Good morning, and I do hope you’ve had a wonderful start to your week. It is a rather wet and miserable day here in the usually sunny Hawkes Bay, the sort of day that makes you feel like snuggling on the sofa in front of an old movie! Luckily, I have just the thing to brighten my day (and ensure I resist temptation) – the latest  wedding bouquet recipe from CVBs favourite florist, Magdalen Hill‘s Toni McGregor. And it’s a gobsmackingly gorgeous sheath bridal bouquet, created from lush greenery and country garden blooms in the softest palette of peach, pale pink and ivory. The fabulous Natalie McNally was again on hand to capture the entire creative process and Toni has kindly shared the full recipe, so be sure to have pen, paper and pinning finger at the ready before taking a peek at today’s post…..

That was just a glimpse, but isn’t it lovely? If you’re sat there wondering what a sheath bouquet is, don’t worry (you’re not alone! and) Toni was on hand to explain “The Arm Sheath or Sheath Bouquet is a vertical shaped bouquet of long-stemmed flowers, usually carried rested in the crook of the bride’s arm – but it can look equally beautiful, for more relaxed portraits, held by the stems with the brides arm dropped beside her. Made popular in the 1900’s, and known for a time as the Bernhardt bouquet after the many bunches of blooms presented to much adored French stage and film actress Sarah Bernhardt, it has a distinctly vintage feel and a timeless elegance.” Oh I think it could be my new favourite bouquet shape!

Before we dive head first into the shoot, here’s a little something from Toni about this gorgeous bouquet.…. “A sheath bouquet was an ideal choice for my bride who wanted to carry a soft yet whimsical bouquet with an air of vintage charm, fitting for the rural location for her special day. Often seen swaying elegantly in the breeze of a country garden elongated blooms such as Chincerinchee, Tweedia, Bells of Ireland and cascading Pierus combined with wild grasses gave the bouquet a just picked look and added to the relaxed nature of the wedding. Freesia, Ranunculas and Sweet William enhanced the old world elegance and country garden feel of the bouquet, while Roses were chosen for their classical sophistication and Laurel bud echoed the graceful arch of the wild grasses. All tied together and finished off with long raw edged ribbons in soft coffee and tea tones.”

I just love everything about this bouquet, its shape, the pretty pastel shades and how the lush greenery gives it a wild, just picked look. Oh and those peach roses are just heavenly!! Here’s the recipe…..

Bouquet Recipe

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

A bouquet for the bride who: loves the laid back appearance of the flowers on their long natural stems, gathered, rather than arranged. As well as vintage inspired brides, an arm sheath also lends itself to a boho bride as it will achieve a carefree, just picked appearance. Not for every bride, it is worth walking around with something in your arm to see how you feel, before committing to a Sheath bouquet.

Ask your florist for: An Arm Sheath of country-esque blooms with wild grasses, or even wheat, to create a sense of whimsy.

Season available: Most of the blooms in this bouquet are available late Winter through to Summer. If any are out of season when you’re getting, just ask your florist for their recommendations for substitutes to create the same look.

As always, a huge thank-you to Toni and Natalie for allowing me share their beautiful work with you today. If, like me, you can’t wait for the next Bouquet Recipe, you can catch up with their past ones here for the prettiest bouquet in purple & pink, here for a country garden inspired bouquet, here for a hand-tied bridal bouquet of Spring purples, here for a pretty posy in pink and here for a scentful white bouquet!

Amy

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Floral Design ~ Toni McGregor from Magdalen Hill

Photography ~ Natalie McNally