I’ve always adored flowers (who doesn’t) but when I worked with our floral designers for my wedding, that adoration turned to a full blown love affair. So when these images by Rebecca Hollis came across my desk, I stopped and stared… and have barely resumed work since. Captured at The Wild West Flower Workshop, hosted by Darci Greenwood of Beargrass Gardens Florals + Events, floral designers came from all over to learn, grown, and create, and the finished results – all here in our VAULT – are downright frame-worthy. Take your pick among all this pretty!
From Darci Greenwood at Beargrass Gardens Floral & Events… The Wild West Flower Workshop was held September 21st-23rd, 2015 at the majestic Green Valley Ranch at the gates to Glacier National Park. Hosted and instructed by me, Darci Greenwood of Beargrass Gardens Floral & Events, 13 floral designers from all over the United States traveled to Montana for three days of flower camaraderie and fun. Nancy Teasley from Oak and the Owl and Ashley Fox from Ashley Fox Designs were my guest instructors and made this experience even more amazing with their smiles and expertise. The Wild West Flower Workshop is an all-inclusive package, as we all stay together on property at the luxuriously rustic lodge and all meals are prepared in the beautiful main kitchen. I can’t even begin to explain how much support and friendship developed in such a short time between these designers.
Our first day, after breakfast, we sat in the main living area and had amazing discussions on business and marketing. Everyone spoke of their story and the reasons they love the flower and wedding business. Just listening to each other, students were learning. Many questions were asked and we were thrilled to answer and discuss.
That afternoon we strolled down by the horse pastures to the pole barn and designed bridal bouquets. Students had hundreds and hundred of stems to chose from and it was so much fun to watch everyone pick the product for their design. Mayesh Wholesale provided some of the gorgeous blooms and botanicals and we also brought in local Montana grown dahlias and California grown garden roses. Foraging was probably what thrilled students the most. The Montana surrounding forest and fields provided students with hundred of acres of beauty for them to snip from. There were times when I could hear laughter and squeals of delight from deep in the forest.
A beautiful model was brought in to photograph with each of the students finished bouquet. Rebecca Hollis Photography worked with each student to perfectly capture their work. Our lovely model wore a LeeAnn Marshall gown provided by Velvet Bride.
The next day we worked on centerpieces and tabletop styling. Students again chose from beautiful floral product and forged for much of their foliage. Shape, style and design construction was discussed and everyone dove head first into their creations. Students also were given the opportunity to chose from The TOP tabletop items to create the perfect place setting that speaks of each of their style and their work. I had so much fun watching how each of their personalities and personal styles came out in each of their place settings. All of them very beautiful and unique.
That afternoon students traveled into Glacier National Park on a red jammer tour. Many of them had never witnessed the sheer and magnificent beauty. It was a treat. Rebecca Hollis was along for the ride and captured some of the jaw dropping scenery.
That evening was our Farewell Dinner. While the students were enjoying their tour to the Crown of the Continent in Glacier Park. Nancy, Ashley, Arden, Jessica and myself were preparing. We designed the florals and set the tables for the feast. So many laughs and many memories were made. We all dined that evening under the “big sky” of Montana with thousands of stars.
Showing off my beautiful state could not have made me more proud. And sharing such moments with so many special people was a gift, I was honored!!!
Special thank you to my amazing staff, Arden Greenwood and Jessica Gutierrez for all of your dedication, support and love!
The Wild West Flower Workshop & Retreat at Green Valley Ranch Montana has new dates scheduled: May 23rd-25th, 2016 and September 19th-21st, 2016. Email darci@beargrassgardens.com for all the details!
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Photography: Rebecca Hollis | Floral Design: Greenwood Events | Wedding Dress: Velvet Bride | Calligraphy: Jessica Lee Calligraphy | Venue: Green Valley Ranch | Event Rentals: The Party Store | Guest Instructor: Ashley Fox Designs | Guest Instructor: Oak And The Owl | Host + Instructor: Greenwood Events | Model: Rocky Mountain Entertainment Agency | Ribbon: Tono Co | Tabletop Rentals: Greenwood Events