South Asian Bridal Show

The South Asian Bridal Show, hosted by Rivaaj Magazine, will take place next Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the Retreat of Dunwoody, and is a MUST ATTEND if you are looking for inspirations and Atlanta A-list vendors to make your event unforgettable!

If you go, say hello to the StudioWed representatives, and check out my innovative Floral Designs featured on the "Orange and Blue" table at the StudioWed Atlanta booth. Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events had come up with this really great inspiration board, but visit the table in person, as the creative ideas have evolved dramatically since then!

Venue Spotlight - 103 West

Photo Credit: I Shot the Bride

103 West, part of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, is a private event facility, and one of my FAVORITE venues because of their chic decor, intimate settings, and hospitable staff!  I feel privileged to have one of my signature weddings included on their newest advertising post card (top row, third image from left):  

You can also view 103 West's full page ad on page 61 of the 2009 anniversary issue of the Atlantan Brides Magazine.

If you're interested in holding your event here, DEFINITELY contact Heidi McElroy; she's great! And of course be sure to let her know I referred you!

Heidi McElroy

Manager of Private Events

103 West

103 West Paces Ferry Road

Atlanta, GA 30305

404.240.6660

hmcelroy@buckheadrestaurants.com

Happy Lunar New Year!!

Happy Lunar New Year!  I'm looking forward to all that the Year of the Ox has to bring!

To celebrate the New Year, please enjoy a few archived images from Criss and Amber's beautiful, Asian-inspired wedding that had taken place at Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park.  I had such a great time preparing for this event!

Special thanks to Romina Rivadeneira of I Shot the Bride for her always wonderful photography!

Nylon Spandex Chair Covers

SHOSHO Designs now offers BLACK and WHITE spandex chair cover rentals!  These high quality covers are made of nylon spandex (not polyester spandex!) and fit the contours of most banquet chairs. They are ESSENTIAL for creating a sleek, modern look for any event!!

SHOSHO Designs - Atlanta Hotlist Winner!!

I am SO excited to have been voted as the 2008 Atlanta Hotlist WINNER for "Best Flowers" in the Weddings category.  Thanks SO MUCH to all of you who continue to support and inspire me in all of my creative endeavors!  I'm definitely looking forward to another great year in 2009!

Additional congratulations to the following StudioWed Atlanta vendors who ALSO placed in the top five of their respective categories:

Best Photographer:

Andrea Taylor Studio

Best Cakes:

Sugarplum Visions

Best Flowers:

Tulip

StudioWed Atlanta Vendor List

I am very honored to soon work with the following talented event industry providers, who will join me in representing StudioWed Atlanta!

Event Consultant

Lemiga Events

Floral Designers

SHOSHO Designs

Chelsea Floral Designs

Tulip

Photographers

Blue World Studios

Andrea Taylor Studio

Ross Oscar Knight

Stationery

Luxe Expressions

Ink and Paint

Event & Tent Drapery

Geri Sims Productions

Favors

Dreamy Gelato and Chocolate

Wedding Cake and Baked Goods

Sugarplum Visions

~M Cupcakes

Linen and Event Rentals

I Do Linens

Event Rentals Unlimited

Wedding Attire

Sole Journey

Wedding Sitters

Elegant Event Sitters

Beauty and Spa

Luxe Beauty Co.

Officiant

Rev. Deanna Lancaster

StudioWed Atlanta!

I am SO excited to have been invited to join StudioWed Atlanta!!

The StudioWed Asheville still operates in its hot Destination Wedding location in North Carolina, but a second StudioWed is scheduled to open its doors in March of 2009 right here in Atlanta, Georgia!

StudioWed is an exclusive collection of event industry vendors brought together to meet ALL of your planning needs, under the roof of a single stylish studio located in the heart of the city. 

Pick up your 2009 anniversary issue of the luxury magazine, The Atlantan Brides, and be sure to check out the "What's the Buzz Section" for a mention of the new opening!

StudioWed Atlanta will be operated by Michelle Gainey, event planner and founder of Lemiga Events, who has done a phenomenal job of hand selecting Atlanta's highest quality event industry providers.  Be sure to check back for a list of talented vendors that will represent the studio!

Let's Eat Cake!

In addition to conceiving and coordinating this wonderful event to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Melissa Margarita-DiStefano, founder of Masterpiece Events, is donating an additional $1 for every blog that writes a post about the Let's Eat Cake fundraising effort!

...so blog it forward for a great cause...and "Make Melissa Pay"!!!

Tier 1 Sample Flowers

Clients are often unsure of the cost of their favorite flowers, so I have developed a "Tier System" to help clients determine whether their flower choices are more "high-end" (Tier1),  "mid-range" (Tier 2),  or "econimcally" (Tier 3) priced.  Here are some samples of "Tier 1" flowers.

Characteristics: $$$, higher-end flowers, often used in modern or contemporary arrangements.

(Images uploaded from iStock Photo unless otherwise noted).

White Calla Lily

Flickr Source: Trumpet Lily on black, originally uploaded by Electrolyte.

Mini Calla Lilies

Orchid 

(Refer to "Orchids" Posting for a complete explanation of orchid types).

Hydrangea

Flickr Source: purple_dots, originally uploaded by forestgreendog.

Peony

Flickr Source: Pink Peony, originally uploaded by Ginther.

Gloriosa

Flickr Source: Flame Lily, originally uploaded by foxielicious.

Stephanotis

Flickr Source: Stephanotis Boutonniere, originally uploaded by waldenfloral.

 

Tier 2 Sample Flowers

Here are some samples of Tier 2 flowers.

Characteristics:  $$, Mid-range flowers, most types commonly known.

(Images uploaded from iStock Photo unless otherwise noted).

Rose

Dahlia

Flickr Source:  Dahlia, originally uploaded by **Curt**.

Parrot Tulips

Asiatic Lily

Iris

Gerbera Daisy

Football Chrysanthemums

Tier 3 Sample Flowers

Here are some Tier 3 flower samples.

Characteristics:  $, most economical, often used as accent flowers; design in monochromatic masses to create modern or contemporary arrangements.

(Images uploaded from iStock Photo unless otherwise noted).

Button Mums

Gladiolus

Flickr Source:  Gladioli, originally uploaded by PJ.

Daisies

Flickr Source:  White Bouquet, originally uploaded by myruby.

Carnations/Mini Carnations

Flickr Source:  Carnations, originally uploaded by vestaligo.

Alstroemeria

Flickr Source:  Alstroemeria pallida, originally uploaded by nftodd.

Spray Roses

Flickr Source:   Birthday Wishes, originally uploaded by myruby.

How Much Does it Cost?

According to The Knot, clients can expect to spend 10% to 15% on event flowers alone.  Be sure to view the SHOSHO Designs "2009 Pricing" schedule and "Consultation Help" worksheets to aide in your planning!

Major factors that can affect the OVERALL budget:

1.  Number of Members in Wedding Party.

2.  Number of Guests Attending.

(Example:  150 guests sitting 8-10 people per standard round table may require 15 to 19 centerpieces). 

Major factors that can affect INDIVIDUAL flower arrangements:

1.  Flower Type (or "Tier").

2.  Number of Blooms per Arrangement.

3.  Vase or Container Type. 

Check back to determine in which "Tier" your favorite flowers fall!

Orchids!!

Orchids are often a wedding and special event favorite because of their diversity, versatility, and sheer elegance.  Decide which orchids best fit YOUR style and needs!

Phaelanopsis Orchids.  Beautiful, delicate blossoms available in pinks, magentas, and white.  Great for creating a striking, modern look.

Cymbidium Orchids.  Available in a wide range of colors.  Great for creating submerged centerpieces.  Blooms can be cut from stem, and used in bouquets or as floating flowers.  Mini cymbidium orchids are often used in corsages or boutonnieres.

Dendrobium Orchids.  Available in a wide range of colors.  Great for creating dramatic, "spray" arrangements.  Provides an elegant, but affordable alternative to cymbidium orchids.  Blooms are small and work well in corsages and boutonnieres.  

Vanda Orchids.  Available in a wide range of colors.  Similar to dendrobium orchids, but stems are truncated at their tips.  Blooms are more "plate" shaped and do not have a "throat."

Mokara orchids.  Similar to dendrobium orchids, but stems are truncated at their tips.  Blooms are smaller, more "star" shaped, and do not have a "throat."  Great for creating contemporary, submerged flower centerpieces.

Cattleya Orchids.  Large, gorgeous blooms with a dramatic "throat."  Available in a variety of colors.

Oncidium Orchids.  Only available in yellow.  Small, delicate, paper-like blooms inspire their alternative name, "Dancing Ladies."  Great for creating dramatic, "spray" centerpieces.

Lady Slipper Orchids.  Modern, fun, and unusual!

French Bustle Linen Rentals

In addition to traditional satin, SHOSHO Designs is proud to now also offer French Bustle Table and Chair Cover Linen rentals.  Made of a polysatin material, these linens have a full drop to the floor, and add lush style and elegance to any event.  Use them to enhance your Reception, or to dress up a Cake or Sweetheart Table.

French Bustle Inspirations

Here are some gorgeous inspirations by California-based Wildflower Linen, as seen in the Grace Ormand, Fall/Winter 2008 issue.

Atlanta Hotlist 2008 Nomination

I'm very excited to announce my nomination as a top designer in the "Best Flowers" category on "Atlanta's 2008 Hotlist."  In order to receive this prestigious award, however, I need more votes!  Click here to vote and review SHOSHO Designs. You can only vote once, and voting ends January 2nd!

Welcome!

Welcome to the SHOSHO Designs blog!  The purpose of this blog is to keep you updated on exciting news and upcoming events, share images and ideas from recent occasions, provide answers to frequently asked questions, and introduce new trends and products in the Wedding and Floral Design industries.