For most traditional brides, her ceremony will begin by walking down the aisle with her father while wearing a stunning white gown and holding an elaborate bouquet of her favorite flowers. As she walks down the aisle, every single woman in the audience will be dazzled by how beautiful the bride looks and will be eyeing the bouquet until the bouquet toss. While so much thought and envy goes into the beautiful floral bridal bouquet, I wonder if as many women would be so eager to catch the bouquet if they knew only a few hundred years ago that the bridal bouquet was just a bundle of herbs and spices, and not the beautiful flower arrangements we see today.

 Bridal bouquets have been a wedding tradition dating all the way back to ancient times. But instead of brides holding beautiful bouquets of flowers to complement their gown and match their decor, ancient time brides held bouquets of garlic, herbs and spices. Originally, it was believed that by carrying a herb bouquet the bride would help ward off evil spirits during her ceremony.

Traditional Celtic weddings had the same superstition. Bridal bouquets were traditionally made of ivy, thistle and heather, which released a pungent odor. It was believed that the strong aroma from the bouquet had mystical powers that would keep evil spirits away from the bride and groom.

Traditional Rome and Greece weddings had different beliefs, and the arrangements were more of a symbol of hope than protection. Instead of holding a bouquet, a garland necklace would be placed around the bride and the groom. The circle garland was a symbol of new life, hope and fertility for the new couple to take into their marriage.

It was not until 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert that the tradition of having flowers in a bridal bouquet was adopted. Queen Victoria’s bouquet was made of marigolds and the herb dill, which combined tradition and her favorite flower. The dill from her bouquet, which is the herb of lust, was eaten by the married couple at the reception and thought to help increase sexual desire.

Floral bouquets grew in popularity during Victorian times, and the bride’s bouquet portrayed a secret message to her groom on their wedding day. Florigraphy, which is the flower language, gave specific flowers a significant meaning and lovers would use flowers to exchange secret message. So on the bride’s wedding day, the bouquet flowers were chosen to carry a significant meaning and not so much for looks.

Overall, the bouquet has taken on many different forms, held many different meanings, and will most likely continue to change. However, as I watch the bride walk down the aisle, it is nice to know that the tradition of weddings, bouquets and marriage is something that will continue on forever. 

Bridal Bouquets

Intrigue Design and Decor | Hamilton Photography | Wendy Hickok Photography |

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Have you ever driven on the beltway and seen the Washington D.C. temple peaking up through the trees and glowing in the sun? Well when I was much younger, I was riding in the car with my mom when I saw the temple for the first time. I asked my mom what the big building was and instead of trying to explain a temple to a seven-year-old, she played along with my fairytale fantasies and told me that it was Cinderella’s castle. It took me a couple years to finally figure out that it was not Cinderella’s castle but I always thought that the Washington D.C. temple was fit for a princess.

On June 7, 2012, Beth Johnson, makeup artist for Up-Do’s for I Do’s, looked like a princess for her wedding at the Washington D.C. temple. With the ceremony set at 7:00 p.m., the bridesmaids in light pink and navy, and Beth in an elegant vintage lace gown, glowed as they walked down the aisle. Beth held a rounded bouquet that included a mix of pink wax flowers, Juliet garden roses, gardenias, mauve roses, and ranunculus. To complement her gown, Intrigue Design and Decor’s lead floral designer, Melissa Huston, incorporated vintage broaches, stands of pearls and pieces of lace into the bouquet.

At the reception, Beth and her guests were surrounded by ivory vintage garden lanterns that spilled out pink and grey floral sprays. When Beth was not sitting beside her groom in light pink chaivari chairs ornamented with strands of navy and pink ribbon, she was resting her bouquet on vintage music stand and she danced the night away.

Overall the night was a dream, and Beth and her groom enjoyed the evening together without misplacing any glass slippers.

Intrigue Design and Decor | Balance Photography

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Happy weekend everyone! My last week has come to an end, and let me tell you, it’s much more bitter than sweet. I’ve enjoyed so much posting lovely wedding inspiration for you all! Cheers!

{A Little Change…}
{Color Board: Gold}
{Wedding Inspiration: Winter Nautical} 

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When I think of nautical weddings, I usually think of bare feet on sandy beaches, wind flowing through sails, and anchor’s away! Enjoy this winter twist on the typical nautical theme!

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Nothing says “Holiday Cheer” more than gilded details against crisp white! I can’t wait to incorporate gold this season!

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A little change is happening at Annapolitan Bride…

Over a year ago, I was a recently married lady, still basking in the glow of my wedding. The wonderful ladies of Intrigue asked me if I would be willing to build and manage a wedding inspiration blog for them, in order to feature their amazing work and gorgeous brides. Intrigue was one of my favorite vendors to work with, so of course I jumped at the opportunity. Having very little experience with web design, I didn’t know what I was getting into, but after a lot of hard work, and a LOT of Googling, Annapolitan Bride was born! This blog has been such a fun part of my life, and I’ve had the opportunity to see the most innovative and gorgeous wedding inspiration that Annapolis has to offer.

Now, my military life is taking me on an exciting new adventure overseas, and my time with Annapolitan Bride has come to a close. I’d like to thank the amazing ladies of Intrigue for inviting me into this opportunity, the gorgeous brides and vendors who have allowed me to feature their work here, and of course, the readers. Without you, this blog would never have happened!

Although I’m sad to go, Annapolitan Bride will still remain the best source for Annapolitan wedding inspiration! So keep reading, and keep submitting your gorgeous events! Thanks!

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I can’t believe it’s almost December! Where has all the time gone?! Off the weekend everyone, enjoy!

{Winter Light Color Board}
{Wedding with an Edge}
{Give Thanks}

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This Thanksgiving, we’d like to give thanks for so many things. Without our readers, brides, and vendors who submit the gorgeous events you see featured here, Annapolitan Bride wouldn’t exist!! So thank you to all who contributed to the blog this year…we’re so grateful for you. We wish you all happiness and joy for this season!

Thank You!

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Nothing looks more cool and rocker chic than edgy and girly things mixed together. I absolutely love the idea of a bride who adds some spikes and studs to her outfit!

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This color board reminds me of a light, wintery scene. I absolutely love the combinations of light colors like latte and burlap combined with sage and pop of kumquat. Enjoy!

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