Artichokes? When I think about them, I immediately think they probably taste horrible because they resemble brussel sprouts. But little did I know that these large green (and sometimes purple) colored vegetables could be used as a unique accent for a wedding? I’m always on the look-out for new and unique items to incorporate into a wedding and I think artichokes just might be it. To me, they resemble succulents which have been my latest obsession. Check out some of the options below on what they look like in bouquets, centerpieces and even as place card holders. I absolutely how dynamic they look next to florals and the dimension of their many layers.

{images - top: bvweddings; middle: blogger brides; bottom: karen mordechai via kellyoshiroevents }

Now this is my kind of wedding! Rosella from Studio Bloom stopped to share some of the florals that she created for Amanda & Kyle’s wedding in Calgary, Alberta. This particular wedding was featured in the July 2009 issue of Avenue Magazine and the images were captured by the very talented Photobolic, based in Calgary (who btw you will hear more about in the near future!). I absolutely adore the reception centerpieces - clear vases of varying sizes, each filled with one type of flower and placed oh so perfectly within the center of the black table runner, which make the colors POP.

Thanks for sharing Studio Bloom!

{images by Photobolic}

I know that when I was intially choosing my florals for the wedding, I felt lost among all the choices. What’s in season? What colors do I want? Small? Medium? Large blooms? Scented? With so many choices out there, it’s always nice to have some preliminary help. I just came across the “wedding flower finder” over at Real Simple Weddings and found it a pretty nice general overview of what options are out there for you based a couple of questions. Hope it helps!

I love the work of A. Hana Design in San Fransisco, particularly this lovely floral set below. If you have the time today and you love all things beautiful, be sure to check out their portfolio for more inspiration.

{images from A. Hana Design}

Lily of the Valley
smell: woodsy, yet romantic
month: available year-round but it’s name associates it with the month of may
downfall: costly

It can also be use in small quantities to spice up your bouquet:

{images (clockwise from top left): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

I came across a nice list of wedding flowers and their hidden symbolic meanings over at Real Simple Weddings and thought it would be worthwhile to share. What flowers are you choosing for your bouquet?

As of now, my choice bouquet will include ivory roses, Cymbidium green orchids and green hypericum berries.
What does that mean? LOVE, BEAUTY, PURITY & INNOCENCE (hmm!)

Amaranthus: Constancy and fidelity
Amaryllis: Pride, pastoral beauty
Anemone: Abandonment, forsakenness, sincerity, fragility
Chrysanthemum: Happiness and long life
Chrysanthemum (White): Truth
Chrysanthemum (Yellow): Secret admirer
Chrysanthemum (Red): Love
Daffodil (a.k.a. Narcissus): Respect, good fortune, chivalry, unrequited love
Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, purity
Forget-Me-Not: Faithful love and memory, true love
Iris: Faith and wisdom, inspiration
Ivy: Fidelity, wedded love, affection
Lilac: First love
Lily: Purity and sweetness
Lily of the Valley: Renewed happiness and humility
Orchid: Love and beauty
Peony: Happiness and prosperity
Rose (Red): Love and desire
Rose (White): Purity and innocence
Sweet Pea: Departure
Tulip: True love
Violet: Modesty
Zinnia: Thoughts of friends, thoughts of absent friends

{image: nicolette camille floral design}

I have a new found obsession with peonies! I’ve got some in my backyard and I’m impatiently waiting for them to bloom. I love how a  simple collection of a few peonies can make a beautiful bouquet or centerpiece!

{images from the knot.com - 1, 2, 3}

As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of Etsy and love the personal touches of handmade items. I still remember posting about a beaded bouquet that I thought was amazing, so  I thought it would be nice to talk to the innovator behind the creation & BeadFlora on Etsy. Fen is a regular reader of Wedding Obsession, and I thought it would be great to show you some of her most recent work!

How did you get started on this beading venture on etsy? (i.e. what got you interested in beading?)

I’m a self taught artist and started French beaded flowers in the tradition of French artisans in 2002. While following tradition, I like to add my own twists and make accessories, hair adornments, and jewelry with the French techniques. I enjoy the process of creating and getting a product at the end is so rewarding. However, I didn’t feel that my work was good enough to sell until the past year… I started my shop on Etsy last year and named it Bead Flora and Jewels.

Beads have always captured my attention, even as a child. I remember going to my cousin’s house and being mesmerized by the strand of pearls they hung on a nail on the wall. I would take it and run my hands over each bead like a Buddhist monk with prayer beads. There’s just something innate in me that’s attracted to them… I don’t know why. Now, I have enough seed beads to fill a store.

beaded shoe clips

How long does it normally take for you to make one creation?

The time that it takes me to make a creation depends on what I’m making. My hair fascinators will take a couple of hours while a bouquet will take months. Approx. 3 to 6 months…

Do you take custom orders?

Yes, I love custom orders. It’s the collaboration of ideas and I make things that I would not have come up with myself. It’s great fun.

{images courtesy BeadFlora}

Here’s some designs by my favorite designer, Elie Saab, for Pronovias. So romantic…

Orion

Vulcans

Norma

{images: pronovias.com}

Plenty of bouquet inspirations from New York Bridal Market!

{images: collection 1: Zimbio + collection 2: Brides.com}