As a Chicago wedding photographer, I have never been more aware of this than at Caroline and Gene’s wedding. Caroline’s beautiful bridal bouquet and her bridesmaids’ pink bouquets were definitely the focal points of the day, besides the beautiful bride herself and her lovely tiered gown. The flowers stood out even when we shot photos of the wedding party in the beautiful gardens of the Art Institute.

Flowers at this wedding were also featured as centerpieces, on the cake and in the bride’s up-do. They really gave personality and individuality to the wedding; since flowers themselves are one of a kind, they add a great original touch to a traditional day. The flowers on Caroline and Gene’s big day were actually done by the bride’s Maid of Honor, Kara Superfine for Botanicals, making each arrangement even more special.

Kara transformed the location of Caroline and Gene’s reception, the University Club, with her creative and colorful floral arrangements. When choosing your own floral styling (if you don’t have the expert advice of one of your bridesmaids!), you can go for elaborate or simple, traditional or quirky, colorful or muted—and you can always choose to do it yourself or another economical option.  No matter what spirit you are trying to portray in your big day, your floral arrangements can help you do it.

Coordinated by Lisa Zimbler and catered in-house at the University Club, the reception was kept lively by the music of Toast & Jam DJ Leslie Stiles.