Good morning! After starting the week with that bright & beautiful 1960s inspired Spring wedding (do take a look here if you missed it, it really is a charmer chock full of beautiful details that are sure to inspire you) I thought nothing could be more fitting to follow than a beautiful (and sweet-smelling) Spring bouquet recipe from florist and stylist Toni McGregor at Magdalen Hill. In elegant shades of white and green; and with the sweetest something blue, I am certain you will love this bouquet, and the shoot that captured its creation, as much as I do…..

With the aim of shedding a little light on all things floral for you brides-to-be the lovely Toni is back with her second bouquet recipe (if you missed the first do take a peek here, it was a breathtaking hand tied Autumn bridal bouquet – and matching necklace!) In these posts we hope to help you understand the different styles and shapes of bouquets available (and there are a plethora!); provide an easy to understand price guide for budgeting; and break down each bouquet into blooms and stems – so when you go to meet your florist for the first time you know exactly what you love, what you can afford and what to ask for. So have your pen, paper and pinning finger at the ready!

But first, just a little something from Natalie McNally who was there to capture Toni working her magic “I’m a lover of all things pretty, especially flowers, for which I’ve always had a huge love because my mum is also a florist and I grew up watching her put together the most amazing arrangements. When I first saw Toni from Magdalen Hill‘s work, I was blown away! I felt like I needed to touch base with her, and I’m so glad I did as she is the most lovely person and I have found such a wonderful friend in her. When she asked me to photograph her at work creating one of her beautiful bridal bouquets I (of course) jumped at the chance! I so enjoyed the creative process, and the chance to document something a little different from my usual. This was also my first time shooting with my brand-spanking-new 85mm 1.4mm lens *sigh* and I’m just a little bit in love!” Oh yes, the photos are definitely just as exquisite as the bouquet!

Aaah she makes it look all so easy! But arranging flowers to look this lovely is definitely an art, and one I am more than a little envious of. I had to resort to a single stem vase after picking some roses from my garden last week because I just couldn’t arrange them so they looked anything other than awful. I love how she holds the bouquet, looking at it from every angle to ensure it is beautiful on all sides. Want to know what the flowers are? Me too!

Bouquet Recipe

5 Stems of Vivienne Spray Rose

5 Stems of Stock

1 Bunch of Helebore or Winter Rose

5 Stems of Chrysanthemum

3 Stems of Daphne

5 Ranunculus

8 Stems of Vandella Rose

5 Stems of Freesia

1 Bunch of Wax Flower

3 Succulents

Foliage: Cineraria or Dusty Millar, Geranium

And over to Toni to tell us a little more about it “Nothing screams “Here comes the Bride” like white flowers.  Here I have combined pretty feminine blooms with cottage style textures to add a vintage charm. Scent was of equal importance to the bride who carried it and spring time treasures have made this possible. I’m sure when she smells sweet Daphne or catches a whiff of stock or the fragrance of freesias she will be transported back to her wedding day. 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. Navy ribbon gave the bride her ‘something blue’ and this was softened by the addition of different widths of lace.” Such a delightful way to incorporate something blue, don’t you think?

A Bouquet for the Bride who: A bouquet in this style is perfect for brides who are wanting to achieve an elegant sophistication to their wedding day in a soft and relaxed way.

Budget Key: $$$   ($ – Thrifty – $$$$$ Lavish)

Oooh classic white bouquets are so elegant – of course, I may be slightly biased as my own bouquet was a more formal version of this one. Add the strong sweet scents of freesia and roses and you have a bouquet that is not only beautiful, but the memories of which will last a life time – honestly, nothing brings back memories of our wedding on NYE 2010 quite like the smell of freesias. And I can just imagine how lovely the perfume from this bouquet must have been.

A big thank-you to Toni and Natalie for allowing me to share more of their incredible work.

Amy

x

Floral Design ~ Toni McGregor from Magdalen Hill

Photography ~ Natalie McNally