Wednesday eve marked Ovando's 2nd floral arranging class, focused on "Orchids & Succulents" and our design principles in combining the two species; one an ever-so-delicate blossom, and the other a far meatier plant prototype.
It began with snippets of curly willow as well as several sighs and giggles as our participants began fashioning the branches into Ovando's signature vision vases.
Next came the Lisianthus and Mokara orchids, shaped and laid atop the willows, dynamically suspended within the vase.
And alas, the accent flower, an Ovando "must". The pink Vanda orchids offered a rich focal point to finish off the "Opposites Attract" arrangement.
We had such a wonderful evening! Call us over zealous, but August 18th seems terribly far away.
"Wedding bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages" to come...!
Hypothetically speaking, were we ever to tout our own horn, it might be said that we’ve indeed flourished quite brilliantly in the world of floral design. In the land of cake couture, however, we’re decidedly novice and downright delighted to see some of the gorgeous designs coming out of these NYC kitchens…
Artisanal cake designer and devout locavore, Amy DeGuillo, opened Sugar Flower Shop some years back with the express intention of creating beautiful cake designs using only local and sustainable ingredients. What’s perhaps even more frenzy inducing are her magnificently crafted sugar flowers, strewn across many-a-cake and also available as sugar floral bouquets. This is a great alternative for brides & grooms weary of the pesticides used by some floral producers but nevertheless hoping for a wedding cake with floral flair.We must say, Amy’s callas, cymbidiums, and peachy garden roses boast a shockingly vivacious quality that might engage the eager fork holder in a little game of trompe-l'œil!
Sugar Flower Shop
Cake topper of roses, freesia, lily of the valley, stephanotis and foliage.
French Romance: Anemones and calla lilies wrap this wedding cake covered in buttercream, lined with ribbon and piped with delicate dots. Photo credit: www.rydocumentary.com & www.cavaweddings.com
We’re also quite smitten with the cake and, oh yes, cupcake (!) creations wafting their way out of Sugar Couture, headed up by seasoned confectionery artist, Penny CM Stankiewicz. With designs ranging from chic to whimsical to petit confectionary accoutrements-- including sugar-flower studded cookies-- Penny will be sure to capture your sweet tooth and your inquisitive eye somewhere along the way!
And, of course, our ode to cake kingdom wouldn’t be complete without a mention of our beloved “Queen of Cakes”, Sylvia Weinstock. Her sugar-flower and buttercream creations are an inspiration to cake aficionados (and floral designers!) internationally. And, with a client list fully baked with big name celebrities, her cakes will most certainly be coveted by brides-to-be for decades to come…
Cheers to the brilliant artists whom make our dessert ogling wholly more forgivable.
Flowers are personal. We emphatically and wholeheartedly believe that. They tell a story, they bring positive energy to any space, and they are living and breathing creatures that develop relationships with their admiring owners. Such is perhaps why flowers are and always will be such exquisite gifts.
Indeed we believe that gift giving can be an especially intimate exchange when there are 2 newlyweds tearing through the wrapping. But, we also know that finding that “bestowal-beyond-compare” can in fact be quite stress inducing! And so, fear not, here a few Ovando picks on how to tenderly add in that extra, personal touch.
One of our favorite Brooklyn designers, Mélangerie, offers an adorable, silk-screened "To Have and To Hold" cotton tote that can be lovingly festooned with breathtaking peonies from Ovando’s West Village boutique. It’s not only the ideal carry-all, but it’s also an everyday reminder of Mr. Beloved.
Our friends at Paperfinger can most certainly help squeeze in a few other intimate notes.Our favorites include the ever-so romantic love letter, or “letter of love”, transcribed in elegant calligraphy on fine Italian stationary. This is a perfect way for a Maid of Honor (or Best Man!) to make certain that the affectionate words of her speech are forever treasured. Paperfinger’s Customized Return Address Stamps are another exquisite addition to the “tote of love”, as well as the ideal time saver when Mr. and Mrs. finally get around to sending out “thank you” cards!
Last but not least, one of our favorite photographers, Matt Schwartz of She Hit Pause Studios, is now offering some of his enchanting Polaroid prints for purchase. We’re of course partial to his beautiful collection of floral prints, framed in handsome, weathered barn wood.
Once your tote is plumped and primped, it will undoubtedly make an unforgettable wedding gift to help the Mr. and Mrs. forever commemorate their special day.
Our idea of a fantastic way to spend a Wednesday evening: chatting with friends, sipping from a fine vintage, and trying your hand at high-end floral design. And we were delighted to hear that the 13 lucky participants who joined this week’s floral arranging class enthusiastically agreed!
The evening began with snacks and sips of Sauvignon while creative genius Sandra de Ovando discussed some of Ovando’s design principle: bold colors, dynamic tension, minimalism. Then, out came the bare grass, the white stock, the chamomile, the sunflowers and the Vanda orchids.We giggled together encouragingly as participants looked quizzically upon their creations, until alas they snipped, tucked and twisted to perfection.
In the end, we were thoroughly impressed with each and every stunning “Summer Flower” arrangement, not to mention the perfectly formed Viburnumberry hand ties! And we hear that our participants had other admirers as well…
July’s session includes Orchids and Succulents and the design principles involved in combining the two…Don’t miss out!
Unquestionably so, Sandra de Ovando was fated to become an influential force in New York’s eclectic design milieu. Born in Mexico City to Spanish and Russian parents, Sandra fell in love with nature, flowers and bold colors at a very young age when she often spent weekends gardening with her mother. Later, in her travels throughout Europe and Asia, Sandra discovered exotic flowers, plants and fruits which she began incorporating into her designs – hence was born the signature style that today defines Ovando’s dynamic compositions.
Since its inception in 2003, Ovando has blossomed into a full-service Floral & Event Design Company. Sandra’s unique approach has made her the favorite floral designer of New York’s elite, including celebrities, high-end restaurants, fashion houses and boutique hotels. From stunning bouquets, moody lighting, and the full-scale construction of breathtaking displays and environments, Ovando is a dazzling celebration of form, function, and flowers. We invite you to take a peek into the world of Ovando and some of the things that inspire our designs!
And alas, the accent flower, an Ovando "must". The pink Vanda orchids offered a rich focal point to finish off the "Opposites Attract" arrangement. 
We had such a wonderful evening! Call us over zealous, but August 18th seems terribly far away.
