Wedding--(5)

Wedding Inspirations; Exotic Tropics

Maybe you have decided to have a destination wedding on some beach in Thailand, or in a Balinese hut on the waterfront, or maybe you are excaping to Hamiliton Island for a intimate family affair….whatever the case may be, your wedding flowers should match the scene.
It would hardly make sense to be standing barefoot on a beach in cheesecloth and loose wavy hair holding an English Garden inspired bouquet. For one, those sorts of flowers just wouldn’t hold up in the balmy weather, and two, it would stunt the overall cohesion of your day. It just wouldn’t fit.
The Tropics are bright, fun, relaxed and exciting, and the flowers we find there are much the same. The colours just seem brighter; vivid purples, reds, hot pinks, citrusy yellow and limes and tangerines. The foliages are intricately patterned with colour, and have varying textures; stripey Song of India and other Dracenas, crazily colourful Crotons, burgundy to hot pink Cordyline, lush palms, Anthuriums, Monsterias, Devils Ivy…the list goes on. The shape and form of the blooms is varied; anything form softly curved Anthuriums to the pointy Heliconias or scalloped Honeycomb Gingers.
Get the Look;

What ever direction you choose to take will depend on the colours you have chosen for yourself and your bridesmaids. You could choose anything from Warm Sunset Tones to simple lush greens, citrus tones or vibrant pinks and purples.

Feature Flowers:
Heliconias, Birds Of Paradise, Singapore Orchids, Vandaceous Orchids, Siam Tulips (Curcuma), Globbers, Anthuriums, Oriental Lilies, Lotus Pods, Honeycomb Ginger, Lipstick Ginger, Louts flowers, Waterlilies, Frangipanis.

Textured Elements;
Vibernum berry, berzillea, doddavine, brunei, succulents, bromeliads, moss, palm husks, palm seed pods/threads.

Foliages;
Caladium, dracena, Cordyline, Crotons, Anthurium leaves, Hosta leaves, ribbon grass, leather fern, golden cane palm.

Accessories;
Palm husks, candles, water (in bowls) bamboo, lanterns, leis.

Tropical themed weddings are not for everyone, but if you have a sense of fun and adventure and a love of colour, this may be the one for you!

Fwf x

exotic bird
Birds Of Paradise

Photo Sources (L-R); Hanging pieces, bridal bouquet, table centres, chair decoration, bouquet.

exotic pink ginger
Pink Ginger flowers

Photo credits:Bamboo feature piece, bright bouquet, ginger bouquet, candle display, hanging piece.

exotic bqts
Exotically tropical bridal Bouquets

Photo Credits: Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Right.

exotic foliages
Exotic foliages

Photo Credits (L-R): Bright vase of foliage, husk, Cordyline, Vase of Palm.

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Image: Flowers Forever Hawaii via Pinterest
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Image: Colin Cowie Weddings via Pinterest
exotic tables
Table Arrangements inspired by the tropics

Photo Credits;  Tall vase, Reed arrangement, 3 Cylindrical vases.

 

 

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Floriade for the Whole Family

At the beginning of September, Spring shows start to pop up everywhere, celebrating the start of the new season, and the notoriously beautiful selection of flowers now available.

Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of Spring, has been running for 28 years in the Nation’s capital, at Commonwealth Park, just outside the city centre.

For just 30 days, between September 12th and October 11th, Floriade 2015’s theme of ‘Reflection’ showcases a million flowers in bloom, creating garden beds as floral tributes to the Centenary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli. There are 14 symbols and corresponding gardens.

floriade symbols

Some of the garden beds and their respective symbols can be seen below;

red cross

‘Australian Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement, dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering. The organisation has provided aid during times of hardship and adversity – through natural disaster response and the provision of life-saving blood – since its establishment in Australia following the outbreak of the First World War. Its emblem means ‘don’t shoot’ – signifying that neutral and impartial aid is here for those in need.’

souther cross

‘The Southern Cross is a group of stars visible all year round in the southern hemisphere. One of the most distinctive patterns in the night sky, it appears on flags and insignia and is regularly honoured as a symbol of national pride and resolution for Australians.’

the rising sun

 

‘For more than a century, the “rising sun” motif has formed an integral part of the badge worn by Australian soldiers. These badges have become widely associated with the spirit of the Anzacs.’

Apart from Floriade’s gorgeous gardens which are obviously the main reason most people come, this year, the show has something for everyone. There is a Man’s Cave where hubby/boyfriend/friend can hide away with his fellow homeboys and have some down time in a casual bar setting.There is a great variety of eating options; Tex Mex style nachos or burritos, fish and chips, souvlaki, Turkish gozleme or South American style churrasco. Coffee stops are sprinkled throughout as well as stalls where you can get fairy floss or a stick or candied popcorn and nuts. Yum.

Kids corner caters for the younger crowd with pony cycles, face painting, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and more!

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BeFunky Collage
Images: Floriade Australia

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gnomes
Image; Floriade Australia

I found the Gnome Knoll hilarious and endearing. The Gnome painting is organised by the Rotary Club of Canberra East to help raise funds for their work in the community. Floriade visitors are encouraged to purchase a gnome and paint it to enter it in one of the age or group categories. There were ‘Movember’ Gnomes, Leprecauns, Anzac themed Gnomes. My personal favourite was the ‘Homeless Gnomes’ category which could be purchased (read: adopted), already painted in a somewhat haphazard style. Of course our delightful daughter decided she couldn’t live another day without a gnome of her own, only to have a complete meltdown after we purchased it but explained we wouldn’t be painting it then and there. That is one DIY project we are yet to begin….after the PDA (Public Display to gain Attention) Miss Gnome had to come home with us to attempt at a later date.

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Image: Facebook via Floriade 2015 Instameet. Photo by Kazuri Photography.

For Floriade’s opening week, Floral designers were encouraged to enter in ‘Hort- Couture’, where visitors were transported through the decades with the floral fashion competition.

Hort couture 1

hort couture 2

As always there is plenty of gardening advice on offer, as well as culinary demonstrations, dance, art and dreamtime workshops, as well as roving performers throughout Commonwealth park. There is also a giant ferris wheel, a monumental slide, or take a nostalgic spin in the teacups.

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Whatever you fancy, Floriade provides a fun day out for the whole family. It is still on for another few weeks, so take the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautifully moderate springtime weather. Floriade’s Nightfest is on daily aswell and visitors can expect to see Commonwealth Park transformed with spectacular lighting displays, night markets, and entertainment (fee applies).

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Image: Facebook via Floriade
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Image: Facebook via Floriade
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Image: Facebook via Floriade

Til next time,

Fwf x

Sources:

Garden Bed Logos and significance of symbols: http://www.floriadeaustralia.com/floriade-2015-garden-beds/

 

 

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Wedding Inspirations: Eclectic and Eccentric

Your wedding day should be an expression of you both as individuals, as well as who you are as a couple. For that reason, no two weddings need EVER be the same. Crush on somebody’s styling, envy the dress, fantasise about that dream venue, but ultimately, the two of you together will make decisions for your day that are as unique as you are as a couple.

For those who like things that are more eclectic, textured, different, or quirkier, this style of flowers may indeed be the way to go. This style of wedding can also be referred to Boho (Bohemian), Ethereal or Hippie Luxe depending on the color palette and accessories you choose to combine.

boho bouquets

Get the look:

The key to pulling this look off is to work with your existing colour scheme. This is generally dictated by your gown (whether it is white, ivory, cream or another colour) and by your bridesmaids gowns. These key elements tend to dictate what other ideas you can bring into the theme to tie it together, rather than rip it apart. Have vibrant bridesmaids gowns? Match the intensity of colour with bright bouquets. Chosen textured neutral toned gowns for your maids? Maybe earthy natives and berries will be a better fit.

Dress fabrics within this theme tend to be more textured, or layered. Hair can be free, or braided. Jewelry can be bright, feathered, brass, beaded or semi precious. The options are limitless.

Colours:

I think the strength of this look is in its use of colour. Whether you choose to use vibrant, tropical tones, or  favour subtle earthy musings, eclectic flowers do not shy away from colour, nor texture.

bright boho

neutral boho

Textured elements:

Proteas, celosia, flannel flower, feathers, paper daisies, leucadendrons, love in the mist pods, blackberries, brunei, berzillea, privett, thistles,

Foliage elements:

Foliage features more heavily in this style of bridal bouquets/arrangements as much for the colour as for the texture it can bring; after dark foliage, cordyline leaves, eucalyptus, peppercorn, ivy berry, trailing jasmine, ruscus, dusty miller, asparagus, ribbon grass and photinia are all beautiful choices.

Feature flowers:

Whatever flowers you choose, what you will notice throughout this style is that rarely are the bouquets perfectly symetrical or rounded. The quirkier, free form shape of the bouquet further cements this style as bohemian; free of regard for conventional rules and practices.

Proteas, hippiastrums, lotus pods, cordifolia, tulips, sunflowers, roses, dahlias, daisies etc…

Accessories:

This theme of wedding lends itself to feathers, hanging floral garlands, archways, dream-catchers, daisy chains, scattered petals and more. You can truly embrace the concept of “Flower Child” within, and have your day literally dripping in bloom. Floral crowns certainly have a place here too, though individually wired flowers scattered throughout your hair can look feminine and flawless as well.boho acc

boho floral crowns

accs boho

What I love about this theme is that it can cover everything from a relaxed, informal affair to a black tie, glamourous event by tweaking the details. By introducing small details early in the peace, like feather detailing on invitations, you can potentially string the whole theme together by carrying these details that through on menus, name cards and within your bouquet or jewelry etc…

boho cakes

Personalised elements like a ‘chill out’ area set up with tee pees or random chairs or stylised picture frames can make your event really unique. Mixed glassware and crockery, or coloured glass goblets can further capitalise on the colour tones you have used throughout the affair. Recycled sheet music or newspaper can be used to roll petal cones…. Put your thinking caps on and get creative! This theme is perfect for infusing your own flavour 😉

Fwf x

Picture Sources:

http://tessa-barton.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/taylor-chad.html

tenderness and tiaras

http://blog.vpfashion.com/10-boho-hairstyles-inspire-2015-summer/

http://hellomay.com.au/article/lilli-sean-hippie-beach-coastal-melbourne-wedding-photographer/

http://artwithnaturedesign.blogspot.com.au/

http://ruffledblog.com/out-of-africa-inspiration-shoot/

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/01/12/boho-chic-beach-wedding-ideas/

http://greenweddingshoes.com/retro-tropical-wedding-inspiration/

http://inspiredadmired.blogspot.com.br/2013/02/over-100-bohemian-earthy-wedding.html

http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/fashion-beauty/wedding-hair

http://www.brit.co/boho-wedding/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

http://www.lovemydress.net/blog/2014/05/claire-pettibone-still-life-the-white-room-sheffield-jess-petrie.html

http://weddinglovely.com/blog/get-know-wedding-planner-dream-occasions/

http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2014/10/22/stunning-wedding-arches-diy-buy/

http://anightowlblog.com/2013/02/spring-easter-goodwill-decor.html/

http://www.thebohemianwedding.com/blog/2015/8/29/jhqsqra6qjgsvhwitheeya4bmsxy3u

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/

http://www.refinery29.com/100-layer-cake/89

http://365hangers.com/lifestyle/what-to-wear-to-sophia-amorusos-wedding/

http://bridalmusings.com/2013/12/intimate-bohemian-wedding-in-a-meadow/

http://greenweddingshoes.com/minimal-bohemian-beach-elopement-inspiration/

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2013/10/11/rugged-mountain-shoot-from-brumley-and-wells/

http://www.lovemydress.net/blog/2015/04/vintage-luxe-boho-wedding-wales-agape-bridal-boutique.html

http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2014/06/12/natural-organic-wedding-inspiration-nature-inspired-wedding-decor/

http://www.brit.co/boho-wedding/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

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David Jones Flower Show- A florist’s inspiration

Every year I try to get there, and every year, I drool and my mind boggles over the sheer size of the job that has become truly iconic.  The David Jones Flower Show kicks off the first week of Spring and runs for just under two weeks.

After years of being in the Floristry industry, the last thing you want to do is become stale, but there will be times for every creative when the juices don’t flow and the inspiration dries up. Spring is an intensely busy time for most florists. Houses are open for sale, and weddings fill the calendar, so it is a great time to revive your sense and take some inspiration from some of our colleagues who are truly unique and talented. Anyone who works with flowers knows that really we just wander around the perimeter of the David Jones store to reinvigorate ourselves and to sap up some fresh inspiration.

The show is quite the feat, considering that a lot of those flowers are sitting in what essentially transforms to a glass hot box and is subjected to hours of sunlight each day.

WhatsOn_FlowerShow2

This year Luminescent celebrates 30 years of the David Jones Flower show, and the ingenuity of this years show is that whilst it blooms in the daylight, the beauty of the flowers is showcased in a luminsecent ‘glow’ throughout the night as well. This years show partnered with the season’s key fragrances.

The displays in each window are as unique and intricate as ever, and as a florist I KNOW the hard work that went into conceptualising the show as well as the long hours and sleepless nights it took to bring it all together. Seed Flora is responsible for the wonderful work, and both George Low and Elizabeth Johnson continue to inspire us years after the two began collaborating on the event.

For everyone in life, it is important to stop, and look at things from a fresh perspective and for me, that is exactly what the show represents. I know how to physically put arrangements like this together, but I certainly don’t get the opportunity to do work on a large scale like this anymore with two littlies, but for me, it is awe inspiring to see someone out there creating magic. It is also reassuring to see jobs like this still exist. Retail, we are told is dying; and with that, surely the budget for a job like this, must go too.

It fills my heart with hope to see it still happening 30 years on, and still drawing an amazing crowd. Not sure that was the new light they intended to shed, but still, that is quite Luminescent.

Enjoy the picture show below, but if you get a chance, the show finishes this Sunday, so get in there to get a glimpse yourself.

Fwf x

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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram
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Image: Seed Flora via Instagram

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Wedding Inspirations: Vintage Garden Party

Every bride has a vision of her perfect day. For some, it is a day they have dreamed of since they were a little girl, and some elements they choose for their big day will be as much about nostalgia as anything else.

Regardless of whether you have had a Pinterest board from when you got engaged, or a look book you have been working on since the day you were born, every bride will undoubtedly gravitate to a certain aesthetic which will influence each choice you make when bringing it all together.

From your choice in gown, to your jewelry, make up, hair, and the flowers you hold, each choice will determine whether you bring your desired look together or make it fall apart.

For many years now, brides have favoured a look that is reminiscent of yesteryear. Gowns made entirely of lace, beaded details, capped sleeves, tousled curls, loosely pinned in semi formal styles, garden ceremonies, eclectic vases with textured country-esque floral arrangements. What’s lovely about this look is that it is extremely down to earth, ‘quaint’ even, yet it still manages to be incredibly feminine. Before we were OBSESSED with everything being ‘matchy-matchy’ we used to be able to put together adorable little soirees which oozed a relaxed elegance; effortless and simple.

Get the look;

Obviously what flowers you choose will largely depend on what gown you choose, what time of the year that you tie the knot and the ‘look and feel’ you wish to achieve. Trust your supplier to make appropriate choices when it comes to substituting flowers that may not be available in order to achieve the look and feel that you are after.

Colours;

I think this look can be achieved by choosing accent colours either in soft muted tones, or alternatively rich, dusty tones. This could include antique mauves, rose pink, nude, peach oyster, sage, duck egg blue OR pewter, gun metal, navy, burgundy, olive, chocolate and even black.

pastel colour palette

 

rich colour palette

Textured elements:

These flowers are not focal flowers, but certainly help to define this style by blurring the edge of the bouquet, loosening up the look, adding texture and movement, and by breaking up solid colour by adding ‘filler’ flowers.

Eriostemon, polygum berry, Mini gum, Flannel flower, veronica, budleia, Geraldton Wax, berzillea, bruneii, babies breath, dusty miller, andromeda.

Trailing elements:

These flowers will not be utilised in every style of bouquet but are particularly special for adding texture and movement if you wish to have teradrop, trailing, or waterfall bouquets. They can also be used to add a ‘beard’ to a loose posy bouquet.

Stephanotis, jasmine, asparagus, amoranthus,  pieris, clethra

trailing vintage

Floral feature elements:

These blooms should make up the body of your bouquet and are the stars of the show.

Lisianthus, Peonies, David Austin roses/garden roses, ranunculas, rhododendron, dahlias, succulents (for a modern twist)

vintage garden party bouquets

Accessories: Burlap, hessian, mason jars, mismatched teacups, teapots,  lace, doilies, birdcages.
accessory vintage

This look can be as unique and varied as you like and each wedding within this theme will have its own personal take on what a ‘Vintage Garden Party’ should be. Think stacks of classic books on tables as platforms for your vases, doilies, brown card name places and mixed jam jar vases. Mason jars are inexpensive so make a great gifts, and they can be painted to match your colour palette when required. Some of these elements can be personalised at home as little D.I.Y projects if you like to get crafty, but leave the rest to the professionals.

We’ll have more wedding inspirations coming up, so drop us a line if there is something in particular you would like to see!

Fwf x

Picture sources:

http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/994133/june-2014-wedding-color-help

http://www.brit.co/mismatched-bridesmaid-dresses/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298433912786343246/

http://www.wantthatwedding.co.uk/2013/02/06/perfect-bridal-bouquets-wedding-advice/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298433912786366826/

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/marsala-wedding-inspiration/

http://www.wedideas.com/Plum-and-Peach-Fall-Wedding-Rustic-Bouquet-p/bqppn039.htm

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/54702835/floral-photography-fragancia-roses-ii

http://ruffledblog.com/romantic-chicago-wedding-in-a-loft/

http://www.floretcadet.com/archives/3989

http://www.stylemepretty.com/vault/image/1267582

http://greenweddingshoes.com/1920s-inspired-winter-vow-renewal-andrea-jon/

http://www.weddingclub.com.au/?url=www.theknot.com/real-weddings/romantic-bridal-bouquet-photo-21

http://www.confettidaydreams.com/country-chic-burlap-lace-diy-wedding/

http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=513&photoid=9513

http://weddbook.com/media/2145050/fall-wedding-ideas

http://www.looklovewed.co.nz/real-weddings/2014/7/14/gemma-and-john/

http://www.brides-book.com/

http://www.sweetpeaandivy.co.uk/gall/secret/index.html

http://www.heartlovealways.com/2013/10/the-original-painted-and-distressed-mason-jars-by-beach-blues/

http://www.brit.co/mismatched-bridesmaid-dresses/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

 

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