So many of my posts here are born out of a rant.  Things that drive me crazy with weddings, décor or the world.  This one is no exception.  Because there is something graceful and romantic about the way flowers should linger in a bride’s arms.  They should be held gingerly and with love. They are an accessory to the overall attire of a bride and a focal point in one’s bridal portraits.  When I am presented with inspiration photos or a stunning bouquet captures my attention online, the flowers definitely do a lot of speaking but it’s not only that, it’s the way it’s held, photographed and treasured.  So when I see my flowers (which are my art – my heart and soul has gone into designing each and every piece) captured in an unfavorable manor I am immediately hit with a wave of sadness, wishing I could be the stylist on each and every wedding day making sure every detail is perfect.

Since that’s not a realistic option and most people aren’t quite as dramatic about their blooms as I tend to be, I’m simply going to share my word of advice here, lending some guidance.  I always want the flowers to look incredible in person, but when your wedding day is over, the memories will eventually fade and your pictures are what you have left to reminisce upon.  So let’s make sure that they’re every bit as amazing as your real life memories.

Stems Tucked in Towards the Body

First things first, make sure stems are tucked in towards the body and the faces of the flowers are facing out.

In the above picture, the bouquet is being held vertically, so the stems are parallel to the body.  While this doesn’t make the photo “ugly”, it could be so much better because this isn’t the angle that the bouquet was designed to face.

Above our model simply tipped the bouquet forward bringing to flowers to the of attention.  The stems are tucked in closer to her body.  My bouquets are intensionally created with very short stems, making this much easier to accomplish.

Make Sure the Ribbon is Over You Hands

Long trailing silk ribbons are really popular right now.  I love some of the hand-dyed options, like this one from Silk and Willow.  However, I’m saddened when the beauty of these ribbons is hidden behind the bride’s fingers.  Most times, I’m fairly certain that it’s unintentional, however I want to point it out just the same.

See how our model’s hands are crinkling the bow and blocking the ribbons?  Below I’ll share a few ways that we still photographed the bride’s ring, but also capture the ribbons and flowers in a more favorable position.

Let the ribbon loosly flow over your fingers, showing off is delicate nature.

Play with Different Positions to Hold it In

I know I contradict myself often when I talk about flowers.  I have been known to mention taking really good care of your bouquet, making sure it’s handled gently and given lots of water throughout the wedding day.  I think this puts people in a panic, like they can’t set it down and touch any part of it besides the stems.  Flowers are delicate and parishable, but they can handle being used a little.  So don’t be afraid to really “hold onto” your bouquet.  And here are some of my favorite ways to do so.

I love this one because the bouquet is slightly tipped to the side, with the stems still hidden.  It gives a a different vantage point and elongates the lines of the bouquet.

Here the bouquet is completely vertical, almost making it appear as though it’s a cascading bouquet.

Resting the bouquet on your hip, either in front of you or behind you is a really comfortable way to hold the flowers during your portraits and gives the pictures interest making them seem artsy, but not unnatural.

I love the nonchalant feeling of the bouquet being tossed over the bride’s shoulder.  It especially gorgeous here because it’s almost hard to see where her bouquet ends and her hairpiece starts.

Photography: Gabby H Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Dress: Spring Sweet | Venue: Lamb Bride | Pampas Grass Installation: Auturel | Hair & Makeup: Carleana DeLaCruz | Model: Dana of By His Grace Calligraphy

No matter how you choose to hold your bouquet, my biggest take aways from this post are hide the stems – you’re paying for flowers!  Show off your gorgeous ribbons and do what feels comfortable.

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