Maddie and David’s Fun and Fabulous Love

Maddie and David’s wedding was illuminated with the couple’s effervescent love and laughter, perfectly curated to their fun and heartfelt relationship. Favorite features include the bride’s sparkly boots signed by her bridesmaids, the couple’s private exchange of gifts before the ceremony, dozens of the family’s chinoiserie vases, and a perfect sunset moment.

Maddie’s shoes made a big statement - a unique way to show off her personality, while providing sentimental support!

A day full of emotion counting down to see one another offers a special opportunity to privately share a thoughtful memento. Love letters and gifts can be sweet and romantic, or silly and light hearted to calm each other’s nerves.

Roses and smilax greenery adorned the pergola creating this gorgeous back drop at The Cypress Grove Estate House. As the ceremony began, the couple was greeted by sunshine and bright florals at the aisle entrance.

The reception space was filled with beautiful blooms in various chinoiserie vessels. Each guest table had different vases and flower combinations. A structured garden floral design added dimension and texture using a wide variety of flowers and greenery to include: roses, tulips, anemones, dark blue delphinium, mini green hydrangeas, Queen Anne’s lace, stock, scabiosa, hellebores, hyacinth, and iris. An assortment of crystal candlesticks and candleholders were added to the tables and surrounding area for elevated style.

Candles and decor are a great way to compliment the floral arrangements. At Fairbanks Florist, we offer a wide selection of gorgeous decor available to rent to achieve your wedding “look”.

We love Maddie’s repurposed bridal bouquet used in the rental furniture to create this lovely cake area!

Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Hiller and their lively love!

As neighbors and friends, we send a special thank you to Maddie and the Conklin family for the opportunity to play a role in such a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Venue: Cypress Grove Estate House

Planner: Jennifer at Bella Sposa Events

Venue and Design: RW Brands

Catering: Big City Catering

Florist and Decor: Fairbanks Florist

Photography: Corner House Photograpgy

Videography: Seltzer Films

Entertainment: Soundwave Entertainment

Hair Stylist: Mosaic Hair Studio

Roses and Elegance: Jennifer and Andrew’s Classic Garden Wedding

Jennifer and Andrew’s wedding had a regal, yet traditional theme. Classic elegance! The floral designs were structured for a sculpted garden feeling with texture and dimension between the flowers. This style was especially symbolic of their love story - as their engagement began with a proposal taking place by a beautiful fountain in the middle of a rose garden!

It warms our hearts to include these meaningful details, making each wedding unique and individual to the couple. Jennifer and Andrew’s wedding had several important sentiments including: Jennifer’s Grandmother’s dress lace wrapped around her bouquet, the cake knife from Jennifer’s parent’s wedding, and the Reception’s foyer display of family photos.

The day began at the extravagant St. George Orthodox Church where the couple shared a traditional service and the promise of marriage. Jennifer carried a structured, round bouquet wrapped in her Grandmother’s lace, using a mix of white and light pink roses, white ranunculus, with pops of greenery.

Officially Mr. and Mrs. Giarard, the celebration continued at The Country Club of Orlando. The reception space was adorned with beautiful decor including speciality linens and an assortment of candle embellishments. A garden display on the fireplace mantel and large floral arrangement with family photos in the entry way greeted guests as the entered. Round guest tables consisted of a mixture of tall floral arrangements paired with low compote floral arrangements. The beautiful garden florals used classic and spray roses, hydrangea, among mixed foliages creating airy dimension and texture.

As they continue their journey, Jennifer and Andrew start their lives together in a new city with new jobs, where they’re surely destined to find a beautiful rose garden to reminisce on their special love.

Vendor Credit

Ceremony Church: St. George Orthodox Church

Reception and Catering: Country Club of Orlando

Florals and Design: Fairbanks Florist

Photography: Josh and Rachel Best

Videography: Vanilla Brides

DJ/Entertainment: I Rock Your Party

Cake: 4R Specialty Cakes

Bridal Gown: Demetrios Gown from Lily's Bridal 

Transportation: VIP Transport

Hair and Make-up: Makeover Station

Stationary: Zola

The Perfect Piece: EllieClaire and Scott’s Summer Soiree

Sometimes, the most meaningful weddings are those that have elements that come from the heart. And none was more special than EllieClaire (a wedding photographer!) and Scott’s July wedding at St. Lukes Lutheran Church and Interlachen Country Club in which EllieClaire’s mother, Madeline, gave her talent and love to the couple’s special day.

Madeline, the mother of the bride, owns her own pottery company, “Mad Made Pottery” (an adorable play on her name!). For the wedding, she created specially made pieces that brought a beautifully organic feel to the day and Lana loved creating floral that would be showcased in these vessels.

Not only did they grace the tables for centerpieces and were used as unique container for cocktail tables, but the head table boasted a handmade vase for each bridesmaid to display her bouquet which was then given to each of them as a gift.

The bouquets and arrangements used a plethora of delicate garden botanicals that was simply stunning! The blend featured: white veronica, quicksand roses, blue delphinium and blue thistle, dusty miller, white peonies, white lisianthus, white ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace, white majolica spray roses, white O’Hara garden roses, Italian ruscus and seeded eucalyptus - what a fabulous fusion!

The color scheme was a graceful combination of white, cream, soft pastels, and greens with subtle pops of purple - perfect for a mid-summer soiree.

Lana was privileged to work with Madeline on EllieClaire and Scott’s delightful day. And she will always remember the skill and affection that went into it as she enjoys the beautiful owl vase and footed compote she received as a thank you!

Wedding Professionals: St. Lukes Lutheran Church, Interlachen Country Club, Pave Weddings by Nicole, Fairbanks Florist, Cameron Faye Photography

Simply Peachy! Whitney and Phil’s Dubsdread Summer Wedding

June 1, 2019

When it came to Whiney and Phil’s wedding at Dubsdread, all we can say is that it was peachy keen!

Not only was the gorgeous coral-peach wedding color scheme and design itself a stunning delight, but the connection with Whitney’s family and Lana was just as special.

Whitney grew up with Lana’s daughter, Jessyca, in which their beautiful friendship has always been treasured in the Faulkner family. Lana designed both Whitney’s and Whitney’s older sister’s wedding - only a few months apart!

And this type of thing isn’t just a coincidence, says Lana.

Repeatedly, Lana experiences this family dynamic phenomenon when siblings or family members get married around the same time…and she even experienced it herself. Lana’s grandmother, mother, sister, and Lana all got married in the same year!

This marvel continues to fascinate Lana and she welcomes all families who experience this, thriving on making each one unique.

For Whitney and Phil’s one-of-a-kind day, she took a peach color scheme and made it flourish with open blooms of peonies and amaryllis, hydrangea and roses, all accented with dusty miller and stock.

Thanks to the seasonality of these flowers, everything from the cascading arrangement on the ceremony tree to the head table masterpieces to Whitney’s bridal bouquet were sensational! We can never get enough of in-season botanicals that come rich with color and breadth.

Bringing such beauty and joy to an already memorable day with such a special family was an honor for Lana and she wishes these soon-to-be-parents the very best!

Wedding Professionals: Dubsdread, Fairbanks Florist, Rachel Doyle Photography

Shannon and Joe’s Botanical Dream

May 25, 2019

Set at the exact same place they met six years earlier, the wedding of Shannon and Joe was a garden party dream.

Shannon, a pediatric doctor stationed with the military in Okinawa, is a hero to Lana. Her hard work and dedication to our country and children are remarkable, making this opportunity for Lana to serve her wedding floral needs an honor.

Their special day started with a regal ceremony at St. James Cathedral Church. Shannon carried a bouquet of white florals and Joe donned a matching boutonniere. Although they chose to forgo a bridal party, adorable ring bearers were pulled in a white wagon dressed with garden vines - such a sweet touch!

For the design of the day, Shannon and Joe truly brought the feel of a garden party to their reception at The Country Club of Orlando.

Botanicals of bright green vines and muted dusty miller paired perfectly with delicate florals of white peonies and light peach garden roses.

Reception centerpieces varied between tall gold stands holding candles amongst vines and roses as well as lush, low arrangements with gold and crystal containers. It all blended beautifully for a garden like party, with the design masterpiece of the day being the head table trellis dripping with greens, floral, and hanging candles. We especially love the accent of golds throughout the room as well as the string lights - both of which provided an extra touch of sparkle to the night!

At the end of the evening, guests rang bells as the newlyweds made their grand exit.

It was all romance at its finest!

Lana and the Fairbanks Florist team was honored to work with Shannon and Joe and thank Shannon for her service to our country. In appreciation, Lana always provides a 10% discount to all military service members.

Wedding Professionals: St. James Cathedral Church, The Country Club of Orlando, Taylor Curington with Blush by Brandee Gaar, Fairbanks Florist, Sara and Ben Photography, About Face Design Team, Isabella Talya, Betsey Johnson, Something New Bridal Boutique, Matt Winter Band

Eugene and Emily’s English Garden Elegance: A Waldorf Astoria Wedding

May 25, 2019

One of the most profound compliments Lana can receive is the gift of a referral.  Knowing that a past client was so pleased with her work that he or she refers Fairbanks Florist to others puts another feather in Lana’s cap - and she doesn’t take that lightly.

“Referrals put a sparkle in my eye.  They make me work even harder to give each wedding or event a distinctly unique look.” - Lana Faulkner

Such was the case with Eugene and Emily’s English garden affair at the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando.

Emily, along with two other college classmates, was referred to Fairbanks Florist from a fellow friend who loved her experience working with Lana on her own wedding.  

Understanding that former brides typically love to share their story with others who are engaged, Lana was elated to work with the entire group of friends over the course of a few years.

Working with closely with Emily, the indoor ballroom wedding took on a delicate garden look full of bountiful color.  Flowers consisted of lisianthus, coral charm peonies, Sarah Bernhardt roses, David Austin Juliette garden roses, peach roses, yellow roses, spray roses, antique green and white hydrangea, and pink stock.  The combination took on a charming look that was almost outdone by the beautiful fragrance!

For the ceremony altar, Lana placed full arrangements on either side and drenched a circular arch in the appointed floral that stood in the middle - all of it in front of a luxurious wall of drapery. The stunning circular altar piece was later transferred to the reception room where it framed the wedding cake and sweetheart table.  It was a most gorgeous focal point while tall centerpieces complemented the feature throughout the room.

The blending of the lush garden floral paired with the vibrant color scheme, all celebrating the love of Eugene and Emily made for a spring wedding soiree at its finest. Lana will always fondly remember the day and holds sincere gratitude for the referrals she received for the wonderful experiences amongst the friends.

Wedding Professionals: Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Weddings Unique, Fairbanks Florist, Francine and Lionel Photography, Ricci Ocampos Films, Beautiful Music, Phase 5 Band, Swag Decor, A Chair Affair, Couture Cakes, Kristy’s Artistry Design Team

Photo Shoot Flair: Romance and Whimsy at Sunny Acres Lodge

What happens when you bring some of Orlando’s best wedding professionals together to design, create, and shoot concepts they are dreaming of?

Scenes and pictures that wow even the most seasoned of us.

This was the goal for the Wed Talks photo shoot at Sunny Acres Lodge in Polk City, Florida and it was certainly achieved.

With A-list vendors: 

Heather Parks and Cathlee Tomkow from Sunny Acres Lodge, Perfect Wedding Guide, Lana and Art Faulkner and Marelize Dingman with Fairbanks Florist, Erica Brilliant Trunk with Solutions Bridal Designer House, Tab McCausland with Tab McClausand Photography, Lisa Stoner with Lisa Stoner Events, Angela Desveaux from WedLuxe Magazine, Designer Weddings by Carly Rose, Brie and Brie Hair and Makeup, Over the Top Linens, Cut the Cake, Andi Mejia, A Chair Affair, Marin Makeup, and Fyerfly Productions

it’s no wonder brides and the industry alike are finding awe in the following pictures!

These vendors were brought together by Wed Talks to provide insightful guidance and inspiration for Florida wedding photographers. Each photographer was able to take advice from the speakers and shoot the created designs before them in which the winning photographer would be awarded the cover of the June/July issue for Perfect Wedding Guide (check it out here!).

Working together to create bridal vignettes inclusive of bride and groom models, attire, hair and makeup, floral, stationary, cake, linens and rentals, a variety of scenes were presented to the photographers from these vendors.

For the floral aspect of the photo shoot, Lana’s vision was to create an elegant look within a rustic atmosphere. She exceeded all expectations.  After attending a site visit headed up by Carly Rose with Designer Weddings, she was provided the linen selection for the day and then began devising her looks from there.

Lana began by creating a floral chandelier over the long indulgent reception table as well as a lush ceremony structure dripping with greenery and flowers.  She suspended the wedding cake from the ceiling of an old pole barn (look closely at the picture!), hung a gorgeous chandelier arrangement from a tree and even accented the Lodge’s rowboat in romantic blooms.  

She used a variety of flowers and elements, including lavender wisteria and jasmine - some of her favorites to work with - and structured the bouquets from what was left over from the larger pieces of the day. Her creations were the perfect tone of romance and whimsy (which paired beautifully with the farm animals!) for this delightful day.

It was quite the dream look for photographers to shoot and it was enthralling to watch each work diligently to capture the day. The winning photographer was Amanda Turner of For the Moment Photography and we are thrilled to share her pictures below!

A Tuscan Fairytale: Vince and Paulina’s Bella Collina Dream Day

April 1, 2019

Many would say the lush gardens and regal architecture of Bella Collina is the epitome of a romantic backdrop for a wedding with no need for additional decor - and we agree! However, when the perfect environment meets the perfect decor for a couple, something extra magical happens.

It becomes a dream-like fairytale.

Welcome to Vince and Paulina’s wedding.

With the scenery of Bella Collina surrounding them, the couple chose a richly romantic palette of cream, gold, peach, blush pinks, baby blue, and natural greens to highlight the beauty of the backdrop. It seemed like scenes from a storybook.

Paulina’s abundant bouquet held roses, ranunculus, garden flowers, and olive branches and was loosely tied with light blue ribbon. Her bridesmaids carried smaller versions tied with long, delicate gold ribbon. The look was nothing short of classic romance!

For their sun-filled ceremony, Lana created a grand design that complemented the stone-arched venue. Opulent arrangements of roses and greenery lined both sides of the aisle and two large arrangements of the same floral gloriously adorned the altar.

Afterwards, their outdoor reception felt like a dinner in the Tuscan countryside. Stately furniture, wood tables, and a crystal chandelier gave the space elegant uniqueness while olive branch garlands, gold candlesticks, low garden-inspired arrangements, and even aromatic herbs were the striking details that brought the entire look together.

One couldn’t help falling in love that evening. And when it came to the design, neither could we.

Wedding Professionals: Bella Collina, Fairbanks Florist, Miranda Grey Weddings, Love It Wedding Films, Ocean Hawk Rentals, A Chair Affair, Inc., Get Lit Productions, Melanie Paige Events, Thompson Entertainment, Andi Mejia, Amare Couture

A Royal Affair: Esther and Damola’s Opulent Loews’ Portofino Bay Wedding

March 29, 2019

Not a petal out of place, not a color overdone, and certainly no question of the love between Esther and Damola.

If there is one word to describe Esther and Damola’s dream day, it would be illustrious. From the attire to the location to the furniture to the flowers - every ounce of detail was astoundingly exquisite. And we were honored to be a part of it all.

Working with Andrea Pavone of Pavone Events, Lana knew this wedding (to be held at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel) would be as majestic as the inspiration boards conveyed. Esther and Damola didn’t just create a logo for their wedding - but rather a family crest that was the foundation for the regality of the overall look. It would be absolutely enchanting for them and their guests - traveling from the Northeast for this Tuscan-inspired wedding.

Because of this grandiose conceptualization, floral design planning started with endless ideas of how to bring it all to life. But throughout the process, the floral motif became more defined, complementing additional peripheral elements such as unique gold chairs, a gobo and uplighting, a covered dance floor, sparkling linens, and a delicately adorned cake.

On the day of the wedding, Esther carried a cascading bouquet of peonies, garden roses, spray roses, and greenery stock; her bridesmaids held matching hand-tied arrangements. And in a beautiful twist, rather than wearing a traditional boutonniere, Damola opted for a dazzling brooch!

Their ceremony, which took place in the Citrus Piazza, was adorned with large arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, and greenery flowing out of the perfect garden-inspired urns on top of matching pedestals. The low aisle flowers were a perfect addition to bring together the look and were later used at the reception.

And speaking of reception - it was stunning! The looks on their faces when they saw the room says it all!

The outdoor designs were brought indoors for a beautiful transition to the evening and a faux boxwood hedge wall made for a gorgeous photo booth in the room.

In addition, Lana and her team accented the room with mercury glass, tall glass vases, and hanging crystals. To add to the glimmer, loose crystals were also placed on the sweetheart table for extra sparkle!

But at the end of the night, it was clear Esther and Damola didn’t need any extra panache. The love they have for each other shines bright - which made it a true pleasure to work with them in creating a day that communicated this love.

Wedding Professionals: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Pavone Events, Cricket’s Photo and Cinema, Fairbanks Florist - including staff Lauren, Anna, Samantha, Jeff and Joanna, Soundwave Entertainment, Beautiful Music, Letz Dance On It, Swag Decor, Sprinkles Custom Cakes, Bridal Gown Designer Eddie K with BHLDN, Jo Michelle Pro Makeup, Nuage Designs, Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals, Bubble Event Rental Furnishing, Groom’s Attire from Christian Louboutin, Bride’s Shoes from Manolo Blanhik, Love Couture Bridal

A Garden Fantasy: Jenna and Lee’s Romantic Day

January 13, 2019

One may think that designing a gorgeous wedding day must consist of interviewing a variety of floral designers, scheduling a plethora of meetings throughout the planning process, looking over multiple mock-ups, and then selecting the exact flowers and look for the day.

Sometimes, that is true.

And sometimes, it is not.

When it came to planning the floral romance and swagger of Jenna and Lee’s most special day at Bella Collina, it was anything but conventional. And it made all the difference.

After receiving a rave referral from a friend, browsing over top reviews, and loving the pictures online, the sister of the groom called Fairbanks Florist and booked Lana and her team without Jenna and Lee even meeting her!

Throughout the planning process, Jenna sent Lana inspirational concepts via photos and Lana then interpreted the concepts into a unique look just for them - without meeting or speaking with each other until the week before the wedding.

It may seem surprising to some not to meet with your wedding florist until the day of your wedding, but because Jenna and Lee trusted Lana to select the best quality flowers available and create a design that was inspired by their likes, but yet distinctly their own, Lana was able to make exquisite floral arrangements that exceeded all their expectations.

The bridal and bridesmaid bouquets consisted of white anemones with rich navy hued middles, burgundy scabiosa, seeded eucalyptus, smilax, Brazilian berries, and roses. They were whimsical garden bouquets with delicate pops of stunning color. The groom and groomsmen donned white rose boutonnieres.

For the ceremony, two large garden arrangements consisting of antique green hydrangea, smilax, roses, lisianthus, Italian ruscus, eucalyptus, and dusty miller created a beautiful altar area.

A variety of round and rectangular reception tables held lush garlands of greens with white roses interlaced throughout and the sweetheart table was absolutely breathtaking with the ceremony arrangements on either side, dripping garland on the table, candlelight and gold accents. Complementing the bridal bouquet, the cake showcased delicate decor. The reception simply glowed throughout the garden as guests dined among the candlelight. It was a night to remember.

This wedding was the epitome of romance and to imagine…not one in-person meeting to make it all happen! We think that adds to the magic of it all.

Wedding Professionals: Bella Collina, Jamie Adams with Blush by Brandee Gar, Fairbanks Florist, Stephanie with Kristen Weaver Photography, Our DJ Rocks, Get Lit Productions, Sugar Sugar Cake Boutique, Over The Top Linens