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Lauren + Eric - Maxit Team Member POV

January 31, 2023

closeup-maxit-flower-design-orchid — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

I arrived at the airport about mid-afternoon, lugging around my new suitcase and proudly donning my Aspen, CO sticker. This would be my second trip to Colorado for MAXIT and ever in my life. I was looking forward to going back again, this time to Denver. I always get butterflies whenever I travel for work - foremost from the anticipation of a new destination, new people, and a new opportunity to create. Secondly, from the expected nervousness for the unknown. Did we bring enough carts? Will the boys driving the UHAUL from Texas to Colorado have a breakdown? Will our focal point phalaenopsis orchids come in blue instead of gray? (Which they did - thank god for floral spray paint).

But for this wedding, I was feeling more confident. After our recent trip to Aspen, we had more travel experience under our belts and a greater understanding of how to prepare for the hiccups we could run into along the way. In Aspen, we produced out of the mother-in-law's suite and the backyard of an Airbnb. While we had a gorgeous view of the mountains, the threat of flower-eating deer every night gave us quite the arm workout when it came to moving buckets. To alleviate some of these issues, we contacted a hotel and booked one of their conference rooms to work out of. While I will always miss having a view of the gorgeous mountains anytime I design, this set-up proved perfect. Ample tables brought by the gracious and kind hotel staff any time we needed them, a water hook-up in the kitchen that was one door over, and direct access to a loading area for our UHAUL. Probably not the most exciting aspect of event design, but these are the small things that make or break the production of successful events.

table-runner-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

What excited me most were not the dumpsters that were close by, but the unique concept of Lauren and Eric’s wedding. The design for the wedding was the definition of cool. Dramatic, moody, and modern - perfectly matched to the style of the venue, Space Gallery. A spacious art gallery filled with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints located in Denver’s art district.

hanging-installation-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com
*Catering & Bartending:* GB Culinary│gbculinary.com

And trust we came ready to fill that space with our works of art. Giant, fluffy, eye-catching rings were the main focal point of the space, created entirely out of chicken wire and spray-painted Baby's Breath, fern, and leaves. These were complimented by gorgeous orchids placed in smoked glass and dynamic blooms running down the center of each table.

And I can’t forget to mention the other show-stopper - a mirrored aisle with runners of lavender, tan, cool-toned pink, and mauve that climbed their way up to the matching mirrored arch. With such a dazzling design concept, all that was running through my mind throughout the week was - “Who IS this couple?”

arrangement-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

aisle-runner-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

altar-installation-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com

From the moment I laid eyes on Lauren and Eric, it all made sense. Of course, a couple so chic would have a wedding of the same tier. My eyes gravitated towards Lauren the moment she walked in sporting a sleek, blunt bob and a gorgeous floor-length lace wedding dress. But it was hard not to notice Eric as well in his stunning metallic floral suit. They were bold and glamorous and we made sure they had a wedding to match.

flower-detail-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com
*Bridal Boutique:* Little White Dress Bridal Shop│lwdbridal.com
*Gown Designer & Veil:* Galia Lahav│galialahav.com
*Bride’s Shoes:* Jimmy Choo│us.jimmychoo.com
*Beauty:* Salon Joa│salonjoa.com
*Groom’s Attire:* Dolce & Gabbana│dolcegabbana.com
*Groom’s Shoes:* Versace│versace.com
*Groom’s Hair:* Forma + Collective Salon│formacollectivesalon.com
*Groom’s Beard:* Ollie’s Barbershop│olliesbarbershop.com

The long hours at the hotel and the magic of watching this event come to fruition are at the forefront of my mind when I think of Denver, but the moment I remember most fondly is one I hardly ever get to experience as a floral designer - listening to the bride and groom exchange vows. A helper and I went back to the venue a couple of hours after the completion of set-up to flip the aisle florals to the reception area. We got there a little early, so I had the joy of sitting and listening to this intimate moment between a couple that loved each other with so much passion and devotion, it was a gentle reminder of why we do what we do. To create a memorable day to commemorate the beginning of the rest of their lives.

altar-ceremony-maxit-flower-design — *Photographer:* James x Schulze│ jamesandschulze.com
*Venue:* Space Gallery│spacegallery.org
*Design & Decor:* Eclectic Hive│eclectichive.com
*Rentals:* Little Mad Events│littlemadevents.com
*Wedding Planner:* Banks & Leaf│banksandleaf.com
*Bridal Boutique:* Little White Dress Bridal Shop│lwdbridal.com
*Gown Designer & Veil:* Galia Lahav│galialahav.com
*Bride’s Shoes:* Jimmy Choo│us.jimmychoo.com
*Beauty:* Salon Joa│salonjoa.com
*Groom’s Attire:* Dolce & Gabbana│dolcegabbana.com
*Groom’s Shoes:* Versace│versace.com
*Groom’s Hair:* Forma + Collective Salon│formacollectivesalon.com
*Groom’s Beard:* Ollie’s Barbershop│olliesbarbershop.com
*Officiant:* Temple of RA│@temple.of.ra

5 common flower mistakes brides make and how to avoid them

June 20, 2018

Over the past 8 years we have seen some consistent mistakes that we believe are totally avoidable and once explained will completely make sense. We will outline what the mistakes are but also give easy, practical ways to avoid them and correct them. So here we go, let's dive in:

Mistake # 1: I can DIY the flowers

Ok this is an easy one, don't do it. There are so many other times in life you can have fun with flowers. Baby showers, bridal showers, brunch, mother's day... but your wedding day? I would say is a big fat NO. How to correct this mistake, allow your friends and family to help with other tasks if you need to redirect them. Create your wedding shower flowers, this will give you an idea of how messy, how much hard work, and how expensive flowers really are.

Mistake # 2: Not budgeting enough money

How much do you budget? We suggest that a floral centric event should budget anywhere from $35-$75 a person. Please note that this is a person that puts flowers as one of their top priorities in their wedding. You are a flower fan and want flowers to be a focus of the event. If you have a budget less than suggested, take a look at Mistake # 4 for solutions to stretch your budget.

Mistake # 3: Expecting a certain flower

We see brides coming in so hopeful that a particular flower will be available for their event. Peonies are not available all year around, I am sorry. And even in the middle of their season, all the following issues can arise: delayed shipment, held at customs, flower quality not to par with our standards, flower farmer thought you said red not pink, flower cooler froze over night due to the electrical outage in the building. You guys I could go on and on. We deal with a perishable item that has many of hundreds of miles to cross and more variables than I can possibly mention in one blog post. Solution: be flexible, tell your designer what aesthetic you like, find a designer you trust and allow them to find the best blooms the season/farmers have to offer.

Mistake # 4: Putting flowers everywhere

Greenery-Garland-Off-Table-Houston-Centerpiece-Wedding.jpg

If your budget can't afford it, don't do it. We guide our clients to make sure we use their budget to the best of our ability. Let's make some statement pieces, let's have the bridesmaids carry a simple bouquet, remove those ceremony flowers and let's focus on where the party will be for most of the night. Make simple adjustments that will allow your budget to be focused and purposeful. We are a purpose driven design company that will make sure your whole budget will be seen and felt through out your event.

Mistake # 5: Not allowing your designer to take the wheel

This is what we do for a living. We have our 10,000hrs in flowers. We live for this and have found our passion in flowers. Find that designer that your trust and give them the wheel. Just like anything in our lives, if we feel micromanaged, we are more likely to feel less valued and honored in any process. We give up our weekends, birthdays, graduations, and so many special holidays for our clients. We wouldn't do this if we didn't take severe pride in what we do and promise that we will do our very best to make this the most special moment. We feel so inspired by our client's trust.

talent is talent

March 27, 2018

When I get word that Hannah Mason is coming to photograph our flowers, my flowers even get excited. This kind, generous, sweet photographer blows me away with her talent. There are many photographers out there that do a great job and that I love dearly. But Hannah, tells a story.

You can literally see her thinking and brainstorming about the details, pulling all elements of the wedding to photograph. She understands the concept behind styling the wedding in a manner that catches ALL the details. Because if you don't already know... those details are all well thought out. Someone had to chose those details, think through them and put them all together.

The wedding collaboratively is made from all of those tiny decisions that made one evening so memorable. To think that a photographer wouldn't give every one of those elements their own time, is a shame. It's not validating that each step meant something to our clients. Each item was chosen with thought, and it was part of the process they took into hosting an event for their loved ones.

I get so passionate about this subject as I am in meeting after meeting with my clients and see how much this all means to them. I see how much they enjoy it and how they speak of specific people and times in their life that make them ponder these decisions. It might seem like just a candle, an invitation, boutonniere, the beading on a the dress, that flowing hanging ribbon, or a simple centerpiece. But to them it was a well thought out detail that they took the time to think through and choose the perfect one for them and their loved ones.

Floral Design Blog

Lauren + Eric - Maxit Team Member POV

5 common flower mistakes brides make and how to avoid them

talent is talent

MAXIT FLOWER DESIGN | 713.240.0531 | WWW.MAXITFLOWERDESIGN.COM

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