I love the planning and designing, the dreaming and getting to know each and every one of my brides.  Often there are day trips to distant destinations, drinks over design plans and yummy bakery treats (I know, I have a rough job!).  I’m always so eager for the wedding day to actually arrive and then see the fruits of my labors and watch a bride’s dreams come true.  Seeing flower recipes on paper is nothing compared to holding the blooms in your hands and gingerly adding yards of flowing lace to a finished bouquet.  And yet it’s always a little bittersweet as this will be the end of scheming, late night emails and vintage treasure hunts.

On a balmy day in mid July, my journey with one such bride ended – only so she could begin a new one with the love of her life.  From the moment I met Hallie, I knew that her wedding day would be fabulous.  She had chosen a horse farm in Ludington to host both her ceremony and reception and she hoped to bring along lots of vintage, rustic and girly touches.  Dusty blue was the primary color inspiration, allowing shades of pink to naturally introduce itself through the floral palette and patterns on the vintage china.  We aimed for softness, without being too pastel and added rustic details alongside timeless touches of silver and lace.  You may remember their dusty and vintage inspiration board which I wrote about last week.

Her roses were flown in from California and paired with some goodies naturally found in our back yards.  Sweet pea added just the perfectly subtle pop of pink and the carnations I used stole my heart.  Please trust me and let me use carnations – sometimes they hold the most unusual and glorious hues.  Not to mention, they’re a completely sturdy flower that humidity barely takes a toll on.

Photography: Bradley James Photography  |  Wedding & Floral Design, Day of Coordination: The Day’s Design |  Venue: Iris Hills Weddings & Occasion |  Rentals:  Grand Rental Station  |  Catering: Rykes |  Cake: Julie Sheehan  |  DJ: Complete MVP  |  Officiant: Keith Littlepage of Forever I Do  |  Vintage China: Debby Does Dishes  |  Late Night Snacks: Lakeside Weiner Wagon

Dear Hallie & Eric – I hope what they say is true and rain is good luck on your wedding day, the heavens let down some nasty storms that morning, as we all weathered through it.  You two deserve so much happiness and it was an absolute pleasure being a part of your wedding day.