My Inspiration January 18, 2010

Aside from the beauty of the vintage brooch bouquets I found online – and my desire to avoid going to the florist! – there is one main inspiration behind this idea of creating a homemade, keep-it-forever piece of art to carry down the aisle on my wedding day.

I am fortunate enough to have been given three sets of heirloom rings to use for our wedding. Unfortunately, none of the rings fit me – in size or style. But the rings mean a lot; they belonged to my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother. I’ve been trying to figure out how to incorporate these fabulous mementos, but was coming up blank until I thought about the bouquet.

Not everything that makes up the bouquet has to be a brooch – or a flower. I’ve seen a key ringwith a butterfly that could work wonderfully. I also considered picking up some more of these napkin rings that are currently acting as curtain tie-backs in my house. I’m also keeping an eye on the pendants for sale at Michaels – I’ve already brought one home!

I haven’t decided for sure yet where the rings will go, but I’m thinking on the ‘stem’ of the bouquet. That way I can be touching the rings of three generations as I say “I Do.”

My Bridal Bouquet January 11, 2010

Two hundred days before my wedding (July 31, 2010) and I have almost every major planning decision made – and booked!

Today, I’ve settled on the last un-decided aspect – the flowers. The centerpieces were already determined – candy & personalized gumball slot machines to go with our carnival theme – but now I’m giddy about my bridal bouquet and the story it will tell of our lives.

I’m asking everyone to contribute to my ‘vintage’ brooch bouquet. The brooches don’t have to be old, and they don’t even have to all be brooches. But they do have to be funky or sparkly flowers that are picked with love.

This blog will document each piece that people contribute – and my thoughts and memories about that person.

This isn’t a new idea; if you Google “vintage brooch bouquet” there are 161,000 results! There are talented people who sell lovely artful creations. But I want my bouquet to be made of memories – which means I need your help.

Please take a look through your unused jewelry or keep an eye out the next time you’re at a thrift store or even Wal-Mart. If you find something you’d like to share, send it along. I’ll post pictures and stories as the pieces arrive … and then my challenge of putting it together!

Photographed by Alice Hu, created by Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs