Mixed Prints - What Do You Think?

Mixed Prints. I was inspired by this new fashion trend, and after finding some inspiration via blogs and fashion magazines, I was still torn on this new concept. But after successfully attempting this new look this week myself (or so I was told I was successful) it's starting to grow on me. I really think the originator of this idea is on to something.

Now before you start mixing plaid and polka dots, there are a couple rules to keep in mind to guide you into a trendy risk taker rather than most wanted on Fashion Police.

Sarah Beth, the blogista behind the Style Philosopher has some great insight on this trend and I couldn't help but gain a wealth of knowledge from her post regarding the mixed prints. Check the post out HERE!

Here are the key mixed print rules that you should NEVER leave home without:

1. When mixing prints, you need to pick a dominant and less dominant pattern. This always comes in handy with men when mixing dress shirts and ties. This week, I picked a wide pin stripe pant, mixed with a small detailed polka dot pattern. Today, I'm sporting a large floral print dress, mixed with coordinating seersucker-esque jacket. So a no-no would be mixing a polka dot dress with a equally detailed striped jacket, etc. So just think, one pattern needs to be larger and the other one small.

2. Also, keep in mind the color palette, as mentioned in Sarah's blog sticking with a simple or coordinating color palette will also help make the look work better.

I fell in love with some images from her website and just had to share. Even though we are discussing fashion, I think this trend would be translated perfectly in home decor, and yes, even in weddings! We always love to use a variety of table linens with different textures and patterns that coordinate, but perhaps we might start seeing this trend also brought through in paper goods, bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen attire and beyond! Who knows, but in the meantime, I'm lovin' it!

What do you think about this new trend?!

XOXO- Zoë

Kind Words from a Past Mother of the Bride!

Last week we had the pleasure of being a part of the Sisterhen Family wedding at the Dali Museum of Art in St. Petersburg, FL.

We loved their simple and understated look - we thought the flowers selected created a beautiful design throughout the room that was then accentuated by amber uplighting. In this design we used a combination of antique green hydrangeas, calla lilies, green fuji mums, champagne sahara roses and assorted foliages.

We couldn't help but share this wonderful email we received today from the Mother of the Bride:

Zoe, I want to tell you how pleased we were with the flowers for Katie’s wedding.  The bouquets and boutonnieres were beautiful and the table arrangements were gorgeous!  I got so many compliments on the flowers.  Several people wanted to know what the roses (the champagne or Sahara roses) were called.  The lighting really added to the atmosphere.  I would highly recommend Botanica for both design and service.  Thank you again!

Christa Sisterhen

Thank you Christa and Katie for allowing Botanica to be a part of your special day!

XO- Zoë

What We're Up To!

This weekend our entire crew will be down in Miami for the AIFD National Symposium. What is AIFD and the National Symposium? AIFD is the American Institute of Floral Design, the Symposium is a gathering of the leading floral designers in the world. From hot floral design, to new trends, through education and events, it's truly an inspirational and innovative experience!

Ian is honored to be one of this year's presenters, partnering with Grace Ormonde of Wedding Style Magazine to present, "Les Saisons des fleur de Mariage"(The Seasons of Wedding Flowers).

Their Floral Fashion show will feature couture wedding gowns from local Miami based leading Bridal Boutique, Chic Parisien. Presented will be Grace's iconic Fantasy Tables, over 90 fashionable bridal bouquets and chic floral hats. Parisian inspired, the show will marry high fashion and world renowned floral designs.

We will be live tweeting from the event and hope you can join us Monday, starting at 11am as we share photos from backstage and during the show!

We can't wait to share and showcase this spectacular event!

XO - Zoë

Photos Courtesy of WeddingStyleMagazine.com - Last picture featured is an image from a fantasy table design by Ian and featured in a recent issue of Wedding Style Magazine.

Wedding Sneak Peek {Lindsay and Eric}!

We love the bright summer color scheme of Lindsay and Eric's May Clearwater Hyatt Wedding! From their ceremony on the Sky Terrace through the Ballroom reception, to even the men's ties, the color was brought through in every way possible! The hot pink and chartreuse green color scheme is perfect for summer!

Lindsay loved pink and bling - and what girl doesn't?! For Lindsay's wedding we provided not only all of the floral, but also the table linens, napkins, chargers and chivari chairs.

We used antique and lime green hydrangeas, peonies, roses, garden roses, pink ranunculus, pink beronia and lilies throughout her floral designs.

Shortly after the wedding, we received this sweet email:


I just wanted to take a few minutes and thank all of you at Botanica for bringing our vision to life! Everything was so beautiful, I could not have pictured it any other way. I absolutely loved the reception centerpieces and bouquets! Our wedding would not have been the same without you! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication in making our day perfect! I can't wait to see pictures of everything! You guys are awesome!!



It was so perfect! I wish I could have thanked everyone in person! 

- Eric and Lindsay Bridges :)


Thank YOU Lindsay and Eric for being such an amazing couple to work with and for allowing us to be a part of your big day! We wish you a lifetime filled with happiness!

These beautiful images are courtesy of Kellie Day Photography.

XO- Zoë

The Grand Hyatt Chef's Table

This past May we had the pleasure of partnering with The Grand Hyatt of Tampa Bay to design their Chef's Table Event. At this event they showcased their beautiful hotel to the top wedding planners from Tampa Bay and Orlando.

It was a delightful day and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful venues and locations that the hotel has to offer. The day started with a tour of their new wedding meeting space that was design and decorated by our very own, Ian Prosser. 

The tour continued to their ballrooms, out through their nature preserve and to their intimate wedding ceremony gazebo.

We ended the day with a delicious meal at their onsite restaurant, Oystercatchers. The meal was incredible, but more than anything, we loved chatting with some of our favorite wedding planners! For the design of this room, we embraced the burnt orange and mahogany color of the restaurant's chairs and paired them with a bright chartreuse green patterned linen. We incorporated monobotanical designs and wheat grass, including flowers in burnt orange housed in mahogany containers.

A special thank you to Josh Walther of Inspire Entertainment and Busted Blues for providing the wonderful entertainment! And of course, Weber Photography for these beautiful images!

XO- Zoë

Our New Website

It's not secret that out new website is live. But unfortunately, it's still under construction. We hated to launch the site without it being 100% in tip top shape, but unfortunately it needed to be launched in order for some of the kinks and bugs to be worked out.

As we are excited to share the new look, but we want to let you know that it is still a work in progress. There is still additional content to be included as well as MANY more photos. We'll continue to update you as the progress continues, but in the meantime, what do you think?

Happy Friday!

XO- Zoë

The Importance of Teamwork and Hiring Great Event Professionals!

With every client we meet, we always love to know who your team of event professionals are. Why, you might ask? Because to us, there is nothing more important in creating an event than hiring stellar event professionals.

If a client has yet to complete their roster of professionals, we always LOVE to make recommendations! Why? No, we don't get commissions from referring other vendors and it doesn't mean they'll treat us to dinner, what it DOES mean and does give us? Peace of mind. Your vendors appreciate other professionals just as much as you, the client should.

Event day with a rockstar team of event professionals is like Christmas morning. Your vendors go into your event day excited and relaxed, knowing that regardless of what the day brings, they are working with a team that works well together and will do anything for each other.

So what does this mean for you? A stress-free event day and the peace of mind knowing that your vendors care as much about your event day as you do. That the quality of service and product they provide is fabulous and that you and your guests will be taken care of.

When creating your perfect team of event professionals ask other vendors. Ask them who they would choose if it was their big day and most likely you'll find, the more vendors you ask, the more certain names will continue to be presented. And if that's the case, you can't go wrong. Getting references from vendors that have the experience of working together will only result in a positive experience for you.

We stumbled upon this video from the fabulous Voila Cinematic of a wedding we were a part of last July. I think it's the perfect example of a group of event professionals working together to create a spectacular event. It was a big production, but the day could not have been more seamless and stress-free. This is the perfect example of event professionals providing an outstanding product and experience for their client.


Vendors Cut: Sandy Rule Events from Voila Cinematic on Vimeo.


So next time you're looking for a certain vendor, just ask! We're more than happy to help!

XO- Zoë