Merry Christmas!

At the last minute I decided to design some arrangements for a couple friends and of course, my mom, for their Christmas dinner tables. I just truly love working with flowers! I was so excited to get off work on Saturday and go to the wholesaler to pick out my materials. Then I couldnt wait to design! I started once I got home even though I initially planned on starting on Sunday. Eek! Makes me so happy to do what I love and share the beauty of flowers with people!

Here are some pictures of what I created:

(used an old Teleflora ornament that I gave my mom several years ago)

Pretty, pretty bow!

Gold accents

Gearing Up for Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year! There isnt a single thing to complain about in regards to the Holiday Season - (besides starting before Thanksgiving.)

Here are some of my favorite posts on Pinterest showcasing winter weddings, pinecones, and other Christmas cheerfulness!

SMP Feature & Giving Thanks

In lieu of Thanksgiving, I give you a photo shoot that I was a part of combining Thanksgiving and Hanukkah into a chic table scape for family and guests.

Thanksgiving & Hanukkah Inspiration Shoot

Photos by Rachel Gomez Photography

Also, since Thanksgiving is three days away, I wanted to express my thanks and gratitude for all who are around me and supporting me through everything. This past year has been difficult as far as finding my place in the working world. I was gently pushed to start my own business in floral design, even though it is scary and I second guess myself all the time... I know that what I am doing is for me. I create an art form that I love doing, and want others to appreciate and feel happiness when seeing my passion. So, thank you to Mom & Dad Mader, Ryan & Jane, Sandra, Rachel Gomez, Ashley Steele, and most importantly, my fiance Matt, who has been there to okay the use of the credit card, who has helped me decide on design aspects, and has helped my deliver the arrangements.

Ya Gotta Sign Your Art

I consider my floral design an art. I am painting with flowers, as I like to say. So - why not have a signature? With every piece or "set," you will be able to search and find a tiny skull somewhere in on of the arrangements.

Here's my signature:

Promoting my Biz AND Helping People

My day-of coordinator, Pink Paisley Events, reached out to me to help one of their previous couples with a fundraiser. I love donating and helping people, especially if I get to show off my passion and talent.

Here's the invitation for the Halloween Bash this is coming up this Friday. I very excited to create something spooky yet classy for the event. Please join us! I sounds like it's going to be a blast!

Just a Peek of my Brother's Wedding

It was a lot of work and stress; but it came out gorgeous! Here are some of my iPhone pictures to show off, and I'll post the photographers photos as soon as I get some!!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 2013
Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church, Denver, CO

The Get-away car!

Ceremony in the Sanctuary

Altar 

Lantern piece for the Guestbook table - lisianthus, freesia, roses, hydrangea,

spray roses, dusty miller, and protea

Bridal Bouquet - hydrangea, freesia, calla lilies, ranunculus,

navy blue ribbon loops, paper anemones, and dusty miller

Bridesmaid's Bouquet - hydrangea, roses, spray roses, paper anemones, calla lilies,

freesia

More gorgeous-ness to come later! 

I Gots Me a Logo!

I'm pretty excited about this logo! I kind of feel official now... It's simple and didnt cost me much, but it's all I could ask for at the moment. Hey - I dont have hundreds of dollars just laying around to use on marketing and branding. It's one thing and one step at a time for me, yo!

I'm also very excited that my brother's wedding is about a week away!! I cant wait to be a part of their days as well as add some floral beauty to our childhood church.

Check my logo out on my website too! I've changed it just a tad to match the logo more efficiently.

MJM Designs, LLC

How can Pepsi be Good for Me?

By storing my floral designs!

Yea! Bring on the work!

Here's a couple more pictures from my bestie's May wedding:

Coming up later this month... My baby brother's wedding! Awww... I'm not big on crying; but there's a good chance it will happen!

I Finally Did It!

I started my own business! It's just me and a sales tax license, but HEY - it's something!

MJM Designs, LLC

Check out my website! (I got a real one!)
http://www.mjmdesignsllc.com

Please let me know what you think. I am still working on details and what not, but feedback would be much appreciated!

Sneak Peek of the Ma'afala Wedding

First, let me share some photos of Ashley's Bridal Shower. It was such a beautiful day! Held at Piatts Restaurant, and full of laughter and love! (Aww... cheesy!) The theme was Mad Hatter Tea Party/Kentucky Derby = tea cups and huge hats!

Fresh floral sash on floppy 80's sunhat

Pink ranunculus, purple spray roses, and queen anne's lace

I was very lucky to provide florals for the wedding between my very good friends on May 18th. They had a very small ceremony and backyard reception at the Bride's parent's Boulder residence.

I am still waiting on the "professional" photos from their wedding, but I cant wait any longer! I want to share!

White roses, white lilies, white and dark purple lisanthus, dark purple stock, red spray roses, and purple veronica

Bride's Bouquet

Bridesmaid Bouquet

Ah, life's path... You are Unknown

Life is definitely about ups and downs, twists and turns, trials and tribulations. The last few weeks without a third job and only working 20-ish hours a week has allowed me to have time to think and figure out what I want to do and where I want to go. This is my current transition period of life. I'll be 28 in 5 months - I dont have insurance, paid vacation, paid sick time, a 401k, steady paycheck...... I feel like I am missing out on my future by not having this. I feel behind in life. Lucky are those who went to college knowing what their passion was and making it a goal to have a job right out of college. I'm hoping all these things are in my future.

While my biggest want to is own my own business; money does not allow. I'm hoping and praying that a job in the events industry comes around and I am able to have the things most grown ups need to start settling down... heck - I'm getting married in 9 months.... Matt needs to go full time in school... We need to start planning for a future that involves children and not pinching pennies.

I'm getting there... I can feel it!

On another note - I'm making a REAL website! woot! I figure if I'm obtaining a Sales Tax ID for my "business," why not have a real website? Duh.
(My "business" is really to be able to go to the floral wholesaler to purchase flowers for my brothers and my wedding... haha.)

An End to Another Chapter of this Crazy Thing Called Life

Well my story has ended at Amore Fiori Flowers and Gifts. I wasnt advancing in my career and things just werent fitting into place. Although it was a hard decision to make as far as my dream career goes and to leave some awesome co-workers; it was the best choice for Matt and I at the moment, especially since Matt is going back to school. I have to be able to take the brunt of the expenses and bills while he concentrates on school.

But, I am being positive and want to be able to help whomever asks with floral design. For now, it will be my hobby... or even my side job! We shall see hoe things go.

Onto the next!

ps. I did the florals for my best friends wedding a few weeks ago; so I should be able to post some pictures soon!

I've Been Waiting to Share...

I've been waiting since February to share the awesome news of being on.... Style Me Pretty's Online Blog! Thanks to Rachel Gomez Photography for pulling me in with her to assist with event design and creating the floral arrangements on a 1920's wedding styled shoot. I loved the way the shoot turned out and how elegant it looks! It was such a fun day to just concentrate on design aspects purely; and to have a vision in my head be designed with flowers by my hands - it was such a great feeling. A dream come true you could say. Seeing this almost made me cry... and I do not cry very often! Happiness is truly doing what you are passionate about and love doing.

Here's the link to the blog post:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2013/06/03/1920s-emerald-inspired-photo-shoot-from-rachel-gomez-photography/

Please feel free to give me comments, positive criticism and thoughts! Also, feel free to share with whomever you would like!

Having Colorful Fun @ Work

Here are some pictures of some arrangements that I have created at Amore Fiori this past week....

(I'm gearing up for wedding season! I cannot wait for it to begin!!)

Flowers are Purty.

Here are some pictures of some awesome flowers that we have and have had in the shop lately.

Hellaboris

Poppies

French Tulips

Soon, I should be able to share some awesome pictures from an 1920's/Great Gatsby photo shoot that I was graciously a part of with Rachel Gomez Photography. 

VDay 2013 - Check!

Well we made it through VDay at Amore Fiori! It was a stressful couple days, but it was also so much fun!

1/4 of the flowers we had for VDay!

ROSES!

Awesome fuzzy protea

Also, here's how I showed my love how much I love him this Valentines Day:

AM

PM

And here's how Zeke expressed his love:

Wish Upon A Wedding Colorado Launch Party

Finally got the "professional" photos from the event, Sunday, January 20th, 2013!
Take a gander:

Space Gallery - Santa Fe Arts District

Floral Centerpieces by Amore Fiori

Your Truly Cupcakes (A-ma-zing!)

Good Ol’-Fashioned Party Decor

Photos courtesy of Kristina Rice with Rice Bowl Photography and Ashley Kidder with Urban Safari Photography