Beautiful centerpieces of roses and hydrangeas
Classic bouquet of hydrangeas, roses and gardenias
Bridesmaids bouquets of hydrangeas and roses
Thanks to Steve Koo Photography for these beautiful photos.
We truly enjoyed working with Jenny and Jeff on their October 29, 2011 wedding at the Harold Washington Library. They chose a classic palette of white and spring green incorporating flowers such as roses, hydrangeas and sweet-smelling gardenias.
AGD is proud to partner for the third year with Macy’s and Waterford Crystal. On Sunday, December 11th at Macy’s Oak Brook, Jim O’Leary , design director of Waterford Crystal will be introducing a new collectible series and Anthony will be designing elegant florals to compliment these beautiful pieces.
Where: Macy’s Oak Brook, 3rd Floor, Waterford
When: Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm
RSVP: Macy’s- 630.684.2068
Click here for additional information and the Macy’s event flyer
We love Jackie & Mark’s summer St. Pat’s and Chicago Cultural Center wedding! These two tied the knot on Saturday, July 30, 2011 and the sun was shining for them. Jackie chose a floral palette of soft pinks, peaches and tangerine roses, hypericum and stock with touches of cream and spring green hydrangea. These florals were presented on gorgeous nile blue linens for a classic look at the Cultural Center.
Beautiful hand tied bouquet of fully bloomed roses, spray roses, stock and hypericum berries
The bridesmaids bouquets of cream hydrangea, freesia, star of bethlehem, baby lime hydrangea and fully bloomed roses looked beautiful against their dresses.
Unique shades of roses in the bridal bouquet
Combination of elevated and low centerpieces in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center
Beautiful muted blue damask linen selections
Low dome arrangement accented with cut crystal votive candles
Head table florals
Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center
Lush cake flowers separating each tier
Thank you to Gerber & Scarpelli for these beautiful photos!
Contact Anthony Gowder Designs to set up a consultation.
Lauren and Joe tied the knot in July at one of our favorite Chicago venues, The University Club in the 2nd floor Michigan Room. They added to the elegance of this room with lush white and green florals including hydrangeas and fully bloomed roses. Although it was mid-July and the end of peony season, Anthony tracked down what seemed like the last white peonies in the Chicagoland area for Lauren’s bouquet since they were by far her favorite flower. AGD also served as Lauren & Joe’s day-of wedding coordinators. Thank you to Sally Ryan from Kevin Weinstein for these beautiful photos!
You are a busy bride and you need to make the most of each wedding appointment! Here are some tips from AGD to make the most of your wedding floral consultation:
1. Bring examples- Find photos from magazines or websites that showcase different elements that you love- color, style, texture. This part of your wedding planning is so visual, so it is important that you bring visual aids to help get on the same page with your designer.
2. Compromise- It’s best to be somewhat flexible with flower types. Some flowers are limited to specific seasons, while others tend to be on the pricey side. There are types of flowers that are very delicate and aren’t the best options for bouquets. Your designer can offer the best suggestions that match your budget and your style.
3. Don’t be budget shy- Come to the appointment with some kind of budget range. We can guide you to designs that fit in your budget if you share this information with us. We will work hard to come up with the style you are looking for at a price that makes you feel comfortable.
We are available Monday – Saturday for consultations. Contact us to set up an appointment- 312.563.1306.
Karen & Rob tied the knot at The Mid America Club on Saturday, July 30, 2011. The light touches of purple and lavender really played up the space and highlighted the magnificent views of the Club. Check out some of these photos from the day! (Click on the photo for an enlarged shot.)
Beautiful bouquet of picasso calla lilies
Simplicity at its finest!
Ceremony setting using portions of the guest table centerpieces
Bride and Groom at the ceremony setting
Candlelit aisle treatment
Adorable junior bridesmaid with her bouquet of various varieties of orchids
Low centerpieces of white hydrangeas, purple lisianthus, fully bloomed roses and orchids accented with floating candles
Shades of purple, pink and white- always a gorgeous choice!
Elevated centerpieces atop glass trumpet vases
Room shot of the Mid America Club
Thanks you to Orange2 Photo for these beautiful photos. You can see more of this wedding on their blog: http://orange2photochicago.blogspot.com/2011/08/karen-rob.html
We would love to work with you on your wedding day! Please contact us for more information.
Bridal bouquet of various shades of roses, spray roses and hypericum berries
Bridesmaids bouquets of antiqued hydrangea, fully bloomed roses, cymbidium orchids and hypericum berries
Bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets
Candlelit ceremony at St. Pauls United Church of Christ in Lincoln Park
Ceremony arrangements of antiqued hydrangea, roses, dahlias and other autumnal florals
Pew clusters of floral and fabric
Outside St. Pauls after the ceremony
Low centerpieces on cut crystal bowls accented with cut crystal candlesticks
Elevated arrangements atop cut crystal vases accented with cut crystal candlesticks
Dancing to Ron Harris Music Group, Custom gobo by AGD
This is the wedding of AGD’s very own, Greta Thomas and her new husband, Jimmy. Greta and Jimmy were married at St. Pauls United Church of Christ on October 28, 2011 and then celebrated at Salvatore’s Ristorante in Lincoln Park. Greta wanted to create a romantic, intimate atmosphere for her guests through the venue, music and, of course, the floral. The muted, antiqued tones looked beautiful with the rich woods at the church and restaurant and the cut crystal added a sophistication to the event.
Thank you to Nick Gerber from Orange2 Photo for the beautiful shots.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.
| Here is an email I recieved from the Mother of the Bride from our wedding at the Palmer House this Saturday. Pictures of the day to come!Good morning, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful the flowers on each of the tables were. When she said tulips you out did yourselves. I was able to bring one of the large arrangement home and just took it apart, now we have tulips in the living room, roses in the den and greens in the sunroom. I even took some of the flowers to dry so Anne can have them for a while. Thank you so much for making everything so beautiful. |
Melissa, one of our 2009 brides, preparing to toss her bouquet during her reception at Prairie Productions
As special event florists, we ask our brides during the consultation whether or not they will need a petite bouquet to toss during their reception. The custom is that all the single women gather on the dance floor and the one who catches the boquet, as the tradition goes, will be the next one to be married.
This tradition grew out of the 14th century European idea that brides and all that they touched were lucky. Wedding guests would actually chase after the bride, tearing at her dress, hoping to take home a small good luck charm. The bride finally decided to stop the madness and prevent the guests from bothering her on her special day- and the bouquet toss was born!
Some brides are opting out of this tradition and incorporating their own alternative version into their own weddings. One idea is to give this bouquet to a special friend or relative as a symbol of your gratitude their support over the years. We had another bride who was going to present this bouquet to her sister who was recently engaged and who was going to be the next in the family to be married.
My favorite idea is the Anniversary Dance. All the married couples come onto the dance floor and begin dancing to a song. The DJ or band leader will eliminate the couples depending on the amount of time they have been married. The last couple on the dance floor is the couple that has been married the longest and the bouquet would then be presented to them as an acknowledgement to the longevity of their vows.
It’s okay to put your own twist on bridal traditions. Make them your own!
While most of your budget and attention should be spent on your guest table centerpieces, a stunning focal piece will make a dramatic and breathtaking first impression for your guests. A wonderful place to do this is on your escort card table during the cocktail hour. Since this area will mainly consist of a bar and some cocktail tables, a lush and creative piece will really make an impact.
Why not have your cocktail hour decor different from your reception decor? This is a fun way to kind of throw your guests off and keep them guessing all evening. One of my favorite weddings had a hot pink and lime green cocktail hour, only to move to a “preppy” navy and yellow reception. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Or if you are, give AGD a call and we can help!
