Bakersfield Wedding Planner Archives

Beyond the Centerpiece: Unique Reception Decor Ideas

February 7, 2021

Tables aren’t the only place that could use a little bit of floral and decor love! Think beyond the centerpiece and add unique and unexpected details to elevate your event. From beautiful bars to chic lounge areas to divine dessert tables, we can make your floral dreams come true to take your celebration to the next level.

Stock the Bar

Photography by April & Co. and InMotion Pro

We are big fans of a bar for any event! Let yours stand out with arrangements and decor that will have your guests not only excited about what you are serving, but where. We love suspended florals, lush garlands, and flower-decked candelabras to make a big statement.

Pool Party

Especially with backyard bashes, you want to make sure you think about the decor of your entire space. That includes your pool! From wild floral arrangements to colorful balloons, there are tons of fun ways to accessorize your pool with whimsical floating decorations. This extra attention to detail is sure to wow your guests!

The best events are those that really focus on a great guest experience. Trying out these more unique reception decor ideas is sure to make your next event a flourishing success!

Flourishing Art 2021 Workshop Schedule

January 4, 2021

It is a new year and that brings a whole new set of workshops for you to brush up on your floral skills! Whether you are looking to make something beautiful for your home during the holidays or a gift for someone special, we have tons of classes all year round.

We are thrilled to share our 2021 workshop schedule with you. We have so much fun planned for the new year!

Valentine Wreath

January 28 12pm PT

Create something special for someone special at our Valentine wreath making class.

Hand Tied Bouquet

February 18 12pm PT

Looking to learn how to make the perfect bouquet? Join us for our hand tied bouquet making course.

Easter Planter

March 25 12pm PT

Check off your Easter decor early with our fresh flower planter class!

Corsage Handwork

April 15 12pm PT

Learn how to create beautiful corsages by hand in this fun workshop.

Mother’s Day Brunch Dozen Roses*

May 6 12pm PT

Join us for a special Mother’s Day brunch and roses workshop to celebrate you and loved ladies in your life.

*Please note that this workshop is $100 per person because a catered brunch will be provided with your ticket in studio.

Father’s Day Succulent Planter

June 17 12pm PT

Father’s Day is right around the corner! Join us to create something special for the all the dads out there.

Orchid Planter

July 15 12pm PT

Orchid lovers: this one’s for you! Don’t miss our orchid planter workshop this summer.

Tropical Arrangement

August 12 12pm PT

Celebrate the close of summer with our tropical arrangement workshop.

Fall Wreath

September 23 12pm PT

Bust out the pumpkin spice lattes and get ready for fall with our autumn wreath making class!

Pumpkin Centerpiece

October 28 12pm PT

Go chic instead of spooky with our fresh pumpkin centerpiece course.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

November 23 12pm PT

Have your Thanksgiving tablescape dreams come true at our fresh cornucopia centerpiece workshop.

Advent Wreath

November 29 12pm PT

Get ready for the holidays with our most popular workshop of the year, the Advent Wreath. Slots fill up quick so be sure to sign up fast!

With all workshops, you’ll have the option to join us virtually on Facebook Live or in-person. Each workshop includes all the materials needed, as well as light hor d’oeuvres and wine for in-person attendees. Please note that due to restrictions, in-person spots will be limited. If you would like to sign up for any of our workshops you can call us at 661-861-8600 or you can sign up on our website here!

Flourishing Art in the News – Real Wedding with Broadway Details

November 1, 2020

Our wedding couples always hold a very special place in our hearts here a Flourishing Art. But this most recent featured real wedding is extra special because it is our beloved Daniel’s wedding to his husband Mark. We are just thrilled that their wedding was featured on Love Inc. this month!

We just loved that they wanted to incorporate their love for New York City and Broadway into their wedding. We created each reception table to reflect a famous Broadway play from Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Oprea, Hairspray, and Dreamgirls. We loved the personalized details like their tuxedo shirts that were crafted from Daniel’s mother’s 70-year-old wedding gown and in lieu of a guestbook, the couple had their guests sign linen jackets that they will don on their anniversary.

You can find more detailed photos and their beautiful story on Love Inc.

Flourishing Art in the News – Wedding Budget Checklists

September 19, 2020

Budgets can be hard to begin and stick to, and when it comes to weddings and events, that couldn’t be more true. Oleta spoke with Wallet Joy this month on a few tips regarding your floral budget as you plan your wedding.

As you figure out how to save money on wedding flowers, start by researching the varieties that will be in season on your wedding date, according to Oleta Collins, you’ll save a pretty penny by choosing blooms that don’t have to be imported. And, of course, reusing your flowers is always a smart idea.

“Floral walls, circular arches, and arbors are not only an excellent ceremony backdrop; they are also beautiful behind a sweetheart or bar table,” Collins says. “This is best used in a venue where you have everything in one place, and transportation to and from another site would be difficult.”

For decor, she recommends asking your venue about what it already has on hand and the cost to rent. Renting directly from your venue could be less expensive than buying new decorations or using a separate rental company. Also, make sure to focus on what guests will actually see rather than nitpicking every detail.

“You don’t need everything, so focus on the more essential items that will make a big difference in the look and comfort of your guests,” Collins says.

You can find out more budget tips by checking out the entire article here.

What tips do you have when it comes to budgeting for your wedding?

Leslie and Brett’s Micro Wedding

June 29, 2020

With more intimate celebrations currently on-trend, we thought it was the perfect time for us to look back on Leslie and Brett’s stunning wedding. This lovely couple decided to tie the knot in an elopement ceremony with a few of their closest friends and family. Then, a few months later, we had the pleasure of being a part of their celebratory reception.

Leslie and Brett’s wedding was recently featured on What if We Elope so if you would like to learn even more about their big day and see more photos, click here.

Elopement
Getting Ready Location: Ragged Point Inn, CA
Elopement Location: Big Sur, CA
Florals: Flourishing Art Design Studio
Dress: Ladies & Gents Bridal
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Makeup: Kandice Hernandez
Photography & Videography: Marianne Lucas Photography and Cinematography

Reception
Venue: The Station
Food: Frugatti’s
Floral: Flourishing Art Design Studio
Linens: BBJ Linen
Glassware and Rentals: Walker Lewis Rents
DJ: Good Time Entertainment, Jimmy Sanchez
Photo Mirror: Reflect on This Photo Booth
Planning and Coordination: Oleta and Alix with Flourishing Art
Makeup: Kandice Cerna

Flourishing Art in the News: May Press Roundup

May 11, 2020

In the month of May, we focused on education for couples as they navigate the daunting task of rescheduling their wedding dates and planning during COVID-19. We also contributed to a few industry articles to help some of our creative friends find inspiration during this time, as well as how you can push your business forward after a setback.

In our first mention, we were thrilled to have our styled shoot at Sextant Winery in Trends Magazine. Reliving this stunning shoot has us ready to get back to Sextant to create some more magic! We can’t get enough of that adorable cottage, and the all-white floral combination is what spring dreams are made of!

Next up, we tackled the topic of how to handle virtual planning meetings with your floral designer on Brides. Like many others, we have had some of our consultation appointments via phone or video, but this is a whole new world of having all of our clients online.

During this time, we have all found ourselves looking for a little inspiration and something happy to lift our spirits. We were thrilled to be included in an article on Catersouce among other event industry professionals that are spreading the love. We were included with our delivery of over 150+ arrangements to area hospitals, nursing homes, and Alzheimer care centers and hospices. Others were included for online dance parties, to kids boxes for takeout, and an incredible interview with photographer Lara Woolfson who has recovered from Coronavirus.

As we entered April, Oleta shared her very personal story of how she rebuilt Flourishing Art after her diagnosis and recovery of breast cancer on Sage Wedding Pros. As most business owners are facing uncertain times, we hope that this article can help them as well.

Flourishing Art in the News: April Press Roundup

April 28, 2020

As you can imagine, the last month has been one of change for a lot of our couples, as well as the industry. Our press also reflects that- we were eager to jump in and lend insight where we could, while also talking about what we love best- flowers!

First up, we have seen our fair share of crisis in California from mudslides to wildfires, and we wanted to share our expertise on how to effectively communicate with clients during a difficult time to help our fellow vendors during the COVID-19 crisis. You can read the full article on WIPA’s blog.

As we know, couples have had to postpone their big days. Why not consider surprising your guests with a new secret elopement or wedding with our tips over on Catalyst Wedding Co.

We also had a bit of fun with flowers over at Martha Stewart Living.

First, we broke down the best ways to keep your cut flowers at home last longer just in time for Spring. Our suggestions just may surprise you!

We also shared insight on the number of available hydrangea varieties– from endless summer and mountain to bigleaf. Enjoy the visual guide that we helped curate!

Our New Team Member

April 14, 2020

In the last few months, we were lucky enough to expand our team to include a new member, Daniel Beer. We are not only fortunate to have him on our team; we were also able to work side by side while planning his wedding with his partner Mark!

With dual degrees in music and cosmetology, Daniel is a jack of all trades with an eye for detail. He started his career as a hairdresser and, in quick fashion, worked his way up the chain to become the National Technical Director of Anasazi, a professional hair treatment line where he managed a team of over 40 educators. He was also a manager of the salon and spa at Saks Fifth Avenue. After a 32-year career that took him from Houston to Chicago to the heart of Manhattan, Daniel decided to move to Bakersfield to pursue a role in the world of events.

In particular, weddings hold a special place in his heart — especially for someone who recently celebrated his own NYC-themed nuptials (complete with a Studio 54-inspired reception!). His creative approach to design helps him to visualize a couple’s dream wedding to new heights, in an effort to create a day that is memorable and impactful for both the couple and their guests.

Although he no longer lives in The Big Apple, the city still draws him in with its Broadway musicals and exquisite culinary scene (not to mention the shopping). At home, Daniel is the host with the most as he brings his event planning chops to his living room. He loves to entertain friends and family, whether it’s a small dinner party or an outdoor bash. As long as there is great food, music, and people, Daniel is in his element.

Daniel, we are so thrilled to have you on board!

Workshop Schedule 2020

March 30, 2020

We just love hosting workshops at our shop! For this year we have a full class schedule and we hope that you join us to learn something new and enjoy some wine and snacks. If you would like to sign up for any of our workshops you can call us at 661-861-8600 or you can sign up on our website here!

Easter – April 9, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Are you prepping to host Easter this weekend? Join us for our centerpiece workshop- you can then check one less thing off of your hostess list!

High Tea – May 9, 2020
Saturday at 11:00am

What’s better than a High Tea celebration for Mother’s Day? How about High Tea paired with our DIY workshop so you can create your own hand-tied garden bouquet? Join us for a bit of fun in honor of Mother’s Day!

Succulents – June 18, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Father’s Day Succulents with Father Craig, special guest. After all, Father’s Day is right around the corner, and we’re here to get you ready!

Armature, July 23, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Wrap your arms around an armature.

Tropical Summer, August 20, 2020

Embrace summer vibes with our Tropical Flower arrangement workshop! Get ready also for a lesson on voided space.

Fall Wreaths, September 18, 2020
Friday at 12pm

Time to grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte- it’s our much-loved Fall wreath workshop. We hope you’ll join us to start the season off on the right foot!

Pumpkin Centerpiece, October 23, 2020
Friday at 12pm

Halloween is just around the corner! Join us for an event of spooky fun with our Pumpkin arrangement workshop!

Thanksgiving Centerpiece – November 24, 2020
Tuesday at 12pm

Are you prepping to host Thanksgiving? Join us for our centerpiece workshop- you can then check one less thing off of your hostess list!

Advent Wreath – December 2, 2020
Wednesday at 12pm

Get into the holiday spirit with our Advent Wreath workshop!

Stylish Baby Shower

February 25, 2020

Take one stylish mama-to-be and an absolutely stunning venue, and you get the sweetest baby shower you could ever imagine. It was so special to be a part of this happy day. From the adorable pink touches to the simple but chic florals, it all came together beautifully. We kept some of our favorite details to share below:

A big thank you to our friends at In Motion Pro for capturing this event!