Porcelain

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

It’s a wrap

2017. What can I say?  On a personal note it was a pretty incredible year. 

So many great events. Weddings, photoshoots, installations...working with some pretty awesome industry pros, growers, creatives and planners. Collaborations are something I am aiming to work on again in 2018, more editorial/art based projects and creative shoots in the pipeline. I like taking risks (not the type that makes you lose your house or anything!), but not playing it safe when it comes to design.  It is not in my make up, I'm all up for a challenge.  

Growing my first ever chrysanthemums was pretty cool too.  This is definitely something I want to grow more of next year.  And at the plot the exciting news is that we've been accepted into the National Garden Scheme and will be flinging open our doors to the public in July. 

The Greenery trend for 2017 really did take off, and was wholly embraced by many of my clients. I covered everything from arched stairways, chandeliers, ceilings, lychgates...you name it.  I will be looking at design trends for 2018 in my next blog. 

But for now I'm reflecting on the year, taking stock and appreciating life over the last twelve months.  So many high points.  Seeing my wife run London, Berlin and New York marathons was incredible (see the world, marry a runner).  And the quiet moments of simply hanging with my dog in my PJ's.  2017 was pretty awesome!  

Grunge Shoot

When a brunch of creatives come together to just create. Simple as that.  Keeping it authentic, showing what we can do.  Jenn Brookes, the photographer and I came together a while back when I did a one-to-one with her to show her how to 'do the flowers' in a simple relaxed way.  Her love is art photography and film, in a digital age, it's refreshing.  I adore these polaroid shots, they have an ethereal feel to them.  Shot in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, my home town, it gives them a real edge too.  Handcrafted Bridalwear by Wilderness Bride.  Shoes by I Am Florence. 

The flowers were all grown by me, and offer a true seasonal snapshot.  The chrysanthemums and dahlias were on top form, the orache just moved over from shocking pink to setting seed, equally beautiful. And malus in the hair crown. Perfectly modelled by the glamorous granny/small child that is Martha!