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Wednesday 20 April 2016

Proper Weddings: Hannah and Dave

We've had a spate of enquiries recently for September weddings.  And although it seems a tad mad to be looking forward to the end of summer already, we bloody love September blooms so thought this would be an excellent opportunity to share Hannah and Dave's wedding from last year.


The couple's ceremony and reception took place at Trinity Buoy Wharf; an absolutely breathtaking former chainstore, with its very own lighthouse, situated on the banks of the River Thames and Bow Creek.

Hannah and Dave are big fans of greenery and nature, and therefore favoured a seasonal, foliage heavy vibe. 



The bridal flowers were to be a 'just picked' style of whites, creams and greens, with tons of texture.  

For Hannah's bouquet, and her maid's slightly smaller hand-ties, we used the most glorious white Japanese anemone, nigella, scabious and cosmos (stars of the season), astrantia and wax flower for smaller floral interest, white lisianthus for their wild buds, freesias for their creaminess and scent, and autumn eucalyptus and silver mimosa for textured foliage.


The bouquets were tied neatly with a neutral, white fabric.  No shiny ribbon here!



At the request of Dave, the buttonholes were in the style of tiny posies, including rosemary, scabious seed heads and berries, and then finished off with white and blue striped twine.


The wedding took place on a warm and bright September day. For the ceremony at Trinity Buoy Wharf, the enormous industrial doors were opened and the rows of chairs and registrar's table were set up so guests faced out over the river. 
*Sigh*.

We lined the aisles with groups of amber and clear glass bottles filled with the same ingredients as the bridal flowers, as well as  guelder rose, alchemilla, cosmos, dill, oregano and weigela.


Following the ceremony, the room lay out was rearranged for dinner into rows of wooden trestle tables, on which the aisle bottles were re-purposed. 


Hannah and David were very conscious of how large and industrial Trinity Buoy Wharf can be, so were keen to use flowers and foliage to make the venue more intimate.

We softened sparse areas of white brick with more assorted bottles,  and with branches of hanging foliage. 


We also installed a large foliage backdrop above a hire Chesterfield three piece to designate a cosy sit - down zone.


September might see summer drawing to a close, but it also sees in some lovely blooms. 

All photos taken by the excellent McKinley Rodgers Film & Photography.

Wednesday 13 April 2016

Houseplant of the Month: April

Houseplants: like the perfect man... long lasting, great looking and low maintenance.  
What is not to love?  

Which is why the Flower Council of Holland are continuing their Houseplant of the Month Campaign throughout 2016.  Each month they have chosen their favourite Houseplant and given a ton of information on the history and uses of the plant, how to choose a nice healthy one, and how to take proper good care of it.

We thought we'd do you all a favour and follow their lead, condensing the info in our own monthly feature.  
In the fourth part of this year's series...

April : Peperomia

So called because it supposedly resembles its pepper cousin, the Peperomia plant hails from the rainforests of Central and South America and therefore is perfect for a bit of tropical flair in the home.



There is a huge variety of Peperomia.  The most familiar variety - the Peperomia Obtusifolia - can be recognised by its rounded and fleshy leaves, while the Peperomia Caperata has ribbed leaves. 

There is even a type nicknamed 'Happy Bean' (real name: ‘Green Split’), which is said to resemble green beans.



These fellas have semi-succulent properties, which means they can store water in their juicy stems and leaves.  Perfect if you are the type to forget to water your houseplants regularly!  

But don't neglect them completely - a good watering once a week or so will do.  And maybe give them a little plant food treat once a month too.



Keep your Peperomia plant in a lovely light spot, but out of direct sunlight.  And during the summer, you can always let it have a little holiday in the garden or balcony.



These are an excellent and super fun choice for a terrarium, or little rock garden too.

Also, if anyone can track down these dead sweet dragonfly pots for us, we'll love you forever.