I first talked to Jan about her flowers back in July. Here the day was hot, slick and humid. It was hard to think about cool nights and her autumn wedding to Howard. Once the decision was made to have the reception at Seabreeze, part of the Lido Complex, I began imagining two long tables - perfect for 40. Jan sent me a photo of her dress and we discussed the colour scheme that would work best. Hues of the ocean and shades of fall. We discussed the budget and how the flowers would fit in to the whole picture. There was much to do and only a few months for it all to get done.
Jan and Howard came to visit in August. At Holy Trinity Church we discussed how to make the service warm and welcoming and who would need flowers. The list of recipients began to grow. We did a quick guesstimate on the cost of the flowers. With all they wanted to do, it was more than anticipated.
As I drove them back to town, it began to rain. They sat in the back seat and discussed all the different things they wanted to do and whether they should scale back on the flowers. Design and the aesthetics were an important part to Jan where as Howard was more practical. You could see she was caught.
Then I heard him ask: "What would your father have wanted?" I looked into the rear view mirror in time to see Jan's eyes well up with tears as she looked out the rain-streaked car window. On her wedding day, her father would be there in spirit and for the past year, Jan had been battling a third round of cancer. Her journey and her father's passing had made her see life with much appreciation and honesty all while not knowing how long she had to live. Her father had generously made provisions for her wedding and she knew he'd want her to be surrounded on her wedding day with the things she loved.
I couldn't wait to see what Jan would think when she saw her flowers for the first time. Kirsteen and Sarah, both designers at Petals, had spent the morning in the studio creating the breath-taking bouquets, boutonnieres and table arrangements before going to Lido to complete the set up. Tall cylindrical vases contained stems of Charlie Brown cymbidium orchids. Small bunches of white hydrangea and vases of white dendrobium orchids were balanced out with glass votive holders. Chinese lanterns, hung by Elements, graced the ceiling.
On Saturday, November 10, Jan and Howard were married; they had been partners for years but it was now official! Friends and family traveled from around the world to celebrate a day they were unsure would happen. Howard looked handsome in his new suit complemented by a soft apricot rose boutonniere. Jan's stunningly elegant dress had been made for her in England and fitted her to perfection. She carried a bouquet of white freesia, peach mini calla lilies and apricot roses, perfectly tied together with a simple satin ribbon in antique white.
As the night progressed complete with clear skies, candlelight, much laughter and lots of dancing, I knew her father would be happy. The flowers were simply icing on their two tiered carrot cake; the weekend had been magical. Jan was surrounded by her friends and family - all the things she loved.
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