Beachy Keen Wedding Day ~ Sandra & Aidan

September 6, 2014 is a date that stands out as one of the most memorable of wedding days, both for me as a vendor and as a guest. It’s very unusual to be invited to both the ceremony & reception of the clients I’m designing flowers for.  But I was thrilled when Sandra asked if…

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The ‘BUDGET’

In it’s original translation, the word budget means a bag, pouch, purse, or the contents. Now, we would think more in terms of what’s ‘in the purse’, such as a collection of items, stock, or money. By taking it a step further, just how much money the purse contains brings us a little closer to the real deal of  what amount is needed or…

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“Are you expensive?”

This is a question I’m asked now and then. Considering that I have a titanium rod and screws in my left tibia (leg) worth about 2 to 3 grand, plus all the dental work I’ve had done over the years, I guess I’m not exactly cheap. My husband seems to think I’m worth my weight…

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Happy Anniversary to Blooms & Beyond

(Jan 1, 2017) It was 10 years ago today that Blooms & Beyond was launched for business. We had an impressive 16 weddings that first year and now in 2016,  we ‘blossomed’ to a record season of 45. I can hardly believe it! The good Lord has blessed us with the work and enabled me…

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Spring Designing Itch

With the official beginning of Spring only a few days away, I was itching for some inspirations befitting the anticipated season with some of my favorite flowers. And what better way to scratch that itch than with a Spring floral design show. So, a couple weeks ago a florist friend & I toodled off to a show…

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THE Dress!

  Our Amazing Day- April 13, 1996 – And THE Dress! At this time sixteen years ago I was planning my wedding, but I missed out on shopping for a bridal gown because I decided to borrow a friend’s dress rather than spend a whack of money for something I would wear only once. That was the…

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A Wedding Gowns & Flowers Event

  So speaking of wedding dress shopping, if I could recommend only one place to look for bridal gowns, it’s at Everything But The Groom Bridal Boutique in the heart of Langley. This wonderful shop holds a generous & gorgeous selection of dresses – not only for brides. The whole bridal party can be outfitted for an event, as…

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Floral Grouping Centerpiece Idea

Goofing around with left over flowers – even ‘scraps’ –  sometimes turns into something like this.  Except this time, I had the presence of mind to capture my ‘playtime’ creations & blog about them. From time to time clients ask for centerpiece ideas that are inexpensive & simple. This no fuss little grouping is a great example of what can be…

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‘Countryfied’ Wedding

  ‘Country Casual’ boutonnieres  Sara & Jon’s big day of July 30th ranks right up there as one of the more unique events I’ve designed for. The couple chose their own place – a hobby farm in Maple Ridge – for their wedding ceremony & reception. It was a very warm day, but with the late start to our Summer,…

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The Best Gifts

  With Christmas just around the corner, many folks are searching for those perfect gifts for loved ones and friends. And it can be a challenge, to say the least. But here are some thoughts that I posted last year at this time because they are just as relevant today as they were 12 months ago.  It just might…

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The Rose

I spent a few moments today, in the middle of my busy little life, to just marvel at the intricate detail of a large rose that’s in my living room right now. You might wonder why, especially since I’m a florist and have seen hundreds of roses and plan to see many more. I think maybe as I’m getting older I’m becoming more detail…

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The Best

In moments of reflection today, it hit me! Not a profound thought, but a powerful reminder none the less. And it’s this. I would not have a floral design business at all without my Top Designer. Without His breathtaking imagination and creative genius I would not have any flowers and foliage to design with. Yet God faithfully & generously provides the main ingredients for me month after month. And…

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Blue Blooms for A Special Bride

My youngest niece Melissa (Lissy) married her best friend Ken nearly 12 years ago which, by the way, just seems like yesterday. When she asked me to do her wedding flowers I was super thrilled and especially honored to accept her request. Knowing her favorite color is blue, it was no great surprise that she…

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Floral tributes that keep giving!

A dendrobium orchid plant with two beautiful little birds perched on it’s branches – nature’s gentle messengers of comfort & peaceful thoughts.  As a florist, I experience many happy rewards when designing for weddings & other joyous occasions. But sadly, life also brings times of sorrow and loss, and creating sympathy or tribute pieces  is a part of my job that also holds a special…

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Aloha Sweet Paradise!

   Plumeria with a fragrance that lingers!     The night was quiet except for the palms that softly ‘rattled’ in the warm breeze. The trees were just a silhouette against the dark sky and their fronds danced across the face of the moon which was all I could see while floating on my back in the pool. This is…

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