A huge part of why I am a successful wedding photographer is because I LOVE what I do. The rest of it, it from studying in a dark room, learning my camera, and connecting with fellow photographers. I love this industry that I am in. I can’t say that enough. The people I have run into and made friends with is one of my favorite aspects of it. I meet tons of vendors from cake designers to event planners. Today, I decided that I wanted to share a vendor with you all. This vendor is a friend and one heck of a florist! Her name is Karen, and she is the owner of Karen Fowler Floral Design. She is based out of Cape May, New Jersey and has her own studio. All of her flowers are special ordered from all over the world and during the summer months she also uses flowers grown locally!

BLP: Hi Karen! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I’d love to ask you some questions about your business. Let’s start with what year you became a florist?
KFFD: I started in January 1999 at a small flower shop in Philadelphia
BLP: Wow that’s wonderful! When was Karen fowler floral design established? 
KFFD: It was established in 2012.
BLP: What made you want to open your own studio?
KFFD: I wanted to be part of the brides special day … I wanted the ability to get to know them personally instead of just From a file that someone handed me at work
BLP: I love that, being personal is so important.
KFFD: Yes it is!! I love adding my special touch after getting to know them
BLP: This year I am seeing a lot of pink ombré dresses on Pinterest, is that something that you’re seeing with flowers? Pinks and whites?
KFFD: Yes and no … I’m seeing a lot of vintage everything pinks peaches silvers gold’s whites
BLP: Do you have any projections for what will be “in” for 2015?
KFFD: If its anything like this summer is going to be than it will be amazing!! I’m booked full most weekends until October
BLP: That’s fabulous! Also this year you won Best of The Knot, didn’t you? How has that helped your business?
KFFD: It has made it crazy good!!! People love that fact!
BLP: It’s definitely an honor to be proud of! Now you are engaged yourself, will you be designing your own bouquet and wedding flowers?
KFFD: Omg yes!! I have dreamed for years about my own wedding I will be having two different bouquets one for the ceremony and one for the reception
BLP: That’s amazing! I’ve never even thought about that!

KFFD: For my cousins wedding she did all white bouquet for her ceremony and she told me she was walking into her reception to “walking on sunshine ” and I made her a all yellow bouquet with roses and sunflowers and a brooch that said candy corn rocks! It was a fall wedding and loved candy corn, again personal touches; I love to do when getting to know my brides!
BLP: That is so creative! I bet you have a lot of fun with each bouquet you design because they are all so different! Being a wedding photographer that has also been married, allows me to reach my brides on that level of understanding. How is planning your own wedding, helping you with your current brides?
KFFD: I completely understand all there struggles now! I understand their budget more now! I know it’s all very expensive! Every vendo, I can sympathize more now
BLP: Same here! Can you tell us how Brides can reach you, see your work on the internet, etc.? I’d love to share your work with them!
KFFD:
I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenFowlerFloralDesign
Website: www.capemayweddingflowers.com
Email: capemayweddingflowers@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: (call or text): 609.334.3568
BLP: One more question before I go, what is YOUR favorite bridal flower for 2014?
KFFD: Ranunculus!

(image provided by Karen Folwer Floral Design)

BLP: They are gorgeous!!! Thank you SO MUCH for your time, Karen! I wish you best of luck in the 2014 AND 2015 wedding season!

Karen Fowler Floral Design is such an amazing business and I couldn’t reccomend her more! She is definitly someone who makes you laugh, helps you create your vision, and becomes your friend throughout the process! Here are a few photos of flowers that Karen did while collaborating together on a styled bridal shoot! Karen’s work speaks for itself and definitely stands out! These bouquets were definitely jaw droppers! I cannot wait to work with Karen again and see what her imagination comes up with! She – is – FABULOUS!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

 

We all have hopes, dreams, aspirations, and desires. One of my biggest, most passionate dreams in life is to be able to grow old with my husband. I always joke with him about how we are going to one day have a beautiful porch with rocking chairs, and we will rock all day long holding hands, and that will be the highlight of every single day. To have him by my side is the most amazing thing I could have ever dreamt of, and I cannot wait for the day we renew our vows. (And yes, we JUST got married in September of 2013, but I will love him until the end of my days).

Today, I had the honor and privilege to photograph a 40th anniversary, vow renewal in Cape May – ON THE BEACH. It was such a beautiful day! I honestly could not have asked for a better day than today. All last night it was raining (with the occasional thunder and lightening). It was enough to scare our kids, and enough to have me begging for sunshine. My begging must have worked because today, we had clear blue sky’s, 60’s, and sunny! It was gorgeous!

I cannot tell you how much this made my dreams run rapid in my head. They have been together for 40 years and their love shines through like no other! Their kiss made my heart beat and I was so proud to be able to capture this beautiful event in their lives. It just goes to show you, a legacy is not something to forget. Thank you Frank and Peggy for allowing me to capture your legacy! I wish you the best of everything for you both and your every growing family!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography

Workshops are everywhere, you just need to tap into the right area and attend. I was lucky enough to see that Hello Gorgeous Photography (my wedding photographers and dear friends) were throwing a workshop in Cape May, NJ at the most amazing hotel/wedding venue ever – Congress Hall. Now, let me explain my excitement here. First off, I love HGP. My husband and I chose them for our wedding. They’re amazing ladies, who I enjoy dancing the Cupid Shuffle with, laughing, and basically all things photo. Secondly – CONGRESS HALL!!! Okay, so, then the planning begins. I see posts and get excited because not only will it be at Congress Hall, but the couple is gorgeous, a previous bride of theirs who will be wearing a Vera Wang dress, Bailey of Just Be. designed all the fancy paper goods (menu cards, invitations, save the dates, adorable name tags with glitter, you name it, if it was paper, she did it!). Then the florist was Savannah’s Garden! OMGEEEEEEE seriously! To top it off, Jamie Cakes, who I had no idea who she was, but she makes the most amazing cupcakes – I have ever tasted – to – this – day!

So, without any more delay, I want to show you all the amazing photos I was able to take from this workshop. I can’t tell you enough how happy I am, how proud of myself, and how much I highly reccomend the HGP Workshops!

XOXO,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography