I remember the moment clearly: the ending of our wedding reception.

Time to go home.

The lights came on, a stark contrast to the dimly lit dance floor our eyes adjusted to hours ago.

No one really moved towards the doors, as much as they milled about and found excuses to make the party last longer.

I picked up my bouquet, a stunning floral arrangement of cream Cabbage Roses, purple faced Picasso Cala Lilies, blue hued Hydrangea, and of course, iridescent peacock feathers.

Still wrapped up in the bliss of the entire day I recall not knowing what to do with my flowers.  If I took the flowers home, the cats would eat them.  We were heading to our honeymoon the next day.  The flowers would surely die a sad, cat eaten, death alone in our condo.

Around this time, one of my best gals, Ali, ran up to me and I swear she read my mind during this short, internal struggle.

“What are you going to do with your flowers?” she asked.

I shared that I had no clue. Throw them away maybe?

“Can Vince & I preserve them for you? As our gift? Can we do that for you?”

Shocked, as Ali and Vince already traveled several states to be a part of our celebration, I managed to stammer out a, “Yeah, sure. I mean, yes please! That would rock!”

Also it should be known that the shock also relayed to me being honestly surprised I needed to plan something to do with my bouquet, post nuptials.

I went on to share with Ali that I really did want/intend to do that with the flora, just had not reached that point in the DIY (well, much of it was planned & designed on our own, maybe not made by us) wedding.  This perfect timing sealed the end of our party with a lovely bow.

Months later (I didn’t know the process flowers go through!) an email from Ali comes across my inbox and draws my attention with “on their way!” and “get excited.”

Ain’t she purdy?

I’m honestly so pleased with the outcome. It makes me want to stick the toe of my shoe in the sand and say “aww shucks.” I’m proud of the way our invites look all done up with my bridal bouquet, behind a layer of glass (and, ahem, dust – sorry about that).

I love the way the flowers still maintain their beauty and are preserved that way forever.

This is one of those items which goes on my list of “things that must be saved should we ever need to rescue said items from our house.”  (If you’re curious, our Ketuba wedding contract and fireproof box of documents are also on that list)

I hope to have it around forever, since it represents a moment, day, turning point in my life.

My flowers, our love, a friendship all in one.

Special Shout Out! to Forever Yours Inc Preservation and Framing , You done well. 

Ali & Vince, y’all are my superstars. See you on 4/28/13

love

first pic from our wonderful photog, StudioJuno  — all other pics by me