Hawaiian Bliss!

Aloha! Over the holidays, I had the privilege of going to Hawaii with my family and in-laws. It was a very memorable trip! Whenever I go to Hawaii, I love to find a botanical garden and this trip was no different. We were driving along this gorgeous back road, not really caring if we find the garden or not. It was so lush, full of palm trees and gorgeous foliage. We stopped at this beautiful look out, watching the high-surf crash into the rocks below, not knowing we were looking into the valley that held the botanical garden.
Once in the garden, we were greeted with bougainvillea, a mini forest of heliconia (some hanging heliconia must have been close to 10 feet long!) and my favourite: Orchid Alley! Here I saw orchids of many varietals, embarrassingly, some unknown to me! But nonetheless, still gorgeous!

Meet the Peony

So, Halfyard Designs meets with many brides who LOVE peonies! I don't blame them. I LOVE peonies and happen to have a few varietals in my garden. The problem arises when I have a bride who is getting married in September.

So, when is the best season for peonies? Peonies are in season (at least in the lower mainland!) in June to early/mid July. So, if your heart is set on having these lush, beautiful, fragrant flowers in your bouquets and centerpieces, you are best to have a June wedding. I have found in past years, the light pink, medium pink and white peonies are no problem in June and the darker ones seem to be more seasonal in early July. But every year is different, so it is always a good idea to have a 'back up' flower, or be flexible on how many you want in your ceremony and reception.

Here are some samples of peonies used in the work of Halfyard Designs.
This photo of white peonies with white freesia, phaleonopsis and dendrobium orchids and stephanotis is a beautiful example of exotic and fragrant flowers. Photo courtesy of Blue Olive Photography.













This bouquet was made up of medium pink peonies, Hot Lady roses and white mini calla lilies. The bride chose hot pink phaleonopsis orchids with a collar of pink peonies for her centerpieces. Photos courtesy of 'I Do' Wedding Photography.

Ethel Tibbits awards luncheon

Last year, Halfyard Designs had the honor of being a part of the Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Awards in Richmond. This year, Halfyard Designs is proud to be a gold sponsor, providing, not only the centerpieces, but the wrist corsages for the all the nominees and bouquets for the award winners. It is so wonderful to be a part of such an important fundraiser, put on by the Richmond Review, with all proceeds going to Nova House, a safe house in Richmond for women and children fleeing violence in the home.

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards Gala Video

Check it out! Footage of myself receiving my award. If you see, Minister Mary Polak looking down at the floor, she's admiring my gold Badgley Mischka shoes :)

Award video

Party Season!

Well, what an amazing few weeks this has been. Halfyard Designs was honored at a gala at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver. Halfyard Designs was given an award for Outstanding Achievement in a 1 to 2 person enterprise!









Fortunately, I didn't have to give a speech! But if I did I would say the following:
First I want to thank everyone who supported me in this venture, in which I was terrified to start. With the support and nomination from Donna at Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC) I would not be in this position. Thank you to my husband for being there every step of they way. You're my rock! My parents for believing in me and getting my very first start in this industry. The rest of my family for standing behind me. And to those industry people who use my services and allow me the opportunity to be such a big part of our clients lives! Being your own boss is such a rewarding experience. I encourage those who have even the smallest inkling that they want to be in business, find out what your passion is. Find out what you're good at and find a way to make it a career. Then you will never have to 'work' again.

End of a season...

So, we've had an adventurous year, taking us to many new venues once again. We ended the season with Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, our first Whistler wedding (not to mention, in my 9 1/2 years of living in the lower mainland, I had never been!) So that was wonderful! Made me so proud to call BC my home. It is certainly a world class destination! And what a drive... Beautiful British Columbia indeed!

Our last week of events took place at the absolutely stunning Vancouver Convention Center for the wedding of Nancy and Tony, followed by a day at Brock House for the 21st Annual Wedding Show, put on by the lovely ladies at DreamGroup Productions!

I have to give props to my assistant Patricia for being so amazing! She was so attentive to our prospective clients, even picking out the Spanish bride and sparking up a conversation (in Spanish!), impressing fellow industry associates neighboring our booth! Patricia, you rock! I think you are now a permanent fixture of the Brock House Wedding Show.

What a Year!

This year has been a roller coaster. After Halfyard Designs moved, we were faced with the LOOOONG process of simplifying! This year that has been my mantra. Simplify, simplify, simplify!

To start that process, we decided to flush the business of what wasn't working. We took a look at the market. There are A LOT of decor companies in the lower mainland. And quite honestly, I don't want to compete with that, especially in the linen department. So, we sold off ALL of our chair covers, sashes, runners and overlays (of course keeping a few for my fabulous dinner parties!)

Since doing so, my life seems so much more organized and definitely less chaotic! Everything is in it's place.

Now, I still carry glassware and arches and such. I just decided to get rid of anything not floral related. I figured, flowers are my passion, so why not make my entire business my passion. Which is exactly what I did!

So, what has Halfyard Designs been up to? Well, the highlight was definitely the BC Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! Way back in March, I was approached about doing the centerpieces for the Banquet, thanks to a plug from photograher Erin Gilmore (who is also the editor and creator of Aislewalk Magazine!) I was immediately interested, as I love sports! Especially hockey, and knowing Trevor Linden and Roberto Luongo would be there was a BIG plus! So, I was brought on board, and with the help of a few associates, it went off without a hitch and I have a fantastic photo to prove it!












Another highlight, which I can't speak too much about, is the photo shoots for Aislewalk Magazine. All I can say is WOW!!! The floral shoot was fabulous and you'll just have to wait to get your 2012 copy. But trust me! It is SO worth the wait!

Moving is finished!

OK, so after a hectic 2010, we decided to find a new home, personally and for the business. We bought a house in August and as of January 15 2011, Halfyard Designs has a new permanent home.

With the stress of moving, we were able to get rid of a lot of mismatched or defective inventory. So, 2011 will be a new start not just in a new location, but with what we are going to be offering our treasured clients! As well as our branding!

Contact us to book your complimentary consultation today and check out the new office! Looking forward to another great season!

BC Aboriginal Business Awards

Halfyard Designs has been nominated for a BC Aboriginal Business Award!

For those who don't know, I am a proud Tsimshain business owner from Terrace, in northern BC. I know it sounds cliche, but to be even recognized is a great honor. We'll keep you posted!

Jackie and Russell Tie the Knot!

Last week Halfyard Designs had the pleasure of working with a very sweet English couple. Jackie came to me last season when working on a wedding set up at Brock House. We immediately clicked. This was followed by a consultation in which we came up with the perfect vision for her wedding and her mainly European guests. The count I heard in the end was 50 to 40 Canadians! Impressive!

Initially, I met with Jackie and her Mum. We decided on a natural West Coast theme, to show her many out of town guests the real beauty of BC. The natural setting of the Brock House grounds were complimented by ferns, willow and touches of white flowers.

Jackie and Russell, I had a fantastic time working with your vision. Best of luck to both of you!