The Cloud of 5,000 Roses
Last summer, something dreamy happened. Working with our friends at ARC Events, we created a spectacular floral journey for a self-confessed ‘rose fiend’ of a bride.
Taking inspiration from her love of Nick Knight’s ‘Roses from my Garden’ photography, we filled every corner of Oakley Court with big, blousy, beautiful roses. Shining a spotlight on this romantic, sumptuous flower, every element told a different story.
Nick Knight, Roses From My Garden.
Perhaps the most magical creation was a breath-taking rose cloud suspended above the central table, made from 5,000 roses. Creating a once in a lifetime moment, we used pink, cream and blush tones to exude softness, texture and movement, like a real cloud floating through the sky. English Margaret Merrill roses were peeking and poking out of it, adding to the 3D effect and lending a playful, almost dancing aesthetic.
To emphasise it further, we also gave the central table a touch of magic. Topped with mercury gold mirror, the three-metre bespoke table was drilled at the centre, and we placed English garden roses through the gaps, which looked as though they were growing from the table.
And with the cloud floating above, the reflection was like a painting made from flowers. Something photographer Joanna Brown captured so beautifully on film, with her abstract take on these rose-filled scenes.
To complete the vision, we used hand blown glass candlesticks filled with blush candles leaving little pools of pink wax as the night wore on, and bubble glass tea lights to create a weightless, candlelit, magical feel.
Working to a brief of ‘roses, roses everywhere’, we didn’t hold back. Our ode to their effortless beauty also saw the staircase of the main house dripping with rambling trails of English roses and fragrant jasmine. Lavishly abundant, these wilder stems complemented the blousiness of the roses, bringing texture and free spirit.
Choosing pale tones for this impactful moment, they were luxuriously draped over the banisters creating a cascade of roses which curled around the foot of the stairs with dramatic effect. So taken aback, the bride burst into tears of delight the first time she laid eyes on it.
For the ceremony itself, it was a tale of pure romance. We added roses into the wild flower meadow at the entrance of the marquee, while soft, fluffy clouds of roses gently encircled our couple as they said their vows overlooking the river. The palette of whites, creams and the palest pink roses, peonies and Café au Lait dahlias felt serene and sumptuous, like a Nick Knight still life.
