Centerpiece Changes

Over the past few weeks I've made some huge changes to the wedding. One of the biggest elements is the floral component. When I first started putting the pieces of this wedding together, flowers were something I had on the bottom of my list. I felt that since we were having our wedding nestled upon a garden, that I really didn't need to bring much outside to the inside.

However {you knew that was coming!}, I am really obsessed over tablescapes and decor elements. I suppose that when you're not totally in love with something, it shows to other people. To make a long story short, I went to a decor meeting with a trusted friend and mentor in the business, and he came up with a genius design concept.

It was a leap of faith decision because as we sat there, he hurriedly drew a sketch that looked like pure scribble scrabble, but I trusted him and saw the vision. On the other hand, I had no idea what Mr.Golden was going to say to my big change. When I showed him the sketch of our new centerpieces, he exclaimed, "What is that!" I told him to just roll with me on this one and that I knew what I was doing. :)

Yesterday I went to go get updated sketches, but to my surprise, waiting for me was my mock up centerpiece. I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but they were taken on my cell phone since I wasn't expecting to see a mock up.

The centerpieces consist of calla lillies, branches, hanging tea light candles, and crystals. What you don't see in this picture that will be added to the real version are orchids and some stargazers.



Another thing that will be added is gold marbles at the bottom of the vases. If you look closely, the vases sit on a base that lights up and will illuminate the marbles.



I have to say that trusting my gut feeling really helped. I was never really 100% in love with my other centerpieces, but I was content with them. I think that there are many times in life and wedding planning when you have to settle on being content, but if and when the opportunity arises to get what you really want, you have to jump on it and not let the opportunity pass you by. It is with this same outlook that we are re-examinating everything related to the wedding and making changes as needed. But don't worry, Mr.Golden won't let me go too crazy! :)

Confessions of a closet flower fanatic

I have a confession to make: During the early stages of my wedding planning, I was completely anti-flowers. Shocking, I know, but I just couldn't fathom spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on flowers that ultimately die.

I was even going to go as far as DIY'ing my centerpieces and boquets. I cringe at that thought as I type this now. In all seriousness, I was terrified to step foot in a florist and hear the price of flowers.

Here's a picture of the centerpiece I was going to attemp to DIY before I came to my senses. I still find it beautiful, but I no longer want to burden myself with a massive DIY project like that.

Ok, now I have a second confession to make (clutch the pearls): I booked my florist before I even signed the contract with my venue!!! Florist shopping was actually one of the most pleasurable wedding experiences thus far and I was able to recognize the flower fanatic living inside of me and I accepted her with open arms!

Actually I lucked out with the cost because:

1) I'm getting married in a garden with flowers and trees all around me

2) My venue provides the flower arrangements for the pews (even if the ceremony has to be moved inside)

3) They also provide the arrangements for the guestbook table and escort card table.

All I really had to worry about was centerpieces and personal flowers. Currently I have low centerpeices because the ceilings at my venue are low, but lately the flower fanatic in me is thinking about doing half tall and half low centerpieces (I'll keep you posted on that). The flowers in my arrangement consists of white hydrangeas, white roses, and cream roses. I wanted to keep the flowers light since I'm using a lot of champagne, gold, and bronze in other aspects of the wedding.

Here's an example of what they'll look like. (these aren't my actual samples)

And here's an example of how my bouquet will look. It will consist of white roses, cream roses, mini calla lillies, and stephanotis with swarovski crystals. Picture credit is from Flower Barn, which is also the florist that I booked with. For brides getting married in New York, be sure to catch the episode of "My Fair Wedding" on WE TV- November 16 @ 10pm. Flower Barn is going to be featured on there!

I'm curious to know if there are any brides out there that completely changed there views on something while in the midst of planning?