Floral Friday: Favorite Bridesmaids Bouquets of 2010

The count down continues, this time with bridesmaids bouquets.  Some people see the bridesmaids bouquets as a less fantastic version of the bridal bouquet.  However I see it as a chance to make a statement that will make each member of the wedding party feel special.  Here are my favorites from this year in no particular order:

Leah and Andrew, May 2010.  A perfect little garden bouquet with a mix of purples, magentas, whites and greens.  My favorite thing about this one is the mix of textures, and also the little purple pom poms that I used as an accent on the wrap.  So fun!

Carolyn and Rich, December 2010.  My most recent bouquet for a friends New Years Eve wedding.  Beautiful spring flowers are available right now like these little white tulips (one of the brides favorite flowers) and these dazzling red peonies.  Aren't they gorgeous?

Joanna and Andy, June 2010.  Although I'm always partial to color, with Joanna's simple palette of green and white really let the texture of the different types of flowers stand out.  I used dusty miller and lambs ear in these bouquets and I think the contrast of mint and lime green is subtle and lovely.

Heidi and Zeb, August 2010.  As I said in my bridal bouquet post, Heidi gave me a ton of creative license with her wedding.  Something I've always wanted to try with bridesmaids bouquets is a different color, or flower for each girl.  And since every member of the wedding party was wearing a different kind of dress this idea was a perfect, keeping the bouquets simple, but complimentary.

And last but not least

Brian and Ellen, September 2010.  This was my first wedding using a "fall" color palette.  Ellen and Brian got married at a country club, so she wanted to compliment the decor by using plaid as her theme.  The dahlias were beautiful, and the other flowers like scabiosa pods, cockscomb, and deep red roses added to the richness of the textures.

I hope you've enjoyed my favorite bridesmaids bouquets of 2010.  Next up, arrangements!

love, emmy-ray

 

For the Love of Flowers: Andy and Joanna, June 19th, 2010

One of my friends from college, Joanna, got married on June 19th in Lincoln, Nebraska.  It was my first ever out of town wedding, and probably second biggest I've done to date.  Although these elements, combined with the fact that I didn't have my trusty assistant/mom there to help me, made me quite nervous, I have to say everything turned out beautifully.  I couldn't have done it without my husband either, who gave me infinite amounts of help and patience.  Also thanks to Cutts floral wholesalers for the amazing flowers, some of the best quality I've had this year, and the customer service was outstanding.

Joanna was such a joy to work with, she knew what she wanted, but also gave me full license to design.  Their whole celebration had a casual vibe, with attention to little details that made it special for all their guests.  Here's a few pics I took at the reception (which of course I attended), and some I snagged from one of the bridesmaids Facebook pages.  I'll post some professional images as soon as I get them, but for now enjoy:

 
The sweet bride and her bouquet.  She had ostrich feathers on her dress which we incorporated into the bouquet as well.  So fun!

Bridesmaids bouquets in green and white.

Our friend Lauren and a beer bucket o' bouquets. 

Tall arrangements in green, white, and brown.  

1/3 of the tables had these little bell jars on them with a mix of bud vases around.

Little plants potted in vintage glassware, an idea I actually found on Design Sponge.  These were also great because we encouraged guests to take them as favors.  I'm big on minimizing waste as much as possible in my centerpieces. 

Joanna also commissioned me to make hair pieces for her and all of her bridesmaids.  I made a few different designs so the girls could choose what they liked with a special one for the M.O.H.

       

 

Joanna gave me a vintage rhinestone button of her grandmothers to be the center of the flower.

I love this picture of the bride and groom.  Congrats Andy and Joanna, and best wishes in your new life together!