Dec 31

Farewell 2014

I was not going to do a year end post, I mean, do people even read these?  I don’t think it’s an original idea and I’m not sure that there’s a single person out there that truly cares what my year looked like.  But earlier this week I was going through some goals, figuring out how to get where I want to be in 2015 and it really did inspire me to think about where I started in January of 2014 and how my business has evolved over the course of a very short year.

Even though 2014 was The Day’s Design’s second official full wedding season, I was still a little unsure of myself and did not have high expectations.  But the thing about having low expectations is, it’s not hard to exceed them — which I did, 10x over.  I gave myself a boost of confidence this past year and know that I am worthy of an amazing 2015, which is looking really busy and cannot wait to celebrate with the sweet couples I have booked this year and the ones I am yet to meet.

I hope my journey inspires someone out there to keep moving forward and following their dreams, it’s not easy but if you’re passionate about doing what you love, then it’s so worth it.  Without further ado, I’ll take you on a walk through my year.

January

I got the brilliant idea to put together a Valentine’s bouquet and model it myself… in the middle of a blizzard.  Thanks Heather for freezing along with me!Valentine's Bouquet | Winter Wedding Flowers | The Day's Design | Heather Cisler Photography

February

Rachel, with Sincerely Ginger Weddings, and I collaborated on a gorgeous winter inspiration shoot in my favorite place ever – Leland, Mi!  It was so sweet and full of wintery romance and rumor has it, Style Me Pretty will be featuring the shoot in it entirety next month!  Photography: Eliza Jean Photography.

Fell in Love in Fishtown | The Day's Design & Sincerely Ginger Weddings | Eliza Jean Photography

Later that month my Valentine’s bouquet was featured on on Burnett’s Boards.  You can see the feature here.

March

Cabin fever officially set in and I found myself getting antsy and itching to use a little creative energy.  In remedy, Ashley Slater Photography and I teamed up to put together a little tutorial on how you can make your very own gilded floral crown.

Floral Crown DIY | The Day's Deisgn | Ashley Slater Photography

April

This month was special for two reasons.  First off, Heather Cisler and I teamed up once again to put together a fabulous fairytale inspired photo shoot.

Yellow Boutonniere | The Day's Design | Heather Cisler Photography

And secondly I made a HUGE business changing decision and took a leap into adding floral services alongside planning and coordination.  All I can say is, what took me so long!?  This passion was hidden deep within me and a creative freedom has been unleashed and I will never look back.  Bring on the blooms!

May

I stepped away from weddings and floral work for a moment to be a part of something a little different, but equally amazing.  Kellie Hetler has a heart for service and put together the More Than a Face campaign, which is designed to help high schools girls to find their inner worth and realize what a difference they can make.  Each one of these women was so beautiful and unique – I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be a part and bring a little extra style to this shoot.

More Than a Face 2015 | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

Shortly thereafter I packed my bags and headed for the mountains of North Carolina.  I wasn’t prepared for how this experience would change my life.  I realized how to create, how to better see things and found a deep appreciation for my surroundings and finding beauty in the everyday.  I climbed mountains both literally and figuratively and walked away with friendships I will cherish forever.  Kelly Perry of Philosophy Flowers is an absolute delight and the true definition of a floral artist.  The rest of the Team Flower ladies are an equal treasure.  If only we could travel back in time, I would relive those moments of and over again, sure to find something fresh and new every time.  Photography: Heather Payne Photography.

Team Flower Workshop | The Day's Design | Heather Payne Photography

I rushed home from my workshop to share my experience with those I cherish most, my family.  I picked a few foraged blooms and we ventured out to the apple orchard to have our family photos taken with Kellie Hetler.  I love these sweet moments.

Family Photos | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

June

June started out on a rather cold note.  I was part of Bloom the Workshop, hosted by Ashley Slater Photography and Michaela Noelle Designs.  While I remember how great is was providing beautiful blooms to such an inspiring group of women, I also remember how cold it was that day.

Bloom the Workshop | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

And then came the first wedding of the 2014 season… an intimate ceremony in the woods with an ode to Alice in Wonderland.  This was a fabulous way to kick off the wedding season and was featured on Style Me Pretty last month.  Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography.

Wedding in the Woods | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

July

July was a month of rest.  I had a busy August ahead and took the first part of the month for a little relaxation and the second half and full on wedding prep — but there’s never any pretty pictures to share from that!

August

This was my busy month, but it’s definitely worth my couple moments of being frazzled to see the smiling faces at the end of a wedding nice – so happy, so in love.

First up, a day-of coordination with the ceremony at the blue bridge in downtown Grand Rapids and a beautiful blush and grey reception to follow at the Downtown Market.  I haven’t tracked down any pictures yet but think modern, airy space, soft grey silky linens and soft blush blooms.

Next came floral design for a couple who said “I do” at the Bissell Tree House.  And in case you’re wondering, Thursday weddings are totally fun!  Photography: Joe Matthews.

Grand Rapids Wedding | The Day's Design | Grand Rapids florist

And then it was off to Northern Michigan for a festive and fun celebration at a llama farm… because who wouldn’t want to get married at a llama farm?!  Again, I don’t have pictures to share yet but if you’re looking for a fun celebration – why not get married on a hilltop overlooking Lake Michigan with llamas in the background.  Think local wildflowers, a live jazz band and fun dinosaur escort cards.

Then we celebrated one more set of nuptials this month.  I feel honored to be a part of any wedding day – it’s a big deal, and these memories are extremely important, but when the bride and groom happen to be a couple of your closest friends, that just adds a whole new level of special to the day.  I was lucky enough to provide floral services, and then helped the couple celebrate into the night.   Dahlias, dahlias and more dahlias surrounded this love filled day.  Photography: Chelsea Seekell Photography.

Holland Michigan Wedding | The Day's Design | Chelsea Seekell Photography

September

The months of August and September seem to be increasingly popular times to get married.  I did a little freelance floral work for not one, but 2 weddings in Northern Michigan with Sincerely, Ginger Weddings.  It’s always super fun to collaborate with like-minded, creative individuals.

And let’s not forget Amy & Emyr’s picture perfect day at the Gull Lake Country Club.

Gull Lake Wedding | The Day's Design | Stephanie Karen Photography

Bloom 2.0 brought us back to the Hydrangea Blu Barn for another round of education and fun with Micheala Noelle and Ashley Slater.  I love creating flowers and helping with their workshops.  Photography: Jenn Anibal.

Colorful Bridal Bouquet | The Day's Design | Jenn Anibal Photography

September also hosted one of my favorite styled shoots ever.  I actually hesitate to call it a styled shoot because in reality we invited guests, guests who needed a little extra love and a night to remember just how special they really all.  This was the dinner parties of all dinner parties and I’m so thankful for all the vendors who volunteered to be a part.  Photography: Ashley Slater Photography.

Southern Hospitality Dinner Party | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

 

October

This past summer I received a phone call from the sweetest bride you have ever met telling me how she didn’t have a florist yet for her October wedding.  After hearing all the details she had in place for her Northport wedding, I knew I had to be a part.  The Willowbrook Mill has been so high on my list “must work” wedding locations that I just about fell out of my chair when she said that was her venue.  It was a match made in heaven as I created florals, helped design and coordinated all the details of Christina and Tim’s day.

Leland Michigan Wedding | The Day's Design

November

In the name of furthering education, Kaci Muller (of Just Delightful Events) and I got together for a morning of flower talk and coffee and compared notes on how we typically create our beautiful wedding bouquets and Kellie Hetler joined in the fun so we’d have a few pictures to share with you.

Bouquet Recipe | The Day's Design & Just Delightful Events | Hetler Photography

I thought my wedding season would officially end with the conclusion of October’s love filled celebration, but surprise… my younger sister decided to push up her wedding date by 6 months and she tied the knot after only a month’s worth of planning.  Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography.

Saginaw wedding | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography & Videography

December

And then to cap off the year, Katie Grace Photography and I just had to go play with a few of my leftover blooms.  I’m going to start making bouquet and floral recipes a more common feature on my blog, I can’t wait!

Purple Winter Flower Recipe | The Day's Design | Katie Grace Photography

It really has been a fantastic year!  I can’t believe we’re bidding it farewell in just a few short hours.  Let’s see what 2015 has in store – I”m ready, bring it on!

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  1. Katie says:

    Love this post! I always love reading year recaps so keep it up! 🙂 Great work this year Shelby! You are incredibly talented and I am so grateful to have gotten the chance to work with you!

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