Royal Wedding: The Self Taught Florist Behind the Scenes with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
In the midst of foreboding international news, Brits are currently lapping up every frothy detail of the impending nuptials of Prince Harry and his American bride-to-be, Meghan Markle.
Photography via @philippacraddock.
Craddock has quickly built up a reputation as one of London’s top event florists, bringing her signature glamour to Tiffany, Dior, Jo Malone, and Selfridges (where she has also had a shop since 2015.).
A behind-the-scenes glimpse of Craddock’s studio in London.
Dahlias from the cutting garden.
And although some of the stems are short, a mixed height of vases ensures none are wasted,” says Craddock.
“The Orangery at @kensingtonpalace in all its glory” for a wedding reception last year. But how will Craddock tackle the grand setting of St. George’s?
Craddock also hosts bespoke floral workshops. For information, see Philippa Craddock.
A jumble of peonies, roses, lavender, nigella, and Queen Anne’s lace, which royal wedding florist Craddock describes as “country bright, bold, and colorful” may offer a hint of her intentions.
The latter is a stone’s throw from the venue and has ancient woodland, and Craddock and her team (which will include florists from St. George’s Chapel and Buckingham Palace) will forage beech, birch, and hornbeam in addition to sourcing wildflowers from royal parkland.
In Craddock’s studio, “petite milk bottles, once loved fragrance bottles and old jam jars make great use for smaller stems and off-cuts from larger arrangements.”
Flowers will be seasonal, including Meghan’s favorite peonies, along with foxgloves and white garden roses—in a fitting nod to the stunning white garden that was created at Kensington Palace in Princess Diana’s memory last summer.
Craddock worked with “stunning scented stocks” for a wedding last year. Whatever the bride chooses, her wedding bouquet is sure to follow royal tradition and include myrtle—a symbol of love and hope and a tradition that dates to 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.
The royal wedding flowers “will be a true reflection of them as a couple, with sustainability at the forefront,” says Craddock.
Photograph via Philippa Craddock.
According to Brides magazine, William and Kate’s 2012 wedding flowers inspired couples for years after the big day (especially the avenue of 20 field maples that brought the outdoors into Westminster Abbey).