It may sound cliché but in many ways, it all starts and ends with the bridal bouquet. During the initial conversations, I ask about color, shape, and particular blooms. Are there pictures of the gown? What is the fabric and how does it feel? What’s the color and material of the groom’s suit and what is the rest of the wedding party going to wear? How will your hair be done, and what about makeup and nail color?!

As I begin to design, I think about how this one piece will look with the dress, the entire wedding party, the space, and all the other arrangements. I want flowers, as well as foliage, that give me the right shape and texture.

As I process all of the flowers, I seek out those perfect blooms, as well as the unique imperfections that will help me build just the right shape—whether it’s going to be standard, oversized, or flowing—setting them aside with special care.

Yet, it’s not until the end of the process that the bridal bouquet comes to life. Up until this point, the selected flowers are closely watched and managed appropriately to make sure every bloom is at their prime on the big day! For example, I may be waiting for roses or peonies, which take longer to open, to decide exactly which stems I will use and how they should affect the final shape.

Creating the bouquet at the end also helps me ensure that the vision comes full circle, capturing the look and feel of each element that has been created. While the wedding flowers will be captured in nearly every single photograph from the special day, the bridal bouquet is specifically featured in those images that couples will hold dear for the rest of their lives.

For Shelby’s bouquet, we chose a natural, flowing shape with blush and rich burgundy blooms that paired perfectly with the dresses, the venue, and the fall day.

Shelby said: “We recently got some photos back from our wedding day and the flowers were just breathtaking! Athabold (and Shuheng) were amazing! We got married a month ago and I’m still dreaming about her flower arrangements! Right from our first encounter she knew exactly what I was picturing for our day! She took inspirational pictures I had and sent others from my descriptions to lay out a detailed proposal (I knew from then she really understood my vision) and the final outcome was better than I could have dreamed up! She was amazing to work with especially in such a stressful time I was confident I didn’t need to worry about the flowers. They were so unique, I was looking at my bridal boutique for days after, amazed at the beautiful different flowers. Thank you Thank you Thank you! Would definitely recommend to a friend!”

Venue: Blenheim Hill Farm; Photographer: Samantha Lauren Photographie

For Giancarla, we wanted something that was wild and natural. The bouquet captured the essence of the scenic and historic venue as well as the bride’s spirit.

Giancarla said: “I cannot recommend Athabold Flowers enough! I had many conversations with wedding florists and none compared to the attention, patience and receptivity that Shuheng had. She earnestly listened to my needs, my wants, my confusions and concerns and expertly helped me navigate my vision. When things changed throughout the process she was willing to update and adapt. Her team was prompt, knowledgeable and kind. I gasped with joy when I saw my bouquet because she had nailed the emotion behind the flower choices we had made. Her work is original, unique, organic, wild, architectural and natural.If you are looking to be floored by your florals and want to work with a genuinely gracious woman—then Athabold is my highest recommendation. Thank you Shuheng Ji!”

Venue: Mohonk Mountain House; Photographer: Sarma & Co Photography

THE BRIDAL BOUQUET: PART 1