Summer is just around the corner and for all you brides-to-be, flowers are one of many ways you can go green. Buying from farmers markets, local flower farms and even street vendors is a great way to save money and the environment.

Locally buying bundles of everything from peonies to lavender ensures your flowers are not only fresh, but that each of your bouquets and/or centerpieces will turn out different. Putting together your own flowers also allows you the freedom to arrange them how you want. It may take some extra time, but the gorgeousness will be well worth it.

And keep an eye out for any extras you could use — lemons for the insides of your vases or peaches to accentuate your table decorations. You’ll be supporting your community and getting fabulously fresh decorations.

This bride added in some rosemary to her centerpieces… yum!

Rosemary Covered Flowers (Kristin Grinnell)

Gorgeous bouquets you could either keep the same or combine in different ways.

Farmers Flowers (Unknown)

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

This past weekend, I was reunited with the ladies at M&M Floral – Mary Sue and Jenn are a perfect mother daughter combo! They were given free range to create over 15 unique centerpieces for the Peterson/Covell Wedding on August 8th. They are two amazingly talented, creative and fun women to work with! You can reach Jenn at mandmfloral@hotmail.com. Enough said, I will let the pictures do the talking!

After this weekends wedding, I have a brand new appreciation for dahlias!  Who knew (at least not me!) there are over 36 species and two many hybrids to count!  The photos are a few of my favorites – you may notice a theme in the works!  The colors are a portion of the amazing pallet for AE Wedding on August 22!