Jennifer’s Inspirational Paperversary
As I’ve stated in so many of these blog posts, anniversary gifts and wedding bouquet recreations are perhaps my favorite projects of all. I’ve built up quite a catalog over the past two years, and I consider myself a bit of a specialist in this field now. (If there is to be one, then I think I qualify!) Not only do I love to collaborate on a great surprise, but I get the honor to create a meaningful gift that helps two people relive one of the best days of their lives. What could be better?
Since I’ve been sharing more of these projects, I’ve started working with more brides on their replicas—either as anniversary gifts to their husbands, as joint gifts, or even as gifts to their mothers (I’ll share one of those soon!).
And this makes sense! Brides spend a lot of time picking out all the little details that go into their florals, and they only get to enjoy them for a few hours—if that!
As Jennifer put it:
“Flowers were pretty much our only decorations at the wedding and whenever I envisioned the day I just saw the flowers, and of course it was the only part of the day I couldn’t actually keep forever. So this is a complete dream come true!”
Wedding bouquet photos by Shawon Davis Photography, provided by client
One of the unexpected side perks of these projects for me is the endless supply of floral inspiration. I’m either discovering new blooms or trying distinctive mixes and color combinations that I might not have thought up or observed in my Virginia growing climate. It’s been a blessing for my growth as a designer.
Jennifer’s project is an excellent example of this effect. I have admired the entire David Austin bridal collection for years—I get the catalogs! But unless you are a professional florist or in the wedding industry, chances are, you’re not stumbling upon these stems at the market. So when Jennifer first sent me her photos, I was thrilled! Not only loaded with traditional roses, hydrangea, beautiful variegated pittosporum, and dusty miller, her bouquet featured a real belle of the ball—the Constance garden rose!
Since it was my first time making this particular variety, I dug into research studying all of the stages of its bloom and variations. I opted to use the fullest, most lush blooms for her piece because I thought they balanced out the smaller blush roses that were in the mix. I also focused on the vanilla-toned centers and brighter pink guard petals to add more contrast to the overall composition. These beauties are the stars, but this way, every bloom in the bunch brings something to the table!
“They’re perfect!!! It seriously looks JUST like my flowers! My bouquet was full and the roses were very blossomed so yours are right on!”
—Jennifer
These flowers were important to Jennifer, and I’m so thrilled that she is equally in love with her paper version. She messaged me right away with:
“It’s beautiful! Thank you so much! I love it and my husband also said it was gorgeous, just amazing! We’re just blown away! Worth every penny!”
And in case these roses look a bit familiar, they should! I loved making them so much for Jennifer I set aside my prototypes as inspiration for Valentine’s Day. Now you too can enjoy their everlasting fluffiness with stems of your own! Find them in any of the bundles that include At First Blush, available while supplies last.
