Vendor Spotlight: Fleurs NYC

Original, distinctive and totally unique is what Fleurs NYC is all about. Jessy, owner and designer of Fleurs NYC has an amazing eye for style and design. She describes her style as "organic glam", which hits the nail right on the head. I had a chance to chat with Jessy a little bit about her company and all things floral and loved what she had to say!



Zenadia Design: How did you get started in the floral design industry?
Jessy @ Fleurs: I was teaching English in Japan, and the lovely people in my town forced a lesson on me by a nationally recognized ikebana instructor. I had no interest at all, and tried to put it off many times! But after a while, I began to realize that I was being rude, by declining- so I relented, and found it to be life changing!


ZD: Your designs are so cutting edge and stunning! What inspires your creations?
J@F: Thanks for that compliment! Well, I am inspired mostly by my brides. I ask them to come to my consultations with pictures that show the vibe they are trying to have for that day. I ask them how they want their guests to feel when they walk in the room- like a multi-cultural fantasy, like ABC Carpet and Home, or eco-chic like West Elm furniture, or country elegance like Martha Stewart. It is easy to get the feeling associated to an established brand- the word “Beautiful” can mean so many things to so many people.
So, that said, we find something in the photos that we find absolutely stunning, and build from there. And I love nature- so I try to use things that will inspire a natural feel, like driftwood, moss, branches.

ZD: What is unique about your company?
J@F: Not sure, really- there are so many wonderful companies! I think my style makes me unique. The brides that come to me like my style- organic glam!

ZD: Do you have a favorite wedding or floral arrangement you have worked on?
J@F: Yes, definitely, it was at the Altman building in New York City. We used lots of dogwood branches, nubby silk chocolate brown runners, lots of birch bark, creamy yellow garden roses! It was a space that is incredible- New York, chic- but needed warming, so we bought the outdoors in!

ZD: What is your best piece of advice to brides planning their special day?
J@F: Well, floral and décor wise, try not to get too attached to a particular flower. That one can be the one that breaks the budget! Instead, see what kind of feeling you would like to paint, and use a variety of materials to get that feel. So, instead of using a long container filled with peonies down the center of a banquet table, use a runner, roses, hydrangea, and a few peonies all in that color! The feel will be the same, and no one will notice!











Images 1-7 by Still Photography Images 8-9 by Lily Kesselman.

Thank you so much, Jessy, for sharing your thoughts and beautiful work with us today!!

Vendor Spotlight: Studio Stems

Studio Stems, a floral design studio based in Utah, is all about innovative and fresh ideas. Their floral designs are the definition of chic, and all have a modern yet classic vibe about them. Audrey, owner and designer of Studio Stems, was more than happy to accommodate us with more information about Studio Stems and some beautiful images of her amazing work. So without further ado, lets get to know Audrey a little bit better!



Zenadia: How did you get started in the floral design industry?
Audrey: i have an entrepreneur spirit, at the tender age of 19 i decided to venture out and create some sort of design business because that's what i was good at. i think with the creative area of my brain for the most part. a local wholesale flower warehouse was hiring for seasonal help at the time and it pointed me in the right direction as well as provided me a good education on flowers and their care. i started studio stems shortly thereafter and its been almost 10 years now.

Z:Your designs are so fresh and unique. Tell us a little bit about where you find your inspiration.
A: inspiration comes from so many different places, i would say first and for most it just flows from my brain as i try to create the mood my client wants at their wedding while i design for them, music plays a big role in this for me. i usually set out my books with simple pictures of every flower possible in front of me and i just start sketching away. the internet essentially puts the world at my fingertips, that's helpful! but i also get inspiration in other artists work.


Z: What are some of your favorite flowers and colors to work with?
A: i have always said if i was to get married again myself i would be in a world of hurt because i know i couldn't decide! so that being said i would say that mostly my fav color & color to work with is black. as for flowers, i always enjoy working with something i never have before, this is becoming hard to do these days though. i love calla's in all their simplicity and i love using monochromatic designs.

Z: How are you able to work with brides on a budget who still want something unique and beautiful?
A: that's the key - as long as the bride wants something unique and beautiful its absolutely doable, if the client is just a penny pincher and they don't appreciate art then those are the budget clients i cant work with. its easy to create powerful yet unique designs with profound flowers and colors. a client on a budget needs to be willing to let me be creative and open to design options.

Z: When not creating beautiful floral designs, what might we find you doing?
A: well that's easy in the winter no doubt you will find me snowboarding on a daily basis at least for a few hours! but family comes first actually and more than likely i am hanging with my 3 kiddos and hubby. i really look forward to enjoying my friends as well.

Thanks so much, Audrey! Now lets take a look at some of Studio Stems amazing work! Be sure to check out their website as well.

Vendor Spotlight: Tonya Joy Photography

Intimate, colorful and full of personality is how I would describe a picture taken by Tonya Joy. Each and every image she captures is full of life and love. Her use of light is exquisite, and her creative ability to encompass a couples personality in each image is unparalleled.
When I contacted Tonya about doing a vendor spotlight she was more than happy to comply. So lets sit back and get to know Tonya a little bit better!



Zenadia Design: How did you get started in photography?
Tonya: Serendipity...we lost our family camera at Sea World and I decided to upgrade the point and shoot to a DSLR. I never thought I would make it a business, but I fell in love immediately! I love meeting new people, capturing beauty in time, and sharing in the most incredible days in people's lives. I am blessed to witness love, family, and joy.

ZD: The lighting in your pictures is so amazing. What inspires you as you are photographing?
T: I am inspired to find beauty in everything around us. A camera can bring out beauty in the most unsuspecting places and I love that! I always have an open mind and go with my instincts. I love color, pattern, and light. The sun is a powerful tool and can breath life into any image...

ZD: What is your approach to working with couples?
T: I want them to be comfortable with me. I try to make it fun...to bring out their passion and love for each other. I want them to laugh, flirt, and show me who they really are. If I can capture love in it's most honest form, a man holding the woman he can't stand to live a day without, and a woman realizing that she is the most beautiful girl in the world then I consider myself a success.

ZD: When not taking pictures, what might we find you doing?
T: Busy, busy, busy...taking care of my beautiful little girls and home. I have many passions including sewing, home decorating, graphic design, and fitness. My greatest goal is to enjoy the creative talents I have been blessed to enjoy while maintaining a crisp focus on what is most important in my life...my family.

Thank you so much, Tonya! Now lets enjoy some of Tonya's beautiful work!



















Thank you so much, Tonya for sharing these wonderful images with us! You truly have a passion for what you do which is evident in every image you capture.

Vendor Spotlight: Ban.do

Jen and Jamie, two amazingly talented stylists from Los Angeles, have recently launched their brand new accessories line, ban.do. If you are an avid wedding blog reader, you are probably already aware of this amazing duo. If not, get ready to see some amazing works of art. Each ban.do is completely handmade using "totally awesome" material. They remind me of the 1920's era, and are so unique and stylish.
In an effort to get to know Jen and Jamie a little bit better, I asked them a few questions about their new business and what inspires them.



Zenadia Design: What inspired you to start your own business making these beautiful accessories?
Jen and Jamie: Well, that's a great question. I think we both really love fashion and we both really love attention. Creating these headbands was a way to encompass both. The funny thing is that we both made ourselves headbands without ever mentioning it to the other. Once we realized that, we knew we had to jump on the idea asap. And so it began.

Z: Your ban.dos are so unique and have such vintage appeal. Tell us a little bit about where you find inspiration for each piece.
J&J: Those ban.dos have been floating around in our collective consciousness for a while now. Mainly because our jobs expose us to fashion (both new and vintage), color, fabrics, etc. Rather than being inspired separately for each piece, I think we are inspired for the collection. We are both always on the look out for beautiful ribbon and tulle, vintage brooches, amazing silk flowers, feathers, and when we find something we like, we grab it. Then we get together with all of our yummy goodness and create. It is very free and open. We just see where the materials take us. And we should add, that we usually drink champagne while doing so. Maybe the champagne should be on the inspiration list.

Z: Besides being perfect for weddings, where do you envision these works of art being worn?
J&J: Certainly a lot of the pieces are not for the faint of heart. They are for girls who want a fashion adventure. We think they are perfect for birthdays, parties, gallery openings, or even just for going to the supermarket. Although we may be the only two people who would actually embrace the supermarket part.

Thanks so much, Jen and Jamie! You work is truly amazing!

Vendor Spotlight: Organic Elements

Based in San Diego, California, Organic Elements is a unique floral design company that not only strives make your event their best one yet, they also work with hand picked organic elements to bring your vision to life. By limiting water use, recycling, The Ten Tree Exchange and composting, Organic Elements is working to help our earth while still creating beatiful floral arrangments from what mother nature has to offer.
Sharon, head designer at Organic Elements, has been kind enough to offer us some of her tips on choosing a floral designer and working within a budget, as well as some fun information about Organic Elements.

Zenadia Design: Tell us a little bit about Organic Elements, and how you are working to help our environment.
Sharon: Well, we try to limit our negative impact in several different ways. Regardless of client request, we recycle paper, plastic and water; compost; conserve paper, electricity and water; collect rain water (on the rare occasion that it does rain here); and replant/grow succulents. Upon client request we can also acquire recycled materials containers, Verifloral and organic flowers to work with. Additionally we offer two distinct items in our "green line". We offer our Organic Elements Succulent Bowl, as a centerpiece or as a bridal bouquet, allowing the bride to plant her bouquet after the wedding and have a plant growing along side the marriage. We also have a reforestation program called The Ten Tree Exchange, this allows couples to choose to have trees planted in their name helping the world and indigenous areas of South America.

Z: What are your favorite flowers and colors to work with?
S: I'm a sucker for color. My favorite color combo is still bright green, orange and hot pink- it's a winner every time. Favorite flowers? I like succulents, cymbidium orchids, dahlias, local lilac (when in season), pin cushion proteas, hydrangea, freesia, hyacinth... there are too many to list.

Z: You include such fun and unexpected elements into your designs. Where do you find inspiration your inspiration?
S: Thanks! Fashion, nature and European floral magazines.

Z: How are you able to work with brides on a budget who still want something unique and beautiful?
S: We try to keep it simple, trying not to add a bunch of elements that you think you're supposed to have due to tradition. Pick out the elements that you want to spend your money on and put them there. And when a unique idea comes into play, concept will win out over product allowing you to create a fun look without spending too much.

Z: What should brides look for when choosing a floral designer?
S: Don't try to make a comedic actress perform a drama. Find a florist who's style already matches your own. Look for a large body of work of which at least some is consistent with what you're looking; both to make sure that you two are a match but also to see that they do indeed have significant experience in their field. It's possible that you can make a company be who their not, but why add on that kind of stress? Believe me, you'll have enough either way.

Thanks so much, Sharon! Your work is truly inspiring. Now lets take a look at some of that inspiring work! Be sure to check out Organic Elements website for more wonderful pictures.

Vendor Spotlight: Lisa of Oh How Charming

Lavish, unique and unexpected is how I would describe an event put on by Lisa Vorce, of Oh How Charming. When I was first introduced to Lisa's events, I was awe struck. Her events are so stunning and unique. They are definitely not your "cookie cutter" wedding and that's what I love so much about them. As Lisa puts it so perfectly, "...my events tend to take more of a hip dinner party vibe, than a wedding vibe."
I was so excited when Lisa agreed to be featured on Zenadia Design! She is such an amazing talent in the wedding industry and I am so excited to have her as my featured guest! So without further ado, I give you Lisa Vorce, of Oh How Charming!

Zenadia Design: How did you get started in event planning & design?
Lisa: My background is in technical consulting. Spent several years at both IBM and Intel doing consulting for them. I was making a ton of money - but was very ill-fitted for the I.T. industry, so after 5 years I quit. Started doing events for fun while I was "soul searching". Through a family connection, my first event was a birthday celebration for Nina Clooney (George's mom). I was fearless when I started. Kind of dove in head first with zero experience or knowledge. (For the record...I don't recommend this approach!). I love making people happy - so that was really my M.O. The fact that I had no idea what I was doing never even crossed my mind. My first event was a huge success and things just unfolded from there. I worked insane hours 7 days a week to get where I am now. I had a lot of things to learn along the way!

Z: Your events are so lavish and unique, without being overdone. Tell us a little bit about where you find your inspiration?
L: My primary source of inspiration really comes from understanding my clients. I spend a lot of time listening to my clients and getting to know them so I can infuse their personalities, style, culture, etc into their event. When I design - I am designing with each personality in mind. I truly understand who my clients are at their core - so it's easy to pull together elements that I know will move them and will be beautiful to them. Most of my clients have a very "non-bridal" sensibility to them - so my events tend to take more of a hip dinner party vibe, than a wedding vibe. When I'm pulling together design elements for my clients - I get my inspiration from so many different sources -- fabrics, jewelry, china patterns, architecture, interior design, art, etc. My brain is constantly translating every day elements into event concepts. For example - I'll see a beautiful pattern on a dress and my brain automatically starts to translate it into an amazing patterned aisle runner.

Z: What advice/suggestions can you give to couples who are on a budget.
L: Prioritize and simplify. Pick a few core elements and rock them out. For example - simplify your florals but put them in an extraordinary vessel. No matter what budget your working within -- spend time with your family and guests and truly celebrate with them! That's really what it's all about, and that's what makes a great party.

Z: What is your favorite part of your job?
L: Can't limit it to one thing! I love being able to create on a daily basis. I love being able to travel around the world and work with different personalities and different cultures. I love my amazingly talented staff and team of vendors. I love being the last person the bride talks to before she walks down the aisle. I love creating beautiful environments for people. If I had to pick one thing -- I think it would be the element of making people happy. It's so amazing to watch 150 + people have the time of their life at one of our events.

Thank you so much, Lisa! You are so talented and provide such inspiration to brides out there as well as myself. (You make me want to throw more parties so I can decorate!)
Alright now lets take a look at some of Lisa's amazing events. Click on each board to zoom in for more detail. Also, make sure you visit her website for more wonderful inspiration!







Photography Credits:
First board all photos by Megan Sorel. Boards two and three all photos by Aaron Delesie. Boards four, five and six all photos by Elizabeth Messina.