The peony is showy in its lush and full-headed structure, sweet perfume, and bright colors. Despite these traits, the flower became a symbol of bashfulness. Cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years and developed further by the French, the peony is a cherished wedding flower. A relative of the ranunculus and the anemone, the peony is available in two main types: the herbaceous and the tree peony (the latter flowers do not last as long when cut).

Season
Spring, imported, scentless variety available in fall and winter

Colors
White, cream, peach, pink, burgundy

Scent
Sweet and mild to very aromatic

Meaning
Beauty, welcome, bashfulness

Curtosy of the Knot.com

Photography By Ashley Garmon

Floral by Merveille Flowers

Wedding trends come and go. Cupcakes have replaced three-tiered cakes, flowered hairpieces are being worn instead of long veils and colors like teal and cherry red are being chosen as the color palette to accent a bride’s big day. Who knows how long these things will stick around, but one new trend, in my opinion, is here to stay.

I am completely in love with different hued dresses for bridesmaids.

Whether the dresses are vibrant shades of orange or purple or subdued tones of blue or brown, they can better symbolize a bridesmaid’s style. Everyone is a different shape and size. A strapless dress may not look good on a bustier friend, and a halter doesn’t flatter broad shoulders. Allowing your friend to pick out her own dress ensures she will be comfortable and confident, which is especially important if she’s shelling out her own dough for it.

I could go on about all the benefits of having each bridesmaid wear a different color and/or style of dress, but I’ll stick to two more. First, the pictures will be absolutely amazing. With all the different colors and styles, you can be sure none of your photos will be a bore to look at. Second, allowing bridesmaids to shop for their own dresses takes pressure off the bride to choose the correct style and color that best accentuates a friend’s features.

Take a look at what these bridal parties put together! Absolutely gorgeous!

Stephanie

Photos curtosy of

Picture #1: Ashley Forrett

Picture #2: Jenny Ebert

True Bliss Events Advice on Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Know Your Style

Go through magazines, website, venue albums – anything you can find to help you define your personal photography style

Find A Match

Websites are an amazing tool for quickly viewing photography portfolios.  Look for websites that feature images from a wide variety of weddings, location, provides testimonials from recently married couples, and matches your personal photography style.

Meet The Photographer

You will spend quite a bit of time with your photographer, so finding a personality match is essential.  Look for a photographer who is fun, professional, and genuinely interested in you.

Look For Professionalism

Find a photographer is is established, referred by multiples places, and consistently surprises you with creative touches and attention to detail.

Invent in An Artist

Invest in an artist who will photograph your Wedding Day in a way that tells your unique story.

Matthew Bergsma, Photographer

Thank you Assura for your insight!!

Bridal shrugs and boleros have received crazy amounts of attention lately, so of course I wanted to get in on the action! I am more than loving the feminine yet fashion-forward look created by these little treasures. A common misconception: shrugs equal winter, cabin weddings and fur. So not true! A thin layer of fabric over the shoulders is more than welcome at summer weddings, especially for beach settings!

Shrugs have the ability bedazzle, accentuate or tone down a bride’s wedding dress. She can pick between an abundance of styles, ranging from beads to ruffles and tiers to flower appliqués. If you don’t love the shrug and wedding dress combination, consider using one to dress up a rehearsal or reception outfit.

Take a look at these gorgeous handmade pieces I found by Holly Stalder, Gertie b. and Elizabeth Dye.

Stephanie

Photos courtosy of Esty.com