Its such a lovely thing to be asked by friends or family to help out with their celebrations...in a flowery kind of way. Making for people close to you is a great opportunity because they (usually) trust you and give you freedom to make something amazing...but there's a fair dose of added pressure too because you DO NOT want to mess this up - there are more pictures than usual and these people know where you live! I've been lucky enough to do a few of these - weddings, parties, anything.
When I cast my mind back, I've made the funeral flowers for each of the 3 grandparents I knew growing up - a very special and sentimental honour, like a final parting gesture. I sobbed my way through loads of pinks and blues and pastels like a spring garden for Millicent Thornberry (my Nanny), masses of bright colours, tropical flowers and quirky leaves and things for Colwyn John (my Pappa - the ultimate experimental gardener!) and silvery blues and mauves with warm apricot and coffee roses for Sybil John (my Nanna). It was heart renching at the time, but I am so glad I could do them.
I'm also glad I've been asked by these special people to make their wedding flowers!
Right from the beginning...eye popping orchids for Alison and Tristan - Al was my art school mate and one of my bridesmaids!
A beautiful, classic wedding for Katrina and Daniel, at Yester Grange - one of the grandest houses in the Blue Mountains.
Something a bit different for Hanna and my cous Craig
Sister in law 1! Jen and Shanes wedding on a beautiful old paddle steamer on the Nepean River, sunny and relaxed.
Sister in law 2! Marie and Greg in the gorgeous backyard at Marks' parents' place in Mt Victoria, Blue Mountains NSW.
Cousin Bronnie and Cameron...a very stylish affair at the races!
Hopefully there'll be many more celebrations!
XNP
