McKenzie Powell Designs Blog

A + C in Port Gamble

McKenzie — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:41:40 +0000

As promised! And even before the weekend! Unfortunately I didn’t get any shots of the church which was really simple and so beautiful. I’m excited for the professional photos because I foraged for a specific blooming branch at 5 am that morning (as it doesn’t last but a day and a half once cut) for the two church arrangements…Once my heart gets set on an idea, there’s really no going back. Sure, it meant that my alarm went off at 4:00 AM, but I knew I’d regret it later if I didn’t get those branches! My husband (we call him Man Friday) drove me out there with the van to load up. Access to the tree was easy… just had to follow the paths the homeless folks made through the brush. (Don’t worry, I double-checked that I could trim from the tree. No going to jail this time.) Each chop of the pruners brought a steady stream of water down on my head, so what with the wet hair and running mascara, I was looking pretty sexy. Anyway, it was worth it.

Also looking forward to seeing the real photos because I never got to see Andie, and I’m sure she was a stunning bride. (She co-owns an adorable shop in Greenwood, Assemble, so pop in and say hi.) And she was great to work with, so trusting and appreciative. I’m glad I could play a part in making her day amazing. She thought it was perfection, the best compliment to get. Thank you, Andie! So happy you loved it.

The Every Girl

McKenzie — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:48:22 +0000

When Cassandra (from Coco + Kelley) asks, I say yes. And when I find out James Moes will be photographing, I say yes. And when the shoot it taking place at Frank’s Oyster House & Champagne Parlor, I say yes. Because it’s sort of a dream team, and I’d be crazy not to want a small part in the project. Thrilled to work with Cassandra again and delighted by the outcome–she designed a seriously beautiful table that is featured today on The Every Girl. You’ll love it. (I got to add a couple of whimsical arrangements of clematis, thistle, muscari, ranunculus, and narcissus.)

Also, I know I still owe you a few more photos of the sunny spring wedding. Unfortunately, on these busy days, it gets bumped down on my priority list and another day goes by. Maybe before the weekend sneaks up? Maybe?

sneak peek of a sunny spring wedding

McKenzie — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:06:33 +0000

Andie & Christian got married on Saturday in the beautiful (tiny) town of Port Gamble at the Vista Pavillion situated on the bluff, overlooking the water. Ahh the smell of salt water, and sun! Who doesn’t love the sun?! I’d say A + C lucked out with an absolutely perfect Washington day. Here’s a sneak peek (more to come) and a little dose of cheery yellow for you on this beautiful Monday morning.

unfussy & from the garden

McKenzie — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:19:01 +0000

What a productive weekend! (I am so sore.) Thanks to my dear ol’ dad, I am going to have quite a cutting garden this year! He’s a perfectionist and one of the hardest workers I know. Holy smokes, I am so lucky. I can’t wait to spend my free days out there dead-heading, snipping, fussing, enjoying. I love it. The heat of summer couldn’t come soon enough. I want those babies to grow! (For those interested, I still get most of my product for events from the flower markets, although I hope feature weddings will get an extra does of beauty from this little slice of heaven.)

Each sweet poppy plant lost its only blooming flower for the sake of the unfussy arrangement below.

springtime delivered

McKenzie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:24:55 +0000

the finished product…

‘you’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven’ swedish bread muffins

McKenzie — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:16:20 +0000

But first we’ll start with some tulips. Because who doesn’t love a solid cluster of tulips? Especially parrots tulips with all their ruffly goodness. Even my husband said as we both sat there admiring, “When we strike it rich, let’s always have fresh flowers in every room of our house.” Ha! (I’ll remind him of this in September when he’s had more than his fill.)

And now for the muffins… Trust me. They’re good. And yeasty. My mouth is watering already. This is not one of those days where the blogger has no idea what to blog about, so she posts yet another recipe. Oh no. Not today. I’m posting quite intentionally. You’ll thank me.

Fresh out of the oven folks (thanks to my mother dear) who made these beautiful morsels and actually left the recipe this time! (Usually “there is no recipe… it’s just a little of this and a pinch of that” you know how that goes.) But as she always says, “Cooking is an art; baking a science.” And so, today we are lucky.

Almond Paste Twirl from Superbly Swedish cookbook (via Mother Dear) Thanks!

Bread:
3 to 3 1/2 c. flour, divided
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 c. milk
6 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. cardamom
2 tsp. almond extract
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg

Filling:
1/3 cup sugar (or more!)
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. cardamom
1 tsp. almond extract
1 c. sliced almonds
1 egg, beaten - for egg wash.

In large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour and yeast. In saucepan, heat milk, butter, sugar and salt until just warm (115-120*), stirring constantly until butter almost melts. Stir in cardamom and extract. Add quickly to dry mixture, stir briefly, add egg. Beat 3 minutes on high. By hand, stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth, 3-5 minutes. Shape into a ball. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about one hour.

Punch dough down and let rest 10 min. Roll out to rectangle. Make filling, reserving nuts. Spread sugar filling evenly over dough. Then sprinkle generously with nuts. Roll up length wise and pinch to seal. Slice into 1 – 1 1/2 inch rings, depending on muffin size. Use paper liners. Brush with egg wash. Bake 12 – 20 minutes depending on size, at 375*. Don’t over bake! Enjoy!

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And last but not least, I thought I’d share the most recent “ingredients” in the studio. Soon-to-be arranged and sent out the door for a dinner party. Will post photos of the finished product at a later date. (I was about to say “will post on Friday”, but I’m trying not to give myself unnecessary deadlines because hey sometimes life gets busy, and I don’t like to be a liar!)

the source for all home-related projects… and wedding design.

McKenzie — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:31:50 +0000

DIY Network, thank you for being such an awesome source for electrical problem-solving, painting, tile regrouting, plumbing, window installation, floor refinishing, kitchen remodels… and for featuring one of my wedding arbors from last May. It was one packed with texture and shape, and it makes me happy to reminisce. Photo by Josh Durias.

an entry “arrangement”

McKenzie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:16:31 +0000

Are you on the search for a venue that can accommodate 1500+ people? Your next birthday, perhaps? Come on! That would be one heck of a bash. All those people would be celebrating YOU! (And you’d even know some of them.) Well look no further. Smith Cove Cruise Terminal on Pier 91 in Seattle has an entire wall of windows overlooking the water and city skyline. Some lounge seating, a rockin’ band, a massive table of flowers + a signature cocktail greeting your guests as they walk through the parted curtain… Your party is practically planned.

Here’s one such table of flowers I installed last week for their open house.

Thank you Tracie Howe for the additional shots below!

If you invite me to your party, I’ll throw in an extra tulip.

Interviewed for The Bride’s Cafe…

McKenzie — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:01:24 +0000

Thanks for the fun feature, Janie! Click below to see the full post.

birthday flowers

McKenzie — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:55:33 +0000

A Sunday delivery for a birthday brunch. The client, so wonderful. His home, a dream.

March

McKenzie — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:57:02 +0000

More people need to marry in March. And have blooming magnolia branches at their wedding. They could have a few other flowers if they really wanted to, but they’d only need magnolia branches. A beautiful urn full of these beauties went to a special little lady for her birthday and filled the room with their sweet scent for days. And opened fully, beautifully, perfectly.

Featured on Snippet & Ink…

McKenzie — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:53 +0000

And wow, I love that blog. So I feel honored that our work was featured. To the awesome group of vendors that contributed to the shoot… Thank you! Thank you! See a few photos below and the full post on Snippet & Ink HERE.

Photography: Belathée Photography
Floral & event design & styling: McKenzie Powell Floral & Event Design
Venue: Pravda Studios
Letterpress Menus: Swash
Cake: Tallant House
Sideboard table: Vintage Ambiance
Crystal hair clip: Jennifer Behr
Air Plants: Air Plants Supply Co.
Model: Renee Russell of SMG
Hair & Makeup: Megan Stanavitch
Dress (Vera Wang) loaned by Marcella’s Bridal
Table linens: Choice Linens
Crystal stemware: AA Party Rentals
Gold Flatware: The Invisible Hostess

color! hip-hip…

McKenzie — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:58:18 +0000

…hooray, right? Are you craving color like I’m craving color? Because I swear if I stare hard enough at the saturated corals and teals, I’ll feel warmer, like it’s not grey and absolutely pouring outside.

Sweet gold bells, teal ceramic vases, linen tablecloth, and awesome wooden shutters seen in the background all property of Vintage Ambiance. Loving the bolder hues.

nyc

McKenzie — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:06:04 +0000

New York is all it’s cracked up to be. It’s ribbon paradise… food paradise, shopping paradise, broadway paradise, and oh my gosh… flower paradise. Those New Yorkers don’t know how good they’ve got it. (Okay, they probably do.) Ranunculus the size of my fist. Honestly, I’ve never seen such a thing. And pinks that aren’t the color of cotton candy–bless those flower gods! (Or at least the wholesale market gods for sourcing the gems.)

Flowers wouldn’t have survived the trip, although I definitely pondered it. Instead I filled every spare inch of my extra suitcase with lots of pretty ribbon, fabric, and candleholders. Twenty lovely urns are still on their way. I almost lost it on the plane when the flight attendant told me there was no room left in the overhead bins, that I’d have to check my bag. James, only sometimes, not able to remain calm assured her that it was not an option; that it was filled to the brim with glass and quite frankly, not an option. Miraculously they moved some things around and made room. Lesson #1: Don’t mess with a woman packing back NY goods. Lesson #2: Definitely don’t mess with her husband who knows how important to her those goods are.

A small thing, but these peach/pink/blue/gold votives might be my favorite purchase. They’re all a little different and so pretty with a lit candle flickering inside.

Made the trek out to Saipua(!!) in Red Hook, Brooklyn. An interesting journey without a smart phone, map, bus schedule, or cross streets for the cab driver who was from Manhattan and didn’t know where Van Dyke Street was. But all so worth it. The Saipua ladies are lovely and packed me up a goodie bag with some of their fantastic soaps. (Thank you!) I could have oohed and awed all day over their cool space.

(And a huge thank you to Hugh who is the coolest Broadway costume designer I know and best tour guide you could ask for, and who generously let us crash at his place–an extra bedroom in Manhattan–what a novelty!) I already want to go back.

really, it’s coming soon.

McKenzie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:29:04 +0000

on a hunt for spring

McKenzie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:24:59 +0000

It’s setting in early this year. You might feel it too… that burning desire for spring and the bounty it brings with it. And yet it’s only February… On my run yesterday* my eyes were peeled to the ground, the dirt more specifically. Scouring the gardens of each house I passed, searching for spring… any sign of it. I need flowers! And yes, we’re still a ways off, but actually I was pleasantly surprised… flowering branches, camellias, pieris, snow drops are all out there, probably confused by the warm weather we’ve been getting. They too agree that winter should be over.

*I say that as if it’s always been part of my daily routine, like I’m a true runner. I assure you I am not. But taking my doctor’s annual advice to get more cardio activity, I’m starting up again. And it’s true… I always feel better, stronger, healthier when I get into a routine. It’s just the starting part that I hate. Yesterday, in a desperate internet quest for answers, I learned that the horrible all-over itching sensation I was experiencing during my jog is caused by “prolonged inactivity” and should go away after a week of consistent exercise. Well fantastic.

erin + chris at robinswood

McKenzie — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:47:08 +0000

You know what gets me? Kind of catches me off guard? Really friendly grooms. Not that most of the grooms I work with aren’t great, but usually on the wedding day I either a.) don’t really see them or b.) their stomachs are doing flips, so the last thing they care about is how I’m doing. (I really don’t blame them. No hurt feelings here.) But Chris was the exception. He appeared so calm, so happy. Going around to everyone setting up, asking how they were doing, if they needed anything. And it makes complete sense because Erin, his bride, is one of those people you’ll love the minute you meet her. She’s all smiles, beautiful, and sweet. Working with her was a dream. She gave me complete trust and made the entire process a breeze. Plus she’s a designer herself and has great taste. That helps. Oh but then comes her parents… Her dad left a super sweet comment on my Facebook page; her mom sent me a thank you card that brought me to tears. It’s pinned up in my office, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to toss it. It’s a good reminder of one of the many reasons why I love this job.

When a man from the catering staff commented on our beautiful gourds and pumpkins, I told him that I had planted the little seeds back in May, cut them from their vines in September, wiped them all down by hand, sorted them, and loaded them onto the truck in 20+ crates. He chuckled with wide eyes, clearly assuming that I must be joking. I was not.

Sean Flanigan captured the day beautifully at Robinswood House in Bellevue. The lovely blue settee is from Vintage Ambiance. Lisa Dupar Catering‘s entire staff was incredible. I can’t say enough good about them. Food-loving perfectionists. Bless them all! And to knock it out of the ballpark, Erin Skipley handled hair and makeup.

seattle met bride & groom feature

McKenzie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:47:25 +0000

Amy & Jeri’s wedding is featured in the winter/spring 2012 issue of Seattle Met Bride & Groom. You already know how much I loved working on this wedding, so I’ll just get to it. Gorgeous photography by Michele M. Waite. She books up quickly if you know what I mean…

(Cover photo by Elizabeth Messina. Yes, that’s right newly engaged Seattle-lites. )

Additionally a few small arrangements of mine made peek-a-boo appearances in the gorgeous cake feature on pages 74-79.

peachy

McKenzie — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:52:21 +0000

Just when I think I’m tired of the color peach, I fall all over again. Pair it with pale pumpkins and my hearts all a flutter. Sean Flanigan always does an incredible job behind the lens… Here are two lovely shots from a September wedding at the beautiful Robinswood House. A few more on our Facebook page… My time has been spent putting together quotes, updating the website (can’t wait!) and finally getting some photos uploaded to fb, so we’re keeping it short and sweet tonight. Hope you’re feeling refreshed after the weekend!

here we go…

McKenzie — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:59:31 +0000

Happy 2012! {I’m getting started a bit early.} I still need to carve out some time to reflect on the past year, but for the moment, I’m just bracing for the next. What a whirlwind! Do you feel that way too? I know I’m not alone. So reflections and goal-setting will come, but in the meantime, here’s a little peek into my world–or at least my studio. Dorothée from Belathée Photography was kind enough to visit and snap a few photos, and sure it’s a space I love, so I’m probably quite biased, but their photography is always so beautiful! And I’m glad to finally be sharing these because they’ve been around since June and well, as they say… time flies when you’re having fun.