Brides are like flowers in the prime of their bloom. When they enter my studio, I have the sense that something spectacular is about to happen. We sit before my books and sip our tea and talk about how they envision their events to be: the time of day, the dress styles, the location. From that moment until the hour of their weddings begins a series of time-lapsed moments, dress sketches envelop my desk along with notes of favorite flowers.

From this sprouts an intricate vine of bouquet wishes and corsage needs. Details are considered from violas in a flowergirl's hair to gardenias in a bird-bath. We talk of classic urns filled with lilies and clusters of green grapes, Italian terra cotta pots with blackmagic roses and dangling amaranth, a copper arch covered with curly willow and hydrangea. There is nothing like handing a bride her bouquet on her wedding day, watching her breathe in the fragrance and run her hands across the ribbon. A bouquet is more than something to keep her hands occupied while she walks up the aisle, it is an accessory, a jewel, and sometimes a delicate perfume. Afterwards, it becomes a keepsake, a symbol her granddaughter will someday associate with an old frame that hangs in a frame above the mantel. I know because I have photos of my grandmothers, their laps overflowing with roses, and I am inspired by the photographs which sit in the frames above my desk as I am designing a bouquet. I take delight in the radiant face of the bride as I am handing her her bouquet, while for one brief moment we are all young again.

Browse these pages taking note of the possibilities for the flowers for your wedding. Use them only to plant the seeds in the soil of your own fertile imagination. Come to me with your ideas and your vision of how you imagine your event to be, and together we will collaborate on making it all possible.