You know you don't live in Louisville anymore when people get married on Derby Day.  Fortunately, our part was done in time for the race.

The bride's bouquet was a hand tied mix of pink peonies, ivory garden roses, light pink roses and ivory spray roses.  Approx. cost, $170-$185.

The couple was married under the gazebo at The Atrium, and we decorated with a lush fern garland and overhead spray roses, snapdragons and larkspur in shades of pink and cream.  Approx. price for floral spray, $95-$110.

The aisle was adorned with pomander balls made from pink carnations, and hung from the chairs.  Approx. price, $20-$30 each.

This is a sample we made for the Butler Country Club's bridal open house.  There were about eight white garden roses and about six stems of purple lilacs.  It may be the most beautifully fragrant bouquet we've ever made.

One of the cool things about Greystone Fields is just how versatile the room is.  We've done a number of weddings there, and each time the room seems to adapt itself to the decor.  In one of our recent weddings, our bride wanted some very earthy, organic elements at her place settings and for decorations.  Our bride put a lot of effort into room decorations

The bride carried a hand tied bouquet of orange flame mini calla lilies (approx. price $120-$135).  Orange flame is very similar to mango, and is great for summer or autumn weddings.  The red edges and bright orange flowers pop against the light green stems, and the characteristic shape of each flower gives the bouquet a unique look.  Bridesmaids carried simple arm bouquets of several white calla lilies ($20-$30 each).

Centerpieces were composed of multiple elements, placed on a moss mat and accented with a green votive candle.  One of the floral elements was a cylinder vase filled with Bells of Ireland and dried twigs, with lily grass swirled inside the vase.  A second element was an orb of Kermit pomps perched on top of a shorter cylinder vase, with an aspidistra leaf wrapped inside.  The third element was a low bowl of orange roses and Kermit pomps, inserted into moss.

For the final element of the centerpiece, our bride made table number holders from twigs with dried leaves, and named each table for a type of plant.

The head table was adorned with three large bowls of orange roses, Kermit pomps and votive candles inserted into moss, sitting on a bed of moss and eucalyptis.  Vases of Bells of Ireland identical to those in the centerpieces were placed at each end of the head table.

Guests were greeted by a large orb of white carnations with placecards radiating outward, all resting on a bed of moss.  The driver was so thrilled to be transporting the carnation orb!

We've been a part of a number of other weddings at Greystone Fields, and we'll be posting more from those in the future.

The vast majority of bridal and bridesmaid bouquets we make these days are hand tied bouquets.  We make real hand-tied bouquets, not flowers in a holder dressed up to look hand tied, so when we wrap the stems, we're adding decoration and personalization, we're not hiding something.  We've shown you hundreds of pictures of the fronts and tops of our bouquets, now we're going to show you a few of the bottoms.

On a simple wrap, we sometimes add an adornment, such as a brooch, a charm, or an heirloom rosary which has been in the family for generations.  Below is an example of an initial brooch from a recent wedding.  This is more common on bouquets made from roses or mixed flowers having a very round top, where the adornment can be worked into and supported by the flowers.  This brooch was attached to a mixed bouquet of hydrangea and roses.

The rosary and memorial photographs below are from the bridal bouquets of two sisters, married four months apart last year.  We were honored to be part of both of their weddings.

Sometimes the simple wrap ends with just a soft bow and flowing tails, for a very soft look when the bridesmaids come down the aisle.

One of the most classic wraps we have is a simple ribbon wrap, finished its entire length with pearl headed pins.  This is a very clean look, and is beautiful on bouquets where you see a lot of the wrap, such as this bouquet of mini calla lilies.

One favorite is our tuxedo twist, where the ends of the ribbon are formed into a little bow-tie, and finished with a cluster of pearl headed pins.  Again, this is most common where the bow tie is part of the finishing for a more rounded bouquet.  This bouquet was all roses and stephanotis.

For an elegant look, many brides choose a ballet braid.  A simple acetate wrap, finished with pearls, is overlain with a chiffon ribbon wrap braided like a ballet dancer ties her shoes.  The chiffon overlay matches or complements the colors of the bouquet.

We've even done some "twists" on the braid, using a thin ribbon, or finishing with a soft bow and trailing streamers.

Not every wrap is ribbon, either.  We've used natural elements such as raffia, pieces of the dresses, or pieces from the mother's wedding dress.  If you're interested in some very personal touches to your bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, please ask us for ideas (or bring some of your own) when you meet with us.  The stem wraps are easy to overlook when planning, but can be so personal on your wedding day that they are unforgettable.

Our bouquet this time is a lush hand-tied bouquet of pink peonies, pink roses and pink spray roses.  This combination produced a soft, Victorian look, classic and timeless.  Approximate price, $145-$160.  Bouquet photo courtesy of Creative Imagez Photography Studio.

The stems were wrapped with a simple ribbon, and for a personal touch, a brooch of the bride's initial was attached to the ribbon.

The bridesmaids carried hand tied bouquets made of white hydrangea, pink roses, pink spray roses and lavender waxflower (approximate price $65-$75).

As with the bridal bouquet, each bridesmaid's bouquet was adorned with a brooch of her initial.

Centerpieces were made from the same flowers as the bridesmaids' bouquets, in rectangular glass vases surrounded by pink rose petals.  The reception was held at Westwood Golf Club.  Westwood was private, but is now a public course and the banquet facilities are now available to everyone.  Vickie sets a beautiful table, as you can see below.  Centerpiece photo courtesy of Creative Imagez.

This is also the wedding where we first met Hoffer's Video Productions, who as it turns out, live practically right across the street from our shop.  Funny how we had to go to Munhall to meet neighbors in our small town!

Our bouquet this time is a lush hand-tied bouquet of pink peonies, pink roses and pink spray roses.  This combination produced a soft, Victorian look, classic and timeless.  Approximate price, $145-$160.  Bouquet photo courtesy of Creative Imagez Photography Studio.

The stems were wrapped with a simple ribbon, and for a personal touch, a brooch of the bride's initial was attached to the ribbon.

Today we delivered perhaps our most unique bridal bouquet to date.  Yup, that's it below--a potted gerbera daisy.  Considering the ceremony and reception were held at The Atrium, a former nursery and greenhouse, it fit perfectly.  In the background, you can see the gazebo and chairs set up for the outdoor ceremony.

Adding a personal touch to their reception, the couple labeled each table with the name of a favorite author.  Shown below is the Robert Frost table.  Apparently coffee was not served because there was no T.S. Elliot table.  Finishing each table was a funky mound of lime green fuji mums in a black wok bowl (approximate price, $35-$45 each).

Lots of couples plant a tree when they are married, to mark the passing of the years and the growing strength of their relationship.  We do need to point out that gerbera daisies are annual plants, and the couple shouldn't read too much into it when the plant doesn't sprout again next year.

Our featured flowers this time feature a combination of colors--light blue hydrangea, green pomps, light pink roses, green roses and Escimo cream roses.  The bridal bouquet was hand tied (approx. price $125-$140).  Click on the photo for a larger view.

Each centerpiece was made with light blue hydrangea, pink spray roses, green Kermit pomps, light green roses and pink waxflower, in a solver footed bowl. The flowers are actually arranged in a removable dish so your guests can take the flowers home, and we rent the bowls. Approximate price $95 to $115, including rental of the bowls. Click on the photo for a larger view.

The groom's boutonniere featured an escimo rose, green Kermit pomps and a beargrass loop in a silver filigree boutonniere holder. Approximate price, $30 to $35, including boutonniere holder.

If you were invited to Cindy and Paul Myer's Wedding University, you saw a few of our flower arrangements there.  Our featured bouquet this time is a centerpiece of 24 dusty pink roses ("Faith" variety), with bent beargrass accents in a contemporary wok bowl.  Approximate price as shown, $90-$125, but a smaller wok bowl is available and this can be made in a smaller size.  Wok bowls are a relatively new container, and are gaining popularity.  They provide a very contemporary, zen look to your centerpieces, and are very easy for your guests to take home.

Photo credit: Paul Meyer Photography

Our latest featured bouquet is perfect for the Christmas season!  This hand-tied bouquet featured twenty deep red and bicolor (Latin Lady) roses, seven white mini calla-lilies, red spray roses, red hypericum berries and cedar and salal greenery.  The stems were wrapped with white satin ribbon, and finished with a row of pearls.  Approximate price $200-$225.

This may be one of the most perfectly themed autumn bouquets we've ever made--perfect for an October or November wedding!  We've had an incredible autumn in our area, and the beautifully colored leaves were still on the trees on the day of this wedding.  Our bride's hand-tied bouquet featured mango mini-calla lilies, jade green roses, green celosia, green hypericum, orange spray roses, rust and bronze mums and seeded eucalyptis.  The stems were wrapped with chapmagne ivory satin ribbon, and finished with a classic "ballerina braid" overlay of mocha brown chiffon and faux pearls.  Approximate price $175-$190.

Did you miss the Days Inn 2007 Fall Bridal Show?  If so, this is one of the bouquets we made for the event.  This gorgeous hand-tied bouquet featured antique green hydrangea, dusty miller, lavender mini calla lilies and vendella roses.  Approximate price $350-$400.

One of the biggest trends in wedding flowers is unique corsage and boutonniere designs.  We've done some really cool designs, and have some great idea books in the shop, so if you're interested in trendy corsages and boutonnieres, ask us when you come in.

One of our recent designs is a twist on the traditional boutonniere.  Instead of flowers pinned to the lapel, a pocket square boutonniere features several small flowers and is worn in the pocket of the jacket, much like a pocket square handkerchief.  The pocket squares are made on a card, which is easily slipped into the breast pocket of the suit or tuxedo.  In some cases, the pocket will still be sewn shut.  The pocket can be opened by carefully using a pen knife, or you can ask the tux shop to make sure the pockets are cut open.

Our featured bouquet this week is a sunset-inspired hand tied mix of four Mango mini calla lilies, 10 pale yellow roses, and 10 Latin Beauty (similar to Cherry Brandy) roses, with coral hypericum berries.  The stems were wrapped with an ivory satin ribbon and finished with pearl the length of the wrap.  Approximate price, $165-$180.

On a related note, this wedding was held at the Succop Conservancy, which is one of the few places you'll every go that's beautiful in any day in any weather condition.  The weather wasn't perfect, but the setting was.  We've been there dozens of times, in all kinds of weather, and it's simply gorgeous every time.  A perfect location for outdoor weddings, with indoor facilities available, too.

Our featured bouquet this time is perfect for a July wedding!  Our green and white bouquet of assorted garden flowers featured white hydrangea, white stock, white lisianthus, white freesia, Kermit pomps, green hypericum berries and Queen Anne's Lace.  Approximate price $110-$130.

Our featured bouquet this week is a timeless hand-tied arrangement of light pink peonies, Esperance roses, Sweet Escimo roses, and light pink spray roses.  The stems were wrapped with ivory ribbon and a pearl finish.  Approximate price would be $135-$155.

This distinctive hand-tied bridal bouquet (or bridesmaid bouquet) features rich shades of lavender and purple.  This bouquet features 10 Florigene Moonvista carnations, 8 Florigene Moonshadow spray mini-carnations, 8 Florigene Moondust spray mini-carnations, 5 blue curiosa roses and Itallian ruscus.  The stems are completely wrapped with lavender ribbon, and an amethyst beaded garland is then wrapped around the stems.  Eight fuschia pins tie off the ribbon and garland.  The approximate price is $80-$100.  This is one of the sample bouquets we made for the Butler Days Inn Winter 2007 Bridal Extravaganza.

Approximately 75 stems of Lily of the Valley were used to make this classic bridal bouquet. Approximate price is $225.00 (significantly more when out of season).  The fragrance was incredible, and the unique look was stunning.  Lily of the Valley is usually available for only a couple weeks in May.  You can see this bouquet in our online portfolio at http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/portfolio_detail.asp?product_id=BW142

We're departing slightly from our usual featured bouquet, and instead featuring a centerpiece set we created for an August wedding at Butler Country Club.  The main arrangement in the centerpiece was made from white hydrangea, peach stock, peach roses and hypericum in a solver footed bowl (you can rent these bowls from us).  The arrangement is made in a liner, so a guest can take it home after your reception.  At each end of the table was a small julep cup of peach roses, and dripless white pillar candles in hurricane globes were placed in between.  Small white votives ran the length of the table runner.

Click on the image for a larger version.

Our featured bouquet for October, 2006 is a beautiful hand tied bouquet made with Mango mini calla lilies, Leonidas roses, Freedom red roses, Circus bi-color roses, hypericum and seeded eucalyptis.  You don't need to look too hard to see how the colors in this bouquet match the colors of the season!  Click the photo for a larger view.

Here's a recent cookie table we made for a wedding at the Butler Country Club.  The cookie table was placed right in the middle of the room, so it's the first thing guests saw as they entered the room.  There were vases of monte casino lilies, calla lilies, orchids, snapdragons, and mixed arrangements of hydrangea, peach roses and white orchids to match the centerpieces.  Smaller carnation balls and vases of flowers were mingled in between the cookies and large vases.  The piece in the very middle is actually sitting on top of a very large vase, which contained calla lilies and clear glass beads.  It was breathtaking, and the cookies were good, too (we were also invited guests).  There is too much on the table to capture with a photo, but we tried.

(click on the image for a larger view)

We’re featuring two locations in one this time (yes, this was a Thursday night wedding—Thursday is the new Friday).  The ceremony was held at Heinz Memorial Chapel, and featured a hand-tied bridal bouquet of white oriental lilies.

The bridesmaids carried arm bouquets made of white roses, white cymbidium orchids and white freesia.

The flowergirl carried a tiny bouquet of white cymbidium orchids.

The reception was held in the majestic Mozart Room at Heinz Hall, where we met Tony Lee from Truffles & Flourishes Catering.

Centerpieces were simple vases of two dozen Black Magic roses, surrounded by the petals of an additional 6 roses. (note: when we compress these images, the dark red gets lightened a bit--we apologize, but if we didn't compress the images, they'd take forever to load)

The sweetheart table was a romantic setting covered with red rose petals and votive candles, set in the middle of the dining area.

This month's featured bouquet is a tale of beautiful flowers in a beautiful setting.  The wedding was held at Laube Hall in Freeport, PA.  The guests sat with a gorgeous view of the Allegheny River and Freeport Bridge.

The bride's bouquet was a hand-tied bouquet and featured light blue hydrangea, white agapanthus, Bells of Ireland, white roses and white lisianthus.

Guests were seated on the lower patio, and columns were decorated with arrangements of light blue hydrangea, blue delphinium, white roses, white carnations, Bells of Ireland, and greenery.

To complete their outdoor altar, the couple rented our colonnade, pedestals and ferns, and added beautiful urns featuring the same flowers as the column pieces.

In case anyone is looking for Laube Hall in Freeport, PA, we can tell you that Internet maps don't know what they're taling about.  Laube Hall is located in the Freeport Community Park, which is only a couple minutes out of town on High St.  If your directions don't involve Community Park Rd., don't follow them.  Buffalo Valley Country Club is adjacent to the Freeport Community Park.  Even Google Maps has the location slightly north of reality (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=freeport+community+park+freeport,+pa&ie=UTF8&ll=40.709337,-79.67165&spn=0.021373,0.039568&om=1).  If you follow the link, you'll have to scroll the map up slightly to see the park.

Tags: blue hydrangea | white agapanthus | white roses | hand tied | bridal bouquet | Bells of Ireland | white lisianthus | The Bloomery | Bloomery Weddings | Butler Florist | Pittsburgh wedding florist

Mini calla lily bouquets are always popular at a wedding show, but especially when we use the Black Schwarzwalder variety.  Their deep purple color looks almost black when fresh (the color lightens toward purple as the flowers age), and is striking.  Our bouquet was a simple hand-tied arrangement held together with a small wrap of silver ribbon and black-headed pins.

The long stems of mini calla lilies make for a sleek, elegant bouquet, and also allow us to make some very contemporary centerpieces.  In the second photo below, we've used the same Schwarzwalder mini calla lilies with bear grass and curly willow in an elliptical vase, for a very modern look.

September's featured bouquet is a colorful mix of red roses, orange spray roses, mini sunflowers, fuschia stock, purple statice, hypericum berries and wheat.  This hand-tied bouquet was tied with a white stem wrap and a subtle white bow.  Estimated price $60-$80.

Yikes!  It's the middle of October, and we're a little behind on our favorite bouquets.  August is a tough month to pick only one featured bouquet, because we made a number of gorgeous bouquets, all of them different.  However, our featured bouquet for August 2005 is a strikingly colorful handtied bouquet of lime green cymbidium orchids, Mango mini calla lilies, and hot pink roses.  The stems were partially wrapped with a simple white ribbon and a row of pearl-headed pins down one side.  The approximate price is $140-$160.

(Note: If you haven't noticed, we've been moving stuff around on our wesbite a little.  As it turns out, this Featured Bouquet from October 2003 was a very popular page.  We hate to disappoint, so we're bringing it back.)

Wedding flowers from recent fall weddings have ranged from combinations of burgundy, cinnamon, gold and plum, to traditional white and ivory, as well as more unique oranges, peaches and greens.  But, the photo that caught our eye was one of our recent weddings using a brand new rose.  Perfect for this month, the rose is called "Halloween".  While not what most people would think of when they consider what color represents this late fall holiday, I think you'll agree that it is a beautiful shade of antique pink.  This works great against Sage Green, Ivory, Victorian Lilac, Ecru, Taupe, Platinum, Pewter, Rum Pink and more.  It is one of our new favorites!  The bouquet pictured is a classic hand-tied bouquet containing over 3 dozen Halloweeen roses.

June's bouquet of the month is the one carried by Sister #3 (click for the full story).

This stylish hand-tied bouquet featured light blue delphinium, white mini calla lilies, white roses, white agapanthus, limonium and greenery.  The stems were wrapped with light blue satin ribbon with a row of pearl-headed pins (not seen in the photo).  Average price $150-$175.  This is bouquet BW329.

Wedding season is in full swing, and here's our Bouquet of the Month for May 2005.  This beautiful bouquet featured Hot Pink and Wine colored Roses, Bright Pink Tulips and Bright Pink Sweetpeas, with a lemon leaf foliage finish.  The stems were wrapped and tied with a white satin ribbon.  Approximate price $100 to $125.

The portfolio link is http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/portfolio_detail.asp?product_id=BW328.