31 May 2019

A Quintessential English Wedding

31 May 2019

There’s something particularly charming about a classic wedding theme. Stripping everything back to what the day is really all about - a celebration of two people in love. Today we’re bringing you the details of a wedding which totally embraced this…

Our stunning couple, Sheyi and Simon wanted to maintain many aspects of a traditional British wedding, but one which also reflected their fun sides, love of music/dancing and Sheyi’s Ghanaian-Nigerian heritage. Family and friends are SO important to the couple; they wanted their special day to represent togetherness and for the whole atmosphere to be infectious with joy. The end result was exactly that.

This stylish navy and gold wedding was held at the grade II listed St James Church, based in Middlesex. A building with some simple yet striking characteristics - from the spire and high ceilings to the beautifully detailed stained glass windows. With plenty of light coming through, filling what was to be our canvas, we knew we could pare back and focus on fewer but fuller designs.

We worked with the happy couple to create large and small urns, with complementing pew ends. Each large urn was filled with the abundant blooms of white Hydrangea, curled-edged cream Vendela Roses, white Avalanche Roses, petite white Spray Roses, Phlox and the sweet-scented ruffled flowers of Stocks. While each small urn also had the evergreen, well-covered leathery leaves of Eucalyptus.

Following an i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e ceremony with a choir, live band, cheering and dancing, the couple and their guests headed to Hampton Court House in Surrey for a sophisticated outdoor afternoon tea in the gorgeous sunshine, closing the evening with a grand reception. This Georgian mansion has such exquisite ornamental gardens, glamorous period features and even a heart-shaped lake. Honestly, we’re not sure there are many venues more perfect for this theme than these!

Here we handcrafted wreath centrepieces for each table, surrounding glass cylinders and pillar candles. Keeping consistent with the urns, each wreath was carefully made with the same white Avalanche Roses, cream Vendela Roses, white Hydrangea, white Spray Roses and the simple greenery leaves of Phlox.

We can’t forget about the graceful blooms that made up the bridal bouquet too. With Sheyi having two wedding dresses, we wanted something which would complete the look for both elegant outfits. She selected a single flower to fill her bouquet, one which signified new beginnings, innocence, unity and purity. Of course, we’re referring to the classic domes of the Avalanche Rose - a white Rose with a hint of green around the outer petals. The lovely thing about this is as the flower opens, the green hue fades and turns back to almost white. Each one boasts a sturdy stem, topped with an oversized head and high petal count. GLORIOUS!

Another truly wonderful wedding, completely encapsulating everything that comes to mind when you think of a quintessential English wedding. We were delighted to be able to work with Sheyi and Simon to bring their vision to life.

If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Discover the gallery below...

Featured

12 May 2019

Real Weddings and Events

A Romantic Country Wedding

12 May 2019

Real Weddings and Events

We adore a contemporary, lavish London wedding, but sometimes nothing beats having the charming English countryside as your canvas. Today we’re revealing the floral details behind a particularly special wedding for us…

Mixing business and pleasure is usually a no-no, but when the Godparents of our Lead Designer’s little boy asked us to create some of their floral arrangements for their big day, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back to some dear friends and a gorgeous couple.

The beautiful Charlotte and dapper Tom chose the venues of the Courteenhall Estates in Northamptonshire for this memorable occasion. After the ceremony at the 12th century St Peter & St Paul Church just down the road, everyone headed to the crisp white backdrop of the marquee for the reception, hosted in the grounds of the stunning 18th century Georgian Hall and Estate. The private residency is steeped in history with acres of relaxed, lush green parkland and lawn space - plenty of room for up to 1000 guests and the prettiest setting for a traditional country wedding! The location honestly couldn’t have been more breathtaking, even on a cold day; surroundings complete with a magnificent arboretum, filled with rare trees and shrubs, along with a tranquil water feature and incredible views. We just fell in love with the location and couldn’t think of anywhere more perfect for two amazing people to tie the knot.

We were invited to create a variety of arrangements including pomanders for the flower girls, individual hair buds, buttonholes, ceremony pedestals, a cascading bridal bouquet, hand tied bridesmaid bouquets and hanging floral chandeliers. Together with the couple, we decided on no more than 10 flower and foliage selections, keeping every design consistent across all of the venues visited on the day.

The big, snowball-shaped, powder-blue Hydrangea combined with the white and ‘Green Pom Pom Guelder Rose’ (which actually isn’t a Rose at all) took centre stage with their clusters of flowers and lobed leaves in the pedestals and chandeliers. Complemented by the gorgeous deep blue blooms of Agapanthus Isis - bell-shaped with strong stems over lush green strap-like leaves, white Lisianthus, classic white Lily of the Valley, cornflour-blue Delphinium and glorious Spring foliage. And of course, our luxurious designs aren’t done without the most sought after Avalanche Rose - a large, white blowsy rose with a hint of green, multi-layered petals and a sturdy tall cut stem.

For the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets and the incredibly pretty pomanders, we also featured the soft Avalanche Rose along with white Lisianthus, lilac-blue Nigella ‘Love-In-A-Mist’ (which appear spikey but actually have delicate, papery petals), Grape Hyacinth 'Muscari’ (which resemble tiny bunches of grapes) and the tubular spikes of Veronica.

Finally, we completed the outfits with just three of the petite white Spray Roses for a chic and simple finishing touch to Charlotte’s hair and a traditional red rose for Tom’s buttonhole.

Everything from the floral designs to the details on the day made this such a magical moment for us, getting to spend it with a couple that mean so much. We’re delighted we were able to play a part of their wedding.

Discover the gallery below...

Featured

27 April 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

What Wedding Flowers Do I Need?

27 April 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

One common misconception when wedding planning is that you need to have flowers for everybody in your wedding party and/or on every table, in every room and at every venue you will be visiting on the day.

If you only want a bouquet, buttonhole and arrangements that can be transported from your ceremony to your reception venue, that’s perfectly okay. Likewise, if you want to go all out and have flower girls, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and full floral decor in all locations, then you absolutely can. It really comes down to budget and personal preferences.

Today we’re looking at all of the arrangements you might want to consider for your venue(s) and wedding party, and helping you to decide which matter most to you...

THE BRIDE(S)

Let’s start with the bride(s). Not all brides have bouquets, but most do. Traditionally, bouquets signified new beginnings, and while this still rings true, the bouquet is the perfect accessory to carry (which also helps you to know what to do with your hands in photos). If you decide you would like to have a bouquet, the things to think about are the size, shape, colour palette and type of flowers (ones with meaning, ones which complement your outfit, ones which complement your stature and ones that are scented/unscented).

Another option available for the bridal look is floral hair accessories, in addition to or instead of a bouquet. Floral crowns continue to be popular and can actually be worn with or without a veil. A big trend for 2019 is hair combs and pins, and we’re starting to see this come through into weddings too - embellished with fresh flowers or individual buds as a modern, luxury alternative to the more boho floral crown. If you decide on floral hair accessories, the most important things to think about are how your hair will be styled, what will suit your hair colour best and other jewellery you will be wearing.

THE GROOM(S)

Those finishing touches are so important so adding a boutonniere to the groom’s jacket or attached to his shirt or braces in the summer months completes the look of the outfit. This is typically a single flower pinned on the left side (where the heart is) in the same or similar colour as your partner - traditionally to show support of each other. However, a contemporary twist on this is to use foliage or succulents, or even to accessorise with badges, keys or toy characters! If you decide on a boutonniere, consider whether this is going to be with a tie or bow-tie, whether the colour matches the suit and the rest of the floral decor and whether you want to get creative to make it more personal.

THE BEST MAN, GROOMSMEN & PAGE BOY/RING BEARER

Again, a buttonhole or boutonniere completes the outfit. These are usually slightly simpler versions of that of the groom’s - smaller in size or with fewer ingredients.

THE BRIDESMAID(S)

Despite tradition, it is not absolutely necessary for your bridesmaids to carry a bouquet but it does give them something to do with their hands as they are walking in front of the bride down the aisle and of course, makes attractive wedding photos! The choice is yours really; it could be that these are given to the younger ones if you aren’t having flower girls. Bridesmaid’s bouquets are usually smaller than that of the bride’s and incorporates the same colour theme as the rest of your wedding. If you decide on bridesmaid bouquets, ask them what they would feel comfortable holding and look at what will work well with the bridal bouquet, any floral hair accessories and of course, the outfits.

Wearing a corsage on the wrist is also an option. A corsage leaves their hands free for helping out, dancing and drinking! This is a subtle and cost-effective way to finish their look, while still maintaining consistency. Some of our clients feel they are more suitable for proms than weddings, but it’s all about what you like, and personally, we love them for their symbolism of love, respect and friendship.

THE FLOWER GIRL(S)

Your little flower girls are unlikely to want to carry a full bouquet of flowers, so a smaller floral wand/posie, or a small basket of petals/confetti are just perfect. Simple flower crowns in their hair also makes a girl of any age feel like a princess. If you decide on having flower girls, also ask them what they would feel comfortable holding and look at what will work well with the bride and bridesmaids, any floral hair accessories and of course, the outfits.

THE PARENTS & IN-LAWS

Parents and grandparents probably shouldn’t be missed out, after all they are family! Corsages which can be pinned to a jacket or dress are ideal for both the mother(s) and grandmother(s) or can be worn on the wrist. If they didn’t want to wear one, perhaps attaching it on a handbag is an option - that way the flowers won’t get squashed with all those hugs at the wedding!

A buttonhole or boutonniere can be worn by the father or grandfather of the bride(s)/groom(s) on the lapel of their jacket. These are often the same design as the best man’s or groomsmen’s.

It’s usually best to purchase corsages and boutonnieres from the same florist or as a minimum request the same ingredient(s) in the same colour(s) as used in the bride(s)/groom(s) arrangements for everything to work best together on the day.

THE PET(S)

Let’s not forget any animals that you might have as part of your special day too. We’ve seen floral crowns and garlands on everything from dogs and cats to llamas, pigs, sheep and horses - and we’re here for it! We suspect that if you are already going all out and inviting an alpaca, owl or rabbit to your wedding, you won’t mind splashing out on a few flowers for them too (don’t worry, we’re not judging)!

THE CEREMONY

You can be as simple or lavish as you want regarding your choice of flowers and size of arrangements at your wedding ceremony. Bear in mind the actual venue where your ceremony is taking place as this will have an impact on the amount of flowers you actually need. Flowers can most definitely transform a venue but for some venues you just don’t need an elaborate floral arch or floral wall to stand in front of to say “I do”. A couple of large pedestal arrangements and flowers on the pew ends or draped over the backs of chairs may suffice.

It is usually nice to have flowers over entrances/doorways as that is where you are starting your walk to marriage, if, of course you are getting married inside. If you are getting married in a venue which has a natural elegance and beauty, you won’t need many flowers. A garland over the mantlepiece of a fireplace can work its magic. If for example you are walking down the aisle in a summer meadow setting, the simplicity of a floral arch and a row of natural summer flowers lining the aisle is all you may need. Creating that natural, beauty look is something special.

THE RECEPTION

For the reception, again, consider the actual venue. Think about the size and shape of the tables and the height of ceilings/doors. Do you want tall or low centrepieces or perhaps a garland for long tables. Are you just having floral table decorations or hanging installations such as flowers draping down from chandeliers? Are you, the bride(s)/groom(s), going to make an entrance via a staircase? In which case, do you want flowers going down the stairs, perhaps just at the bottom or none at all? If your reception is in a marquee do you want to hide the marquee poles/pillars with flowers?

It is completely up to you how detailed you want to go - whether you want table setting decorations or just centrepieces, whether you want chair backs and cake flowers. As mentioned earlier, the flowers you use at your wedding ceremony can be transported and used at your reception venue.

There are so many decisions to make but it all comes down to what you really like and what matters most to you as a couple. Even the simplest of floral decor has the power to completely transform a room or outfit.

13 April 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Opulent Wedding Theme

13 April 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Opulence and drama are two of the biggest wedding trends of 2019, and we couldn’t think of a more perfect place to translate this into floral decor than 116 Pall Mall in the heart of London. Today we’re sharing our latest event - a grand affair brought together by a dream team of vendors…

The amazing Rebecca K Events led planning and styling for our opulent wedding themed shoot. Based in London herself, Rebecca and her team are all about stylish, memorable weddings and events. Especially passionate about enabling everyone they work with to embrace the excitement that comes with a special occasion, we resonate so much with this mission that we absolutely wanted to be a part of bringing this shoot idea to life!

Step foot inside 116 Pall Mall and immediately you’ll get the feeling that this isn’t the kind of venue for an understated wedding or event. It can only really be described as magnificent; wherever you go within its walls you are sure to be blown away. The Georgian building simply oozes the wow factor. Five floors for weddings, corporate and private events, and festive celebrations, each with its original, 19th century features, historical paintings and rich decor, it’s absolutely stunning throughout. We were just in awe of the striking staircase and balcony, above which a beautiful 15ft Regency Chandelier was hanging - it’s truly the perfect setting for any photos to capture the moment. Our shoot was held in The Nash Room - a huge space filled with period charm, ideal for 250 - 350 guests! We just couldn’t wait to get started.

Although it’s such a lavish and large space, it also has so much character of its own meaning not every square inch required being draped in flowers. We created arrangements for the mantelpiece over the gorgeous stone and marble fireplace, tall and low centrepieces for the tables, a wild bridal bouquet and finishing touches such as bud vases, floral decor for the cake and table plan.

Tall, luscious centrepieces are ideal for a room like this with high ceilings and full-length windows. Where we will opt for a single tall centrepiece on a round table, (like we did for our London Fusion Wedding Theme) a series of tall centrepieces, a long hanging installation or a cascading runner along a banquet table is much more fitting. For this event, per table, we selected four centrepieces on a fine gold frame - giving the illusion that they are floating, whilst balancing the space between the ceiling and the tables.

Our centrepieces each contained some of our all-time favourite blooms - the soft pastel-pink Sweet Avalanche Rose with its hint of green on the outer petals; the warm-looking, vintage-chic, peach Pearl Avalanche Rose; the small-headed pale pink-peach Jana Spray Rose; the wide, ruffled apricot petals of Lisianthus; and the ombré, large, cupped pale peach Juliet Rose which brings the lightest fragrance of the late David Austin’s Roses.

We also introduced a couple of other lesser-used choices we love - the soft and medium-sized lilac Memory Lane Rose and purple clusters of Chrysanthemums. The beauty of Chrysanthemums in particular is the variety of shapes, sizes and flower heads they come in, making each and every one totally unique.

We filled out each with fresh foliage of rich-green Italian Ruscus, delicate Asparagus Fern leaves and evergreen Eucalyptus. (Did you know that foliage helps to keep the costs down for your floral arrangement(s) if you are on a budget?!)

The same selections featured throughout the mantelpiece floral decor and the wild front-facing bridal bouquet which was tied together with lilac, peach and green ribbon in silk and velvet for that extra touch of luxe.

Lisianthus and Jana Spray Roses were carefully fixed to the table plan and placed in transparent bud vases around the venue, with some additional single Juliet and Pearl Avalanche Roses to compliment the low centrepieces and urn arrangements. The salmon pink flowers and dark-green, lobed leaves of Avignon Chrysanthemums and warm cream Cafe Au Lait Dahlias can also be spotted in our smaller floral designs.

We are delighted with the final result of this opulent wedding theme and are VERY excited that we’ll be working at this venue again for a wedding later this year… so stay tuned on our blog for the gallery and story behind that special day.

Discover the gallery below...

Featured

As seen on 116pallmall.com

“Opulent floral wedding arches are cementing their place as the pièce de résistance of venue décor. An expertly crafted floral arch will pack a real punch in terms of impact. It will instantly upgrade your venue and provide a stunning backdrop for your photographs. If you find yourself lusting over the white garden roses and lush green foliage that welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St George’s Chapel, take a look at Miriam Faith for floral inspiration for your own big day”. - 6 Wedding Trends That Will Be Huge In 2019

30 March 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

30 March 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Choosing your wedding flowers is a big part of the planning process for your special day as you want them to reflect the overall style of your wedding and of course, you as a couple.

It can be a pretty daunting task even just knowing where to start, particularly if you don’t really know much about flowers. But not to worry! Today we are sharing our top tips for choosing your wedding flowers and gathering ideas before you even meet with florists…

COST

Before beginning to choose which flowers you want, sit down with your partner and/or whoever is paying for the wedding, and work out a budget. It is vital to have a breakdown of how much you can realistically spend. If money is no object then of course your options will be wider and you can have as many flowers as you want, but if your budget is tighter, you don’t have to miss out - it is still absolutely possible for you to have beautiful flowers for your wedding. Seasonal flowers will be at their best and are actually cheaper than having blooms that are sourced all year round (you might like to read Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much? and our guides to What Are The Most Popular Wedding Flowers?, Winter Wedding Flowers and Spring Wedding Flowers for some more inspiration on this topic). Adding luscious greenery to bouquets or floral arrangements provides shape and texture and is a cost-effective option. Also, it is possible to reuse floral displays from your ceremony to the reception venue, so keep this in mind as a possibility too.

MEANING

Heard of “the language of flowers”? Flowers either symbolise something or have a meaning; we’re INCREDIBLY passionate about that here and will take time to learn more about what is important to you so your arrangements are truly special. Although you may not necessarily be aware of what each flower represents, this may be something you wish to take into account when choosing your blooms. A particular flower could be personal and have real significance to your relationship or is a favourite of a family member or friend that you wish to include in your wedding bouquet.

THEME

There are many blogs, social media accounts, wedding/florist websites and magazines to look at now and also wedding fairs you can go to to get some inspiration. An important question to ask yourself is “How do I want my wedding day to look and feel”? Do you want a traditional wedding? Formal? Fun? Modern? Luxury? Romantic? Elegant? Glamorous? Country Garden? Rustic? and so on. Start writing down the style that you want, using descriptive words. If you’re not sure of this, pick out some key elements and palettes you like - this will help you to identify any complementary or contrasting themes. Many flowers have a range of different shades so it needs to be established whether it is possible to have a perfect colour match or one that complements or contrasts it.

VENUE

Once you have booked your wedding venue for both the ceremony and the reception things will become clearer. Looking at the decor in the venue is an excellent starting point for you to move forward. While your florist can advise what is possible, you can create a Pinterest or Vision Board with images that you like, showing your favourite styles, colours, shapes and textures. You might also like to use photos of weddings which have previously been held at your future wedding venue to provide a better indication of how big/small the room is once decorated and occupied, and provide inspiration of floral displays previously used.

SIZE

The size of the flowers also need to be taken into consideration. If you are petite, a large bouquet could hide you. Also you don’t want large floral arrangements if the venue is small or vice versa. They need to look as though they belong within that particular setting. Even the shape of your tables at your reception can influence the shape and style of your centrepieces. A long, cascading floral garland wouldn’t look as dreamy on a circular table as it would on a banquet table.

SCENT

You may not like a particular scent or you, your partner or guests may have an allergy so again it is important to bear this in mind when choosing your flowers. Some flowers have little or no fragrance, some are stronger in the evening and some will give off an aroma all day. Again, this brings us back to meaning too; is there a scent that is significant to you as a couple or reminds you of someone who can’t be there on your special day?

SUSTAINABILITY

One trend we’ve noticed over the past few years is the importance of sustainability when it comes to choosing wedding flowers. More and more couples want to know how their flowers were sourced, how they will be cared for and what happens to them after the wedding day. It’s worth considering whether this is important to you and to explore what options there are out there.

OUTFITS

Unsurprisingly, choosing outfits for you, your partner and your wedding party is one of the most exciting, stressful but rewarding parts of the wedding planning process. For some, flowers will be more, less or equally as important, but we all want bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and other accessories to match what we’re wearing. The colours, shapes and styles can all have an impact on your flower selections. To get an idea for what works best, you could take cuttings from magazines, photographs or swatches of fabric from your wedding outfits.

FLORIST

Your wedding florist can advise you regarding your choice of flowers and help to create your dream floral decor possible within your budget. Use Instagram to look at a whole variety of wedding florists (even those recommended to you). Whether you find these yourself or are referred by a friend, your venue or wedding planner, this will help to give you a feel for what you are and aren’t looking for specifically with floral arrangements before you look into costs. As you will have already planned your budget, you know what you have available, so can focus on what it is you really like and take this to each florist. We’ve put together a guide on What To Ask A Wedding Florist Before Booking to help you!

The consultation appointment is an important stage of the planning process. Show the wedding florist your Pinterest/vision board or scrapbook of what you like but be open minded - it’s not always possible to have everything you want, particularly when you are working within a set budget. Your florist will be able to say whether what you envisage would be possible or provide alternative ideas whilst considering what is most important to you.

Your vision can become a reality with the help of your wedding florist. They will ensure that the flowers match the style of your wedding, are the right colours/size/shapes/textures and that they suit the surroundings that they will be in.

24 March 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Spring Wedding Flowers

24 March 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Spring symbolises rebirth and new beginnings so what a wonderful time of year to say “I do”.

You will be spoilt for choice regarding picking your flowers for your special day - there are just so many beautiful, colourful flowers with different shapes, sizes and textures.

To get you thinking about what you might like and what could be available to you, today, we’ve put together this post all about in-season Spring wedding flowers as your go-to guide for inspiration.

Forget Me Not

If you are following the old tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, then this is the flower for you. There are many different species of Forget Me Nots but they only come in white, pink and shades of blue (blue being probably the most commonly known and beloved colour). They have a white-coloured inner ring and vibrant bright yellow little eye in the centre of the flower which provides a strong contrast against its five intricate symmetrical but strong petals. Its deep green, oblong leaves are often stalkless, have blunt tips, a deeply recessed mid-vein, and are covered with fine hairs. These tiny blooms have little or no scent in the daytime but are extremely perfumed in the evening and into the night. In the floral language, the Forget Me Not flower symbolises truthfulness, true love and memory - a perfect starting point for any wedding.

Hellebore

Always a firm favourite to use in bouquets. There is however, a great variation across the different Hellebore plants in fragrance, flower colour, shape (single, double, star-shaped) and size, as well as the foliage (shiny green, others have a light patterning on the leaves, and some are dark and leathery). They are available in a variety of colours - pure white, yellow, red, black, green, and lots of dusky pale pink and purple tones, with the flower symbolising serenity, tranquility and peace - the hope for the marriage for all couples!

Lily Of The Valley

Another traditional, classic bloom. Also known as the May Lily, it means "return to happiness" and symbolizes chastity, purity, happiness, luck and humility. These incredibly delicate and small waxy bell-shaped flowers which dangle from a thin stem have the most exquisite sweet scent. The flowers are normally white, although you can find some with a pale pink hue to them but this is pretty rare! Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle had bouquets featuring Lily of the Valley.

Magnolia

Known to symbolise beauty, strength and dignity, Magnolia flowers bloom boldly which is no real surprise when they have six to twelve large petals each. They have dark green, oval-shaped leaves which are leathery in texture. The Magnolia flower is, again, a flower that comes in various shades and colours - white, pink, purple, peach, red, yellow and lavender, bringing with it a pleasant fragrance that has a hint of lemon.

Nigella

This romantic little flower is also known as “Love in a Mist” because the flowers are surrounded by leaves, giving the appearance of the flowers being surrounded by a mist. There’s an old saying, “say it with flowers.” The Nigella flower definitely sends out the right message that anyone who is getting married wants to hear as it represents harmony and love and is the symbol of the bonds that bind people together. (It doesn’t matter if you were the person who chose this bud - the flower is doing the talking!). The ferny foliage and spiky flowers provide great texture. Best known for the vivid blue variety, Nigella also blooms in purples, pinks, and white - all are ideal for floral hair crowns, as a decoration for pew ends or included in bouquets.

Peony

A timeless wedding flower. Year after year, this bloom is always a popular choice and it’s so easy to understand why. Peonies are showstopping in any bouquet or floral arrangement with their large, fluffy luxurious blooms and lavish petal count. They are soft and romantic which totally matches what they epitomise - elegance and romance and are regarded as the omen of good fortune and a happy marriage - just the prophecy you want for your future life! Available in every colour except true blue, they pretty much fit in any colour palette. There is even a coral coloured Peony which is this year’s Pantone Colour of the year so is totally on trend! Different varieties of Peony have different scents from sweet and mild to very aromatic and some have no fragrance whatsoever, so if you are considering the smell of the bloom as well as its appearance, then speak to us and we can advise you further.

Sweet Pea

Sweet Peas are quintessentially English. Not all Sweet Pea flower varieties are fragrant, but the ones that are, live up to their namesake. Each blossom has one large, upright, roundish petal (banner or standard); two narrow side petals (wings); and two lower petals, forming a boat-shaped structure (keel), but if you use your imagination, they do sort of look like mini butterflies on their long straight stems. (We will leave you to make up your own mind on that one)! Symbolising appreciation and blissful pleasure, they come in various shades of every colour you can think of, except yellow. Sweet Peas are SO pretty and delicate that they look gorgeous on their own in a hand-tied bouquet or in simple jars for table decorations.

Wisteria

Symbolising longevity, immortality and wisdom, Wisteria is a natural choice for cascading bouquets as it produces radiant fragrant flowers on long woody vines. It is known for its stunning flowers that range from white to various shades of pink, purple or blue and represents beauty and love.

We adore working with different ingredients in all of our work to create unforgettable memories and complement the celebratory atmosphere of your special occasion. Following our initial consultation, all of our clients also receive a complimentary trip with us to the London flower market to look at flowers, colours and textures and to help you explore every possibility. Whether you want the in-season flowers as featured above, the hottest trend right now, something meaningful to you, have already gathered inspiration or want to start from scratch, this is such a lovely opportunity for us to solidify your combinations and finalise the details of your perfect arrangement(s).

“Many people think that seasonality is the main factor when it comes to cost of wedding flowers. The cost and availability of each stem does vary according to the time of year. For example, Lilacs in August will cost more than Lilacs in May, red Roses will cost more around Valentine’s Day and it’s very hard to find Peonies in Winter. But while season does mean that certain flowers will be at their best, will be more readily available and therefore cheaper, actually, the main driving force is usually the ratio of blooms to foliage and the overall size of arrangements. The larger the display, the more stems that are required”. (Continue reading)

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28 February 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Winter Wedding Flowers

28 February 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

From buttonholes and bouquets to centrepieces and ceremony displays, nothing is more glorious or exciting for us than helping a couple's dreams come to life on their big day. But knowing what your floral design dreams are and especially, which flowers are available to you can be confusing when you first meet with a wedding florist for that initial consultation.

One question we get asked is, “which flowers are in season”?

We want to ensure that every detail is taken care of so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding, so we meet with all of our clients to discuss the types of flowers and colours they would like to use and gain a sense of the overall theme and design for their wedding. From there we can advise as to which flowers will be in season and most suitable based on needs and budget. But to get you thinking about what you might like and what could be available to you, today, we’ve put together this post all about in-season Winter wedding flowers as your go-to guide for inspiration.

Amaryllis

A single stem Amaryllis can be expensive and although we may be biased, it is worth paying out for as you don’t need many to make a real impact! Each stem bears three to six very large statement blooms in white, red, yellow, pink, salmon, purple or bi-colours which are show-stopping in any bouquet or as a single stand-alone flower in bud vases. This trumpet-shaped flower gives the appearance of luxury as its petals look velvety and are able to take centre stage as it has no leaves. Symbolising pride and enchanting beauty, and marking friendship and affection, this lovely selection available in Winter, would be perfect for any wedding.

Anemone

The Anemone flower (meaning “daughter of the wind” in Greek) certainly stands out in any bouquet or centrepiece, with its delicate cup-shaped petals and striking black centre. It is also ideal as a single buttonhole/boutonniere and in hair crowns. Available in white, blue and a spectrum of shades of red, pink and purple, each colour has its own meaning and symbolism, bringing with it a tall, wiry stem with medium to dark green foliage. Anemones aren’t scented but that can be overlooked as their appearance more than makes up for it.

Camelia

Exquisite blooms which make for a dramatic display. Fluted, ruffled petals come in either single or double blooms which resemble that of a Rose. Even the glossy, green leaves are appealing. The Camelia flower’s message is one of love and positive thoughts - a perfect start for any marriage!

Carnation

Did you know that there are over thirty species of Carnation? A low-cost bloom which comes in white and an array of hues of orange, pink, purple, red and yellow as well as bi-colours, makes it a desirable choice for not only Winter weddings but for all seasons. White represents pure love and good luck, light red - admiration and dark red - deep love and affection. This romantic flower has a spicy clove-like fragrance and adds texture to bouquets, table centrepieces and other floral arrangements. Adding Spray Carnations amongst Standard Carnations adds volume to any floral design. They are long-lasting and can also be used in bouquets, for buttonholes, pomanders for flower girls, floral backdrops and to decorate pew ends.

Chrystanthemum

Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, this flower differs between the species. The flower heads can be ball or globed shape, daisy-like shape, decorative pompom or button shaped. Colours range from shades of red, pink, yellow, white and purple with some blooms displaying multiple colours. This is an excellent choice for a wedding flower as it symbolises optimism and joy with the red Chrystanthemum representing pure love.

Narcissus (Common name: Daffodil)

Daffodils are usually associated as being the first sign of Spring but they do bloom in February in warmer climates and in the UK when we have had a mild Winter. Symbolising friendship and new beginnings, Daffodils produce trumpet-shaped flowers on a slender stalk and their colours are truly uplifting. The traditional colour is a golden sunshine yellow but they range from yellow and white, yellow and orange, white and orange, salmon hues, pink and lime green. They are ideal for bouquets, buttonholes and centrepieces.

Freesia

Symbolising innocence and friendship, these delicate flowers are a favourite of many people. Each wiry stem produces 5-10 tubular flowers. White Freesias are considered the most fragrant, having a scent so radiantly sweet with a hint of citrus, but the flower can be found in variations of yellow, orange, red, purple, mauve and pink, as well as striped varieties of each colour.

Gerbera

Symbolising happiness, these blooms resemble large Daisies which is why this flower is also known as the African Daisy. A versatile bloom, ideal for bouquets, buttonholes/boutonnieres, centrepieces, they come in red, orange, yellow, pink, white and cream colours. They come in a variety of shapes but there are four main groups - single flowers with a row of non-overlapping petals and a green centre; double with a double row of overlapping petals with a green, black or dark red eye; crested doubles with two rows of overlapping petals with one or more inner rows of shorter petals with a green, black or dark red eye; and full crested doubles which have solid overlapping rows of petals with an inner row reducing in size which covers the eye completely.

Hyacinth

A highly fragrant, waxy bell-shaped flower with reflexed petals. It has lots of small blooms which grow close together in dense clusters around one thick stem. The long, narrow, glossy leaves are folded lengthwise. Hyacinths come in shades of white, peach, orange, salmon, yellow, pink, red, purple, lavender and blue, and represent constancy with blue Hyacinths expressing sincerity.

Hydrangea

Lacy, star shaped flowers, packed closely together in pompom shape on wooden stems, providing mass and volume from just a few stems, making them perfect in bouquets or centrepieces.

Iris

Iris comes from the Greek word meaning rainbow. In the language of flowers it symbolises eloquence. Each Iris has six attractive, colourful lobes - the three inner lobes are petals and the three outer lobes are sepals. The flowers come in all colours of the spectrum apart from red. Based on their colour, Iris’ convey different messages - purple symbolises wisdom and compliments; blue - faith and hope; yellow - passion; and white - purity. Ideal for bouquets, buttonholes/boutonnieres and pops of colours in other floral arrangements.

Jasmine

Strong and sweetly scented (with the fragrance released at night), these tubular, waxy white flowers each come with between four and nine petals (four ovules and two locules). Jasmine flowers are usually gathered in clusters with a minimum of three blooms and oval, shiny leaves. Symbolising deep affection, happiness and elegance - a special selection for any wedding don’t you think? When used in religious ceremonies Jasmine also represents purity.

Lilac

Despite the name, Lilac comes in a variety of shades of pink, purple, blue and white. Pink is a symbol of friendship and love; purple - first love emotions and protection; blue - a happy life and calmness and white - purity and innocence. Loved for its beauty, elegance and aromatic fragrance, the Lilac flower is also a symbol of confidence. The scent varies from light floral to warm spicy tones. Each individual flower is pristine but they grow in clusters to produce an abundant display of blooms with dark green, heart-shaped leaves.

Lisianthus

Often featured in centrepieces in wedding arrangements as well as in bridal bouquets, corsages, buttonholes and boutonnieres, Lisianthus symbolises respect, love, acceptance, appreciation and acknowledgement. Lisianthus flowers are attractive in bud as well as in full bloom when their petals form a trumpet or funnel-shaped corolla. One Lisianthus stem may have several blooms along with dark green, oval-shaped leaves so you may not need many to bulk out the bouquet or display.

Phlox

Phlox is a Greek word meaning “flame'.’ These tall, star-shaped, colourful flowers are eye catching perennials. They typically have five petals and long, narrow leaves. Most common are white, pink, mauve, lavender, blue, orange, red, purple but you can also get two-tone Phloxes.

Rose

What can I say about the beautiful, classic and timeless Rose that you don’t already know? It is always a popular choice for weddings. and the good news is that it is available all year round. Of course, there are now a lot more varieties of Rose to choose from with varying shapes, sizes and colours. Starting off from the romance of Valentines Day through to the actual wedding, Roses all have that special meaning. Red roses represent love and respect; white - true love, purity, dignity, chastity; pink - happiness, gratitude and virtue. You can read more about the most popular Roses in this post.

Ranunculus

Although this is a budget-friendly choice, these 3D-effect flowers most definitely do not look cheap. They are at their peak from January to May. Symbolising charm, these cup-shaped blooms are mildly scented and come in beautiful pure shapes with layers of paper-thin, silky, delicate petals which surrounds a button centre. Their stems are thin and long and commonly feature several blossoms per stem. Available in a large spectrum of colours, these blooms are a great choice for bud vases, buttonholes and bouquets but are usually used as an accent.

Snowdrop

These pretty, white, tiny bell-shaped blooms are one of the first flowers to appear in the new year. A posy or floral display of Snowdrops symbolises optimism and hope.

Tulip

Bringing a rich, rainbow of vibrant colours and textures to any bouquet or arrangement, the petals of Tulips can be smooth, fringed or ruffled. Part of the Lily family, the flowers are cup-shaped and have 6 tepals which comprise of 3 petals and 3 sepals. Again, a very apt choice for a wedding not just because of its colour and appearance but due to the fact that Tulips symbolise imagination, dreaminess, a perfect lover and a declaration of love. White Tulips in particular represent purity, honour and holiness. Superstition says those who dream about white Tulips are about to experience a fresh start or new beginning in life.

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24 February 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

What Are The Most Popular Wedding Flowers?

24 February 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Miriam Faith / Chapel Designers — *Miriam Faith* / *Chapel Designers*

From a delicate sprig of lavender on a table place setting, to a show stopping ceremony arch or glorious flower chandelier, we love the power of flowers to enchant and delight. But choosing which ones to go for can certainly be overwhelming when first faced with the challenge.

One question we get asked is, “what do people usually go for”?

For some couples, having the most popular wedding flowers in their arrangements is a must, while others like to take inspiration from them and work with our lead designer to come up with something truly bespoke. We will ask you the all important questions during our consultation to find exactly what you’re looking for, but today, we’re bringing you our guide to beloved wedding flowers to give you some ideas as you get started …

Miriam Faith / Cecelina Photography — *Miriam Faith* / *Cecelina Photography*

Roses

If you have read previous posts from us or scrolled through our gallery, it will come as no surprise that Roses have made it into the “Most Popular Wedding Flowers” blog post. We ADORE them, but it’s not about us… our clients are crazy about them too! The classic red rose is a symbol of love and romance meaning it’s the epitome of a wedding, but there are so many different varieties you can choose from. Here are just a few our clients love:

White O’Hara Roses

The White O’Hara Rose (our all-time favourite for its delightfully pure and aesthetic appearance) takes a more traditional garden Rose shape. It is a large, romantic French Rose and although the name suggests that it’s white, it actually has pinkish petals that give it a blush tone - incredibly feminine and flattering. The several layers of petals open fully into quarters and give off a strong, fruity fragrance which we are positive why it’s in demand.

Avalanche Roses

The Avalanche Rose is often nicknamed “The Queen of Roses” for the oversized head, multi-layered petals and sturdy, tall-cut stem. It’s ideal for bouquets, centrepieces, venue decor and all-Rose arrangements. Coming in white, champagne, peach, pale pink, dark pink and soft green; the pale pink Rose looks like dreamy porcelain with a slightly darker centre and a hint of green around the outer petals which fades as it opens - seriously chic! Also loved are the Sweet Avalanche Rose (soft, pastel pink with that same subtle hint of green) and the Pearl Avalanche Rose (warm salmon/champagne colour with herbaceous foliage) - both represent longing, mystery, glamour and gratitude.

David Austin Garden Roses

David Austin Roses are a lovely example of old-meets-new where traditional garden Roses are bred with modern Roses to create highly fragrant flowers. That being said, one of the most popular - the Juliet Garden Rose - has the lightest fragrance of all of the David Austin cut Roses - reminiscent of Snowdrops and Daffodils. The pale peach buds open to reveal deeper inner tones, neatly arranged and nestled in folds within its heart. It’s a beautifully, deep-cupped rosette, producing large, elegant blooms with strong stems and high petal counts. Another favourite is the saucer-shaped Prince Jardiniere Garden Rose which comes in a very pale pink shade with a strong, sweet scent and swirly, velvety petals.

(Bombastic) Spray Roses

Spray roses are miniature standard roses, with the Bombastic Spray Rose being the smallest of them all. Petite with their intricate features make them perfect for corsages, centrepieces, as an accent, combined with opulent foliage or bunched together to form a much bigger arrangement. If you want to include something that represents remembrance, brings an intensely sweet scent and lots of clusters on a single stem, the Spray Rose would be quintessential.

Miriam Faith / Kate Cowdrey Photography — *Miriam Faith* / *Kate Cowdrey Photography*

Miriam Faith / Anneli Marinovich Photography — *Miriam Faith* / *Anneli Marinovich Photography*

Hydrangea

What do you get if we say you can choose from light aqua, aqua, light blue, blue, dark blue, lavender, purple, dark purple, blue-violet, lilac, light pink, pink, hot pink, magenta, red, yellow, fall yellow, orange, peach, black, green, Christmas green and lemon green? ~~Stressed~~. (Just kidding, we can help you to decide exactly what you want!) Actually, you get the breathtaking, lacy, star-shaped flowers of Hydrangea. Packed closely together in a pom-pom shape, the delicate heads have an abundance of petals in a big, rounded flower cluster making it a common centrepiece preference in particular.

Peonies

The Peony is a classic. Timeless and versatile, it’s in season from April to late June, with the most luxurious, lush, full-rounded heads. It may look delicate but it’s one tough cookie! There are so many colours to choose from, with each having its own unique meaning but symbolising good fortune and a happy marriage. Select from white, multi (pink with cream tones), fuchsia pink, rosy mauve, coral, copper-orange, red, mahogany-black, lavender, green and bright yellow for a fragrant and incredibly romantic display; especially in arches, on hoops and as part of hanging installations.

Anemones

The Anemone is one of the easiest to recognise with the eye-catching black centre, graceful petals, medium to dark green foliage and tall, wiry stems. Available from Winter through to Spring, attainable in lilac-purple and shades of pink, white, red and blue, and without a scent, the Anemone flower each has its own meaning and symbolism just like the Peony. Our clients have worked with us to use it in everything from pew ends to posies and bouquets to backdrops.

Lisianthus

Representing respect, love, acceptance, appreciation and acknowledgement, Lisianthus is often a popular pick for this reason alone. It’s a large-stemmed, gentian-like, bell-shaped flower with oval-shaped, dark green leaves and four wide ruffled petals surrounding funnel-shaped corolla; making it so attractive in bud and in full bloom. Deep purple is the most sought-after colour, with it also coming in white, rose, green, blue-violet, champagne, cream and bi-colours. We often feature it in centrepieces, bouquets, corsages, buttonholes and boutonnieres. Our clients are as big fans of Lisianthus as we are, as it comes with several flowers, creating a full-finish without needing to bulk out the display with anything additional (which always helps to keep costs down).

Miriam Faith / Lauren Natalie Photography — *Miriam Faith* / *Lauren Natalie Photography*

Dahlias

If you’re all about having flowers that are sure to make a big impact from appearance alone, Dahlias are the one for you. Coming in a variety of colours (including different shades of red, pink, purple, rust, yellow and white; and excluding blue, black and green) but with little to no scent, their curved and pointed petals are a softer take on striking selections. Our clients are often fond of their symmetry and composites of central and surrounding florets.

Miriam Faith / Alice Morgan Photography — *Miriam Faith* / *Alice Morgan Photography*

Ranunculus

Mildly scented and cup-shaped, Ranunculus make up the perfect accent flower. Available in a large spectrum of colours, contributing layers of paper-thin, delicate petals with a sublimely silky texture and long, thin stems. Each white, cream, yellow, orange, red, purple or salmon bloom has a button centre which creates a 3D effect, meaning it makes a statement whether used alone or amongst other flowers. A great, budget-friendly commission of beautiful, pure shapes - it definitely brings charm to any floral design.

Tulips

Born in the Netherlands, it’s no surprise that our Lead Designer, Miriam, loves Tulips as much as our clients do! Part of the Lily family and symbolising imagination, dreaminess, a declaration of love and the perfect lover, Tulips bring a rich, vibrant colour and texture to any bouquet or arrangement; possible in white, cream, yellow, orange, pale pink to deep burgundy and near magenta to blue-violet. Each cup-shaped flower has six tepals (the outer parts of the flower) which comprise of three smooth, fringed or ruffled petals and three sepals (which enclose the petals).

Freesia

An alluring fragrance of fresh, sweet notes, wiry stems and trumpet-shaped flowers - Freesia symbolises innocence and friendship. Each stem produces 5-10 flowers and comes in shades of red, golden yellow, orange, white, pink, lavender, purple mauve and bi-colours.

Succulents

The best thing about succulents? They are available all year round! They also bring different shapes and textures to any floral design. The greenery wedding theme has become increasingly popular in recent years (even becoming the Pantone Colour of the Year 2017), with a nod to sustainability and a contemporary twist on luxury at a more affordable price. Succulents can be used on their own as a buttonhole/boutonniere, in a centrepiece or as stunning concluding touch to complement other choices in bouquets or table arrangements. We often use them alongside herbs, leaves, ferns, grasses and shrubs, adding a stylish finish with depth and movement to our client’s decor.

Lilacs

Despite the name, the Lilac Flower actually comes in a variety of colours including shades of pink, purple, blue and white. All are ideal for wedding flowers, with pink being a symbol of friendship and love, purple being a symbol of emotion and protection, blue being a symbol of a happy life and calmness, and white being a symbol of purity and innocence. Lilac is popular for its beauty, elegance and gorgeous fragrance - a varied scent from light, floral to warm, spicy tones. The flower itself represents confidence and grows in clusters to produce an abundant display. Each individual flower is pristine with dark, heart-shaped leaves - we can totally see why it’s a favourite of our clients!

We adore working with different ingredients in all of our work to create unforgettable memories and complement the celebratory atmosphere of your special occasion. Following our initial consultation, all of our clients also receive a complimentary trip with us to the London flower market to look at flowers, colours and textures and to help you explore every possibility. Whether you want the most popular flowers as featured above, the hottest trend right now, something meaningful to you, have already gathered inspiration or want to start from scratch, this is such a lovely opportunity for us to solidify your combinations and finalise the details of your perfect arrangement(s).

31 January 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

London Fusion Wedding Theme

31 January 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

We LOVE luxury, and where better to work on an event all about that than the 5* Shangri-La Hotel, London?! Teaming up with some of our favourite vendors for a fusion wedding theme, we created what could be the dreamiest decor we’ve ever done…

The Shangri-La Hotel is one of those venues which is particularly special just as it is. Not only is it inside the iconic Shard which has the most breathtaking panoramic skyline views, (you’ll see plenty of London from level 34!) but it’s a truly state-of-the-art space, ideal as the backdrop for any wedding, civil ceremony or event.

But it wasn’t just the venue that made this occasion magical. Once again, we worked with the gorgeous Sharn from Desi Bride Dreams (a bespoke Asian wedding planner) and the team from Peekaboo Events (who provide creative, statement and sophisticated decor) to transform the room into a classic-meets-contemporary blend.

For the grand staircase, we chose an abundant, cascading floral design down one side, while the other side housed cylinder vases with tealights and unique chandelier-shaped glass candelabras which perfectly complimented the double-height windows.

Our arrangement was made up of luscious foliage such as the woody, evergreen leaves of Ivy, delicate leaves of Asparagus Fern, shiny green leaves of Laurel and the angled stems of the Guelder Rose shrub. We don’t use the Guelder Rose all that often, but we love its’ contrast of large, white outer flowers and inner bell-shaped flowers! Paired with the ruffled edges and soft textured petals of the graceful White Snapdragon, pastel pink, pure, Sweet Avalanche Rose, the oversized, multi-layered Avalanche Rose, highly fragrant (and our favourite of all time) White O’Hara Rose, petite Bombastic Spray Rose and funnel-shaped Lisianthus. Talk about making sure guests would really make an entrance!

Now, we need to discuss THAT hoop (also known as a circle arch, giant wreath or moon ring). Images of this hoop have been our MOST LIKED photos on Instagram ever (we don’t blame you)! We’ve previously shared how the ring/circle is a symbol of eternity, making it a must in a wedding or civil ceremony. Whether you want to make a statement with one as big as this, or have subtle nods to it, we can absolutely work with you to create floral decor you love.

For this design, we chose to use two hoops as our structure - allowing us to go bigger and better with this opulent arrangement. Just like the staircase, we used dark green, five-pointed leaves of Ivy and vertically-hanging, leathery leaves of Eucalyptus for a rich base. (Did you know - Eucalyptus actually means ‘well covered’; we’d say that was pretty fitting for this creation)! To maintain a consistent feel throughout the room, we continued with the Sweet Avalanche Rose, Avalanche Rose, White O’Hara Rose, miniature Bombastic Spray Rose, White Snapdragon, Lisianthus and Guelder Rose. Notice the blush pink and gold marble stands the hoops were supported by? They are SO beautiful, we think we need these on hand permanently!!! (Oh, and these are completely on-trend for 2019)!

The centrepieces are definitely reflective of a few 2019 wedding trends too. Architectural installations, metallic accents, bringing the outside in, larger blooms and all-out-glamour are the chic elements for this year that we can totally get behind.

Standing tall on constructed gold bars, our floral arrangement of course saw the same Sweet Avalanche Rose, Avalanche Rose, White O’hara Rose, Bombastic Spray Rose, White Snapdragons, Lisianthus, Guelder Rose, Ivy and Eucalyptus. We re-introduced the feathery leaves of Asparagus Fern and this time, carefully bunched the lobed leaves of Oak (which has almost no stem). Remember we mentioned larger blooms being popular again? Well, the White Hydrangeas we selected certainly live up to that! Lacy flower heads with an abundance of petals closely packed together - we’re kind of obsessed with how they completed the centrepieces!

Finally, that brings us onto the bouquet… with everything you’ll already recognise (Sweet Avalanche Rose, Avalanche Rose, White O’Hara Rose, Bombastic Spray Rose and Lisianthus) plus one very pertinent bloom: the tubular, waxy white flowers and the shiny, oval leaves of Jasmine. The epitome of happiness and elegance, it had to make an appearance in this hand-tied bouquet.

From the super stylish marble tables, gold tableware and amber lighting to the geometric cake, exquisite laser-cut place cards, finely detailed dresses and of course all of our floral arrangements, we are incredibly proud of how this fusion wedding theme came together.

Discover the gallery below …

Featured

As seen on WedLuxe.

21 January 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much?

21 January 2019

Ideas and Inspiration

Planning a wedding or event can be expensive. From venue hire to photography, entertainment to catering, and outfits to decor, it can all quickly add up! This means that it’s vital to set a budget and to determine the most important aspects to you. For many, that will include flowers, so today we wanted to share some insight into how we price our floral designs for weddings and events. Here we will delve into why hiring a florist can take up a significant part of your budget but is completely worthwhile (ok, maybe we’re a little biased)!

There are two key factors that impact the price of floral decor for weddings and events:

The flowers and arrangements
The florist(s)

Each of these can be broken down into even more aspects and that’s why we work with you to really get to grips with what you want from your floral designs. Let’s explore these factors and everything we have to ask you about during our consultation(s)…

The Flowers and Arrangements

There are a few things we have to take into consideration when it comes to floral arrangements and flower selections:

Types of flowers
- There are so many different types of flowers and many varieties within each type as well. Take the humble rose as an example - you can have the classic shaped rose, the large headed spray rose, the classic spray rose, the garden rose, scented roses, unscented roses… not to mention every colour they can come in!
Budget
- We will be able to advise which arrangements are possible within your budget.
Venue
- If your venue is a blank canvas, it may need more floral decor, which can increase cost.
Quality
- We carefully select our suppliers and flowers for their premium quality.
Imported vs local
- We have cultivated relationships with suppliers from the UK, the Netherlands and further afield to ensure that we use the freshest seasonal blooms and foliage.
Time of year, size and colours
- Many people think that seasonality is the main factor when it comes to cost. The cost and availability of each stem does vary according to the time of year. For example, Lilacs in August will cost more than Lilacs in May, red Roses will cost more around Valentine’s Day and it’s very hard to find Peonies in winter. But while season does mean that certain flowers will be at their best, will be more readily available and therefore cheaper, actually, the main driving force is usually the ratio of blooms to foliage and the overall size of arrangements. The larger the display, the more stems that are required.
Amount (stem count)
- We use a high stem count to present a lush and full finish from every angle.

The Florist(s)

Time - When it comes to paying for the florist’s time, it’s not just about labour. Florists work incredibly hard behind the scenes, as well as being there on the day of the wedding or event. When you hire us, you are often paying for:
- Communicating and admin
  - Enquiries and consultation(s)
  - Trip to the London flower market together to explore possibilities
  - Quoting, contracting and invoicing
  - Liaising with the planner, venue and other vendors (such as cake designer)
  - Designing the arrangements and sharing mock-ups
- Sourcing, ordering and collecting flowers (larger arrangements take more time to create and can complicate logistics. Most people don’t know that wholesale flowers are supplied through auction less than a week before your event, and therefore the price Miriam Faith is charged is not guaranteed in advance)
- Hiring of vases, urns, arches, candles, other props and consumable supplies – such as wire, ribbon and oasis foam (these may be sourced separately)
- Treating the flowers - making sure they are at their best for the wedding/event
- Arranging the flowers (plus insurance to protect them until and on the day)
- Delivering, installing and moving the flowers between venues
- Clearing away and/or preserving your arrangements

Skill/Style - Florist pricing can vary based on knowledge and expertise. Despite being highly experienced and professional luxury wedding florists, we are constantly learning more and undergoing training to hone our craft - whether this is through doing styled shoots when we aren’t working on real weddings and events, or speaking to other florists and engaging with potential/previous clients. As florists gain more experience, they often develop and refine their own style, meaning they have more clarity on how they do their best work and who they do this with. For us, this is about creating elegant, breathtaking and unique floral arrangements with a lush, full-finish, using premium quality flowers. When you hire us, you work with our lead designer to bring your vision to life, so you will always receive input from the highest skill level we have to offer.
Team - At Miriam Faith, our lead designer (Miriam Webster) is supported by other team members, therefore additional costs may be factored into your quote. When pricing our designs, we have to consider our payments to the team for their time and skill, along with the time for us to brief and train where necessary. For larger arrangements, it takes more people to assemble these who will be required to be available on the day so this is included in the costing.

So as you can see, it’s more than just selecting flowers and arranging them! We are so passionate about what we do and are dedicated to listening to your needs/wants. We pride ourselves in being upfront about what will be involved, with our aim always being to create unforgettable memories for you and complement the celebratory atmosphere of your wedding or event.

Floral decor can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your wedding/event and of course, your photos, so getting it right is really important. Every wedding and event is unique and we LOVE that we are able to create bespoke designs for each client. Once we understand what you’re looking for, we can provide more accurate costs and share our top tips for more cost-effective designs.

28 December 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

What To Ask A Wedding Florist Before Booking

28 December 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

bride and bridesmaids white and pink wedding bouquets.jpg

Selecting the right vendor for every part of the wedding is what every couple hopes for as they plan their special day. Today, we’re sharing the most important questions you should ask a wedding florist before booking so you can find your perfect floral designer. This post is here to help make sure your wedding flowers are everything you wanted and that everything runs smoothly in the run up to and on the day…

1. Work out your budget.

Even if you have a significant amount to spend and are looking to hire a luxury wedding florist like us, it’s vital to have a breakdown of what you want from your wedding and how much you can realistically spend on each aspect to create your dream day. This will also help you to narrow down your preferred vendors based on what is achievable by each of them within your budget, and plan for unexpected costs. Before you book your wedding florist, you have likely secured your venue and photographer (as these get booked up quickly), and may also have a wedding planner.

2. Create a vision board or Pinterest board based on what you like.

A fun activity - pulling together ideas and inspiration for your wedding. You can pin directly from your favourite vendors on Instagram too, but this doesn’t just have to be of styles you like. It can be of colours and textures too. You might already have one of these if you’re working with an event stylist or planner, or like many, you may have created this long before you even got engaged!

3. Use Instagram to look at a whole variety of wedding florists (even those recommended to you).

Whether you find these yourself or are referred by a friend or planner, this will help to give you a feel for what you are and aren’t looking for specifically with floral arrangements before you look into costs. As you will have already planned your budget, you know what you have available, so can focus on what it is you really like and take this to each florist. This will help you to find a florist who can achieve this without you spending more than you can or want to.

Wedding florists all have their own unique styles and specialities (and produce their best work when they are commissioned for these), and while social media is a ‘highlight reel’, it will give you an indication of who you feel more drawn to. Click on images to see if they work with the same photographers or at the same venues, and visit their website to learn more about them. At this stage, you are still at the beginning of your research so you shouldn’t feel too overwhelmed, rather, more inspired and excited. Follow a few to see which are publishing more recent work.

4. Shortlist potential wedding florists and meet them all.

It may be time consuming, but it is really important that you meet your potential vendors. After all, your personalities have to be a good fit for a streamlined approach to achieving exactly what you want. To shortlist, you could take screenshots and create albums on your phone, or print cards of their Instagram accounts and separate them into piles that are ‘yes’, ‘maybe’ and ‘no’. Make this into an enjoyable evening together. Take a break from it for a while to give yourself time to reflect and then revisit to confirm who you want to visit or jump on a call with. You may want to pre-screen each by having a call before you meet up.

5. Use the following questions to help you to find your dream wedding florist.

Are you available on our date?
Do you have other weddings/events around the same time as ours?
Do you charge for a consultation? (Ours is complimentary - book now!)
How recent are your photos on your Instagram/website?
For this photo, was this your style or the couple’s vision?
How long have you been in business?
How many weddings/events have you done?
When was your last wedding/event and when is your next one?
Can you provide references?
How would you describe your floral design style?
What are your favourite and least favourite floral arrangements to create?
Do you recreate floral arrangements from images?
Where do you source your flowers from?
Are you involved all the way through for each wedding/event?
How many people do you have working with you?
Do you prefer more freedom or do you work closely with your clients?
Is there a maximum distance you will travel?
Do you charge per mile?
Our wedding is at X venue, have you done any weddings/events here before?
Would you communicate with the venue about any decor/installation restrictions?
Would you visit the venue beforehand?
Would a walkthrough of the venue be an additional cost?
Would you need access to water?
We are working with X vendors, have you worked with any of these before?
Would you work with our cake designer to add flowers to our cake?
What is your process for booking right through to setting up and clearing away?
Would you simply be dropping off the floral arrangements?
Do you have packages or would it be bespoke costs based on our requirements?
Is there a minimum spend?
We have X as our budget for wedding flowers, can you work within this?
What designs are possible within our budget?
What flowers will be in season?
What flowers and arrangements will suit our wedding theme and venue?
Can we have X flower as it means a lot to us?
Can we substitute flowers to reduce the cost of the arrangements?
How can we maximise our budget?
Can you provide sample arrangements and if so, does this cost?
We haven’t selected a colour palette, can you help?
Can you recommend other styling aspects to compliment the flowers?
Do we need to hire vases, lanterns, frames, mirrors etc from somewhere else?
If we hire these from you, do you charge for breakages?
If we hire these from you, how do we return these?
Do you handle all delivery?
What would be delivered, when and where?
How long would you need on the day to set up and clear away?
Do you charge to stay during the wedding?
Do you charge to move the arrangements from one venue to another?
How are the floral arrangements stored in the run up to the day?
What insurance and contingency plans do you have?
What happens to the flowers after our wedding?
Can you help with the preservation of flowers after/recommend someone who can?
Will you provide a full breakdown quote?
How long is the quote valid for?
How far in advance do we need to book you?
Will you reserve our date?
Do we need to pay a deposit?
When would the final balance be due?
Do we pay via cash, cheque or card?
Do you offer payment plans?
Are there any additional fees we should know about?
What is the cut-off date for final decisions?
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
Will you use photographs of our wedding in your marketing (print/digital) materials?

It may seem like a lot to ask, but by making sure you don’t skip anything, you’re much more likely to build a great relationship with your wedding florist.

We remain close with a lot of our couples and it’s an absolute pleasure to help bring their vision to life through our expertise and love of what we do.

17 December 2018

Real Weddings and Events

An Autumn Wedding in London

17 December 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Today we’re sharing a wedding full of classical floral designs with a modern twist. The colour palette of rich reds and deep pinks gave a glorious nod to Autumn, brightening up the occasion despite being the rainiest day ever…

Starting outside the restored, grade 2 listed building, Holy Trinity Clapham, we designed a door arch to sing above the happy couple whilst having their photos taken. Made up of the large and sturdy, multi-layered petals of the Avalanche Rose, the soft, pastel-pink Sweet Avalanche Rose, the purple-berry toned Bleuberry Rose, large gentian-like flowers of Lisianthus and complete with thick-lobed, glossy green leaves of Ivy.

Inside the richly designed church, we created statement urns to surround Becca and Matt during the exchanging of vows. The Avalanche Rose, Sweet Avalanche Rose, Lisianthus and Bleuberry Rose all made another appearance, complemented by the abundant, pom-pom shape of Hydrangea, graceful blooms and sweet scented flowers of Stocks, ruffled-edged, subtly-shaded Snapdragon, evergreen Eucalyptus and bunched Oak Leaves. We transported the urns to the reception venue to continue the floral designs. The Royal Automobile Club - a private member’s club in the iconic central London location of Pall Mall, had such opulent decor and old-fashioned charm, we just loved it!

For Becca’s bouquet, we selected highly fragrant florals so that she will always remember her wedding day when she smells the flowers. Again, Lisianthus and Eucalyptus were carefully placed, this time amongst some paler petals. Our absolute favourite, the White O’Hara with its’ blush-tone, strong and fruity scent and traditional Rose shape looked perfect next to another of our favourites, the petite, multi-headed Bombastic Spray Rose. The fragrant, evergreen Rosemary shrub and its’ needle-like leaves pulled it all together into a delicate, hand-tied bouquet which looked beautiful next to the lace on Becca’s dress. The finishing touch is also an emblem of remembrance, making this bridal bouquet an extra special piece of the day.

Becca’s two bridesmaids each had a hand-tied bouquet too, this time with the deeper, ruffled-petals of the Bleuberry Rose - a unique colour which couldn’t have been a better match for their dresses. To keep consistent with the bride’s bouquet, we continued the use of Lisianthus and Eucalyptus, also selecting the Sweet Avalanche Rose, Avalanche Rose and Rosemary as seen in our other designs around the venue. Each flower throughout the wedding was chosen not only for their beauty and colour, but for what they represent - happiness, gratitude and lasting bonds of affection.

From buttonholes to pew ends and the fireplace to the cake, we wrapped up this stunning wedding with just a few, simple selections in keeping with the door arch, urns and bouquets. Becca and Matt are such a fun-loving couple who were fabulous to work with. We’re delighted with how the arrangements turned out for their special day.

Flowers: Miriam Faith
Photography: Kate Cowdrey Photography
Ceremony Venue: Holy Trinity Clapham
Reception Venue: Royal Automobile Club

Discover the gallery below …

Featured

30 November 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

Greenery Wedding Theme

30 November 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

In today’s post we want to share some foliage wedding ideas to inspire your greenery wedding theme…

Greenery may have been the Pantone Colour of the Year 2017, but in our eyes, it never goes out of style. We love using foliage in our floral designs - a way to make luxury less traditional and more contemporary. Our very own Miriam Faith florist, Kirsty, even opted for a foliage wedding theme and we often select ferns, herbs, leaves, grasses, succulents and shrubs to create a full finish amongst our favourite flowers.

From bouquets to buttonholes, centrepieces to Chuppahs, hanging installations to hair crowns and signage to stationery, the possibilities are endless. With the options to go full foliage, add just a few special flowers or use it to tie everything together, it’s also possible to create designs that are multi-purpose - a great way to continue the theme throughout your ceremony and reception.

It’s not just all green either. Silver and blue-toned foliage looks magical, and the different shades of green from tropical and British selections make each design stand out from every angle. One of the reasons we love using it is that foliage adds different tones and textures, bringing depth and movement - a stylish alternative to more expensive all-flower arrangements.

For the nature-loving couple, the organic options transform the indoor or outdoor venue into a fresh, luscious space through creating subtle touches or statement pieces. We thrive when enhancing the natural setting; whether that’s using evergreen Eucalyptus amongst metallics along the table of a Luxe Asian Fusion wedding, decorating hoops with Asparagus Fern and Italian Ruscus for the most romantic shoot we’ve ever done, suspending vines and Birch branches with tea lights and photographs as an escort card table for a modern Winter wonderland wedding, creating backdrops of Monstera leaves, Aralia and Tree Fern on a copper frame as a show-stopping wall behind the happy couple, or adding a few nods to the theme here and there.

Discover some of the ways we’ve used various types of foliage below and click on an image to discover more about the creation…

(For more ideas, click here to view and follow our Foliage Inspiration Pinterest board)

Desi-Bride-Dreams-Asian-Fusion-Anneli-Marinovich-Photography-13.jpg

The great thing about foliage is that it can be as wild or paired back as you would like it to be. While we have our favourites (like the Stock flower - a highly fragrant choice with the hidden meaning of enjoying life and eternal love/beauty), we work closely with you to find what you like, want and need - creating something truly unique and unforgettable.

26 November 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Lebanese X English Countryside Wedding

26 November 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Today we’re sharing an elegant wedding we worked on in the heart of the English countryside. Set in the stunning gardens and historic building of a quirky estate, we got to bring some very special designs to life…

The natural setting of Walcott Hall in Shropshire with its extensive lake, walled courtyard and vast scenery was the perfect venue for our couple, Ayat and Sam. The ceremony took place outside in the meadow, complete with a magical fountain, while the reception was held in the restored ballroom - a beautifully decorated, turquoise space with ornate ceiling, crystal chandeliers, open fireplace, gilt mirrors, tall sash windows and intimate bar. Both inside and outside presented the perfect backdrop for our floral creations, making everyone and everything on the day shine.

The Bouquet

For Ayat, we designed a hand-tied bridal bouquet with true meaning behind it. Her late father’s favourite flower was Jasmine so we knew we had to include this sweetly scented selection. The waxy white flowers and oval shiny leaves symbolise purity, deep affection and happiness, making it a special addition to this elegant bouquet. Complimented by the Ocean Song Spray Rose - a satin-effect, pale lavender choice and deeper purple petals of Clematis.

The Centrepieces

Made up of the rounded flower clusters of Hydrangea with their abundance of petals, lacy star-shaped flowers and pom-pom shapes, contrasted by the small-headed, delicate, peach Jana Spray Rose. We also decided on three types of Meijer Rose - known for multi-layered petals, big flowers and long, strong stems. The ivory cut Four Seasons Rose with extremely large bud and dense petals, the Sweet Avalanche Rose in soft pastel pink and subtle hint of green on the outer petals, and Pearl Avalanche Rose which added a luxurious warm look in the form of salmon and champagne colours with soft herbaceous foliage - together representing happiness, purity, gratitude and glamour.

The Table Plan

We continued the use of Hydrangea and Meijer Roses for a full-finish frame, paired with one of our favourites - the Bombastic Rose. This miniature spray rose is the palest of the pink available and brings a petite, multi-headed flower to the arrangement. The standout of the table plan was the Cafe Au Lait Dahlias - a warm, cream-blush flower with a peach centre that added texture to this gorgeous design.

The Meadow

Our aisle decor and floral arch saw us use a variety of flowers and foliage for depth and movement. Some of our most popular picks were added into the mix - the neatly formed, medium-sized rosettes of David Austin Sweet Juliet Roses in Glowing Apricot, the saucer-shaped, swirly velvet, pale pink petals of the Prince Jardinier Rose and the highly-fragrant, French, White O’Hara Rose. The Meijer Roses, Bombastic Spray Rose and Cafe Au Lait Dahlias made another appearance, while the sweet scented flowers, tall leafy stalks and graceful, ruffled blooms of Stock finished the look.

So there we go, another wonderful wedding we had the honour of working on. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Flowers: Miriam Faith
Photographer: Lauren Natalie
Cinematographer: Adam Lyduch
Venue: Walcot Hall
Cake: Annie
Food: Fresh and Lush
Favours: Baklava in Lebanon, and Lebanese honey pots from Atelier du Miel
Stationery: Designed by Angela Solomon and Printed by Khawam Group
Entertainment: Trappini Trio and The Best Men

Bride’s Fashion
Dress - Christos
Veil - Lara Khoury
Jewellery - Earrings by L’Atelier
Nawbar Shoes - Charlotte Olympia
Makeup: Victoria Oneill at Make Up By Jenni
Hair: Tabitha by Tabitha

Flower Girls Dresses: Monsoon
Bridesmaids Dresses: Wissam Hoteit Couture

Groom’s Fashion
Suit - Richard James
Shoes - Russell and Bromley

Discover the gallery below …

Featured

22 October 2018

Real Weddings and Events

A Modern Winter Wonderland Wedding

22 October 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Today we’re bringing you a modern winter wonderland wedding we had the luxury of working on from the glamorous, 5-star Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge…

Let’s set the scene… a contemporary ballroom, located on the ground floor of one of the most prestigious hotels in London. A striking geometric ceiling, bespoke eucalyptus-wood walls, state of the art lighting and private entrance. The perfect place for us to create show-stopping arrangements for S+S’s dream day. Think gorgeous touches of silver foliage, white blooms galore and candlelight everywhere.

A whimsical Chuppah, captivating cloud-like tall centrepieces, a continuous garland for the top table, elegant wreath centrepieces, stunning escort card table and magical aisle decor were all brought to life, creating a contemporary twist on the winter wonderland wedding theme.

The Chuppah later separated to form two arches - one for the entrance and one as the backdrop to the top table. For this, we used a variety of our favourite flowers and some rare choices which made all the difference. These included:

Four Seasons Rose - a cream/ivory flower with dense petals and an extremely large bud.
Miss Bombastic Spray Rose - such a beautiful, petite, multi-headed rose.
Senecio - we love how these succulents form in clusters on long stems, white spires and yellow daisy-like flowers, leaves are thick and fleshy - deep green, some leaves are round, some crest shaped and some stand upright
Euphorbia - with rich coloured leaves and unusual flowers these are elegant but tough too.
Freesia - funnel shaped flowers with an alluring fragrance that’s fresh and sweet.
Phlox - star-shaped flowers, tall, eye-catching perennials finished with long and narrow leaves.
Moss - a small, flowerless, green plant.

For the top table itself, we designed an arrangement along the centre, filled with seasonal blooms complemented with British foliage and fragrant Eucalyptus. We studded this with pillar candles in glass cylinders to finish this elegant look.

Tall centrepieces, created with pom-poms of seasonal white blooms, complete with ferns and the leathery leaves of Eucalyptus filled tall, glass vases and ceremony pedestals. For these we selected the lacy, star-shaped flowers of Hydrangea, the ruffled, fine petals of the Patience Garden Rose, multi-layered petals and soft, herbaceous foliage of Avalanche Roses and full-finish, highly fragrant flowers of the White O’Hara Garden Rose.

Our wreath centrepieces weren’t just for the reception. Sitting on the registrars table during the ceremony, these were filled with white and cream blooms with Eucalyptus and the delicate leaves of silver Asparagus Fern, finished with a hurricane vase in the centre.

Then for our true statement design - the escort table, made from natural Birch branches with silver Birch accents was draped with white, gentian-like, bell-shaped flowers of Lisianthus and Roses. We finished this with tea light baubles, ribbons, birds and photographs… a piece denoting new beginnings, respect, love and appreciation, and one that’s sure to be remembered.

We adored working on this enchanted theme, in a beautiful venue, with a wonderful couple. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Flowers: Miriam Faith Photography: Cecelina Photography Venue: The Berkeley Hotel

Discover the gallery below …

Featured

8 October 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Rita Colson Fashion Show

8 October 2018

Real Weddings and Events

We often have the privilege of not just providing florals for weddings and styled shoots but for exclusive events too. Most recently, we were invited to create these for the catwalk at Rita Colson’s show, unveiling her beautiful new wedding dress designs…

Rita Colson designs contemporary, bespoke and sustainable bridal couture and evening wear for stylish brides and it’s always such a pleasure to team up with her. Her creations embody elegance and grace, bringing a unique twist to bridal wear that we adore. The event took place at RSA House - a Georgian grandeur house in central London. The unique, listed building has a high-quality, contemporary design making it perfect for weddings, civil ceremonies and a variety of other events.

Held in the Tavern Room, the simply decorated space with its polished wooden floor and plain Adam ceiling was perfect for the fresh black and white theme. We wanted to encapsulate the essence of spring and its purity to tie in with the beautiful wedding dresses. Our designs were fresh and impactful for the backdrop, maintaining the simplicity of Rita’s designs in a fresh white and Pantone green palette.

The fireplace made the biggest statement with large silver ceremony pedestals either side. A few simple pew ends completed the room, embracing minimalism throughout the rest of the decor. All of our selections were indicative of purity, grace, abundance, innocence, spirituality, charm, honour and holiness. We wanted to choose florals that represented lasting beauty, bonds of affection, a happy life, new beginnings and remembrance. These are always the most important values and stories to be told for all of the couples we work with.

Flowers Used

White O’Hara Rose - These delicate, highly fragrant flowers have a slight ivory tinge at the centre with blush-toned petals. They come in the form of a more traditional rose shape with several layers of petals (about 70 petals in fact).

White Lilac - This is an ornamental shrub with pristine white flowers. The clustered flowers display abundant blooms with an intoxicating fragrance and dark green, heart-shaped leaves.

White Hydrangea - Big, rounded flowers and delicate heads are accompanied by wooden stems. Each cluster has lacy, star-shaped flowers, packed closely together in a pom-pom shape.

White Stock - Such a graceful flower, these ruffled blooms form a spike at the top of each stem and give off a sweet scent.

White Spray Rose - These miniature standard roses are petite, beautiful and oh so intricate with short, individual stems.

White Snapdragon - Tall stalks, ruffled edges with a delicate, soft texture.

White Anemone - We just love how these elegant, cup-shaped white flowers with medium to dark green foliage and tall, wiry stems stand out on the pew ends.

White Ranunculus - Layer upon layer of paper thin, silky petals with lime green in the centre of the bloom. They’re mildly scented and on long stems.

White Tulips - Perfectly symmetrical flower buds with a combination of smooth, fringed and ruffled feathers. The coloured centre contrasts perfectly against the petals. Amongst these, some have cultivated star-shaped flowers with long pointed petals that arch outwards which we adore.

Italian Soft Ruscus - One of our absolute favourites; such a classic foliage with shapely, shiny green leaves in narrow tear-shapes from long trailing stems.

Dutch Spirea - This delicate foliage is what you can see with the cascading branches of white or spring flowers within our designs.

It was such a magical event, full of elegance and style - we loved being part of it. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Discover the gallery below …

Featured

6 October 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

Lady In The Lake Wedding Theme

6 October 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

Today we’re telling you the story behind our Lady In The Lake styled shoot - one of the most popular whenever we share the gallery on our Instagram and for good reason…

So where did the inspiration come from? The legend of the Lady In The Lake is not one that’s straightforward. The character appears in many stories, depicting her as both good and bad. From using Merlin’s powers against him when he fell in unrequited love with her and taught her all he knows, to rescuing King Arthur and taking care of one of the knights of the Round Table when he was rejected by the woman he loved. But it’s the mystical embodiment we wanted to bring to life in this shoot, in the most serene English countryside setting. Portraying her beauty and the love she eventually felt as she married Pelleas.

Warm peaches, pinks, greenery, aqua, amber and golden accents made up the colour palette for this shoot - one of our absolute favourites. Teaming up with other wonderful vendors, we created two bouquets (one hand-tied, one wild), a flower crown, two low-vase centrepieces, bud vases, finishing touches for the cakes and of course, the statement decor from the shoot - the unique floral design on the boat.

We selected very fragrant, high-petal count flowers for all elements and complimented these with glossy, evergreen foliage. The thick, lobed, wood-green leaves of Ivy and rustic, spirally arranged leaves of citrus-scented Pittosporum contrasted perfectly with the soft, delicate leaves of Asparagus Fern, creating an overhanging design around the boat. Amongst these, we actually used seven different types of Rose to create a luxurious, warm look with lots of depth and movement throughout the shoot…

Pearl Avalanche Rose - This vintage-chic flower combines a hint of peach with pink and green hues. With long and strong stems, soft herbaceous foliage, along with its representation of longing, mystery and glamour, it couldn’t have been more ideal for this shoot.
Sweet Avalanche Rose - The delicate, soft pastel-pink petals brought a subtle hint of green on its outer, along with its meaning of happiness, purity and gratitude.
Juliet Garden Rose - We love the cupped rosettes and large blooms of this flower. It’s peach in colour and neatly arranged making it a dream to work with on the boat and in our bouquets.
Prince Jardinier Garden Rose - The most-used throughout this shoot, this is just such a romantic, scented Rose. Its pale pink petals are velvet in appearance and texture, making this the most elegant of them all - as seen in our larger low vase centrepiece and wild bouquet.
Lady Bombastic Spray Rose - Deeper pink in colour and with multiple heads per stem, these open larger than standard spray Roses, truly making a statement in our designs.
Bombastic Spray Rose + Jana Spray Rose - Both pale pink with a subtle hint of peach, while much smaller, these still worked beautifully - especially on the cake and in bud vases.

But it isn’t just foliage and Roses you can spot throughout the gallery. Lisianthus - gentian-like, bell-shaped flowers made multiple appearances. Their long stems, oval-shaped leaves and wide ruffled petals denote respect, love, appreciation and acceptance making them a must-have for your wedding or event. Sarah Bernhardt Peonies - pale pink, sweetly scented flowers with mid-green leaves and large heads can be seen in the centrepiece while the globe-shaped flower of Peach Hydrangea and its clusters of many smaller four point flowers, representing friendship, devotion and understanding, can be seen on the bow and stern of the boat.

Isn’t this such a divine shoot? The tranquility of the location, the carefully placed details throughout and the wonderful team made it a fantastic day we would love to carry through to your perfect wedding/event. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Discover the gallery below...

As seen on Strictly Weddings.

10 September 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

Luxe Asian Fusion Wedding Theme

10 September 2018

Ideas and Inspiration

Time to bring you one of the most exquisite styled shoots we've ever had the pleasure of working on, right from the heart of the beautiful English countryside...

As we prepared everything we needed and headed off to Poundon House in Oxfordshire, we weren't quite ready for the breathtaking location we would be working at. The private home regularly welcomes a variety of weddings and events, and we're not at all surprised. The Edwardian building, stunning grounds and divine views is truly a dream venue. Our mission whilst there was to bring to life a Luxe Asian Fusion Wedding with endless elegance and incredible detail.

While ivory and gold made statements throughout, it was the pastel hues and greenery in our array of floral designs which added softness, luxury, style and grace to an often bright and bold theme.

The showstopper of the day was the tablescape. Vast flowers and precise place settings lined the length of the baby blue table cover. All complimented by beaded French chairs and the backdrop of country house brick, entrenched in history and character.

Our floral creations for the day all presented an abundance of delicate petals, symbolic in their own way. Pink and blue Hydrangea with closely-packed, lacy, star-shaped flower clusters formed pom-pom arrangements in standout metallic, tall vase centrepieces. Chosen as pink represents love and pure emotion while blue stands for forgiveness - the combination symbolising anything that is sincerely heartfelt.

Designed with the sturdy, tall-cut stems, multi-layered petals and oversized heads of pink Avalanche Roses and intensely fragrant, lilac Roses, the opulent flowers brought freshness and meaning to these eye-catching centrepieces. We adore using lilac Roses; they are commonly sent to convey the message that someone has fallen in love at first sight and shows the promise of what's to come - how beautiful is that?!

Evergreen Eucalyptus perfectly placed amongst the blooms added fullness; the leathery leaves hanging vertically in all their glossy green glory. Petite, intricate pink Spray Roses completed both the tall and low vase centrepieces.

Lilac and pink Lisianthus - gentian-like, bell-shaped flowers made multiple appearances in bud vases for increased depth and movement along the table. Their long stems, oval-shaped leaves and wide ruffled petals denote respect, love, appreciation and acceptance making them a must-have for your wedding or event. Paired with the delicately scented, yellow flowers and fern-like leaves of Mimosa, these elegant designs bring a touch of sensitivity and remembrance to the occasion.

We also selected lilac and pink Veronica for our individual vases; tubular spiked florets with glistening green leaves are the ideal accent for a romantic wedding. This pretty, feminine flower and its' long, slender stem is significant for it expresses fidelity of the heart in marriage.

With our gorgeous bride and groom for the day, incredible accessories, impressive gardens, luxurious cakes and dream team of vendors, this styled shoot couldn't have been any more captivating and enchanted.

Discover the gallery below...

As seen on Rock My Wedding.

27 August 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Corrigan's Mayfair, Wedding and Events Venue Launch

27 August 2018

Real Weddings and Events

Today we're bringing you the gorgeous gallery of images from the launch event of Corrigan's Mayfair as a weddings and events venue for which we created the floral designs...

Opened in 2008, Corrigan's Mayfair is just one of the exclusive restaurants owned by Richard Corrigan - a Michelin star chef who has even had the privilege of cooking for the Queen. The restaurant combines a quintessential British and Irish menu with luxury and home-inspired cooking, making it a must-visit.

We were recently invited to be part of the team to showcase how the private dining room, located in the highly affluent West-End of London, could be transformed into the ideal intimate reception venue for weddings and events. To start with the room was dark and non-bridal so we rose to the challenge of making it appear bigger, brighter and more welcoming for those special occasions to help couples picture spending part of their special day there. We selected a cream, white and pale yellow palette with hints of greenery for floral designs that were sure to stand out and add light and warmth.

First of all we designed an opulent wall with the purpose of displaying other vendors work on floating shelves amongst the blooms. We chose the delicate flower-heads of Hydrangea - big, rounded flower clusters along with the highly fragrant cross-shaped petals of the Stock flower. Stock is the perfect choice for weddings and events, having the hidden meaning of enjoying life and eternal love/beauty - we're obsessed with weaving these messages into our designs! The symbolic Chrysanthemums with their hundreds of tiny flowers brought vibrancy and joy while Avalanche Roses gave an abundance of petals for added texture. Teamed with cup-shaped Tulips, the eye-catching wall truly made a statement in the room.

Secondly we created an on-trend cascading runner which couldn't have gone down better. This has since been one of our most requested designs to recreate and is a joy to make every single time. Again, we used Tulips and Avalanche Roses but switched up our other selections for the impressive table feature. Lilac brought a generous display of blooms while the delicate foliage, Spirea, contributed cascading branches of white flowers. The fine, upright leaves of Nigella added feathery foliage for an element of softness and Thlespi delivered clusters of small white flowers with narrow, arrow-shaped leaves. One of our favourites, Ranunculus, supplied silky petals and Phalenopsis Orchids (another flower representing love, luxury, beauty and strength) presented a graceful yet exotic flower with wide, leathery leaves for an extra touch to the design.

After being on site to tie up the finishing details, the private dining room looked totally different and we were so happy with the final result. The flowers completely revamped the room, bringing colour, texture and a sense of scale making it feel far more celebratory and larger than before.

Flowers: Miriam Faith | Photography: Cecelina Photography | Venue: Corrigan's Mayfair

Discover the gallery below...

6 August 2018

Lookbooks and Photoshoots

Rita Colson Lookbook Photoshoot

6 August 2018

Lookbooks and Photoshoots

We were recently lucky enough to collaborate with London based fashion designer, Rita Colson and today we wanted to share the stunning gallery with you from the lookbook...

Rita Colson designs contemporary, bespoke and sustainable bridal couture and evening wear for stylish brides and it was such a dream to work with her. Her creations embody elegance and grace, bringing a unique twist to bridal wear that we just can't get enough of! The shoot took place in the Asylum chapel, a distressed-looking grade II listed building in Caroline Gardens, East London. The venue added to the beautifully edgy style of the outfits, making it the ideal location for this high-end, ethical brand.

We were asked to create two bouquets to complement each of Rita's designs - from vintage lace wedding dresses to silk jumpsuits. We chose a wild bouquet and tight bouquet with slight variations of flowers, in soft colours and with plenty of greenery for modern luxury floral designs.

For the wild bouquet we selected a buttermilk cream, pale blush and lush green colour palette, tied with translucent blush ribbon. The Patience Garden Rose was chosen for its ruffled petals, perfectly complementing the lace of the train and bridal jacket. Avalanche Roses brought large blooms with an abundance of petals and strong stems to the bouquet, while Hellebores contributed large leaves and subtle flowers. The clustered blooms of Ranunculus with their silky petals were a dream match for the silk outfits and the delicate White O'Hara Rose added layers of fragrant petals for a fuller finish. For the wilder touches we included the classic foliage, Italian Soft Ruscus - small, shiny pointed leaves from long trailing stems. We teamed this with elegant Asparagus Fern and the larger lobed, darker green leaves of British Berried Ivy - a plant with the hidden meaning of eternity, fidelity and affection which we LOVE.

For the tight bouquet we continued the colour palette, using White O'Hara Roses, Patience Garden Roses, Avalanche Roses and Ranunculus. This time we introduced Italian Hard Ruscus for small peeks of green from underneath and between the soft flowers.

It was such a joy to create these floral designs for the Rita Colson lookbook. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to create your dream wedding, event or photoshoot through floral design, then why not get in touch today? You can also click here to learn more about our process or follow us on Instagram / Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration.

Flowers: Miriam Faith | Photography: Cecelina Photography | Venue: The Asylum | Outfits: Rita Colson

Discover the gallery below...

Featured