Anthropologie, how I love thee, Welcome BHLDN

Oh, Anthropologie, how I LOVE that you have made it to the world of weddings.  It has been a long time coming, and no one would be able to do it as good as you!  I wish you much success, and look forward to amazing customer service to my clients and I can't wait to find a darling cocktail dress for myself!

Here are a few photos from the site----http://www.bhldn.com/index.cfm

You will find wedding gowns, lingerie, bridesmaids dresses, accessories, shoes......did I mention the COVER-UPS????  all tasteful, timeless, and of course....FABULOUS~!~~!!!!  If you are looking to be a knock-out Montana Vintage Bride, check out their new lines...I find the price points to be perfect, and better yet, such a beautiful site to gain inspiration from!  I could see a few Montana Brides sporting one of these styles above!

Warmly, LL

Leslie Lukas
regular contributor of BRIDES magazine
leslie lukas weddings & events
"a montana wedding planner"

Something.....

Something Old---

The other day, I came across some old photographs from 2001.  The following is a wedding that Melanie Nashan took and was the first of several of my weddings that were published--all by being fortunate enough to work with Melanie!  My work would have never been seen had Melanie not submitted her images from so many stunning weddings.  Thank you Melanie!  You can see more of the publications we have our work in on our website!

pardon the scan job...digital cameras, were they even available yet???

hydrangeas in galvanized buckets.  Never get old....

a kiss under the tree....Chico Hot Springs as it was in 2001, is still much as it is today!  The wagon is still in the same magical place!

a classic Melanie shot...she was the first that I EVER saw arrange bridal parties in such a creative way.  Now I see so many photographers do this!  

Here is the BRIDES magazine spread...it was featured Spring of 2002

  

Something New---

I just moved my entire home office to the flower shop....messy, messy, messy, but not for long!  It is such a beautiful and creative space, and is coming together beautifully!  The retail part of the store cannot be seen in this photo, but you are seeing the design side, which is all open forum work space!  Our clients love to watch us hard at work!  If you ever want to venture over to Ennis, please come and see us  Otherwise, I'll gladly meet you in Bozeman or on location.

Here is the desk in its new position at the flower shop and our consultation area.  Messy still, but coming together nicely!

Something Borrowed--

I get to work with a few new vendors this year, which is always exciting:  here is one that I thought I should take the time to spotlight.  By the way, you can borrow her.  She is for hire!  I haven't worked with her yet, but she is on my radar as one to watch!

Carol Clift Photography--
She just moved to Ennis, Montana from Tennessee.  Loves her dog.  Is very tall.  She is married, and her husband is her second shooter.  I really liked her personality and liked her work!  Fashion Inspired Photography.

She asked me to create a really fun, bright and vivid floral piece for her bridal shows that are all happening this January!  It was meant to draw attention and be bold....like she is!  You can see her work in person at the Bridal Affaire on January 22nd at the MSU sub ballroom in Bozeman.
www.carolcliftphoto.com

Darling photo featured on Carol's facebook wedding photos gallery....I want that to be me!  Cute birdcage veil, too! 

photo I took in my shop of the arrangement I made for her.  Taken by my Droid phone.  I really need a new camera! 

Something Blue--

 booohoooohoooo........
We have limited availability left for this summer (June-September).  Call to find out if we are still available for your wedding date...and use this blog as inspiration to find new ideas, fresh flower trends, and more!  

Getting ready for Ever After Bridal Event

As I get ready for the Ever After Bridal Event, my friend Mindy Schroder stops by to say hello!  She is an amazing novice photographer, shooting everything she can.  Well, she always has her camera with her, and while I was busy working, she was taking these BEAUTIFUL photos.  This is also a brand new camera she got for Christmas!  I am in LOVE with the photos she takes!

Here is a sneak peak as to what is in store at the bridal event on Sunday as seen through Mindy's camera!!!

This first picture excites me because it showcases how I lay all my goodies on my design table in layers to make sure it all is going to flow together.  And a bonus...Mindy captured a neat reflection in the mirror~

The "3" is a table number and the apothocary jar will be used like a "wedding wishes" jar at the event tomorrow to capture potential client information...

A deeper look at my inspiration table....

A trick that I will be sharing "using foliage in your table scape design"....

Metal lanterns from India...we like to place moss in the bottom and use a battery "flicker" candle in ours!

I have been growing these paper whites since December 14th or so.  I kept them in a really cold location, but with proper light, so that they would be perfect for the Ever After Event....

You can follow Mindy's work at http://ladybugfamily.wordpress.com  

Welcome 2011

As I sit here and reflect on another year passing by, I am in awe at just how quickly 10 years can come and go.  From 2000-2010, I have tirelessly worked on creating a business that not only feeds my passion, but has helped countless couples walk down the isle in style, more organized, and more beautiful because they let me into their lives.

How did this all come to be?  I thank the good lord for Martha Stewart....she makes some people crazy, but if she hadn't inspired me to make my laundry room prettier,  fold my sheets correctly, or the art of a thank you note, and bringing to reality that homemaking can be beautiful, I may have found myself uninspired in the early years of my marriage as a part time stay at home wife with a part time job as a florist.  Then came Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and her many books on entertaining, wedding planning and flowers all accessible to the everyday person...need I say more?  This was a florist-stay-at-home-wife's dream...I took the dreamy route.  With the inspiring people that surrounded me and a little raw talent, I took the road less traveled and settled as an entrepreneur.  Serendipity.  The right place, at the right time.  And so my journey begins....

we were in this issue!!!!

For those couples in this past decade that allowed me into the most intimate details of their world, thank you.  I am forever grateful and satisfied by the work I have accomplished, the many honors I have received, and the countless magazines that my company's work has been published in.  There is much to be celebrated and it is all because of YOU!

B2 Photography

Today, I celebrate that a decade has come and gone and new one is beginning.  I celebrate the new clients that will come into my life, the wonderful vendors that I surround myself with, and the wonderful opportunities that are formulating right now.

Lauren Brown Photography

I celebrate my beautiful little family.  Joe, Henry and Jaclyn Claire...you are my world!!!  I celebrate that I finally have moved my home office to my shop...this has needed to happen for the past 10 years and I understand how important it is that you have me completely when I am home!!!  Thank you for the humility, holding the mirror up, and supporting me the entire way!  I also celebrate my best girlfriends for those same reasons!!!  

Lauren Brown Photography

Morgan Lamare Photography

 taken by Henry Lukas, 6 yrs old

Lauren Brown Photography

I celebrate that I am moving forward on a new chapter with my business, and that I am regarded as a leader in my field.  Being chosen as a contributor of BRIDES magazine on a regular basis is validating, at least for me!  I am proud of being published so many times, the simple elegance that I create and most of all, helping the bride-to-be achieve wedded bliss.

Morgan Lamare Photography

Again, all of this could not have happened without YOU...the ones that believe in me.  The couples of my past, present and future.  My family, my friends, the wonderful vendors....living life in the present....learning from the past.....moving forward, living fully, passionately, and without hesitation.

Welcome 2011.

Ever After Bridal Event

We are proud to be a part of the Ever After Bridal Event at the Woodlands!!!  

Come see me at the show on

SUNDAY, January 9th 

11-4pm

to visit about your wedding plans and to gain inspiration from yours truly!

photo:  leslie lukas by  lauren brown

• be ready for sensory overload with our fresh floral designs--inspiration for 2011 brides
• see why BRIDES magazine recognizes us as a top vendor of the mountain west and chooses to publish our work again and again
• purchase our DIY floral kits, and make sure that you are well on your way to the perfect wedding day.  
• get insider tips on planning the perfect wedding

 This is a show you won't want to miss!  There will be several other vendors representing all areas of expertise to help you plan the perfect day!

Budget do's and don'ts for your Montana Wedding

I often see my brides and grooms contemplating the many choices they have in front of them while they plan their wedding.  The most common errors occur with budgeting...leaving some important things out to make room for the more frivolous expenditures.  I call these things the "wants" vs "needs" and I am here to help you sort it out.

Be sure the following has room in your budget!!!

Needs:
--a divine photographer
--a planner you can trust, check their references or it's a waste of your time and money***at least 5 brides from the current year and at least 5 vendors that have been in the industry more than 3 years
--a florist that will create a day that is a reflection of you***references and samples are a must!
--a venue that meets your needs
--a stylist to make you look your best for your wedding day
--a beautiful gown for you and a snazzy suit for him
--cute shoes
--stationary and printed items that pull your look together
--a smart caterer that will work with you and all those fun ideas.  One can really express themselves with food!  go for it!
--music, live band, DJ or an ipod, no matter which direction you go, this can set the mood and theme for your event just as much as other details do.
--cash bar, at the least!
--the marriage license
--someone to marry you and a plan for the ceremony. This is often an afterthought and I would hate to see the ceremony just disappear all-together. Come on, this is why you are having a wedding!

This icecream truck was only $50 to come to the wedding site, and we only paid for what the guests wanted!  It was such a great addition and at such a low cost! 

Things such as special transportation, favors, make-up, and the bar are negotiable items to nix or cut back on in the budget and not a necessity.  A bride and groom can get to the wedding in a family vehicle, you can make your favors (even bake cookies), do your own make-up, and not host a bar all night....you can go without these things...no really, you can!~  

If you enlist the help of a professional, it is up to them to spell out for you where your money is going, and creative ways to make it go farther....

Here is a smart list from BRIDES magazine that I thought I would share with you....
Do's
--do consider dates that fall outside the wedding high season
--do look into having a day reception. You can serve a lighter meal and expect a lower bar bill*** a morning wedding with a brunch reception would be divine and uncommon.
--do pick a fully furnished site to avoid rental costs on chairs, tables and linens, which can add up*** The Woodlands, Chico Hot Springs, Lazy B Farm, and Gallatin Gateway Inn are great examples of this...
--do pick a venue that doesn't specify which vendors you must use in their facility, instead, choose on that has a wide list of approved vendors in a range of prices.
--do pick a planner that can offer you discounts on a range of services, often they have insider deals that no-one else can touch.  http://www.leslielukas.com/ can do just that! 
--don't get married during a holiday weekend--hotel costs for you and your guests will be at a premium as well as flights and vendor fees.


Flowers & Decor
--do reuse the bridesmaids bouquets at the reception, they can be used on the head table, slipped into vases on the escort card table or decorate the powder room.
--do take advantage of seasonal sales to buy items like candles
--use masses of candles you bought in bulk
--do not order out of season flowers that need to be flown in
--don't spend money decorating reception areas that won't be heavily trafficked, such as staircases and hallways.  Put your money where guests will see it. 

--don't think of centerpieces have to be classic floral arrangements, a glass bowl filled with water, rose petals and candles is a luminous, low-cost alternative, especially for decorating the bar, escort card table, and more.

Trendy new montana wedding idea, rustic elegance

Have you ever completely fallen in love with a magazine spread of a beautifully set table, ripped it out of the magazine, and taken it to your wedding planner, only to be disappointed in how much it will cost you per table? 

My job as a designer is to pull something together that I know you will love, in a price point you can afford.  Not everyone can afford exactly what jumps out at them from a magazine, but don't be discouraged, use that photograph as a tool to give your florist or planner inspiration....

The following perspective was beautifully photographed by Morgan Lamare.  Lauren Brown also shot this table, and I will unveil her perspective later in a photographer comparison shoot!  

I love the old post vases that I have custom made here in Ennis, MT.  They fit small blooms perfectly and don't cost a lot to make a large impact.