Weddings: In Search of Fabulous Fall Colors

October is the first month that comes to mind when you think of peak fall colors, but it really depends on what part of the country you live in.

Here in North Carolina, peak fall colors start around mid October in the mountains, and work their way into our area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC) a few weeks later. Which means those radiant blazes of scarlet, yellow and orange don't really show up until November. In fact the most spectacular colors for autumn for our area often occur between November 7th and November 15th.

So if you are planning a wedding in the Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill area, and you really want those fabulous fall colors, think November!

Cotton Bolls and Gingko Leaves for a Lovely Fall Bouquet

Katie and Jon wanted a softer color palette for their November wedding. One that included creams, olive greens, ivories and accents of gold. 

And textural elements that would be nestled within the flowers. Katie wanted cotton bolls. I had purchased some through my wholesaler, but days before the wedding my husband came home from work with gleanings fresh from a farmer friend's field.

Other textural elements such as dried nigella pods from late spring and creamy beige stems of Sweet Everlasting gathered in September were included as well. A collar of rich, dark leaves of Fragrant Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) encircled her bouquet and provided a delicate scent.

Boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen featured versions of these elements as well as white gomphrena blooms, (picked just before our first frost).

Since gold was an accent color for the wedding,  I called Katie at the last moment to see about adding some to her flowers...

She thought that would be fine. So Gingko leaves picked earlier in the week from a nearby tree were gilded and placed into her bouquet.

Sometimes the garden gatherings are not abundant, but that makes them even more special. I would love to help Katie learn to grow some of these flowers some day... And show Jon the perfect spot to plant a Fragrant Tea Olive of their own!!!

First Frost

Our first frost has finally made its appearance. We had a close call a few weeks back, but last night it really hit.

And while it's hard to see the flower season come to a close.

I can't help but look back and be thankful. 2014 has been a great year for growing flowers and I have enjoyed it immensely!

 

And I am so thankful for each time I have been able to take those flowers and work them into wedding designs for some very special couples!