March 2015 Ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge, NJ with Reception following at the Wood-Cliff Manor in Wood-Cliff Lake, NJ
With the approach of Springtime and all the many things that we associate with this season of renewal comes, for us in the wedding industry, the kick off of the Spring Wedding Season. Easter Sunday and the ending of Lent and Passover are the semi- official markers of each year's Celebration of Life. With LIFE comes LOVE. As I learned in Floral Design School the Florists business is the business of LOVE. It's been said we are involved "from the cradle to the grave" and although that's true, I am happy to dedicate my talents somewhere within the middle. years. I have consulted with literally thousands of couples in the past 30 years and had the pleasure of working personally with a little shy of two thousand by my estimation. We sit, we talk, we make decisions regarding color, fabric and with regard to the huge assortment of flowers now available through the World Wide Floral Industry of today. Much has changed since I began this journey in my early twenty's. One thing however has NOT changed, the engaged couple. Yes they may be a bit older than they were twenty years ago and yes they are definitely more informed about their flower likes and dislikes. What has NOT changed is the transformation the occurs to each and every one of them on the day of their wedding. I see such a visible amazement in each Bride' s face (and her Mom's) when I present her with her personal choice of flowers packaged within her Bridal Bouquet the morning of her wedding. Usually accompanied by a tear of happiness or two, sometimes with a hug for getting her vision "just right".
It's a rough job but someone has to do it !
Today was not our first wedding of 2015 but it was the first wedding of SPRINGTIME. Although there was still snow on the ground, the sun was high and the crocus were out in force.
Our day began with the timely delivery of all the personal flowers where a version of what I described above played out. Then a short drive to Our Lady Of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge, NJ to set the "stage" for the Ceremony
The Aisle at Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge, NJ
The Aisle at Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge, NJ
Skipping every other pew, fine, white tulle clusters marked the aisle. The Altar Flowers mimicked the table centerpieces used at the Reception, a mix of huge White Hydrangea's, Ivory "Vandella" Roses, pure white Carnations and Mini Carnations, Mini Babies Breath and Lemon Leaf. They stand prominently on our rentable 42" white columns. One of our many elevations used for this purpose.
Altar Arrangement against the beautiful Stained Glass Murals at Our Lady Of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge, NJ
Altar Arrangement against the beautiful Stained Glass Murals at Our Lady Of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge, NJ
Leaving the Church was a very pleasant drive on Centennial Drive which crosses over the beautiful Reservoir Lake on both sides, up to 25 Prospect Ave, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 http://woodcliffmanor.com/ The Woodcliff Manor is a stately country manor house built before the Civil War which became a well-known restaurant in the 1920's.
Centennial Road
The Wood-Cliff Manor
The Gardens & Ceremony Site at The Wood-Cliff Manor
Since we are the recommended Florist at this venue, we have been invited to decorate it's Garden Gazebo and Ballroom many times. We have become very familiar with the space which gives us, I believe, a special insight on what size, type arrangement's and flowers showcase it best. Although I know this to be true, I was even struck with how perfectly this weeks Table Centers looked and I was not the only one. The owners both commented as well as some of the staff and even a perspective client viewing the venue remarked on how well the flowers suited the room !
Table Centerpieces at the Wood Cliff Manor, Wood Cliff Lake, NJ
Table Centerpieces at the Wood Cliff Manor, Wood Cliff Lake, NJ
I am really looking forward to the 2015 Wedding Season. With a noted upswing in the economy we are noticing a return to more elaborate and lavish Floral Décor. That makes my life more interesting by getting my creative juices flowing and gives me the continued honor to interact with my clients.