McKenzie Powell Designs Blog http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog flowers and design for any pretty occasion. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:59:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Flowerwild Mayacamas Workshop http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2484 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2484#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:59:30 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2484 A few snippets from the Flowerwild Mayacamas Workshop. What a great couple of days. Kate, Jose and Team Hair & Makeup are such a talented crew, it was a pleasure to work with them and learn from them. No doubt Jose’s photos are going to be jaw-dropping. And Kate not only has a magic (and beautiful!) touch but is also such a kind, genuine, down-to-earth person, and the insight and knowledge she openly shared was invaluable. And to continue the lovefest I’ve started, I’ll just say that the other talented women I got to spend time with were so sweet, fun and supportive that the whole experience was superb.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2484 2 flowers back home http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2472 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2472#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:32:25 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2472 I made this arrangement yesterday before heading out the door for the lake. Took some photos and left it sitting on the table. I’ll return to slimy water and wilted petals, but I couldn’t bring myself to throw perfectly good leftovers away. (I have time to blog them now because we just made seriously killer nachos and everyone is in a food coma, taking their afternoon siestas.)

But now, cabin life resumes…

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2472 0 magnolia, hellebores http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2464 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2464#comments Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:35:06 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2464 Spring brides have it good. Better than they likely even know. Because in March and April tulip magnolia and hellebores collide, and the result is inevitably quite beautiful. Local fritillaria and anemones (thank you, Erin!) are just springing up, pieres still drips from the bushes outside. It’s a good time for flowers and hence, a good time for weddings. We’re prepping for another lovely collision this weekend and you can bet both stars will be in the show.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2464 2 rich woodsy bouquet http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2460 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2460#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:22:52 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2460 A couple beautiful photos by Buffy Dekmar of a rich woodsy bouquet we created in January. I like that even with so much bold color it still feels earthy.

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2460 0 Clematis http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2444 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2444#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:04:35 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2444 I went to a meeting a while back with a group of other floral and event designers and whipped out a pad of paper to jot down notes. It was interesting to bounce around ideas and questions with other industry pros, but rather than scribble away, I mostly listened. In fact, I only had one thing on the piece of paper at the end of the meeting–a source for clematis during these last days of winter. Gold. Forty-eight hours later I was holding a single bunch of the most beautiful ever-so-pale purple clematis, delivered to my door by Bob (another wholesale customer whom I’d never met) but who happened to be at the wholesaler’s when I called and would just so happen to be making his way through my neighborhood that same afternoon. Bob, you’re a gem. You completely made my day.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2444 4 Weddings By Design Magazine http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2414 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2414#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:02:38 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2414 This beautiful magazine has been sitting on my side table for a month now, and it’s about time I share. A talented team came together to create this editorial shoot for Weddings By Design, and I quite like how it turned out. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a bit of moody urban drama.

Photographer: Chantal Andrea
Floral & Event Design: McKenzie Powell
Wedding Gown Design & Styling: Rebecca Cairelli
Hair & Makeup: Jenny Bowker
Jewelry: History and Industry by Irene Wood
Cake: New Renaissance Cakes
Table: Whitcomb & Company
Models: Tyson Strotz & Katherine Wimett from SMG

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2414 5 a quick peek… http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2437 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2437#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:10:57 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2437 I cannot wait to show more images from this beautiful fall wedding. Belathee Photography wows again. For now… How absolutely precious is that sweet flower girl?

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2437 2 Valentine’s at Anthropologie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2383 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2383#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:50:57 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2383 We spent our Valentine’s at Anthropologie. My gift from James was to hang out with me for the day. You know, wake up at 5, help me set up, keep me company, make pastry/coffee runs, chit-chat with customers, enjoy his day off… Ha! We were so busy, we managed to sneak in one of those caffeine runs and then proceeded to go all day on a single ham and cheese croissant and latte. Needless to say, when we were pitching water out of the 30+ cylinder vases into the alley drain at 8:30 that night, I was more than ready for food and a few ibuprofens. And yes, it was a long day, but a good day. We sent so many happy people home with beautiful flowers. And The Whale Wins would be our Valentine treat at the end of it all…

That is, until we pulled out of the alley, stopped at the first intersection downtown and saw a homeless man walk into the crosswalk, slam his fist on the hood of our car, and proceed to shout profanities (that quite frankly didn’t make any sense); none of this directed at us, of course, but at the scraggly-looking young man that had also walked into the crosswalk to swing his skateboard at the other man’s head. Aww love…

Needless to say, we didn’t make it to our planned destination. After assessing the 6″ dent on the hood, we decided to file a report with our insurance company and head home. A quick bite and a bottle of wine at the nearby pizza joint would have to suffice, and did only after I arrived three minutes past when they stopped seating, gave the poor waiter a completely defeated look and politely (ahem, begged) “Please?” He consulted the kitchen and allowed us to take a table in the corner if we didn’t mind them cleaning up around us. You just gotta laugh. And James, toasting to V-Day and us and life, reminded me yet again how lucky I am. I love him.

Thank you, Julie Harmsen Photography for snapping these lovely shots!

 

A couple of the bouquets I snapped from instagram:

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2383 9 Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shop! http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2371 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2371#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:20:14 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2371 And of all places to pop-up, don’t you think Anthropologie is just the perfect place? I might get lost day-dreaming in their gorgeous creative interiors, so just give me a little nudge if you see my eyes glaze over… I’ll whip up something nice for that special someone in your life and tie it off with pretty ribbon.

Sweet hand-tied bouquets starting at just $25! Or really swoon her/him with a little something something extra.

Pre-order to guarantee availability at http://mckenziepowelldesigns.bigcartel.com/

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2371 0 Also… http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2350 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2350#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:04:03 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2350 This happened in 2012, and somehow I forgot to share it on the blog!! (If you follow some of our happenings on Facebook, you’ve likely already seen it.) But for those who haven’t, my sweet friend Jenn from Scout invited me in on her beautifully designed shoot to handle florals (and all things herby, fresh, and green). Didn’t she knock it out of the park? This may actually be the perfect time of year to share these photos, as we’re likely all quite over the grey and drizzle and quite ready for a little springtime green! Jasmine Star captured these gorgeous shots. And might I just add, what a wonderful day it was, working with this crew. Everyone was seriously delightful. I loved it.

Style Me Pretty featured it back in October. You can see that HERE.

What a good sport! And so cute!

See? Just look at that lineup!

Design & Styling: Jenn from SCOUT
Photography: Jasmine Star
Paper Details: La Happy
Amazing Desserts: Hot Cakes (In Ballard… go! go! go! You will leave so happy.)
Custom Table Linen: Andie Powers of Assemble
Wedding Dress: Martha Webb (marthawebb@live.com)
Hair + Makeup: Erin Skipley
Models: Amber Anderson & Mr. Handsome himself (Psst…He’s not really a model! Only when I beg him to put on a suit and smile at the camera.)

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2350 0 2012 In Review http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2311 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2311#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:37:22 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2311 Floral tidbits of 2012 in no particular order; a single photo (or sometimes two) of some of our projects. Certainly not all-inclusive, but a decent snapshot of our year. After this quick review, I’m all the more eager to update our portfolio with the pros’ photos, but I will make no promises of doing that in a week’s time. This is suppose to be the slow season when you get your personal life back, and yet I’m already too excited about 2013 weddings to not spend my downtime whipping up inspiration boards and working through proposals. It’s really a sickness, always one for the next thing…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a few of the other things that made 2012 so good. Because flowers aren’t all that I love.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2311 1 Seattle Wedding Show http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2298 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2298#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:25:20 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2298 For your Monday lunchtime blog browsing…  Saturated corals, oranges, reds, and pinks! During my first meeting with The Rainier Club to discuss the design of their booth, I walked through the club with my iPhone snapping away at furniture and pieces I knew I wanted to pull for the 15′x10′ area we had to bedazzle for the show. Their team chose the words “elegance, sophistication, quality”. I agreed whole-heartedly and added “old-world but fresh“. The show takes place every year in early January and by the time all of our living room floors are covered in dead pine needles, we’re usually ready for an aesthetic change. Robin’s egg blue and coral were the base of our palette, but I couldn’t wait to add the punch with some luscious florals and just a few modern accents. And poppies?! Is there even a cheerier flower?

Thank you to The Rainier Club for being so great to work with and so appreciative, for trusting me completely, and for giving me free rein with their space. All in all, a successful collaboration!

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2298 5 A Year in Review… is coming soon. http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2294 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2294#comments Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:45:14 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2294 My bestie Lauren (embarrassing that I just used the B word) sent off a quick email today, requesting a “Year in Review” post.

Of course! Now why didn’t I think of that?! (Again, embarassing, but true.) 2012 rolled right into 2013 and I didn’t really take time to pause or reflect, so while I sit here with a few minutes before a meeting, I start opening old photo folders. And stumble upon this warm little gem from our trip to Denmark this past June. It doesn’t matter that there’s a wind warning in effect until midnight here in Seattle and it’s grey grey grey… I can feel the sunshine. And it makes me all the more eager to look back and appreciate what we managed (and got to) squeeze into 365 days. There will be a lot of flower photos coming your way for this “Year in Review” just as soon as I can choose some favorites. (But please don’t hold your breath; it’s the Seattle Wedding Show this weekend, and I’m sure the Rainier Club would like me to finish designing their booth.)

Don’t you just want to crawl right into that photo and lie quietly in the grass?

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2294 1 last of 2012… http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2282 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2282#comments Mon, 31 Dec 2012 06:19:51 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2282 Last night we completed our final wedding of 2012. A rewarding and full year of new relationships, projects, challenges, successes, and lots of pretty flowers. Getting our hands on gorgeous blooms during the winter months, however, proved to be a bit frustrating. Amaryllis, bless that flower, is of course a bright spot during these gray days. But still, I must forage. Because both types of spray roses I ordered simply didn’t arrive. Spray roses. And even the greenery coming into the market these days doesn’t exactly look fantastic. It’s amazing what bushes and plants catch my eye during months when gardens are brown and hibernating. I see things in a whole new light. Take, for instance, Christmas afternoon when I’m out for a walk and spot my parents’ six hanging baskets out by the compost with… what’s that? Healthy and clean dusty miller only slightly covered with a light dusting of snow?!? Quick! Grab the clippers, shake off the pretty white flakes, SAVE THAT PRECIOUS COMMODITY! We’ve definitely had to put in a few additional hours of hunting, trouble-shooting, and driving to over-priced but convenient nurseries to cut up plants. But I will say, we don’t stop until we’re satisfied. Even in the winter. And we’ve had some lovely winter weddings. Last night’s was the last of 2012, and I managed to snap a few photos of the bouquet and ceremony alter. Once things were all in place, we threw on our fancy shoes (florist’s work shoes cannot be fancy) and headed to La Spiga for some fresh pasta and good wine. 2012 was a hoot. 2013 is looking even better.

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2282 1 Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah! http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2278 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2278#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2012 01:11:50 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2278 Taking some time off to enjoy the holidays. Lots of joy to you and yours!

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2278 2 my sister http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2260 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2260#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 23:15:53 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2260 My sister Stacey is really one of the kindest people I know. She’s loving and patient and level-headed and fun and organized beyond belief, a bit of a clean freak. (We love her for it.) And she married Jacob, a dandy chap, who might come across as quiet but can bust a dance move like nobody’s business if you get him in the right mood. There is documentation for this. Together they make a great team. I was glad to have a hand in their wedding and thankful for all the family members that became my personal staff for the weekend. Spray painting, planting, washing, hauling, adjusting, adjusting again… just one more inch to the left, wait maybe back just a tiny bit. Oh my gosh, I’m sure that’s fine. Okay, no actually it’s not, keep going. Chloe (the beagle and one of the flower’girls’) trotted perfectly out of the house, across the field, and down the aisle, no leash–quite a site. Now that’s true love. It sprinkled a little before the ceremony and a little after, but held off just until we were all comfortably under the tent. And that last black and white? Who doesn’t love a good kissing-in-the-rain pic? Chantal Andrea captured their lovely day.

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2260 6 Have a happy Thanksgiving. http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2255 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2255#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:49:44 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2255 The car is packed. Loaded with wreath-making goodies; watercolor paints, brushes and paper; a couple 8 ft. pieces of trim; a pair of estate sale frames; a cooler of pomegranate salad fixings; an urn or two; magazines and books, and the few essential articles of clothing I’ll need to relax by the fire and bust open my bag (ahem, car) of projects. I think I’m ready for this holiday to begin. Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos by Bryce Covey

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2255 0 crisp http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2249 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2249#comments Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:32:35 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2249 It feels appropriate to the season yet crisp, no? I like that the white keeps it fresh (not that I don’t love a full-on brown, rust, and copper palette). Speaking of… It’s almost Thanksgiving! Are you ready? Don’t worry if you’re not. (Easy for me to say; I’m not hosting.) I remember two years ago it snowed over the long weekend and we built a snowman, sipped on something strong, and smoked cigars outside all bundled up. I didn’t work at all, even kept my computer closed. Hung out with the family, read, ate, and slept. It was so nice. Two years ago my winter months were quiet and I had lots of time to do projects or nothing at all. Things have changed, and I’ll likely spend part of my Thanksgiving break prepping vases and votives for the following weekend’s wedding. It’s worth it; she’s a great bride. I’m looking forward to her wedding and to finally working with the other half of one of my favorite photography duos (think Seattle to NYC). But I’ll be sure to carve out some time for nothing. Sometimes you have to do nothing just to stay sane. And then, when I stop and do nothing, I go crazy. That’s life. Gotta keep on, keepin’ on. I don’t stay still for long.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2249 0 Back to Sodo Park http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2221 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2221#comments Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:19:22 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2221 June! It’s one of those months that I have to be booked every single weekend. Have to be. Because local peonies are in season, and I need an excuse to buy that fluffy-petaled flower as much as possible. If I don’t, they’ll fill every corner of my home but leave me penniless. Ranunculus, poppies, and spirea too. No summer vacations for this little lady because it’s June and therefore wedding mania! Mania in a wonderful way. (Maybe talk to me again when I’m in the middle of my delightful mania.) Anyway guess what, I only have one weekend left in June, so who wants it?! (Note: Please don’t hire me unless you want to work in at least a few peonies.) Kidding! (Not really.) I have all sorts of inspiration boards and color palettes that are dying to be released from the confines of my computer files. Trust me! Trust me! You’ll be so happy you did. See? I’m a good saleswoman.

In celebration of ‘June in November’ (similar to Christmas in July, but not really that similar), I think I’ll post a wedding from this past June that also took place at Sodo Park. The arbor with all the fresh green and fluffy peonies was my favorite part. It only took 3 1/2 hours to install thanks to the many tiny plastic water tubes I used that had to be carefully tucked, tweaked, and hidden. Pat on the back for my environmentally conscious and neck-kinking efforts. It’s not always possible, I know… I should feel guilty, but I try my best.

And now, I will leave you with some photos… of peonies. And the beautiful Ashley and Cheyne, taken by the lovely Sally of Sea Studio who is a complete gem.

 

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2221 1 Sodo Park Wedding http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2197 http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2197#comments Sat, 10 Nov 2012 04:00:53 +0000 McKenzie http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?p=2197 It’s Friday. I’m a scosh tired from the week.* So it’s impressive that this post is going up–even without a description. In short, Megan was wonderful to work with and looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding. Stole the show; my flowers didn’t stand a chance. I have Gabriel & Boone (brother duo behind Gabriel Boone Photography) to thank for these lovely photos.

*Also, last night was Get Hitched Give Hope, and wow–that team of industry pros pulled off an impressive vintage-circus-themed bash and raised over $100,000.00 for the Dream Foundation. Glad my flowers could have played a small part. My date to the event was none other than the devil… as in, Handsome Devil. It’s true. See for yourself on my Instagram profile. Mr. H.D is happy because he sadly / proudly does not own an iPhone and now he can see when he’s the subject of Instagram chatter.

]]> http://www.mckenziepowelldesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=2197 3