Thursday, 24 July 2014

Rustic Wedding Inspiration Shoot

How gorgeous are Tracey and Daniel in these rustic inspired wedding photoshoot we themed and styled recently near Patterson Lakes in Melbourne. Both Tracey and Daniel did a fabulous job navigating through the varying terrain to take these stunning photographs by Stories by Salona, we even had attendance from the local llama’s ! I hope this gives you inspiration and ideas of how flowers can make your theme.  Teamed with a great location, hair, make up and photography. Here is a preview of the photographs from this gorgeous intimate rustic styled wedding! Enjoy!

All images © 2014 stories by Salona – www.storiesbysalona.com 
Models: Tracey Dillon, Daniel Rawlins & Kylie Galea.
Bow Ties- Made by Miranda
































Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Do what inspires you

 Today I want to take you back many, many, MANY moons ago to the place where I first got the light bulb moment, the desire and inspiration to become a florist. Before this very day I had not even thought there was a job or career possible to fulfill all my love of design, passion for creativity and skills learnt in visual merchandising, styling, photography, art and media.
My Passion for theming events at friends and families parties lead me to being asked by a dear friend's mother, Thea's 6oth birthday and the house was turning 100, combining and celebrating a 160th. Thea asked me to fill the house with displays of flowers. Me not ever arranging flowers into a vase, took the project on! Another challenge, yes I love a challenge!
Now looking back at these images I cringe in parts but I also look at them proudly and in awe that this was my first ever attempt in theming, flower arranging and it was THIS event that has taken me on the path to where I am today. I guess the moral of the story-if there has to be a moral- is to take on challenges that come your way. Do what inspires you in life, who knows where one event or moment can take you!
Enjoy my first ever attempts of floral displays! xx












Monday, 7 July 2014

Adam & Eve

We are excited to share some more images from the mini series photo shoot. So happy with how these came out! Stunning Adam and Eve! Thank you Nick and Katie for being so patient in such uncomfortable positions.
A massive sing out to Lauren from the Poppy Prop Shop for the background and silk flowers used! Check out her awesome props for hire www.poppyculture.com.au/poppy-prop-shop/.
Stay tuned for more images to come!

Model/s: Katie, Nick
Photography: © 2014 salona chithiray - www.storiesbysalona.com
Hair: Nia Bell - www.facebook.com/nia.bell.589
Makeup: Kylie Galea - www.facebook.com/simplyenvious
Floral Design & Styling: Naomi Rawlins - www.naomirose.com.au





Sunday, 6 July 2014

Masculine button holes


Flowers for him
Button holes don't have to be flowery and pretty on a male, especially as trending at the moment is the vintage, rustic, natural style. I have created some masculine button holes on a collaboration shoot (see credits below).  These can be worn for many different occasions.






Model/s: Alberto, Cam, Nick.
Photography: © 2014 salona chithiray - www.storiesbysalona.com
Hair: Nia Bell - www.facebook.com/nia.bell.589
Makeup: Kylie Galea - www.facebook.com/simplyenvious
Floral Design: Naomi Rawlins - www.naomirose.com.au

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Spring Races in Melbourne



It was a huge delight to work closely with such talented ladies as part of a series of photo shoots we produced together. I'm excited to share with you the first instalment of this mini series. Click on the image below to view.



Models: Kate & Albie
Floral Design: Naomi Rose Floral Design – www.naomirose.com.au
Makeup: Kylie Galea – https://www.facebook.com/simplyenvious
Hair: Nia Bell – https://www.facebook.com/nia.bell.589?fref=ts
Photography: Stories by Salona – www.storiesbysalona.com





Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Lily Intoxication in cats


Good morning all!

I just received in the mail my annual newsletter from my Vet and thought I should pass on important information that could save your kitty's lives. I already knew about how harmful lilies are to cats, but did not realise just how bad.

"Many people associated with cats are unaware of how toxic lilies can be for cats. Lilies are becoming more popular, particularly in floral arrangements. This is putting indoor cats more at risk. All parts of the Lily (petals, stamen, stem, leaves and roots) are toxic, causing sudden kidney failure. Only small portions of the plant needs to be eaten to cause serious problems. Often this may not be noticed by the owner. Outdoor access may also go unnoticed.

Lily toxicity should be considered in every case of acute kidney failure in cats. There is no antitoxin available and treatment is supportive with no guarantee of a good outcome. Preventing access to any type of Lily plant or flower inside and outside is the best way of keeping your cats safe."

The leaves and flowers from plants of the lily (Liliaceae) family including Asian, Day, Easter, Glory, Japanese Show, Peace, Red, Rubrum, Stargaszer, Tiger and Wood lilies are highly toxic to cats.

For further information I have found this website. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2011/09/are-lilies-poisonous-to-cats/

As a florist this information is not ideal, but as a lover of all animals I find it important to educate my clients. If you love cats be mindful about lilies and if you have a love for lilies maybe invest in a dog!  :)


Thursday, 12 June 2014

What is the hidden meaning behind the colour of a bloom?

Flowers are known for having their own language, something I believe we have lost touch of over the years. 
Colours of certain flowers speak a whispered meaning through a carefully selected array of blooms. There are many different colour traditions and these can be affected by culture, function, application etc. The following is a general rule of thumb in regard to choosing the right coloured flowers to portray the correct sentiment.

You can base your colour choice on traditional associations or scientific choices.
Scientific Colour Choice
People respond to different colours in different ways, and these responses take place on a subconscious, emotional level. Specific colours have different effects on the human brain.

Next time you receive, send flowers, or are searching for a colour palette for your wedding day or special event, maybe have a think about what meanings may be hiding underneath the beauty of the bloom!   


Red Flowers
Traditional: Vibrant, passionate and demanding to be noticed, red is the colour of love and romance. Red flowers symbolise courage, respect, constancy, admiration and, of course, desire.
Scientific: stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respiration and blood pressure.

Pale Pink Flowers
Traditional: Delicate light pink hues speak of gentleness, happiness and love. A very romantic flower colour, it’s also a symbol of grace and innocence, admiration and sympathy.
Scientific: relaxes, relieves tension, soothing.



Pink Flowers

Blends of pink hues express our gratitude and appreciation.



Blue Flowers
Traditional: Peaceful blue is said to convey serenity and openness. A flower delivery of a bouquet containing blue flowers may be a sign to slow down, relax and release the stress.
Scientific: Calming, lowers blood pressure.

White Flowers
Traditional: White flowers can mean reverence and humility, purity and innocence or sympathy for a bereavement. Depending on the type of blooms chosen, a bouquet of white flowers can be bold and brilliant, or gentle and self-effacing.


Yellow Flowers
Traditional: Yellow flowers burst with happiness. They symbolise the bonds of friendship, the taste of success and pride. Joy is also one of the meanings of this flower, as that is one of the feelings the colour is said to evoke.
Scientific: energises, relieves depression.



Lavender Flowers
Youth and elegance, grace and refinement. Lavender flowers have a delicate, feminine and old-fashioned touch to them, even when contained in a decidedly modern bouquet.

Orange Flowers
Traditional: Orange is bold, passionate and full of life. It’s no wonder that orange blooms speak of enthusiasm, excitement and exuberance. In roses coral and orange speak the words of desire.
Peach is more indefinite, as it can signify either sympathy or gratitude.
Scientific: energises, stimulates.

Green Flowers
Traditional: Green flowers represent the optimism of renewal, of spring and of youthfulness. Green flowers in a bouquet are also a wish for good fortune and good health.
Scientific: soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness.

Purple Flowers
Traditional: A royal colour, purple flowers symbolise dignity, tradition and success. A bouquet containing purple flowers can be symbols of admiration and adoration.
Purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight.
Scientific: Violet provides a peaceful environment.