The language of flowers
June 15, 2004 | 12:00am
Over the centuries, dating even as far back to the time of Queen Victoria, the first to acknowledge the symbolisms of flora through the intricate embroideries of her wedding gown, man has regarded the beauty of flowers as more than natures’ manifestation of aesthetic magnificence. Flowers have awed and evoked emotion of the deepest kind and have become part of various cultures and traditions worldwide, enriching and giving meaning to the many milestones of human existence. From the celebrations of birth and coming of age, to the uniting power of love and sorrows of death, flowers have become the tangible symbols of feeling and sentiment. They have epitomized the depth and complexities of human emotions.
This June, as wedding bells again ring at their loudest to announce the month of love and nuptials, six of Manila’s top wedding florists exhibit their take on the different facets of matrimonial love and the flowers that symbolize it.
Meet Manila’s top wedding florists:
Specialization: Stage design for wedding backdrops, giant pillars, wall effects and floral setup.
Style: "My work is basically freestyle. I believe it opens up what is inside you and is seen through the arrangement of the flowers."
Cymbidium
Symbolism: Love, refinement and rare beauty
The Cymbidium is actually a type of orchid and symbolizes love and its qualities. In China, it is even the symbol for many children – an option that couples may use if they hope to start a big family. The Cymbidium arrangement by Larry Natividad featured on this page is actually a very versatile piece that may be used as a headpiece, a neckpiece or an accent piece for the wedding gown.
Specialization: 1816 Florists started the evolution of draperies in the wedding industry and were the first ones to use lanterns and multi-level stagings in reception areas.
Style: "I make sure to carry the best color combination – clean, simple and elegant with not so much frills. It also has to have its own understated elegance and class."
Also known as the Madagascar Jasmine or bridal veil, the Stephanotis flower is popularly used to wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness in each other’s company. The piece by Robert Blancaflor on Page O-3 is an elegant hair ornament that brings out the bride’s beauty through its understated elegance.
Specialization: "I am best known for my innovative flower designs."
Style: "I believe that less is more. The bride must be the focal point of the wedding and the flowers should never overpower her. They should be beautiful but they should only accentuate or complement the bride."
Although Carnation in general symbolizes fascination and a woman’s love, the white Carnation’s symbolism is actually more meaningful and well suited for matrimonial celebrations. The flower also lasts long and will look fresh from the beginning of the wedding to the end of the reception, which makes Rachy Cuna’s headpiece featured on Page O-3 not only beautiful but practical as well.
Years in the business: "I have been in the business for three and a half years after leaving my job in a multinational advertising agency to pursue ‘new things’."
Specialization: "To me, love and romance have everything to do with flowers. I like the challenge of making an unforgettable flower design for couples in love with a very minimal budget."
Style: Monochromatic and monobotanical, it offers a subtle textural look. The feeling is light, static and controlled but also soft, pure and beautiful.
The Red Rose must be one of the most popular symbols of romantic and passionate love. In the past, as bouquet of red roses may have been acceptable only for a Christmas or Valentine wedding but today, it has become a fashionable choice. The bouquet by Mabel Academia featured on this page was inspired by Moulin Rouge and is accented with red feathers and red Swarovski crystals.
Specialization: "I specialize in creating flower arrangements for private functions, most especially in residences."
Style: "My style is very simple yet elegant. The color combination of my pieces is of utmost importance."
More often than not, even if the wedding is a celebration for both the bride and the groom, it is the bride that becomes the center of attention. It is the bride that draws gazes and it is the bride that induces emotion. Frank Palma’s snapdragon wrist corsage, held in place with an ivy vine to represent wedded love and fidelity, is all about the bride and her grace.
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