Dahlia at Lalbagh Flower Show via Wikipedia

Planning & Inspiration

Flower Feature: Dahlias

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Purple Dahlia Bouquet via Deer Pearl Flowers

Purple Dahlia Bouquet via Deer Pearl Flowers

 

Full-bodied and bright, dahlias are all about the drama. While you may think  you’ve seen one dahlia, you’ve seen them all, the term ‘dahlia’ actually applies to 42 species and over two thousand sub-varieties and hybrids. From the exotic Firework dahlia, whose petals stand strong and stoic, to the Bitsy dahlia, whose inner petals cloak their center and softly extend outward layer after layer, the endless variations in size, color, and texture are mind-blowing.

 

Why so many blooms under one umbrella?  It all began in 1789, when botanical explorers traveled to Mexico and collected dahlias from their native land.  The original Mexican dahlia spread about 2 inches across with a single set of petals and a central disk or head, similar to a sunflower.  The species was transported to Madrid, where horticultural growers discovered dahlias to be natural and eager hybridizers, and soon dahlias were readily adopting many different colors and sizes.
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Winter Table Runner via Weddingomania

Planning & Inspiration

Berries & Branches: Bringing the Outside In

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Incorporating berries, branches, and greenery into winter celebrations may be one of the oldest decorating traditions, harking back to Pagan winter solstice rituals that even pre-date Christmas. Living in the city, it’s easy to forget the wide range of plants that truly shine in the winter months.  We’ve compiled a list of some popular options for brides looking to bring the spirit of the solstice to their wedding celebration and ceremony with all the beautiful shapes, colors, and textures winter flora has to offer.

Winter Table Runner via Weddingomania

Winter Table Runner via Weddingomania

Ilex Berries

Ilex Berries via Vita Ranunkuler

Ilex Berries via Vita Ranunkler

 

Ilex berries, or winter berries, come from a type of holly native to the Northeast. When the shrub sheds its leaves in late fall, vibrant red berries are revealed along its stem. These clusters of bright spheres have long been associated with winter festivities, and incorporating ilex berries into your winter wedding is a perfect way to invoke the holiday spirit and create a warm, traditional ambiance.
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Danielle Becker

Planning & Inspiration

Interview with Designer Danielle Becker of Lefty’s Right Mind

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Danielle Becker

Danielle Becker

 

Danielle Becker is a mixed media artist and the founder of Lefty’s Right Mind, a design and marketing company that serves to bracket her many talents and services.  Growing up in an artistic household, Danielle Becker was drawn from the very beginning to all types of crafts and traditional mediums.  To this end, her wide array of talents across multiple platforms is rooted in hands-on art making and a commitment to unbound creativity.

From chalk and mirror art, to signage and logo design, to wedding invitations and decor, Danielle’s vast and varied skills allow her to approach events and branding from many angles while always contributing her unique artistic style to any project. We spoke with Danielle about her design process, working with brides & grooms, and the value of the handwritten word in our progressively digital world.
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Anemones / Kristen & Dave / New York Botanical Gardens / Chad David Kraus Photography

Planning & Inspiration

Flower Feature: Anemones

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These charming, vibrant blooms with their signature black center derive their name from the same Greek word meaning “the wind’s daughter.”

Anemones / Kristen & Dave / New York Botanical Gardens / Chad David Kraus Photography

Anemones / Kristen & Dave / New York Botanical Garden / Chad David Kraus Photography

 

Anemones open in the day and close up at night, a unique trait that played a symbolic role in the Greek myth of Aphrodite and her lover Adonis, a mortal.  The story goes that the two lovers would go hunting together in the woods, Adonis chasing game on foot and Aphrodite trailing behind him in her swan-driven chariot. Aphrodite’s ex-lover Aries soon grew jealous of their bond, and while Adonis was out hunting alone, his rival disguised himself as a boar and brutally attacked Adonis with his tusks.  While Adonis fought for his life, he was no match for a god and fell to his death on the forest floor.
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Bridal Bouquet Recipe / Anna & Brian Wedding / Wave Hill Bronx NY / Chellise Michael Photography

Planning & Inspiration

Bouquet Recipe: Whimsical Wildflowers

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Bridal Bouquet Recipe / Anna & Brian / Wave Hill / Chellise Michael Photography

Bridal Bouquet Recipe / Anna & Brian / Wave Hill / Chellise Michael Photography

 

Anna’s magnificent bouquet features an array of beautiful textures and intricate detail, joined together in silvery, matte colors. Flowers include white garden roses, cream O’Hara roses, white and blush Astillbe, and white rice flowers, accented with green thistle, parvifolia eucalyptus, and fresh mini succulent blooms.

Captured beautifully by Chellise Michael at Wave Hill in the Bronx.

Alexandra & Jason / Tribeca Rooftop / Natural Expressions Photography

Planning & Inspiration

The Best Blooms for Winter Weddings

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Alexandra & Jason / Tribeca Rooftop / Natural Expressions Photography

Alexandra & Jason / Tribeca Rooftop / Natural Expressions Photography

 

When we think of winter wedding flowers, we often jump to an all-white color scheme, while in fact there is a wide range of flowers in many colors available in winter to suit any floral design vision.  Amaryllis, Anemones, Orchids, Hydrangeas, and Peonies are some of the most popular winter blooms, as well as many varieties of Roses.

Even if you’re committed to an all-white winter wedding, mixing and matching shades of white can make for a stunning array of tones, textures and shapes, from antique ivories to soft creams to classic white-as-snow.  Silvery accents of Dusty Miller or Silver Brunia make for beautiful finishes for a monochrome winter wonderland look.
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