I am counting the days until March 11th. I can’t really say I have ever been excited about my birthday before. Its one of those weird things that is supposed to make you happy, but for me, I always end up feeling sad. I hate it and I can’t explain it. But this year, on March 10th, I turn 31. Yuck, I know, but they VERY next day I will travel to NYC to attend the Chapel Designers Workshop! This workshop is hosted by my floral design idol, Holly Chapple.


I suppose I should give a little background about Holly. I don’t actually know her. You would think I do, given the amount I know ABOUT her. I think maybe about 2 years ago I came across her blog by way of flower searching on the internet and from there I was hooked. I felt immediately connected to her as she was honest and forthcoming with information to not only her brides but others, like me, trying to build a business in this industry. The path she took to get to where she is now is one that I hope emulate. I became a dedicated daily reader of her blog. Blogs are interesting in that way. They are a window inside. Many times I feel like I am peaking in – almost like something I shouldn’t do. I read daily and learned. Always afraid to comment. Would I be that weird girl with the small business that wants to talk to the celebrity? That’s kind of how it felt and still does a little. But I pushed those fears aside and just signed up. I have no idea what to expect but I know I will learn more than I thought was possible. The opportunity to spend 3 days in NYC with other wedding designers is simply priceless to me. Even if I am too nervous to talk, I plan to soak up every ounce of knowledge.

I AM SO EXCITED!

Helen & Jason: Commander's Mansion, Watertown MA

Helen & Jason got married this past July at the Commander’s Mansion in Watertown, MA. This had to be one of the hottest days of the summer, but you would never know from the pictures. Helen was stunning. There were so many personal details involved in this day. Starting off with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, followed by an outdoor wedding ceremony, cocktail hour in the old historic mansion and wrapped up with complete Chinatown Reception. I personally loved that the couple included their dog in the ceremony. Anyone with pets knows how important they are to a family!

I am hoping to get some more images from the day but all these are courtesy of CYN PHOTO! I also have several images that I will post from the day!



Happy Monday!

Happy New Year!

I figured it’s about time for a blog post! I know I have been silent for a while and it’s for no other reason than I am just not a good blogger. I read them like it’s my job (and I suppose in some ways it is) but when it comes to writing my own I always feel kind of quirky and can’t really get my point out! Regardless, one of my business goals for 2012 is to blog more. Fact is - clients read blogs. They want to know what’s going on and they want to see pictures. I know I do! So in my efforts to keep with the resolution, I am going to give it a shot (considering it’s almost February!)



There are several “plans or goals” for Take A Whiff in 2012. Some include personal items to help me grow my business and some are simply housekeeping items. I think it’s in my nature to make lists so here they are in no particular order–



1. Blog more


2. Tweet more


3. Create new logo and update all materials


4. Upload new weddings to website


5. Revise wedding proposal process and written proposal forms


6. Continue education – including Chapel Designers NYC!!!!


7. Grow my rental inventory


8. Continue to challenge and evolve my design style


9. Get organized with all past work in to ONE PLACE!


10. Dedicate one “office day” per week to the maintenance of Take A Whiff.




I am sure there are more, but I am going to stop there so I don’t get overwhelmed! I am still hoping there will be some bigger changes for me and my family this year which would make these goals much more attainable. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully I can report some good news in the next several months. Until then I plan to just take it one step at time and my thought is blogging will help me stay on track!






I am extremely excited to announce that I will be attending a design workshop in NYC in March. I will come back tomorrow more with a more detailed post but, to me, this is a HUGE opportunity to work with one of my FAVORITE wedding designers!






Happy 2012! Look for me this year – I am going to bring it!

Annie & Matt (again) : Beth Oram Photography

Some professional images from the New England Aquarium the past September!

All Images Beth Oram Photography

Because I love it

Just sharing this photo because I love it. This little bouquet was created from extra flowers and it honestly may be one of my favorites. So simple and bright... it makes my heart sing. Photo courtesy of Kapitol Photography

Annie & Matt : New England Aquarium

Congratulations to Annie & Matt!

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of doing a wedding at the New England Aquarium here in Boston. When I first met Annie over a year ago, I had never heard of anyone getting married there, however, since then I have seen it listed as one of the top spots in Boston to get married this year... and I see why. This was such a COOL location! As I was setting up, I notso secretly found myself wishing I was going to be a guest at the event! So much so that I even stuck around to watch Annie make her way down the aisle! Annie, you were a gorgeous Bride! As were your 9 stunning bridesmaids!

I had alot of fun with this wedding. The bride was relaxed, easy going and excited to let me do my thing. I hope she was pleased with the results!

This wedding was by far the most intensive on site set I have done to date. I am still torn if I would do it differently now, knowing what I know. I opted to set up on site because of the lights that were going into the centerpieces. I was afraid ( although they say 10 hours) that the lights would not last the entire reception if I turned them on before delivery. The problem was, the lights needed to be the first thing in the containers! Therefore I could not put the centerpieces together until the light was in and turned on. For this reason I was forced to set up on site. There were certainly some challenges with it, but in the end, I think I would probably do it the same way again. So without further explanation - here are some photos of the day. CONGRATS AGAIN ANNIE AND MATT! Thank you for letting me a part of your wedding day! Happy Marriage!  



Cocktail Hour with the penguins! SO CUTE! They are all dressed up!



Seating Card Table

Centerpieces. Light colors alternated by table, purple and blue. 3 vases per table. One with a small succulant, One with submerged orchids and One with 3 gladiolus

One of the coolest venues yet! Look how close you are to the water! Unreal. The decor looked amazing. Check out all those lanterns! So perfect!

Cupcakes... these things seriously looks AMAZING! wow

The beautiful Bride and her handsome Groom

9!!! Bridesmaids!!!

Aisle Decorations/bows

Bridal Shower

Today was special. One of my best friends is getting married in another few weeks and today was her bridal shower. How nice for me that it was hosted at her mom's place which just happens to be the penthouse of my condo building! So convenient! The day turned out to be gorgeous and we were able to sit out on the beautiful deck which overlooks the city. The shower was a loosely based "Italian Theme" as the couple will be traveling to Italy for their honeymoon. I did a few arrangements to go along with that idea.