Whenever anyone thinks of weddings, they usually envision a day filled with flowers — from the bouquets and boutonnieres to the ceremony and reception décor. Flowers create such an unforgettable ambience of beauty and romance that even brides who marry at city hall still want to carry a bouquet.
Some of the prettiest blooms I’ve seen recently are the creation of David C.H. Austin, who has introduced over 200 varieties of English roses since his first, the Constance Spry, was presented in 1961. These roses are especially lush and romantic making them ideally suited for wedding-day splendor. Here, a look at how David Austin roses lend visual magic to the big day:
Wedding Attire
A floral wreath and cascading bouquet of Constance roses enhances the vintage-chic look of the bride’s lace dress:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
This round bouquet of Patience roses in deep purple and white complements this classic satin gown:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photograpy; Designed by Ian Prosser
A springtime-fresh bouquet features the Kate, Darcey and Miranda roses:
A chic bouquet of ivory Charity roses, designed in the shape of a cozy “muff,” is perfect for a winter wedding:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
For the bridesmaids, green succulents lend a modern, organic feel when paired with pink Carey and Miranda roses:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
So sweet! A trio of lush Darcy blooms in vivid red complements the red satin trim on the flower girl’s dress:
A single Charity rose creates a striking boutonniere:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
The Ceremony Site
Transform any room or space into an unforgettable ceremony site. Here, a bevy of Edith roses fills the towering floor stands and mantel vases:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
In a courtyard, red Tess roses are tied to chairs and wrapped around tall, candle-topped stands to provide a colorful contrast against the surrounding neutral tones:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Pink Constance roses add a pretty pop of color at an outdoor venue:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
And Carey roses in shades of pink provide the ideal backdrop at this outdoor ceremony:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Yellow and white Beatrice and Patience roses are the perfect choice for a chic, nautical-themed wedding:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
The Details
Use flowers to reflect your personal style by displaying them in a variety of ways at the ceremony and reception. At this ceremony, these Carey, Miranda and Kate roses are nestled together in small vases hanging from plant holders:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
A dramatic spray of roses envelops a glass candle cylinder on a tall stand:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Here, the bride’s bouquet is tied to the back of her chair at the reception:
On the guest book table, Carey and Miranda roses lend a romantic vibe:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
An ornate, five-tiered cake comes alive when topped with deep red Tess roses:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Reception Tables
Depending on your wedding theme, venue and the time of year you marry, there are a number of ways flowers can dress up your tables. For spring or summer weddings, these soft pink Charity roses gathered into a low silver container beautifully complement the silver accents:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
While vivid red Tess roses lend grandeur to gold accents at a winter celebration:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
For a cozy, intimate affair, this table runner of pink Carey roses paired with greenery, branches and soft candlelight artfully offsets the room’s dusky ambience. (Note the single rose on each guest’s plate):
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Pretty pink Miranda roses seem to “bubble up” out of these towering champagne-glass centerpieces.
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
And here, a cluster of Keira roses sweetly fills this small glass vase:
Less formal celebrations call for more casual table settings and centerpieces, such as this white pitcher featuring Keira roses — a nice touch for country, barn or prairie weddings:
Filled with summer-fresh yellow and white Beatrice and Patience roses, this trio of textured containers sits atop a striped table covering.
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
For a rustic chic wedding, a centerpiece of Constance roses stands tall on a gingham check table linen:
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
And Edith and Juliet roses paired with greenery and other blooms fill unique wooden containers to striking effect.
Photo Credit: Djamel Photography; Designed by Ian Prosser
Have fun planning your own flower-filled celebrations and be sure to visit davidaustinrosesusa.com for more information and inspiration.
—Diane Forden