Walton Arts Center

Being allowed the privilege of saying I am the exclusive florist for the Walton Arts Center is a serious business and an exciting one. It’s not (completely) about the credit and it's certainly not about showing off.  It is a position of responsibility, albeit a fun responsibility. It’s about knowing a venue intimately, knowing what works well in the right places--and what doesn't.  It's about knowing the rules, regulations and preferences of the venue.  It's about earning the trust of the staff and event planners and about working to make sure they enjoy the relationship as much as we do.  

After several years working closely with the wonderful staff, we are very proud to now be the EXCLUSIVE florist of the Walton Arts Center! 

Reception piece - Starr Theater

After Artosphere: Repurposed design elements for
Art of Wine, Baum Walker Hall  

Reception Piece, Starr Theater

Art of Wine Centerpiece

Art of Wine, 2013. Photo by Hudson Photography.

True Love Tuesday: Tara and Ryan

Today's "True Love Tuesday" is all about the bride. Tara had so many beautiful bridal's with her bouquet that we couldn't choose just one. Thanks to Bettencourt Chase for the beautiful pictures.

Enjoy!!

Lauren & Keith

The Hudsons - one of my all time FAVORITE photographers - worked with us on Lauren & Keith's wedding at Pratt Place Barn.  Check out their blogs on this super sweet, beautiful couple...

Photo by Hudson Photography

LAUREN & KEITH - Wedding

LAUREN - bridals

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VENDORS:

Venue: Pratt Place Inn & Barn

Coordinator/Planner: Weddings by Karie

Photos: Hudson Photography

Flowers: Rose of Sharon Floral Designs

True Love Tuesday: Greg and Kristin

Pictures are worth a thousand words...here are a few thousand. :) 

Thanks to the beaty's for all of these gorgeous photos and a HUGE thanks to Greg and Kristin for letting us be a part of their special day!!

 

Happy Birthday Althea!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALTHEA!!!

Today is our fearless leaders birthday, and we just had to share our excitement with you, too!! This has been a big year for our little studio. We have relocated to a larger space, added a new designer to our team, and opened up our studio to all of our clients needing daily arrangements. None of this could have been possible without Thea and her dream to bring happiness to Northwest Arkansas through flowers. We couldn't think of a better leader for our little team, and are so blessed to spend yet another birthday designing by her side!

Happy Birthday, Thea! May this year be the best year yet!!

Love, your ROS family

True Love Tuesday: Sarro-Gage Wedding

Image via Photo Love. 

Happy Tuesday!! This was a gorgeous wedding from last fall that we still find ourselves smiling about.

Enjoy!

Image via Photo Love.

Image via Photo Love.

Image via Photo Love.

Image via Photo Love.

Image via Photo Love.

Some personal funeral experiences

This post is a little different...a little more personal.

Last month my Grandfather and my best friend's step-father passed away and I experienced funerals from the client side rather than the florist side--up close and personal.  

My grandfather's funeral was in Louisiana and I couldn't attend.  I thought about sending flowers, but I don't know the local florist and I really didn't want my name on an arrangement that I didn't get to see or personally approve. So I didn't send anything.  That was hard. I wanted to be there and since I couldn't, I wanted to show my feelings but there just wasn't any way to do so that I was comfortable with.  

My friend's step-father's funeral was close and she asked me to design the casket piece.  I know how important this was to her and her family, so I really felt the pressure to get it just right. I don't know, hopefully I did.  Several people thanked me, but it's just hard to tell when emotions are so heavy and so strong.  

These experiences really brought home how important flowers are in the grieving process.  They are a visible, often beautiful expression of our feelings for eachother.  They say what words can't say sometimes.  They show that we care, that we love, that we're thinking about each other even when we can't be close.

Unfortunately I also saw something that really, really bothered me.  Several local shops (no, I'm NOT going to name any names) sent flowers that contained flowers that were not in prime condition. In fact, they were obviously old and dying, visibly wilted and dropping petals.  My friend even brought it up to me later.  While she appreciated each and every gift and thought, she easily recognized that the florist had sent old stuff.  And that's just sad.  I dunno-maybe they thought that since the person sending wasn't close & wouldn't see the flowers, it wouldn't matter.   But it does.  This is the kind of thing that makes everyone afraid to send flowers.  It's part of why I didn't send flowers for my grandfather.  

It's important to know what you are sending for a funeral.  You, as a customer put trust in us. Unfortunately, maybe you shouldn't.  Ask for photos to be sent to you. (Hopefully, the florist will offer without being asked. I do.)  Look for shops with photos of their own work on the website. (Many good shops use stock photos.  Unfortunately, you just can't tell if you're getting an award winning designer...or someone trying to clean the scraps out of the cooler.)  Read the reviews and leave your own review whenever you can...Google, Yahoo, Yelp, wherever.    As a florist, I can't imagine taking advantage of my customers like this.  If you've ever had this happen to you,  I'm sorry!  

Happy 4th of July!!

Birthday Month!!!

It's that special time of year again -- BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!

As most of our clients know, July is a HUGE month for us because we celebrate two birthdays in our studio (Althea and Farron) and they are a day apart -- as well as America's birthday on the 4th! In honor of these great days, we have collected some of our current birthday inspirations. Because what better day to receive flowers than your birthday?!

Enjoy and Happy Birthday Month!! :)

Image via Affair with George

Image via Flowerbaar.

Can you tell we are being inspired by the intense colors of summer??

Image via Jay Archer Floral Design

Holiday Hours - Have a great weekend!!

Happy Fourth of July!

In spite of our studio being closed on Thursday, July 4th, you can still order a holiday arrangement for pick up or delivery today through Wednesday, July 3rd. Fresh flowers always add the perfect final detail to your 4th of July celebration!! Call us today to discuss your options (479.973.0588) and for our digital clients you can reach us via email at (althea@roseofsharonar.com). 

And as always we love to see our clients at the studio -- 2015 C Main Dr, Fayetteville, AR. 

Enjoy and have a safe holiday weekend!