ARTS & EDUCATION
Picking
Flowers
w ritte n by SHERIL BE NNE T T TURNER photo g raphed by KRIS DECKER
I
’ve often thought that June is the most optimistic
ready to take home and put in a vase. This is quite a ro-
month. As spring showers give way to summer’s more
mantic way to carry flowers for an outdoor wedding.” By
constant sunshine, Mother Nature conspires to make
using unique leaves, exotic flowers, and berries, the men’s
everything she touches flourish. Is it any wonder, then, that June is one of the most popular months for weddings?
boutonnieres can also have a fresh outdoor feel. When it comes to the actual flowers, the choices
Who wouldn’t want to begin a new life with constancy
available today are endless. “Thank heavens for the Inter-
and growth. With this in mind, Renee Duvall and Carole
net!” Renee exclaims. “Florists were once limited to only
Ormond, floral designers and co-owners of Four Winds
local markets. Now we can go online and get peonies and
Florist in Landrum, offer some suggestions on how to pick
sweet pea from Holland, large-headed roses from South
the perfect flowers for your warm weather wedding.
America, wildflowers from California, and exotic flowers
“Because the Upstate is so beautiful, couples often
from Hawaii.” Traditional wedding flowers are also still
choose to have outdoor weddings and receptions with the
popular. “A hand wrapped bouquet of four or five long
mountains and lakes as the backdrop,” Renee says. “We’re
stemmed calla lilies is a really simple but sophisticated
seeing a definite trend toward less structured and more
look that goes well with today’s gowns,” remarks Renee.
natural floral elements that enhance this scenic beauty.”
“And by using cluster roses in your arrangements instead
Simple archways that frame a glorious view, outdoor
of traditional single roses, you can create a natural, Eng-
aisles lined with scented blossoms, and tent ceilings deco-
lish garden look.”
rated with flower-filled parasols are great embellishments
As far as colors are concerned, any hue that you can
for this type of setting. “And because this area is also an
imagine is likely to be had. “We’re doing a lot of arrange-
equestrian paradise,” Renee continues, “a bride has the
ments accentuated with pale green flowers such as green
opportunity to arrive like Cinderella in a horse-drawn
hydrangea blossoms and lime cymbidium orchids which
carriage festooned with romantic garland.”
have a wine throat. This bright spring green really makes
Instead of a structured, compact bouquet on a
the other colors, even white, really pop.” Whatever your
holder, some brides are opting for a more relaxed, casual
choice of flowers or florist, Renee has one last suggestion,
look. Hand wraps are very popular now,” Carole explains.
“Choose a good floral designer and give them creative
“This is a natural, hand-held long stem bouquet. It’s very
freedom to design for you. Let them be inspired by your
European — reminiscent of going to the local flower
wedding. Your wedding should be unique and different. I
market and picking up a wonderful bouquet tied together
haven’t had anyone yet throw the bouquet back at me!”
68 GreerNow JUNE 2007