Every Rose Has Its Thorn
I have a new found respect for florists. Whether it's a simple assortment for a party of one or many extravagant centerpieces for a larger event, the art of making a beautiful floral arrangement takes time, patience, some prickles of blood and a really good pair of shears.
I have a new found respect for florists. Whether it's a simple assortment for a party of one or many extravagant centerpieces for a larger event, the art of making a beautiful floral arrangement takes time, patience, some prickles of blood and a really good pair of shears.
How It All Began
I had one goal in mind and that was to wow. Wow myself, push my expectations and challenge the creative mind. This was my first time making centerpieces for a wedding, let alone a wedding for my own sibling. The day my sister-in-law said she wasn't going to go to a florist, my inner Katniss Everdeen yelled "I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!" I chose to do the centerpieces because a) They were about to keep all decor as simple and minimal as possible, b) I'm a hopeless romantic, c) this is my ONLY brother's big wedding day and my vehement self was not going to let such a milestone event fly by with flimsy cardboard cut-outs and paper lanterns. Not that anyone wanted cut-outs...I was just trying to make a point, but I digress.
The Concept
This was a challenge that I almost didn't think I could pull off. It was a balancing act, and I definitely would not have been able to accomplish it without assistance from the one and only best mother in the world. As much bickering was had between mother and daughter during the creative process, this remained my own DIY project and she let me stay true to my vision. The Bride and Groom did not have any requests. They let me have complete creative control, not even requesting that I follow a color theme. That was both a blessing and a setback because the pressure doubled and I didn't know where to even begin! Since red and gold are lucky colors in traditional Chinese weddings, I thought I'd stick to exactly that!
But Where Do I Get These Flowers?
I've had this concept in my head for months and not having it tangible was frustrating to me. The only way to ensure that my arrangements included the freshest flowers was to head to the flower district in NYC (28 Street between 6th & 7th Ave) and see what was in season for September. I let fate bring me to the bold and the beautiful. Whatever caught my eye, made me double-take, froze me in my footsteps, was what I would go for. It's an overwhelming block to be on because store front after store front were the most exotic plants and flowers one could possibly find. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't know if the florists would rip me off. Finally, I came across a wholesale vendor that was patient enough to explain to me different kinds of Rose breeds, temperature control and the actual names of these flowers. I highly recommend them and would love to shop there again or have another excuse to put together floral arrangements. Who are they? A Rose by Harvest. I placed my large order and waited until THE DAY BEFORE said wedding to pick these beauties up.
The Chosen Ones
Flower selection:
-Freedom Roses (bright red)
-Free Spirit Roses (orange/red ombre)
-Red & Gold Pin Cushion Flowers
-Pink Hypericum Berries
-White Wax Flowers
The Day Before the "Big Day"
To say that I was nervous or freaking out would be an understatement. Not only did I have to wait until the day before, but I had to beat the Pope mobile and make sure traffic and closed streets would not deter me from getting my order of flowers. I awoke at 4:30AM, brushed my teeth, put on a sweatshirt and drove straight into the city...and the rest was history. I was home by 6:30AM, took a brief nap, had a spider scare because I am VERY SURE I brought a giant one into the house while it was hiding in one of the bouquets. An 8-legged freak managed to create a very large web above the flowers in the room I stored them and it was frightening. Till this day I have not seen it, but I KNOW IT IS SOMEWHERE WATCHING MY EVERY MOVE.
From 12PM to 5:30PM, I was snipping, measuring, prickling my finger with rose thorns and arranging the heck out of 20+ vases. Finally, they were ready to be boxed and conditioned on their last stay overnight in the Chang casa.
The Lesson
I felt fire, I felt passion, I felt joy and I felt love these last few months. And as cliché as this may be, I felt all my emotions forever encapsulated within these vivid arrangements.
I love with all my heart and put in whatever energy I can relinquish to the people and the things that matter most to me. Sometimes it is my biggest flaw because you can never ever expect anything to be reciprocated so you are left vulnerable with your heart on the line. In the end, it was all worth it. I'll let these photographs speak for themselves, but I was proud and I was content. Flower arrangements have their enraging moments, especially as a newbie. But, when the day finally arrived to put the pieces of my concept together, I was absolutely calm. It was meditative and it was everything I enjoy doing. Every rose has its thorn and I would do it all over again.
<3,
Laura
Wonder Walls at Coney Island
Summer has always seemed like the shortest season to me. It's true that time flies when you're having fun, but I never saw summer vacation months the same way since I've graduated (because they no longer exist). This year, summer flashed by and I haven't had as much time to go on photo-ventures. So, before August is completely over, before Labor Day officially marks the end of summer, I ventured my way out to the one and only Coney Island.
Summer has always seemed like the shortest season to me. It's true that time flies when you're having fun, but I never saw summer vacation months the same way since I've graduated (because they no longer exist). This year, summer flashed by and I haven't had as much time to go on photo-ventures. So, before August is completely over, before Labor Day officially marks the end of summer, I ventured my way out to the one and only Coney Island.
Though Coney Island is not a new place to be, I still find it thought provoking, fun and a place I can find inspiration. I'm not always there for the rides, definitely not there for the beach, nor am I there to see fireworks in the summertime. This year in particular, I went for the art-- walls and walls of ART. Per usual, I went early so I could beat the crowd. Below are just a few of the ones that captivated me, but there are at least 30+ walls to see.
This isn't just "street art." It's beyond that. It's a compilation of work from several artists, some that happen to be graffiti and street artists, but many are contemporary with a voice about this generation. It is lively, and it just happens to be murals in the streets.
And the best part...Smorgasburg is at the center of it all, surrounded by the vibrant work. I circled the area twice and of course because the sun was beaming, I chose a chair under the shady umbrella and entered an inviting conversation with a dear friend, discussing everything that was in our vision before us, and our vision of the future.
This summer has been filled with deep thought about whether destiny exists, and whether I truly have control over the path that I take. Do I choose to go down that road, or do I take that road only to see where it leads me? It's a lot of thinking and overthinking, but I've learned that this is probably every twenty-something. The waters are murkier, but all I can do is let go of the rope and let my life float on. Where to next? I haven't a clue. I didn't know exactly where these murals were located in Coney Island, but I walked the boardwalk, visited the Wonder Wheel and eventually found what I was looking for all along, after a wander down another street.
Forget the map, leave it at home. There's nothing you can do except take life one day at a time. Even when there aren't any more classes to take, life is schooling me year after year.
...and we'll all float on OK.
<3,
Laura
Lavender by the Bay
I've always wanted to visit a flower field-- and dream of being in Holland surrounded by tulips, which I will one day make happen. BUT in the meantime, here's Laura in New York City. So, when I discovered I could drive a few miles out east and pretend to be in Europe, I had to make it happen!
I've always wanted to visit a flower field-- and dream of being in Holland surrounded by tulips, which I will one day make happen. BUT in the meantime, here's Laura in New York City. So, when I discovered I could drive a few miles out east and pretend to be in Europe, I had to make it happen!
Lavender by the Bay is filled with 17 acres of English and French lavender-- truly a flower lover's dream come true. Located in East Marion, New York, it is quite the drive out to the tip of Long Island. From Queens it took two hours, but it was extremely worth it! (Thank you to my favorite brother who did the driving!)
It was a cloudy day, but I was blessed with sunshine when the rays cracked through the thick clouds and unveiled blue skies on Saturday. Lavender aroma filled the air and while it is known to be a stress reliever, it was the sight that soothed my mind. The flower field blooms in three waves and I arrived at the beginning of lavender season. To find out more about the three blooms, click here.
I happened to visit the farm during its first wave, called the First English Bloom, which starts mid to late June. During my visit, only a section of the many acres were filled with varying shades of purple and white flowers. The owners actually recommends people visit early July, during the second wave, because that is when the farm looks most impressive with its French lavender.
Though I didn't go during the "recommended" time, I don't feel like I missed anything. Open 9AM to 5PM and seven days a week, I wanted the field to be empty when I arrived. I got there at 9:30AM with hardly anyone there, some grey skies and buzzing bees. With only a few acres of purple, it was still enough to get gorgeous photos!
During the summer blooming season there is an $8 entry fee to walk in the fields. It becomes credit that can be used in their store. You can buy lavender in various forms: dried, potted, fresh-cut, you name it! Beyond that, there's lavender scones, lotion, soap and even HONEY made from the farm's own beehives. Where there are bees, there are beehives with sweet, sweet honey.
Although bees in general are terrifying when they fly undesirably close to you, I was happy to see them pollinating, feasting, and doing what bees are meant to do. I'm not an expert on the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) where an estimated 10 million honey beehives have mysteriously declined over the last six years, but it doesn't take a scientist to realize that this world is changing. It has been changing for centuries.
While the cause of CCD remains unknown, there are theories that lethal amounts of pesticides and fungicides play a role in their decline. In recent articles, a small parasite may be to blame for the worldwide decline of these bees. This is all sad news to hear and even more devastating to believe.
I know this blogpost took an unexpected turn. At first I thought I'd share what a beautiful experience I had at Lavender by the Bay. I did not expect to mention the death of honeybees, but I realized that what I am seeing in my visions today may not be the same as what future generations will see. One of the most beautiful things about a garden is the life that it attracts. Where there are flowers, there are bees, and many more insects that thrive in this ecosystem.
I am just one girl trying to find the beauty that exists in this world-- and we are losing a lot of beauty. The worst part is, I don't know if it can all be saved. We've got 99+ problems and CCD is just one of them.
I'm grateful for the existence of Lavender by the Bay and I'll be back to absorb its beauty again.
<3
Laura
Kamri, The Gallery and My Inspirations
Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people.
I thank my parents, my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came to the gallery today and thank you to all who have inspired me, influenced me, and supported my photography.
Kamri
Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people. And by inspirational, I mean this young and beautiful girl, Kamri Carter.
"Mom...According to Us" shared artwork that ranged from paintings to poetry, photographs and more. 100% of all art proceeds from this gallery went to #StephsGirls. Stephanie Lee is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Kamri and Marchelle. Although the gallery was for them, I realized that it was a beautiful experience that was very much for me, too. I thank Kamri and her family for giving me the chance to explore my work and to share my love and compassion for flowers, nature, and anything that catches my attention. This was a beautiful chance to share what are in my visions.
The Gallery
But before I continue...here's a look at today's gallery. If the title cannot be clear enough, the gallery was all about our definition of "Mom." Vicky Jordan of PureWorks put together such an amazing and well curated gallery.
My work:
Moms are constant gardeners as they shower us with unconditional love.
No matter what season, they nurture us so that we bloom into our best selves-- in the heat of summer and in the dead of winter. These photographs were taken during all four seasons of New York City: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. "Love" is the flower that is never out of season.
The turnout was amazing and I am truly grateful for every single person who stopped by-- from all walks of my life. Even though my mom is overseas and she couldn't be here today, I was blessed with all the people who did come through. For that, I thank you all!
My Inspirations
My parents have been an inspiration to me and are truly the biggest supporters. It was after I selected my photos that I realized how often I photograph flowers. Interestingly enough, three out of the five photographs I submitted were taken in my very own backyard.
To others, it is a modestly sized garden, but to me, it was always very large and filled with dreams. I grew up playing in it and occasionally watering the plants. I have summer BBQs there and not to forget...I feed my blood to all the mosquitoes that I can't fend off there, too! My father tends the garden and he is a huge reason why I grew up surrounded by beautiful green grass and flowers that bloom from Spring through the end of Summer.
When I got home today, and right before the sun completely set, I lit a little something to remind myself of how far I've come and to continue to spark my dreams. This garden is not much, but really it is all I need. My father always says that he's sorry he couldn't give me more, but I don't need more. My parents have given me everything that I could have ever imagined and that is already all the more that I need.
I thank my parents, my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came to the gallery today and thank you to all who have inspired me, influenced me, and supported my photography.
<3,
Laura
