A Wedding at Blackhawk Country Club

A fall wedding at Blackhawk Country Club

Polly and Bobby tied the knot on the big lawn at Blackhawk Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin. They celebrated amongst the autumn leaves of October.

The celebrated with an outdoor ceremony on the lawn overlooking the lake.

The tables were graced with sweet centerpieces with lots of autumn’s most beautiful blooms.

The head table featured a long eucalyptus garland.

Photos by SV Photography

A Wedding in the Clouds

A wedding in the clouds

Married in Lutsen, Minnesota this was an extra special wedding for me as it was the wedding of two of our closest friends. Married in the clouds at a ski-resort they take the cake for most unique location that fit them so perfectly.

Photos by Kristen Barbara Photography

Photos by Kristen Barbara Photography

Floral | 10 Helpful Questions to Ask Your Florist

10 Questions to Ask Your Florist

You’re engaged, congrats! This is such an exciting time and while it may seem overwhelming all the details that need decisions, your floral should be a fun part of the process.

Today I’m sharing some of the top 10 questions to ask your florist during your first consultation. It is my hope that by asking these questions you can feel confident in making your floral decisions.

10 Questions to ask

1. What flowers are likely to be in season?

2. Are my floral requests in line with my budget?

3. What recommendations can you make to keep the cost within my budget?

4. Do you provide any vases/decor? If so, is there a fee for using these items?

5. Do you deliver, set up and tear down?

6. Can I send arrangements home with guests?

7. How do you coordinate delivery at different ceremony and reception venues?

8. When do you schedule tear-down?

9. How many weddings to you do per weekend? If you book multiple weddings per day how do you handle my delivery?

10. What does your booking and future communication process look like?

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Floral | When Should I Contact a Wedding Florist?

When should I contact a wedding florist?

Early. While it might seem crazy to call on a wedding florist over a year in advance, if you know who you want to work with be sure to reach out to them early! It is very common for florists to be booking a year or more in advance.

My general ‘rule’ is if you have your venue, your colors, a general idea of what you want for flowers (centerpieces, large alter arrangements, aisle flowers, bouquets and boutineers), photos of flowers you love and a budget you have enough to reach out.

So, put together a list of your floral ideas and contact that florist you’ve been dying to work with!

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Floral | Tripp Commons - UW Memorial Union Wedding

A UW Memorial Union Wedding

I seriously have the.best.job. because of incredible people like Sarah and Colin.

I hadn’t met Sarah or Colin until their wedding day, all of our correspondence up to the wedding was via phone or email because they both live in the windy city of Chicago.

These two are so incredibly sweet and kind-hearted and I was so honored to be entrusted with their wedding flowers even though we’d never met.

The funnest part of their wedding day is that 29 years ago my parent’s held their reception in Tripp Commons at the UW Memorial Union. It was such a beautiful way for me to envision where their love story came together.

Sarah and Colin it was my greatest pleasure to work with you. I wish you all the blessings in your marriage, cheers!

Photos courtesy of Andy Stenz Photography

They celebrated with a beautiful lake-side ceremony just above the UW Memorial Union Terrace.

Their ceremony was followed by an inviting reception hosted in Tripp Commons.

Floral | A Bishop's Bay Country Club Wedding

A Bishop’s Bay Country Club Wedding

Morgan and Jake’s day was positively spectacular. Morgan’s eye for the details made their special day come together in a breathtaking display of love and beauty.

Photography by Santiago Murillo Photography

Floral | A June Wedding at The Lagaret, Stoughton Wisconsin

A June Wedding at The Lageret

Mike and Kristen’s wedding day was nothing short of stunning. With personal details throughout their special day, a host of incredible vendors including Ruthie Hauge Photography and KIS Event Planning their wedding day came together so perfectly.

Using heavy greenery and white and blush blooms to compliment their sophisticated yet youthful vibes, I created some of my favorite floral arrangements to date.

It was such an honor creating the wedding flowers for these two and cheers to all the years to come Kristen and Mike!

Renovation | Our Farm Plans for 2019

Our farm plans for 2019

Better late than never, right?

As the queen of taking on too much in a year, it’s taken me some time to develop our plans in a ‘realistic’ and light-deadline kind of way.

BUT, I did want to share a few of the things we’ve decided made our priority list this year.

our hay and equipment barn

Last fall we installed all the posts for our new hay and equipment barn. I’m so excited to get started on this project. This winter we had hay tucked into every nook and cranny here and at a friend’s farm, so I’m excited that next season we will have all our hay stored here. Our equipment spent all last summer in the weather so it will be nice to have a place for that as well.

Livestock Barn Extension

I’ve already out-grown my original livestock barn. So we’ll be adding another bay for our sheep this year.

Water Line

Last season we set up our 18 acre pasture and this will be our first year grazing it! So we will be installing an above ground water line in order to adequately water our cattle while they graze.

Dry Lot

Our dry lot was thrown up two years ago, because we had to move our four steers to the farm ASAP. It needed grading last season and once that was complete we had too many things going on to finish the fencing. This season we’re hoping to finish the fencing and corrals in our dry lot to make handling and winter shelter easier on us and our livestock.

We are also hoping that we will be able to add a bunk feeder for our cattle and permanent feeders for the sheep. We will see how far we get with this. It is definitely lower on the list of must-do’s.

Clearing

This is the job that never ends, or so it sometimes seems. We still have quite a bit of clearing to do in our upper pastures before we can finish some interior fencing projects and seeding. While I already believe this is unlikely to happen, it always remains on the list.

Farm Store

We’re also be roughing in our farm store. It won’t be complete this year but we’re excited to get things more organized for you to visit us!

it’s going to be another busy year

We’re (or actually I’m) trying to set more realistic goals this year so that we can reduce the stress that often comes with such a hefty to-do list. We never expected fixing up this farm would be easy, but renovating the farm has sure been quite the project. While the annual changes have been huge and rewarding, it can sometimes feel like an over-whelming, never-ending project. We’ll get there in time and I’m trying to push myself to be patient.

I will of course be posting our progress and projects here throughout the season, so stay tuned!

Floral | Vendor - Blushing Willow Bridal

Photo by Ruthie Hauge Photography

Blushing Willow Bridal

One of the things that makes my job so fun is getting to know and become friends with some talented, passionate and inspiring vendors. Today I’m sharing one of these vendors with you.

A beautiful bridal boutique

I’ve worked with Kassie on several occasions and she is one of the kindest vendors I’ve ever met. Kassie started Blushing Willow Bridal out of pure passion as many vendors do. She saw a need in the bridal industry and instead of clinging to her degree she felt called to fill that gap by going out of her comfort zone and opening her very own boutique dress shop.

Kassie has some of the most GORGEOUS dresses and she literally blows me away each and every time we get the chance to work together. She see’s all the details and is on her toes to make every woman that wears her dresses to feel their very best.

If you’re looking for a hands-on vendor who will be there to help you select your perfect dress look no further. Say yes to a dress with Kassie and you even get to celebrate with a pink bottle of champagne. Need I say more?! Oh wait, yes I do, her space is absolutely INCREDIBLE and it stands out from the crowd.

Floral | A Fall Wedding at Devil's Head Resort

A Fall Wedding at Devil’s Head Resort

Kate and Brad are two people that just beam with love for each other. They are also two of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

Kate and Brad met while studying at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and both have careers in agriculture. When this duo asked me to be their florist I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

They got married on a chilly fall day but these pictures speak to the warmth in their hearts for each other.

Congrats you two!

Vendors

Venue | Devil’s Head Resort

Photographer | cJefko

Floral | Vendor - HYPE Event Planning

vendor raves

One of the things that makes my job so fun is getting to know and become friends with some talented, passionate and inspiring vendors. Today I’m sharing one of these vendors with you.

my honest opinion of an incredible vendor

I met Jamie over a cup of coffee back in January after she opened her business HYPE Event Planning.

Jamie has a background in event planning and wanted to bring her skill of organization to the wedding industry. Jamie has spent her first year getting to know vendors, attending bridal events and immersing herself in the industry. She’s well connected, knowledgeable and a total gem to work with.

It’s evident to me after coordinating several weddings in her first season that she’s going to be someone people seek to work with.

I would hands-down recommend Jamie to you. I'm sure from the first time you meet you'll feel her genuine enthusiasm. So get HYPED about your wedding and get to know this girl!

Floral | A Tansy Hill Farm Wedding

stacy + art

There is something so special about getting a request to do the floral for an old friend's wedding day.

Stacy and I met when we were both living in our college dorm, working towards acceptance into the College of Design at Iowa State University. Stacy was a few doors down and was pursuing her dream of being an architect, myself a landscape architect. 

When Stacy contacted me about her wedding flowers I just had to say, YES! 

Stacy and Art were planning on getting married at her parent's resort in northern Wisconsin, what a beautiful place to say I DO! However, after years of trying to sell the resort, her parents got an offer to purchase just a few months prior to the big day. Stacy took the change in stride, and with the change she found another gorgeous venue spot, Tansy Hill Farm in Wausau. This barn was gorgeous and came with chickens and all, outside in a pen of course.

Stacy had an incredible vision for her flowers. Touches of lavender to match her bridesmaid dresses, something loose and organic, with a good balance of greenery and blooms. I knew when I said yes to being her florist she'd have impeccable taste and I let her give all the guidance for the final bouquets. We found great substitutes to give her the look she was after using blooms that were in season. I have to say I have all the heart eyes for the way these bouquets turned out!

So, congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Adams, thank you for giving me the honor to create the blooms for your special day!

Thank you Silver Light Photography for the gorgeous photos!

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Floral | Spring Inspiration

Spring Wedding Inspiration

Spring has never been one of my favorite times of year, the weather is so unpredictable, one day it's beautiful the next it's snowing. Am I right?!

However, after this incredible styled shoot, I had the privilege of being a part of my mind has changed a bit. Look at these amazing colors that spring weddings have to offer!

In early March I was honored to collaborate with a few lovely ladies to put together an inspirational shoot for brides searching for a fresh spring look. It was refreshing to see green again and get my hands designing with such incredible spring blooms.

I had such an incredible time working with these creative ladies and I'm sure you will too!

Styling and Planning | Relax Event Planning

Photography | Emily B Photography

Stationary | Peninsula Creative

Dress | Monirose

Venue | Charlie's on Main

Homestead Update | Hello 2018!

Cheers to a new year!

The holidays felt like a whirlwind between gathering with family and friends, and working on our recent basement remodel. However, I didn’t let the New Year slip by without some thought on where these businesses are going to take us in 2018.

A new year offers a new beginning and I am always thankful for that. I’m learning more about business and finding renewed passion, and new passion, as each year passes.

So like all years I sat down, pen in hand and wrote out goals and dreams for these little businesses. It always amazes me how inspiring this process is and I am on fire to get things rolling!

So, what am I looking forward to in 2018 with these businesses? Here’s a little sneak peak!

• I look forward to opening up more available dates for weddings and events.

• I’m excited to develop our online shopping experience of our meats.

• I look forward to being more active on the blog to share more stories, projects and recipes with you.

• I’m excited to host an open farm and studio day where we can share more of our business with you.

• I look forward to growing our flerd (flock + herd) and am excited to welcome our own lambs this year.

• I am excited to show you more of our farm so that you can feel a connection with us and our livestock even if you only ever experience our farm online.

• I look forward to offering four season planter design.

A New Year wouldn't be the same without a resolution right? This year my resolution is to prioritize intentionality. It's easy when running three businesses to feel like I need to do anything to just keep my head above water. However, I've learned the last year that it doesn't help to just do, it only helps when I find intentionality behind the do. So this year I aim to be more intentional about business direction, customer experience and connecting with each and every one of you.

As always thank you for supporting this dream and I look forward to what 2018 has to bring!

A Small Business Owner

a small business owner

As I reflect on our first year in business I am reminded why it all started in the first place. I never assumed I would be a small business owner. Quite frankly I said I would never be a small business owner and many can vouch for that. I came to that realization over my many years of working in very small businesses as well as being the daughter of a small business owner. While each person was so passionate about their work, it came with a load of stress that I never wanted in my life. Or so I thought...

As I entered the professional world of landscape design I started to realize something. I was working because I had to, I had a lack of passion for what I was doing in my professional role. I thought about making a career change; but, I just couldn’t figure out what that was going to be. I knew my passion and my ideas weren’t fitting the mould of my selected career path. I was passionate about making outdoor spaces as comfortable and liveable as the indoor spaces we live in, and I wasn’t finding that anywhere I looked.

However, like I said I never WANTED to be a business owner. I was afraid of walking away from a steady paycheck, I was afraid of taking a chance on myself, I was afraid of working all the time, and I was afraid of letting my clients down. These are things that all of the small business owners in my life had to face.

So, how did I become a small business owner? Well, with a lot of faith from Matthew, my family and all those small business owners that had surrounded me for years, that is how. I knew what I wanted to do. I knew what I wanted to create. I just needed the faith in myself and my idea.

So, in December 2015 I took the plunge and established Homestead Designs. With that I have found passion for my career like I never thought possible. I was able to bring my passion to the market and have people respond both positively and critically. My first year as a business owner came with a lot of learning and I must admit a little self-doubt. I truly appreciate the opportunities that each and every client has given me, to wake up and love what I am doing. You took a chance on me, and thank you for that.

As if one company wasn’t enough… it wasn’t for me. My passion lies heavily in creating outdoor living spaces, but it also lies in the details of events. Thus, Homestead Florals. This year was about taking chances on my ideas. I was passionate about serving a client that I could so easily relate to as a new wife, brides. I love creating floral designs that compliment such beautiful events and I am so honored to be trusted with such important days and events in people’s lives. I am looking forward to my first full year as a floral designer.

Homestead Meats, well that is a topic for another day.

-Brit

Sending out a huge THANK YOU to all those that made Homestead possible!

While a thank you is quite overdue we are approaching a season of thankfulness and we want to make sure we send out a HUGE THANK YOU all of those who have inspired us and helped us along this journey.

First off we want to thank those who have inspired us to create our adventure and follow our dreams, no matter how terrifying that has been!

·         Paul Morrison (Dad) we thank you for quitting the ‘day job’ so many years ago to pursue your passion, you have been a huge inspiration and a great support. Thank you for teaching us to follow our passions in life, even if it isn’t the easiest or most lucrative career choice. Friends be sure to check out his custom woodworking shop The Wood Cycle and be sure to pick up a copy of his new book ‘Tree to Table’, we promise it is worth the read!

·         Morgann McCoy we thank you for taking the step to open your own business so fresh out of school. You taught us that passion and drive can calm any critique about your ‘experience’ and that with enough drive you can do amazing things! Check out her amazing products at A Well Worn Story.

·         Elise Dettwiler we thank you for being another ‘Morrison’ that has taken on their own business venture and of course a huge thank you for providing images for our ‘About Me’ section. Be sure to check her out at Wild Mulberry Photography!

·         Amber & Preston Gable we thank you for blazing a trail and giving us the courage to diversify from our ‘degrees’ to follow all of our passions in life. We can’t thank you enough for owning your dream instead of following the traditional path of your education. Check out Back Country Winery for information on their beautiful winery. Their wine pairs perfectly with an evening on the homestead patio.

Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU to all the other supporters in our life! We truly believe we have the best family and friends around. You all have had such a huge impact on our personal lives and even though some of you have been overwhelmed with our business life we thank you for sticking with us as we pursue our new adventure. We love you!

-Brit & Matt