Weed or Wildflower?

Much of my design time is spent just "taking in" the art which is surrounds me.  Fall presents an interesting pallette along with unusual textures not seen during any other time of year. This is when my camera is always ready for those unusual combinations.  I think back to those times in my 20's when railfanning was of prime interest.  Still within those photos taken at that time would be a focus on nature with shots of fungi, wildflowers, or birds even if the primary goal was the Alco RS-3.

When I design for my customers, every effort is made to recognize the personality and style of the individual and place emphasis on this in my completed floral work.  Sometimes this is very difficult because the customer can show mixed emotion, haphazard style, or total lack of interest.  Single flower type bouquets copying the latest trends in magazines hold little attention.  When a bride presents such a photo I always question why she wants to copy that design. It is then that suggestions are given to add something that makes her flowers say "this represents me".

Bridal bouquets of colors and contrasts which capture the personality of the bride will forever be my goal. Some concern arizes when I hear the word "weed" used in connection with loosely structured, highly textured arrays.  Queen Anne's Lace, Solidago or Solidaster (goldenrod), Statice, Aster, Artemesia, Black eyed Susans and Meadowsweet are but a small  part of a that wildflower group which have made it to commercial markets through current horticultural endeavors.  Within the undeveloped acres of my property these plants are naturally growing.  They have made their way into several of my recent weddings and newly designed website and provide that unique complexity for which I'm known.

Here is the example of the perfect balance.  Loren had chosen vests for her groom and groomsmen that were called "camaflage" so grasses and feathers were the perfect additions.  Every element in this bouquet was carefully placed.