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Raleigh wedding flowers – Kyle Style! | Spotlight on Flowers by Kyle

03.26.14

It’s Wednesday – and you know what that means! It’s time for another installment of Wedding Wednesday! Today I’m featuring one of my favorite guys – not just in the industry – but one of my favorite guys. Period. You can’t meet Kyle and not fall in love with him. It’s just not possible. And if you haven’t met him…well….you need to! He’s sincere. He’s lovable. He’s generous. He’s funny. In short – he’s just the “bees knees”! Oh – and he does AH-mazing work as well.

Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation for “Raleigh wedding flowers,” a small handful of names immediately come to mind. And his is one of them. So the next time you’re in need of flowers – whether it’s for your wedding, a birthday or just for your sweetie because you love her (or him!), call Kyle. Everyone needs a little “Kyle Style” in their life!

We recently got together for a quick photo shoot – and, in typical fashion, it was hard for Kyle to contain his excitement and passion for his craft – and for life! I got some great “serious” photos of him, but for those of you who know and love him, you’ll recognize these many Faces of Kyle!

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Now – for the good stuff — here’s an inside look at KYLE PARKER OVERBY with FLOWERS BY KYLE

Located In: Raleigh, NC
Email: Kyle@flowersbykyle.com
Website: www.flowersbykyle.com
Phone: 919.590.KYLE (5953)

How long have you been a floral designer? I’ve been “slinging flowers”, almost 10 years.

Where did you get your training and/or experience? I started floral design as a child — creating centerpieces for my mother’s dining room table so that she would have a nice surprise waiting for her when she got home. I would simply take a walk and collect blooms along the way.

Designing comes naturally for me but I have worked with some other very talented floral designers over the years, picking up tricks of the trade. Its one thing to know how to arrange flowers, but it’s a whole different ball game knowing the mechanics and the engineering behind making the impossible possible after all.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? After months of planning and all the work is finished — seeing the look on a bride’s face when she first views the room and realizes her vision for her wedding day has become a reality.

What unique quality(ies) do you possess that sets you apart from other floral designers. I think being able to think outside the box and really allowing the creative juices to flow is key! Never saying never and always finding that special way to make peoples jaw drop.

What inspires you? I’m inspired when I sit down with a bride and we start going over all the details of her day. There’s always that one moment when the entire vision and overall look and feel of the wedding just comes together in my head.

How do you keep your ideas fresh? I am constantly researching trends from all over the world online and in magazines. When I see something I like, it triggers this button inside and my mind goes wild. Then I have to put the proper amount of “Kyle Style” in it and truly make it unique.

Finish this sentence: “I wish more brides/couples would…” …know that quality is of the utmost importance!

What is the best piece of advice you can offer to brides for their wedding day? To just relax, slow down, take in the moment and enjoy this day that you have been planning for so long. You have selected the best vendors, everything is in place, and this day is all about you and your love! Oh, and to just have fun!!

What is your favorite wedding memory? My favorite wedding memory is handing one of my brides her bouquet and seeing tears of joy roll down her cheek.

Must-use flowers? Orchids, peonies, garden roses, and hydrangeas.

Are there any other fun facts or funny stories you want to share? I just have to share this story.

I was at a destination wedding on the coast of NC. The sun was shining, the church and reception were all set perfectly, and the bride and her wedding party were by the water having their pictures taken. Suddenly, as I was getting ready for the wedding, a bridesmaid burst through my bathroom door screaming “CODE RED! I repeat CODE RED! The bride has busted out of her wedding dress.”

Thinking “this is a joke right?” – she screamed, “Oh no this is for real! CODE RED!” I stood there staring at her, wondering “well, what am I supposed to do?” And it hit me! I had dental floss!

Did I mention that this all happened less than an hour before she was supposed to walk down the isle?

We got the bride into her suite and, by the grace of God, an entire bottle of champagne and all the hands I could get to hold the dress in place, I sewed her in that dress with some wax coated dental floss. She was in it so tightly that she not only walked down the isle in time, but she danced the night away with no issues. The groom told me the next morning that he had to cut her out of it that night.

So a tip to all in the industry always, and I do mean always, have some wax coated dental floss and a sewing kit in your bag!

Here’s a sneak peek at a recent shoot we did to show off Kyle’s amazing talent for creating swoon-worthy arrangements! Watch the blog for the full gallery in the next few days!

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UNC Chapel Hill Engagement | Sarah + Mack

03.10.14

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“When you love and laugh abundantly, you live a beautiful life.” ~ Author Unknown

If this is true, the Sarah and Mack are certain to have a beautiful life together. If I had to choose one word that best sums up Sarah and Mack, it would be “laughter.” Because it’s who they are. They’re fun. And funny. And silly. And laughing is just what they do. They’ve been together for eight years – through high school….and college. And during that time, there have been a lot of laughs! Whether Sarah is trying to cheer Mack up or just hanging out….they’re sure to erupt into giggles – which will soon give way to full fits of laughter.

Because it’s who they are: fun… silly… and madly in love.

Here are a few favorite photos from their UNC Chapel Hill engagement session….complete with loads of laughs!

Mack plays football at Carolina, which means they’ve spent a lot of time at Kenan Stadium. Mack even proposed here because of that. So when I was talking with them about where they wanted to start their session, the stadium was the first place they mentioned. My brides tend to be fashionistas who love shoes…..and I LOVE when my grooms are too! Mack was totally rockin’ the blue suede shoes!

In just five days, Sarah & Mack will be getting married! I can’t wait to document their big day and share them with you! Stay tuned to the blog for photos from their gorgeous wedding & reception! It’s going to be a good one!

UNC Chapel Hill Engagement | Kaley + Chris

02.17.14

Just follow the code. Always. And you’ll go far in life. The Marine’s taught Chris that. And he does. Always. In all things.

Well…in most things.

You see, somewhere, there’s this unwritten guy code that says: “You don’t date your best friend’s sister!” And for the longest time, Chris adhered to that code, too. Just like the Marines taught him to do. Kaley thought he was “cute” when they first met, but…because of “the code,” they each assumed the other was off-limits. But then it happened. They broke the code. After a couple of years (four, to be exact), they went out. And then they went out again. And before they knew it, they were officially dating. One thing led to another and they fell in love – and they’ve been inseparable ever since. The code was more than just broken….

…because here they are. Two and a half years later. The good news is they are engaged to be married at the gorgeous Carolina Inn in a few short weeks (and Chris and Kaley’s brother remain best friends)!

Last fall, we ventured to campus for a fun UNC Chapel Hill engagement session. Here are a few favorites from their session:

To see more of Kaley and Chris’ session, please check out their slideshow below. Slideshow music licensed through Triple Scoop Music.

Lula Kate Bridesmaid Dresses | Fashionista Friday

02.14.14

If ever a dress line were synonymous with the phrase “Southern elegance,” it is Lula Kate! Based in Charleston, designer Katherine McDonald’s creations are “inspired by the classic surroundings of her southern home.”

What began as a fun women’s clothing line of skirts, tops and belts has grown into a beautiful wedding, bridesmaid and special occasion line that has made girls all over the south swoon.

Lula Kate bridesmaid dresses feature some of the most classic, yet adorable designs – and best of all, the line allows brides and bridesmaids to completely customize their dresses by selecting the fabric, neckline and skirt that best suits them. And who doesn’t appreciate that?

Check out some of the latest Lula Kate designs, all of which are available at Traditions by Anna and Bella Bridesmaid here in Raleigh.

This is Christy, shown in flamingo shantung. A fun-and-flirty ruffle highlights the neck and collarbone and a two-pleat skirt adds a classic femininity.

Meet Molly, an adorable strapless, full-skirted little number in peacock duping silk. What Southern girl doesn’t love a fabulous bow?

Maggie is a sophisticated girl, shown here in metal dupioni silk. The one-should tie is the perfect accent for this simple silhouette.

What Carolina gal doesn’t love fun stripes? This is Krystn, shown here in cobalt and white faille. The sass appeal is taken up a notch with the strapless bodice and pleated party skirt.