The $40,900 Question: Sharon Mintz

Sharon Mintz of Organic Elements is always inspiring us with her beautiful work with floral arrangements. We were able to find a little more out about her trip abroad and some colors and ideas she is loving this summer. We love working with sweet vendors like Sharon. Check out her website here for more inspiration.xoxo,

Suzanne

1. Where did you study abroad?

Well, sort of nowhere and sort of Germany. While I was at UCSD, I really wanted to go study in Australia but I didn't think I could take my cat, so I stayed here. Later, while I was waiting for my now husband to finish his Master's degree in Eichstatt, Germany, I decided to go live there for six months. In that time, I studied the floral industry in Europe while taking some German language and ceramic classes.

2. Five things that are inspiring you this summer?

Color, my family, the sun, summer fruit, and our kick ass team.

3. Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Hot chocolate.

4. Something people don't know about you?

I'm a horror movie fiend. No gore, just ghost stories.

5. What is one summer activity that you could do every day?

Snorkel. If we are not visiting family abroad, every vacation I plan is based on snorkeling with turtles and other sea life around the most colorful coral I can find.

6. Beach or mountains?

Beach! Although, the mountains are a close second.

7. What color scheme are you loving lately?

I love the peaches and corals up against blush, but I'm really excited about vibrant colors returning as well.

8. Do you have a preferred season of flowers?

Spring, absolutely spring! I planned my May wedding based on those wonderful flowers being in season.

9.  If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do?

Well that could take a while, not a problem! Fiji, Bali, Thailand, one big snorkel adventure! Maybe visit some Pacific Islands, why not? And we'd stay in every cabana on the beach I could find. Sleeping on the water makes this Cancer feel right at home.

The $40,900 Question: Annette Gomez

 Annette Gomez's classic and timeless floral designs are inspiring. We were able to gain insight into summer floral trends, seeking inspiration, and dream summer trips when we interviewed Annette. She really is lovely. Be sure to pop by her website for some more floral eye candy.

1. Favorite summer blooms? Zinnias, cosmos, and garden roses.

2. Color palettes that are spiring you this summer? Bright hot color. Always orange. I love orange for summer. And green, actually green is my favorite color and I can't get enough green. Yellow is another great summer color.

3. Describe your signature style. My signature style has evolved over the years, but the look I have always loved is one that is loose and unstructured. It is usually created from lots of goodies foraged from my garden. I like to think my style is approachable and not contrived. I lean towards a simple, clean, classic, and timeless look.

4. Any advice for brides to be? Relax! Use Pinterest for inspiration but don’t insist that everything look exactly like the pictures on your board. Embrace what mother nature has to offer you at the time of your wedding. Hire wonderful professional vendors and then let them do their thing. Let go… let go… let go…. Surprises are a wonderful thing.

5. What keeps you inspired? Nature always inspires me… and my garden. I love working in my garden and digging in the dirt. This is where I get most of my inspiration.

6. Describe the perfect bouquet. There isn’t just one perfect bouquet, as it usually  depends on the bride. I tend to like a hand held cluster of just one type of flower, maybe sweet peas or lily of the valley or even daffodils can make a lovely bouquet. If I am not in a simple mood, then I go for lots of green textures with a few funky blooms.  Perhaps garden roses or what ever is growing in my garden at the moment.

7. Favorite summer destination? Guadalajara Mexico or really anywhere in Mexico.

8. Beach or mountains? I like both.

9. If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do? Italy. The Vatican. If I am really dreaming, I would have a meal with Pope Francis. I would love that! I would walk my way through Italy sampling all of the wonderful cuisine and I would take my darling husband with me.