Proper Weddings: Jess & Jon

This week we have one from the vaults... 

The nuptials of Jess and Jon was one of our early weddings, when we still had other jobs and squeezed in flowers at the weekend - back in August in 2013. 

The pair married at Cambridge Cottage, Kew - home of the delightful (even for a none florist, promise!) Kew Gardens Gallery.  The former private residence is a totally beautiful, intimate venue where botanical drawing line the walls.

Jon and Jess' ceremony took place in the Drawing Room, which looks out over (as you'd expect of Kew) a superbly well maintained lawn and gardens.

 

Chair-back posies lined the aisle for the ceremony.  The bunches, as if 'just-picked', followed the natural, meadow feel of the day and were affixed on to the chairs with raffia. 



Jess and Jon re-purposed these to empty jars, ready and waiting, on the tables.  Re-purposing, like this or between spaces, is a really great way to reduce costs... but make sure there is a well-briefed events team on hand, or some sober ushers!

Once released and moved to the gallery for the Wedding Breakfast next door, the bunches of flowers were placed in amongst their pals - lots of other jars, already set up on the dining tables, meant that the tables had a good fill of flowers.

Summer inspired, yellow was the main colour for all florals, but especially for this sunny bouquet, popping out amongst a palette of warm whites, peaches and soft, grey-greens.  


Rumour has it Jess was wearing show stopping yellow shoes under her floor-length gown...

All photos courtesy of the wonderful (and very fun) Marriane Chua.

Ellie and Ryan

... And some wonderful photos by Hacker Wedding Photography.

This week we were sent the shots of Ellie and Ryan's Islington and Mc Motors wedding. A set which truly captures this lovely couple, their super fun wedding and all the (flattering) debauchery. 

Especially love the shots of the dress up, the boys tramping down Upper Street with their buttonholes, and all the flowers, obviously. 

Visit Hacker's blog to view the full set!  

Festive Wreath Workshop

On a cold, Sunday night in December, we will lead the way and show you how to create a fresh, natural and festive wreath for your front door, fireplace or friend.

We'll provide all the know-how, the tools and the loveliest festive foliage for you to make and take home a really unique Christmas wreath, plus you'll leave with the savvy to do it again!

Just bring yourselves and some coins for a warming mulled wine.

 Where: Stories Bar, Broadway Market

When: December 7th, 6-8pm

How much: £20*

Get Tickets

Advance booking required

*Since we all get to hang out this Christmas, we've decided to donate £5 of your ticket price to the Crisis at Christmas appeal in order to reserve places for the homeless to eat and keep warm at Crisis shelters this Christmas.

How To...Use Your Leftover Pumpkins!

Today we attended our very first networking event, where we had the pleasure of meeting some really great people. Even better, we were asked to bring or talk about something Halloween related (it being that time and all). Of course we turned to the humble pumpkin to inspire some fright night florals. Prolific right now, here's how to use any leftover hollowed pumpkins and turn them into a neat Halloween or Bonfire Night centre piece. Simple as pie...

You will need:

• Oasis (floral foam)
• A pumpkin (hollowed and tops off)
• Some flowers and foliage of choice, sturdy stems suit Oasis best, in general
• Scissors (florist's preferably)

 First, soak your oasis by popping it into a sink full of water. Let it sink on its own, that's it soaking all the water up - be patient, do not push it under the water or it won't soak properly.

Pop some cellophane into the bottom of your pumpkin, you can use the cellophane your flowers are wrapped in, or just a bit of sandwich bag will do.

Cut your Oasis to size, so it fits in the pumpkin but pops out by an inch, so you can fill it with flowers all the way around. 

Cut your stems to the correct height as you go, remember you can cut stems shorter but can't add any height so be cautious. Also, remember you're aiming for a good shape all around - nice and full.

Start building your shape with foliage, it works best to get going with foliage and then add in your flowers later, once you've got a nice idea of your size. Remember to cut all your stems on a slant, and remove any leaves that might go into the Oasis - just nice clean stems go in to drink.

Keep adding, building your shape and turning as you go. Look from above and the sides to make sure you hide all that nasty green Oasis too! 

Your finished product will look fit to burst and good enough to eat. We chose flowers with an Autumnal but bright colour scheme; hydrangea, freesia and alstromeria. 

Happy Halloween!

Most Curious

This Friday evening and Saturday day we are at

 We'd love to see you and show off our florals. 

We're also always happy for a chat, especially any gossip, if you got some. 

There'll be all sorts of good stuff to get you in the wedded mood. 

 

Stop by, say hi and see our stems.

Coming soon

...to a town near you (if that town is London town). 

This Valentine's day we will be offering potted succulents, alongside some (still-to-come news on) other offerings.

 

 Cute and smart and built to last. Plant life. 

After the wedding

When Matt, Jess's brother, married Jen in 2012, Jess and I came together to do the flowers. 

Shortly after, in 2013, One Flew Over was born. 

Jess made this dried flower beauty for Jen, from the original stems of her bridal bouquet, and gave it to her this Christmas.

You see, flowers might be temporal, but they can be lasting.

Happy new year. 

Watch this space.