Whilst for many of you Winter is well and truly on its way, here we are looking forward to Summer, which can mean only one thing….. peony season!! So today’s bouquet recipe from the fabulous Toni of Magdalen Hill couldn’t be any more perfect, or more pretty! Combining deliciously scented roses and peonies in shades of deep coral, pink and yellow, Toni created a timeless beautiful and romantic bridal bouquet; and as always Natalie McNally was on hand to capture the whole creative process…..

As it has been a while since we shared the last bouquet recipe, and with lots of you new to Chic Vintage Brides for whom this might be your first, here’s a little reminder of what these posts are all about! With the creative talents and expert insights of CVB’s resident florist extraordinaire Toni from Magdalen Hill, we aim to help shed a little light on all things floral, as well as to inspire and delight you, by breaking down some beautiful bouquets into blooms, bunches and stems. With information on what blooms make up these stunning arrangements, when they are in season and an idea of cost for budgeting; we hope to ensure you know exactly what you love, what might be in season when you get married, what you can afford and, most importantly, what to ask for when you go to meet your florist for the first time.

Here are a few words from Toni about the bouquet and blooms used to create this  “A symbol of happiness and prosperity, peonies are many a bride’s first choice of flower for their bouquet. Big romantic ruffles, and hues that range from the soft and pretty to the bold and seductive, the addition of peonies to any bouquet always takes romance to the next level.

The full lushness of a peony makes them a super star amongst bridal blooms, presented on their own, or paired with roses, they are sophisticated and feminine, creating a classically beautiful bouquet. Add texture and they will enhance a wedding with a rustic setting, or mix with foraged greenery and garden style blooms to create a more organic appearance for the boho bride. Peonies are bridal perfection… with the exception that they are not available all year round, which really only adds to their allure and makes them a must-have if you time your wedding right!”

Bouquet Recipe

“This bouquet was created for a bride who wanted to carry a bouquet that was traditional in shape and romantic but playful. Coral Charm peonies were the perfect choice for a shot of unexpected colour and were soften with the combination of Campanella, Tiffany and Jana roses. Geranium and hydrangea bud were added for textural interest as were viburnum berries that also gave depth to the overall design. With blooms placed all round it was a fuss free option as no matter how the bouquet is held plenty of flowers are visible – an important factor for your photographs. For a touch of vintage whimsy the bouquet was finished with lengths of peach lace.”

Bridal Bouquet Price: $$$ Florist      (Budget Key: $ = Thrifty – $$$$$ = Lavish)

A Bouquet for the Bride who: wants to achieve an elegant sophistication to their wedding day in a fun and relaxed way. Although the all-round bouquet is traditionally considered more formal, and has a distinctly classical look, the relaxed mix of blooms and the addition of foliage makes this bouquet incredibly versatile – in different shades it would look just as perfect for a boho beach wedding, as it would for a polished city celebration!

Ask your florist for: An all-round handtied bouquet with peonies evenly distributed throughout, combined with clusters of roses in a number of varieties (to vary size and colour so that the bouquet isn’t too uniform) If you like the greenery, ask for textural foliages and berries – your florist should be able to advise on the best for your chosen colours and season.

Season Available: Late spring to early summer, although imported peonies may be available at other times (but are likely to be considerably more expensive) Your florist should be able to recommend seasonal alternatives to any blooms in this bouquet that are not available when you are getting married.

Isn’t it lush? If, this is your first glimpse of these Bouquet Recipes, or if you just want a reminder of some of the beautiful bouquets and their blooms, you can catch up with past recipe posts here. Oh and if you love peonies you might want to start with this vintage inspired beauty of roses and peonies, or for something a little different this just-picked bouquet of foraged blooms and fruits – yep fruits! – and that’s just a couple of my favourites!

Amy

x

Floral Design ~ Toni McGregor from Magdalen Hill

Photography ~ Natalie McNally