We’ve all heard the saying ‘it’s the little things that make a difference’. The things that take us by surprise and make us stand up and take notice and make our day.
Isn’t it disappointing when you have certain expectations and things don’t turn out as you had hoped? We all have been there. It’s part of life and we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t feel that way from time to time. But that just makes the unexpected all that much sweeter, doesn’t it?
Now this is nothing earth shattering mind you, so don’t go getting YOUR expectations up now, ok? I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed on my account.
I just had a nice day looking at beautiful things for our daughter’s wedding, and getting a sweet bouquet just for stopping in and inquiring about services. She’s getting married next June and since she is living in Singapore but getting married here in NY, I’m doing some of the leg work. I had an appointment at a floral designer the other day, and when I left the designer gave me this pretty bouquet. It’s nothing huge or opulent, and truth be told it probably would have ended up in the garbage anyway, but I thought it was such a nice gesture.
For some of you who don’t know, we own a residential cleaning business and I remember years ago I came up with the idea to leave a rose on new customers’ bed pillows. That lasted maybe two or three cleans. It was hard to manage but I still love the thought, and I’m sure it would have made a lovely first impression. Just like the floral designer did.
So can you guess who that little girl is? 😉
I walked around the house a few times before deciding where to put this arrangement. I realized I have very little color in our rental. It’s mostly neutrals, with just a little bit of color here and there, but none of the rooms compliment the color pink. I know conventional wisdom says to decorate a rental like it’s your forever home, but I put my efforts into our weekend home and that’s all I’m willing or able to do at this point. We are only here for a year and that time is going to fly by.
Back to the matter at hand. The wedding will be held at The St. Regis in Manhattan. I *think* this is the actual room, and as you can see it’s very formal. I have to say our daughter is full of surprises. I didn’t think she would even want a wedding, much less something this formal. I know she’s not the ‘barefoot on the beach’ type, but she always said she disliked planned events and that she had the best time when things happened spontaneously. I kinda know what she means because I feel the same way, but I had a great time at our wedding nearly 30 years ago and I’m sure she will too.
The floral designer walked me through the facility and showed me some options. She even took me into the refrigerator where they keep the flowers. My exposed toes couldn’t wait to leave!
Here’s a finish I think is interesting and would compliment the space nicely.
This is mercury glass on the left and is another option. She said they can do the same finish as the above piece also on this vase.
I like this color combo. It’s a pretty neutral color that works well in the space, don’t you think?
I love, love, love this tablecloth! I’m a huge touchy feely kinda gal, and this fabric has texture to spare!
I think she called this a waterfall pattern. Very elegant!
These may be too fancy for the space, but I thought they were interesting so I thought I’d share.
Our daughter’s favorite flowers are orchids. Certain species, such as Dendrobium, are arched which makes for a nice look in centerpieces.
Did you have a traditional wedding? Anything you would do differently? When we got married, we saw each other before the ceremony to take pictures. At that time it was somewhat unusual, but apparently lots of couples are doing this today. They’re calling it ‘first look’. Did you see each other before the ceremony?
Weddings, or any large, formal event, take so much planning and yet they’re over in the blink of an eye. But the memories last a lifetime, and that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Congrats on your daughter’s wedding…It must be so difficult to choose from so many beautiful things…Orchid arrangements are so beautiful and classic!
Denise says
We got married in Salzburg, Austria. Even though it was just the two of us, we dressed up. I ordered a small bouquet of Calla Lilies tied with a ribbon and a small calla lily boutonniere for John. When we got back after the ceremony, the housekeeper was just leaving our room. She winked at me. Inside, were rose petals everywhere… on the floor, the bed, in the bathroom. Lit candles. And, a bottle of champagne. It’s a day I’ll never forget.
No matter the flowers you choose, I know your daughter’s wedding will be absolutely beautiful!! xxD
Doreen@househoneys says
Oh Denise! That sounds amazing! I remember that story, but somehow seeing it in print really brings it to life. Miss you!
Angela says
Congratulations! How fun and overwhelming at the same time especially without your daughter there to give her two cents worth! She obviously trusts your judgement and taste (smart girl!)!! LOL!! The color scheme is beautiful as is the venue! Orchids are timeless and beautiful….a perfect choice! Have fun coordinating everything!!!~~Ang
Doreen@househoneys says
It is a bit overwhelming, but even more so for her and her fiancé than me. I feel fortunate I have the time to help them because they are so over the top busy with club openings, it makes my head spin! I guess everything happens for a reason…we were hoping we’d be outta Dodge by now, but if we were I wouldn’t be of much use to her.
Cynthia says
Doreen,
Congrats on your daughters up coming wedding!! The St. Regis, wow, I am sure it will be gorgeous, what an exciting time.
Cynthia
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you Cynthia! I stopped by your blog yesterday to see how you were doing but didn’t see any updates so I hope that’s good news?
Andi says
Omigosh a wedding! The year will go by so fast! Orchids are so lovely and an excellent choice. My husband and I didn’t see each other before the wedding…I thought it added to the anticipation. But I also understand why they do take photos before. After the wedding you want to get on to the reception!! 🙂 (We had such a small, intimate wedding though, the pictures didn’t take long!)
-andi
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Wow Doreen, you have a lot on your plate I think. The room is gorgeous and those tablecloths took my breath away. Beautiful. I also like the unusual finish of the vase. My husband and I eloped and got married in Paris. We had a civil court wedding in Florida first (where I live), and then we took off. We didn’t want to deal with the dispute our parents were having about which religion was going to marry us. Sometimes I think back and wish I would have had a traditional wedding, especially when I see the pictures on your post. In the end, my husband and I had an incredibly happy and romantic time in Paris. We cherish those memories.
Doreen@househoneys says
I think Paris edges out pretty much everything else Vashti! Sounds perfect!