Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bridal bouquet: Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)

I photographed a wonderful couple last month, Timea and Norbert. They choose a very special flower for their celebration.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis); is a study of quiet elegance, the white blossoms are said to be associated with purity and the Virgin Mary. Lily-of-the-Valley is also known as lady's tears, ladder to heaven and fairies' bells.
Its flowers are reminiscent of wedding bells. Like a bride and
groom, its oval basal leaves stand in pairs around a pendulous stalk.

Lily-of-the-Valley blooms have a sweet, floral, fresh scent, and romantic woodsy feel. Wedding bells traditionally proclaim a marriage.

It is said to be restorative and strengthening; in the Middle Ages, water distilled from the flowers of Lily-of-the-Valley were used as a tonic to beautify the skin.
These tiny flowers with their classic bell shape and symbolic meaning of unity and happiness are a favorite choice for weddings.

Lily of the Valley is usually available for mostly at spring and summer. Norbert and Timea got married in November. They special ordered the flowers from Julie Reed from Julie Reed Events @ www.juliereedevents.com
The Lily of the Valley needed special care. The flowers was shipped with roots in wet dirt and had to be prepared an hour before Timea received her bouquet.

The bridal bouquet and the boutonniere were unique, stunning, princessy. The fragrance was incredible, part of a magical celebration.

Timea with her Lily of the valley bridal bouquet

Norbert’s boutonniere