Ufton Court always provides the perfect setting for summer weddings. Nestled in the gorgeous grounds, the barn, house and gardens always provide the most stunning backdrop to a summer wedding. Becky and Josh married at Ufton Court under the blazing August sun, with a vision of soft, romantic English blooms. As a florist, working at Ufton Court is always a delight, and Becky and Josh's wedding was no exception. Their vision for the day was blush, whites with hints of stronger corals.
Becky approached us with a mood board that perfectly captured her floral dreams. The color palette was a delightful blend of blush and warm peach—a refreshing twist on the classic blush theme that has graced our floral studio and Pinterest boards for some time. While we adore blush, there's something truly special about working with some of our favorite roses (David Austin Juliette, anyone?) and combining them with the bounty of summer.
Becky's bouquet was filled with a medley of our favorites, including those exquisite David Austin Juliette roses, a mix of Quicksand and Azore spray roses, and those perfect David Austin Juliette's. We added a touch of sweet peas, some Queen Anne's lace for that dreamy, airy texture, veronica for a relaxed countryside feel, and eustoma because the peach variety is simply perfection.
The close-up reveals all the feathery, delicate details that are essential for creating a loose, garden-style bouquet. To achieve that effortlessly gathered appearance, we follow a rule of at least 10 varieties of flowers. Some may think that's a lot, but it's the secret to avoiding a stiff, uniform look.
The bridesmaids walked down the aisle holding equally beautiful bouquets, with a playful hint of coral to complement their dresses. Here's a pro tip: consider reusing the bridesmaids' bouquets as additional decor during the reception. This trick works wonders, especially if you have a long top table. Your florist can leave out some vases for your bridesmaids to place the bouquets in after the formal photographs, ensuring your flowers go the extra mile!
Now, let's talk about the boutonnieres, or should we say, the fancy boutonnieres! The gentlemen wore Sweet Vuvuzela roses, elegantly arranged with fragrant eucalyptus leaves and tied off with luxurious satin ribbon. We believe that the finishing touch matters, so there's no plastic tape here—only satin or silk for that touch of luxury.
Carey Baptist Church, nestled in the heart of Reading, has been the backdrop for several weddings within its congregation, and we've been honored to provide the floral magic for a few of them. The church's vast and imposing exterior gives way to a softer, more inviting interior, despite the slightly challenging peach carpet. With a spacious seating area above and a large stage for the service, we framed the stage with two magnificent floral pedestals that later found their way to Ufton Court.
While we regrettably didn't capture images of the table decor, imagine miniature glass lanterns adorned with flowers, placed on rustic log slices to add to the rustic charm of Becky and Jack's big day. However, we did manage to snap a picture of the cake—a true statement piece adorned with all the flower
How are you all coping? Half the time I'm not even sure what day we are on, and I suppose it doesn't really matter. After a little emotional stumble in the week I remembered that Saturday is my work day. I've been counting down the hours until I get to sit at my 'new work desk' in our house. Okay the work doesn't look like it used to - its not snipping stems, or arranging flowers, but its some time to spend on my business every week.
One of the things I've missed most is arranging my flowers. I probably didn't appreciate at the time just how much joy this skill has brought me. We don't have much in our garden at this time of year but I will be hosting a Easter Wreath Tutorial next week. In the meantime I thought I'd pick up another passion of mine - drawing. It's a skill that has been much neglected over the years but in these (queue Covid-19 catchword) strange and uncertain times its a quick easy medium I've been reaching for. I thought this week instead of my usual virtual bunch of flowers to you, that you might like a bunch of anemones you can colour in yourself. It has tied in nicely for me to learn how to create some digital art (although very primitive) a skill I've been meaning to spend some time on for about 8 years.
You can download a PDF version of the artwork here: ANEMONE
If you decide to either colour on a digital device, or perhaps get your hands dirty and reach for the watercolours I'd love to see your images, so please email them to me emma@greenparlour.com
As we are unable to deliver actual flowers due to the current government restrictions, I still wanted to be able to share a little floral love so over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some virtual bunches with you all. This is one of my favourites from a few weeks ago filled with anemones, tulips, lilac, ranunculus and guelder rose. all loosely plonked together in a ceramic urn. You'll be delighted to know I filmed the making of this and will share it with you all soon.
Y
Hey there! I’ve had so many new followers over the past few weeks (thank you all, feeling grateful that you want to join me in this floral world) so I thought why not hop over to the blog and write 10 more facts about the woman behind the blooms – me of course! Flowers are a huge part of my life, but there are a few other things I get up to, and some personal quirks that I thought you’d love to know about me. If you missed my 10 fun facts a few years ago, you can check it out here.
Today I am sharing with you one of my favourite floristry tutorials - my ultimate jam jar flower tutorial. There is nothing better than decorating your home with little arrangements. They are my favourite thing to whip together when I have people coming over - versatile, simple to make (when you know how) AND perfect for using little bits from the garden. I'm sharing with you my tips for arranging a trio of jam jars with seasonal flowers. This is a must read post if you want a simple, floristry DIY that always looks amazing.
So, you’re thinking about becoming a florist? Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic (and all-consuming) world of flowers! I genuinely adore my career, but let me tell you, it’s not something you can do without a deep love for it. I’ve been lucky enough to work in floristry since I was 16, and my passion has only grown. However, there are a few things I wish I’d known before diving in. If you’re considering this path, read on to discover my top three favourite things about being a florist!
Are you about to delve into the world of wedding planning?
I’m guessing you’ve set up some Pinterest boards for inspiration, and there are at least two relating to DIY’ing your wedding flowers. I’m not about to bash DIY weddings, but I am going to share with you 3 reasons WHY you should hire a professional wedding florist and why it could actually SAVE you money.
Carlie and her partner tied the knot at the end of May, the perfect time for a wedding in a garden bursting with the colours of summer. With the Chelsea Flower Show fresh in our minds, it's the time of year when floral inspiration is at its peak, and everyone’s thinking about flowers! If I were to marry again, May would be my month – when peonies are at their best, delphiniums are in full bloom, and sweet peas are making their fragrant debut.
Carlie’s brief was a riot of colour whilst keeping to a tonal palette – vibrant blues, whites, oranges, and a hint of zesty green. The theme? A rustic country garden vibe, as if the flowers had been freshly picked and tied with raffia. It was the perfect season for this bold and beautiful palette!
For Carlie's wedding, we focused on the personal flowers – the ones that make a real impact. She had a stunning bouquet, two for her bridesmaids, and buttonholes for both the men and women. Personal flowers are a key element in setting the tone for your day, and if you’re working with a tight budget, they’re a great area to invest in. When funds are limited, I always suggest spending a little extra on your personal flowers and then enlisting family and friends to help with table decorations and other floral elements.
Carlie’s bridal bouquet was a stunning mix of delphinium, stocks, thistles, tanacetum, alchemilla mollis, butterfly flowers, sweet peas, veronica, and campanula, all beautifully tied with a rustic raffia bow. The combination of blues, whites, and pops of zesty green created the perfect country garden feel.
The bridesmaids' bouquets were simpler but equally charming, using blues and whites to tie in with their navy dresses. We incorporated stocks, delphiniums, scilla, alchemilla mollis, a touch of orange butterfly flower, and plenty of white sweet peas. Like the bridal bouquet, these were finished with raffia for that rustic, country garden look.
I’ve mentioned men's boutonnieres a lot in the past, but I’ll keep it brief – if you’re after a true country wedding feel, mismatched boutonnieres are a must. Forget the uniform, formal look and opt for something more laidback, with each boutonniere having its own unique charm. Carlie took this advice and had the men wear individual boutonnieres, each with its own mix of tones and textures, tied with string or ribbon, adding to the rustic elegance of the day.
Your personal flowers, including the bridal bouquet and the bridesmaids' bouquets, are one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. They set the tone and style, and they’re often the first thing guests notice. Investing in your personal flowers is a great way to ensure that your wedding feels cohesive and beautifully coordinated. If you're on a budget, focusing on your personal flowers and having family help with other arrangements is a smart option.
If you're interested in a more tailored floral experience, be sure to check out my A La Carte service for more options to suit your vision and budget.
