Last spring I had an idea. I was thinking about my own wedding day, how frazzled and jumbled it all I was. I was thinking about where I placed my focus and how it really could have been improved. I reflect back on tweaks and improvements for every wedding day, but my own has stuck with me a little longer.
My number one regret is trying to take on too much myself. I enlisted the help of my family and friends but never really sat back to soak in the day. I felt guilty for my family working so hard and worried that something would go wrong.
This has always been at the forefront of my mind and is one of the huge reasons that I started my business. But last spring I took this idea a step further. I began to contemplate what it’s like in general for someone in the wedding industry to wed. There’s an extra level of stress and pressure and this idea that everything must be perfect because not only is this finally their turn, but it also reflects back as an extension of their portfolio – whether they want it to or not – and perhaps I only imagine this, but somehow I think there’s an extra level of judgement or maybe critique from the guests’ eyes.
I designed this shoot to embrace what it would be like for me or any florist/planner to wed now. Knowing what I know and seeing what I’ve seen. I created this character that knew just exactly what to focus on, how to treat her guests and how to not get lost in the busyness of it all.
I titled this piece, “If a Florist Wed” with the following thoughts in mind…
Imagine a quiet morning, the dew is still on the grass and the birds have just started to sing. There’s an anticipation in the air as guests will mingle and celebrate in the countryside, as one woman and one man will pledge their love eternally to one another.
But before the celebration comes the preparation. So in the dawn of the day, final arrangements are being made. She’s a florist, who’s been a part of hundreds of weddings days. She’s seen too many stressed brides and is committed to focusing only on the things that really matter.
An arbor of foraged greens is constructed in the woods as the backdrop for their vows. Local lilacs are inserted into her bridal bouquet. And a wide brimmed hat is worn to keep the sun off her face as she gathers her last minute blooms.
Potted plants lined the long table at which her closest friends and family will gather. Simple placecards and candles add to the no-fuss vibe. But she’s forever tempted to play the hostess, serving wine and cake to her guests and making the day just as unforgettable to them as it will be to her and her groom.
This is the serentity I wish I might have found on my wedding day. A peaceful morning. The setting of the story is in our very own back yard, it just seemed liked the perfeect venue with it’s natural and overgrown appeal. The perfect place for a bride to go foraging (as I so often do!)
Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography | Floral & Event Design: The Day’s Design | Rentals: The Rental Company | Dress: Gossamer | Hair & Makeup: Andie Wernick | Ribbon: Honey Silks | Stationary Design & Calligraphy: Simply Rooted
This project was also featured on Trendy Bride Magazine. You can see it here.
I’m not planning another wedding for myself personally, but I would love to plan more outdoor dinner parties here soon. Very very soon!
