As I was walking around my garden the other day, I decided to challenge myself.  Could I make a bridal bouquet out of what was seasonally growing in my garden today? The answer is a resounding yes.



The flowers this week happen to be in the white/cream tones, which is one of my favorites for a bride. A touch of bright green from the flowers and few leaves really speaks to the fresh growth and renewal of spring.



The bouquet features two kinds of narcissus, snowbells and cherry blossoms, with a hosta leaf collar.  



The ruffly cherry blossoms look like a peony when bunched together. I love this photo, with the evening sun casting a warm golden light on the flowers.



Also made a boutonniere to go along with the bridal bouquet.  Featuring Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' and spring leaves, with a curly willow branch twirly around the stem. Very classy with just enough uniqueness to make the wedding memorable.

When I meet with brides to discuss their wedding flowers, it is usually 6-10 months before their wedding.  They have a hard time visualizing what flowers would be available during their wedding month.  Magazines don't help, either.  They publish images of gorgeous bouquets but rarely tell you what month the flowers typically are available.  Granted, many flowers are available all year round, thanks to flower growers in other parts of the world.  But I still feel flowers are always more beautiful and fragrant when they are picked when naturally blooming. Guess that is the flower grower in me!

I enjoyed making this bouquet and boutonniere so much, I want to do it again! So welcome to a new series for my blog.  I will go into my garden and create the most beautiful bouquet I can with the flowers that are blooming right then.  Check back soon for another posting!

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a great wedding floral demonstration in Seattle. The designer, Susan Ayala, showed us multiple trends throughout the day.  Here are the first set, for you to enjoy.  Maybe some of them will spark ideas for your own wedding!




This cascade bouquet of purple orchids and jasmine was stunning. Airy but structured, it would be beautiful for the bride who wants a stand-out bouquet.


Cute little arrangement of seasonal greens and a single rose. The butterfly makes it look like a miniature garden.


Cymbidium orchids are so popular, this bouquet has a slight cascade shape to it.  Loved the treatment to the handle, ribbon wrapped with pearls.


Loved the idea of adding crystals to your centerpieces.  With some candles below, it would be stunning!


For those who know me, I love branches.  Think this is my favorite arrangement, mostly because of the shape the curly willow provides.


For the bride who loves drama, this style was names vampire chic. 


Another view of this table scape. The flowers sitting atop the tall silver vase are actually a bouquet.  Great way to incorporate your ceremony flowers into your reception design.


A trio of sunshine.  Love, love, love this color combination.  Showing three sizes of arrangements, to be used together or separately, depending on your budget.

I will post more images from this event soon.  It was an inspirational day for me and I cannot wait to start trying some of the ideas!