My dear friend, Allison, asked me to be her floral designer once her venue, the Historic Dekalb Courthouse, was booked for April 3, 2016. How excited I was and touched that she wanted my garden-style designs for an elegantly tailored, vintage wedding with a blush and navy palette with pops of spring as inspiration. The intimate setting was held on a Sunday evening with a brisk air and a beautiful setting of white marble and granite.

Britt-Griffin Wedding at Historic Dekalb Courthouse | Photo:  Tim Redman — Britt-Griffin Wedding at Historic Dekalb Courthouse | Photo: Tim Redman

Just imagine the symmetry of architecturally elegant windows with candlelight votives in the window sills and spirea placed as celebratory garland. The ceremony alcove featured four wild box designs with dogwood as the focal flowers, which symbolically celebrated their early signs of love and courtship in their relationship. When they met online years ago they became true friends as young adults and then spontaneously met in California to meet in person for the first time, their true bond began. Dogwood was one of Allison's favorites after visiting Georgia, where Rob lived. Rob snapped photos during Spring and often shared them with her. After I heard this, I just knew I wanted to use dogwood to celebrate in their wedding festivities. With a mix of anemone to bring out the navy blue theme and special florals like Juliet garden roses, Italian Clooney Blush Ranunculus, White Clematis, and varieties of Eucalyptus (Allison's favorite greenery), the bouquet was truly beautiful with Allison's bridal gown and long veil.

The florals included a bit of English (Juliet garden rose named after one of the most iconic love stories) and Italian (Olive branches) bringing together Allison's family background. And, while I chose not to use Maple Leaf (even though Rob's Canadian) in any of the arrangements, I hand-selected blooms and greenery that symbolized my wish for them.

I wished them durability (from Dogwood), much love (through Rose), fun anticipation (from White Anemone), peace (through Olive Branch), and lasting love and patience (with Wax Flower). Cheers to the bride and groom!

Here are a few photos of the Britt-Griffin Wedding from photographer, Tim Redman.

Spirea garland by window sills of the Historic Dekalb Courthouse | Photo:  Tim Redman — Spirea garland by window sills of the Historic Dekalb Courthouse | Photo: Tim Redman

Gorgeous bridal shoes for Allison | Photo:  Tim Redman — Gorgeous bridal shoes for Allison | Photo: Tim Redman

Oh my!  That glimpse of dogwood enhancing the lacey bridal gown and beading on Allison's veil.  Photo:  Tim Redman — Oh my! That glimpse of dogwood enhancing the lacey bridal gown and beading on Allison's veil. Photo: Tim Redman

Father of the Bride and Allison Britt (the Bride) | Photo:  Tim Redman — Father of the Bride and Allison Britt (the Bride) | Photo: Tim Redman

Dogwood inspired focal point | Photo:  Tim Redman — Dogwood inspired focal point | Photo: Tim Redman