Bringing the Outside In: Beverley and Jeff’s Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center Wedding

October 27, 2018

From the very beginning, we knew this would be a special wedding. One can’t help but feel the love between Beverley and Jeff the moment that you meet them. When we did, we immediately knew this authentic, real love would create a wedding day that would fill everyone’s hearts. It would be our job to ensure the flowers and design would complement it perfectly.

“After vetting several other florists, it was clear to me that Lana understood my vision, respected our set budget, and educated us on matters of all things floral. For my now husband and me, those were very important aspects when it came to deciding who we entrusted to bring our ‘greenhouse’ theme to life,” says Beverley.

Working with event designer Lisa Stoner of Lisa Stoner Events, Lana set off to form floral elements that would bring the outdoors in at Beverley’s request. The selected DeVos Family Room at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center boasts floor to ceiling windows, creating a beautiful light and airy space. However, that openness devised a creative challenge for Lana to fill the space in soft, yet opulent fashion while enhancing the incredibly unique deconstructive U room layout Lisa had designed.

This was no small feat considering the vastness of the stunning room, but Lana and Lisa successfully collaborated to soften the room with natural floral details that would bring it all together.

The ultimate design selected by Beverley and Jeff were lush trees on white pedestals with hanging candles that stood along the aisle of their ceremony at Kingdom Church and then were transported to the reception to be placed throughout the 32 foot long tables that enveloped the room.

Deep green garlands ran along each table with burgundy, pink, and purple flowers set into it. The look was made romantic even more with candles throughout the arrangements.

Personal flowers were composed of white, light pink and burgundy flowers loosely gathered with greenery in garden style bouquets. They were exquisite alongside the eight bridesmaids in blush dresses.

So what was it like working with Lana and the Fairbanks Florist team?

“Seamless. Perfect. Flexible. And while Lana is a true professional, I didn’t feel like a client. I felt like we’ve been friends for years. She’s genuinely interested in making dreams come true for her clients. From the first meeting, my mother, husband, and I all agreed that Lana was more than qualified to do the job.” - Beverley

Wedding Professionals: Lisa Stoner Events, KEJ Productions, dioburto photography, Miss Hayley Paige, Fairbanks Florist, Michael Anthony Cakes, Fyerfly Productions, Over The Top Rental Linens, Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals, Stages Plus, Dr. Philiips Performing Arts Center, Kingdom Church

If you are looking for a beautiful experience like Bevereley and Jeff’s, you may be interested in her advice on finding the perfect florist:

"I’m a vibe person...if I can vibe with you, I’m pretty much sold, because the relationship aspect is the deciding factor for me. If you have an awesome wedding planner (like Lisa Stoner) they will help you gather a list of floral vendors who will most likely all be able to do the job. So when meeting with them, be aware of how they speak to you, how enthused they are to work with you, and whether or not you and your spouse feels comfortable with them. I firmly believe in trusting your gut."

An Upscale Rustic Fete: Chocky and John’s Fall Wedding

November 25, 2018

As a well-known local restauranteur, John knew his sumptuous Italian eatery, Francesco’s Ristorante in Maitland, FL, could be the perfect location to celebrate his marriage to Chocky. The food would be outstanding, the location was perfect, but the challenge would be how they could turn this traditional restaurant into an intimate wedding reception venue.

However, Chocky knew just who to turn to.

Friends for years, Chocky and Marelize Dingman (designer at Fairbanks Florist), had worked together on numerous charity events thoughout the years, including the Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees. Chocky knew Marelize held the talent and skills to exceed all expectations and immediately realized Marelize would be the perfect designer for their wedding.

“I worked almost exclusively with Marelize. She handled everything. The only words I can use to describe her are dream come true. She listened to everything we wanted and came up with solutions and ideas that were better than we expected.” - Chocky

Wedding Professionals: The Roots and Stones Wedding Photography and Video, Fairbanks Florist, A Chair Affair, Inc., Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals, Kraft Azalea Garden, Francesco’s Ristorante, Over The Top Rental Linens

The ceremony, at Kraft Azalea Garden, was structured with two large, white pedestals, overflowing with ivory, peach, and deep pink roses, white hydrangea, dark red dahlias and peonies, thistle, burgundy hanging amaranthus, and flowing vines. Complementing these pieces and Chocky’s bouquet were miniature flower girl bouquets and matching floral halos. It was the perfect touch for the 5 flower girls!

Back at Francesco’s, Marelize and the Fairbanks Florist team had transformed the restaurant into an upscale rustic environment with an unstructured garden design, boasting rich dimension, textures, and colors.

Curry willow, grapevine, and manzanita branches were constructed into specially designed pieces for above the restaurant’s arches. They were created at the floral shop and completed during installation with fresh floral and hanging crystals.

Tables lit up with romantic candlelight, donning sophisticated arrangements. And behind the head table, Marelize designed a floral header board with cascading drapery to bring intimate attention to the bride and groom. The ceremony floral arrangements were brought back to the reception, completing the overall look.

John and Chocky’s wedding was a stunning affair that Fairbanks Florist, particularly Marelize, made uniquely exquisite. It was so well-received, that many arrangements (such as the arch decor) stayed for the holidays! Additional holiday decor such as decorated trees, were brought in to the restaurant as soon as the wedding was over and Francesco’s opened the following day perfectly ready for the holiday season!

“Marelize immediately got my vision and improved on every idea. The flowers were amazing and just gorgeous. We only met about three times and she gave me confidence because she instinctively understood what we wanted. I have to say it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. Everyone that attended said how lovely everything was.” - Chocky

A Floral Wonderland: Melissa and Issac’s Four Seasons Orlando Wedding

October 29, 2018

When renowned Orlando wedding planner Michele Butler, of Michele Butler Events, brought Melissa and Isaac to meet with Lana at Fairbanks Florist, it was truly a match made in heaven. She knew they wanted to make a splash with their wedding and Lana’s vision for floral and decor was one of the ways they would do just that.

Taking just a few elements (inclusive of white and light blush pink roses, hydrangea, and calla lilies) and using them in abundance was the strategic design for Melissa and Issac’s Four Seasons Orlando wedding. Their outdoor ceremony was staged with an ivory rose petal aisle and cream, rectangular pedestals with lush arrangements filled with hydrangeas and roses that popped amongst the natural green foliage.

Melissa held a tightly packed bouquet of light pink roses, blush hydrangea, and white calla lilies - an extra element that made her and her bridesmaids bouquets stand out from the other floral. Issac donned a boutonniere of two small white roses accented by gold wire and a touch of greenery.

This abundant, clean, and classic design style became even more bountiful at their reception, when guests were greeted with layers of soft white fabric surrounding the room that was filled with lush, white and blush arrangements with gold accented chairs and table details.

Lana designed the entire room including the layout, drapery, table elements, cake table, and the sleek white dance floor with the couple’s initials. She even accented the custom made seating chart with graceful drapery and fresh floral. However, the highlight of the evening was the unique curved sweetheart table that was drenched in their wedding flowers - down to the floor. What a WOW!

It was truly a floral wonderland.

Wedding Professionals: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resor, Michele Butler Events, Fairbanks Florist, Cricket’s Photo and Cinema, A-List Wedding DJ’s and Entertainment, A Beautiful Ceremony, LeJeune Artistry, Over the Top Rental Linens, A Chair Affair, Inc., Bubble Miami, Dazian Creative Fabric Environments, Letz Dance On It, Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio, LLC, Morilee by Madeline Gardner

Grand and Gorgeous: Lindsay and Dustin’s New Year’s Eve Wedding

December 31, 2017

There’s nothing that celebrates love quite like a New Year’s Eve wedding and Lindsay and Dustin’s Tuscawilla private home affair did just that.

As the sun shone perfectly through the trees that last day of 2017, the setting was perfect for a ceremony under a family-made wood arch that Lana accented with roses, hydrangea, and olive tree branches. Lindsay carried a complementing bouquet with muted soft tones and Dustin donned a matching boutonniere.

When day turned to dusk, guests retreated inside where the main living space had evolved into a reception for royalty. A variety of roman, circular, and square tables filled the room in which layers of design materials graced each one. Some tables boasted eucalyptus garland with rhinestones, pandora vine, and olive branches while others showcased a beautiful arrangement of smilax vines, dusty miller, wax flower, lisianthus, quick sand roses and hydrangeas in blush tones.

But no New Year’s Eve wedding is complete without a little sparkle - and the mercury glass candle holders, gold glitter tablecloths, and gold beaded chargers added the perfect touch to the dazzling wintery look.

As the new year drew closer, guests danced the night away around the outdoor pool in which Fairbanks Florist gave a glowing feel with fairy-light filled lanterns and greenery garlands with twinkle lights that surrounded the pool.

It was a new year’s that welcomed 2018 with love and happiness - and one that will not be forgotten.

Wedding Professionals: Runway Events, Fairbanks Florist, Concept Photography, Our DJ Rocks, About Face Design Team, Sensational Ceremonies, Special Event Services, VIP Services of Orlando, KEJ Productions, River City Catering, Hayfire, Photo Booth Rocks

A Stately Affair: Erin and Clay’s Southern Garden Wedding

November 3, 2018

The Spanish moss slightly swaying in the crisp fall air. The privacy of a grand estate built in the 1940s. And the beauty of two families coming together for one celebratory day.

It was the perfect surroundings for a perfect day.

Working with Lisa Stoner, of Lisa Stoner Events, Erin and Clay had a vision of a charming Florida estate wedding. The ceremony would take place overlooking the lake and the reception would have a charming garden style design.

Set in the backdrop of the Adams Estate on Lake Alfred, hues of pink, salmon, and deep burgundy gave the wedding dimension and moodiness. A large, circle arch naturally designed with a growing trellis of roses, peonies, dahlias, and greenery created a unique ceremony backdrop - a stand out amongst the old trees and calm lake. And this structure would not only be a highlight of the ceremony, but would be a stand-out piece for the cocktail reception and dance floor after it was carefully moved by the Fairbanks Florist team.

Erin carried a muted bouquet of wildflowers and stephanotis (one of her favorite flowers) for a whimsical, unstructured look that would give way to free-form design for Lana. It gave Erin a look of delicacy and romance while not taking away from the beauty of her dress.

The reception inside the estate was filled with low-height floral arrangements of roses, peonies, magnolias and a variety of crystal and cut glass from Lana’s admired collection. It was the perfect look to create the southern charm feel. And to bring in Erin’s love of Florida citrus, bright tangerines were sparingly placed throughout the room.

We loved the quaint charm of Erin and Clay’s special day. It was the perfect blend of unstructured design that brought a cohesive and relaxed feel to the day!

Wedding Professionals: Lisa Stoner Events, Adams Estate, Fairbanks Florist, Jordan Weiland Photography, Perfect Sky Wedding Films, FyerFly Productions, The Cake Studio

Vintage Chic in a Country Setting: Megan and Kevin’s Dream Day

November 18, 2017

Wedding Professionals: Bramble Tree Estate, The Busy Bee Events and Design, Fairbanks Florist, Best Photography, RW Events, Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals

As Lana pulled up to the Bramble Tree Estate that November day in 2017, she was anxious to get designing. Not only did she have beautiful, unique pieces with her that Megan and Kevin had purchased themselves, but she had luck on her side when going to the floral market. Her inventory included a plethora of rich reds, delicate pinks, and the most stunning hanging amaranthus she had ever seen - all waiting to create the perfect upscale, rustic, and vintage look.

It would be a wedding design dream - both for her and for the couple.

The flowers weren’t to be wildly extravagant and ornate. They were to create the feeling of soft, vintage-inspired chicness in a spectacular country estate setting. But even though the flowers weren’t to be overdone, it did not mean they would be understated.

Rather, the flower design Lana would create would perfectly fit into the environment the couple selected. It would have an elegant abundance like no other.

The selected color palette, choice of flowers, design freedom Megan and Kevin provided Lana, and the collaboration with The Busy Bee Events and Design would prove to be the perfect combination for a wedding that would wow.

Without the bride knowing the bouquets would be adorned with hanging burgundy amaranthus, Lana made sure to have a plan to remove it if need be. However, it wasn’t needed as Megan was absolutely crazy about how beautiful the bouquets were.

Her trust in Lana had reaped its rewards and in effect, she and her bridesmaids carried one-of-a-kind designs that were standout pieces throughout the day.

Megan and Kevin were deeply involved in the planning of their wedding and purchased a black wrought iron arch for their ceremony. After brainstorming with Lana, the arch would be painted gold and accentuated with whimsical greenery and flowers, creating an eye-catching vintage elegance in a country chic setting.

Unique details at the ceremony made a big impression in creating the overall feel of the day. Light greenery attached to garden ceremony chairs, floral highlighting a welcome sign and table, and living room vignettes complete with complementing floral filled the day with the utmost sophistication and romance.

Continuing to awe guests, a lighted tent with varying tables was the perfect setting for dinner. Because the ambience of the tent on the impeccable grounds was so charming, the flowers were designed to highlight the brilliant color palette of red, burgundy, and pink in long rows and amongst candlelight to make a graceful impact.

In addition, a distinct cake table was the culminating piece of the reception. Displayed on an antique dresser with florals and greenery gently placed in slightly opened drawers, this piece was a draw for everyone. We particularly admire how the simple cake became glamorous in such a creative design space.

Megan and Kevin’s wedding was a true testament to the concept of utilizing unique, bold colors and flowers to make a stunning impact. By giving Lana the creative freedom and flexibility to design from the inspiration they gave her, their wedding was simply inspirational.

The Air of Romance: Julianne and Garrett’s Isleworth Country Club Wedding

April 14, 2018

If there is one thing that we remember about Julianne and Garrett’s April wedding at Isleworth Country Club, it’s the sweet romance that filled the air from dawn to dusk. Julianne and Garrett chose a pink, ivory, and natural greenery palette that Lana created a design board for - inclusive of open garden roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. Julianne’s handtied bridal bouquet was filled with pink garden roses and peonies accented with loose greenery for a soft touch. Julianne’s Bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses and carried smaller versions of Julianne’s bouquet. The Bridesmaids also wore delicate floral halos - perfect for the outdoor garden ceremony!

Stunning blooms on grand pedestals and a framed welcome mirror greeted guests as they took their seats along the rose petal aisle for the ceremony under a gold wrought iron arch adorned with flowers and greenery. After the vows, Lana and her team redesigned the ceremony flowers to bring the beauty inside. A lush sweetheart table splashed in pink light and surrounded by the garden flowers with greenery accents made a stunning impact in front of the fireplace. The mantle was adorned with candles and a custom faux botanical monogram which the couple commissioned for their home after the wedding.

Planned and coordinated by Michele Butler, from Michele Butler Events, the wedding was exceptionally prepared and executed - making for a wedding day that “was the moment of our lives,” says Julianne. Even though the day was warm, everyone stayed calm and cool - primarily because of the extraordinary planning and efforts of Michele. Michele is a consummate professional and remains joyful and positive throughout the entire pre-planning and day-of coordination process. It is truly a delight to work with her as she makes it seamless for a vendor (such as ourselves) to do our best work.

When it comes to romance, it doesn’t get much better than a couple that is as beautiful inside as they are on the outside, add in a beautiful ceremony overlooking the lake, highlighted by soft pink hues and lush arrangements and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a romantic wedding!

Wedding Professionals: Isleworth Country Club, Michele Butler Events, Fairbanks Florist, Emily Knuth Photography, Over the Top, Inc., Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals, About Face Design Team, Thompson Entertainment-DJ Scott Thompson, Elmwood Forest Productions, Solutions Bridal Designer House, Maureen Hall Invitations, Victoria Schultz Harpist

Shades of Pink: Shequella and Evan’s Sophisticated Soirée

On May 19, 2018, much of the world was engaged with a royal wedding taking place in the United Kingdom.  It was a day of artistry, elegance, and splendid celebration.  It would be one of remembrance for so many.

However, the allure of the day wasn’t just about what was happening on the other side of “the pond.”  

Here in Winter Park, Florida, a gorgeous ceremony and soirée at Casa Feliz was about to get under way as well.  The delicate details would soon come together in a palette of pinks and oranges to perfectly brighten the romance of the rain.  This, too, would be a day that others would remember…forever.

How It Was Created:

When Andrea Pavone of Pavone Events in Orlando, Florida stepped into our office with beautifully engaged Shequella and Evan, we didn’t know we were about to create the sophistication of a spring wedding in all shades pink, coral, and orange.  

We were delighted!  It would be simply stunning.

Andrea arrived at meetings with design boards filled with detailed pictures of color schemes, flowers, and garlands.  Shequella loved the vibrant color scheme and we were elated to work with such rich yet delicate tones.

Our Challenge:

We were excited about the design for their wedding and we knew this type of color scheme as well as must-haves such as grand garlands would require full, lush floral pieces.  

However, with this type of elegant, yet distinct concept can come an increase in flowers, foliage and colors needed, in which you guessed it - can include an increase in floral budgeting as well.

But there was one thing that could make it all happen…

The Result:

When faced with the challenge of finding just the right flowers in just the right colors and within just the right amount of resources, it comes down to one thing…

trust.

Andrea, Shequella, and Evan provided Fairbanks Florist with the trust and flexibility to go to market, buy what was abundant, fresh, and color perfect in bulk and then create beautiful designs from there.

The result?

One amazingly chic wedding that was orchestrated, installed, and designed live by Fairbanks Florist’s Floral Designer, Marelize Dingman.  She took their vision (with many details to translate), to better-than-imagined reality.

Here, take a look!

Shequella and her bridesmaids carried lush bouquets filled with shades of pinks and oranges, using open garden roses and ranunculus as main floral elements.  The varied hues complemented the salmon colored bridesmaid dresses perfectly.

Accented with a coral ranunculus boutonniere, Evan’s blue tux and salmon hued tie was a fashion stand-out.

Shequella and Evan dreamed of an outdoor ceremony with drapes cascading from a balcony with garland, however, the patter of rain called for a change in plans.

But the day was not ruined!  Drapery was simply brought indoors, accented by fresh garlands in front of glass doors that made for a cozy commitment environment.

After the ceremony, guests dined under a tented courtyard, complete with a crystal chandelier adorned with flowers and dripping vines.

Shequella and Evan’s table boasted cascading green, gold candlesticks, and shades of pink flowers.

Guest tables were adorned with full garlands accented with brightly hued colors of pinks and corals.  Interspersed gold candle holders encouraged the perfect glow.

Following dinner, the party began back inside where their classic white cake with fresh flowers was placed against a regal background where the golds, pinks, and whites stood out perfectly.

What We Loved the Most:

There is always something that we clearly remember about each wedding.  With Shequella and Evan’s, there was no denying it - it was their perspective.

As the rain poured on throughout the day, many couples could have gotten anxious, nervous, and maybe even a little upset.  But not Shequella and Evan.

They took this weather in stride and with such grace that it turned the rain into romance.  It made their day about them, their love, and the quaint and cozy surroundings inside brought everyone together even closer to witness it all.  

It was…simply perfect.

Who Made It All Happen:

Venue: Casa Feliz

Wedding Planner: Pavone Events

Photographer: Katelynn Carlson Photography

Caterer: Arthur’s Creative Events and Catering

Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies - Reverend Jeff Thompson

Cake: Sprinkles Custom Cakes

Guitarist: Luis Alfredo Garcia

DJ: Our DJ Rocks

Linen: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen and Chair Cover Rental

Chairs: A Chair Affair, Inc.

Makeup: Heather Draus

Tent and Lighting: Rentaland Tent and Event Rentals

Wedding Gown: Eddy K

Favors: Hello Sugar!

All the good news at Fairbanks Florist!

I am so happy to launch my shiny new website!  My new website has taken months of deep thought, creativity, love and perseverance, not to mention I had the privilege to work with an amazing web designer!  I wanted so much to bring you an elevated experience here at Fairbanks Florist!

I have also had the good fortune to hire a new floral designer who will also be part of my marketing team.  Her name is Marelize Dingman.  If you don’t already know her, I am positive you know someone who does.  One of the wonderful things about Marelize, is that she just seems to know everybody, Ha!!  She is delightful, she is happy, fun, smart and very creative!  Creativity and personalized service is the energy that fuels Fairbanks Florist and let me tell you Marelize has plenty of it!  Please be on the lookout for her making her way around town to make introductions, I would be so honored if you made her feel welcome!

It is my privilege to introduce the Fairbanks Florist Team to you! But first a big shout out to my Husband Art, for the beautiful team photos!  From left, please meet Sherry Graham. Sherry was the design room Manager when Fairbanks Florist served you as a full service retail flower shop for over 27 years! Sherry's beautiful expert floral designs help make your event extraordinary!

Next to Sherry, my partner in life and business, Art Faulkner, co-owner of Fairbanks Florist and the love of my life! When Art is not professionally photographing his own Corporate Events, Weddings and Product shoots, he is alongside our team making sure every part of production and day of execution comes off flawlessly! If you don't already know the Award Winning Art Faulkner Photography, please look him up for your next event. Your day will be remembered in exquisite photos, beyond your expectations!

Well you know me, I have been serving you as the proud owner of Fairbanks Florist, with much gratitude for your trust in my ability to execute your floral needs whether large or small. You know I love helping you and making your day beautiful with my floral visions and design, having the biggest smile every step of the way! Flowers are my passion, people are my passion and bringing them both together, well, I am so grateful to love what I do and do what I love!

So on to our most lovely Sheila Tousley. Sheila manages the logistics and event production side of our events and you can thank her for the countless hours she spends making sure the fine details are in place that make your event extraordinary! But don't stop there! Sheila is working hard after your event to put everything back into perfect place for the next lucky client to have the Fairbanks Florist team bring their special event to life!

Next to Sheila please meet Marelize Dingman. Marelize brings years of chairing large galas for community events, volunteering her time for local or international charities to event planning and execution, along with beautiful floral design and her charming personality to make sure your event is perfectly executed!

If you are looking for floral designs that are unique and customized just for your event, we are ready to serve you with fresh, leading edge, artistic creations that are truly unique to your vision! Give Lana a call and let's get started!!!