Love. It’s a word that applies to so many things. We love to show our love and one of the most popular ways is to send flowers. Despite the holiday being over-marketed as a holiday started by (or at least greatly enhanced by) florists, why is it that flowers are so closely associated with Valentine’s day and love? I like to think that it’s because flowers make us stop to appreciate those that we love. Each and every lovely blossom has it’s day –and doesn’t last forever. –And so we need to stop and smell the flowers and tell people we love them while we have the chance.

lovely shades of pink arrangement

raspberry thistle with purple lisianthus and pink roses

Inspired to send your sweetie a lovely bouquet of flowers?

Visit our Bernardsville retail store:

Laura Clare, floral design & event decor

1 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924

908-221-0007

or call our Hoboken studio: (201) 217-9696

or better yet, order online, anytime: www.lauraclaredesign.com

Last Fall was one of our sweetest little weddings we did all year! It was an intimate gathering of friends and family at 90 Acres Restaurant, Natirar in Peapack, NJ. I remember driving up to set up that morning–a beautifully colorful fall day with the fog all around. It was one of the most romantic days I remember seeing in a while. Once the mist and fog dissipated, the romance of the fall leaves and colors revealed a sweet, romantic setting. Thank you Jac-n-jules photography for capturing the sweet moments!

I am so excited to reveal our new collection of vases, candle holders, chuppahs, props, and more! Thank you to Floral Designs by Cindy who allowed us to purchase the majority of her collections as she retired out of the business. We wish her well and hope to carry on some of her fabulous designs with her immaculate collections!

white etched glass "lace" vases

crystal candelabras

sign in board

It’s always fun finding a bride who has a distinct style. We loved working with Kelly as she and her dream-team event coordinators, Kara and Laura from My Bellisima helped perfect her day! It was a beautiful day in early June as we pulled together every detail to make her linens, napkins, chair covers, and of course her flowers give a feeling of pure elegance at the Westin, Govenor Morris Hotel in Morristown, NJ.

The Horticulture Society of New York took fashion to new heights and really “branched” out to inspire creativity in clothing and floral with is “Couture en Fleur” themed show.

During this one day floral and foliage extravaganza, 30 New York based floral designers created breathtaking tablescapes that paid homage to some of fashion’s most iconic designers and eras.

Laura Clare Floral Designs was honored and excited to participate. Playing off of the fashion theme, we decided to create a “catwalk” as our tablescape. Combining all of the elements of true couture fashion – avante gard designs, hand crafted ensembles and a beautiful blend of colors and textures – we festooned two (very lucky) mannequins. Using a mix of flowers and foliage in a muted color palate, we layered, tailored and crafted these extraordinary creations – worthy of any fashion runway!

We would like to thank the amazing staff at Niceuplights.com – their fabulous LED lights really made our creations shine all night, Courtney Torres Photography, Ido Ido bridal Salon in Morristown, NJ,

and the excellent furniture pieces from www.luxeeventrentals.com helped set the atmosphere perfectly.

Great little wedding reception at the Chandelier Room , Hoboken. Love the space and the charm it provides!

illuminated manzanita tree

Amazing view

white tulips and blue LED submersible lights

Lots of love for Whitney

sympathy arrangement

It’s so sad, the news of Whitney Houston’s untimely death. We can’t help but feel for her family at this rough time.

Never having met her, I can’t say I know her. However, growing up in the 80′s and 90′s, she was an incredible influence on many people, including me. I felt the “bond” only got closer as I realized she was living in the town where my first retail store was. My husband, having grown up there, helped at her wedding…I even made a delivery to her, but was promptly greeted at the gates by her guards and thus never did get to meet her in person.
So here it is, her funeral. As much as the fame and hype of all this is exciting, it’s humbling and touching to see the notes on our flower arrangements from Sir Elton John, the Jackson family, and others in their sincere words and sorrow for her loss. We, too, express our deepest sympathy–and want to thank you,Whitney, for touching our lives in the ways that you only could. We will always love you.

Another old post…but was looking at these pictures again for inspiration. Cannot wait until peony season starts again. What a great time we had at the Plaza. Despite crazy NYC load-ins, it was a great day! It felt good to be back in my old territory…

fab entry arrangment

Destinations Weddings and Honeymoons event at the Plaza, NYC

playing on the pantone color of 2011: honeysuckle

pink ranunculas

Palermo Bakery showing off their amazing cakes

A simple, intimate wedding in the wine cellar at 90 Acres Restaurant at Natirar in Far Hills NJ. The pink flowers were a perfect tone setting color for this November wedding.

Simple ceremony arrangements

pink cymbidium orchids

November pink bridal bouquet

thistle and peacock feather boutonniere