Rehearsal Dinner – The Leland Fly Fishing Ranch, Sonoma

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Kathleen

The rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, it is hosted by the groom’s family the evening before the wedding. Its intent and its reason for celebration is to welcome and give thanks to the couple’s bridal party, and select family members.

Here in contemporary times, it can be an intimate or grand event, and it can welcome a wide variety of both local and out of town wedding guests.

Back then and now, simply and fully, it’s a special time for the couple to bring their two groups of loved ones, together as one.

This past September, we had the pleasure of helping Jessica and Dudley with their rehearsal dinner at The Leland Fly Fishing Ranch, Highway 121, Sonoma, California. The talent, grace, steadfastness, and creativity of planner extraordinaire, Kathy Goodman, Well Rehearsed, led us each and every step of the way.

A special cat story, of course: the Ranch is home to two feline residents, Coho and Marlin. All of us vendors who “worked” with the cats that evening, grew quite smitten with their endearing presence and activities. As the Kate’s Blossoms team headed onto Highway 121, at the close of the event, we heard a rustling noise, a prrhty cat trill, followed by a cat jumping into the driver’s seat with Kate. Coho had stowed away in the van and was looking for a road trip. Reluctantly and gladly, we returned her, and will see her again soon.

Many thanks to Laurel for sharing these wonderful images of a perfect summer night. Many thanks, also, to Jessica and Dudley’s rehearsal dinner team-

Kathy Goodman, Well Rehearsed

Laurel, Carrie, and Andy, The Leland Fly Fishing Ranch, Sonoma

Barbers-Q

Napa Valley Media

Cake Coquette

Classic Party Rentals

Posted in Centerpieces, Escort Cards, Rehearsal Dinner, Sonoma, Leland Ranch, Uncategorized, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs, Wine Country, Sonoma | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Amanda and Brandon, Happy First Anniversary

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Kathleen

“May 6, 2012” (Posted a bit early, to assure we meet this couple’s local time zones and their current, International Date Line status)

“A year ago today, one of our favorite girls married the man of her dreams in
the Shasta Valley, South of the Siskiyou Mountains.

Somebody who makes her laugh, and brings a good tear now and then. They keep
one another safe and warm.

We love you Amanda and Brandon. Happy First Wedding Anniversary”

Safely making the journey north into the mountains, the mountains being one
of her favorite places and a specialty, we thank Laura Kudritzki, Laura Kudritzki Photography for her talent and for sharing these wonderful photos of this very special
day.”

Posted in Uncategorized, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Boutonnieres | Leave a comment

A Wedding in the Napa Valley, Including Music from a Multitude of Guitars

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Kathleen

The Details at This Wedding were Extraordinary and they were Many-

-An Argentinian Bar-B-Q on a late Sunday, September afternoon, coordinated and styled by Andrea, prepared by Richard, Richard Visconte Catering. We still wonder what herbs and woods you were blending into the smoke of that grill.

-Completely epic grapes grown on the Oakville Crossroad, served as Cabernet . The color of the Cabernet, the dirt in which the vines made their way, downright beguiling.

-A stage of guitars set on their stands, awaiting the groom and his many musician friends, for their concert and celebration after dinner. I’d be remiss if I did not share: When we arrived to style the floral décor, the lyrics “Hey, it’s Kate, Welcome” got fit into a practice song. I felt sort of groovy.

-The leaves and fruits of autumn, with lots of flickering candlelight, adorning the farm tables set with La Tavola’s “Saltillo Natural”

Surpassing these Details, and Most Important, Carrie and Rick’s genuine zest and kindness for all people and all that they do, their love and respect for one another, before, during, and all days to follow, in tying the knot. I recall our work together, well before your wedding, with great thanks, as you showed all you met how to do this hospitality business work, right. I think of you both fondly and will see you again, Kate.

Special thanks to Andrea Visconte for sharing the lovely, on-site photos.

Posted in Centerpieces, Napa, Private Estate, Succulents, Uncategorized, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Boutonnieres, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs, Wine Country, Napa | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Local Locations – Mt. Tamalpais and Stinson Beach

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Kathleen

They celebrated their wedding ceremony on Mt. Tamalpais and hosted their dinner reception at the Stinson Beach Community Center. Each one of their family and friends played a part in making their wedding weekend an occasion to remember for all time. We had the pleasure of playing our floral part. Alison and Keith, I shall always remember you, quite fondly. A lifetime of good health, happiness, and those smiles for each other….

Posted in Marin, Mt. Tamalpais, Uncategorized, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Boutonnieres | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Winter Wedding at Cavallo Point, With Sunshine

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Kathleen

A Winter Wedding is not for the faint of heart, nor those who lack adventure sense. One never knows what Mother Nature will share on the chosen wedding day. “The elements” down by The Golden Gate, might include a marine layer, or heavy fog whorling some seriously heavy fog drops. Rain and wind? Could be gentle, or kind of forceful and challenging on the dress hems and ribbons. It’s winter in The Bay Area! Those of us at Cavallo Point, at Kate’s Blossoms, and our clients, know this and embrace it. It’s part of the details which makes the preparation & planning of a winter wedding, from start to finish, a bit more exciting, a bit more memorable, and quite fun.

In late January on a Sunday morning, we were all ready for what may have come our way. And, we smiled as we were greeted with clear sunshine, chilly breezes followed by warm ones from the South, and a chorus of Marin Headlands’ songbirds, including goldfinches, singing their beautiful songs. On the deck of the Mariposa Room, Cavallo Point, an intimate and tender ceremony was celebrated by Jackie and John, their son, their family, and their friends. I don’t think there was a dry eye on the deck. The celebration continued in the Mariposa Room, with a champagne brunch and a carrot cake. Thank you for letting us help you on this special day. Love and congratulations to you.

Kate’s Blossoms had the pleasure of working with Marielle Hayes, Marielle Hayes Photography. She did not miss a detail nor a moment, for Jackie and John to recall with these images, for all time. Continued and fond thanks to each and every, at Cavallo Point.


Posted in Centerpieces, Marin, Cavallo Point, Uncategorized, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Boutonnieres, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Family – Projects, Art, Flowers, Togetherness

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Kathleen

Each winter, just after Valentine’s Day and before the Bouquets to Art celebration at the de Young Museum, I close my studio for 2 weeks and journey to, fro, and within Washington State, as well as many points in between. Safe but lively travel through snowy mountain passes, Pinot Noir sipping and procurement in the Willamette Valley, brisk walks in Ashland, Oregon to admire the numerous stands of fully bloomed witch hazel trees, and an abundance of rest, reflection, planning, sketching are amongst the highlights. The best part, however, is time with my family and friends, back “home.”

This year’s trip furthered one of Kate’s current capital projects, a brand new, stylish, one-of-a-kind Wedding Arch-Chuppah. This wedding piece is comprised of four extremely heavy and solid iron stands, with a wide variety of poles, for both indoor and outdoor nuptials. We have just completed the first set of poles, four “tops” of a very large maple tree that fell in a windstorm on my brother’s beach. My brother and his chainsaw cut the best pieces into 9’ structures, where we configured and secured the tiny branches, into the main tree. These Four Tops will welcome flower and vine décor, as well as a couple’s Tallit, a prayer cloth across the top of the structure. Or, we will style flowers into an arch or trellis for a garden wedding. This project, still is new and in its baby steps. We will soon share photos of this structure, decorated and enjoyed, at our weddings this year.

Return to the studio took us right into the 2012 Bouquets to Art, de Young museum. This year’s floral installation interpreted “Still Life with Crabs on a Pewter Plate” by Abraham Mignon,1669-1672. My two sisters-in-law joined us for our yearly hoovala at the opening night gala, and, three generations of family traveled to the Bay Area, where I, one of four generations present that day, enjoyed them so.

The photographs which follow, show our family details, well.

Posted with fond thanks, gratitude, and with all my love, Kathleen


Posted in Bouquets to Art, de Young Museum, Uncategorized, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs | Leave a comment

“International Orange” at The Bay Model, Sausalito, California

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Kathleen

After two years of remodeling & construction, which included the addition of 2,500 solar panels on the rooftop, and more, The Bay Model in Sausalito “re-opened” their doors on Saturday, February 25. Park Manager, Ms. Christanne Gallagher and her staff welcomed the residents of Sausalito, the greater Bay area, and regional, government dignitaries. Kate’s Blossoms had the honor of styling and designing flowers for the reception, featuring posies of “International Orange” the color of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Bay Model was originally built in two sections. Construction of the first section began in 1956 and concluded in 1959. Work on the remaining section began in 1966 and completed in 1969.

The Model is a three-dimensional hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and the Delta areas, capable of simulating tides and currents, and provides scientific data crucial for water management in the Bay Area. The Model is over 1.5 acres in size and represents an area from the Pacific Ocean to Sacramento and Stockton, including: the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bays and a portion of the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta. The Bay Model is a remarkable, one of a kind teaching instrument for children and families, educators, and national and international public works and hazard specialists. Further, this site provides life protection and infrastructure, at the ready to assist with major disasters. And, their fleet of boats and scows provide debris removal from the greater San Francisco Bay, 365 days per year.

Posted in Centerpieces, Corporate Events, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Marin Magazine – Floral Designs for the “Spring in Bloom” Fashion Shoot

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Kathleen

Before the month of March slips by, we must share a report on the Bloomisphere, regarding a very excellent honor and achievement in our studio: the floral designs of Kate’s Blossoms were included on the March, 2012 cover of Marin Magazine! It was our second year helping the publisher, stylists, and photographer with the floral stylings at the Marin Magazine Spring Fashion shoot, this year, at the Marin Art and Garden Center.

The magazine described the shoot as such: “Spring in Bloom: Soft Pastels and bright florals adorn pieces with feminine flair…perfect for a sunny Marin garden party in the great outdoors.” We would agree.

Special thanks to the following folks: Publisher, Stephanie Ericson; Photographer, Ericka McConnell; Editor & Stylist, Veronica Sooley; Assistant Stylist, Leah-Marie; Anna, Bruce, Regina, and Magic the Cat, The Marin Art & Garden Center

A Post Script: All of us at the Kate’s Blossoms’ studio extend Special Congratulations to Anna, the staff, and the board at The Marin Art & Garden Center for their 2012 win as “Best Place for a Wedding” as confirmed by the readers of the Pacific Sun Magazine. Well done.

Posted in Marin Magazine, Marin, Marin Art and Garden Center | Tagged | Leave a comment

Mary Kate + Jack, Wedding Reception at The Olympic Club, Downtown San Francisco

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Kathleen

In early December of last year, Mary Kate and Jack exchanged their vows at St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco, followed by a dinner reception at The Olympic Club, around the corner from Union Square. Mary Kate wished for floral designs that were lush, textured, and festive, to complement the holiday season. And, she loved the color Red. Many years of happiness to you, Mary Kate and Jack.

Posted in Centerpieces, Holidays, San Francisco, The Olympic Club, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved – George Sand

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Kathleen

It’s Monday Morning in the Studio.

I Am – Watching and listening to the birds of creek, marsh, and nearby forest drop by for suet and seed on this cold Winter’s Day. A storm is coming our way tonight, a sou’easter. Glad to see our feathered friends are preparing for this tussle in nature.

I Look Ahead – To this next Tuesday, Valentine’s Day. I must take a bit of stock & inventory on our clean vases, tulip orders, pink and red raffia, special cards for enclosure messages. Telephone calls from young, old, and every age in between shall come our way. We’ll be ready to help.

I Recall – Decorating a shoe box with construction paper, tissue paper, and self adhesive, red foil heart stickers from “Hannah and Powell” Pharmacy. The purpose of the box – receipt and exchange of a small Valentine’s Day card with each child in my classroom at South Colby Elementary. Card distribution day, one of the few times we were all allowed out of our desks, at the same time. No running, pushing, or shoving. A big day for us youngsters. I also recall my mother and her red food coloring bottle, always able to mix the most festive color of pink for the top of a cupcake with the whirr of her hand-held, electric beater. Cupcakes, which were delivered to class, by Mom, so we had a party treat after the card exchange. In the forefront of my recollections today, however, is a story I read long ago in a magazine, about a little girl, whose assignment, along with her school chums, was decorating a shoe box for her receipt of Valentine’s cards in her class. The little girl never had a new pair of shoes, only seconds from her siblings, so a shoe box was not an option from her home. A classmate of this little girl learned of this, and took her home to her parent’s closet, where together, they procured and decorated together, two shoe boxes.

Here’s to sharing suet and seed, shoe boxes, love, kindness and help to other, each and every day.

-Kathleen

Posted in Uncategorized, Weddings, Bouquets, Weddings, Centerpieces & Display Designs | Leave a comment