As much as I LOVE color I also like to show my softer more romantic side. Kristen and Tony's wedding at The Crossing in Carlsbad was so soft and dreamy I could get lost in it forever. There is so much love between these two that it just warms your heart. And these photos...I mean come on. Mike Arick Photography did such a good job I could hardly contain my excitement after viewing them.
Vendor Party
When Samantha Louise Moments asked if I wanted to floralize a vendor appreciation party she was hosting with Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes I am pretty sure the word YES! came out of my mouth before she could finish the sentence. Elyse from Plum and Oak Photography {who took all of these amazing photos by the way} said it best on her blog post about this shindig- us wedding and event vendors usually work on our lonesome/with furry companions so when we get the chance to socialize with other creatives you better believe we jump at the opportunity. It is always wonderful to meet new people, especially when those people live a similar crazy lifestyle as you. Of course fun cocktails, absurdly delectable cupcakes and flowers on the most gorgeous evening in San Diego is not something I tend to miss out on. Did I mention the fireworks? BECAUSE THERE WERE LITERALLY FIREWORKS AT THE END OF THE NIGHT.
The Swoon Event SD
I love when people are not afraid of color. Patricia from Art of Joy Events is one of those people. When she asked me to create some floral goodness for her tablescape at San Diego's The Swoon Event I jumped at the opportunity. To top it off, Jasmine from Let's Frolic Together photographed the event {i.e. amazing photo below}. San Diego is full of incredible talent, I cannot help thinking about how lucky I am to work with such amazing creatives.
The Dainty Lion: Floral & Design Studio
It is with an extremely happy heart that I am going to formally announce The Dainty Lion: Floral & Design Studio. Surprised? Not really? Yeah, it has been a long time coming. In fact, the first wedding I ever did was just flowers and design. And well almost every single one thereafter had my floral and design touch. The past few years have been some of the best and I have learned more about myself than I thought possible both as a creative and a human being.
I'm gonna get personal. Ready?
First before we get into the meat of this, did you see my new logo? It is pretty badass. I never had an actual logo before because I am extremely picky and was never satisfied with anything I was seeing. Not only is my new logo the most perfect illustration I have ever seen, it was created by one of the most influential people in my life. Faith of Ampersand Collections and I go back a long ways. Since Jr. High to be exact, where we determined that we must in fact be long lost twins despite our obvious height and overall appearance differences. She is by far the most creative person I know and has been inspiring me for a good portion of my life. I really hope all you creatives out there have a Faith. And for all you brides, she does custom work for weddings as well.
Why did I choose to focus on flowers and design? Because I simply cannot live without them. Being a florist is not a gig for everyone. It is a profession that needs to be driven by passion and skill above all else. As for design, it is in my blood and something I take very seriously. I like to think I bring something a little different to the table in both of these elements. Maybe its because I don't like to restrain my creative side or maybe its because the idea of pumping out the same wedding over and over again hurts my soul. Regardless, I love the evolving nature of my work- the excitement of stepping into the flower market every week and being surrounded by endless possibilities not to mention relentlessly searching for the perfect flower or detail. This is not a job. This truly is who I am. And it was time to specialize instead of trying to constantly do it all.
Do I miss traditional (non-design related) planning & coordination. Absolutely. It is really difficult to turn that side of my brain off but I honestly think I was doing myself a disservice not truly focusing on the things that drive me the most. For the longest time I thought I was failing if I could not do planning, design, coordinating and flowers all at once. Guess what I learned? It is ok to not "do it all". I know this might come as a shock {said with sarcasm} but I believe so much in the power of women. Here is the thing though, we are constantly fighting the "do it all/have it all" battle and frankly it was driving me bananas. I think I am strong and independent but I was quickly recognizing that I want to have time for myself and my little family and that does not make me any less of a progressive woman. I know, that sounds all serious but it is honestly something that I had been struggling with. Especially since my job is also my passion. I learned a whole heck of a lot while "doing it all" and would not trade it for the world. I know the ins and outs of weddings now (which is sooooo important) and I really found out what I am capable of. If you have ever done all of those things during the time constraints, problems and high emotions of a wedding then you know what I am talking about. *I know those of you who "do it all'' are agreeing with me right now. So, yes I do miss it. There is a special connection a planner has with her clients and I hope I can still maintain half of that through my new approach to being a wedding florist and event designer. Granted my couples probably will not have anything to compare it to but I am setting up a better system for being a florist based on my experiences of being a planner as well.
I think that about wraps up this portion of bearing my soul. The Dainty Lion has some incredibly rad projects on the way so stay tuned!
Of course if you are looking or know someone looking for a florist send me a message and lets chat! The Dainty Lion specializes in wedding and event florals but will also begin creating floral accounts for those of you who would like an extra special arrangement for someone in your life and/or people who would like a steady supply of gorgeous flowers for their home or office. Deails to come soon!
Love you all!! xoxo, Kimberly aka The Dainty Lion
East Meets West
More like East Meets Wild West! Sometimes one finds herself in the back country, on her way to nearby a property for a pre-gathering before a rodeo. She then has to literally pinch herself as she discovers an old western town complete with wooden train car from the 1800's down a dirt path. It is no surprise that I ended up finding my way back but this time I came prepared with a while bunch of rad vendors. Check out the feature on 100 Layer Cake!
It is no secret that around here, we love color! When ya need to get your color fix Pow Wow Design Studios is the place to do it.
This train car from the 1800's might actually be what dreams are made of. As we were trying to conceptualize the overall feel of the shoot, I kept coming back to the train car as the main focus. I then happened to come across that ornate brass light fixture while getting inspiration at a local consignment shop. This piece reminded me of an old saloon style light but had the intricate brass design one would expect to see in a distant land- Hello! How Perfect is that? Afterwards everything fell into place from there. It usually takes one special piece for my brain to then solidify the rest of the craziness in my head and that fixture was the design element that started it all off (after the venue of course). Everything else really came together perfectly. Pow Wow's warehouse is a shangri-la in and of itself and I went bananas on their inventory. Climbing up in dark, hot corners to snatch up some of the most rad pieces I have ever seen. Like that tapestry! Freaking insane right?! I could go on forever about the design for this shoot but I will leave you to the photos.
I do have to say something about the white suede fringe placecard things (I don't even know how to categorize these). Tracking down white suede fringe was a challenge but I was incredibly determined. And then when an online order fell through I had to improvise and find material and cut the suede myself. Hah sometimes as a creative you just have to point out the stuff that is the most time consuming. Thank goodness, Ampersand Collections was able to letter on these bad boys.
Photography: Katie Beverley Photography, Planning + Design: The Dainty Lion, Rentals: Pow Wow Design Studio, Florals: Compass Floral, Signs & Placesetting: Ampersand Collections, Venue: Back of the Ranch, Jewelry: Erin Fader Jewelry, Hair & Make-up: Thorne Artistry, Meat Pie's: Betty's Pie Whole, Invitations: Harken Press
My Wedding Video
Words cannot accurately describe how meaningful it was to have my wedding captured so beautifully by Rodaniche Films. Such a breeze and joy to work with. Book em. You will not regret it! I am so thrilled that we now have professional video of our day. Annnd this is only the trailer!