Back it up now... meeep... meep... meep...

Sorry for the title, but that is what I was saying in my head... you know how the trucks make that noise when they are in reverse?? anyone??

Ok, so what I wanted to do was back up to the beginning... I'm talking pre-engagement, pre-ANY-vendors, right about the time I learned of this amazing world of wedding blogs... and etsy!! Two amazing finds right?? Well, it took no time at all to get turned out to Miss Myra over at Twigs & Honey. Before I knew where we were getting married (ok, we had a couple ideas, but nothing was finalized), before I knew what my dress was, before I had even thought of my hair, ladies, I knew what my boutonnieres would look like!! No jokin', Myra's bouts were my new found obsession. Her collection of simply spectacular creations was the inspiration behind my first inspiration board... oh, who am I kidding, it WAS my inspiration board...

created using Mosaic Maker

I wasn't kidding... I swooned over this girl like a tween over Zac Efron... I needed her designs to be a part of our wedding!!

It is no secret that Myra is crazy busy, so I contacted her back in December (nope, still wasn't engaged, still didn't have a venue??) to get the ball rolling, to get in queue, to reserve my spot, to get on the VIP list!! Yes, it was a bit early, and yes, she did subtly tell me she needed a couple weeks, not 10 months to prepare my order, and that I needed to know what I wanted before I put my order in, BUT, the important part was... she was gonna make them girls!! I felt like I had backstage passes to a Britney concert... I was in!!

Long story short, she was an absolute DREAM to work with, and made me feel like I was the most important, if not her only, customer/bride. She worked with me to figure out which veil I actually wanted (apparently "I love them all" doesn't work the best), to get the feel of our wedding, and ultimately, I left the design decisions up to her... and I think I made the right choice!! I received my purchases in the mail 2 days ago, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!! She did such a great job!! For now, I will show you the pics from her site of my items, until I can take some decent shots of them on my own... I still need to figure out how to wear the veil, after which I will show you all!!

my veil and headpiececlose-up of my headpiece

mother of the bride hairpiece
bridesmaids hairpieces (the centre had the small beads added after the photo was taken)Wrist corsages for VIP women (grandmas, moms, etc)

The bouts... in all their glory!! (1groom, 3 groomsmen, the rest VIP males)

So, what do you think?? I am super happy with how they all turned out. I LOVE the elements of wheat in the bouts, which I requested, and the mix of browns, purples, greens, and greys (the colors I have ended up incorporating for the wedding day). Admittedly, I was expecting the bouts to be a bit more purple, in line with the GORGEOUS hair pieces and corsages, but I love them all the same!!

It is just so satisfying knowing that you can get what you want, as long as you budget for it... these were a pretty big chunk out of our very conservative budget, but I was willing to compromise on other flower elements (ie. centre pieces, more on those later) to afford these unique, whimsical pieces that I simply adored.

So, in the end, it is the uniqueness of these bouts that spring-boarded our vision for the day... weird? I dunno, I think when it all comes together, it will be just right, if not perfect! Of course it is family and friends that are our main focus, but if the look surrounding the laughs is one of creativity, whimsy, and simplicity, I have met my goal!!

What served as inspiration in the early days of your planning??