Like the sunset and the morning dew, fresh flowers are impactful but fleeting. After a short but beautiful bloom, their blossoms fall – but not always.

Today’s artful preservation of flowers is extending their limited lifespans, encapsulating these cherished wedding treasures into longer-lasting celebrations of life.

Roses, known by many different names; Infinity, Immortal, Forever, or Eternal, look so incredibly realistic you almost can’t tell they’ve been freeze-dried. Unlike fresh, these petals don’t thirst for water and attention. Because of their meticulous preservation, however, they’ll continue to touch your heart far longer.

“Dried does not only mean brown anymore, and that’s the greatest part,” emphasizes Fairytale Florist owner Karen Mott.  Strawflower, status, celosia, rice flower, and hanging Amaranthus dry nicely, naturally, in an array of colors.

“Their colors are vivid, they should last a good year, and with protection, even longer,” said Karen. “Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately, but they can last a long time with proper care.”

EXCITING ALTERNATIVES

The careful creation of silk flowers has significantly improved through the years, adding such quality and realism that it can be challenging to distinguish them from their natural counterparts.

“Silk flowers truly have become so realistic that the only way someone can tell they’re not real is by touch,” said Karen. “This has been a progression through the last 20 years, but it’s been in the last decade that they’ve really fine-tuned the craft.”

“For the bride who wants to memorialize their wedding bouquet but doesn’t want to carry silk down the aisle, they can get a mock version made up,” she said.

That’s what Karen did for her own wedding. By gathering buds from several reputable sources, she finds the most reasonable representation of your fresh flowers in forms that maintain their vibrant appearance almost indefinitely.

Placed in a shadow box or under a glass bell jar, these cherished keepsakes can remain on full display.

Other preservation methods, like pressing flowers with the invitations, document the day in a delicate way, while encasing petals in resin captures their boundless beauty with nearly immeasurable longevity.

“You can do anything with resin, it’s by far the easiest way to preserve flowers,” said Karen. Flowers suspended in resin and molded into everything from suncatchers, to coasters, paperweights, and even jewelry, give them a mythical feel. While engraving them with your monogram and wedding date makes them extra sentimental.

REACHING INTO EVERY REALM OF EMOTION

Adding life to wedding blooms is an intricate dance because it also adds to their cost, which is why Karen often recommends arrangements combining both fresh and dried flowers or mixing dried flowers with silk.

“Realistic silk and dried flowers cost more than their counterparts because it’s more of a process to get to that final stage,” she said.

Once you’ve picked your theme, repeating a stem several times is the more cost-effective option (because buying in quantity often comes with a lower price per piece).

Another interesting way to add texture and life to bouquets is to sprinkle non-florals into the mix. Berries are very popular right now, said Karen. For elements that add texture, variety, and uniqueness to designs, try Spanish moss, pinecones, lotus pods, peacock feathers, driftwood, and branches. 

Always willing to try something new, Karen has created floral arrangements of all sorts; adorning dog collars, vehicles, and even horse drawn carriages.

From archways, to bouquets, to boutonnieres, no matter what kind of floral creation you’re hoping for, there’s always one thing you must do.

“If you want bridal flower preservation, the key is to plan, plan, plan,” said Karen. Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, it’s time to contact your florist, ideally eight to 12 months out. By starting the process in the same season you’re planning for your wedding day, you’ll be able to see what’s available at that time of year.

For more inspiration and information, go to https://fairytalefloristsaratogany.com

It is that time of year again… People are getting engaged and are planning their dream wedding.  That means that Bridal Shows are in full force.  We have participated in many Bridal Shows over the years and would love to give you some Bridal Show Tips.  

You might wonder why you should attend a Bridal Show.  After all, so much information is at our fingertips in the privacy of our own homes with the internet.  But simply put, the human interaction at a Bridal Show is a good way to determine who is right for you. It is a fabulous way to personally meet many different vendors in one spot at one time. 

Bridal shows can be noisy, crowded, confusing and overall… pandemonium! It can be easy to get lost in the craziness. Do not give up!  Below are some tips for making your trip to a Bridal Show fun, easy and efficient:

1. Before you do any kind of event planning WHATSOEVER, establish a budget. Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so you need to figure out what your financial priorities are.  Maybe you want amazing photos, but don’t really care about the cake.  Perhaps your attire is the most important thing. Knowing what your budget is for each line item can keep you from spending time with a vendor who no matter how great, is simply out of your price range.  

2. Most shows provide a program guide listing the exhibitors with a floor map.  Scan the guide to see who is attending and prioritize who you would most like to speak with.  Determine what your mission is at the show.  For example, if you already have a venue and a DJ, then you really don’t need to see any of those categories.  Speak with the high priority people first. Color coded Sharpie markers work great, i.e. blue for photographers, pink for florists, etc.–or whatever is visually easiest for you.  After you speak with each one, check them off so you know who you spoke with.  You can also jot down any notes or impressions you got.  Don’t forget that wedding planner!

3. Many vendors have raffles at their booths.  Save yourself some time (and possibly carpal tunnel syndrome!) by pre-printing address labels with your name and contact information to stick on the forms.

4. You may want to book appointments with vendors for a more in-depth consultation, and be prepared to make a deposit, if you find a vendor you love and want to book on the spot.

5. You might want to bring color swatches or swipe files of different things you want to incorporate in your day.  This will give the vendors more of an idea of exactly what your style is.  These items can provide a great starting point for conversations and questions.

6. If you live out of town–send your mom, friend, anyone you can trust to scout some things out for you.  Having someone do a little reconnaissance work for you can dramatically save time in the long run.

7. Ask questions–most vendors are proud of their work and really like to talk about what they do.  Vendors want to be helpful and give you great ideas on how to make the most of your special day.  It will also give you somewhat of an idea as to whether your personalities will work well together.

Climb the stairs in the foyer of this beautiful Victorian-era brick building and indulge in the romance of Something Bleu Bridal - a captivating combination of the latest fashions and a unique setting.

Feel transported by the fine architectural details, intricate woodwork, and alluring spaces in this circa 1890 building, at 75 Woodlawn Avenue, just a block off Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

After you pull your eyes away from the three ornate fireplaces in the Grant Plaza’s enchanting front ballroom, let them fall upon the racks of gorgeous gowns - dazzling with this season’s hottest styles - absolutely blooming with pearls, big bows, and large floral patterns.

“They are here, touch them, try them on. We want this to be a super welcoming and enjoyable experience,” said Brandi Solomon, Something Bleu Bridal’s new owner.

What Dreams are Made of

Starting out in the bridal business when she was just 15 years old, Brandi said having the opportunity to run the long-established shop is a dream come true for her and her clients.

“I love the face a girl makes when she’s found the perfect dress; she has tears in her eyes – it’s a dream come true and that’s just the best feeling.”

A designer sales representative accustomed to traveling from Maine to Washington D.C., Brandi is taking what she learned from those years on the road and applying it to the shop, which was originally founded by Denise Eliopulos as the Bird of Paradise but underwent a change of ownership in 2018 when Marissa Mackay took over. Marissa, who had been a Something Bleu bride in 2010, now has two young children, ages 2 and 4, and was looking to make a career change. Brandi first looked at the space in September 2023, and after several months of mentoring from Marissa, officially took over ownership in January 2024.

“I definitely have huge shoes to fill but I’m up for the challenge. I bring the standards and quality of my personal experience in my attentiveness to the bride,” said Brandi.

Historic Charm, Modern Convenience

When a bride came in for a wedding that was just two weeks away, Brandi simply said, “We’ll find you a dress. We’ll figure it out. We don’t say, ‘no’ to anyone.”

Although most brides don’t have quite such a tight timeline, Brandi said the trend now is for brides to shop later, and to spend less. In response, Something Bleu Bridal is now carrying dresses that appeal to every price range. They also work with designers willing to rush, and can recommend three seamstresses who reliably deliver, even in a crunch.

Something Bleu Bridal remained open during their transition, and despite the change in ownership, has retained the same staff. Brandi is preserving the interesting character of this historic structure, applying fresh paint, and adding attractive furniture to create a clean, contemporary look.

Here, there is now something for everyone from their collection of elegant mother-of-the-bride dresses from three different designers, and wedding gowns by eight designers, in sample sizes up to 24/26.

“I’ve seen it all and picked the brains of other shop owners to see what worked or didn’t. Something Bleu Bridal is on par with other stores in Saratoga and the location is perfect. We have a lot of brides who come for the track, from downstate and Long Island. There are a lot of stores down there but they like the quaintness of Saratoga and want that more personalized experience that we can give them.”

For information on Something Bleu Bridal, visit them on their updated website, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Also, look for new Something Bleu Bridal video content, now on Tik Tok.

Finding yourself swept up by everyone else’s expectations? Capture your unique story with photography that reflects real emotion, edited in a natural way.

Enjoy the freedom of making your special day everything you’ve envisioned. Ashley Wilbur Photography captures the genuine sentiments, meaningful details, and the location’s inherent beauty in a way you will cherish forever.

“The reason I love what I do is that I get to give time back to people so that they can be present, put down their phones, and not worry about where the pictures are going to come from,” said Ashley. “These photos are the gift you give to people who you rarely see and those generations of people in the years to come.”

THE FLEXIBILITY OF CHOICE

Couples having Intimate weddings are truthful and intentional with their choices; the food, flowers, and the photography. Ashley’s approach is organic and candid, yet polished, and tastefully photojournalistic, edited in a style that is true-to-life, with clean colors.

Her location ideas and posing prompts result in artful portraits with infinite appeal.  Having spent the last 13 years shooting weddings, Ashley’s experience runs the gamut; from micro-weddings with just three people, to grand affairs with 300 people at Boston’s glamourous Four Seasons.

“I have a wide range of experience with a lot of different types of weddings but I gravitate to the smaller, more intimate events so I can still offer high-end photography with shorter packages,” she said.

Ashley Wilbur Photography, a Better Business Bureau (BBB) certified company, offers a flexible pricing structure so couples choosing to go small receive a personalized experience within their preferred timeframe.

LOCATION? ANYWHERE

When you’re planning an intimate wedding, you’re open to choosing smaller venues bursting with character.

“For anyone coming here for their wedding I say, ‘You absolutely picked the right spot to get married’,” said Ashley. “The Saratoga, Lake George, and Albany region has so much history and architecture,” she said, adding, “I encourage everyone, whether they’re local or not, to look outside of the box.”

Consider choosing Saratoga’s regal Lincoln Bathhouse, the majestic Hiland Castle overlooking Lake George, or the rustic elegance of the Tavistok Lodge, a 1901 Great Camp in Elizabethtown at the base of the Adirondack Mountains, suggests Ashley.

SPONTANEOUS? SUPER!

Small weddings come straight from the heart.

“It’s more spontaneous and spur of the moment. I love the approach. It’s absolutely authentic. There are thoughtful details, fresh flowers in season, the dress is so meaningful, and they’re serving fresh, small-batch dishes to their treasured guests, giving these events a refined, personal, farm-to-table feel,” said Ashley.

“My own wedding was an intimate wedding. My grandmother made my dress and we chose to say ‘I do’ standing ankle deep in beach sand,” she said.

Ashley’s experience with her wedding photography, however, was less dreamy.

“I hired an officiant-photographer team. They showed up late to my ceremony and the photographer was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. I was mortified!” she said. “The photos came back very dark, and in a file size that is too small for printing. Now that I am a professional photographer and master editor, I still cannot salvage my wedding photos. I hold a special place in my heart for intimate weddings and elopements and I am here to let those couples know that they have options.”

MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME

When looking at Ashley’s fine photography, the couple, their friends, and family are transported through memories to that time, bringing it all back for a little while.

For an even more rewarding experience, book an engagement or mini-session. This pre-wedding appointment will get the jitters out, advises Ashley.

“A bride has a trial-run with her hair and makeup, why not with the photographer?”

For more information, follow Ashley Wilbur Photography on Facebook, Instagram, and at https://www.ashleywilburphotography.com

#1 tip for couples planning an intimate wedding: Throw out the rule book!

“Break through fleeting trends and embrace your true selves. Free yourself from the constraints and expectations
of others!”