This Living Wreaths book challenged me to my core and pushed me well outside my comfort zone. I spent many hours in the fetal position, in my closet, wondering if I could accomplish this goal. Pull off elaborate flower arrangements for a wedding—no problem, but write a book!? (Gasp!) I had to keep repeating, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,” and guess what, I did it! I’m so honored to express my gratitude for those who have helped me along the way.
Thank you, Matt, my incredible husband and best friend for holding my hand through this exciting book-writing process. You became well accustomed to having living wreaths take over the house and the yard. There were living wreaths in the sink, wreaths on the floor, wreaths on the counter, wreaths in the driveway and moss everywhere!
Thank you to my darling children who were so patient with me while writing and photographing this book. I loved having you both with me during the long days photographing. As a five-year-old and two-year-old, you became living wreath experts yourselves, helping me pick out beautiful succulents and collecting clumps of moss for wreaths while playing in the backyard.
I called upon family and friends for inspiration and your ideas and words were so helpful. A special thanks to my amazing father and mother, Kurt and Betsy Bernhisel, and to my four beautiful sisters—Heather, Ashlie, Allison and Sarahjane. A special thank-you to my dear friends, Erika Sheffield-Stull and Alison Gates.
I was lucky enough to work with the most creative and talented friend and photographer Susan Hayward. You truly captured the stunning and simplistic beauty of my wreaths. Thank you!
A big thank-you to my amazing editor, Hollie Keith, for first coming to me with this project and for always extending my deadlines just a little further. Your insights and hard work are much appreciated.
