WEDDING FLOWERS: 2016 prom dress
News Update
Loading...
Showing posts with label 2016 prom dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016 prom dress. Show all posts

February Wedding at Steeles Island

Comment   

February is a busy month for weddings in Tasmania and the dates book out early.   The bride for this February Wedding was super organised and had planned everything well ahead.   But a last minute change to the bridesmaid dresses changed the flower colours and we ended up with the combination of peach and plum.  


Pincushion Fountain was the main flower that I used.  Grouped together the orange makes a bold statement.  The bridesmaid dresses were covered in a very large floral print in orange, purple and green - so a bold statement was called for.  



Acacia Bailyana, or Cootamundra Wattle, is a gorgeous native foliage that is wonderful to use in bouquets.  It comes in two colours, a beautiful eucalyptusy blue-green, and a purple.  I was able to use the purple foliage for these bouquets which give a wonderful misty purple texture. 


The brides bouquet included some Protea Pink Ice.  I love the way the purple centres of the Pink Ice are brought out with the purple surrounding them. 



Poppy pods peep out from amongst the flowers.  I love them!


Other foliage used is the Leucadendron Silver Tree.  Each bouquet also had Brunia Albiflora and some large native fern leaves.  


The brides bouquet also included some clusters of berries.  Such a beautiful colour!




The lovely bride was so organised she had purchased her vases almost a year before the wedding.  The copper colour of the geometric vases went well with the orange, purple and silvery blue green of the flowers.  


I grow Brunia Albiflora sourced from two different nurseries here at Swallows Nest Farm, and have ended up with 2 slightly different colours.  For this wedding, I used the more browny purple Brunia.  


More native ferns, purple Acacia Bailyana, Pincushion Fountains, some rosy Jubilee Crown Leucadendron cones, Silver Tree foliage, Risdon Peppermint foliage, and light purple Caspia.


For the cake 'topper' this arrangement was to sit against the base of the larger bottom tier of the cake.  I love the fern leaf in this design.  



This little mini-bouquet was laid on the top tier of the cake.


It was a pleasure to play with such beautiful bold colours and to be involved in this couple's happy day.   


I wish them all the best for their future together. 


Royal Wedding Tiaras: Infanta Cristina of Spain

Comment   

It all started so well. The marriage of Infanta Cristina and Inaki Urdangarin on October 4th 1997 was a sparkling event with a royal guest list, a handsome couple and enough public support to make any monarchy feel rather comfortable in its ermine clad skin. The next twenty years saw that fairytale put to the test and then some. The marriage of Cristina and Inaki has endured even if it hasn't always been the glittering jewel in the Spanish royal crown. But on their 20th wedding anniversary, let's enjoy a little bit of sparkle as we look back at the tiara Cristina wore on the day she said 'I do'.


Embed from Getty Images
 
The diamond diadem in question is a familar one to royal watchers. The Spanish Floral Tiara has been a regular on the regal scene since 1962 when Franco gave it to the then Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark as a wedding present from the people of Spain. It can actually trace its history back to the late 19th century and another set of royals. King Alfonso XII (Cristina's great great grandfather) had it made for his second wife, Maria Christina of Austria (great great granny to Cristina) but it left royal possession before Franco bought it as a wedding gift.




Embed from Getty Images 
 
It was made by that powerhouse of royal jewellery makers, Mellerio, and it features a rather pretty floral design made entirely of diamonds. There is a large, central flower flanked on either sides by smaller floral designs and lots of leaves.



Embed from Getty Images 
 
The link to Cristina's mother make it an extra special wedding choice, too. The now sixth in line to the Spanish throne kept this as a go to until she stopped attending royal events following the financial scandal that surrounded her and her husband. The fairytale ending may still elude Spain's royals but this tiara, very pretty and very bridal, remains a regal wedding star turn even now.

Royal Wedding Dresses: Infanta Cristina of Spain

Comment   

It was a glittering wedding that seemed to put the seal on what then seemed a triumph of a monarchy. Spain's Royal Family was about as popular as could be in October 1997 and the huge outpouring of public support as Infanta Cristina wed Inaki Urdangarin in Barcelona only underlined that. What a difference two decades can make. As Spain's royals languish in yet another crisis, the memories of a sunny day when the world seemed to be at their feet remain. At the heart of the fairytale was a modern bride with her own sense of style who took well loved to new levels. Here's a look back at the royal wedding dress of Infanta Cristina of Spain...the princess bride who could seemingly do no wrong.



Embed from Getty Images



This royal bride was a mix of modern and traditional. Her dress was designed by Lorenzo Caprile, now better known as a go to designer for Queen Letizia, the sister in law with whom Cristina is said to enjoy less than friendly relations.




Embed from Getty Images 
 
The most striking feature is the off the shoulder neckline. A major surprise at the time, it suited the bride down to the ground but raised some eyebrows as royal wedding dresses usually go the full covered up route. The gown is made of off white silk and features full length sleeves, a sculpted bodice effect around the waist and a full skirt which fans out gently into a bell shape.




Embed from Getty Images
If you go really close to the screen and squint you can just make out the rather delicate embroidery sitting at the waistline but overall this gown is very simple and all the better for it. Cristina was the darling of the Spanish monarchy then, seen as down to earth and full of life and this classic creation let the bride wear it rather than the other way round.



Embed from Getty Images 
 
There is a train (compulsory at royal weddings, Meghan Markle take note) and it extended a full three metres behind the bride as she smiled her way into Barcelona Cathedral. Covering it is a lace veil once worn by Cristina's great grandmother, Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain. Made in the 19th century, it was restored for Cristina to wear. A nod to the past by a modern bride who at the time seemed to carry so many of the hopes of the Spanish monarchy for the future.

Embed from Getty Images 
 

We all know that this fairytale has some rather dark twists in it. The couple were the golden hope of the Borbons for several years with four beautiful children cementing the image. But the financial scandal which engulfed them changed everything. Earlier this year, Cristina was acquitted of tax fraud while her husband was found guilty of embezzlement and is currently appealing against a six year prison sentence. It was just another blow for the Spanish monarchy which has struggled in recent years and now faces another crisis as King Felipe VI's speech to his country following the Catalan referendum divides opinion while the region plans to declare independence. It's all a long way from that sunny day in Catalonia twenty years ago when Spain's monarchy was the unifying factor in a day of celebration that the world watched with a smile. The dress remains beautiful even if the dream is fading for good.

Felipe VI of Spain speaks out

Comment   

King Felipe VI of Spain has spoken to his country following the independence referendum in Catalonia on Sunday. In an address that came after several days of silence from the head of state, King Felipe described the bid for autonomy as illegal and unconstitutional. But while the story that went around the world on Sunday involved police aggression against some of those voting, there was no mention of the those injured in a speech the King of Spain said was for all his people.





You can watch the whole speech above. In summary, Felipe described the situation in Spain as extremely serious and called for unity. But while reaching out to those in Catalonia who don't want independence, Felipe failed to mention once the almost 900 people who were injured when they attempted to vote in the referendum on Sunday.


Embed from Getty Images 


His speech described the Catalan leaders who had organised the referendum as ''irresponsible'' and said they had shown 'disrespect' to the State. He described Catalonia as broken and its leaders as on the margins of the law. He also said he was bringing a message of hope to Spaniards who are fearful following the referendum and ended by pledging his commitment to the unity of Spain. But the response to the speech was mixed.

Embed from Getty Images 
 

Many were surprised there had been no reference to the actions which left so many injured. Felipe's hardcore line made headlines around the world on a day when thousands have taken to the streets of Barcelona to protest against police actions on Sunday. A strike brought many parts of the city to a standstill with some of its most famous attractions closed.



Embed from Getty Images


The address of the King of Spain to his people won a huge audience with many stopping by bars to see the speech unfold. The response continues to come in. Felipe had faced criticism for saying nothing immediately after Sunday's vote. This speech may well see him tackling further criticism on a day when he spoke out and a storm continued.

Photo credit: casareal.rs

8 royal birthdays for October

Comment   

Some months are awash with royal birthdays and while October can't quite match the cake baking, card sending regal frenzy of September it doesn't do too badly on the celebrations front. Some royal houses seem to be particularly fond of October babies (not looking at anywhere in particular here, Belgium) but there's a good spread of royal birthdays going on this month. So get the cake ready and the cards written, here are eight royal birthdays for October.






Prince Emmanuel of Belgium is 12 on October 4th
Emmanuel Leopold Guillaume Marie, second son and third child of Phillipe and Mathilde of Belgium, was born on October 4th 2005 at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht. Fourth in line to the throne at the time of his birth he moved up to third behind his sister, Elisabeth, and his brother, Gabriel, on the accession of their father as King of the Belgians on July 21st 2013. He attends school in Kessel-Lo and accompanies his parents on an increasing number of engagements.



The Duke of Kent is 82 on October 9th
Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick of Kent was born on October 9th 1935 at Number 3 Belgrave Square, London,the first child of George, Duke of Kent and his wife, Marina. He succeeded to his father's title in 1942 when the Duke of Kent was killed in a plane crash. He performed royal engagements from an early age and still maintains a busy schedule of events on behalf of the Queen. He married Katherine Worsley in 1961 and the couple now has three children and ten grandchildren.




Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands is 48 on October 11th
Constantijn Christof Frederik Ashwin is the third son of former Dutch queen, Beatrix, and her late husband, Claus. He was born on October 11th 1969 in Utrecht when his mother was still heir to the throne. Prince Constantijn trained in law and business and married Laurentien Brinkhorst in 2001 - the couple has three children. Constantijn, brother of King Willem-Alexander, is currently fourth in line to the throne of the Netherlands.



Prince Christian of Denmark is 12 on October 15th
Christian Valdemar Henri John, first child of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, was born on October 15th 2005 at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Second in line to his country's throne from birth, his name was first revealed - as is traditional for Denmark's royals - at his christening in January 2006. Christian lives with his parents and three siblings in Copenhagen where he attends school.


Prince Laurent of Belgium is 54 on October 19th 
Laurent Baudouin Benoit Marie was born on October 19th 1963 at the Chateau de Belvedere, near Laeken. The second son and third child of the then Prince and Princess of Liege, Albert and Paola, he was born third in line to his country's throne and has since seen his father and older brother succeed as monarchs. Prince Laurent married Claire Coombs in 2003 and the couple has a daughter and twin sons. 



Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant, is 16 on October 25th
Elisabeth Therese Marie Helene was born on October 25th 2001 at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht. She was the first child of Philippe, then heir to the throne of Belgium, and his wife, Mathilde. On her father's accession as King of the Belgians on July 21st 2013 she became the first female heir to the throne in her country's history and on her accession she will be its first queen regnant. Elisabeth, as first in line, takes the title of Duchess of Brabant. She attends school in Brussels where she lives with her parents and three siblings.






Princess Margaretha of Sweden is 83 on October 31st
Margaretha Desiree Victoria of Sweden was born on October 31st 1934 at the Haga Palace near Stockholm, the first child of Prince Gustaf Adolf and his wife, Princess Sybilla. Her father was then second in line to his country's throne but was killed in a plane crash in 1947 leaving Margaretha's nine month old brother, Carl Gustaf, as future heir. Margaretha married John Ambler in 1964 and the couple had three children. Princess Margaretha, eldest sister of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, now lives in England.

  
  Princess Leonor of Spain, Princess of Asturias is 12 on October 31st
Leonor de Todos los Santos, Princess of Asturias, was born on October 31st 2005 at the Ruber Clinic in Madrid, the first child of the then heir to the throne of Spain, Felipe, and his wife, Letizia, On her father's accession as King of Spin on June 19th 2014, Leonor became heir to the throne and took the title Princess of Asturias. She lives in Madrid with her parents and sister, Sofia, and attends school there.

Three royal brides for October

Comment   


Stephanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, was an October bride
(photo Grand Cour Ducale)

You don't get that many royal weddings in October. It's getting chilly for a start and this part of the year in modern times is often pencilled in for overseas tours and State Visits while the regal agenda firmly beds in after the summer break. But every now and again we get an early autumn royal bride - here's a trio that said 'I do' in October.






Countess Stephanie Marie Claudine Christine de Lannoy, October 19th and 20th 2012
The marriage of Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy in October 2012 was billed as the last wedding of an heir to the throne for the best part of a generation. The bride, who speciliased in languages, became engaged to her prince in April 2012 and they married in a civil ceremony at the Town Hall in Luxembourg on October 19th before a religious marriage at Notre Dame Cathedral the following day attended by royalty from around the world. Five years on, they are turning into the stars of a new royal generation.



Infanta Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia de la Santisima Trinidad of Spain, October 4th 1997
Once upon a time, Spain's monarchy was among the most popular in the world and one of its favourite members was the Infanta Cristina. When the second daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain married Olympic bronze medal handball player, Inaki Urdangarin, in Barcelona on October 4th 1997 the bride was just about as popular as a bride gets and the couple were feted as a golden pairing among their generation. They were created Duke and Duchess of Palma de Mallorca  by the bride's father and had four children together. But a lot has changed in the past twenty years. The couple were accused of financial irregularities and ended up on trial. Earlier this year, Cristina was acquitted of fraud but her husband was found guilty of embezzlement and is appealing. But the wedding present of a proud papa is gone - Cristina lost the right to use the title of Duchess of Palma in 2015 before her acquittal. She remains sixth in line to the Spanish throne.



Serena Alleyne Stanhope, October 8th 1993
The Queen's nephew, the new Earl Snowdon, was always a glamourous member of the extended Royal Family and when he married in 1993 it was a glittering affair. His bride, Serena Stanhope, was a distant cousin of Diana, Princess of Wales and wore a dress inspired by the famous creation chosen by her new mother-in-law, Princess Margaret, over two decades earlier. The marriage, at St Margaret's Church, Westminister on October 8th 1993, made front pages around the world and the bride's outfit remains among the most famous of modern royal times.

Autumn-toned Native Wedding Flowers

Comment   
A small, elopement style wedding in April called for just a bouquet, boutonniere and a floral crown for the bride.  The ceremony was to take place in a bush setting on Mt Wellington.  Very "low key and boho" with just a couple of close family members as witnesses to the event.  


Inspired by the seasonal colours,  and I couldn't resist the autumny tones of magnolia foliage which tied in beautifully with the creamy White Ice Protea and the Birdsnest Banksia I used as the main flowers.  


A mix of great textures was important for the unstructured style of the bouquet.  I used flowering tea tree,  banksia foliage, and budded wattle foliage as some of the textural elements.


The leucadendrons I used were the fine, purple-tinged Galpinii, tall slender Discolour, and the rich dark tones of the Burgundy Sunset, almost black in autumn.


Other flowers used were the smaller Banksia Brownii, and a white Protea Repens.  The leafy, wild look was brought together by using a limited colour palette, and making the autumn tones really stand out.   I used dried leucadendron cones to repeat the brown colour of the magnolia leaves.  Such a satisfying combination of colours and textures.
  

The grooms simple boutonniere used a magnolia leaf, a zigzaggy banksia leaf, burgundy sunset leucos, budded wattle and a leucadendron cone.


The floral crown was more leafy than floral.  I used lots of budded wattle foliage, with its bluegreen colour and fabulous wayward sprigs.  I added the yellowy green banksia Brownii foliage, which is a very fine zigzagged leaf.  Sprinkled through was the flowering tea tree, which being lemon-scented is always a delight to work with.


The asymmetry of the crown is really flattering.  I used the dark burgundy leucos and the dried cones to weight the crown to the left.   

It was a real treat to be involved in this wedding, and I wish the lovely couple every happiness.  

5 stand out Invictus moments for Prince Harry

Comment   

It's been quite the week for Harry. Not only did we all go wild about his hand in hand outing with Meghan, we all got to enjoy his fabulous Invictus Games which have once more shone a spotlight on the power of sport and the spirit of service personnel across the world. It's been a really special week for Prince Harry with some stand out moments that top them all. Everyone hearts Harry right now and here are five reasons why.....


1. The heartfelt thanks of a veteran




The Invictus Games are all about giving a platform, a voice, a spotlight to military veterans and Harry has more than done that with this third staging of his brainchild idea. His efforts have won praise around the world but perhaps no tribute is as moving as that paid by 101 year old James Norman Baker. The World War Two veteran appeared on screen at a wheelchair rugby event lauding Harry who immediately went off to find his fellow soldier. The two had an emotion chat before the prince made sure his new pal had great seats for the rest of the event. Speaking later, the man who loves to be known as ''Norm'' said that Harry had encouraged wounded soldiers to rediscover their self confidence and underlined what a difference the prince had made to a generation of military personnel who are rediscovering their abilities thanks to him. Quite a tribute.



2. The popcorn standoff




There may not actually be a cuter royal moment this year than this. What could make a loved up prince at the height of his powers even more appealing? How about a bit of bants with a toddler who's just started stealing his popcorn? Emily Henson, whose dad Dave is a former Invictus competitor as well as a pal of the prince, made a fairly big inroad into the snack before the fun and games started. Harry teased her by taking the box away before playing around while helping her tuck in. Cue plenty of musings about just how good Harry is with children (not that we're hoping for a rush of royal babies or anything like that).



3. Prince or popstar?



We know Harry is popular but that was really brought home by the reception the prince got when he made a surprise appearance at a WE Day event in Toronto. The convention is part of a series of events that take place every year to encourage young people to work for social good. Harry had some words of wisdom for them, telling them to look up from their phones and ''take real action''. He also asked them to leave pessimism and cynicism behind and focus on the positive. And he had a willing audience - the screams from the 10,000 strong crowd when Harry was announced would be the envy of some of the biggest names in entertainment. Harry is truly a superstar prince this week.


4. A kiss is still a kiss...



Embed from Getty Images


Don't get overexcited chaps, this does not involve Meghan. No. Prince Harry clearly loves the veterans who have come to take part in Invictus and his pride in them was shown when he planted a huge smacker on the head of Maurice Manuel, one of the Danish team which won the hugely exciting wheelchair rugby final, pipping the UK to gold. Look at this picture without welling up. See, you can't. Prince Harry's infinite joy in the freedom that sport is bringing to service personnel through Invictus has shone through every day of this competition and was crystal clear in this special moment that will last long beyond the Games.



5. Everyone hearts Harry


Yep, this prince is winning more hearts than anyone might have imagined before Invictus 2017 started. This third running has been the biggest and slickest yet and it's made headlines around the world. And whether it's the spectators or the competitors, all the love is for Harry. He's been mobbed and feted wherever he goes and just about everyone wants a piece of this prince. There's a feeling that a new phase in his life beckons for Harry once he returns home - these stand out moments from his great achievement, Invictus, shows that he'll start it with a huge wave of support behind him.

Photo credit: Kensington Palace Instagram

Sapphires for September: the Queen's brooches

Comment   


Sapphires are the birth stone of September. Their brilliant blue hue has been prized by royalty for centuries and the sparkling stones remain a favourite with modern ruling houses today. The Queen, who marked her Sapphire Anniversary as monarch earlier this year, has a particular fondness for the stones which feature in some of her favourite brooches. Here's a look at some of the best as Sapphires for September continues.


Embed from Getty Images
 

From granny's jewellery box

Grannies share all kinds of exciting things with their granddaughters and this very exciting brooch is a sparkling reminder to the Queen of her beloved grandmama, Queen Mary. Little Lillibet grew up very close to her grandparents and Queen Mary, usually so severe in many photos, is always seen smiling with real joy in the presence of the granddaughter who would grow up to wear the Crown. This beautiful, and unusual, brooch was given to Mary as a wedding present in 1893 by the then Tsarina of Russia - also her new husband's maternal aunt - and it was left to the Queen when her grandmother died in 1953. A real piece of royal history - straight from the heart.


A present for a princess

One of the most unusual pieces of sapphire jewellery in the Queen's collection is her Chrysanthemum Brooch, given to her when she was still Princess Elizabeth. It was a gift for launching an oil tanker in 1946. It's been a favourite piece for the Queen ever since, chosen for her official engagements photos and touchingly reworn in portraits to mark her Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2007. 

A feather in the collar

Quirky sapphire brooches were clearly on the royal wish list in the 1940s because this rather unusual piece hails from then as well. The diamond feather set with a single sapphire was given to Princess Elizabeth on her wedding day by the jewellers, Carrington. Reminiscent of a peacock feather, that accessory so beloved of the first queen called Elizabeth, it has an elegance all of its own. A favourite of Elizabeth II and it's easy to see why, this is a real feather in the royal collar.


The brooch of two great queens

This sapphire and diamond sparkler isn't just gorgeous, it's a gift straight from the love story that founded the modern monarchy. This huge sapphire surrounded by stunning diamonds was given to Queen Victoria by her handsome groom, Prince Albert, on the eve of their marriage. It's belonged to the Royal Family ever since and came into the Queen's possession on her accession in 1952. Two women with record breaking reigns to their credit, two queens who have shaped and reshaped the Monarchy to face changing times linked by so much including this sapphire.  



From great granny - via an Imperial Court

This pretty brooch began life as a wedding present from the Queen's great grandmother, Alexandra, then Princess of Wales, to her sister, Dagmar of Denmark, when she wed the future Tsar of Russia in 1866. It was worn by Dagmar (known by her real first name of Marie during her time as Tsarina) throughout her life at the Russian court. When she died, in 1928, that marvellous magpie, Queen Mary, snapped this brooch up and added it to her impressive jewellery collection. It came to the Queen in 1953. 



Double diamonds

Another piece of Russian jewellery to end up with the Queen is this rather impressive sapphire brooch with a double row of diamonds to set it off. It's reported to have ended up with Queen Mary in the 1930s after she bought it from the family of Maria, Tsarina of Russia following her death - probably some time after she acquired the pearl and sapphire brooch above. This is a serious set of jewels - truly fit for a Queen.



A link with the past and the future

King George VI showered his precious Lillibet with jewels and among them is a brooch of sapphires, rubies and diamonds given to her by her papa when she secured the succession with the birth of a son. The sparkling basket of flowers was a gift from George VI to the future Elizabeth II on the arrival of Charles, a baby prince, a king in waiting, the longest serving heir in British history. For the Sapphire Queen, it is a jewel in a million.  

Photo credit:: Wiki Commons

Sapphires for September: the UK

Comment   

Sapphires are the birth stone of September and have a place in royal history all of their own. Used by kings and queens for centuries, they are a sparkling symbol of regal power recognisable the world over. This month, we're having a look at some of the stunning sapphires currently glittering in the jewellery boxes of Europe's reigning houses. Today it's the sapphires belonging to the Sapphire Queen - Elizabeth II marked the 65th or Sapphire anniversary of her reign earlier this year. And as you'd expect, these are very regal stones indeed.



The Queen inherited some of the most famous jewels in the world when she ascended the throne but all monarchs throughout history have added their own touches to the royal gem collection. This tiara is one of the creations of the reign of Elizabeth II. The Queen commissioned this stunning sapphire and diamond diadem in the early 1960s. It's made from a necklace originally belonging to Princess Louise of Belgium.


Louise veered from racy to tragic in her life. The eldest daughter of King Leopold II of the Belgians, she married very regally and sensibly but that was about as far as following the form went. Louise had an affair and left her husband, causing all kinds of scandals in late 19th century Europe. Her new love forged her sister's signature to try and help the pair out of financial difficulties and Louise ended up in an asylum as a result. She left but had to sell her jewels at some point to pay her way out of trouble. And that's how the sapphires ended up with a for sale ticket and in the jewellery box of Elizabeth II. She acquired them in the middle of the 20th century and this very recognisable tiara was completed in 1963.





The Queen commissioned the tiara to match the set of sapphires given to her in 1947 as a wedding present by her father, King George VI.  The necklace features emerald cut sapphires and they were presented to the bride by her proud papa with a matching set of earrings. The Queen usually wears the tiara and necklace together - there is also a bracelet of sapphires and diamonds added to the set by the Queen. These jewels show the continuity of the House of Windsor, one reign passing to another, as well as the never ending bond between daughter and father. They are famous and fabulous sapphires, real sparklers to celebrate September.

wedding

[australian native wedding][recentbylabel2]

Featured

[Featured][recentbylabel2]
Notification
Wondering what style of flower bouquets you'll choose for your big day?
Done