In the heart of the countryside, at Dewsall Court, Herefordshire, a wedding unfolded that would make any florist's heart skip a beat. Inspired by the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, this Lord of the Rings-themed celebration was a floral wonderland. It paid homage to the Shire's natural beauty while adding a touch of Elvish enchantment.
As you can imagine, my excitement to dive into creating floral magic for this special day was indescribable. When Cate and Mitch have contacted me and explained their vision, I knew straight away that this will be something I can pour my soul and heart into. Something that will reflect my style, my love of natural beauty and sustainable design. Join me as I explore how seasonal, locally sourced materials, hops, vintage stone bottles, moss, and edible flowers turned this wedding into a botanical fairytale.
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The Perfect Venue
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Let’s start with that. The venue, Dewsall Court in Hereford, was the perfect canvas to bring Cate and Mitch's vision to life. It provided a breathtaking country backdrop with cozy corners and a mystical woodland, complete with a tranquil stream—an absolute dream for a wedding florist.
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A Picturesque Ceremony
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The ceremony unfolded behind the house, offering stunning countryside views. To frame this natural beauty, we used our chimney pot,
adorned with floral meadows. These flowers were carefully chosen to reflect the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious connection between nature and the celebration.
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Transforming the Wainhouse
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The reception took place in the Wainhouse, which we transformed into a floral haven reminiscent of Bilbo Baggins' cozy home in Hobbiton. What a fantastic building with huge wooden beams, large bifold doors, old stone walls and incredible chandeliers. The centrepiece was a chimney pot placed behind the couple's seating area, while floral meadows adorned the front of the tables, creating a captivating focal point.
Our vision was to craft a display reminiscent of a kitchen garden, blending edibles with seasonal flowers—a true nod to Tolkien's novel. Mossy runners graced the tables, infusing a natural and grounded ambiance. Vintage stone and beer bottles, Ikebana bowls, pots with living plants, rocks, fruits, and vegetables adorned the tables, symbolizing elements of Tolkien's enchanting world. We wanted to create a multi-sensory experience for the couple and the guests by using different textures, colours, scents and even taste! Locally sourced hops vines added a playful touch to the chandeliers, while Clematis seedheads and Limonium brought a sprinkle of magic.
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Enchanting Wearables
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The bride's dress had an Elvish charm, adorned with delicate flowers that gave the perfect backdrop for her bouquet—a blend of seasonal blooms and delicate greens. The bridesmaids, all dressed in floral-printed outfits, carried bouquets, harmonising with the bride’s that resembled mini gardens, bursting with colours and scents.
The groom and groomsmen wore a colourful, textural buttonhole with a playful charm, something that Sam would’ve had on his wedding day.
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In this Lord of the Rings-themed wedding, flowers took center stage. It was a delight to bring Cate and Mitch's
vision to life, and they gave me the creative freedom to truly express myself. Every element I added was a reflection of their unique personalities. I aimed to create an atmosphere that was fun, vibrant, and calm all at once, mirroring their love for each other.
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For any florist, this wedding serves as a reminder of the enchanting power that blooms hold. They have the ability to transform any event into an unforgettable and magical experience.
In addition to that, without an incredible photographer, none of this would've been captured so beautifully. We loved Colin Nicholls' unique perspective and creative photography.