Could there by anything better than a delicate cupcake with generous swirls of rich icing on top? I’ve had a great pleasure of working with Amy, of Amy Bakes Cupcakes, in the last year and half on several mutual weddings. First introduced to her decadence at my favorite little hole in the wall haunt down town – Granada Bistro (think, tiny Parisienne salon, remarkable wine list, ridiculous cheese samplings and sensational panini sandwiches). Her inspired offerings immediately grab your senses – just hearing the list of flavors can begin the salivary yearning. These are no ordinary cupcakes! Chocolate Merlot, Salted Caramel, Bumble Bee (honey & lavender) & Blackberry Port Chocolate, to name just a few of her standard flavors.
And here’s the big thing… she has perfected recipes that are vegan & gluten-free! Have party guests with dietary preferences? Recently, I hosted a sweet 16 brunch at my home for my niece who happens to have celiac disease (gluten intollerence). It has always been rough for Skylar at family celebrations, as a good dose of wheat flour is included in most sweet treats. I ordered several flavors of Amy’s small cupcakes AND lemon bars – all gluten-free. They were fantastic and my nice Skylar was completely delighted. Everyone completely enjoyed the varieties and savored each little morsel.
Definitely check out what Amy can bring to the dessert table for your next party or celebration.
About a year ago, someone sent me a little blurb at the bottom of one of my market lists that really sparked a little fire in me. Suddenly, I realized I’d blown almost two hours, going on my own little history adventure on the web, crunching through everything I could find on this history of the Tulip. Two of my favorite interests – coming together, history and flowers – c’est fantastique! OK – admittedly, I’m a bit of a dork – but for me, knowing the origin of some of the blooms that I’m styling into lush bride’s bouquets – makes them living and breathing with great meaning.
And so begins another feature on our blog. Check back in for more results from my exciting little adventure into Blooming History.
Around here – spring brings an abundance of tulips fresh from the local fields. Tulipmania – indeed! The first of which was in Dutch Golden Age in about 1637 when the price of a tulip contract was sold for 10 times the annual salary of a skilled worker. Thus – one of the first economic bubbles, built on speculation, that eventually burst. Introduced to Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the late 1500s, the bulbs became a prized commodity and a status symbol. Probably in a precursor to Valentines day, many noblemen rushed with anticipation to be the first to place the newest, rarest tulip in their loved ones bossom at the courts of Versailles to win her affection. Meow! It is also believed that the tulip could have been one of the original species from the Garden of Eden.
So – those are just a few juicy tulip tid bits! To find more details, check out Tulip Mania @ Wikipedia or Tulipomania @ History House.
Below, an incredible example of the great Dutch Painters – Still Life 1669 by Maria Oosterwijck – inspired by the tulip. These paintings are simply mesmerizing. I’m quite sure I could spend days just contemplating them all – but wedding season is calling! Enjoy.
The wonderful Preston Bailey recently posted some interesting information about the blooms that he is most asked for by his clients from around the globe. Pretty interesting stuff when you think about trends. I happen to think that designed well, almost anything can be beautiful and stunning – the right application is key.
These are Preston’s results: (remember he is on the other coast) along with my own notes on what we’re doing going into wedding season on the beautiful Central Coast.
- Roses – In: I’m especially in love with the big voluptuous English Garden roses we’re getting from a variety of growers in California. We often substitute them for peonies when they are out of season. Added benefit – they smell amazing!
- Amaryllis – In: We like them best in “over the top” bridal bouquets or in ultra clean and modern centerpieces in a minimalist vase. This also happens to be my favorite Christmas gift to give – in bulb form.
- Tulips – In: (especially parrots) Admittedly, I do have a serious thing with parrot tulips – I try to suggest them as much as possible – the dark midnight red ones are my absolute favorite – followed in a very close second to the green ones. They remind me of the old Dutch painter’s iconic still life paintings – the ones I “doddle” over in a museum as my husband is trying to move on.
- Dahlias – Out: We actually have seen a consistent interest in dahlias for weddings in the mid to late season. We work the dark bordeaux ones into winery wedding bouquets and our new favorite are the button ones (white) that are so exquisite in shape. These are also locally grown and really cut our carbon foot print as we don’t have to ship them in.
For more incredible event and trend tips and design, be sure to visit Preston Baily’s blog – or better yet, check out his books. They are all incredible – of course my copies are all personally autographed I’m happy to share!
I love to call them midnight purple tulips – they are exquisite, delicate, dark beauties. They mix well with shades of purple, lavender and my favorite: green! The darkness adds wonderful dimension to a bouquet that is tonally one dimensional. One of my favorite combinations is dark schwartzwalder calla lilies mixed with the tulips of the same color.
Chloe Murdoch of Mike Larson Inc. recently shot these photos of one of our bridal bouquets.
