Ella and Tom's flower story

Tom and Ella’s wedding theme was romantic and botanical. This couple were to be married in the bride’s parents rather grand garden. They wanted plush plants to fit this splendid setting. What a dream for me, a chance to choose some show-off flowers and a studio to prepare the wedding on site.

Hosting the wedding at her parent’s home was an easy choice for Ella, they have the most gorgeous place, great for gatherings. With its box borders and formal beds, there was no doubt this was going to be a plant-lovers event. But to dress this in a romantic style, lots and lots of flowers and foliage, in a freeform design, were required.

Ella wanted an elegant and natural theme. Texture was important too and a sense of drama. We decided on lots of green, in a range of hues and styles, to be complemented with a muted colour palette; dusky pinks, lilacs, ivory and dusky blues – the same colours as the bridesmaids dresses.

King Protea, the national flower of South Africa, gave form and dynamism to the design. The Protea always stands out from the crowd, unusual and striking in looks, beautiful and mysterious in style - a perfect choice for a wedding. And complemented in the bridal bouquet with Blushing Bride Proteas, a more delicate version – with Roses, Larkspars, Astrantia, Scabosia, Sweet Peas and Astilbe – heavenly.

In keeping with the botanical theme, the buttonholes and bridesmaids bouquets were foliage-only, made with Eucalyptus, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Privet, Scabosia seedheads and pale-pink Pepperberries, all loosely tied with mink pink ribbon. The bridesmaids in their dusky dresses adding a subtle elegance to the occasion.

To dress the top table, fairy lights, candles and eternity rings of foliage and flowers, tied loosely and hanging on silk ribbons, created a really romantic scene. Whilst explosions of greenery, suspended on pillars, decorated the guests tables. These striking statement pieces, in mid and dark green, with added moss and succulents, added both drama and elegance. And gasps of admiration.