Bloomin’ Ideas for Your Big-day Bouquets
Photography by Rebekah Westover
The only handheld to carry on your wedding day is a bouquet of fresh, fragrant blooms. Whether a bride’s style is country, bohemian, natural or glamorous, her flowers are the focal point of the celebration and it’s a photographer’s task to capture all the moments a bride shares with her bouquet.
Enter Rebekah Westover.
She has snapped countless posies over the years and advises her clients every step of the way. First, she says, collaborate with a professional florist to select not only the right blooms, but the correct size and shape of your bouquet, custom to your body type and gown style. And don’t forget to relax those elbows and wrists to avoid looking stuff.
Westover shares more words of wisdom for soon-to-be brides on making the most of the flower power.
Q: WHAT BLOOMS CAN UTAH BRIDES NOT GET ENOUGH OF?
A: Peonies, for sure. But they are not always available. If the look is what you love, garden roses — available most of the year — mimic the multi-petaled, fluffy look of peonies.
Q: WHAT FLORAL TRENDS ARE POPPING UP IN UTAH?
A: A new trend is ditching the typical glass vases and putting floral arrangements in large gold urns. Also, multiple arrangements on a table are replacing the single centerpiece.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPRING AND SUMMER BLOOMS?
A: Peonies and hydrangeas. Both blooms are romantic and beautifully feminine.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FALL AND WINTER BLOOMS?
A: I keep pots full of succulents in my house during the winter and fall, so I love it when they pop up in wedding bouquets.
Q: WHEN YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT BOUQUET STYLE WAS “IN” AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO WHAT’S POPULAR NOW?
A: When I started my photography business in 2005, gerber daisies were all the rage. Bouquets were typically very symmetrical, small, and full of bright, bold flowers. Today’s bouquet is much more organic and soft. Current bouquets are large, asymmetrical and full of pastel florals with lots of soft greenery.
Q: HAVE YOU WITNESSED WEDDING-DAY FLOWER DISASTERS?
A: In the summer, Utah has a very hot climate that is not suitable for many types of flowers. I have seen many arrangements and bouquets wilt or droop within minutes of being exposed to the Utah heat. Talk to your florist to make sure you are picking the best types of flowers for our harsh seasons. in addition, work with a pro who knows how to schedule the timing of delivery and set-up that avoids hot-season wilting and cold-weather freezing.
