When Elizabeth of East Made Event Company asks me to work on a styled shoot with her, I know it's going to be perfection down to every last detail. She is just so meticulous and has a fantastic eye for elegance and beauty. This shoot was planned around the old dogwood tree that sits on the property at North Point Plantation near Richmond, VA. Our textural bridal bouquet and arrangement were inspired by spring blooms including dogwood and locally foraged hellebore. We crossed our fingers in hopes that the dogwood tree would be in bloom in time for this shoot - and it was. Rachel May captured the entire day perfectly, and we were completely thrilled when we found out this was featured on Once Wed.

Blossom and vine washington dc wedding flowers

Botanical Name: Helleborus orientalis
Grows locally: early-mid March

Commonly known as the hellebore, it is the perfect antidote for the end-of-winter blues and a true testament to resilience through the harshest of circumstances. These perennials tend to emerge during the last stretch of winter and the first breath of spring. Even if tackled by that rogue March snowstorm, they usually pop back up at the first sight of a warm, sunny day. These gals love to grow in clumps, and they are a dream for the novice gardener since they are shade and drought tolerant as well as evergreen, to keep your garden looking lush through the winter months.

Hellebore is a staple in our bouquets and arrangements because the gradient of the petals acts as a perfect transition for most of our wedding color palettes. They come in an array of purples, pinks and burgundys, and we particularly love the way they elegantly drape forward, adding poignant lines to any arrangement. We would describe the hellebore as strong and austere. She commands respect by nature of being so tenacious.

hellebore, Helleborus orientalis_Sophie + Co. florals for weddings and events in Washington, DC

Photos by Becca Olcott

Spring Blossoms at North Point Plantation

Botanical Journal: Hellebore

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