May 1, 2021

Makenzie Harder and Jordan Turner were married on a beautiful spring day in May, exactly 364 days after they originally planned to be married. The venue changed, the guest list changed, the floral order changed slightly, and I’m sure there were many other things I don’t even know about. Like other couples who needed to change their wedding date in 2020, these two had to make adjustments. But through it all, from my perspective, they did it with much grace and compassion for the situation and the vendors they were working with. 

For me this wedding held many firsts. It was my first re-schedule from 2020. It was my first time doing a wedding at the beautiful Historic Post Office in Ottawa, Kansas. And it was the first time I have had to lean on friends and family to help me put a big wedding together, while I was with my husband in the hospital as he was having heart surgery. I couldn’t have done it without help! I didn’t want this couple to know my situation because I knew that could add stress to their perfect day. So from processing all the flowers for me, to designing centerpieces, to delivering and setting up with me, Alice, Gay and Maryann are the reason I was able to keep my anxiety at bay and deliver what I promised to Makenzie. Everything turned out perfectly, including my husband’s heart surgery, and I am so thankful for people I can rely on when things are crazy.

Makenzie’s dream was blush, navy, dusty blue, gray, elegant, formal, peonies and Gerber daisies. We met over coffee way back in 2019 and talked about her favorite flowers and the overall feeling of her wedding. She was one of those brides who trusted me from the beginning and that makes my job so easy.  She was truly a joy to work with. And as another first for me, she was the first bride in 10 years to email me the day after her wedding to tell me how much she loved her flowers!

It’s all in the details when it comes to designing wedding flowers. The centerpieces were sitting on a slice of wood from a family farm. The dusty blue ribbons on the brides bouquet holding her grandmother’s rings. The simplicity of the cake flowers. And the ceremony arch built and stained by her father. (Professional photos by Adam Pane)

I can’t say enough about this beautiful venue. The lighting in the dining room was beautiful and the private courtyard with the big old tree was perfect for the ceremony. From the florist’s perspective delivering two carloads of heavy floral things, the back entry with just a few steps made everything so easy. And the staff was the best, great communication and helpful on wedding day.

I always take a picture of the bride’s bouquet on the same limestone rock near my flower garden, and I use no filters. It helps me to remember the true color of things for future weddings.

And here they are! Makenzie and Jordan, happily married in 2021! I’m sure they would agree it was worth the wait. Thank you for letting me be a part of your magical day!