Longwood Gardens: Endless Inspiration

This weekend, my ridiculously amazing husband (his words haha but he really is!), George, and I went to Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA. The former estate of Pierre duPont, Longwood Gardens is home to one of the largest conservatories and indoor greenhouses in the country.  Its gorgeous every time of year...and funny thing is, I've only been there in the winter!  I haven't even seen it at its height in the spring!  However, during the dull winter months, its great to go and visit the Orchid Display inside the Conservatory.  There are so many varieties and colors!  And its a great place to be indoors but feel like your outside.  We were fortunate enough to go this past Saturday as it snowed outside (so beautiful).  The space is breathtaking, but unfortunately after I inquired with the staff, you can't use the space for weddings!!  Its such a shame since they have the perfect event space in multiple locations inside the Conservatory...even a Ballroom with hardwood floors and chandeliers.  Can you just imagine having your photos taken here?

As we walked around, the aspiring photographer came out in me and I started snapping away at all of the gorgeous flowers on display.  It certainly helped me to draw inspiration for weddings!  As some of you might know, as you start planning your wedding, in particular your flowers, you become somewhat of a botanist....knowing all of the names of flowers you probably never thought you would care to know!  As such, I took the liberty of writing down all of the names of the flowers I saw at Longwood Gardens to hopefully help you all in planning your bouquets, centerpieces, you name it!  Hope it helps and inspires you to go out of your comfort zone (roses, hydrangea, peonies) and think outside the pot! ;)

Cattleyas: The "Queen of Orchids" and my favorite flower.  I actually had this flower in my wedding bouquet!  They are the most beautiful orchid in my opinion and some grow to be really big so they make a big statement in a bouquet.  This is a purple with yellow lips but my favorite is below :)

Another version of a cattleya

Red Phalaenopsis 

Vanda Orchid

The Lily flower symbolizes purity and refined beauty. Based on the color or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings.  They're a summer blooming flower so can be a cost effective option if you'll be getting married during this time as they'll be in season.  This lily I believe is called a "fanfare" and is creamy with yellow to apricot center.  My mom's favorite is the stargazer and is the most sought after...its a beautiful deep pink with white trim.  Gorgeous!  And they have the best smell.  Just be careful to trim the seed pods as they stain!

Belladonna Lily

Bow Hairstyles for Flower Girls

So, as probably many of you have also done, I have become obsessed with Pinterest.  I am on it multiple times a day and literally can't stop browsing the inspiration boards for weddings, food ideas for the holidays, DIY projects, and hairstyles.  I came across this hairstyle idea this morning which is courtesy of Adopt a' Do...Cute Girl Hairstyles.  First, the mom is adorable and I love that her husband is in the background filming her video tutorial!  Truly a family affair :)  Well.  I fell in love with this Pinterest post because #1 its so easy to create this cute bow hairstyle and #2 I thought it would be a fantastic flower girl hairstyle!  My wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dress all had these adorable but classy bows on the back and I just think it would have been adorable to have had my niece, Chloe, walk down the aisle with a matching bow hairstyle.  I'm going to test the Lady Gaga bow on her when she's visiting for Christmas!  Click the link to read more about the hairstyle and watch her tutorial!
Lady Gaga Hair Bow

Whitney & Billy-October 29, 2012

This past weekend, I attended one of my best friends, Whitney's, wedding in Indian Wells, California, just north of Palm Springs. She was married at her family's country club, Toscana Country Club, outside on the terrace which overlooked the green and perfectly manicured golf course, with the rocky hills in the background. Although a scorching 95 degrees, the sky was crystal clear blue, and as the sun went down, the moon shined just as bright. Whitney has always loved the color pink, so it was no surprise that her bridesmaids wore long pink sweetheart dresses with crystal brooches. Pink floral orbs adorned the aisles and the altar was covered by a sparkly sheer pink overlay. Pink uplights created a warm glow inside the white tent where the reception took place. White paper lanterns of various sizes hung from above and created a fun and playful contrast with the elegant crystal chandeliers. The live band was probably one of the best I've ever heard, but the greatest performance was a surprise choreographed father-daughter dance with Whitney and Ron. Check out the video below!