The Nature Connection

For the last several months, it seems like the world has almost come to a complete halt. Businesses have closed, travel has been limited, and people are working from home to stop the spread of COVID-19. This virus has affected millions of individuals all over the world.

Amidst this pandemic we’ve all learned a few important lessons.

Perhaps the most important lesson learned is that certain things in life are unnecessary and then there are the essentials: family and friends, food, shelter, health, rest; and if you’re like most people, a connection to nature. When life is stripped back to the necessities, we realize we can do so much more with less and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by reusing and making stuff from what we have right under our noses. Maybe this pandemic is nature’s way of telling us to slow down, to enjoy simple pleasures, to make space for things we really love, to put people and planet first before gain, and to connect with what is most important: ourselves and each other.

Beautiful blooms… with their color, smell, and symmetry provide the daily solace we seek to connect. They ease stress and lift our spirits. Flowers provide that connection to nature, allowing us to feel better, to think better, and to deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. If you’re not getting your daily dose of nature… you’re missing out on something that’s pretty spectacular: the real world!

A Wreath

It's that time of year when life comes full circle. We reunite with family and friends to reminisce about old memories and slowly… those memories give way to new ones. As guests arrive at your door, there's one captivating way to welcome them: a wreath. Early civilizations used wreaths, symbols of the circle of life, to celebrate special occasions. They were creative in their materials using a variety of evergreens, which survive harsh winters and signify immortality as well as the strength of life. And there’s no reason you shouldn't be creative as well. These days, a wreath can live throughout the year, bringing welcoming cheer to any door, mantel, wall or gate.

The wreaths we craft are typically made of protea, banksia, grevillea, leucadendron, eucalyptus and cones or pods but any material from the store, farmers market or garden will work. Even a few flourishes (like stems of protea) can easily enhance a nursery-bought wreath into a personalized creation. They are beautiful to hang indoors or out, and most will dry beautifully, so you can keep them on display long after the holidays.

Create a new tradition this year by crafting your own holiday wreath… you'll enjoy it for months or possibly even years to come. Here are a few of our favorites from the year nearly past…2019!

Protea, Wreath,

Protea-Inspired Baby Shower Arrangements

The arrival of a new bundle of joy is such an exciting time and what better way to celebrate than with a beautiful baby shower? Baby showers give family and friends the opportunity to shower the Mother-To-Be with well wishes and gifts. And while sharing this memorable occasion with family and friends is already wonderful enough, beautiful floral arrangements can help make the event even more special.

OMG… we absolutely loved the idea of creating Protea centerpieces for a recent baby shower! With the baby's February due date, the grandma-to-be, Maryann, knew she wanted beautiful flowers, “especially protea”. Selecting a protea theme seemed like the perfect fit, especially after finding out the color scheme was natural greens, ivory and pink. Scroll on down for a glimpse of these enchanting fairy-tail centerpieces!

Resendiz Brothers 2020 Calendar

For the last twenty years we’ve designed and created our own special Resendiz Brothers calendar, which we proudly share with all our friends and family. The time spent crafting the calendar has become very special to us as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months while rummaging through fabulous photos to select our top thirteen favorites. The cover is usually a photograph that received quite a bit of attention during the year or reminds us of an important occasion, and this year's choice - was no exception. The remaining twelve photographs are thoughtfully placed in the calendar to represent the months when the proteas pictured are typically in bloom. Scroll on down and have a sneak peek at a few of our picks… they are a combination of arrangements, bouquets and wreaths!

Sometimes good things come to an end, so that better and greater things can begin. Bring on 2020!

Women's Day 2019

Did you know the first Women’s Day was celebrated in 1908 when a group of women marched on the streets of New York, demanding their rights? Since then every year on the 8th of March the world unites to support, raise, inspire and motivate women. The purpose of this day is to focus on various themes such as inspiring change, recognition of women in the arts, or the importance of education and career opportunities. This year’s theme: ‘Better the Balance, Better the World’ it’s a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world.

If you’re feeling inspired and wondering how you can celebrate Women's Day… we have a few ideas:

• With Flowers, of course! It doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman to join in on the celebration - it is perfectly acceptable for a man to give flowers to the women in his life, as well as, women to share flowers with their friends, family and co-workers.

• Learn why the day is important. As women's accomplishments, particularly those that have to do with the home (raising children, cleaning, cooking, etc.) are often ignored and overlooked. This day helps to remind people of the important things that women do every day.

• Help raise awareness. Mention that it's Women's Day to people you know, your family, your coworkers, your friends. Discuss with them why it's an important day and why it's important to treat women with respect and to acknowledge their contributions to society.

The Wedding Arch

Being wed under a wedding arch, chuppah or canopy is a tradition steeped with beautiful meaning for many cultures. It’s a roof that symbolizes the home and family a couple will build together. And, while it's representative of a marital pact, it also implies a union with your community, as well. It can change the mood of the ceremony entirely, giving it poise and originality and it can also be fun.

Wedding arches are often used in ceremonies in untraditional venues and provide a festive backdrop. Particularly for ceremonies held outdoors, a wedding arch provides a unique and creative focal point. Arches now come in many shapes and forms, from elaborate floral arbors to simple fabric backdrops and help to frame the most important part of the wedding day, the union, in a beautiful way. We've found 10 more beautiful wedding arches using protea to help inspire couples planning their special day.

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Top Photograph: At Design Maven