For me, this is a year of learning. I have admired what Holly Chapple has going on for quite awhile. Let me tell you, this was for me a trip filled with passion, love and tears...so many tears. I am not a crier, but in a room with these ladies and even the most dry eyed person will tear up. Her heart is just overflowing for her community of like minded florists who share, respect and lift eachother up. I am proud to call myself a Chapel Designer along with my other titles.

Oh, and this was my first trip to NYC. Odd for me, because I have traveled a lot. Just never gotten up to the East Coast side of things. We jam packed the few days we had together. The first day was a rush for me, my flight was terribly late. But, I was welcomed by the lovely Amy McGee of Botanical Brouhaha . This lady is one of those people, you wonder how she does all of what she does. I mean, her blog is just gorgeous! And, when booking this amazing trip she was the point of contact for any and every question a newb like me had. Can't thank her enough for making me feel welcomed walking into the conference an hour behind schedule all airplane sweaty and out of breath.

Details, ok. So, day one we saw a number of amazing presenters. Holly opened with a touching speech. Amy McGee went over what it means to be a Chapel Designer, and how we can all promote each other. The Putnam and Putnam guys showed us a classic design in their style before lunch. The girls from Grit and Grace, wildly ambitious, sweet, and a witty team showed us what their weddings look like, how they began and a few fun stories along the way. Naomi de Manana, from Martha Stewart was next. She is a master at designing flowers for photos. How to place them, the lighting, and other tricks. I was really impressed by her classical training, but use of playful and new floral elements. Jess Levin Conroy with Carats and Cake spoke about the wedding industry as a whole and the bottom line. Making the dollar bills, and how to target your audience. Very important stuff! The day of speaking concluded with Christina Matteucci. This girl is a boss! She is David Beahm Experience's #2. She knows what it takes to be a supporting player and take business to the next level. The evening went late that night, with an early morning trip to the NYC FLOWER MARKET!!! #flowernerd alert.

miniature pineapples from Caribbean Cuts

Day 2: Design Day at David Beahm Studios!

Learned some pretty cool techniques and tips from Susan Mcleary of Passionflower. She is the queen of succulent jewelry. Hitomi was nothing short of pure genius. She has a way of gently blowing your mind even when you just left one of her shows in the good old PNW. Always sharing something new, or old, but always innovative. She shared a few of her inspirational books and drilled mechanics into the brains of the Chapel Designers. And reminded us that it is not smart to use flowers that don't hold up, but also in the long run hurting us as in industry when a bride requests something she's seen in a floral styled shoot. This whole block of designing was prep for the #floraandfaunafashionshow

Late night sessions with Isha Foss about courting your client. And Michelle Edgemont and Amanda Evaul of the Bridal Theory presented about styling for instagram and social media. Both of these were great sessions! The q&a portions were so good! Oh, and there were some amazing chocolates brought by Amanda!

Day #3 Flora and Fauna Fashion Show

Located in the beautifully clean and white Studio 450. Special guest Beatrix Ost! What an inspirational woman. I can't wait for the photography from the talented @amandadomouchelle!!! I'll be posting soon!

Florally yours,

A new Chapel Designer -From the Ground Up Floral

Chapel Designers NYC 2016