Scarlet+Citrine: A Winning Combination

At the beginning of June I did a post featuring some fun color combination, one of which was scarlet and citrine.  Jill, a close family friend actually renewed her vows with her husband, Mike, of 25 years a few weeks later and used this gorgeous summery palette for her ceremony!  My sister-the-floral-designer did all of the floral arrangements for her, using white daisies, yellow roses, and red hypericum berries.  Jill submitted her photos to show EB readers how pretty this color combo can be! Enjoy!

The altar featuring not only the lovely floral arrangements, but also the couples original unity candle, napkins, and matchbook from their wedding day!

The bridal bouquet

A Case for What May Possibly Be the Best Flower Ever

My sister, Lindsay-the-floral-designer has taught me many floral-related things over the years, and so I've decided to take some of her sage wisdom and do a post on the many reasons why carnations (yes carnations!) make fabulous wedding flowers.  Like many of you, I used to have negative "bad prom corsage" connotations associated with carnations, however, my smart sis taught me that carnations may actually be the perfect wedding flower.  And here's why...

1. They're inexpensive.  Peonies typically run about $6/ stem, roses run about $3/stem, and carnations are about $1/stem.  That's adds up to be a huge difference.
2. They're non-toxic.  Meaning if your 3 year old flowergirl accidentally stops for a snack while dropping flowers down the aisle, it's perfectly fine!
3. They come in a ton of natural colors. As in over 30.
4. They have texture.  They have a great ruffle-y texture similar to peonies, lisianthus, or roses.
5. They smell nice.  Because it's important to smell good on your wedding day.
6. They are always in season.  You don't have to worry about them being next to impossible to get and ridiculously expensive if your getting married in say, January.
7. They take up a lot of space because they're a decent size.  Which means not only are they cheap, but you also use less of them.
8. They last forever.  Ok, not forever but definitely through the ceremony, the reception, and beyond!
9. They can easily be mixed with other flowers. Which means you can still have peonies or calla lilies or hydrangeas but you will save money without sacrificing the design look.
10. They have universal appeal. They pretty much work for whatever type of wedding your having- elegant or casual, indoor or outdoor because of their versatility.

Take a look below at some gorgeous carnation arrangements and see that I'm not lying!

Eat Drink Pretty

Over the Rainbow

I can't believe Ethereal Bride has been up and running for almost three months and this is only my first feature on flowers!!  You see, I am not the only wedding minded person in my house.  My sister has been a floral designer for over six years and so, through her great floral wisdom, I have learned quite a bit over the years.  (Check out the floral creations she designed for this wedding!) So, here is EB's first flower feature, showing gorgeous, colorful bridal bouquets!  Enjoy!

Red

Red Lion Amaryllis, Amazon Roses and Chinaberries

Neil & Natalie Part II: Simple Elegance and Hockey Sticks

Neil and Natalie's autumn wedding was simply classic.  A chic black and white color palette with a dramatic pop of red from the bouquets.  From the beginning she knew that she wanted her wedding to be unique, something that you don't see all the time. She chose to have her theme be "black and white, simple and elegant".  They also decided to incorporate Neil's love of hockey (Go Hawks!) into their photographs because he, along with three out of the four groomsmen, play hockey together on an area men's league team.  When it came to fashion, her girlfriends made her try on a bunch of gowns, but she instantly knew her gorgeous Maggie Sottero style was the one.  Her Bill Levkoff bridesmaid dresses were very flattering and elegant.  She figured, "if they're going to spend money on this dress, it should be cute and wearable for other events. I also chose not to shower my wedding with flowers. I know most girls want tons of flowers and color.  But I like to stand out and be different, and that's what I did by only having flowers for the bouquets and boutonnieres".  One of Natalie's favorite parts of her wedding was the photographer.  "I looked at different area photographer's work online.  When I came across Joshua's portfolio it made me cry! And I thought to myself, if his online work makes me cry then imagine what he can do for my wedding?!  I had to have him at any price.  Best decision I could have made- pictures last a life time, so never go cheap!"  Neil and Natalie were married on lovely but rainy Friday, September 25th, 2009 and currently reside in Chicago's western suburbs with their beloved dogs, Milo and Diesel. 

Vendor Info

Ceremony Location: The Gaslight Chapel in North Aurora, Illinois

Reception Location:  The Lincoln Inn in Batavia, Illinois

Wedding Gown:  Maggie Sottero style "Capri Royale", purchased at The Crystal Bride in Geneva, Illinois

Maids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff, purchased at The Crystal Bride in Geneva, Illinois

Bride's and Maids' Hair: Dana Holakovsky at Splendor Salon and Spa in Chicago, Illinois

Bride's Makeup:  Mystique Salon and Spa

Floral Designer: Lindsay Rice

Photographer: Joshua Albanese Photography, located in Chicago, Illinois

            

-Alessandra