vendor Spotlight: Trellis Weddings - My Exclusive Florist

Meet Courtney - Owner of Trellis Wedding - Floral Designer

Pictured here with David Tutera! 

When I first decided to start my own wedding planning company, I started attending local bridal shows to gather information and introduce myself to local vendors.  This approach was one of the best decisions I made for a few reasons.  The first is because I was able to meet vendors in a non-pressure enviornment, but also approach them in a way that would show me how they would treat my brides, as that is what they suspected at first I was... a bride shopping for wedding vendors.

The vendor who impressed me the most was Courtney Pilman of Trellis Weddings.  Her bright, warm smile greeted me as I approached her booth at the Key Lime Cove Bridal Expo last January.  I will be honest... her floral display was what caught my eye from across the room! I quickly made a bee line straight for her booth, passing up several other vendors along the way.  I loved everything about the floral design she had displayed. The contemporary use of color, the elegance of the choice of vase mixed with a bit of rustic charm in using curly willow branches, beautiful draped crystals and submerged led floral lights.  I smiled and chatted a bit until I finally got the nerve up to ask... "How much would you charge for a centerpiece like this" ... mind you, I sat biting my lip as I stared at the tall orchid, lilly, rose and hydrengea filled vase draped in crystals... "About $90.00", she replied.  I nearly fell back! "WHAT?!?!?!"

Courtney's style, vision, creativity and talent is what drew my eye and what keeps my brides interested in only working with her.  However, her price point and her passion about creating a beautiful wedding for every bride is what makes her Johanna Luna Weddings and Event's exclusive wedding florist.

Please keep on reading to get a chance to meet a bit of Courtney.  Enjoy drooling over her work in the few pictures here!

A little bit of Courtney... and Trellis Weddings' AMAZING floral designs

    How did you get started in floral designs?

I had worked at a florist throughout high school and college as an “after school job”- good hours and fun work!   I never thought it would come as far as this, but I love what I do!

 What inspires you when you create floral designs for weddings?

Everything… Honestly!  I’m always looking for inspirations, and they come from everywhere. I get color inspiration from nature as well as from fashion- I read a lot of different magazines too!  As far as different designs, I love working with different kinds of flowers and making combinations that work together!

What piece of wedding details is your favorite to design and why?

Definitely the bridal bouquet!  I love doing the bouquets in particular, because they play such an important role. Most of the time, it’s the first floral the bride sees, and it’s pretty much with her all day. I love to be a part of something so special!

 What inspired you to start your own business?

Weddings have been my passion from the start of my design career, and I used to be the head wedding designer at the shop I worked at.  My husband and I found out we were going to have a baby, and I really wanted to be able to stay at home with her WHILE doing something I loved, so it was a perfect match!

  Why the name “Trellis”?

My grandparents live near Atlanta, and while visiting them we went to a quaint little town (you know, the ones with brick streets and cute shops?!) Well, there was a little plant shop called “Trellis Designs” down there- the name immediately stuck with me. At that time, I was just getting ideas to start my business, and was trying to think of names that sounded bridal without being overdone, Trellis seemed perfect! I also love that it’s not my name, because I’ve seen that a thousand times too!

Your prices are so competitive… how do you keep them that way?

I work from a home studio, so my overhead is quite a bit less than a traditional shop. I strive to do beautiful designs for any budget and will work hard to suggest different options to do so.

 What advice would you give to brides who are shopping for wedding flowers?

Ask a lot of questions! There are so many flowers that are available year-round (while others are seasonal), but there are so many beautiful flower varieties to fit any style. I would also suggest thinking about what kind of feel you want for your wedding, because flowers can play a huge role with helping you achieve that.  Modern, Garden, Elegant… there are so many styles out there- and asking a designer what kinds and colors of flowers they’d suggest can help you a bunch! Also, by hiring a wedding planner, you get a wealth of knowledge you wouldn’t have otherwise- so I’d definitely suggest that (not only for flowers, but for the whole wedding planning process!)

  If you were designing your own wedding centerpiece, for your wedding today… what would it look like?

Oh my goodness! So many to choose from… I don’t know how brides do it! I really love the “rustic/elegance” look, so I’d probably go with lots of curly willow branches with candles hanging down with different orchids (and crystals!) But I’d definitely do a mixture of centerpieces- I love the look that different textures give!

What sets Trellis apart from other Chicagoland wedding florists

I love doing what I do!  From meeting with my clients and helping them choose the flowers to actually designing and setting up- I love being part of such an important day in my client’s lives.  I strive to provide the most up-to-date designs while staying in budgets. Every wedding is different, and I love to see the end product!

  Where do you see Trellis in 5 years?

I’d love to just continue to do what I’m doing- making beautiful flowers for beautiful weddings! However… if David Tutera calls me to do one of his events- I’m so there!

If you haven't seen enough of Courtney's beautiful work or you are just simply ready to hire her please contact her! Remember to tell her you heard about her through Johanna Luna Weddings and Events!

http://www.trellisweddings.com/

Making a First Impression

When I plan a wedding, I work backwards... allow me to explain.  I take care of outlining the major details of the wedding - booking the ceremony site, the reception venue, the florist, entertainment, transportation, photographer, videographer etc.

Once those details are taken care of I design. Again, I design backwards... We work color schemes and linens, late night snacks and music, favors and such.  The last details I take care of are the guest book table, the place card table, the program design, aisle runner design and finally... the invitation.  The invitation comes last... and for a reason.

How could you possibly design an invitation to introduce your wedding to your guests for the first time before you know every detail of what your guest will experience?  Yes... your invitation is the first impression you will make on your wedding guests of your wedding style.

I literally cringe when I hear brides tell me that they are not wanting to spend a lot of money on "that paper stuff" (i.e. wedding invitations).  Nothing makes me more sad than when a couple works so hard on a wedding and spends big money on all facets of the wedding, and make budget cuts on their first impression.

Brides are always shocked to find the heavy price tag attached to custom invitations... Many are in the $5-$10 price range... per invite. And if you want them hand addressed for your guests... that costs extra. I always explain the value to my brides with this explanation.  If you were going to go to Target and buy your friend a birthday card...  you'd expect to pay $3-$5 for that card. The nicer the card, the more it costs. That birthday card is not personalized. It doesn't have Jenny's name on it. It doesn't have hand placed crystals on it or produced on your time. It's just a basic card on the shelf. Nothing special. No wow factor. So why would you expect to pay any less for a completely custom wedding invitation? One where you decide where the crystals go. One that has your name and your desired wording on it. One that may have several sheets of paper included in making just one little invitation. Now you get it.

Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding.  Imagine you open your mailbox to find a beautifully wrapped box, addressed in hand-written calligraphy.  You open the box to find a hard-back, satin bound book style invitation tied with a satin bow and fastened with a rhinestone broach.  You'd know you need to dress to impress for this wedding and that you'll have the finest of experiences.... even before you've opened it up to see the "black tie requested" on the bottom.  This couple got it right.

Image: Sotodesignstudios

I am not saying you need to spend $30 an invitation (yes, that is how much this style can cost) to "get it right". I simply mean that the couple wanting a black tie wedding who sends that style invitation gave their guests the right impression.  If you are having a less extravagant wedding, it is still important that your wedding invitations reflect your wedding style.

Simple can be elegant... elegant can be fun... fun can be appropriate for your wedding invitations - as long as it is reflective of your wedding event style.  Take this fun, spin on an elegant black and white wedding invitation... No less formal event... just one that invokes a bit of whimsical fun to the tradition.

Image: Blisstree

Wedding invitations are also a great time to introduce your wedding colors or theme to your guests. Just make sure it is appropriate... the pocket invitation below indicates a contemporary spin on a formal traditional wedding... through the font choice and fun use of color.

Image: my modern wedding invitations

The beach wedding invitation below paints a picture of a theme or destination wedding where the love of the beach and ocean will be included in every detail of the day. I can picture a wedding on the beach, complete with flip flops provided to each guest.  Tropical floral centerpieces in trumpet vases full of sand and tiny shells... a color scheme of teal and pink... with other tropical color infusions... stylish food, and seafood as a main course.  If I arrived at the wedding where it was a black-tie ballroom event or centerpieces were brass candelabras I'd say something went wrong. 

Image: passionatepaper.com

Photo invitations are also popular and when done correctly... can be just as impressive as heavy, expensive card invitations.  Not to mention, there is no better way to personalize an invitation for you as a couple.  Just keep in mind... you still want to show your guests what to expect on your big day. A wedding invitation like the one below offers guests an insight into the semi-formal wedding to come while still showcases the couples love and passion for each other as they approach their big day! Also a wonderful way to show off those engagement pictures!

Image: photocardchef

No matter what your wedding style is or what your budget... just make sure your invitations are appropriate for the wedding you are having.  A young contemporary couple with fusion colors of deep royal purple and bright lime green, Orchid centerpieces and mini food stations would do their wedding a serious injustice to send an invitation like the one below. 



Image: weddingfully.com

Being Thoughtful Goes A Long Way With Guests

It's no secret to anyone that a wedding is all about the bride, and the groom too! But what about all of those wedding guests, some of which may have flown in hundreds of miles to be part of your special day?  A wedding is a very special occasion for anyone involved.  Heartfelt moments, a room full of love and emotion, hope and best wishes for a long future together... these are the moments that make a wedding a special day.

I always encourage my brides to remember their guests and to make sure they add little touches to their day to make their guests really comfortable.  A garden wedding might be romantic, but if it is in the middle of July in 98 degree weather... romance is going to be the last thing on your guest's minds. After all... this day isn't all about you, is it? :)

Here are some great inspiring ways to keep your guests comfortable... all the while allowing you to achieve a little bit extra ... "ooh and ahh" factor! Each of these ideas can be designed, as they are below to match your color scheme and to be elegant...

dancing shoes... 

Image: GetMarried.com

 keep warm blankets...

Image: theknot

parasols to shade from the sun...

Image: Labellemarie

cd's for guests with long car rides between venues....

Image: TWESA

bug spray for guests of outdoor ceremonies...

Image: Glamour.com

misting spray bottles to cool guests down...

Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs

refreshing water handkerchiefs...

Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs

fan style wedding programs....

Image: Inspiremywedding

Who knew being thoughtful could be so chic? A wedding planner will aways find a stylish way to solve any pending problem or concern.  So go ahead, plan for your dream garden wedding, your outdoor woodsy reception! With thoughtful touches like these... your guests won't mind a bit!

Fall in Love!

Image: Wedding Tips TK

There are few things this wedding planner loves more than the fall! The crisp clean air, the crunch sound the leaves make as you walk over them, the beautiful backdrop created by nature, warm cinnamon spiked apple cider, delicious pumpkin pie, orchards and pumpkin farms, cozy cable-knit sweaters, warm crackling fires, the beginning of the holiday seasons.... I could keep going!

Fall is also an amazing time to get married!  If it is your favorite season as it is mine... why not let it inspire you?  There is nothing quite like the warm, rich colors of this season to inspire your wedding day decor.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate fall into your wedding day!

yummy treats for your guests

Image: Inspired by This

flowers in warm tones... complete with berries

Image: Marriagebouquets.com

rich, warm toned bridesmaids dresses - like this one in chocolate satin

Image: Simply Elegant Bridal Accessories

rustic, turned elegant centerpieces:

Image: Wedding Decorations Blog

keeping guests warm in the crisp autumn air:

Image: Hedi Ryder.com

little warm details - like these gorgeous chairs:

Image: theknot.com

the excuse to use pumpkins for anything and everything!!!

Favors:

Image: theknot.com

adorable place cards:

Image: theknot.com

monograms:

Image: bridalbubblyblogspot

aisle runners:

Image: greenweddingscalifornia

Just remember that when it comes to "falling in love" elegance is always in style even... when the style is a bit rustic in nature!

Image: Wild Cakes

Keeping Your Sanity During the Insanity

There is no doubt that whether you have hired a planner or you are going-it-alone with planning your wedding there will be, has been, are right now stressful times in the planning process. 

The process of planning a wedding can really test a couple's relationship strengths and weaknesses.  In the craze of save-the-dates, cake tastings, dress fittings, menu selections, seating arrangements and so forth, the planning of a wedding just about drives us crazy.  We often times forget about the pending marriage because we are so consumed with planning the wedding.  As I tell my brides, a wedding is one day... your marriage is forever. 

This time of planning should be an exciting time in your life. One full of love and joy as you approach with heartfelt anticipation that day when you will join your love and become husband and wife.  So how do you keep your sanity during the insanity of planning  a wedding. Three words. Weekly. Date. Night.

Image: Examiner

I suggest to all my brides... and all you bloggettes reading out there that you take one night a week off from planning your wedding and go on a date.  No wedding talk from either party. Just forget about the wedding for one night a week and enjoy being together. 

In today's time with many brides and grooms paying for their own wedding, I have heard, "but Johanna, we don't have extra money to spend on a date each week." No one said you needed to go to a fancy French restaurant with a heavy price tag.

Image: Google Images

Here are my favorite ideas for a weekly date night... many of which are free:

Take a walk along a lake front beach
Plan a picnic in a pretty park
Plan a movie night at home... complete with popcorn and your favorite movie theater candy
Cook dinner together - try a new recipe and tackle the challenge together
Recreate your first date
Go wine tasting
Browse antique stores
Enjoy an afternoon watching his favorite sports on t.v.
Go see a local high school or college theater production
Take a dance lesson - just don't think about your first dance... do something fun like "salsa"
Take a cooking lesson together - your local William Sonoma probably hosts some
Enjoy a pumpkin farm or apple orchard

These are just a few ideas.  You can do anything that interests you together - or try something completely new. The most important thing is that you just take a few hours, once a week to stop being the "wedding planning" couple and be the couple that was so in love they decided to spend the rest of their life together in the first place.  You will create a stronger flame and it will make wedding planning fun again!

Dear Johanna: Do We Have to Feed Our Vendors?!



Image: Getmarried.com

It's a frequently asked question: Do we have to feed our vendors?  Here is my go to answer... You should feed anyone who would be otherwise standing around during dinner.  If you have vendors who are working through the night during your reception, then yes, you absolutely should feed them.

Not only is it the polite thing to do but you will also benefit from this.  Your photographer for example will most likely be working for more than 12 hours for you on the day of your wedding. If he or she does not eat, chances are they will not be able to do their best work shooting your wedding.  Are you at your best when you are hungry? No, none of us are.



Image: MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Generally speaking, the following vendors should be fed: Photograher, videographer, weddding officant/pastor (if invited to the reception), wedding planner, dj. 

All of these vendors and any others who may be included in your reception throughout the night, should be included in your final guest count that is given to your caterer.  You do not have to seat your vendors among your other guests, but a table should be placed in the room for them.  Trust me, a good photographer, is still going to be shooting pictures, even during dinner.  Placing him in the kitchen to eat is not in your best interest.

Image: Custompaperworks.com

The topic typically gets complicated in terms of price and alcohol.  I have worked with some venues that will discount the meal for vendors based on the idea that they will not be drinking.  I've had others who do not simply because in the past "its the vendors who drink the most". This statement usually sends my brides into a panic.  Here's my advice on this.  Pay up.  Plan to pay the venue/catering company for the meal as is. If you do not want your vendors drinking, have a very frank conversation with them that they are to be working at your wedding, not drinking and partying with your guests. - If you are uncomfortable, your wedding planner/coordinator can have this discussion for you. A professional vendor will respect this and not have a problem with this request.

Image: Ocbarservice.com

In terms of your dj... a drink or two may allow them to "losen up" a bit and be more animated during entrances and such.  Too many drinks though, could be a disaster.   The good news is that you can hire a wedding planner or day of coordinator to keep any eye on things like this. 

The most important thing to remember is that while your wedding day is all about you and your guests... there are many people behind the scenes working hard on your wedding to make sure that it is everything you dreamed it to be.  Feeding them a great meal is a nice way to say thank you!