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What a fabulous frosty day setting up for Arley Hall’s Festively Floral Event this week. For those wishing to know what flowers were used in our display:
Teasel, Hippeastrum Isabella, Ilex Gresgold, Cymbidium Orchid Snowbird, Grevillia and Rose Effie.
Comes round quickly doesn’t it! What can I say, I thought it best I open the pre-order book, as last year demand exceeded supply and some of you missed out. Early bird gets the worm and all that shizzle. So if you want the neighbours to be uber jealous, drop us a message and we will make sure you get a wreath this year.
All our wreaths are made by hand using a mix of fresh and dried plant material. Each wreath is unique, and can be made to order to a particular colour scheme. Decorated with a variety of dried flowers, cones, feathers, foliages and bells and whistles.
We deliver throughout South Manchester from late November up to Christmas itself. Or you can collect from Stretford.
Two sizes, £48 and £68. To order simply drop us an email at hello@fletcherandfoley.com.
We also do a host of other christmas decorative items from garlands to fireplace installations all bespoke so again, drop us a line if you would like a quote.
If you’re looking for wedding venue inspiration and fancy tying the knot at a historical Cheshire country house, Arley Hall could be the one.
Join us on Sunday 6 October 11am - 3pm
Now in it’s eleventh year, British Flowers Week is here again. An opportunity for growers and florists alike to shine a light on what we have to offer, not just this week, but throughout the year.
Spring Flowers - Tulips, hellebores, narcissi, fritillaria, ranunculus. The top five for spring.
Summer - Roses, campanula, cosmos, astrantia, ammi. The world’s your oyster.
Autumn - Dahlias, chrysanthemums, helichrysum, rudebeckia, miscanthus. The colour explosion that is around before the first frosts.
I’ve used the expression ‘treading lightly on the earth’ many times because to my mind this sums up the whole ethos of British Flowers. You can check out Flowers from the Farm here.
There’s a great feature on the seasonality and sustainability of British Flowers on the Natural Wedding Blog too. Well worth a read.
Back in late November at that moment where all eyes are fully on Christmas orders, I received a call asking if I could provide flowers for the new series of The Responder on BBC1.
I love TV and Film work, it’s completely different to wedding/funeral work for obvious reasons. There’s the brief, which usually gets the creative juices flowing. In this scenario, it’s a holy communion scene, for a lower middle class family. Flower colours predominantly white, with a hint of yellow, and the flowers should be nice, but not too over the top. The season very much not Christmas.
Four meadow arrangements to sit on the steps leading to the altar, one arrangement that has to be three feet tall, and a selection of bud vases for the buffet table. The thing with TV stuff is that things change quickly, so at 7pm the day before I’m due to drop them off, another call to add a couple of pedestal arrangements which means going back to the wholesaler at the crack of dawn, making them and then travelling to Bootle to get everything ready.
Arriving at the church, it was full of people and for a moment I did wonder if they had started filming. But no, they were just lovely people using a church for it’s intended purposes. The church warden met me and said ‘you look like a flower lady’, I’m not entirely sure what that look is? Frazzled? perhaps! Then home to walk the dog in the dark. Six months later you see your flowers on screen, it’s a fleeting mere seconds on screen and then you realise just how hard the film makers work, and their incredible attention to detail. It’s a cracking series, and must see. Can’t wait to see what my next job is!
We’re currently prepping for Wedstival 24 at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday. There will be a huge amount of incredible suppliers and tons of wedding inspiration. If you would like a free ticket to attend follow the link. Tickets.
We’re now taking orders for Mother’s Day bouquets, think seasonal ranunculus and tulips to treat your mum to. You can choose from either Florists Choice which simply means you trust us to make something fabulous. Or you can suggest a favourite flower/colour preference.
Three price points, £45, 65, 85. Email hello@fletcherandfoley.com
Free delivery to Stretford, Urmston, Sale, Timperley and Chorlton.
All our wreaths are made by hand using a mix of fresh and dried plant material. Each wreath is unique, and can be made to order to a particular colour scheme. Decorated with a variety of foraged and dried flowers, cones and foliages.
We deliver throughout South Manchester from late November up to Christmas itself. Or you can collect from Stretford.
Two sizes, £48 and £68. To order simply drop us an email at hello@fletcherandfoley.com.
Half way through the year. Hard to believe, and so many beautiful weddings already. Thought I would post a little snapshot of some of the joy and happiness shared. Special thanks for Jo Bradbury, SMH Photography and Luke Hassell.
Big plans…rule the world…best year yet…new year, new you! STOP, I want to get off this nonsense roller coaster already. How about it’s deep winter, I’m hibernating? Personally I want candlelight, calories and calm. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a little gentle planning. Thinking of warmer days whilst embracing the cosy culture with a good book. Enjoy the quiet time and Happy New Year to you all.
I’m often asked “how can I bring in a little colour to my wedding” and the answer is quite easily. It doesn’t have to be a full on colour saturation and metaparody.
Take a classic white and neutral flower bouquet and add a small element of colour, or keep it white and add artisan plant dyed silk ribbons. Add coloured shoes to peak beneath your dress, and give your photographer the stationery suite and jewellery to capture the memories of the day through a flatlay. Check out the team credits below for more wedding inspiration.
Team credits: photography - @emmapilkingtonphotography dresses - @katebeaumont
hair and make-up - @sarahmortenmakeupartist flowers - @fletcherfoley
shoes - @harrietwildeshoes veils - @daisysheldonembroidery
model - @lucycookx @industrymodels stationery - @lauraelizabethpatrick
jewellery - @idinjewellery
Blossom Watch in full swing for this Spring shoot from earlier in the year at the rather magnificent Newburgh Priory. Who doesn’t love a shoot in a ruined priory?
We gave a modern twist to a classic pastel and gold colour theme, with the addition of black accent colours in the table decor and accessories. The table was effortlessly styled with tulips, lilac, ranunculus and delicate branches of apple blossom, and a minimal cake decorated with delicate butterfies. The table decor was completed with some hand crafted stationery.
The most gorgeous flowing gowns, with movement reminiscent of a butterfly in flight, teamed with beautifully natural and elegant hair and make-up.
Dream Team
Photographer - Emma Pilkington
Venue - Newburgh Priory
Florist - Fletcher & Foley
Dresses - Miller White
Dresses - Emma Beaumont
Shoes - Bella Belle
Decor Styling - Louise L27 Weddings
Hair & Make-up artist - Sarah Morten
Model - Sasha at J'adore Models
Cake - Hannah Matilda
Jewellery - Botias Accessories
Jewellery - Miss Clemmie
Stationery - 315 Press
Styling Boards - The Styling Kit Co
When Maria at Detail Styling Design contacted me to see if I was interested in collaborating on a shoot set in a renovated barn with exposed stone walls, I was absolutly thrilled.
It’s wonderful working with other creatives and sharing ideas. I wanted to create a neutral and heavily textured visual which meant weeks of foraging on the meadows to collect naturally dried grasses. The shoot also happened to coincide with the start of the Lily of the Valley and lilac season.
An incredibly talented group of creatives came together to create something beautiful, scroll down to see the full list below.
Venue: The Old Hay Barn - Concept, planning and styling: @detail_styling_design
Photography: @jobradburyphotography Florals and Hairpiece: @fletcherfoley Dress Designer @leannemarshallofficial
Jumpsuit Designer @rockthefrockbridal Boutique @rockthefrockcheshire Hair and MUA: @nalaandknot Model: @elfrancesca_
Stationery @soireestationeryuk Signage @signedwithloveweddings Cake @marieantoinettecakes_uk Jewellery: @thevamoose
Silk napkins and runners @willowandribbon Shoes: @charlottemillsshoes Dinner Plates @every__story Glassware and cutlery @whitehouse_crockery Prop Hire @detail_styling_design Furniture @chairmanhireuk Tablecloth @88eventscompany
The last days of lockdown 3. The tulips are popping, spring is in the air, the vibe is ‘hell yeah’ we all just want a bit of fun. Creative juices are running high, and the dream team came together (see all the awesome suppliers at the bottom of this).
Elopement style weddings with just 15 guests are back on the cards, it may be bijou, but they’re certainly not lacking in style and celebration, and these dresses are perfect for the wild at heart.
Dresses Moonchild Bridal at Jean Jackson Couture Photography Gail Secker Louise Elliott
Flowers Fletcher and Foley Andrea Baines Make Up Artistry Michelle Yates Make Up and Hair
When you think of ‘bohemian’ you might think of an easy going festival wedding, but it can also be beautifully combined with a modern and minimalistic wedding styling. For this editorial, we created a fresh, minimalistic look with a wintery color palette.
Blue, white and the warmth of different shades of apricot form a beautiful combination in the flowers, stationery and a beautifully set table. Dream team details below.
Photography: Emma Pilkington \ Dresses: Jean Jackson Couture, Lovers Society & Moonchild Bride \ Jewellry: Alice Gwyneth \ Hair & Makeup: Sarah Morten \ Model: Noor at J’adore Models | Flowers: Fletcher & Foley \ Styling: Want That Invite \ Stationery: Beautifully Lost Studio \ Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes \ Styling Boards: The Styling Kit Co
Elder (Sambucus Nigre Black Lace) providing the perfect backdrop against the Haworth stone mill, steeped in history with it’s glorious riverside setting. I’ve said this before, but using neutrals/naturally dried flowers can sometimes give the overall effect of ‘beige’ despite all incredible the textures and forms. For the backdrop, against the creamy stone wall, the Elder would provide a bold and striking contrast. Keeping it seasonal with the dahlias, helychrysum and phlox Crème Brulee.
Photography Sam Sparks Venue Ponden Mill Stylist Carrie-Anne Tilley
MUA/Model Kathryn Farrington Dress Foxglove Brides Cake Where the Ribbon Ends
Stationery Made By Wood and Wood Crockery Whitehouse Crockery Furniture Tipicaltypeuk
A reflection of the season and challenging the perceptions of Spring floral designs. By working with what could be considered a more autumnal palette of burnt tones, mustard and terracotta.
There’s a decisiveness and consideration in the placing of structural branches/ blossom and dried elements. The flowers taking an almost understudy role to the overall movement of the installation. I consider the juxtaposition with the model and knowing how she will move in that space is all key.
Judging, balancing, evaluating and framing, there is a lot goes into the creative thought process, but on an editorial feature there is the beauty of artistic freedom, do as you please.
When building the bouquet, I did feel the bold orange colour was a little too harsh and focussed predominantly on the Toffee Roses and spring favourites ranunculus, helebores and tulips. Foraged terracotta coloured silver birch bark formed the central runner for the tablescape dotted through with lychees and hand dipped candles.
Such a wonderful creative collaboration, all working with the same common goal, to bring you beauty and hopefully inspire you.
Images Emma Pilkington Dresses Jean Jackson Couture Hair & MUA Sarah Morten
Model Lauren May Stationery Beautifully Lost Studio Jewellery Miss Clemmie
Whilst putting this post together I was listening to the Fortunately podcast when someone said ‘when women come together great things happen’ . Today’s post is a case in point. A great shoot organised with the very talented photographer Emma Pilkington.
I love nothing more than interpreting a brief, in this case an incredibly soft palette of blues/greys/greens, which were picked out perfectly from the fading hydrangea, mixed with neutrals of thlapsi, miscanthus and grasses with that curling bracken (spotted on my travels). Seven incredibly hard working independents, making magic. Go check them out.
Dresses Shikobabride Make Up Artist Sarah Morton Accessories Liberty in Love
Stationery Laura Elizabeth Patrick Model Izzie Bennett
This Hardy-esque styled shoot set in a Georgian chapel and surrounding countryside was a dream to work on. Early summer is such a joy when it comes to botanical styling. Verbascum and cowslips sit comfortably with scented garden roses and foxgloves. And the must have meadow styled aisle. A crown of coridander mirrors the hedgerows bursting with the froth of cow parsley. You simply can’t help but be inspired by nature.
Stephanie at Wilderness Bride certainly found her botanical inspiration, with her design of the Olive dress a softly tiered design that’s both simple, elegant and beautifully romantic. Lauren and Jen worked their hair and make-up magic creating a soft relaxed style and glow. And I am forever in love with the photography style of Jo Bradbury, perfectly capturing that romantic editorial light and airy look . Visual feast.
Welcome to our Foam Free, Freestanding Installation know how post. It’s not going to be preachy. The bottom line is we all know that floral foam is an environmental disaster, there simply is no place for it. So, as event florists up and down the country have to work out (in a very Heath Robinson fashion) how to work without it, my trusty flowery friend Fiona West of Like the Moon in Daytime, and I took off last week to document the process and share a few tips with everyone.
Step 1
Blue Circle Postcrete is your friend, using a plastic garden trug, pierce holes into the bottom to allow for drainage. Simply pop your drainpipe into the trug, poor in the Postcrete add water. At this point it’s imperative the post is straight (I have a made a couple slightly off kilter, it’s not the end of the world). You will need to be strong, these weigh around 20kg. It’s worth carrying a heavy duty wheelie trolley to move around.
Step 2
If there is any chance the post will be visible, cover in moss, this is wired on. Overlay with chicken wire and secure tightly either by wiring on or with a few cable ties. Snip a single piece of the chicken wire to insert the spikes. Depending on how floriferous the design, you may need spikes closer together and fill the whole post if you’re going for a full on flower heavy design.
Step 3
Insert the foliages directly into the chicken wire. This design used entirely British grown foliages a mix of cupressus, confier, catkins, pussy willow, ivy, skimmia, fatsia, spirea, birch and there’s always the point where we don’t want to add the flowers because the foliages look incredible. Fill the spikes with water and add the flowers.
Step 4
Tubes. These tubes hold a small amount of water, and have little rubber tops that the stems are poked into. We actually found this size too small for the spring flowers with their thicker stems, but they are available in larger sizes. Everything is a learning curve, so it’s worth trying it out before committing to a large event and stressing yourself. Another tip I have learnt over the years is that people assume these can easily be moved. They can’t. You can say no!
The asymmetrical freestanding design is perfect for entrances to marquees and churches where there are no fixing points, anywhere you want to create a wow factor. The Postcrete is dirty, so wrap in a sheet until you’ve moved it into place, but the benefit of the weight is you know it’s not going to topple over.
We used a mixed box of British grown flowers from Clowance in Cornwall, which included scilla, snowdrops, narcissi and tulips. Our host for the day was Philippa at Just Dahlias, who was fabulous, hot soup on a very cold day can never be underestimated. Philippa provided the most incredible camellia and delicate pink blossom which just made the whole design pop.
Has this been useful? Or has it thrown up more questions? Lets keep this conversation going and share our findings.
