Toni from Magdalen Hill is back today, after taking a few weeks break with a precious little personal project of her own (take a peek here), with what is definitely my favourite bouquet recipe yet….. although, I say that every time! Using peonies and romantic roses in the softest shades of peach and rich cream, she has created a wonderfully organic and textured bouquet that simply couldn’t be any lovelier or more perfect for a modern vintage wedding! As always the lovely Natalie McNally was on hand to photograph the process perfectly, and this particular bouquet held special meaning for her, as it was inspired by the one her great-grandmother walked down the aisle carrying…..

As it has been a while, and we have lots of lovely new visitors for whom this might be your first bouquet recipe, here’s a little reminder of what these posts are all about! With the vision, talents and insights of Chic Vintage Bride‘s resident florist 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.

Anyway, before we dive head first into the beautiful shoot, a little something from Toni about the bouquet and the inspiration for it.….

“Each month as Natalie photographs the bouquets which are featured in these recipes, we chat away about the different aspects we cover in our wedding work, what we are finding inspirational, which weddings we will share in the coming weeks, and how the flowers play their part. On one such day Natalie mentioned she would love to see a modern re-creation of her great-grandmother’s bouquet to suit today’s bride, so I tucked this thought away until I found the perfect bride who shared a similar vision.

While Grandy’s bouquet would have been wired to achieve the double ended spray she carried on her wedding day, I decided a handtied would give a softer appearance that is more in keeping with the ‘just picked’ or deconstructed designs that are currently on trend, and used the linear form as inspiration for the shape. A rich creamy palette, much like sepia toned photographs, was achieved with Vivienne and Jana spray roses along with stunning Vandella and Sahara roses in a gorgeous warm peachy cream that complements many skin tones. Having a short season in New Zealand using peonies was a must. These were teamed with light airy Queen Anne’s lace that added a sense of whimsy next to the large elegant fluffy blooms. Copper beech was added for depth, and it also contrasted beautifully with the soft arcs of Manuka and Magnolia; all of which created the overall texture and linear shape.”

Isn’t it just divine? The shape, the contrasting colours, those roses!!

Bouquet Recipe

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

A bouquet for the bride who: wants to achieve an elegant sophisticated look that echos a true vintage style without the stiffness of a bouquet that has been traditionally wired. A great option for brides who wants the freedom to hold her bouquet in a variety of ways and the confidence of knowing no matter how you hold it, it will look and photograph beautifully. With its use of traditional roses and its organic textured shape, this bouquet would suit a variety of styles and venues from classic brides planning a Church or formal wedding right through to boho brides with a rustic venue and wanting a relaxed atmosphere.

Ask you florist for: A double ended handtied bouquet of roses and peonies, with a just-picked organic look that gives the freedom to hold the bouquet in a variety of poses. For these colours request a palette of rich creams and soft peaches, but it would look stunning in any colour!

Season Available: Early Summer if you are located in New Zealand and wish to have Peonies – although the UK and US have longer seasons. Rose varieties are available all year round.

Can’t you just imagine how the manuka and copper beech would have danced in the breeze? As always I am completely wowed by Toni’s talents – what a lucky bride! And the way Natalie has captured the whole creative process is heavenly. A huge thank-you to both Toni and Natalie, for their wonderful work and for letting me share it with you.

If, like me, you can’t wait for the next Bouquet Recipe, you can catch up with their past ones here for a pretty Spring posy that Toni also created in soft peach tones, here for a stunning sheath bouquet which also has a beautiful vintage feel, here for the prettiest bouquet in a palette of purple & pink, here for a country garden inspired bouquet with a gorgeous just picked feel, here for a hand-tied bridal bouquet in Spring purples and here for a scentful white bouquet!

In the mean time, Toni congratulations to you and your family on your precious new addition – enjoy every moment!

Amy

x

Floral Design ~ Toni McGregor from Magdalen Hill

Photography ~ Natalie McNally