PICK OF THE BUNCH
Fond of flowers but no idea where to begin? We asked three floral artists about their top choices when it comes to incredible bouquets.
Where to begin with your flowers? These florists have you covered
ANNA & RACHAEL LYNCH
THE LITTLE FLOWER SHOP, AUCKLAND Located in Auckland, The Little Flower Shop not only provides beautiful blooms, but stocks a carefully curated selection of lovely pots and plants for something a little different, décor-wise.
IF YOU WERE GETTING MARRIED SOON, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR HERO FLOWER IN YOUR BOUQUET AND WHY?
It might not sound very exciting but we couldn’t go past a beautiful blush rose as the hero (or obviously a peony if it was a November wedding)!
WHAT IS A FLOWER THAT BRIDES DON’T OFTEN THINK OF THAT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY IN A BOUQUET?
An orchid in the right shade can look stunning in a bridal bouquet (we adore the burgundy cymbidium).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOLIAGE? We love eucalyptus with everything. Trai ling jasmine vine is another favourite. And it’s not strictly speaking foliage, but Queen Anne’s lace is always pretty in a bouquet.
JOLENE
ESTELLE FLOWERS, DUNEDIN Estelle Flowers is an environmentally conscious business, recycling green waste and choosing seasonal and locally grown flowers when possible.
IF YOU WERE GETTING MARRIED SOON WHAT WOULD BE YOUR HERO FLOWER IN YOUR BOUQUET AND WHY?
White hyacinths. They are delicate, feminine and have a beautiful fragrance.
WHAT IS A FLOWER THAT BRIDES DON’T OFTEN THINK OF THAT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY IN A BOUQUET?
Delphiniums if the bouquet is long-line and natural, or water lilies to give an exotic deco vibe.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOLIAGE? Magnolia because of its broad, glossy green leaf and brown velvety underside. It brings warmth, sophistication and texture to bouquets.
KRISTEN SOMERVILLE
XOX FLORAL, TAUPO Kristen loves the raw, natural beauty of the outdoors and uses this aesthetic to guide her work. She gathers most of her flowers and foliage locally, which gives her bouquets a wild, botanical look.
IF YOU WERE GETTING MARRIED SOON WHAT WOULD BE YOUR HERO FLOWER IN YOUR BOUQUET AND WHY?
It would be a Limelight protea because it’s so beautifully understated and perfectly suited to this time of year. I love the contrast in colours between the pearl white and burgundy and because its petal tips are so soft and velvety, it reminds me of a cosy fur rug. I also love the fact that it adds gorgeous texture and intrigue to a bouquet without being ‘pretty’ in the traditional sense.
WHAT IS A FLOWER THAT BRIDES DON’T OFTEN THINK OF THAT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY IN A BOUQUET?
I love using Leucadendrons because they add a different element; they’re structured and flower-like without being flowers. Safari sunset is a beautiful alternative to a red rose, and some of the little varieties can almost substitute for spray roses, plus they’re hardy, they can be dried, easy to grow and generally not too expensive to buy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOLIAGE? Nandina was my favourite last winter, but recently I’ve discovered Leucothoe. The colours in the leaves are just incredible, plus it has gorgeous little clusters of bell- shaped flowers. Best of all, it seems to grow well in Taupo.
I love using Leucadendrons because they add a different element; they’re structured and flower-like without being flowers.