Holy guacamole.
I cannot believe we’ve officially entered the roaring 20’s. I for one am pumped. There’s something so fabulously refreshing about starting a new year, but a new decade?! Color me excited and ready to charleston my way into my third decade of life and third full year of being a wedding photographer. If I was the kind of gal to throw around colloquialisms like #blessed, you bet your bottom dollar I would be #blessing myself all over the place.
Reflecting upon this incredible, crazy, dizzying 2019 Chicago wedding season, there’s one vision I can’t get out of my head every time I close my eyes: the flowers. Guys, the flowers. Bouquets, in particular.
The thirty five amazing women who made up my bridal squad in 2019 are all very different from each other, but they all had one thing in common: one heck of a fierce bouquet game and incredibly talented florists.
I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorites (which was impossible) and loosely categorized them in hopes of helping all brides-to-be nail down their dream wedding flower vision as they enter the exciting and sometimes overwhelming world of wedding planning!
Here we go, Chicago brides!
Wild Flowers Galore: Relaxed organic
We may be in the city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the wild flower bouquet of your dreams.
Jessica and Geoffrey’s amaaaaazing Firehouse Chicago wedding last July was whimsical, personal, yet elegant and so, so them (you can relive the day with me on their blog post). Jessica’s wildflower bouquet perfectly represented the overall feel of their wedding day: romantic, laid back, colorful, fun and ultimately gorgeous. Their florist, Kathy Kane of Your Vase or Mine described the style as being “relaxed organic” and really listened to Jessica’s vision, executing it flawlessly. Her use of big sunflower offset by dozens of colorful wildflowers and lush greenery came together in one big giant ball of fabulousness (not a word, but stick with me here). Obsessed.
Bonus Tip: Your flowers help tell your story. Kathy clued me in on so many touching sentimental details that were incorporated. Blues and oranges were included as a nod to the U of I (their alma mater) and Jessica had saved all the vases that came with the flowers Geoff had sent her during their courtship and they were used for the reception decor. Okay. Cue the tears.
Venue: Firehouse Chicago
Florist: Your Vase or Mine
wildflowers:wild and natural rustic boho bouquet
Brea and Ernie’s late-summer rustic, garden wedding called for lush blooms and holy smokes, did Sunnyside Drive Flowers of Crowne Point, IN deliver the goods! The fall hues with the last of summer’s abundant foliage was an intoxicating combination.
Brea’s bouquet was seriously a heart stealer and she describes her vision best: “ I knew I wanted the bouquets to look natural and wild and I wanted them to fit with our rustic sort of "boho" backyard wedding - lots of greenery with a natural and loose look, not all tightly put together or perfectly formed. It had to fit with Ernie and I, with our lovely mess of a story and personalities. Laura, our amazing florist only uses flowers she grows so all bouquets and centerpieces, etc., are at the whims of Mother Nature and whatever would be growing at the time. I wasn't picky with wanting specific flowers so I just gave her my ideas, our theme and color scheme, some photos of bouquets I liked, and she worked her magic. I also gave Laura complete creative control with the bouquets which not every bride has to do. But because of this, I had no idea what the bouquets were going to look like and didn't see them until the day of the wedding. I'm sure this would be totally anxiety inducing for some brides, but I liked that element of surprise and I trusted that she would do a great job. We also loved being able to support a local business and that using fresh, local flowers was sustainable and economical - wins all around!”
Bonus Tip: Find a florist who gets you. Trusting your vendors is everything! From your wedding photographer to the florist to the DJ, make sure you show them your true self and stress what is most important to you. It’s our job to bring your vision to life so finding people you like, trust and are excited to be working with will land you amazing results!
Florist: Sunnyside Drive Flowers, Crown Point, IN
where the wild things are bouquet
Paige and Carl’s early fall “Where the Wild Things Grow” themed wedding definitely called for wildflower splendor. Paige’s stunning bouquet by Andrew’s Garden paired perfectly with her beautiful cascading flowered braid. Heaven.
Tonya, owner of Andrew’s Garden says, “Paige’s bouquet was designed with a loose, natural and woodland feel in mind. Her colors were dusty pink, dusty blue, sage and lilac. We are known for our use of premium roses that open big and wide with layers luxurious petals. In Paige’s bouquet, we included gorgeous roses, astilbe, scabiosa, thistle and eucalyptus along with a variety of other seasonal flowers, greenery and textural elements so that it looks like a freshly gathered fall bouquet.”
Bonus Tip: Your bouquet ties it all together. Paige’s bridesmaids looked gorgeous in their mismatched but complementary soft colors and Andrew’s Garden nailed tying those in with her bouquet. This couple was all about having a relaxed, whimsical wedding day which was perfectly reflected in her florals!
Florist: Andrew’s Garden
Summer in the city: romantic summer bridal bouquets
There is something so heady and sensual about late summer; the air is thick and everything moves just that little bit slower. The earth is in full bloom and life is oh, so very sweet. This should absolutely be reflected in your bouquet! I was lucky enough to photograph multiple bouquets last summer that were simply bursting with romance.
And I mean…..wow. Melanie’s gorgeous bouquet created by Kasha of KH Flower Designs was truly a show stopper.
She and Dave were married at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on a steamy day in July and her bouquet was truly a celebration of this all-too-fleeting time of year. Kasha was inspired, not only by the season, but by the bride herself. Kasha wanted Melanie's soft and calm personality reflected in the bouquet, with soft whites, ivories and blush hues paired with a feminine ribbon. She drew inspiration from Melanie’s beautiful soft features and chose classic, romantic summer blooms including regular, spray and garden roses, all of them very open (open roses always gives a “garden feel” to the bouquet, perfect for her outdoor wedding), dahlias, white scabiosa, ranunculus and some seasonal fillers and mixed green foliage.
Kasha “wanted the bouquet to be light and airy” and also paid special attention to complimenting the stunning lace in Melanie’s dress.
Bonus Tip: Clue your florist into your wedding details in order for the bouquet to tie everything together. Everything from the time of year to the romantic outdoor ceremony to the lacework in Melanie’s dress was represented in her bouquet. And the results? I mean. Gorgeous.
Florist: Flowers by KH
Linda’s fabulous bouquet (above) was created by the amazing Dayna of Toss the Bouquet Weddings. Her late August wedding at the lovely Cress Creek Country Club was the perfect back drop for a romantic summer wedding. The subtle blush hues in Linda’s dress was echoed in her lush bouquet and I just couldn’t get enough.
Bonus Tip: Let your bouquet reflect the romance of the day. Take away the fanfare, the crazy party and all of the minute details carefully planned and executed and remember that this day is about you two coming together to become family. It doesn’t get more romantic than that, for Pete’s sake. I adore Toss the Bouquet Wedding’s romantic touch.
Florist: Toss the Bouquet Weddings
classic white bridal bouquet
It’s a classic for a reason. There’s something oh so lovely about a classic white bouquet on a wedding day. This season I had the pleasure of photographing several of these beauties and I just can’t pick my favorite! Here’s a mash up of some gorgeous inspiration:
Karen’s bouquet: Paper White Floral Designs
unique bouquet: splashes of color and personality
While a classic white bouquet is always going to be lovely, there is something so fun about injecting a little color and/or drama in your bouquet in order to reflect a miriad of elements: your personality, your wedding colors, a hue that’s significant to your love story (a-la Jess and Geoff’s U of I color selection), etc! Here are some stunning examples from this past year:
Ashlie’s bouquet: Romance in Blooms
Alex L’s bouquet: Wedding Flower Lady
Alex U’s bouquet: Redberry Floral Designs
Marta’s bouquet: Details in Bloom
Mary’s bouquet: Yanni Design Studio
As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to planning out your dream bouquet. I think the most important aspect is to find a florist you love working with, who gets you and can help you fully shape and realize your vision! I have dozens of bouquets I’m going to photograph this 2020 season and I cannot wait to see what you all come up with <3!