Installation Floral

Ghost Pics

2010-03-03T15:34:00.001-08:00

GHOST PICS

2010-03-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Dallas Arboretum Bridal Stroll 08.20.09

2009-08-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we had the pleasure of participating in the Dallas Arboretum's annual bridal stroll.

Camphouse was styled with a combination of fuschia, gold and silver that brought the slate-tiled patio to life!

Flowers: Mokara orchids, oncidium orchids, hydrangea, sweet pea, teddy bear sunflowers,
curly willow, black eyed Susans...

Linens: Graphite Crush by Ducky Bob's
Table Settings: Also by Ducky Bob's

Photographs: Courtesy of Jill Broussard, www.jillbroussard.com

Check out our new website!

2009-08-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

installationfloral.com

2009-08-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just a sneak peek of our new website!

Thanks to Aves Photography for the great images!

Check out their blog - http://www.avesphotographicdesign.com/blog/

Crescent Court: Results Pending

2009-08-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Maggie and Reza! On August 1st the happy couple was hitched at the Crescent Court in Dallas, TX. They had two ceremonies, one was a traditional American in the garden room and they had a second Persian ceremony in the adjoining room. The main ballroom was aglow with candelscapes and tall centerpieces of silver-leafed fig branches and white orchids. We can't wait to see the photos from Jamie at PBJ Studios.

TWP Man Show Re-cap

2009-07-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Photography: Alex Hamm Photography
Location: The Wedding Party Studio
Cake: CuCaLu
Dress: Brooks Brothers & Blush Couture
Planner: Nickitta Nelson, with VK Events

Here are some pro pics for your viewing pleasure!

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Go Fish!

2009-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

A more honest approach than getting an MRS. degree :)

Available from Package Perfect on Ebay

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Plum Crazy

2009-07-05T10:03:00.001-07:00

April & Jonathan
May 30th, 2009
Dallas Arboretum

Photographer: Lauren Aves, Aves Photographic Design
Caterer: Two Sister's Catering
Florist: Installation Floral (that's us!)

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ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2009-07-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

Pics: From Molly & Stanton's Wedding, 06.20.09

INSTALLATION FLORAL TURNS 1 YEARS OLD!

I have been working in the floral design industry for 8 years. I started this company in Austin, Texas about 4 years ago but didn't launch it into a full-service floral business until one year ago tomorrow: July 3, 2008.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me on my mission and continues to do so. I look forward to the next year and continuing on our journey and earning our reputation as a design firm that is fresh, fun, solid and dependable!

1920s: More hats, more streamers - please!

2009-06-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Over this past weekend I was in Chicago for a funeral of a woman who led an amazing life. While we were in her home I happened upon this photo of her mother, getting married in the 1920s. I started to look around and found many pics like this. I noticed that the bouquets were huge, the streamers long, and the head-gear - glam.

I know the photo didn't take well through the glass, but I thought I'd share this photo anyway. I've dug up a few other pics online to share for inspiration.

If you really want to go traditional - but not traditional, then think about dialing up the scale, dialing up the fresh fern, and adding some sheer ribbon knots with trinkets... perhaps crystals or little milagros?

Daisy, Rose, Mint

2009-06-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

Pics from a 40th birthday at the Belmont Hotel earlier this June. Their new chef is amazing. If you are thinking about having an intimate gathering - call Mason and get the hook-up!

A Wedding in Progress 06.20

2009-06-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Molly & Stanton White!

Here are a few shots from the work room for Molly and Stanton's navy, white, yellow rose wedding. A very modern take on a classic Texas motif!

Pro pics to follow... in July.

Parisian + Scandinavian

2009-05-26T11:20:00.001-07:00

minimalist. minimalist. minimalist...

Are you as tired of this adjective as I am? Although I believe that good design uses a minimum amount of materials to achieve maximum impact... sometimes in order to be impactful or different or original you have to step outside the box that, here in Dallas, is referred to as "Zen-like"...

According to the philospher/Buddhist teacher Chogyum Trungpa Rinpoche, Americans really missed the boat on zen. In his book, Meditation in Action, he especially notes that Zen philosophy developed as a way to take you down to your base senses. In order to do this all sense of stimuli is removed so that you can get down to your basic, boring existence. From pure boredom you reach a stepping-off point for true inner development. Zen was never meant to be a microchasm of fascinating design techniques and lifestyle advice.

Now... does pure boredom sound like the tone you want to set for your next event? Do you want your guests to be unimpressed, unengaged and uninterested? I think not.

This is why I am pushing a new design trend that calls for color, form, and sensible taste. I haven't coined a term for this type of design yet, but it draws heavily from the inspiration of Scandinavian lighting design, traditional Parisian floral design, and Asian micro-trends.

Here are a few inspirational pics... that I think could be translated into an event schema or floral installation.

Tell me a captivating, powerful idea lies within this photo collage!

Back on Board

2009-05-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

We just moved from the Bishop Arts District to 4028 Lemmon Ave., Ste. 102. We enjoy it. It's not quite the same as having a shop on premise. There is no handy cooler to run to when I want to do an ad-hoc client demo. That is a little frustrating.

However, I am sure that as we get used to the space (find our second lamp shade, etc.) then I will find new tricks. Gotta get some photos up on the wall and finish printing our catalogue from 2008. Then I will feel good about the place. I feel like there is a lot of time available to do that in July as events slow down.

In the meantime, enjoy this photo from pro wedding photographer Heather Waraksa. Couldn't have said it better myself!

Vintage Bride

2009-04-16T17:29:00.001-07:00

This post was inspired by Rebecca Hackl who recently told me she has several vintage inspired weddings this season.

There are many ways to do "vintage." According to dictionary.com the word vintage means thus: 2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic. It was originally a reference to the character of good wine and was recently taken over by fashionistas, style gurus, interior designers, and people on EBay who want to sell the junk from their garage and charge a lot for it.

If you want to have a vintage inspired wedding then I propose the following three guidelines:

1. Choose your colors first
2. Don't even think about changing your colors because you found the perfect little something. If it can't be painted, covered, or dyed then it's not for you.
3. Just because it's old, doesn't make it fashionable.

Next, start browsing magazines and books from the time period that inspires you. If you like the Hollywood Glam look then I recommend watching some movies on TCM such as "From Here to Eternity," "Casablanca", "Sunset Boulevard," or "They All Kissed the Bride."

If you want to go for a 1920s look then start looking for pictures of Clara Bow.

If you are one of those people that thinks that the 1960s was a decade for the fashion forward (and although I might disagree with you - rock on you little flower child) - then the sky is the limit. You have no shortage of material to draw on, but Twiggy is my favorite.

After you have some notes, make yourself a personal style board in a scrapbook or on a piece of poster board. Now, you can start to take it to dress shops, floral/event designers, wedding coordinators and even your lighting people and start to put your event together. As the saying goes... a picture is worth a thousand words.

Also of note: congratulations to Rebecca Hackl for launching the new version of her website. You can see it here. http://rebeccahacklevents.com/ Rebecca, Julian, and Nathan make a great team and if you are planning an event in the near future you should give them a call!

Damask: Take That!

2009-04-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

I know that you know that damask inspired prints have been all the rage for the last 9 months. Like a woman about to give birth, it is time for the old form to fade away and give rise to something new - but similar to the original.

Unfortunately, I found this dress on ProjectWedding.com and the designer was not credited. If anyone knows - send me an e-mail! umi@installationfloral.com

I love black and white as much as the next gal, but I'm excited to see a bold floral print in use that is a departure from it's fleur de lis be-speckled cousin.

Joe Wu Bridal Photography

2009-04-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

LOVE IT!!!

A New Twist on White

2009-04-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Your wedding can be white, and it can be feminine... and guess what... IT CAN HAVE STYLE TOO!

By the way, if you are in the DFW area you should check out the trunk show this weekend at Patsy's Bridal , it is for Marisa

Featured on "Abby Loves"

2009-03-31T07:34:00.001-07:00

SMP Loves…Floral Blogs!

Do you guys ever check out our vendor blogs? There is SUCH amazing inspirations found inside, especially in some of the Little Black Book florist blogs. Currently loving Blush Floral Design, Installation Floral, La Partie Events and Whimsy Floral & Design…tons of really great ideas for any wedding. Grab some coffee (or a cocktail…it’s FRIDAY people!) and spend some time being inspired! Image by Blush Floral Design.

Rustic Wedding

2009-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Floral Design: Installation Floral
Designer: Umi Brochstein, October 2008
Photographer: Manny Rodriguez

Faerie Godmother?

2009-03-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

From Vera Wang's 2009 Spring collection. I'm having a hard time envisioning this dress in use as a bridesmaid dress, but I like it! If Arwen Evenstar was going to get married then her bridesmaids would wear this dress (yes, I am a secretly an LOTR nerd).

Here's why I like this dress: It flows from layer to layer without looking like it is trying to imitate a 4 layer cake. Three different colors play together without competing, and without looking garish. The back is fairly traditional looking and may lead one to believe that a tight sweetheart neckline is hiding in the front, but instead, I am pleasantly surprised to see a neckline that is visually appealing, while remaining simple and unobtrusive.

Because let's face it - as a bride, you want your bridesmaid to look good - but not as good as you. Banish the plunging necklines, cocktail length dresses and any other cuts that might make your maid of honor the center of attention!

If all else fails, dress them up like they are going to a Renaissance fair.

Iron Curtain No-More

2009-03-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

The refined collection of Roxolana BOHUTSKA
reminded everyone that every woman
is a hunter at heart at Ukraine's 2008 Fashion Week.

Texture, fabulousness, form and function. Ed Hardy - eat your heart out.

Yes, it is me.

2009-03-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

From Dallas Brides, Dec 2008

Planning Wedding = Nesting Instinct

2009-02-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy of Chewing the Cud

With shows about Bridezillas, and Nightmare Weddings - it is just as likely that a bride will feel self conscious about her wedding, as it is for her to go crazy with it. In fact, many of the brides I work with are overly apologetic about things such as "wasting my time," or "being too picky."

It's your party girls - live it!

Let's face it, women are all a little bit crazy when it comes to getting hitched, but I would like to argue that there is historical precedent for this!

In Europe, and even in the frontier days of America, it was common for a woman's mother to start her dowry or dowry chest when she was an infant. Women learn to anticipate this great coming together, where a woman leaves her tribe and joins that of another. She prepares for it mentally, and in many countries and cultures women still make physical preparations such as amassing linens and household items to bring with her to new her home.

In modern America most women do not have a dowry chest. We do not sit around coal burning stoves and embroider pillow cases for a future life we don't even have a glimpse of yet. In fact, most psychologists would probably deem this type of anticipation unhealthy.

Despite the possibility of running amok against 100 years of psychological research, the secret anthropologist in me sees the parallel between getting married and the nesting instinct and finds it to be a beautiful expression of love, and emerging independence.

Planning a wedding is a chance for a woman to show her family, her friends, and most of all - her husband - how seriously she takes their marriage and partnership.

If you need help relating to your future bride, or sister who is getting married, or best friend, then picture this:

A blue jay building her nest, frantically adding scraps of newspaper, pieces of grass, old leaves and even her own feathers! She is past the mating stage. She is finished preening for on-lookers and potential suitors. She is now in the process of making her bed, so that she can lie in it.

Getting married is the first phase in building a home with your new partner, and best friend. There's no shame in that!

Happy Valentine's Day !

2009-02-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.
Rainer Maria Rilke

Kryptonite

2009-02-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

Photos: Jill Broussard
p.s. peep her new BLOG

Here was my submission piece for the Feb NACE meeting held at Ducky Bob's here in Dallas.

Components: slag glass, LED lights, pink roses, milk glass pedestal bowl.

My table theme was: A socialite is turning 50 and is throwing herself a birthday party. She wants it to speak of vintage Hollywood Glamour and she is fascinated with Marilyn Monroe. She also wants a centerpiece design that no one has seen before.

So - I also made individual place card settings for each guest using Marilyn's pic, and tucked a rose into each napkin ring.

The lighting was pretty bad inside of the showroom, but hopefully some pics of the piece on the table will surface shortly.

Why Fashion Matters (to me)

2009-02-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

I am in love with Oscar de la Renta.

Two weeks ago I was walking through Northpark Mall and was transfixed by a beautiful blue and white strapless gown. I have not been able to find a photo of it since then on either Oscar's website or through any of their other vendors. It was stunning.

And although I have no doubt that this gown was probably more than $5,000.00 - it made me happy to look at it. I thought about that gown for the rest of the day. It was an art piece. The lines were thoughtful and crisp. The colors were simple but striking. It was not gaudy and it was not loud - but if a woman walked into a party wearing this gown there would be no ignoring her.

It was classic. It was playful. It was inspiring.

These three traits are the reason that fashion matters to me. It's a collage of both mass opinion and creativity. We wear it. We live in it. We agonize over it. We celebrate it.

Enjoy this Grecian gown from the Spring 2009 ready to wear line.

Lovely. Impractical. Luxe.

Welcome to Dalllas - Wedding Party Studio!

2009-01-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

If you are a bride getting married in the Big D then you will definitely want to check out The Wedding Party Studio.

TWP Studio is located inside of Blush Couture (one of the most awesome bridal shops in Dallas). TWP has a sitting room area they call "The Library" and this consists of portfolios of vendors from all categories including floral, catering, event planning, party rentals, etc. The vendors have been hand picked by Robin and Naomi to represent a sample of the creme de la creme of the Dallas wedding planning community.

Another great aspect of TWP Studio is their show room which features everything from custom bridal shoes, to stationary, to jewelry. Everything you need to personalize your big day.

The Library officially opens in early February, but don't be shy about stopping by Blush Couture to take a sneak preview of the Studio and enjoy the gorgeous gowns at Blush.

http://www.theweddingpartystudio.com
http://twpstudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.blushcouture.com/

Calla Staircase

2008-12-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

Coming for Valentine's Day 2009: Calla Staircase, by Margaret Box

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share pics from a recent event, this past Sunday at the Tower Club, in Downtown Dallas. Professional pics to arrive in the New Year!

Red and White Anemone, White Hydrangea, Pyrocantha berries, Un-named grape colored berries, cedar, juniper berries, hyacinth, feathers, tulips, green kale, Casablanca lilies, plumosa fern, tree fern, Granny Smith Apples

Congrats to Eric & Maria!

2008-12-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

12.06.2008

Maria and Eric were married at the Weisfeld Center in Dallas, Texas. I have not had the pleasure of seeing the professional photos yet, but even these quick snapshots convey what a fun, playful, and unique vision Maria (an elementary school art specialist) dreamed up to celebrate their nuptials.

We also incorporated a patch from Maria's grandfather's military service uniform from WW II as an honorable tribute to her relationship with him. The bridal bouquet used a white ribbon to reflect her German heritage.

The table settings are paves of amaryllis and green spider mum in stainless steel cubes. The uber-linear design played very well against the period stainglass in the reception hall.

Congratulations to Eric & Maria!

Poinsettia Care

2008-12-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

That special time of year is here! Here is information you need to know how to care for your poinsettias.

If you buy your plant from the store, remove the plastic sleeve as soon as you get home and water thoroughly.
Display your plants in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight which can burn the bracts.
Avoid drafty locations, where either hot or cold air will blow directly on your plant.
The best temperatures for poinsettias are between 65-75 degrees. Do not exposure your plant to temperatures below 50 degrees.
Keep soil moist to the touch, but don’t allow it to become soggy or sit in water.
Remember: Poinsettias are toxic to animals!!!

What if I want to cut my poinsettia and put it into an arrangement?

First singe the ends for 30 seconds over an open flame to prevent the milky-sap from leaking out into your arrangement. This leakage is toxic to other plants and will cause your poinsettia blooms to dehydrate quickly!

ATribute

2008-11-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

We were challenged to make a piece this week for a certain special someone at Barney's NY. We came up with two ideas and the one in the black vase won. The other one - which we knew was over the top to begin with, is now gracing our store front window to welcome holiday shoppers on Friday. Why so obnoxious? The challenge we were given was to create a design the matched Barney's decor. This holiday season their decor looks like my grandmother's craft bag exploded on a warehouse full of Helmut Lang.

Czarina Umi

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Flowers

2008-11-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was sitting down to write a post with advice for brides who are beginning to plan their big events for the Spring when I happened upon this article by Karen. She said it so well I thought I'd just let her do the talking...

Excerpted from Simply Stunning Wedding Flowers by Karen Bussen:

"Pruning your Blossoming Budget"

Stay seasonal:

If you've chosen a date and a location, use flowers that are readily available rather than fancy imported blooms. Peonies, like many other special flowers, including dahlias, cosmos, lilies of the valley, amaryllises, ranunculuses, and hyacinths are only in season during certain months and can be unavailable - or a lot more expensive - in between growing periods.

Don't overdecorate your ceremony.

Think of your flowers as a tribute, not as an opportunity for excess. Create a beautiful backdrop for your vow space, and place something special at the beginning of the aisle to mark your entrance. Avoid sight-blocking arrangements at all cost.

Banish random decor.

Stay away from pedestals and small arrangments placed here and there. These random elements tend to disappear in a party space. Instead, concentrate on areas that are focal points (fireplaces, entrances, escort card table, and so on) and create something spectacular there.

Think double-duty.

Design clever details you can use twice. Don't, however, move arrangements from your ceremony to your reception if it will make for akward timing or will impact your guests ("Excuse me, Aunt Betty, can you move so the florist can grab that aisle marker?)

Remember, some holidays affect flower prices.

In general, flowers (and sometimes design-labor charges) are more costly around Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

And I'd also like to add:

When you visit your florist, try to bring a few tears from magazines or pictures from the internet. It is likely that your floral designer has a certain style of his or her own. It will help the both of you determine whether or not you are a good fit for one another.

Feel comfortable asking questions about pricing up front, and if you know that you have a strict budget don't be embarassed. Being forth coming will take pressure off of you and save everyone involved from persuing options that aren't realistic possibilites.

And lastly, be open to the unexpected!

Part II of pics

2008-11-17T09:20:00.001-08:00

Credit: Real Simple Weddings

Credit: Four Season's Paris

Inspirations for a New Texan!

2008-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

Credit:

Photography: Jill Broussard

Model: Miriana Andreeva

Credit: Magazine Tear

I'm posting pics for a friend. Above are pictures for her (and your) perusal. She hails from the North East and is in the midst of planning a wedding! How difficult in a new city. Our goal today is to show her a few directions she can move in and give her a leg up in the planning process!

coming soon....

2008-11-17T08:26:00.001-08:00

This week we will post pictures from the Oak Cliff Home Tour, Laura & George's wedding this past Friday, and a few sample Thanksgiving centerpieces that are a new take on old classics.

As engagement season gears up in Texas I will also be sharing some advice on how to pick your flowers and the florist that is the right fit for you. It will include a list of questions to ask, and answers to look for to make sure that your florist understands you.

In the meantime, enjoy this quote from Real Simple Weddings:

Jewel Tones!

2008-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just because Fall is here doesn't mean all the colors have to dry up. Fall opens up an entirely different rich color palette from the Summer because it is finally cool enough again for places like Holland and the Mid-West to start producing peonies, agapanthus, hyacinths and other cold-weather loving flowers.

The celosia and cymbidium combination really anchor this arrangement while allowing the airy agapanthus to act like an exclamation point at the end of a well-crafted declarative statement.

Rebecca Harvey Tea Pots coming soon!

2008-10-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Arriving in November, just in time for the Christmas Holidays, are lovely tea pots and vases by UK ceramic artist Rebecca Harvey. Check with just after Thanksgiving to snag one of these delightful vessels!

Featured flowers: Anemones

Love Potion No. 9

2008-10-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, that was trite. But seriously... a really cool gift is to give your loved one one of these vintage medicine bottles. In the shop we have ones that even have funny phrases stamped into the glass such as "Kills Pain." So whether your best friend is suffering through an awful break-up, or you want to convince your lover that you are the only medicine he will ever need... one of these old tincture bottles might be just what the doctor ordered!

Fall is here!

2008-10-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Let chocolate cosmos and orange unique roses welcome the Fall breeze into your home. Friends don't let friends use artificial wreaths!

Welcome Green Pet!

2008-10-08T16:10:00.001-07:00

Installation Floral would like to welcome Green Pet to Bishop Arts!

Dueling Lobsters: A Surreal Battle

2008-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Lobster Fishers

Baskets on the dock
Set for tomorrows harvest
Noisy seagulls watch

Credits:
poem: http://myhaikutoday.blogspot.com
photographer: Jill Broussard, http://www.jillbroussard.com/
design: Installation Floral, 08.23.08, Umi and Margaret

A little bit goes a long way

2008-09-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hiring a good designer involves more than just getting the most flowers for the least amount of money. Your event floral designer should be more of a style coach or fashion architect. You need to comfortable letting your designer tell you when ideas are not okay. For example, this ceramic vase by Joanna Kramer asks only for the most delicate of flourishes. You put one red rose into the neck and it will look like something a second grader made in art class for Valentine's Day.

Pics from Sunday's TBT Event

2008-09-23T15:03:00.001-07:00

These photos were taken at the IF Workshop before taking them to the Mansion for Sunday's brunch. The colors were chosen to compliment the celadon green table linens and red carpet in the Promenade Room.

Texas Ballet Theater @ The Mansion

2008-09-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

This Sunday at 11 AM The Mansion at Turtle Creek will be hosting a brunch to benefit the Texas Ballet Theater. Tickets are $75.00 person and walk-ins are welcome. There will be a silent auction and a fabulous buffet.

Hydrangeas!

2008-09-17T11:51:00.001-07:00

There is a new alternative to Fall color schemes. Thanks to the antique hydrangea and green houses throughout the world, Spring flowers such as hyacinths are available almost year round.

I think the antique hyrangea says Fall in a way that is feminine, chic, and playful without slapping you in the face with a big orange pumpkin and sunflowers.

umi@installationfloral.com

Texas Ballet Theater Opening Gala

2008-09-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

These pics are from the Texas Ballet Theater's Opening Gala, held Friday September 12th at the Majestic Theater in Dallas.

We loved the performance, and look forward to their October show!

Umi
http://installationfloral.com
umi@installationfloral.com

Gift Boxes!

2008-09-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Pic from our recent gift boxes provided at the Sip & See event to raise awareness for the American Foundation for the Blind.

http://www.afb.org/

For those of you that don't know, there is a great resource right here in Dallas, TX on Able Ln. The AFB offers a resource center that focuses on independent living and showcases products and tools to help people with vision impairment learn to live independently!

Gift Box Contents: Samples of Chrysanthemum Tea to benefit tired eyes!!! How appropriate.

Cattle Call

2008-09-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Something for Texas

2008-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic from a recent event we did for the American Foundation for the Blind. It is a centerpiece featuring good ol' Texas cattle. They are wearing necklaces made from copper wire and oncidium orchids, and are trudging through a bed of magenta carnations.

I try to do serious work. I honestly do. I sit and I try to force my brain to dream up enormously tall arrangements of pink roses and stargazers, and instead... my brain gives me cows. What is a girl to do?

Umi@installationfloral.com