I have been inspired lately. First, by Steve of Sinclair and Moore when he wrote this post. In particular, this quote: “Those of us who are designers, creators, and artists have meaningful jobs. We live in what can be a dark, scary and lonely world. What we do is create beauty that softens the world. We create celebrations that are remembered for a lifetime. So when I start to question the point of it all… I remind myself that I do what I do… because the world needs beauty.” There is so much to be dismayed about in the world these days, and I find my altruistic self wondering if my job makes any difference. Reading these words from Steve gave me a renewed sense of joy and understanding of the privilege of what I do for a living.

My second bit of inspiration came from my friend Eleanor of Bash and Bloom. She posted this lovely photo of an arrangement she had designed just for fun with some leftovers from a wedding. Her new goal is to try to do these types of arrangements more often, along with getting her studio cleaned up after each weekend’s wedding. I realized while reading her post that I needed to do the same. Tired as I may be at the end of the weekend, it’s so important to design just for fun.

Tonight, I was in the studio all by myself with just the hum of the cooler in the background. I was tucking lisianthus into this weekend’s bridal bouquet when it hit me: I know what I can do to add beauty to the world, get creative with leftover blooms, AND get my studio cleaned up in a timely manner! So tonight, I’m introducing The Bella Project. Here is the basic premise: When I have leftover blooms, I will use them to design an arrangement and then put out a notice on Facebook. Comment on the Facebook post with your idea to use the bouquet to encourage someone who needs a dose of beauty in their life. A winner will be chosen at random to come pick up the bouquet and use it to bless someone who needs it. I am so excited to share one of the greatest joys of my life with you- the feeling of seeing someone’s face light up when you deliver them a beautiful bouquet! Trust me, you will be hooked! Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss our first Bella Project bouquet!

I couldn’t leave you without some flower pictures. I thought Arielle and Matt’s fun, bright, cheerful wedding would be an appropriate companion for this post. All photos by Joyeuse Photography. Enjoy!