The Polished Prep #3 by Providence Classic

Hello, York Harbor! Anneke and Austin are planning a nautical-inspired wedding next summer at the historic York Harbor Reading Room. York is a gorgeous, quaint seaside town with beautiful homes and beaches (and one of the world's smallest suspension bridges).


Anneke stated right off the bat that she likes navy suits for the gentlemen. Since Sam and Makiko gave her two fab options with that in mind, I decided to go a different route. Bring on the Nantucket reds! I went all out preptastic, complete with the standard navy blazer, a 9tailors red check dress shirt with adorable anchor fabric insert on the collar and cuffs, and navy blue and white polka dot bow tie. Here, the muted reds coordinate and act as a neutral canvas for the blazer and bow tie to pop against. And since this is a wedding in a New England town with a long fishing history - a J. Crew lobster claw belt and antique-looking rope knot cufflinks are de rigeur (and the perfect groomsmen gifts).

Classic Gucci horsebit loafers - the preppy staple - make an appearance at the church for a formal look. But after the ceremony, why not slip off the jacket, take off the bow tie and throw on these hella chic boat shoes? You're dancing feet will thank you. A classic watch rounds out the look. Finally, this vintage print of the York Harbor Reading Room and cliff would make the cutest Save the Date - happy planning!


xoxo Abbey from Providence Classic

The Polished Prep Option 2

Anneke and Austin will be wed in Maine next summer. And, as you can tell, I've got an anchor theme going.

Anneke describes Austin's style as preppy, but not "pop your collar" prep. I love that he has diverse tastes and feels equally comfortable in Uniqlo basics as he does in Nantucket Reds. So, what do I have in store for Austin? Let's start with the foundation pieces. I chose a solid, navy suit and matching slacks. Just a simple navy suit will do. Then, I think a light blue dress shirt would go very well with the navy suit. Totally classic and formal. Their wedding colors are navy and fuchsia, so it's important to let those colors pop throughout the outfit. I'm totally loving the J. Press tie and silk knot cufflinks. Next, I found the most amazing loafers from Ferragamo. The earthy color is a perfect complement to the navy suit.

Let's talk about the nautical themed goodies. I didn't want to go too overboard or cutesy with the nautical theme. So, I found an anchor tie tack from Giles & Brother that Austin and his groomsmen can wear. Let me tell you girls, tie accessories are back! Next, I found nautical themed socks in gray from J. McGaughlin. Very cute. Lastly, I found awesome thank you cards with navy and fuchsia anchors on them. Yes, it can be customized with your name on them.

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the couple.

Hope you enjoyed this design board - Sam

The Polished Prep

Congratulations to Anneke and Austin! I love the idea of a preppy / nautical wedding that is at the same time very elegant and polished.

I picked a beautiful navy suit with the option of either a white or light pink shirt. I really like the snapshot of the light pink shirt, hot pink boutonniere, navy and pink striped tie, and navy suit. Or, for a more classic look, go with white.

I opted for classic New England mother of pearl cufflinks. I think Anneke's idea of thickly striped navy and raspberry ties sounds like a great idea, so I incorporated that as well. But, the best part of this outfit for me are the shoes- check out this navy suede and cognac leather brogues! Simply amazing.

I hope you got some good ideas, and my best wishes for a fabulous wedding!

Sneak Peak: Nautical Wedding in Maine

York Harbor Reading Room

I can't wait to share our next wedding with you. Our couple, Anneke and Austin, will be married at The York Harbor Reading Room in Maine. Anneke describes her wedding as preppy and nautical. Think grosgrain ribbon, galvanized buckets and peonies. Simply amazing....

Find out tomorrow what Austin will wear...

Must Have Mustache

I don't really like mustaches on men. In fact, I'm not big fan of facial hair at all! But, I do love the following mustache themed goodies.

How about a mustache ring with a heart shaped cutout?

Mustache Ring from Isette

Too small? How about a mustache on a handkerchief?

Handkerchief from Avrilloreti

Don't want to look like a bandit? How about a mustache on a stick?

Mustache on a Stick from MaroDesigns

If that's not enough...how about a beard?

Beard on a Stick from MaroDesign

Make it a mustache-y weekend!

A Colorful Affair (Option 3) by Providence Classic

A Colorful Affair by Providence Classic by Providence Classic on Polyvore.com

Rayann and Benny are an off-the-beaten path couple. She's got a custom tea-length dress featuring multi-colored tulle and he's a lover of all things surf and comfort - and that most certainly does not include pants (a true Hawaiian!).

I'm sticking with my fellow bloggers and going with shorts. It's always fun to work with someone with very specific tastes. This Washington wedding-bound couple is having a colorful affair with a laid-back attitude and their ensembles reflect that. Rayann's dress is a mix of jewel-like colors - so I've made his simple for one very simple reason: to let her shine. Navy silk-linen shorts are comfortable and elegant (the dark color raises the formality level - this is a wedding, after all). I've paired them with a white blazer, white 9tailors button down and slim navy tie for a clean, modern look. If that's too monochromatic for you, add in a fun tie or swap out the traditional white shirt for a coordinating patterned button down (I slipped in an alternative for both). For shoes, there's a classic Hugo Boss pair that amp up the elegance or, to go a little different, a funky grey suede shoe from Topman that works with virtually any outfit. No socks allowed!


A little flair? How about a custom Pomp & Plumage boutonniere made of brightly-colored tulle flowers and leaves to match the skirt on Rayann's dress? Genius!


Congrats to the couple! Hope you had a great week. xoxo Abbey of Providence Classic

A Colorful Affair - Option 2

Our next couple, Rayann and Benny, will be wed in a mere 3 weeks!

Here's what I have in store for Benny.

Since Benny hates pants, I decided to go with shorts for this look. But, there's no reason to look sloppy. There are so many clean, sophisticated short designs out there! I've chosen a neutral pair from John Lewis. They're so cute! I love the button details at the waist. A casual blazer is also necessary - it's not too stuffy. I couldn't decide among the red, green or blue gingham, short-sleeve shirts. But, each are a perfect complement to Rayann and Benny's wedding colors. I gave the shoes some thought. I've seen quite a few men wearing dress shoes with their shorts. But, it's not a look that everyone can pull off. And, for a laid-back groom like Benny, dress shoes are not the way to go! So, I have some beige boat shoes (with green striped accents). For Benny, a Hawaiian native, pair of flip flops is a must have! The supple pair are from Olukai Ohana. Love them. They are functional, stylish and comfortable. Speaking of Hawaii, Benny also needs a pair of board shorts!

The accessories are key to keep the outfit fun and unfussy. I have a pair of aviator sunglasses, a straw fedora, and canvas belt.

Lastly, the boutonniere is made of a yellow dahlia. Love the petite petals.

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the couple.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite design board! Leave a comment! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

A Colorful Affair

Colorful Groom in Shorts by makikoharris on Polyvore.com

Congratulations to Rayann and Benny! Rayann noted that Benny hates pants- so I opted to put him in his favorite style, shorts. He should feel comfortable and good in what he's wearing. For this colorful (Rayann's dress has layers of candy-colored tulle) late-summer wedding, I opted for some linen suit separates with bright accents. I love the fun colors in the face of the watch, which reflects the colors of the gerber daisies that will decorate the ceremony. Solid brown leather shoes and belt anchor the look. The mosaic-style cufflinks and pom-pom yellow flower boutonniere are both so much fun!

The colorful-ness, cheerfulness, and playfulness of this wedding sounds like so much fun. I hope you got some good ideas, and enjoy yourselves!

- Makiko

Sneak Peak: Colorful in Washington

This week's wedding sounds amazing! The couple, Rayann and Benny, will be wed in Washington. She will wear a custom dress inspired by Oleg Cassini. The top layer of the dress is a white sheath material with a green, yellow, blue, purple, pink, orange, and red tulle! I love how unique Rayann's dress sounds!

See what he's going to wear this week.

Gifts for him

It can be so difficult to find cool, fun gifts for the groom. Here are a few ideas for you to mull over. My favorite? The folding bicycle!

Men's shoes: Best of boots | Piperlime, $110
A+R Store - Strida 5.0 Folding Bicycle Product Detail
Mr. Robot Head | Jeff Kleppinger's wish list, $29
A+R Store - Brodmann Blades Ping-Pong Set Product Detail, $100
Teroforma :: Glassware :: Ekke Series :: Ekke Carafe & Tumbler

Hitched in Hawaii Option 3 by Providence Classic

Hitched in Hawaii by Providence Classic by Providence Classic featuring Hugo Boss clothing

Some people just do things the right way. Like Amber and Sean - getting hitched in Hawaii and following it up with a 4-course meal at legendary restaurant Roy's in Waikiki. This is like the greatest date of your life - beautiful location, fabulous clothes, and ridiculous food - only you get to share it with 200 people who you love. Um, can I come?

Amber's dress is raw silk by Lena Medoyeff. The gorgeous church you saw in Monday's post is their ceremony site and part of their color inspiration: muted reds, pinks and ambers with rich wood tones and splashes of vibrant colors. I won't lie - originally I wanted a pair of pale pink linen trousers on Sean. Pink is the color of the sunset, hibiscus and a light sunburn - and it complements the blues of the ocean and sky perfectly. But the look wasn't formal enough for the setting - we need a suit (and a pink suit may be overdoing it). So I went bold and chose this light blue fitted summer suit from Brooks Brothers instead. Too fashion-forward for you? Swap it out with a beige linen suit and keep the rest.

The 9tailors check-print shirt in orange and blue is just right for the setting (in a sea and sunset colorway) and since I'm going big, nothing else will do but a bow tie. Classic cognac-colored leather shoes and belt are simple and ground the look. Throw in antique bakelite cufflinks with the Hawaiian royal crest from the late 1800s and you've got an ensemble fit for a king! Er, groom.

Okay - a Hawaiian shirt is cliche and "old man meets midlife crises and buys a convertible and a trip to the beach." But Hawaiian print board shorts are vintage-looking and totally appropriate! I think the print on this pair is adorable. In fact, I believe a pair is currently en route to Milwaukee. Lastly: the maile lei - or the "lei of royalty," reserved for only the most special occasions. Made from the native Hawaiian vine, maile, the shiny leaves and stems give off a fragrant scent. An elegant and beautiful nod to the island's history.

Aloha! (That's hi and goodbye in Hawaiian!) xoxo Abbey from Providence Classic

Need help styling your groom? Click here!

Amber and Sean are getting hitched in Hawaii! The tropical breeze, palm trees, sunshine, shaved ice. Sounds like, well, paradise.

Here's what he's going to wear. It can be challenging dressing the groom in the tropical heat. So, I chose only lightweight foundation pieces, such as the gray blazer and linen pants. I love gray and neutral tones together. So, you'll see a lot of browns, creams and ivories in this design board. Instead of a long sleeved shirt, I opted for a short-sleeve shirt. Again, pick pieces that are lightweight and won't smother the groom. I've also been enjoying the geek chic moment that guy's are having so, a tropical patterned bow tie in Amber and Sean's wedding colors seems fitting.

Now, on to the fun accessories! I love sandals, but I don't think they really belong in formal wedding photos. Cover those feet, guys! So, instead, I chose shark-gray converse high tops. So, I've found a sophisticated pair of woven sandals and gave Sean the option to change out of sneaks. The belt is also woven (like the sandals). It gives the outfit great texture and dimension. I also love the orange boutonniere. The petite flowers are cute and not too overly feminine.

Sean also needs a canvas bag in a neutral and orange, in case he and Amber decide to escape for a quick getaway to another beautiful, tropical destination for the weekend.

Lastly, I love tropical beach towels. These would make great wedding favors!

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the eloping couple.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite design board! Leave a comment! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Groom in Hawaii

Hawaiian Wedding Groom by makikoharris featuring Bulova watches

Congratulations, Amber and Sean! Your wedding sounds awesome.

In this design board, I really focused on the neckwear. With the grey and light orange wedding palette, there is a lot of color you can play with. When Amber mentioned that Sean had a casual style and liked to wear Tommy Bahama, Polo, and Lucky, I immediately thought of how I could incorporate those aesthetics into neckwear. What I came up with was a bit preppy (see the bow ties and see the plaids) yet something a bit more edgy & hip than pink gingham.

For this summer wedding, I set off a beautiful grey suit with bone colored leather lace ups, tiger's eye cufflinks, and a simple white orchid boutonniere. I would have chosen a more colorful boutonniere, but thought that a crisp white bloom would have a more balancing effect with all of the color already in his outfit.

I have both a white shirt and a creamy orange colored shirt. Either could be worn, it's simply a matter of skin tone and how classic you want to look. I think the orange could give a nice pop of color while the white will look great with essentially anything. Your choice!

To top it all off, I chose a beautiful suede-y grey belt that will blend in seamlessly with the other accessories. I also added a sleek silver watch for that extra oomph factor.

Hope you got some great ideas! Congratlations! -Makiko

Sneak Peak: Wedding in Hawaii

Let's meet our bride and groom this week: Amber and Sean. The beautiful couple will be married in Honolulu, Hawaii! How lucky are they!?!

Their May 2011 ceremony will take place here at the Atherton Memorial Chapel.


Find out what he will be wearing this week.

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Cute Little Bow Ties from Xoelle

We are very pleased to feature Xoelle. They make the cutest bow ties we have ever seen. We can't wait to incorporate these preppy little numbers in our design boards.

Name: Xoelle

Blog: Xoelle.com

Location: Pensacola, FL

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I'm a 31 year old maker of bow ties. I make them out of unloved or abused neckties and button-down shirts- so each one is unique and retains a history.
I'm also an artist, photographer, Mom, adventurer, and cookie-baker.

What do you love about weddings?: What don't I love about weddings? I love the intense joy and hopefulness that is bundled into that day and I love the fuss that everyone makes about everything. Weddings are magical. They are ephemeral but everlasting.

Tell us a little about your work. How would you describe your style?: My bow ties are sentimental. They belonged to someone in another form before being a bow tie. Bow ties in general are classic and preppy, but when non-traditional colors and patterns are thrown in they can become so hip and personal. A bow tie tells that world that this is no ordinary man.

What advice do you have for grooms (and brides) when you are working with them?: There's always a way. Be clear about what you want and then find a way to get it. Working with smaller vendors/handcrafters will allow you to customize every aspect of your day the way you imagine.

Where can a bride/groom purchase your products?: Etsy


Thanks Xoelle for dropping by! Here are some more amazing options.






How amazing are these beauties?

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Abbey is Moving

Hi guys!

Abbey's moving into a new house this weekend. So, she won't be able to post. In the meantime, enjoy the lovely photo from Xoelle.



How cute are these bow ties? Check Xoelle out here.

Tuscan Style - Option 2

When I read the descriptions of the brides who submit their weddings to this blog, it makes me want to plan my wedding all over again. Such is the case of our next wedding. Michelyn and Cameron will be getting married in Italy. They will be wed in a European style garden and dance the night away under the Tuscan stars. Love.

Anyway, what will her groom wear? Michelyn describes her fiance, Cameron as edgy who tends to wear brands like Affliction and True Religion. So, I chose pieces that reflect his style.

First, I chose a black tuxedo blazer with contrast satin trim from Top Man. The cut is shorter and skinnier than a normal tuxedo jacket. I chose slim fit pants also from Top Man. The chambray shirt has been every where this season for a good reason. It's light-weight and soft. It totally dresses down the tuxedo look. The blue bow-tie and red undershirt is a nod to Michelyn and Cameron's wedding colors. We all want that pop of unexpected color. The patent leather high-tops are one of the coolest things I've seen in awhile. I love the sleek, yet artsy look of the watch and the ring. Cameron will also need a very good travel bag from Marc Marmel for this amazing destination wedding. The leather is not too serious as it is slightly cracked and wrinkled. Finally, Michelyn can get the amazing animal themed shot glasses for Cameron. Quirky. Fun. Who can resist mini antlers? I definitely can't.

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the couple.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite design board! Leave a comment! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Tuscan Style

A wedding in Tuscany, how romantic! For this groom, I again opted for a navy linen suit. They are getting married in about one month, so it is sure to be warm weather! Also, I felt that navy blends beautifully with the Tuscan backdrop. I added some vintage accents such as the watch and the cufflink. The boutonniere is a whimsical white feather concoction that will play off of the bride's dress. It might be very sunny, so don't be afraid to wear this on-trend straw fedora after the ceremony. Then, open a bottle of wine, sit back, and soak it all in. I hope you have a fabulous time!

I hope you got some good ideas! -Makiko

Sneak Peek...Romance with an Edge

Let's meet our bride and groom for this week! Michelyn and her fiance, Cameron, will have a beautiful outdoor venue in Tuscany, Italy! Michelyn will walk down the aisle in what she says will be a romantic European garden.

The wow factor doesn't stop at this scenic destination wedding, but wedding guests will be stunned by Michelyn's wedding gown. Cameron will be speechless once he sees his bride in what she describes as a champagne strapless fitted gown topped off with feathers!

What will he wear? Stay tuned to see what our stylists have created!

Onada Photography

Groom (and bride) Style Tip...Picture Perfect!

Bola Onada Abodunde Photography

Our vendor for this week is an extremely talented photographer by the name of Bola Onada Abodunde!

Let's take a look at Bola's contribution to the wedding world and what she has to say about weddings!

Where are you located?

Philadelphia

Your contact information and website:

Email: bola@onadaphotography.net
Website: http://onadaphotography.net
Blog: http://onadaphotography.net/blog

What do you love about weddings?

I think weddings are amazing. They are one of the most important days in the world for a couple. The excitement and the emotions are priceless. Being able to capture those moments make me feel honored.

Tell us a little about your work. How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as simple and fun!

What advice do you have for grooms (and brides) when you are working with them?

Relax and have fun! Nervousness shows in your photos and you definitely don't want that! ALso getting your photo taken is your one opportunity to go all out. Outside of your wedding pictures, engagement sessions are perfect to dress up glamorously or wear something fun or even bring some fun props. It will make your photo session a memorable experience and of course you'll get some beautiful pictures!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Photography has been a passion of mine for a huge portion of my life. My dad loved photography and documented pretty much my entire childhood--a gift I am so grateful for. I started shooting weddings after taking some photographs at a close friends wedding as they say, the rest is history. I absolutely love the fact that I can capture a moment of time, an expression, a reaction, a feeling and be able to come back to the photograph and feel that way again years later.

Aside from photography, I'm addicted to the following things: fashion magazines, mint tea, shoes and purses :) I think nothing beats ending a hectic day than snuggling up with a great book. One of the most important things in the world to me is family. I love reckless abandon and make an effort to live my life to the fullest!

Eloping on a Bluff Option 3 by Providence Classic

Eloping on a Cliff by Providence Classic by Providence Classic on Polyvore.com

I think anyone who's ever planned a wedding has considered eloping. It's so romantic and Romeo and Juliet-like! But who really has the guts (or the family that understands) to actually do it? I just love that these two are making this moment about them and no one else. And I will continue this post while pretending I am Alexis on Prince Edward Island.


Some of my choices are similar in style to Sam and Mu's, such as these John Varvatos boots. If you're hiking to a cliff, it comes down to practicality. You don't want to be sweaty and muddied before the I Do's! And the shoes fit perfectly with an outdoor wedding. I chose azure for the tie (with seagulls for a seaside reference) and a blue windowpane shirt as its complement. No need to distract from the gorgeous scenery with outrageous colors! They have all they need right before them.


I picked a simple vest and pants for Matthew's outfit. Who says you have to wear a full suit? It's just the two of them - they should do it exactly as they want. And since Alexis's dress is raw silk, his look can go casual or formal. A locally-grown flower in her hair that mirrors Matthew's boutonniere and voila! A match made in cliffside heaven. His cuff links: vintage-looking airplanes for a couple that is flying off on a new journey. Finally, a Marinemaster watch and their beautiful Golden Retriever round out the mix. Send us pictures, Alexis!


Have a great weekend! xoxo Abbey of Providence Classic


Need help styling your groom? Click here!

Eloping on a Bluff - Option 2

Wow. Who doesn't dream of eloping...on a cliff (Prince Edward Island. Did anyone see today's Live with Regis and Kelly?!?)...next to an ocean...with only you, your honey and dog!? Well, that's what Alexis and her fiance, Matthew, will be doing in a few short weeks! Their colors? Red from the clay landscape, green from the fields and of course, blue from the ocean! She'll wear an ivory trumpet dress with an sweetheart neckline in raw silk. Breathtaking. So, what will he wear?

I chose neutral tones with accents of red and blue. I'm so excited about the lightweight chino suit from JCrew. I think it's a perfect complement to his athletic, yet sophisticated style. As for the shirt, I found a light blue gingham shirt. It's a beautiful summer option. After the ceremony, I see Matthew slinging his jacket over his shoulders, cuffing his pants and rolling up his sleeves. Ah, perfection. The tie is equally fun. I rarely get to recommend knit ties! I chose a navy and light blue (same color as the shirt) striped tie. Remember girls, don't be afraid to mix and match patterns! It's so easy to do. All of Matthew's accessories are brown, rugged and have a slightly worn-in look. I love the boots from Frye; they are functional and fashionable. The deep red laces are totally in line with Alexis's wedding colors. I imagine their wedding taking place on a sunny day, so Matthew definitely needs a pair of retro sunglasses in tortoise shell from Persol. The red and navy watch is sporty, fun and not-too serious. Finally, I chose a boutonniere with a leafy and berry accent. Heart!

Come back tomorrow to see what Abbey of Providence Classic has come up with for the eloping couple.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite design board! Leave a comment! - Sam

Need help styling your groom? Click here.

Eloping on the Bluff

Eloping on the Bluff by makikoharris on Polyvore.com

How romantic for this couple to elope for their wedding day. Against the stunning backdrop of the Prince Edward Islands, the bride and groom's outfits will beautifully complement the scenery. To really get a sense of the color palette, I included a collection of images from nature- the rust and pink colors of the cliffs and bluffs, the various blues of the ocean and sky, and the myriad greens of growth. Taking a cue from this color story, I opted for a navy linen suit by Paul Smith. I paired it with some awesome leather Alexander McQueen boots that are hand-carved. I felt that for this wedding, this beautiful boot was more fitting than a classic dress shoe. And, they are totally an investment- boots are a great option for men when you want to look polished so don't want to wear your sneaks but don't want to wear boring dress shoes, either. In the fall, pair these boots with some dark jeans or olive colored utility pants and a flannel shirt. Or, go a bit edgier and pair it with darker colors to really highlight the cognac color of the boot. These boots will give any outfit some serious character. A simple feather boutonniere (inspired by Pomp & Plumage), silver cufflinks, and a toffee colored crocodile-band watch with navy face round out the look. I also selected a beautifully textured dusty pink silk tie to subtly hint at the colors along the bluffs at sunset.

I hope you got some good ideas! -Makiko

Need help styling your groom? Click here!

Sneak Peek...Just a Simple Wedding for Two!

Our next bride, Alexis Conrad, will be married to her fiance, Matthew Black, in just a short 22 days! How wonderfully exciting! Unlike our previous brides (and grooms), Alexis and Matthew are eloping! The pair will say their I Dos in the scenic Cavendish Cliffs in Prince Edward Island, Canada in front of their loyal red headed golden retriever.

To complement the beautiful setting, Alexis will don an elegant gown that she describes as a light ivory fitted flare gown made of raw silk, topped of with a hint of a sweetheart neckline (very enticing)!

I'm also in love with the fact that Alexis and Matthew's wedding colors are simply the rich red hue of the red clay, the blue satin ocean and of course, the lush green grass! --Nature's beauty!

I think Alexis and Matthew's romantic outdoor elopement will go perfectly with a boutonniere from Pomp & Plumage!

What will he wear? Stayed tuned to see what our 3 stylists have created!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Something Whimsical!

For the next few weeks, Boutonnieres & Bow Ties will feature different wedding vendors so our wonderful readers can learn about other great wedding services!

Our first vendor is an extremely crafty artist by the name of Denise Cole! Denise is the creator of Pomp & Plumage and she is the designer and maker of boutonnieres and other wedding accessories!

Let's take a look at Denise's contribution to the wedding world and what she has to say about weddings!

Where are you located?

Canada

Your contact information and website:

Denise Cole, Pomp & Plumage

What do you love about weddings?

Everything. Seriously.

Tell us a little about your work. How would you describe your style?

Pomp & Plumage boutonnieres are perfect for:
-earthy, outdoor weddings with lush grass, tall trees, paper lanterns and blue Ball jars
-old Hollywood glamour weddings in historical mansions
-garden parties
-literary weddings
-destination weddings (our pieces are heirloom quality and cannot wilt like flowers)

What advice do you have for grooms (and brides) when you are working with them?

I love hearing all the details, seeing photos, learning more about the bride and groom, and discussing lots of options so that I can design a custom piece that fits perfectly with a couple's design concept and personality. Don't be shy to ask lots of questions, send inspiration photos, and - if possible - leave lots of time prior to the big day so that we can create something perfect.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a designer and maker of boutonnieres and other wedding accoutrements for style-conscious brides and grooms who are seeking well-designed pieces made by hand with integrity. It's important to me that my pieces are not only uncommon and well-made but affordable.

My process is very organic. I sit down with my materials and piece things together in ways that highlight the innate qualities of the materials (i.e. letting tulle pouf, silk drape and feathers plume). I am uncompromising in my attention to detail and to the interplay of colour and texture. I love pieces on a grand scale and those that are surprisingly intricate and thoughtful for their small size. I don't like many things that are average, in-between or moderate. I love working on custom orders that reflect a client's personality.

I love design. And I'm obsessed with weddings.

Latest Inspiration:
the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in the asymmetry, impermanence and textures of nature).

Just look at how delicate the Laurel Wreath boutonniere (top right) is! I'd love to get my hands on one. Can you believe everything is handcrafted?!

Like what you see? Click here to contact Denise Cole!