Brown Bunny Flowers

January 21, 2012 - Sami and Michael

2012-01-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

Working on this beautiful wedding for Sami and Michael was the perfect start to this year for us. Sami envisioned a garden inspired wedding using creams, navy blue and chocolate brown. For her bouquet we used cabbage "David Austen" cream roses, ivory "Vendella" roses, white lisianthus and white spray roses with a touch of variegated petto greenery.

The bridesmaids wore gorgeous navy blue dresses and carried simple yet elegant bouquets with ivory roses and greenery.

Sami and Michael celebrated with family at the Clovis Memorial building in downtown Clovis. The ceremony was in a large airy room overlooking a beautiful park setting. We used our silk cypress trees with white lights to define the ceremony area. We also used our standing shepherds hooks with hanging french wire candle holders - we added silk ivory peonies and long ivory ribbons.

For a few of the guest tables we used our iron candelabras with soft florals and battery candles.

Vintage cream bird cages with silk flowers were used on a few of the tables. Thank you to my friend Kiley for loaning me this beautiful cage.

For the remainder of the tables we put together this fun and fresh arrangement of white stock, ivory roses and soft greenery.

El Matador

2012-01-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

I love art in our home. And I love thrift stores. So, as you can imagine, it was to my delight when I discovered a magazine article that talked about purchasing affordable art from the Goodwill! Basically the Goodwill Industries of America has a website much like ebay where you can bid on many home goods. Their section on art is always changing and has some very interesting items. I love it because so many things are really cheap! I found this awesome painting of a Matador last year. The painting cost me about $45 and it is about 3 1/2 feet tall by 2 1/2 feet wide.

Check out their website at http://www.shopgoodwill.com/ and see if you can't find something fun for your home too! Happy Hunting!

Creative Chalkboard Ideas

2012-01-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of years we have seen a major fascination with chalkboards - what used to be found only in schools has now become so popular for our homes. Chalkboards are fun, easy to make and give us a creative surface to make lists and doodle.

I wanted to share my own chalkboard project that we have in our entry. I purchased this old door from Habitat for Humanity's "ReStore". You can check out this interesting store for old doors, knobs, window frames, tiles and many other home improvement remnants. They are located on Clovis Avenue behind Lowe's at Shaw.

One thing I love about this door is that it can be moved around the house when needed. For the chalkboard part I used black chalkboard paint from Lowe"s. I applied 6 coats and let them dry for one day in between. To hold the kids chalk I tied a tin bucket painted gold to the open door knob hole.

I have also found this amazing chalkboard paint called "Annie Sloan's Chalkboard Paint." It comes in many shades and can also be used on furniture. It can be purchased locally from Vicki Shoemaker at the "3 Oaks Studio" in Clovis. Their phone number is (559)974-3208

{anniesloan.com}

A really cool idea for a door - hung sideways over a desk. I love this idea for a weekly calendar.

{serendipitous-life.tumblr.com}

I also found this door covering a storage space...love the old school green chalk paint used.

{thedesignbistroblog.com}

Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing a chalkboard door for your home.
I would love to make one for you! The price will run between $50-$80 each.

Hunting for Junk

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Had so much fun hunting for junk this past weekend. We have this super cute antiques store on the corner of Shaw and Academy called 2Sisters. They hold a monthly swap meet in their parking lot and it is worth the drive from town. I seriously look forward to it and mark my calendar each month! I spent $27 this Saturday and came away with some fun treasures.

Found these fun silver platters...thinking I might paint the middles with chalkboard paint to sell.

Snagged 2 of these burlap sacks...now looking for just the right chairs to cover for cute seat cushions.

On Friday, I had a few minutes {sans children} a rare celebration so I headed to the 4th Street Antiques shop in Old Town Clovis. Quickly grabbed these two owl bookends...I mean come on, so cute.

I have also been looking for these vintage molds...I am wanting to make a candle holder out of them...maybe for Valentines Day...hummm we shall see.

And lastly, I found this Cloche Dome with knob for a great price. I am such a sucker for twig nests and birds so that sealed the deal for sure!

Barn Party

2012-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

We are fortunate enough to have a really cool, clean barn on the property we rent. We get asked all the time if we rent it out for parties...sorry, but no we don't. Maybe we will have one of our own someday for events! Keep dreaming baby. I did however, want to share these fun photos of our end-of-the year party.

I have been meaning to share this fun new product I found this year at Micheals - they are LED lighted twig branches that come in chocolate brown or white and are powered by batteries.

Small gifts for the gals that keep Brown Bunny hoping all year!

After dinner we snacked on cupcakes from "Frosted Cakery".

Thank you girls for all your hard work this year!

My sister in law Coll with a picture she took that was printed for my office. So fun to have beautiful photographs of our work.

And lastly my sweet mom...my number one helper and cheer leader!

December 31, 2011 - Marjaree Mason Center New Year's Gala

2012-01-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to participate in the first annual Marjaree Mason Center New Year Eve's Gala at Copper River Country Club. We did some fun tall centerpieces using white painted sticks, glitter branches and mascaraed masks with black feathers. Our tall vases were also filled with clear stones and LED lights.

We also helped display these precious masks painted by ladies living at the center - each mask tells a story or recovery and hope.

Decorating for Christmas - Salvaged Iron Topiaries

2011-12-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our house has an open floor plan for the living and dining areas -- these are the two major areas where we spend most of our time and where I concentrate my decorating energy. Before the Christmas season, in the dining room, I had two of my silk topiary trees in these cool chocolate urns that I have had for ever.

When I started decorating I decided they needed a major face lift. So one night I had this "ah ha" moment. I envisioned old metal wire topiary's where I could close pin our annual Christmas cards. I'm not sure if the pictures do it justice but I am IN LOVE with these two totally {not-perfect} recycled metal topiary's. I'm thinking of keeping them all year to hold family snapshots.

Thanks to all our family and friends for sending Christmas cards this year. Our kids love getting them in the mail and pinning them to these metal trees.

A close up of the urn and wire. I love the patina of this old chicken wire.

Decorating for Christmas - paper garland sign

2011-12-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I have been inspired this year by all of the paper crafts available. The options at the craft store for fun decorative papers is staggering! I recently purchased a round paper punch to use for my business. I decided to use it to make a paper garland for our front entry way. I saw this idea in a crafting magazine. It was fun for the holidays but could easily be used for a birthday or other special occasion. I think Happy New Year would look cool too.

You will need fishing line, paper, round punch (or if you are really good with scissors you can cut out your own circles or squares), glue or double sided tape and pre-cut letters.

You will need 2 round circles for each letter. Place the fishing line down on a flat surface, lay one set of the rounds even spaced along the fishing line, tape or glue the line to the paper rounds. Use a separate line for each word or else it would be too long and hard to hang. Place the second set of paper rounds directly on top of the first set - so that the fishing line runs between them. Next glue or tape your letters - one on each paper round.

Attach one end of your line to a mirror, window, buffet or wall with double sided tape or removable glue dots. (I actually tied my fishing line between two wall sconces.) I also added a puff of ribbon to help soften the end of the sign.

Decorating for Christmas - Block Angels

2011-12-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you have read any of my previous decorating blogs you will know that (a.) we have a fireplace and (b.) my husband collects wood remnants for kindling. Whenever I get an idea in my head for an art project my mind immediately goes to that wood pile. Because, one of my mantra's is, "use what you have".

I really wanted to have some angels in the house this Christmas. I came up with this cute, recycled idea. First I used some stubby 4 x 4 end posts and Styrofoam balls. I pounded one skinny nail into each wood. I then found some chocolate fabric in the cupboard and decided to use that for their heads.

I took the fabric and wrapped it tightly around each Styrofoam ball and gathered it at the top with a piece of wire. Taking my scissors I roughly cut the fabric to form "hair" for my lovely ladies. For eyes I used pearl pins.

For halo's I used some pearl wire and wrapped loops around my hand to form a simple circle. I then attached it to the head with another pearl pin.

Finally we need some wings. You can use wire hangers if you want and bend them into non-traditional free-form wings. You will want to hot glue the wire to the back of the wood or tie a ribbon or twine around the wood inserting the wire at the back. I finished each angel with twine to continue my rustic theme.

To give my angels a little home for the holidays I placed them in an open vintage suitcase. Pinecones add to the seasonal look.

Decorating for Christmas - Fireplace

2011-12-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

Well I am finally getting around to doing some decorating for Christmas. First I am starting with our fireplace mantel - it is the most visible spot in our living room and a focal point of the room. For those of you that are crafty I thought you might enjoy this paint and paper project.

I really enjoyed making my Halloween Sign for the mantel last month so I headed back out to the wood pile to look for more 2 x 4 remnants. I was inspired to make a wood block and paper sign after seeing a really cool "Faith" sign at Designer Flower Center.

First I had my daughter help me paint the sides of each block white. Don't worry about the wood blocks being the same height - in fact several different heights makes the sign more interesting. Next I found some really fun paper in shades of grey and whites at the craft store. I cut out squares of paper and glued them to the blocks. I also picked out heavier card stock that was white and covered in glitter for the letters. Before gluing on the letters I painted on Mod Podge to help seal the paper tight to the wood.

The following day I glued each letter to a block. I didn't use a template for these letters I just cut them out free-hand. We then stacked the word "Merry" on top of "Christmas" and voila a fun, inexpensive sign for our mantel.

Cool Girls with Cool Shops

2011-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have been hearing about these two super cute shops from my friends for the past 6 months...so last week I headed my car west and to the Tower District. I wanted to share them with you so you too might be inspired to visit these fun and locally owned boutiques.

Twee and the Frosted Cakery are both located {almost next door} on Wishon just north of Olive. It took me a few wrong turns to find them but it was worth it! When I walked into Twee I knew it was my kind of store...filled to the brim with fun girl stuff. Turquoise dressers, flippy-knotty scarfs, hand-crafted cards, hand-made jewelery...I start picking up stuff that I can not live without! I don't get out much...

Twee is owned by Melanie Davis and can be found on the web at tweeboutique.com. They sell and showcase the wares and work of local artists.

A whole wall of stationary...I am drawn to all of the journals...humm

They also have a fun selection of super chic baby toys, children's games and onesies...and no I don't suggest bringing your children, mine just happen to be attached to me and pop up everywhere I go!

Jewelery...one of my favorites {Ingelnook} is sold here!

Love the mall and love Target but ladies, consider getting that special friend, sister or mom something truly unique at Twee this Christmas and you just might be supporting the artist next door. Or, you can do like me, and buy something for yourself. I picked up a journal to record things I am thankful for, a Bordeaux fig soy candle and a glazed pottery bird dish...so fun and it felt good in my heart too.

Next to Twee you will find Frosted Cakery. My good friend Caty first gave me one of their creations and I was hooked. They have awesome selections like Salted Caramel {they tell me this is their best seller}, Tiramisu, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Red Velvet and there was even something that resembled maple syrup waffles with bacon...no I'm totally serious. The Frosted Cakery can be found on the web at frostedcakery.com Place your order for your next party...I purchased these for my barn party. They were so yummie and gorgeous too.

Don't the kids look so excited to be out and about? So close to cupcake nirvana yet so far....

Fly Girl Fly

2011-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Okay so I love my friend Kiley and I love her daughter Emily. Emily's little word since she began talking has always been "fly"! Yes, my friend Kiley is active and so are her kids! We're not exactly sure what "fly" means to Emily but it's her word. As parents our job is to raise our kids to know and love God, help others and become independent adults. So farmer Dan and Kiley are indeed raising Emily to "fly" someday!

Kiley wanted something new and cute for Emily's room...she mentioned it to me, and as a thank you to Kiley for all her help with Brown Bunny this year, I decided to secretly make a couple of things for Em's room. I'm no artist but I wanted to share the project and share a few decorating ideas...

A painting for her room...a little tree with small flowers, potato prints of leaves and yes "fly"...

I also found two old frames at the thrift store...removed the glass...painted them grass green.

I cut a piece of cardboard for the back. Next, I found 2 girls skirts at the thrift store and cut out a piece from the front and covered the cardboard. I added this "E" from Joann's Craft Store and hot glued a couple of flowers salvaged from an old bride's veil. I stamped the word "fly" on a piece of ribbon and glued it to the bottom.

For the second frame I wanted to continue the "fly" theme by gluing a nest we found in our yard this spring. We added 3 small eggs. I made these clay tags to spell the word "fly" for the bottom.

Kiley had also hung these fun paper lanterns over Emily's bed...so cute, festive and feather light so no worries if one falls! Sweet dreams Emily and God Bless you as you learn to "fly"!

November 5, 2011 - Kaitlin and Jaime's Wedding

2011-11-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

I truly do appreciate all of my clients but it is especially fun for me when we have someone that I have known on a personal level. Kaitlin and her parents have been family friends for many years...it was such a pleasure to work with them on this wonderful event. Kaitlin's bouquet definitely had a fallish feel but with very different colors. We relied heavily on these "antique" bluish-green hydrangeas with a tint of raspberry. We added in magnolia leaves, gardenias, stephanotis and fern curls...so fun!

The groom's boutonniere incorporated the magnolia leaf, hydrangea, fern curl and stephanotis.

We used the families leaf lanterns to decorate the isle. Fresh green smilax greenery garlands were added to our standing shepherds hooks.

For the alter table we used the families extra large leaf lantern - loved it!

Inside the pergola at Wolf Lakes Park in the Garden we hung dainty glass floral holders with white and green flowers.

The bridesmaids with their lantern bouquets...such a fun and unique idea.

On the tables we used our brown wooden boxes filled with hydrangeas, green roses, seeded eucalyptus and hanging green amaranthus.

Additional centerpieces included tall vases with green moss balls and manzanita branches.

There were 4 larger "captains" tables for the family members - on these we used candelabras and small vases filled with flowers.

The head table was decorated with magnolia, seeded eucalyptus and hydrangeas.

The cake and dessert table was festively decorated with leaf garlands and cupcakes.

November 4, 2011 - Sarah and Zack's Wedding

2011-11-13T21:02:00.000-08:00

Sarah and her family came to me during late summer to seek help with their bouquets and a few other items for their fall wedding. The family would be taking care of the centerpieces and other decorations. Sarah talked about these metallic looking tiles in 12" squares that the centerpieces would sit on. I suggested that we use the rich colors of fall to play against the metallic she had chosen. It all came together beautifully. The family did a great job of decorating. Here is Sarah's bouquet - full of saturated color and texture.

We also incorporated hanging green amaranthus into the brides bouquet.

I couldn't help but share these awesome fabric rosettes that Sarah made herself for her wedding dress. You rock Sarah!

The bridesmaids wore gorgeous dark plum dresses...here are their bouquets.

We made a lush fall arrangement that sat on our candelabra for the guest book table at Wolf Lakes Park.

Guests were asked to write their names on the rhinestones - that were later collected in the bride's vase.

Iron candle holders down the isle with purple and bronze ribbons.

The alter held an elegant hurricane and candle with bronze jewel accents.

We added a few fun fall flowers to each of the families centerpieces.

Here is a detail of those tile sheets I mentioned earlier. An easy fun idea...pretty sure these were found at a local hardware store.

Our ivory chair covers with new bronze chair bows.

October 22, 2011 - Ashley and Blake's Wedding

2011-11-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Blake exchanged their wedding vows and celebrated with family and friends at the Three Oaks Vineyard just east of Clovis. A lovely new wedding venue.

Oh I just loved this bouquet. The bride chose soft greens, whites and creams for her bouquet. We used hydrangeas, "David Austen" cabbage roses and white hydrangeas. We finished her bouquet with a cream ribbon and a piece of her dress. Such a lovely detail.

Her bridesmaids carried elegant bouquets with white hydrangeas and cream cabbage roses.

Loved this idea...the bride made a burlap pillow for the ring bearer to carry with a Fleur De Li's

turquoise stamp and vintage broach.

The wedding ceremony took place in the Three Oaks vineyard. The alter was set up using wine barrels and a vintage door. Our large tin bucket with lush olive branches and cream flowers added the finishing touch.

The reception was nestled between the Three Oaks Studio, vineyard and barn. They have delicate lights strung above the tables to add soft lighting.

The seating chart was written in white pen on a rustic window.

The bride used apple green as a fun accent color - the napkins were a really classy

addition to the table setting.

Some of the tables around the dance floor were long banquet tables for family. We filled the families wine bottles with dainty white and green flowers.

On some of the other round tables the bride provided large vases filled with spilt green peas!

We added tall green willow.

I just loved this petite cake. Sometimes understated can be so lovely...

{thank you to my mom for all these pretty pictures}

Trick or Treat Sign

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

So I was in a local craft store recently and saw this really cute "Trick or Treat" sign. I thought -- I could do that! And you can too! My husband had some old pieces of 2x4's out back -- all were different sizes which was perfect for this rustic sign. You could also find scrap wood at

Lowe's or Home Depot in the wood cutting area.

First I had my kids paint each piece of wood black -- nothing too perfect. After they had time to dry I sanded each piece especially on the edges to give it a slightly aged look.

Next came painting the letters...we used regular craft paint in 3 shades of orange. At first I planned to use a stencil but I found that I could do just as good free-handed. To give it a bit of depth I added a highlight of white to each letter.

I also made this quick "Happy Halloween" sign to hang over our mirror. I bought orange card stock and used scalloped scissors to cut diamond shapes for each letter. I also purchased letter stickers with a cool grey web texture. The individual diamonds were then glued to black and white polka dot ribbon.

Jaime and Jordan - October 22nd

2011-10-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Jaime and Jordan did most of the decorating and planning for their sweet wedding. We however were lucky enough to play a small part by providing them with bouquets and corsages. I wanted to show you them because I loved the colors. Jaime chose olive green, grey and eggplant. Fun and different.

the bridesmaids bouquets...

Pumpkins with Feather Hats

2011-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

For this pumpkin project I was inspired by an article I read in a recent Somerset "Home" magazine. An artist added black lace, feathers and flowers to small pumpkins. It looked fun and different. First I needed some black netting -- so I found an old top I had that was too small for me -- instead of the taking it to the Goodwill I decided to cut it up! I did buy 4 black roses on sale at Micheal's and also had some black feathers left over from a job. I wired and just tied everything together -- then I added a few sparkles and a little bling! They almost look like they have on little vintage hats!

You could also add rhinestone broaches or earrings...

October 21, 2011 - Elizabeth and Brian's Wedding

2011-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to share this bouquet with you all. For Liz we designed this fall inspired bouquet -- her wish was that it wouldn't be "too dark". I think we nailed it! It was full of textures and colors. To lighten the terra cotta, burgundy and orange colors we added greens and creams.

I always encourage all of my clients to add a personal touch to their bouquet. Here Liz provided me with a small scrap of her dress that was left after alterations. I attached it vertically over some pretty cream ribbon.

The ceremony took place at Wolf Lakes at the Lakeside venue. What a beautiful view!

The tables were so beautiful dressed in chocolate linens and the chair covers were gold with chocolate ties. On half the tables we used tall vases with manzanita and a "pop" of color at the top. To incorporate the lighter greens we used moss balls inside the vases. I loved it!

The other half of the tables were decorated with our candelabras.

October 22, 2011 - Monique and Greg

2011-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Monique was such fun to work with - she had some really cool and different ideas! She and Greg held their wedding out at Tuscan Gardens in Kingsburg. We attached white curly willow to our arch. Small glass holders were hung with white ribbons and filled with white flowers. Down the isle we made large white half pomanders with cream football mums. White pillars and ribbons finished the look.

The bridal bouquet was a Beidermeir design (which means it has monochromatic rings of flowers) -- the inner circle was white tulips, the middle dark purple callas and the outer is white hydrangeas.

Here bridesmaids wore black dresses and carried these purple and cream bouquets.

We used our black candelabra with a super cute half pomander of purple imported carnations and

cream ribbons.

For the other tables we added black wire to 3 cylinder vases and submerged purple makara orchids

and floating ivory candles.

Fall Pretty Please

2011-10-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

Okay so it is almost the last day of October and I decided to force fall today by baking a pumpkin pie! If the weather hasn't been giving us that fall chill we all long for after summer - then maybe the smell of pie will.

This summer - after inspiration from my friend Kiley - I started collecting vintage silverware. I love my new finds. I purchased these from a local antiques store in downtown Clovis and paid about $1 each. I keep them on my counter in an old jar and use them often. For some reason they feel perfect in my hand when eating pie. They are heavier then my Target silverware. I wondered who used to eat with these??? That's the beauty of vintage pieces - they all tell a story.

October 15, 2011 - Jenna and Trenton's Wedding

2011-10-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

I am just so inspired by beautiful women, that are secure in themselves, to live the life God created for them and at the same time bless others. Jenna is one such woman. Jenna really wanted black and red with touches of silver -- she trusted us -- it was so fun putting her flowers together.

For her bouquet we used these awesome "Black Magic" and "Freedom" red roses with cream white Stephanotis blooms. I say awesome because these roses open up so big. Love it!

We did slightly smaller version for her bridesmaids and added loops of green bear grass to give it a modern edge.

Jenna and Trenton had this beautiful seating chart made using black and white damask papers which coordinated so nicely with our table toppers on all the guest tables.

Inside the Grand - 10th Floor we did two different centerpieces - one with tall black curly willow and hanging crystals with a ring of red roses.

And the other centerpieces were black covered square vases that held black manzanita branches and hanging glass candles with a red rose petals.

{Thanks to my mom for sewing these super cute black and white damask table toppers!}

October 15, 2011 - Valerie and Luke's Wedding

2011-10-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yummy, yummy, yummy fall colors! I am hooked and have a serious love affair with this time of year. Valerie was so sweet and new what she wanted for her flowers - "bright" fall colors she told me. To add an extra punch of color we used purple stock and red and yellow "Circus" roses - paired with burgundy dahlias, green hypericum berries and orange dahlias.

We added in a touch of magenta into the bridesmaids bouquets as well...

Toss bouquet on our purple bubble linen....

On the reception tables we put together this cool arrangement with brown curly willow twigs - what made it cool were these new LED battery lights that look like twigs -- we hid them inside the fresh willow twigs. Inside the galvanized bucket were pomegranates, grapes and fresh flowers.

We also used our tin lanterns with attached flowers and pomegranates.

The sweetheart table....

Katy's Kids - Reading and Literacy Foundation

2011-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

My good friend and client - Chrissy Barcus - along with her mom and the Sebastian Corporation have launched "Katy's Kids" a reading and literacy foundation. We were so honored to make centerpieces for their recent golf tournament and fundraising dinner at Copper River Country Club.

To add a little "flourish" to these simple arrangements I used an old children's book - that was ready for the Goodwill - I took pages from the book and glued them into cylinders. To each paper "sleeve" I then glued pink ribbon and attached blue or green plastic buttons. All of the pages I chose were in pastels and complimented the colors of the flowers.

I think you could use this idea for a baby shower or children's party too. This way you can use any type of vase and just hide it!

October 14, 2011 - Jacqueline and Chris' Wedding

2011-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

It was such a pleasure working with Jacqueline and Chris on their wedding out at Wolf Lakes. Jacqueline wanted fall colors with a pop of green. So for her bouquet we used beautiful orange calla lily's, burgundy dahlias, terra cotta and leanodis roses, green spider mums, coffee hypericum berries and chocolate cosmos.

The bridesmaids bouquets were smaller versions of the brides...

The family used these cute black lanterns which sat on top of twig leaves...so cute. We added orange dahlias, roses and seeded eucalyptus...

The head table...

For the cake table we used our twig wreaths...so cute!

{Cake Design by Sweet Dreams Cakery}

Cowboy Scarecrow and Treat Wreath

2011-10-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I love the fall...it is my favorite time of year. Unfortunately it is also my busiest with Brown Bunny weddings. However last night the kids and I made time to create our own "Cowboy Scarecrow" for our front porch. First we talked daddy into hauling a bail of hay up from the barn. He didn't think my plan of dragging it behind my golf cart was so great. Then when he wasn't looking, we borrowed some old jeans and a shirt from his closet. I knew there was a reason I was holding onto all those old jeans!

Mary had fun filling his legs and shirt with old newspapers - I had to laugh though when at one point she was so distracted by the old newspaper ads filled with makeup! Focus Mary...

Ready for to celebrate the fall season with our cowboy scarecrow...we used an old bag for his face -- adding in Darrick's mullet wig and cowboy hat on top...don't we all have one of those laying around???

On the door I decided we needed something else...so we rounded up an old wreath. I found an old board sign left over from a friends wedding -- Mary and I used stencils we had and black spray paint to put the word "TREATS" on the back. Anyone that knows us knows that you can always find "treats" in our home!

To finish our wreath we added some black feathers we had laying around and added a wide burlap bow (this cool burlap "ribbon" can be found at Micheal's craft store). Then against Rocco's better judgement - we added a little bird we had also bought at Micheal's for $1! Voila - a fun rustic wreath for the front porch!

{We'd love to see what you and your kids are making

around your house to celebrate fall and harvest!}

October 8, 2011 - Beth and Tim's Wedding

2011-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Beth and Tim put together such a cute and personal wedding - we were so honored to play a small part. Beth paired simple mason jars with super luxe mercury glass -- pops of purple contrasted with bright whites and platinum grey accents.

For her bouquet we used purple hydrangeas, purple stock, purple lisianthus and white freesia - blooms were rimmed with green scented geranium leaves.

The bridesmaid's wore gorgeous plum colored dresses and carried these simple yet chic bouquets with all baby's breath - we wrapped the flowers in grey netting to add a modern edge.

The wedding and reception was held out at Bella Giornata at the Cardella Winery in Mendota...it is so pretty and feels like you are far away in Tuscany!

{www.unabellagiornata.com}

Sweet arrangements of white baby's breath in mason jars hanging down the isle...

October 8, 2011 - Carey and Mark

2011-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

I just love this bouquet - I really felt like all the elements just came together. We combined cream hydrangeas with purple lisianthus, purple stock, ivory roses and white freesia for Carey's bouquet.

The bridesmaids carried smaller version minus the hydrangeas...

October 9, 2011 - Jill and Bill

2011-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

It was meant to be Jill Thronton and Bill Thornhill! Such a sweet couple beginning the next chapter of their lives together. They celebrated out at Wolf Lakes on seriously one of the nicest days of the year. We did a beautiful mix of fall colors with pops of green found in the cut bells of Ireland.

The brides daughter carried a similar bouquet...

October 8, 2011 - Natalie and Garrett's Wedding

2011-10-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here on the Thompson farm we have been anxiously awaiting the marriage between our farmer - Jeff Nealy's daughter - Natalie Nealy to the strong and handsome farmer - Garrett - who our kids affectionately call Herod! Don't ask me why. But these two sweeties had a wedding that mixed both their personalities - something I like to call -- rustic farm chic!

Natalie used the sand color found in burlap and mixed it with platinum grey -- all mixed with creams and whites. So cool!

I used fun grey "dusty miller" around the edge of her bouquet along with white feathers and rhinestones. The center was full of cream "David Austen" roses, white ranunculus and white roses.

The bridesmaids carried cream hydragneas with grey brazillia balls and dusty miller.

The photographers assistant....my little future farmer Rocco Jay! Sorry ladies he's still a mama's boy!

Out at the families home for the ceremony...

The fabric lined tent was dressed with our slate grey pin tuck chair ties and festive fabric puffs hung from the ceiling (made by the bride!)

October 8, 2010 - Allison and Chris' Wedding

2011-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Allison and Chris! For Allison we created this beautiful bouquet with purple calla lilies, white roses and green miniature cymbidium orchids.

The bridesmaids carried these petite bouquets with all "Super Green" roses.

Ah the Brown Bunny workshop...just making sure Allison gets all of her wedding party flowers!

Our youngest employee hard at work painting...

Allison and Chris exchanged vows and celebrated with friends and family at The Grand Ballroom in down town Fresno.

Floating candles in our crackle candle holders...love those awesome purple napkins...

I love how you can see each calla so clearly in this simple yet chic centerpiece.

Up on the mezzanine - where vows were exchanged - we made this tall and dramatic arrangement with green curly willow, cream hydrangeas and purple callas.

October 1, 2011 - Lacey and Justin's Wedding

2011-10-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

October is here - with it comes slightly cooler weather, the end of harvest and weddings, weddings, weddings! I don't usually add personal comments into my blog but I am slowly coming to the realization that when you have a small business out of your home it is your LIFE! I love it to death and I also know that I couldn't serve all of the clients that I do without help from my family and friends. I wanted to thank those that stood by me this weekend as we kicked off the fall "wedding season"! Thank you to my very loyal assistant Krysten. You are truly a gift from the Lord. Thank you Val, Laura and Cindy for coming when we need extra hands and expert eyes...what would we do without the Reedley/Kingsburg/Visalia girls? Thank you to Kayla, Kiley and my Aunt Janet for helping me deliver - your grace, beauty and presence gives me the peace of mind that I so badly need! Thank you to Coll and Ross for doing our chair covers and for taking all my blog pictures. I love you both so much. Thank you to my mom for wearing so many hats; babysitter, vase washer, bow tier, photographer and encourager. Thanks mom! Thank you Dad for watching the kids - you kept them safe and even gave them baths! Wow my hero! And to my teddy bear husband...thanks for being our logistics coordinator and the true brains behind the operation. I love you all and am so glad you keep coming back to my garage! Blessings.

Getting back to business...I chose Justin and Lacey's wedding to be a spring board for my "thank you" blog because they had the most gorgeous fall wedding! Photos we took of their wedding out at Tuscan Gardens. Love the rich hues...

The wedding ceremony...

Lush pomanders decorated the isle and were then moved and placed on top of iron candelabras for the centerpieces.

The candelabras with their pomander balls...

The other tables had our iron urns filled with fall color and seeded eucalyptus.

I love this monochromatic cake with a pop of fall color on top.

Simple floating candles with submerged grapes and rose petals for the cocktail tables.

October 1, 2011 - Tina and Blake's Wedding

2011-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

I just loved working with Tina. She was such fun and a beautiful woman both inside and out. For her we created this soft and romantic bouquet with white hydrangeas, cream "David Austen" roses and white stock.

Her bridesmaids wore these super cute cobalt blue dresses - we paired them with bouquet filled with purple stock, green cymbidium orchids and raspberry roses.

We traveled out to Harris Ranch for their wedding and reception - seen here in the courtyard.

The escourt card table was decorated with tall dramatic arrangements with hydrangeas, dahlias and hanging amaranthus.

Auxiliary arrangements in our cute new cobalt vases...

The dessert table...just waiting for the goodies to arrive.

Tall square arrangements for some of the guest tables.

Lower groupings of white candles and colored votives...

October 1, 2011 - Jordan and Mike's Wedding

2011-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to the Sandrini and Martin families for allowing us the opportunity to play a small role in the wedding of Jordan and Mike. As you can see they LOVE white roses - so for Jordan we designed a soft garden bouquet with white roses, green and white petto and green Carolina jasmine vine. Jordan's simple chic bouquet was finished with a gorgeous navy blue ribbon.

The bridesmaids carried white bouquets with stock, freesia and roses.

October 1, 2011 - Shelby DeWitt Ortiz Baby Shower

2011-10-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this cute little centerpiece we did for a baby shower this past weekend. We were so honored to not only be a part of Shelby's wedding a couple of years ago but now to also return to her parents home for her baby shower! Blessings on this new family!

September 10, 2011 - Lauryn and Matt's Wedding

2011-09-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

It was such a pleasure meeting both Lauryn and Matt. I met this charming couple via Matt's mom Maureen - who volunteered with me when I used to work at the Fresno State Alumni Association. I love when my path crosses with special people in our beloved town of Fresno! Lauryn is a super cute woman who wanted her flowers to be simple and uncomplicated. They used navy blue and dark purple with white - the combination was clean and elegant.

The bridesmaids bouquets...

Centerpieces incorporated green hydrangeas, pomegranates, purple grapes and plums...along with a few additional flowers. Guests were given small boxes to take home fruit at the end of the evening.

Half of the tables used our rustic candelabra with soft flowers and hanging grapes.

September 10, 2011 - Coby and Scott's Wedding

2011-09-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Coby had such a fun and interesting bouquet - I didn't want to hand it over - just loved holding it myself! But alas the beautiful bride was waiting... we used dark red roses, coupled with raspberry, purple and orange -- then we added in cream dahlias with a touch of green hypericum berries.

Coby's bridesmaids carried smaller versions of her bouquet minus the cream dahlias.

At the Wolf Lakes Park ceremony location we created a long and low alter arrangement that would later be used as the head table centerpiece. Above the alter we hung glass globes with dark purple lisianthus and a ring of green smilax garland - all in the iron candelabra.

Over in the pavilion we decorated the chairs with our chair covers and burgundy chair sash. Some of the tables had our tall cylinder vases with orange calla lily's and submersible lights.

The other centerpieces had dark red rose petals with floating candles and floating purple orchids with gems and candles.

September 3, 2011 - Kelsey and Jeremy's Wedding

2011-09-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Kelsey and Jeremy used dark purple, lavender with touches of raspberry for their wedding colors. For her bouquet we used raspberry hydrangeas, dark purple stock, purple lisianthus, lavender roses and raspberry roses with touches of white freesia.

Her bridesmaids carried smaller versions of her bouquet...

We decorated the candelabras at Kelsey and Jeremy's church with hydrangeas, stock, roses and lisianthus.

The alter flowers were later used on the head table in front of the bride and groom...

Love the Grand Ballroom at The Grand 1401. On half of the tables we did this fun arrangement with 3 vases filled with 3 different flowers - the effect is simple yet full.

The other half of the tables were full of candle light - which I'm sure looked awesome in the evening - we used our crackle candle holders and our purple and raspberry votives.

The cake looked great sitting on top of our purple {bubbles} table cloth.

September 4, 2011 - Courtney and Lawrence's Wedding

2011-09-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Courtney and Lawrence chose a palate of marine blue, white and lime green for their downtown wedding. Courtney carried a bridal bouquet with white roses, green hypericum berries and navy blue delphinium.

The bridesmaids wore marine blue dresses and carried petite bouquets with green roses, white fressia and navy delphinium.

September 3, 2011 - Crissy and Chris' Wedding

2011-09-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so this weekend we were loving the navy blue paired with crisp white and fun basil green. For their wedding at Wolf Lakes, Crissy and Chris used Eiffel towers to decorate -- appropriate since that is where they got engaged! Crissy carried a fun bouquet of white with a touch of dark blue and bright green.

Her bridesmaids carried bouquets with green roses and white flowers.

On the guest tables we created a centerpiece using these cute silver Eiffel towers that Crissy had purchased. First, my good friend Kiley got a serious pointer finger work out by helping spray my square wooden boxes silver. Then we added moss and some super cute navy and white striped ribbons. The centerpiece sat on our basil green swirl and rossette table toppers. No flowers - no problem -- cute and fresh.

Thank you to Coll, Ross and my mom for decorating all of the guest tables with our white chair covers and navy blue organza sashes.

September 3, 2011 - Stephanie and Jon's Wedding

2011-09-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

We really wanted to do something a little more formal and feminine for sweet Stephanie and Jon's wedding. For her bouquet we used white hydrangeas, cream roses, ivory lisianthus and champagne spray roses.

The bridesmaids wore elegant gowns in black with a periwinkle sash. For their bouquets we kept it simple using all periwinkle hydrangeas.

The guest book table...

and one on the unity table

Over in the reception pavilion we added in more color to compliment her black and ivory theme. For half of the tables we decorated a square vase with ivory ribbon and rhinestone buckles and topped them with arrangements using periwinkle, burgundy and dark purples.

The other half of the tables had our tall cylinder vases with purple calla lily's and burgundy dahlias.

July and August Pictures

2011-09-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous photo supplied by our very talented sister in law - Amy Horn. We designed this bouquet for her aunt Claudia for her late July wedding.

[photo courtesy of Amy L. Horn Photography]

The grooms boutonniere with a lavender rose and sprigs of purple lisianthus.

[Amy L. Horn Photography]

I just had to include a photo of these super fun and spicy arrangements we did for a birthday party at Five. The birthday girl loved red roses but her friends wanted something a little different. To stand up to the heat I decided to go with strong reds, corals and yellow.

July 9, 2011 - Black and Ivory Damask

2011-09-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

We had fun decorating a July wedding out at Wolf Lakes with our black satin chair ties and white chair covers.

On the guest tables we used our silver chargers and new ivory and black damask table toppers. The whole look was very elegant.

For their head table we made a long table runner out of a coordinating linen.

August 13, 2011 - Jennifer and Norman's Wedding

2011-09-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and Norman chose dark purples, lime green and orange for their wedding colors. I have to say it was so fun making this all purple bouquet for Jennifer. Many times my clients want to add in a touch of ivory or white to tie into their dress - which looks nice too - but I thought this monochromatic bouquet was also very stunning.

For her attendants we used purple along with orange dahlias and a touch of lime green with cymbidium orchids.

At the Lakeside venue of Wolf Lakes Park we dressed up the pots in the pergola with additional flowers used through out the wedding.

To decorate the isle we used our rustic iron candle holders with attached green orchids and long purple ribbons.

On their guest tables we placed our eggplant purple satin table toppers under these fun square vases filled with lime spider mums, purple stock, purple lisianthus and orange dahlias. The vase was filled with fun limes.

July 9, 2011 - Molly and Joe's Wedding

2011-09-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Molly's Bridal Bouquet really stood out against her beautiful wedding dress. She wanted lots of shades of red so we used red "Freedom" roses, red spray roses and her favorite red tulips.

The bridesmaids looked elegant in their red dresses. We added a touch of black and red to their all white bouquets.

Molly and Joe exchanged vows in the chapel at People's Church. We created these pew arrangements with red roses, tulips and soft greenery.

The alter was decorated with a simple and elegant tall arrangement of red tulips, tall green curly willow and red calla lily's.

Over at Copper River Country club we designed 3 centerpieces for Molly and Joe. This first one used our crackle candle holders with floating white candles. We placed a rounded arrangement of all red roses in the center to add a pop of color.

The brides family hand made these super cute favor boxes with red tissue dahlias.

The other two centerpieces...

Simple arrangements of red tulips were used to decorate the head table.

June 18, 2011 - Jacey and Micah's Wedding

2011-07-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Jacey and Micah exchanged vows at the Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park. They complimented the foothill surroundings with a palette of creams, whites, greens and chocolate browns. Her bouquet was filled with white hydrangeas, cream roses, white double tulips and green hypericum berries.

The bridesmaids carried bouquets with white hydrangeas, green roses, lime green button mums. chocolate furn curls and green and white lily grass loops.

We used our tall standing hooks with petite brown twig boxes filled with green and white flowers - these were later used as centerpieces. We painted this rustic {Ceremony} sign for Jacey!

White gerbera daisy's were used for the ceremony boxes...

In keeping with the natural theme guests "signed" the guest book with their thumb print on this lovely tree!

I thought this was such a cute idea for guest cards...each guests name was written on a rock and surrounded the bride and grooms monogram - which was covered in moss!

For some of the centerpieces we used our chocolate brown pin tuck table topper along with a cool bamboo, bells of Ireland and ti leaf arrangement. Jacey wrote the table numbers on cut fence post logs...so cute.

Their cake was elegant and simple...petite chocolate cosmos decorated the modern cake. Notice that the cake is sitting on a rough cut log...love this contrast with the "leaf" table cloth. The look was absolutely perfect!

Pretty and Festive Votive Candle Holders

2011-07-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Looking for something extra special to decorate your tables or for around the house? Brown Bunny is proud to offer colored candle holders from Luna Bazaar. Love, love, love their glass and paper lanterns. Here is my mantel at home earlier this spring.

Even though I don't have much pink in my house...well not at all...these fun "pops" of fresh bright color are perfect for putting a smile on my face each time I walk through the room.

Luna Bazaar Votive holdes come in many, many colors, textures and sizes. We rent them for $1.50 or to purchase as a wedding favor or bridal shower favor please contact us.

June 17, 2011 - Cynthia and Gelacio's Wedding

2011-07-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cynthia's bouquet was a beautiful mixture of dark purples, lime green with a touch of dark orange.

The bridesmaid's bouquets...

Petite dark purple and orange pomander balls hung down the aisle at their church in Hanford...hanging green Amaranthus completed the elegant look.

The guestbook table at Wolf Lakes...

Half of the tables had these tall arrangements with green curly willow branches in the water and hanging green amaranthus.

The other tables had architectural arrangements with draping plum calla lily's with green hydrangeas and a "pop" of dark orange.

Their head table arrangement...

June 18, 2011 - Jessica and Jason's Wedding

2011-07-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica's bouquet was soft and romantic. Her bridesmaids wore slate grey and her flowers were light pink, white and peach with a hint of yellow. Her bridal bouquet...

For the bridesmaids...

Jessica and Jason...who I learned from her friends...met in kindergarten...celebrated with family and friends at a private home in Fig Garden. Mason jars filled with soft flowers hung down the aisle and were later used as centerpieces.

We hung dainty glass vases filled with single blooms from the gazebo where they exchanged their vows.

Sweet cupcakes were served to the wedding guests...small bottles and jars filled with flowers complimented this romantic theme.

The cake....

June 18, 2011 - Courtney and Brien's Wedding

2011-07-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

Courtney's bouquet had several shades of delicious purple - in hydrangeas, stock and lisianthus with a delicate touch of ivory in stephanotis with rhinestone accents.

The bridesmaids carried smaller versions with the addition of ivory roses.

Silk peonies and plum ribbons dressed up the isle at Wolf Lakes.

Our ivory chair covers and eggplant sash's really finished the ceremony chairs.

June 11, 2011 - Molly and Ryan's Wedding

2011-06-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the country this weekend for Molly and Ryan's Wedding! Kudos to their families for creating an elegant country estate wedding - so much fun to be had by all!

Molly carried light pink peonies which we surrounded with blooming southern jasmine vines.

The bridesmaids wore unique periwinkle dresses and carried these soft bouquets with lots of yummy pastels.

We used a petite tin bucket for the flower girl and filled it with soft flowers.

Out at the horse ranch string lights hung over the dance floor and the family style guest tables.

Ceremony site...

Family and friends lovingly attached these fluffy cream mums to the ceremony chairs with soft pink ribbons.

The food was catered by "Love and Garlic" -- they did a beautiful job as usual with their food displays. We helped by adding in potted plants and strategic arrangements in turquoise vases.

Reception site near the river...

Molly's mother collected over a hundred silver containers prior to the wedding...they were all lovingly filled with garden flowers - stock, dahlias, lisianthus, delphinium and button mums. Each was so unique and lent a slightly formal "Ralph Lauren" feel to the tables.

The head table...

Behind the cake table photos of the bride and groom were hung between two oak trees.

{Cake by Sweet Dreams Bakery}

An old Woody - owned by the brides parents was ready to sweep them away following the wedding!

{Happily Ever After Starts Here}

June 5, 2011 - Lisa and Kyle's Wedding

2011-06-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Kyle chose black and white for their wedding colors - I really felt her bouquet set the tone for the wedding. Formal, yet fun and elegant.

The bridesmaids wore black and carried dainty white bouquets with white stock, white freesia and white cymbidium orchids.

The groomsmen wore elegant white calla lily boutonnieres complete with black ribbon and a rhinestone accent.

On the guest tables we did this centerpiece with a trio of glass vases with submerged cream dendrobium orchids and floating white candles. While the other tables had tall vases with submerged white calla lily's, black ribbons with rhinestone buckles.

For their ceremony we made white floral arrangements to sit atop their candelabras. Our iron candle holders lined the bridal isle with long flowing black ribbons.

June 4, 2011 - Katie and Tyler's Wedding

2011-06-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Katie's bouquet was pure romance -- garden roses, peonies, lisianthus and spray roses...so soft and feminine.

The bridesmaids wore dark purple "Lapis" dresses and carried these bouquets with golden yellow roses, purple stock, green hypericum berries.

For their ceremony at the Tuscan Gardens we made this soft arrangement with white dahlias, white stock, and white freesia.

The tables had gorgeous purple napkins with a pop of sunflowers in the middle. The family used some of their own lanterns on the tables which looked so cute.

Sunflowers and dark purple stock graced the other tables in rectangle glass vases.

The bride and groom had special labels made for their favorite soda and gave them to guests as gifts! So cute!

June 4, 2011 - Catherine and James' Wedding

2011-06-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Catherine and James for allowing us to be a part of their wedding and welcoming us into their lives. Catherine already had many great ideas when she came to me - we just helped to put that finishing touch on their wedding day! She carried a bright and colorful bouquet with lots of texture. I would say this totally fits her personality!

The bridesmaids wore black dresses and carried a slightly smaller version of the bridal bouquet.

We hung our dainty crystal chandeliers from our standing shepherds hooks in the reception room.

Some of the centerpieces had green ti leaves and purple hydrangeas with hanging raspberry amaranthus. They all sat on these gorgeous beaded squares that Catherine collected.

The other centerpieces were in her pink, purple and green bubble vases filled with purple dendrobium orchids.

The food tables were decorated with our green swirl table toppers and tall dramatic arrangements.

Guests were welcomed at the staircase with another large arrangement filled with greens, raspberry's and purples...

May 29, 2011 - Paige and Taylor's Wedding

2011-06-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Spring Beach Wedding! My husband Darrick and I enjoyed a quick trip to the central coast to deliver and decorate Paige and Taylor's wedding in Pismo. Paige chose fresh and cheery yellow and white for the wedding colors.

The bridesmaids looked amazing in these super chic yellow, white, grey and black watercolor floral cocktail dresses. We kept their flowers simple to allow the dress to take center stage.

Outside with the ocean as a backdrop we used our iron arch decorated with soft white and yellow arrangements. These were later moved inside and used as decorations on the head table.

Simple yellow football mums with long white ribbons decorated the bridal isle.

Inside the ballroom we hung yellow and white paper flower puffs from the ceiling. These were hand-made by my good friend Rosie -- our current paper expert! Thanks girlfriend!

Half of the guest tables had our tall vases filled with lemons and white hydrangeas with hanging dainty crystals. And the other half had our new crackle glass candle holders surrounding tall Eiffel vases filled with yellow orchids.

Keeping with the bubble theme and paper puffs...we debuted our new white "bubble" table cloth on their cupcake table!

We loved this fresh and simple candy table designed by local San Luis Obispo merchandiser Linda. Love the colors and fun candies!

Hanging flower puffs...

May 28, 2011 - Susan and Brian's Wedding

2011-06-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

Susan and Brian celebrated their union with family and friends at a friends home in Old Fig Garden. Susan combined fun vintage pieces with bright fuchsia, orange and green accents. While she and her family did most of the decorating she hired us to help accent things with fresh flowers and linens. We were "wowed" when we walked into the yard and saw all of the fun "crafty" projects they had created for the celebration. We hope you can get some fun ideas too!

Susan made her own bouquet of broaches...gorgeous! Plus a button bouquet for her daughter. Love it!

The toss bouquet incorporated black and white damask ribbon used as part of the decor.

We made this fun wreath for the door behind the gift table.

Fun and bright arrangements were made for the entry of the ceremony location. Each sat on their own wine barrel.

The ceremony was held in the front yard while the reception was the in the back. We tied our apple green satin chair ties on their white ceremony chairs. We also added bright pink paper cones filled with gerbera daisys, roses and hypericum berries. Thanks to my good friend Rosie for making these darling cones!

We tied our black satin chair ties on the white chairs for the reception area in the backyard. Susan and her family decorated each table with white cake stands and fun paper, candy and button decorations!

Head table candle stands were adorned with simple flowers.

The centerpieces on top of our black and white damask and polka dot table toppers really popped!

May 28, 2011 - Mandy and Jon's Wedding

2011-06-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Country Chic by the Lake! This ultra feminine girl had a clear vision for her wedding to sweet Jon. We were so privileged to play a small role in making the day special for these two families. Mandy started with a really cool tan and white swirl fabric and added in turquoise accents. The soft pink, coral, yellow and light blue flowers were used to make all of their decorations really pop. The family spent almost a year collecting vintage jars and bottles - many of which were turquoise! So cool.

I was so excited to get my hands on this light pink Astillbe for Mandy's bouquet -- it has been scarce this spring. We combined Dahlias, Peonies, spray roses, Solidago, Billy Buttons and pink Hypericum berries with the Astillbe to create a lacy bouquet for Mandy.

Her attendants wore a dark latte brown dress and carried smaller versions of her bouquet.

Mandy brought an old vintage dresser and used it to welcome guests at the entrance to the garden. We filled her "LOVE" mugs with soft flowers.

Wedding programs were held in wire plant baskets picked up by the mother of the bride -- soft flowers and ribbon finished the easy elegant look.

The ceremony was held in the Garden at Wolf Lakes. A rustic wine barrel was used to hold communion for the ceremony. Vintage turquoise jars were filled with soft flowers and hung down the isle.

Love was in the air and so were our bird houses! We attached bright flowers and turquoise ribbons to these fun vintage looking bird cages and hung them under the pergola.

The ceremony area was filled with wire plant stands with lush florals and lots of bottles filled with romantic garden flowers. Each table had a table number painted to wooden hearts and attached with twine.

The head table held "Mr. and Mrs." signs along with a wooden "Love"...a perfect place for the new couple to share their first meal as Mr. and Mrs. Jon Kottman!

Over the wedding party we hung large monogram letters created and designed by the bride! So cute...

May 28, 2011 - Jennifer and Jacob's Wedding

2011-06-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Jennifer's bouquet was a traditional and elegant combination of white and ivory flowers.

The bridesmaids carried red and purple bouquets with roses, lisianthus and dahlias.

For their ceremony we created a long and low spray of elegant flowers that was later used on their head table.

On their guest book table we filled a curvy hand-blown vase filled with long dark purple callas, purple stock, purple tulips and red roses.

Half of the centerpieces were very soft and romantic with purple stock, ivory wax flowers and dark red roses with seeded eucalyptus.

The other half of the centerpieces were in tall cylinder vases with 3 dark purple callas with a pop of red rose and red cymbidium orchid at the base. Elegant and modern...

May 21, 2011 - Fresno State Honorary Doctorate Luncheon

2011-05-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun putting together these centerpieces for the Honorary Doctorate Luncheon held in the Fresno State library. Thank you to my friend Kiley Wattenbarger for helping me arrange these! When I heard that Fresno State Catering was planning a very special Italian menu I knew that we had the chance to make something fun and different. We used fresh potted rosemary and thyme along with green and white kale, artichokes and red grapes -- to create a lush and aromatic arrangement. We placed all of these items in our rustic iron urns and thought they looked good enough to eat!

May 21, 2011 - Danielle and John's Wedding

2011-05-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Danielle's bouquet had so many fun elements. We used draping raspberry amaranthus to cascade slightly in the front of the bouquet along with raspberry roses, purple stock and purple lisianthus. We also included a few kiwi vines and peacock feathers.

The bridesmaids bouquets also incorporated a touch of the champagne with spray roses.

Out at the Wolf Lakes Lakeside ceremony area we hung green moss balls with a touch of color along with hanging candles down the isle.

The hanging candles were decorated with attached flowers and champagne ribbons.

The unity candle table was decorated with one of our peacock wreaths along with a "pop" of dark purple and raspberry flowers.

Half of the tables had tall dramatic centerpieces with manzantia branches, attached raspberry orchids, purple hydrangeas and hanging raspberry amaranthus.

While the other half of the tables had our peacock wreaths with ivory pillar candles. The whole effect of the champagne with the touches of dark purple and raspberry along with a hint of feathers was very elegant.

Guest book table...

May 21, 2011 - Lindsey and Josh's Wedding

2011-05-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Johnson family for allowing me to participate in another family wedding. We had the privilege of doing Brittaney's flowers a couple of years ago and were so excited to work with Lindsey. Lindsey carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses, cream calla lily's, white and pink Stargazer lily's, rhinestone studded stephanotis and white and pink cymbidium orchids.

Her bridesmaids wore dresses in a beautiful shade of Merlot. These bouquets really "popped" against the color. We used flowers raspberry, yellow, purple and green.

The flower girl wore this dainty white spray rose halo finished with Merlot ribbons.

The head table was decorated with this custom arrangement of coral and raspberry roses with purples and yellows. Look closely and you will see magenta dendrobium orchids floating in the rectangle vase below.

May 21, 2011 - Brooke and Gilbert's Wedding

2011-05-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Brooke carried a lovely bouquet with cobalt blue roses, white stock, white tulips and white roses.

The bridesmaids wore cobalt blue dresses and carried fresh bouquets in the whites with a touch of lime green.

The centerpieces were designed in our new cobalt blue square vases and held white stock and lime green button mums. So fresh and pretty!

May 20, 2011 - Fresno State Honorary Doctorate Dinner

2011-05-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

Fresno State graduates celebrated commencement this past week. Along with commencement the University also celebrated it's Honorary Doctorate recipient by honoring him at a dinner held at the University House. We wanted something that was light and airy but still sophisticated and polished.

We draped our new white bubble linen over the podium table and placed a new "mirror" vase in front filled with white and grey flowers. My heart was racing with pure happiness when I did this arrangement!

The guest tables were draped in our champagne pintuck overlays. We decorated each table with hand blown recycled glass vases filled with all white flowers.

We pulled in a touch of the turquoise with our "Luna Bazaar" votive cups and new miniature mirror tiles.

We used cream hydrangeas, cream "David Austen" roses, lisianthus and champagne spray roses throughout.

Over at the bar we topped two of our mercury glass candle holders with fun cream and grey arrangements.

The cocktail tables each had a blue hand-blown vase with creamy hydrangeas and white lisianthus.

To grace the appetizer table we designed this taller arrangement with dramatic long calla lily's, cream parrot tulips and creamy hydrangeas.

To greet their guests we added a few tall candle sticks with lower mercury glass mint julep cups filled with flowers.

May 19, 2011 - Fresno State Lyles Center Event

2011-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Sweet and simple...cream tulips pared with cream gerbera daisy's wrapped in black wire atop black linens.

May 14, 2011 - Grand Centennial Gala

2011-05-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Fresno State! This past weekend California State University, Fresno celebrated "A Century of Excellence" at their Grand Centennial Gala.

This birthday party was held on the floor of the Save Mart Center. I was so happy to be a part of this very special event. My good friend Leticia Reyna lead the troops in planning the event. And our friend Rosie was there to lend her support and special touch! Thank goodness for our friends!

In meeting with Leticia she told me that she wanted the flowers and decorations to be fun and festive with lots of lights!

For their 43 tables we designed 3 different centerpieces - this one featured orange tulips with yellow gerbera daisy's -- the flowers were wrapped in purple wire and sat on a light disc in a lower dish with blue stones. Thanks to my mom for sewing purple and basil green fabric table toppers!

For the second centerpiece we did a lower floral arrangement on our basil green rosette fabric with our fuchsia votive candles.

And the third centerpiece was a tall vase filled with submerged pink, yellow and peach gerberas on a purple wire -- the whole thing sat on a large light base in a wide dish with cobalt blue stones.

Yard Sale Finds

2011-05-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Okay so I want to share some super cute things I found this past weekend while out "treasure hunting". You may see these items for sale soon at my Brown Bunny Barn Sale -- so stay tuned!

Treasures hauled home... extra large half whiskey barrel...black scroll candle holder for the wall...old wooden crate...cobalt blue sugar and creamer vases...brown iron "bow" candle holders for the wall and cast iron table candle holders! I love me some metal!

Fluff Your Nest!

2011-05-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Spring is here -- fresh cut grass, wildflowers in bloom and warmer weather. Taking a cue from the many birds that live near our house -- I felt a sudden urge this past week to "fluff my nest" by updating our bedroom.

Part of my decorating strategy and style is to pick up things when I see them -- save them -- find inspiration -- then go about redoing a few things. I prefer a more eclectic-vintage style versus buying all new things at once.

My focus -- our dark wooden bed needed something to soften up its beefy square lines.

My finds -- pillow shams from the Goodwill in soft blues, a beautiful piece of lacy fabric with wheat colored vines from the LA fabric district, painters cloth from a commercial paint store, new white duvet covers from IKEA and chamomile flowers growing down our driveway.

My inspiration -- cool, relaxing hotel rooms in an exotic location like Oaxaca, Mexico or Sienna, Italy. I don't have soaring ceilings or tiled floors but I can work with what I have!

This is my inspiration photo - soft linen and gauzy fabric. How bad do I want to be in this room?

"Mediterranean Design" by Mary Whitesides (Ada Hotel)

Okay so I don't have a four poster bed to drape but I still want some sort of fabric over the bed.
So, to create a canopy I took 2 curtain rods and spray painted them gold -- then I screwed 4 gold hooks into the ceiling and hung the rods on them. I draped the fabric over them and tucked it behind the head board.

Our old curtains came with us from our last house and were too short for this window next to our bed -- I lived with them for over a year but decided it was time for the right fit. I found these linen pieces at the painters store -- ran it through the wash and cut it in 2 -- hemmed the two edges and used black rings with clips on them to hang the fabric at the right length -- a bit hangs over the top but I like the soft look of this linen for spring and summer -- and the whole curtain cost me $15!

Our room needs a bit more color so I found my trusty turquoise vase and filled it with chamomile flowers from the driveway...

Our room still needs a bit more color on the walls -- maybe this summer I can paint some canvas' -- but for now I love waking up under this soft fabric! Hope this inspires you to create your own soothing nest! Happy Spring -- Brown Bunny

April 30, 2011 - Cambria and Andrew's Wedding

2011-05-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

For Cambria's bouquet we used lovely white peonies, white ranunculus and champagne spray roses. Ruffly, scented geranium leaves and olive branches were added around the edge. Each bouquet was finished with black and white striped ribbon.

The bridesmaids bouquets were filled with white tulips, white ranunculus and light pink spray roses.

April 30, 2011 - Natalie and Brendan's Wedding

2011-05-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Natalie's bouquet was full of texture and frills. We used the cabbage roses in cream by David Austen, white mini calla lily's, white stock and white spray roses.

For her maid of honor we added a touch of white freesia to the yellow hand held bouquets that all the bridesmaids carried.

The toss bouquet...

We decorated the gazebo up at Wonder Valley Resort with two sprays to frame the bridal couple during the ceremony...

Half of the centerpieces inside were these tall arrangements with yellow roses, white stock, solidago and greenery -- with fresh lemons inside courtesy of my good friend Leticia!

Bright yellow lily's adorned the other half of the tables -- loved her platinum and yellow theme -- so fresh and fun for spring!

April 30, 2011 - Melissa and Matthew's Wedding

2011-05-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Melissa's bouquet was so beautiful to work on - it felt very "fairytale-ish". We used light pink peonies, white lisianthus, champagne and light pink spray roses with a touch of green mini cymbidium orchids and green viburnum. On the stems of the bouquet we attached a gold watch locket belonging to Melissa's grandmother.

The bridesmaid bouquets...

Her sweet flower girl carried this ivory satin basket with soft pink and white flowers finished with a pop of green and a champagne ribbon.

April 23, 2011 - Erin and Brent's Wedding

2011-04-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Erin's bouquet was so fun to design and assemble - we had many fun elements - kiwi vines, peacock feathers, white phalenopsis orchids, white sweet peas, purple lisianthus and magenta roses. An interesting bouquet for a fun sweet bride! Congratulations Erin and Brent!

The bridesmaids wore gorgeous plum dresses and carried these petite bouquets with purple stock, purple lisianthus, magenta spray roses and peacock feathers.

The toss bouquet had lavender roses and magenta spray roses.

Brent's biological mother was remembered during the ceremony with this remembrance bouquet.

The communion table was decorated with a low and long spray of flowers that was later used as the bride and groom's centerpiece.

The cake table was dressed in our new purple "bubble" table cloth. We have this table cloth available in white as well. We think this will look great on a sweet heart table or guest book table.

One of their centerpieces featured floating purple makara orchids with fuchsia and lavender rose petals. All centerpieces sat on top of our new apple and plum linen table toppers.

We featured tall centerpieces scattered throughout the reception with fuchsia hanging amaranthus, purple hydrangeas, purple orchids and peacock feathers.

The third centerpiece used was our soft green and peacock feather wreath with added magenta orchids and hurricane with ivory pillar candle.