A wedding in Hyannisport. So windblown and wholesome!

Stephen Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court judge.
Stephen Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court judge, and wedding officiant

A person would be hard pressed to find a more picture-perfect East Coast beach wedding spot than the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport, MA.  Apparently the location comes with the option of a Supreme Court Justice as officiant, and your own paparazzi.  In all seriousness, congratulations to Patrick and Amy Kennedy, who were wed, yes, by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.  (Who were you expecting, Scalia)? We didn’t get the best view but, we’re going to talk about the flowers as best we can.  Note to the AP – zoom in on the bouquet when Maria’s daughters tie the knot, ok?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_296w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/07/16/Style/Images/Patrick_Kennedy_Wedding_09e5f.jpg?uuid=6nIm_K_ZEeCagMRrnLElXw
The most genuinely happy photo from any wedding: heading back down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs.
Caroline Kennedy on her wedding day
Caroline Kennedy's shamrock-dotted wedding gown (and gorgeous orchid bouquet)!

The bouquet:  Though from afar, looks quite beautiful – hydrangea, miniature green calla lillies, and we’re willing to bet white roses and bells-of-Ireland.  Bells of Ireland are a lovely nod to  the family’s Irish heritage, and they can be seen in the altar-pieces as well.  The Irish history nod is a classic Kennedy bride move – check out the shamrocks on Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg‘s custom Carolina Herrera gown. But back to the bouquet – it is “composed,” or “english garden” style meaning the flowers are grouped by type rather than all mixed together. We frequently design in this style.

Moluccella laevis 35 seeds "Bells of Ireland" BULK
Bells of Ireland - beautiful and meaningful, perfect!

My Little Wedding Tips: Bridesmaid Bulletin – A Happy Bride Isn’t Hungry

We’ve been tweeting a little today about snacks for the big day – essential to achieving bright eyes and that big smile down the aisle and beyond.  While we encourage Brides to plan ahead, we also advise maids to consider keeping the bride supplied with appropriate light munchies one of your wedding day duties, right up there with your classic  bridal emergency kit with aspirin/extra hose/clear nail polish..you know the drill. (one addition we recommend that we don’t see on all the normal lists: white duct tape. Does wonders in dress situations).

Some snack thoughts.

DON’T GIVE THE BRIDE (for the sake of the dress and all that is holy)

  • Anything that makes you feel like you need to wipe your hands off afterwards
  • Anything that drips, melts, or oozes (definitely no chocolate)!
  • Anything too strong tasting (spicy, garlicky, etc)
  • Anything she hates/might be allergic to.  Check with her in advance!
  • Dry, unsalted nuts such as almonds or walnuts.

DO KEEP ON HAND

    • A planned time for a small sandwich or salad with chopped egg BEFORE the dress/makeup go on.
    • Lots of water – and straws for sipping without disturbing make-up/hair
    • healthy, portable, small serving snacks: baby carrots, almonds, string cheese.  Nature Valley granola bars are great too. No fancy flavors – just the plain ones.

Healthy snack

Last, we know that some in some families and some cultures there is a toast or drink before the ceremony.  We encourage brides and their maids to sip, and wait until after the formalities to celebrate.  Be present for this moment – it’s a big one.

Snack on, everyone!

An amazing, unique woman. Are we surprised Betty Ford was a beautiful, confident bride? Nah.

What fun in our Betty Ford reading to turn up these happy wedding photos from 1948.  An ‘encore bride’ (who spoke openly about her divorce – not common in those days) she wore a gorgeous satin two piece suit with matching hat and shoes.  As flower folk we love the (now) vintage look of the ribbon actually smack in the middle of the bouquet. Why not? Double faced satin ribbon is so luscious – why not highlight it rather than hide it around the stems?

Enjoy the pictures, our thanks to the Ford Library for keeping them in the public domain.