ALABAMA WEDDINGS 2010 - SIGNATURE STYLE SERIES

Every year I have the pleasure of working with some of the top wedding industry partners 0n our Alabama Weddings Photo Shoots! This year I was thankful to have two Signature Style Series in the magazine - one featuring Hothouse floral design and the other featuring my overall design concept and execution!

"Industrial Couture"

My design concept and execution of Industrial Couture took place at Historic Sloss Furnace. Thanks to all of the vendors and helping hands that made this shoot possible! Also, I was excited to find out that the bouquet shot by Tera will be the Summer Cover Shot! Enjoy the photos and for more extensive detail - pick up one of the new issues on newsstands now!

The entrance, ceremony site and reception site were all located in various areas of Sloss. The venue really does offer so much color and texture to the photos. I loved it!

Design, Concept, Florals: Mandy Majerik, AIFD, PFCI - Hothouse Design Studio

Photography: Armosa Studios

Cakes & Catering: Olexa's Catering

Bridal Dress: The White Room

Bridesmaid Dress: Bella Bridesmaids

Groomsmen: Mr. Burch

Invitations: Weddings, Etc.

Rentals: BBJ and We Rent Atlanta

Location: Sloss Furnace

Hair/Makeup: Melissa Moore Bogardus

Thanks to all the models, helping hands and Michelle for letting us all be a part of the magazine!

"Electric Romance"

I also had the opportunity to work closely with Christopher Reed in the development of his Signature Style Series. After choosing the rich, intense color scheme, he entrusted me with the development of table centerpieces, bouquets and all the floral details. We truly had a blast on this photo shoot as well!

Prop rental available at Hothouse Design Studio

It was so much fun "diving in" to Diane's cake! Of course, only with her participating approval!

The participating vendors for Electric Romance as follows:

Design Concept and Event Planner: Christopher Confero

Photography: Mark Broadway Photography

Floral Design: Hothouse Design Studio, Mandy Majerik, AIFD, PFCI

Lighting: AG Lighting

Location: Workplay

Cakes & Catering: Olexa's Catering

Hair/Makeup: Misty Smith

Rentals: We Rent Atlanta

Thanks to all of the models for working so hard on this shoot as well! And of course, Blaine for keeping us entertained by playing the piano!

There is so much work that takes place behind the scenes for the preparation of the shoots, on location, and in the cutting room floor in magazine layout. I appreciate every person who played a role in making these shoots come alive in Alabama Weddings 2010. Go grab an issue now!

DECEMBER DAYS

December 27th and I am nestled in for the night, still enjoying the warm glow of Christmas lights, just finished calling my brother to wish him a Happy Birthday, reminiscing over the last few days of festive Holiday Cheer and planning for Hothouse 2010. I have been collecting so many ideas and inspirations over the last few months that I am so excited to introduce to all of you in 2010!

Rolling back to the Days of December...

I had the pleasure of decorating numerous homes and businesses for the Holiday season, taking a trip down to Montgomery to decorate the Governor's Mansion again, creating beautiful floral designs for several weddings and events, teaching Holiday decorating classes, enjoying all of the Holiday home tours in Birmingham, making holiday gifts and gift baskets for several of my top clients to share with their top clients, and most of all, celebrated the season with family and friends in my loft and all around this town we call home. From watching a few snowflakes fall on Christmas Day to making sure my White Christmas Sangria had the perfect amount of floating fruit - no detail went unnoticed. Here are a few highlights from my Holi - days!

The Governor's Mansion Dining room was adorned with hues of chocolate, silver and winter white. Using homespun elements such as, yarn, paper, candles and ribbons, I created a Warm Winter White theme including the infamous Riley - the Reindeer (how appropriate he was visiting

Gov. Riley for a while).

I had a blast teaching a local organization how to make a Christmas Wreath! We had so much fun and everyone put their own personal style into making something fitting for their home and personality!

I hosted a Loft party for the festive crowd in my space and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the off the wall decor! What do you expect from a yarn lovin' girl like me?!?

This was my ode to Holiday Survival on my Chalkboard wall in my Loft. (Thanks to Plus Bob Photography for capturing this great shot of my bride, Beverly from Sloss!)

The vintage car tag that hangs above The Councils reads "Birmingham, Alabama - City of Floral Beauty" You knew I couldn't resist that when I saw it! Anyone ever heard that before?!?

Of course, I enjoyed this Christmas with my family, including our new edition, Mason - my nephew!

I truly believe my brother and I have been replaced...Santa now has Mason's list to check off...and what does his Aunt Mandy buy a sweet boy like him for Christmas? Well, I couldn't resist his first pair of Converse tennis shoes! I think I will buy me a matching pair ;)

Of course, I couldn't resist taking Jasper, my Cocker Spaniel, to see Santa! Naughty or Nice...

A ROLLER COASTER RIDE!

Whew it has been a while since I last blogged about my adventures as a floral artist! I want to catch up on so much that has taken place since my last moment to sit down and reflect and share with you some images from our exciting events!

November proved to be a roller coaster ride for me right into the holiday season! Here is a quick rewind from the last few weeks.

Recently, I had the honor of working with Carol Waites to make sure that her daughter said "I do" in style! After walking down the aisle with a bouquet of white peonies, red roses, green cymbidium orchids, artichoke bud and other textural surprises, the party was set and ready to go at Matt Jones Gallery. With Jennifer Gowers at the helm, the event was definitely well organized and went off with a bang!

The food table was a cloverleaf design with an iron stand topped off with a luscious mound of fresh flowers. Mini calla lilies and orchids accented the bottom for an extra added touch.

Centerpieces were dualing designs - one low and luscious on top of a cylinder housing mini calla lilies and the other a tall pilsner vase with luscious floral on top and red berries and candlelight to cushion at the base.

It truly was a beautiful event and definitely made memories to cherish for years to come.

Within a blink of an eye, Thanksgiving was upon us! I had the opportunity to assist Rachel in hosting her holiday soiree of family and friends to a Thanksgiving dinner. I set up three tablescapes around her beautiful Highland home. Here are a few examples of the exquisite taste Rachel has and my interpretation of a stylish holiday table centers.

Most of you who know me, know this is one of the busiest times of the year! It is time to drag out that old green tree, test the lights, go to CVS to buy new lights, return home to decorate, tilt the tree to make it stand straight, watch it fall, clean up all the broken ornaments and stand back and think..."I should have called Mandy."

Oh, yes! It is that time of year that I scurry about town decking the halls of your neighbor's house and some of the businesses you frequent.

Here are a few of the trees and decor we have already put up this year and well, we still have several to go before next week!

I am hoping to get this blog out tonight, so that I can get a bit of rest before I go decorate the Alabama Governor's Mansion for the holidays. In case you missed it, I have incorporated a shot from last year's decor and well, all I can say about this year is...come see it yourself! The Governor's Mansion Open House is December 7, 14, and 21st from 5-7. I look forward to seeing you there!

TRICK OR TREAT...HALLOWEEN WEDDING

ROBIN AND BRAD

(Lucky Photography)

What can be more fun than getting married on Halloween? You have to be a light-hearted, fun-lovin couple who knows how to throw a party!

Robin and Brad planned their wedding day to include lots of treats for all of their guests and sharing one of the most important days of their lives with tons of trick-or-treaters.

The color scheme was of course, orange and black with a spark of green for a bit of interest.

One of my favorite small details of the day was that all of the groomsmen wore green, Converse tennis shoes.

Robin carried a bouquet of beautiful orange tulips with a mixed collar of orange florals including montbretia, craspedia and peruvian lilies.

All of the bridesmaids carried monochromatic green floral bouquets highlighting texture as a major component.

Brad had a fun, cooridinating bout and a fun personality to match!

The only one who might have been cuter was the ring man...

CATCHING UP AT ACCENT DECOR

Every time I go to market to find the latest trends in home decor and floral function, I always have Accent Decor on my list! Their showroom is always set with the most up-to-date products available. Last week, I escaped from the studio to go and visit the Accent Decor warehouse - which includes a beautiful showroom of products as well as a warehouse full that I can load up and take with me - well, whatever will fit in my Commander - always limited..I must quit shopping when either the space or the money runs out - whichever comes first!

On this trip there was an added bonus! J Schwanke (JTV/uBloom) was in the showroom taping an webisode. Dodie Sy, the uBloom contest winner was also there to tape his webisode featuring his award winning design Sophie!

Among the other surprises...I was able to share a few stories with Els Teunissen and chat with Margaret, owner of Accent Decor.

Other than visiting and enjoying my afternoon, I was there to shop afterall! As I perused around the showroom, I stopped and admired the "rocks" that were blinding me...well, there is a size for everyone.

After that I rolled my cart around the "sale" part of the warehouse and found a few great prizes! Have you ever seen a girl who can turn down a bargain?

Els loaded me up with plenty of flowers for my ride home...of cour

se floral designers LOVE to get flowers too!

Here I am watching as the boys load me up....we made it fit - I can pack that Commander down - I've had plenty of experience! ;)

Of course a trip to Atlanta is not complete without a visit to IKEA. Here I was trying out a desk for my loft. I settled on an all metal to sit in front of my chalkboard wall.

It was nice to have a day away from the studio to visit with friends, old and new!

FROM BIRDS OF A FEATHER TO FEATHERED MASKS...

It was one of the most anticipated weddings of the year for several Birmingham movers and shakers. Heidi Elnora (Standridge) of Heidi Elnora, wedding gown designer and Project Runway contestant and Jeff Baker said "I do" October 17 at Mtn. Brook Community Church and then threw a Masquerade Ball Reception at the historic Showplace of the South, the Alabama Theatre. The entrance of the church was adorned with handtieds of 4 foot calla lilies with babies breath collars and guests signed in at a table supporting an oversized bird cage accented with clusters of florals and with two lovely doves inside.

Babies breath halos highlighted all of the flower girls and bridesmaids had simple hydrangeas and feathers nestled in their hair to coordinate with their beautiful Heidi-handmade attire. The most eye-catching floral display of the wedding was what accented Mrs. Heidi Baker herself.

Heidi carried a 5 foot cascading bouquet of cotton, dendrobium orchids, Patience Garden roses, spray roses, freesia, Queen Anne's lace and white mini calla lilies.

Heidi, Jeff and their family all enjoyed a quiet, simple ceremony and then left to prepare for the fun night ahead!

Once at the Alabama Theatre, guests were greeted by masked waiters with champagne and took a seat in the Theatre to watch Heidi and Jeff have their first dance accompanied by an orchestra on stage. In the Grand Foyer, Hothouse was able to show a beautiful display of a purple dendrobium orchid chandelier that stood high above the guests and anchored the main food display.

Throughout the Theatre food stations were located and a fun and festive "Trick or Treat" room was designed by us with a display of several different glass containers all labeled and napkins that read "til death do us part." The evening wrapped up with rock band taking the stage and everyone enjoying a piece of a 6 layer wedding cake designed by Barb Cakes.

Look for Heidi and Jeff's wedding to be featured in several magazines and blogs including Alabama Weddings coming out in January! Heidi had a wonderful team of floral professionals that worked together to produce this amazing event - Confero Productions, Angela Karen Photography, Kathy G. and Company, Lance Holloway Videography and Barb's Cakes.

One of my favorite things of the day was the display that greeted guests in the street window box of the Alabama Theatre. If you look to the left you will see me making sure that all the details are taken care of - everything from displaying the dress and bouquet to sprinkling over 200 pink roses in the window. So much fun!!!

Of course, I had to go enjoy the party, but I couldn't leave without my mask - a Mandy Majerik original with fresh florals and feathers

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

It has been a whirlwind since I have last blogged about all of the cool weddings and events Hothouse has been a part of! I am going to hit the highlights of my favorite things from my October weddings and events so far!

From the Birmingham Museum of Art to B&A's Open House - Hothouse creativity was evident to all!

Here are a few pictures from the beginning. I think part of the fun of a blog is to let all of you know the process that the final presentation goes through to look that good!

With an Asian-ethnic theme, I began in the woods cutting down a bit of bamboo. (Don't try this at home ;) A little overloaded?

St. Paul's Cathedral was decorated in the most tasteful fashion, of course with a bit of Hothouse twist.

The colors of the exotic arrangement were so bright and vibrant inside as well as the Holy Water ring of rich, fall hues.

Then it was on to the Birmingham Museum of Art to install a fabric ceiling treatment with a fresh orchid chandelier hovering high above the beautiful butter cream wedding cake.

This display of tropical florals was a perfect match for the artful environment. Vanessa & Antonio thank you for letting me be such a special part of your wedding!

Abby Dupuy was probably the most organized bride I have ever had! I enjoyed every minute of the planning process and I loved that she was ready to use magenta and lime green mixed with black for her wedding! The front doors of the church were adorned with luscious fresh floral wreaths.

Her reception was highlighted with a magenta ribbon ring accented with green cymbidium orchids.

Centerpieces were collections of glass cubes with a fresh floral mix and floating candles. I have found that "collection" centerpieces are some of my bride's favorites!

Katie and Vincent were up for fun floral rooted in tradition. For Katie's bridesmaids we made all monobotanical bouquets like this one made of cymbidium orchids.

Our noted hydrangea squares adorned the exterior lanterns to welcome guests.

Susan Mason of B&A Warehouse knows how to throw a party! She invited me to display a bit of Hothouse creativity inside her crossing room for her annual Open House. Of course, I welcomed the opportunity and used it to introduce a new rental item from Hothouse. We now have these eye catching settees. Call me to rent them for your next event!

I enjoy every minute of what I do - if I didn't I would have gotten out of the wedding industry a long time ago! From cutting bamboo to placing the flowers on the cake, I am there for every bride and make sure that her day is just what she pictured!

I have lots and lots more to blog, but it is my bedtime! I am going to catch you up on the latest tomorrow! You never know where I might show up - with powertools ;)