Advice from a Florist on Loving Your Wedding Flowers!

Adirondacks, New York, Portraits, Wedding, Wedding Day Tips

Your wedding flowers are the perfect way to infuse personality, style, and gorgeous color and texture into your wedding day. I love the personalized touch that each of my couples infuses into their floral arrangements, from the brides bouquet to the ceremony flowers your imagination is the limit.
There is so much to think about when selecting your flowers, I hope that providing you with words of wisdom from some of the most talented florists in the area will help you on your journey to truly loving your wedding flowers! This blog post features words of wisdom from Leah and Pam of Black Sheep Gardens. Stay tuned for more blog posts with tips and advice for planning your big day!
Owners and Designers: Leah McDaniel and Pam Miller
Business Name: Black Sheep Gardens
Location: Plattsburgh, New York
 
How would you describe your floral design style?
Natural and Whimsical
 
How do you become inspired when designing floral arrangements? 
It begins with the clients, their story, personality, venue, time of year, favorite flower, so many different factors that go into it.  Then once we have a general vibe from the clients, a theme if there is one, and color pallet,  we let the flowers speak for themselves.
 
What do you recommend couples do to maximize their floral budget?
Prioritize.  If your ceremony flowers are more important than the reception focus on that, or vise versa.  If both are equally important, focus on individual pieces that can really make a statement (and will be in your wedding photos) like your Bridal Bouquet, or a larger arbor/altar piece instead of 10 small pew decorations.  Also re-purposing items from the ceremony to the reception is always a plus!
 
What is something you wished couples knew when planning their wedding flowers? 
We don’t mind when couples come to us not knowing exactly what they want, or even what types of flowers are out there – that is what we are here for, to help make a vision or a photo you have come to life.  Flowers in general are usually a bit more expensive than some people may expect.  Just like any other professional, there is a lot that goes into our work to make it look just right for your wedding day, it’s not as easy as going out to a field and throwing a bunch of flowers together.
 
Do you have a favorite flower? 
I don’t!  I tend to gravitate towards the smaller accent flowers that can change a floral arrangement from ordinary to exceptional.  I do however still love to work with dahlias, peonies, roses (there are SO MANY different kinds and colors people aren’t usually aware of), etc.
 
Anything else you would like to add? 
In my experience, wedding vendors are exceptional people who put their heart and soul into their work to ensure the Bride and Groom have the wedding of their dreams.  Pick the vendors that you click with and are good with communication.  You are going to be working with these people in most cases for the next year, you want to be sure it’s the vendor you want, but also put your trust into them, your wedding planning process will be so much more enjoyable!
 
Thank you Leah and Pam for providing such great tips! I love that brides can find creative ways to re purpose ceremony flowers into their reception decor. Stay tuned to hear more get words of advice some of the area’s best wedding professionals!
Planning your wedding and looking for a wedding photographer who LOVES weddings? I can’t wait to hear from you! Please email me at Julia RebeccaPhotos@gmail.com.

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Julia Starkey of Julia Rebecca Photography Adirondack New York Wedding Photographer

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Wedding photography for couples in love who want to love their wedding photographs

Luxury Summer Lake Wedding in the ADK

Luxury Summer Lake Wedding in the ADK

An Upstate New York Wedding at Family Camp on Long Lake

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Is there anything more special than having your wedding at your family’s Adirondack camp? Danae and Russ had the most amazing summer lake wedding on the shores of Long Lake in the Adirondacks. Danae and Russ had to pivot their wedding with COVID, and they did it with grace. I loved that they chose Danae’s family’s lake house in the heart of the Adirondacks.

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Their day was so incredibly special. Danae and Russ were able to get ready at the neighboring private great camp. Each floor of the camp had charming and warm interiors that matched the feel of the morning so beautifully. One of my favorite photos is of Danae getting into her wedding dress with her mom. The bride’s gorgeous Jimmy Choos are proof that you can have a mix of elegant luxury and Adirondack charm on your wedding day.

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Danae and Russ had their first look on the front lawn of the great camp. We then walked down to the water for portraits on the dock before the ceremony. The fresh smell of pine and the crisp breeze off the water was the perfect touch to the lake ceremony. I loved the intimate feel of their wedding with only their closest family and friends in attendance. A summer lake wedding is such a classic Adirondack vibe that it will always feel effortless.

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What makes a summer lake wedding in the Adirondack even more special? How about a sunset boat cruise to top off the night? I loved this little surprise for Danae at the end of an amazing wedding day. Bare feet and wedding dresses will always be perfect at a lake wedding!

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Wedding Professionals

Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography
Venue: Private Family Camp on Long Lake, NY

Officiant: Esther Lok
Catering: Dinosaur BBQ
DJ: MX Productions

Florist: Trillium Florist
Hair and Makeup: River Rock Salon
Rental Company: Party Plus Events

Ring Designer: Brilliant Earth
Bridal Boutique: Kleinfelds
Dress Designer:
Lazaro
Shoes: Jimmy Choo


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Adirondack Wedding Photography for Modern yet Timeless Couples

Are you planning an amazing wedding are looking for authentic yet beautiful wedding photography to remember this amazing time in your lives? Let’s start the conversation about booking your wedding photography! CONTACT ME HERE.


The Adirondacks Destination Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Julia Rebecca Photography serves the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Vermont, Saratoga, Hudson Valley and New England region with timeless yet modern photography. You photos should be a reflection of you, no gimmicks or filters just real love and authentic photos.

Stunning Mirror Lake Inn Valentines Day Getaway

Stunning Mirror Lake Inn Valentines Day Getaway

The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid was the perfect venue for a sweet valentines getaway for my couple from New York City. As busy creatives, the winter mountains were the perfect escape for spending time together with all the distractions. The Mirror Lake Inn sits right on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. The Inn is one of the most romantic getaway venues. With a suite right on the shores of the frozen lake and understated Adirondack elegance, I could not think of a better Valentine’s Day getaway. It also matched perfectly with Kyle and Nigel’s impeccable style.

Location: Mirror Lake Inn – Lake Placid, NY

Photographer: Julia Rebecca Photography

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A Mirror Lake Inn Photo Session

We started their photos in their beautiful hotel room, with great music playing and a bottle of wine to make it a party. I loved their first choice of outfits, which brought out their amazing style. Is it just me, or does Kyle have an uncanny resemblance to a young Barack Obama?

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Besides amazing style Kyle and Nigel were beyond fun and a joy to photograph. Their session had everything from tenderness to big laughs and playfulness. What you might not be able to pick up on was how incredibly cold and windy it was this day! Lake Placid in February is no joke, especially on the lake! But these two were troopers, and we had a blast.

If you are looking for an amazing getaway, the Mirror Lake Inn in the Adirondacks should be on your list!

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Are you planning a romantic getaway and what to capture this amazing time in your lives? Let’s start the conversation about booking your photographs! CONTACT ME HERE.


Adirondacks Destination Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Julia Rebecca Photography serves the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Vermont, Saratoga, Hudson Valley and New England region with timeless yet modern photography. You photos should be a reflection of you, no gimmicks or filters just real love and authentic photos.

A Whiteface Mountain Wedding in the Spring

A Whiteface Mountain Wedding in the Spring

An inspirational spring Whiteface Mountain wedding for couples planning a small wedding or elopement in the mountains of Upstate NY. Luxury destination weddings are 90% of the weddings I photograph yearly. Couples choose to host their wedding in the Adirondacks for so many reasons and I love that they choose this special place for their celebration.

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The Adirondacks truly have everything from beautiful mountain tops like Whiteface Mountain to vows at sunset in a wildflower field. There are a number of venues that cater to small weddings, and I have listed some of my favorites below for you. If you are looking to plan your wedding in the Adirondacks, I would love to talk more about what you envision. The options are endless, but all are equally amazing.

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Adirondack Wedding Venues for Small Weddings and Elopements

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Tips for Planning your Whiteface Mountain Elopement

If you are planning an elopement or engagement session on Whiteface, you should know a few key things! After photographing sessions in the spring, summer, and fall on Whiteface Mountain, I have learned a few things on the way that you should take into consideration.

1: The road to the top of the mountain is not open in the wintertime. Typically late May – October, the toll road opens for driving.

2. Don’t count on the elevator being open. Think of it as a bonus if it is!

3. Good walking/hiking shoes are necessary. Put your nice shoes in a backpack with water, coats, and bug spray. Most of the walk up is on slippery rocks, not stairs.

4. It is always colder than you will think because of the elevation and wind. Be prepared with a coat/jacket, hat, and gloves.

5. Black flies (biting flies) love the top of the Mountain in May/June. So if you don’t like bitting flies, this may not be the best photo location option. A windy day can be your best friend In the spring to keep them at bay.

6. Expect other people to be around and enjoying the summit with you. This is not a private venue, so think of onlookers as spontaneous guests at your ceremony : )

Bonus Tip: It costs $20 per person, not per car! So have your cash handy : )

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Whiteface Mountain Wedding Professionals:

Photography: Julia Rebecca Photography

Design: Katharine Phillips Design

Flowers: Fern Croft @fern_croft

Host: Mary Dougherty

Linens: Latavola Linens

Makeup: @amandahopcraftmua

Dress: @silk_bridal

Styling: @jade.magnolia

Invitations: @stonefruitstudio

Model: @tessschilkephotography

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JULIA REBECCA

PHOTOGRAPHY

New England Photographer Based in Essex and Lake Clear, New York

Serving Lake Placid, Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, Vermont and the New England Region

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