Gileston Manor wedding flowers with Bex and Matt

A Feast of Red, Pink and Burgundy

I've been sitting on this one for far too long, and I can't quite believe it. This wedding was everything — rich, romantic, deeply coloured flowers in one of the most beautiful settings South Wales has to offer. I feel so lucky to have been part of Bex and Matt's day, and I'm finally sharing it with you in all its glory.

Bex and Matt had to postpone their wedding a couple of times due to the pandemic but gosh, it was worth the wait. When we first met Bex came to me with amazing ideas, she wanted to use lots of deep, rich colours, lots of texture, nothing too rigid or formal. Peonies were a must have. I loved her ideas and couldn’t wait to get started.

These photos from Christopher Ian Photography are just wonderful, as you will see. I absolutely loved this wedding, it was an absolute pleasure working with this gorgeous couple on their big day.

Now feast your eyes on this blog for some serious wedding floral inspiration!

Saying the wedding vows holding flowers in burgundy, red and pink — Just married the happiest couple. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

The bride and groom are kissing in a rose garden the bride is holding her bridal flowers in burgundy, red and pink colours — Stunning couple kissing in the rose garden. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Bex and Matt and their vision.

From our very first meeting, I knew this was going to be a special one. Bex arrived with the most wonderful ideas; she wanted deep, rich colours, lots of texture, nothing too stiff or formal. And peonies. Peonies were non-negotiable, and honestly? I was thrilled.

The wedding had been postponed a couple of times thanks to the pandemic, but as is so often the case, the wait only made the day feel more precious. When it finally arrived, warm, sunny, and absolutely beautiful, it was more than worth it.

The bridal bouquet in rich tones of burgundy, red and pink — The rich colours in the bridal bouquet.

Bridal bouquet from the side angle with burgundy peonies, deep red roses, pink scabious, astilbe and roses — the bride holding her lush wedding flowers. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Bridesmaids chatting holding bouquets in luxurious colours with burgundy peonies. bright pink and deep red roses, soft pink scabious and astilbe — The bridesmaids smiling holding their wedding bridal bouquets in burgundy, red and pinks. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

The bouquets

Bex gave me real creative freedom with the bouquets, and I loved her for it. She trusted the process, which always brings out my best work.

I built the bridal bouquet around 'Red Charm' peonies (which also featured heavily on the wedding stationery, hand-designed and made by Bex herself, the talented thing). Alongside those, I wove in a mix of roses - Tacazzi, Fiction, Nicoletta and those gorgeous 'Bombastic' pink spray roses along with astrantia, astilbe, burgundy scabious and a touch of eucalyptus for added softness and movement.

The result was lush and textural, romantic without being overdone. It sat beautifully against her stunning gown from Halfpenny London, found at the wonderful Waxflower Bridal, and complemented the showstopping crown made by the brilliant What Katy Did Next.

The bridesmaids carried slightly smaller versions of the same bouquet — and rather than letting them go to waste after the ceremony, we repurposed them as table arrangements for the reception. I love when flowers get to keep working through the day.

Walking down the aisle as Mr and Mrs floral pillars stand behind, olive trees line the aisle — Just married walking down the aisle. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

During the wedding ceremony the bride is holding a wedding flower bouquet in burgundy, deep red and pinks. The floral pillars are at the side of the image — The wedding vows. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Close up details of the floral pillars full of bright pink roses, burgundy dianthus, dahlias, scabious and foliage — Close up details of the floral pillar

Ceremony wedding flowers

Flowers were an important part of the wedding for these two. Bex and Matt wanted to frame their ceremony with flowers.

Rather than a traditional arch, I created two tall floral pillars, sometimes call a deconstructed arch, full of the same rich blooms as the bouquets. Crucially, these were made without floral foam, with stems sitting in water tubes and picks to keep everything beautifully fresh. After the ceremony, the pillars were moved to frame the entrance to the marquee for the reception, so the flowers kept giving all day long.

Table centrepiece with wedding flowers in burgundy, deep red and pinks surrounded by brass candlesticks — Table centrepiece with burgundy, red and pink colours. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Reception room wedding flowers

Inside the marquee, the reception tables were dressed with antique golden urns that I'd sourced from charity shops and antique stores, a detail I always love, because it makes the florals feel considered and sustainable rather than throwaway. They were paired with antique brass candlesticks, and together they looked warm and elegant.

The pop of deep colour in those urns lifted the whole space.

Gold urn wedding table centrepiece with flowers in burgundy, deep red and pinks — Reception table display. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

The wedding reception room with floral cloud in the background and gold footed urn table centrepiece in forefront full of rich tonal flowers — Wedding reception room with table flowers hanging floral cloud. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Statement floral cloud

This was the wow moment, and honestly one of my favourite pieces I've ever made.

Bex wanted something bold above the top table, something dramatic and memorable. After lots of back and forth and plenty of ideas, we landed on a floating flower cloud. It drew every eye in the room, framed the most incredible backdrop of coastline beyond, and looked every bit as good the morning after (again, no floral foam and it lasted beautifully).

Knowing the couple shared their first dance beneath it is an image I'll carry with me for a long time.

Cutting the cake with red, pink and burgundy flowers — the bride and groom cutting the wedding cake by Miss Havisham Cakes. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

The first dance under floating flower cloud full of wedding flowers — The first dance as husband and wife under the floral cloud. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

A Note on the Venue

Sadly, this wonderful venue is no longer taking bookings for weddings, I can tell you that the setting, tucked away in the Vale of Glamorgan countryside in South Wales, with gorgeous gardens, coastal views and even a few alpacas roaming the grounds, made for the most dreamy backdrop. It's the kind of place that makes a florist's job feel very easy indeed.

The newly weds are stood close together in front of a beautiful green/blue door, the bride is holding her bridal bouquet in burgundy, deep reds and pinks the groom wearing a matching buttonhole — The newly weds. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

Mr and Mrs. Image by Christopher Ian Photography

This wedding reminded me exactly why I do what I do. Bex and Matt were a joy from start to finish, and I'm so grateful they let me be part of their day.

All of these stunning images are by Christopher Ian Photography, I had the hardest time narrowing them down!

Thinking about your own wedding flowers? I'd love to hear your ideas — get in touch and let's chat.

And if you are loving this rich tonal flower theme then take a look at this wonderful wedding day.

The other suppliers at this wonderful wedding were:

Dress - Halfpenny London at Waxflower Bridal

Make-up - @catwilliamsmakeup

Cake - @misshavishamscakes

Flower crown - What Katy Did Next

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne-Marie is Petal Power Cardiff — Anne-Marie the face of Petal Power

Hi! I'm Anne-Marie, Petal Power is me!

I run my weddings and event floristry business out of my studio in Creigiau, Cardiff, South Wales.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.

If you want even more prettiness take a look back at my page. You will find information on the latest beautiful weddings I have been lucky enough to be a part of. you will find information on the latest beautiful weddings I have been lucky enough to be a part of.

Also, you can keep up to date with essential advice, craft ideas, my favourite seasonal wedding flowers and more.

You can find out more about me and my work here.

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This gallery area is linked to my Instagram account where I post all my latest weddings, projects and news. I would love it if you follow me.

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I don't care! ⭐ That you have no idea about flowers ⭐ You don't have your whole wedding mapped out ⭐ Your design vision isn't clear This is perfectly normal! Most people don't know exactly what they want when we meet and actually that's how I prefer it! It's great when we collaborate and talk through everything together. We can deep dive into all this when we meet. If you want to work with me get in touch. For the beautiful @becca_hobbs4. If you want to see more of this beautiful wedding day I have written a blog. The link is in my bio. Venue @decourceysmanor Professional images @joelewisphotography Hair @wishboneandcomb Makeup @_jhmakeup

"As soon as I saw Anne-Marie’s work I knew she was the person I wanted to do our wedding flowers. She worked with us to help shape our ideas, and bring our spring wedding to life. The flowers were exquisite and so many people commented on how beautiful they were. She even came back the following morning to turn our flower boxes into bouquets so that we could give them out to family and friends. She really helped us to get the most out of our budget. She is incredibly skilled at what she does, and we highly recommend her.” Pop over to the link in my bio to see more of this beautiful wedding in my latest blog, or I can send you the link. Photographer @joelewisphotography Venue @decourceysmanor Hair @wishboneandcomb Make up @_jhmakeup Dress @timelesselegancebridal

Page 32! This month's @countyweddingmagazines Your South Wales Wedding Magazine has a four page feature of one of my weddings. It's a beauty and I loved every second of being a part of it. I am so pleased that Megan gave me a special mention and also told the story of how I helped her have her wedding outside. Anyway, go take a look - September/October Issue. You won't regret it. (Here's the link) https://www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download Images @timea.danci.photographer Styling @ohsocurious_hq Venue @llechwenhall Bride @megzdelight

Are you getting married?

I have created a page just for you!

It’s only natural that you have a load of questions when planning your wedding flowers.

Some of the most common questions that keep cropping up I have already answered. You will find this page helpful; to read more CLICK HERE

I have written so many blogs, take a few moments and have a good look.

But If you are thinking of using rich, colourful flowers then take a look at this blog where I share my favourite winter flowers.

READ MORE HERE>

Rich, colourful wedding flowers — Rich colourful bridal bouquet

I still have some availability for this year and next year. If you have booked your wedding date get in touch to discuss your wedding flowers.

I look forward to speaking to you.

LET’S START PLANNING

flower inspiration, summer wedding, bridal flowers, Cardiff florist, seasonal weddings, wedding inspiration, wedding planning, wedding day, vale of glamorgan wedding, cardiff wedding, south wales wedding, no floral foam, all the beautiful thingsAnne-Marie MerliniJanuary 25, 2022Petal Powerwedding ideas, wedding goals, wedding planningComment