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Bethany Small Photography

Real Weddings :: Olivia & Zach’s Leelanau Love

1 · May 17, 2017 ·

Twirling.  That’s what comes to mind every time I think back to Olivia and Zach’s beautiful wedding day.  I think of Olivia’s sweet spirit and beautiful nuptials on the shores of Lake Michigan.  I reminince about the hot summer sun warming the weathered board walk that lead to a romantic beach location.  I can still see the sunlight dancing across the gentle waves and the chiffon blowing in the breeze – a breeze that I was so thankful for on that hot July day.

Leelanau Wedding | The Day's Design | Bethany Small Photography

But most of all, I picture Olivia twirling between the vines in the most perfect blush dress, fit for a princess.  Once again, I love Northern Michigan weddings because you really can have it all from the sun and the sand, to the breezes that accompany the waves on the shore, the woodland settings and the sprawling vineyards.  It all adds up to the most perfect place to say “I do.”

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Photography: Bethany Small Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Ceremony Venue: The Leelanau School | Reception Venue: Brengman Brother’ Winery | Bride’s Dress: Willow by Watters | Bridesmaids dress: BHLDN

To see an up close look at Olivia’s stunning bridal bouquet (seriously, it was one of my absolute favorites!) you can revisit her bouquet recipe here.

 

 

Celebrations Bethany Small Photography, Leelanau School, Leelanau wedding, real wedding, Traverse City Wedding

Friday Flowers :: Olivia’s Burgundy & Blush Summer Bouquet

0 · Nov 4, 2016 ·

Olivia’s bouquet was to be completed after what had already been a full week of flowering.  It was an unbearably hot day in the middle of July and I was feeling the burn – quite literally.  I don’t like leaving such an important piece until the end of the day but unfortunately in this instance, I had no choice. Flowers are such a perishable items and these needed to be in their prime.

Burgundy & Blush Bridal Bouquet | The Day's Design | Bethany Small Photography

I’m guessing it was about midnight when I finally gave up.  Try as I may, I couldn’t make the flowers flow right, there was something missing and I simply wasn’t satisfied with the results.  I had the most beautiful burgundy charm peonies, some stunning red spray roses, burgundy scabiosa and some Talea roses in the palest shade of peach.

It just wasn’t enough.  It felt lackluster and boring.  Olivia had gushed over Good Seed Floral of Oregon and their gorgeous design work and mine was failing dreadfully in comparison.  While I never try to replicate another artist’s work, I knew my results would never do.  Her bouquet needed to be a piece of art marrying burgundy and blush shades in perfect harmony while capturing the essence of Northern Michigan and the pristine beach where she would be wed.

In situations like these, I do what any good florist would do – I take a trip to the hardware store.  I fell in love with one bendy stem of speckled foxglove.  I grabbed some coleus, yarrow and chocolate poke weed.  And then some lacy, red, unidentified annuals off of the clearance rack.

Burgundy & Blush Bouquet Recipe | The Day's Design | Bethany Small Photography

Photography: Bethany Small Photography

These were the magic missing ingredients.  Her bouquet few together in mere minutes of time and was one of my very favorites this season.

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Flowers Bethany Small Photography, bouquet recipe, bridal bouquet, burgundy and blush, summer flowers

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