Wedding #1: Tropical Paradise

Okay! Now I finally get to show you the wedding I've been talking about:

Everybody together now: Oooo.....ahhhhh....

It was so gorgeous. The flowers came in so nice (mostly), the colors complimented one another so well. This was one of those projects where I actually enjoyed the work along the way as much as (if not moreso) than the end result.

Looking back at the pictures, I guess its kind of hard to believe my boss and I spent over twenty hours of design work alone on this wedding (not including all the mechanics preparing beforehand). In some respects, it may not look like over twenty hours worth of work. But I promise you, its there.

Pew Markers

For example, the piece above. These things consumed huge chunks of our time. Since there were twelve in all, we each worked six. They turned out so lovely - that green hanging amaranthus at the bottom just looked gorgeous as a runner down the aisle. And I've discovered I love those huge orange balls in the center (protea.) My boss, however, discovered she's not such a fan, but this picture simply does not do these justice. She really designed a lovely piece.

Its hard for me to seperate the final look from all the hard work put into it, which may be why I'm so attached. Maybe you see pretty ceremony flowers - and if so, that's awesome because that's how its meant to be. But what I see is the fact that they're the exact width of the pew and I see the cardboard box we had rigged with a piece of plywood on a table to simulate it. (The mechanics of these pieces alone soaked up so much time before the first flower ever entered the foam.) I see all three of us trying to lay to rest how exactly the piece needs to be mirrored on each side of the aisle and I see how early we had to start work on them because there were so many pieces and only two of us.

Bout's - (They're wrapped in moss. Love this look.)

And because this wedding was requiring so much... intensity? attention? I'm not sure of the right word. But I wasn't expecting to take on anything too heavy. I knew I would need to follow her patterns and I realized I was gaining so much experience through observation and copying her pieces (i.e. the pew markers, bouts). All that to say, when my boss asked if I'd take care of designing the toss/guestbook bouquet, I was a bit surprised and thrilled at the opportunity.

Toss/ Guestbook

Sure, I know its a small item, but at this point handhelds are one of my weakest areas. There's simply not enough opportunity to work on it consistently, and I haven't had enough practice. So this was quick and fun. (plus, it meant I got to play with the birds of paradise I had been drooling over.)

All that to say, when she asked me to handle the bridesmaids bouquets, I felt a bit like blushing. I get to play with all the pretty flowers? Me?


Bridesmaids - Colors
Not such a great shot of the bouquet itself, but it shows off all the vibrant colors nicely. The deep purple stock just completes the picture.

Bridesmaids - Full Shot
No matter the creative format, it's interesting to have two people design the same piece. My bosses original idea was a short, stocky handle of stems. But I fell in love with the elongated stems and couldn't bear to cut them. With the longer stems, the pieces looked more natural, more tropical and I loved the touch of flair.

Bridesmaids - Handle
It's all about the details, right? The handles are so rarely seen.

And then, of course, the piece de resistance itself:

Bridal Bouquet - Or in other words, why is boss is outstanding.
Let's see... birds of paradise, calla lilies, protea, dendrobium orchids, bear grass, statice, euphorbia, hypericum berry....
This really looked breathtaking up against her beautiful white dress. I love the off center cascade. I love that its many of my favorite flowers. I love the colors. I love this piece.
(Three pictures of the bridesmaids and only one of the brides? Not fair, I know.)

And all of it together....

Oh, but we're not done!
Altar Flowers

Three candelabras... (two french hens, and a partridge...)


Cake Topper

Corsages....

Flower Girl Baskets

And a parting shot....
In June you'll have to be inundated again, since I'm super excited about another wedding we'll be working then (hot pink flowers, ANEMONES, mirrored vases and black ostrich feathers? I'm there.)