Image : Mirror
Although a private wedding, there was still a lot of public interest in Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall’s wedding which took place today.
And of course, I was interested in her bridal bouquet! It was made by London-based florist, Paul Thomas, and included white calla lilies (Zantedeschia), sea holly also known as alpine thistles (Eryngium) and Dusty Miller (Senecio) foliage.
Being half-Scottish, I was delighted to see that Zara had decided to include thistles, the national emblem of Scotland.
And her Maid of Honour and bridesmaids carried smaller versions of her bouquet.
Image : Daily Mail
Image : Daily Mail
This is not the first time that florist, Paul Thomas, has worked with the royal family.
In 2000, he was invited to design key decorations for the celebration of HM Queen The Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday at Windsor Castle, decorating St Georges Hall with two magnificent displays.
He was subsequently asked to decorate for the 21st birthday celebrations of both Peter and Zara Phillips.
Then, he was honoured to be invited to decorate St. George’s Hall for the wedding reception of HRH the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
And in 2008, Paul was personally invited by Peter Phillips to design and decorate the wedding reception at Frogmore House at his marriage to Autumn Kelly.
Image : BBC
I think Zara’s hand-tied bouquet is so apt for her Scottish wedding. I’d love to know what you think?
(Images : Mirror, Daily Mail, BBC)
Jan May says
July 30, 2011 at 5:59 pmVery pretty indeed. I’m not a big fan of lilies, or white – but the thistles add a lovely twist of colour and tie in wonderfully with the Scottish connection.
Rona says
July 30, 2011 at 6:03 pmHi Jan. The whole bouquet is totally ‘spot-on’ for the occasion and location, isn’t it :-).
Cherry says
July 30, 2011 at 6:51 pmSorry, guys, not thistles but but sea holly (Eryngium maritimum of the family Umbelliferae) and NOT the thistle (family Asteraceae)!
Rona says
July 30, 2011 at 8:37 pmHi Cherry. Thank you so much for your comment. I’ve amended the blog post now to include sea holly. Also checked on the Flowers & Plants Association website and see that they also give an alternative name of alpine thistle. Phew! 🙂
janet chessum says
July 30, 2011 at 8:50 pmbit pedantic cherry its a beautiful bouquet
Rona says
July 31, 2011 at 7:56 amHi Janet. It certainly was a beautiful bouquet 🙂 and I’ve just found a close-up of the photo which shows that it also contained lily of the valley! http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/real-weddings/celebrity-weddings/zara-phillips-mike-tindall-wed?page=6
Colette Dunkley says
July 31, 2011 at 10:02 amI suppose it’s a personal preference but I was disappointed in the bouquet. I thought it was a little too achromatic for a high summer wedding also not keen on aroids of any description.
Rona says
August 1, 2011 at 6:44 pmHi Colette. Sorry to hear you were disappointed…
Which flowers and colours would you have liked to have seen?
Sue Robinson says
July 31, 2011 at 11:09 pmLily of the Valley I saw too -in July!
Rona says
August 1, 2011 at 6:45 pmI know! I was very surprised too! 🙂
Jane says
August 1, 2011 at 6:47 pmLovely bouquet! It certainly upstaged the one Catherine chose for her wedding, which was too small and badly tied at the back. Paul Thomas did a wonderful job.
Rona says
August 2, 2011 at 6:33 pmHi Jane. I totally agree…Paul did a wonderful job. I thought the bouquet truly reflected Zara’s personality.
Shelley Dewey says
August 1, 2011 at 7:51 pmI thought Zara’s wedding bouquet was beautiful. Someday I want my funeral Casket spray to have much the same flowers with perhaps a touch of pink or red depending on the season.
Rona says
August 2, 2011 at 6:33 pmThank you Shelley for your comment :-).
Bonnie says
August 2, 2011 at 5:08 pmSorry but it wasn’t for me. As other posters have said, perhaps for a frosty winter wedding instead? The boquet was chunky and in my view, too big for a hand tied boquet – not very elegant.
But then I wasn’t a big fan of the dress either (chunky, not very elegant). Sorry to sound like a killjoy – as long as she liked it!
Rona says
August 2, 2011 at 6:35 pmThat’s ok Bonnie :-). It’s lovely to see all the varying opinions on Zara’s bouquet…they’re all valid.
Tracy H says
August 10, 2011 at 6:20 pmVery original and beautiful in such pale tones. It plays off Zara’s amazing blonde coloring! I love that the bridesmaid’s match Zara’s without the lily of the valley, reserved for the bride!
Rose says
September 16, 2011 at 2:10 pmI am stealing her bouquet idea, marrying a Scots man and I think it was beautiful. Agree though a touch too big for a hand bouquet
Rona says
September 16, 2011 at 4:07 pmHi Rose. Wishing you all the very best for your wedding day. I’m sure your bouquet will look stunning 🙂
Dalel Snider says
July 10, 2012 at 1:23 amHello Rona,
We love it ! It is called Super Nova in Glendora, California. It is so trendy, we designed prom and homecoming corsages. The generation of young ladies appreciate its unique and elegant look.
Thank you !
Rona says
July 10, 2012 at 8:35 amThank you Dalel :-).