From Roots to Roses

Monday, January 3, 2011

Nice Day for a (Winter) White Wedding

Best Wishes for a Very Happy New Year!

I had every intention of posting during the holidays, my absolute favorite time of year, but work was (thankfully) quite abundant and I just never had a moment to sit down... until now!

Here it is, January, a time that can seem dreary, cold, lifeless even. But it doesn't have to be! When it comes to weddings and other events especially, the winter season brings with it a whole bevy of blossoms- amaryllis, tulips, ranunculus, anemone, flowering quince branches- that can remind you that while it may be bare outside, the arrangements can be as lush as ever.

When I visit the wholesalers, I tend to gravitate towards the bolder colors- hot pinks, plums, deep purples, even red sometimes. But the neutrals have been catching my eye lately as well. A party or wedding with a winter white scheme can be very satisfying to the eye. Whites, ivories, creams, silvers, and even a little blush here and there are a very soothing combo that can be sophisticated, clean, and elegant, a perfect compliment to any interior- or a cold, wintry exterior, for that matter!

Here are some inspirations I found that fit in with my idea of a beautiful winter wedding:

Bouquets

It takes two hands to hold this one- with roses, pine cones, orchids,
dusty miller, and eucalyptus to name a few!

Loosely arranged blush and white roses with feathers
and silver brunia

Nothing more than country roadside "weeds" and white feathers-
but absolutely perfect

Anemone, berzelia, and lady slipper orchids- unexpected and totally unique

Roses, ranunculus, freesia- and a gorgeous ribbon

Silver foliage and a satin blue ribbon are a perfect match

Boutonnieres

Love the feathers, a great alternative to blooms.

Centerpieces

Pinecones and Paperwhites- rustic and relaxed

The color can really set of the whites here...

...and silver here.

Simple bunches of Amaryllis make a long-lasting statement

Magnolia leaves have a gorgeous velvety underside
that lend great color and texture

Football mums and dusty miller- and terrific containers!

Cake...

I'm drawn to anything with a bird on it- what
a beautiful design!

...and candles, lots of them!

One of my tasks over the holidays was a small second wedding reception that fits in well with this scheme of white in winter. Here are a few shots from this event...

Stay tuned for part two of this post. I am designing a wedding in a couple weeks that will tie in with this theme as well. Whites, silvers, and a hint of peachy pink and pop of coral to warm it up a bit- and of course, lots of candlelight!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

A Fair to Remember

This weekend the Country Living Fair came to town. I've been looking forward to checking it out ever since they announced it would be in Atlanta this year. It is always held in Ohio, so I was very glad they added a southern location finally!
Country Living Magazine is another favorite, especially the October through December issues. My November issue is still in its plastic mailer, and I am saving it for after Halloween.

The fair was held at Stone Mountain Park, which I must admit I've never had much of a desire to visit. In my mind it was always a big Confederate Memorial Carving and laser light show, nothing more. After leaving the fair, I decided to drive around and see what else goes on at the park. It turns out, a lot! It was very pretty, and I found a nice hiking trail around the lake that took about an hour. There are many trails, aside from the one that takes you up to the summit, and plenty of outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and golf.