Scouting Out A Floral Adventure!

Are you looking for something fun to do during this cold Wisconsin winter?  Do you like fresh flowers?  Have you ever wanted to try a floral designing?  If you answered "YES" to any of these questions...you might want to sign up for a flower design class!  We offer specific classes throughout the year, but also book custom classes for scouting troops and ladies groups.   We have hosted holiday-themed classes for ladies as a work Christmas party, a bridal shower group, as well as our popular Daisy Basket Class for the scouts.  No matter the age group of class, everyone seems to have a great time and goes home with a flower arrangement that they made themselves! 
This past weekend, I had the honor of teaching a delightful group, Brownie Troop #6281 from Sussex, Wisconsin.  We had 5 girls participate as well as the 2 adults join in on the fun!  They were a great group to work with!  Everyone brought home a cheery arrangement, some to keep and others to give away as a gift.  At the end of the class, Chloe, our shop cat made her cameo appearance and said hello to the troop.  Thank you to Girl Scout Troop #6281 for a fun-filled Saturday afternoon!

Wendy Kaye Walker
Bank of Flowers

The Story of Monte

Bank of Flowers in Menomonee Falls has had their resident kitty "Chloe" for quite some time.  The ladies at the Pewaukee store were jealous and wanted their own store pet.

A snail that arrived on a plant was our first pet. Shelldon kept trying to escape and Luan, the manager, was falsely accused with aiding an escapee.  Shelldon was moved to Ashley's house because he was a proven flight risk. (Update:  Shelldon was found half eaten at his current residence. We assume it happened during another escape attempt.)

 

We then had a fish that Ashley received from her Secret Santa.  Fin didn't last long and he was replaced by Finn 2 who lasted just as long.  We finally figured out that some of the sprays we use ended up in the fish's water bowl and killed them.

That was a few years ago and we still really wanted a pet.  Melissa researched available cats at area shelters because we definitely wanted a cat that wouldn't get into everything and was mellow.  At last, on September 22, Monte came to live at our store.

Monte was named after a flower, the Monte Casino Aster.  In the beginning he was a little skittish but that lasted 3 days!  The people at the Washington County Humane Society thought he might be feral and that he was a stray at one point, not good for ladies who love cats.  Well, after those 3 days of settling in, Monte has become the king of the store!  He likes to greet us at the back door when we get in in the morning and give us kisses.  He will say hi to anyone who comes into the store and always lies down at their feet.   Monte is an attention hog!  

Monte acts very much like a dog.  He has played fetch with us a few times.  We cannot leave an open purse laying around because he will dig in it looking for food.  Monte will come when called (most of the time).  We're surprised he doesn't bark!

Thank you Melissa for picking out such a wonderful companion!  We love Monte very much!  

Luan Kurriger

~Manager, Pewaukee

Bank of Flowers

Meet the Staff - CeCi

We welcome back CeCi Scheuber to our team as Director of Operations! CeCi's first job in her hometown, the Falls, was at Bank of Flowers when she was just 15.  After graduating from Carroll University in 2015, she continued to pursue her love of flowers, and found her way back here at Bank of Flowers, where she started all those years ago!  She grew up in Menomonee Falls, and is currently living down the street from the shop. CeCi enjoys keeping up her passion for music through playing piano and percussion, and loves hanging out with her two little brothers.

CeCi's favorite flower is the beautiful green hydrangea. She considers Taco Tuesday a weekly holiday and her favorite animals are elephants.  CeCi is most excited about the camaraderie and fun, exciting atmosphere here at the flower shop.  We welcome CeCi BACK to the team!

Wendy Walker
~Floral Designer
Bank of Flowers

West Bend Country Club

Anna + Nick = True Love

Ceremony & Reception: West Bend Country Club
Photographer: Chasing Lilies
Florist: Bank of Flowers
Month: September

It was a wonderful day, delivering and servicing Anna and Nick's wedding at the West Bend Country Club.  It brought back so many amazing memories for me.  Six years ago, my husband and I were married at this very same venue, at this same time of year.  I can't believe how time flies.

For her wedding, Anna chose a simple palette of white, pops of plum, and grey accents, which gave the flowers a elegant feel.  White hydrangeas and white garden roses gave the bouquets a romantic base for the plum callas and dianthus, and the grey brunia berries added a touch of class.  A special floral tribute was made and placed on a empty chair, in memory of the bride's father, who had passed.  It was a simple, but touching way to honor him.
The ceremony flowers were all re-purposed for the reception, and they looked amazing.  The unity candle piece was used on the mantle, and the pew decorations and bridesmaids bouquets were used on the tables and around the room.
Congratulations Anna and Nick, and thank you for the trip down memory lane!

-Krista Roskopf
Manager, Menomonee Falls
Bank of Flowers

Meet the Staff: Dana!

Dana has been a Bank of Memories, Menomonee Falls Team Member for just about 2 ½ years now.  Dana grew up just down the road from our shop, and would often stop in for fresh flowers for her mom.  She loved the atmosphere so much that when she noticed we were hiring, she just had to put in her application!

Dana started with us as a junior in high school and is now going into her sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin--Madison.  In addition to her passion for floral designing, Dana is highly interested in Political Science and Journalism, both of which she plans to study during her time in college. 

 

 While Dana is unable to work with us during the school year, she more than makes up for it working full time at our Menomonee Falls shop during her summers!  Talk about dedication!  Dana’s favorite flower is the garden rose, due to its fragrance, shape, and uniqueness. Some of her other favorite things include dogs (of all shapes and sizes), freshly baked brownies, and reading a great book on a rainy day. 

When asked what her favorite part of the job is, she replied “I love getting to put the finishing touches on weddings—from adding bling to arrangements or wrapping bouquets with satin ribbons.  It’s almost like getting to be a small part of the wedding, and contributing to the general happiness and love that is being celebrated!”

Krista Roskopf, Menomonee Falls Manager 

Bank of Memories & Flowers

Meet Chloe!

Flowers are not the only thing in our store that can bring you cheer...meet Chloe, our shop cat!  She's the only full-time resident of the Menomonee Falls store, and she really has it made!  Her favorite past times include eating, sun-bathing, and napping in boxes.  Her favorite flower is Lisianthus...we know this because she likes to sneak into the cooler to munch on it!

You may see her sitting in the window, exploring the store, or her favorite...catching a "Cat Nap" in a cardboard box.  Wherever she is in the store, there are many benefits to having a pet in your workplace.

Pets help reduce stress....who could possibly be upset after staring into a puppies eyes, or snuggling up to a furry cat!   They also seem to bring a bit of joy, even when our customers come in to see us for sympathy flowers...petting Chloe seems to ease their mind and make them feel better.

Chloe is also a bit of a mascot for us (and no, she's not really for sale...we were just having some fun with her!)  Everyone loves seeing pictures of her, and what she's up to in the store.  Some of our customers and their children love to come into the shop, just to visit Chloe!

She is quite the local celebrity around here!  Next time you need flowers or a gift, stop in and say hello to Chloe!

Wendy Walker
Floral Designer
Bank of Memories & Flowers

Is is Easter Already?!

Can you believe that Easter is less than a week away?!  Like Easter and springtime, flowers represent growth and new beginnings.  There is no better way to celebrate Easter then by filling your home with spring flowers.  I love designing with tulips, fragrant stock and even bird nests which are all welcome sites during springtime.

Easter lilies have long been popular symbols of Easter, representing love and hope, resurrection and purity.  Their trumpet-like blossoms almost seem to announce the arrival of spring, and all of it's blessings.  Many other house plants, such as our beautiful hydrangeas and hyacinths, bring life to any room in your home. 

It's not to late to order your Easter centerpiece!  Give us a call today for us to create your custom, one-of-a-kind floral design.

Have a blessed Easter from my family to yours!
Krista Roskopf, Menomonee Falls Manager

Winter Bridal Photo Shoot

Photographer: Joe Hang

Dress: Bucci's Bridal

Makeup: Lustrous Beauty Studio 

Flowers: Bank of Memories & Flowers

Model: Andrea

Venue: Onesto 

This winter we had the pleasure of working with some really talented vendors for a fantasy winter wedding shoot.  The shoot took place at the beautiful and historical Onesto in downtown Milwaukee.  Onesto, which means "honest" in Italian, serves a modern twist on Italian flare with an emphasis on fresh homemade flavorful cuisine.

 

This dramatic space had some beautiful lighting enhancing the detail of Andrea's bridal gown from Bucci's Bridal in Pewaukee. 

 

The bouquet we created for the shoot was designed by Luan Kurriger of the Pewaukee location of Bank of Memories & Flowers.  The rich red roses, variety of greens, and other textural elements added to the Italian feel of the space and the elegant dress.

 

~Melissa Maas
Bank of Memories & Flowers
Owner