Our daughter’s wedding was yesterday. It was a magical day, full of love and beauty everywhere you looked.
As some of you know, I’ve been working on a brooch bouquet for months. I began gathering brooches last May beginning at Brimfield, and since then have visited countless antique stores, consignment shops and just about any store in between that sold jewelry.
Any kind of jewelry was fair game, not just traditional brooches. Hair combs, earrings, buttons, you name it. If a wire could fit and it was pretty, it was coming home with me.
The bouquet satisfied all the traditional requirements of ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. Many of the brooches are vintage, many are new, and one has a touch of blue. For the ‘borrowed’, I temporarily placed the pearl bracelet I wore when I got married. I also added a pearl choker with a marquesite center which I wore on my wedding day nearly 31 years ago. You can see the pearl portion of that choker below, however the marquesite is mostly hidden, but you can get a peak at it here or here.
Some of the brooches were given to us by generous friends, as well as our daughter’s mother-in-law, making it all the more special and meaningful. This bouquet is a true heirloom in every sense of the word.
It’s by far my proudest ‘diy’ project.
The long pearl ‘brooch’ is actually a hair clip, and I believe was my daughter’s personal favorite. Just to the left is the brooch that has a tiny bit of blue in it. In total, there were about 100 brooches and the bouquet weighed about 10 lbs. And just in case you’re wondering, it’s definitely not something that would get thrown. 😉
Some of her dress fabric was given to me by the seamstress during the alternation process and I used it to make some fabric flowers. In the center I placed a crystal pin. This helped anchor it and also give it more of the look of a flower.
It’s hard for me to say which brooch is my favorite. There are so many that are simply stunning it’s impossible to decide! Some are small, some are large. Some are simple, some are complex. But the one thing they all have in common is they’re GORGEOUS!
Oftentimes diy wedding projects consist of burlap, mason jars and hydrangea flowers. As much as I love that look (and I know most of you do too), it’s about as far from our daughter’s style as Mercury is from Pluto. I kept that in mind when putting together the details for her wedding. This money box was purchased at a flea market for $3.00. I added an inexpensive brooch and some bling detailing and called it a day, proving you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve an elegant look.
The bridesmaids wore pale tulle dresses with black lace overlays. I found some lace ribbon at Brimfield and added some inexpensive buttons which tied everything together.
A few out of town guests stayed at the same hotel we were at and they each received personalized baskets that consisted of cowboy bark, caramel popcorn, Caswell & Massey bath products, regular and flavored water and the most amazing silver metallic covered almonds pictured below, bottom right. Yes, they’re edible!
No two baskets were exactly alike, both in their contents and how they were decorated. I tried to keep in mind each couple’s personalities as best I could. I used whatever ribbon I had and purchased the baskets at the Dollar Store for a couple of dollars each. Which reminds me…don’t you think it’s time they stopped calling themselves Dollar Stores? Nothing is a dollar anymore anyway!
Now back to the star of this post, the bouquet. I had, of course, never made a brooch bouquet before and didn’t know quite what I was getting into. They are a LOT of work, but definitely a worthwhile endeavor, and it was a true labor of love.
And I’m sure you will agree, so worth it!
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UPDATE: If you’d like to see pictures and a video of the wedding, click here. They’re absolutely beautiful and I think you’ll enjoy!
Nana Diana says
That is the most amazing bouquet I have EVER seen ANYWHERE! I don’t know if you saw anything like it before but I bet it will be pinned over and over and over again. You did a marvelous job on it. And your daughter? Drop-to-your-knees BEAUTIFUL!!!! xo Diana
Doreen says
Thank you so much Diana! I had seen many bouquets before starting this one, but once I got started it took on a life of it’s own. I pretty much turned into a brooch whore ;). I can’t wait to see the professional pictures of the bouquet. The photographer said he was intimidated because he didn’t think the pictures would do it justice. These pictures don’t really do it justice either!
cynthia keeley says
Wow, Doreen! Her bouquet is a stunner but nothing can surpass how gorgeous she looked in her dress! The sleeves/straps are amazing and I can hardly wait to see the entire ensemble.
I’ve seen a lot of brooch bouquets over the past 5 years, and I have to say I haven’t ever seen one as beautiful as the one you made. It was absolute perfection!
Best of luck to the married couple, and kudos to you for a job well done!!
Doreen says
Thank you!!
The straps were amazing Cyn, and even more beautiful in person. The rest of the dress is fairly simple, so not to detract from them. It was a perfect dress for her and the venue. I took no pictures whatsoever, so I will have to rely on those from the photographer and other guests to give glimpses of the rest of her dress. (This pic was taken by the groom’s sister and is one of my favorites.)
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
WOW she is stunning and so is the bouquet and seeing her holding it…amazing how it is perfect with her dress. What a beautiful bride. You did amazing work here 🙂
Diane Massey says
Absolutely stunning – the bride and the bouquet !
Cynthia Hankin says
You did an amazing job. You have been working hard the last year or two with moving and weddings….time to kick back and relax!
She looks stunning, and I wish her a long and happy marriage.
Cindy Eikenberg says
Doreen, your daughter is absolutely gorgeous and that bouquet is beyond stunning! Everything looks amazing and I’m sure you had the happiest day. Thank you for sharing it all with us and congratulations! I’m sure your daughter will cherish that bouquet forever.
Soiledrotten says
It is just breathtakingly beautiful! I’m thinking of doing the same for my next wedding in July! Fantastic job!
Xo
Alison
Doreen says
Would love to see it Alison if you decide to do it!
Angela says
Oh Doreen…..it turned out so beautiful!!! Stunning!!!! Your daughter is beautiful and the bouquet looked absolutely perfect! I’m sure it was a wonderful day! You should be so, so proud…….of your daughter and bouquet! ~~Angela
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you my friend! Now that things have settled down, let’s have that long awaited chat. So much to tell you!
Jenny says
The bouquet is just gorgeous Doreen and your daughter looks absolutely stunning!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Wow Doreen, that brooch bouquet is absolutely stunning! Hard to imagine this was the first one you’ve made – you’re very talented. Love how you carried other elements of the wedding into the décor. I’m loving the idea of personalized gift boxes decorated in the wedding theme for guests staying at the same hotel. My daughter is getting married next year and I’m going to pin this idea for inspiration.
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you and congrats to you and your daughter Marie! You will find it’s a lot of fun to plan things for the wedding, but it’s kinda nice when it’s over ;). I’m glad you picked up an idea you can use and if you have any questions you know where to find me!
Cynthia says
Congrats to you and your whole family, especially that gorgeous daughter of yours. I have been thinking and thinking about this bouquet. It turned out fantastic Doreen and it is beautiful with her dress. Nothing else would’ve done the trick. What a beautiful and gorgeous your daughter will have of her special day from her wonderful mom!!!
Cynthia
Penny B says
Doreen, your bouquet pics are beautiful!! I know how much time you out I to creating the brooch bouquet and it really was worth every minute. Just stunning!!
Judy Clark says
That is the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen! It is just perfection with her gorgeous dress. She made a beautiful bride and I’m sure you were so proud of her. Congratulations on a superb job!
Judy
Vicky Hunt says
Oh my! I LOVE it! It is absolutely gorgeous and your daughter is just stunning! I love all the details and those silver almonds are amazing. It must have been a truly magical day! Thanks for sharing it with us….:)
Blessings, Vicky
Donna says
It was the most gorgeous thing in the room next to Doreen and Sarissa!
Doreen@househoneys says
Thank you Donna! It was wonderful to have you there. You’re a special friend who gets more special with each passing day. (((Hugs)))
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! Wow! That brooch bouquet is truly a work of art. You are so creative! Your daughter is beautiful and she looked so elegant holding the bouquet you made her. I’m so happy the wedding turned out fabulous! <3
Poppy says
Hi Doreen,
I have never heard of a brooch bouquet before!! What an amazingly stunning one you created for your beautiful daughter’s special day! She looks so very happy; I bet she lit up the whole room! How creative you are to connect the design of the brooch with the money box, and all the other accessories!! I’m not surprised that Sarissa has such excellent and eclectic taste! After all, she is her mother’s daughter, both in talent and beauty!
Thanks for sharing photos of her wedding day, as I know how excitedly you had been anticipating this important event and must be so very proud and elated at how elegant it all was.
Poppy
Denise says
Stunning! Every detail you thought of. The bouquet is a masterpiece. Sarissa looks amazing. The baskets for out of town guests that stayed in a hotel is a wonderful idea. Quite often people can be put off by having to travel so far and spend extra money for a wedding, but showing your appreciation that they came is brilliant. I’m glad your daughter had a beautiful day. xxDenise
Helen says
Doreen, you made a lovely memory even more memorable! Best wishes to the bride and groom! I know how excited and tired you must feel now or soon will need a rest!
Andi says
WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! Okay, I’m a broken record, but freaking WOW!!!!!!! I’m completely blown away. That bouquet is incredible and your daughter is gorgeous!! Congrats on an amazing job!!!!
-andi
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
That is by far the most gorgeous wedding bouquet I have ever seen…you nailed it Doreen!….What can I say…other than it is simply elegant and so very exquisite…and I love how it matched the jeweled straps on her gown…Her daughter is so beautiful!…what a fabulous keepsake to pass on … a true heirloom!….FB’ing!!! Congrats to the special couple and congrats on creating such a magnificent wedding for your daughter!
Betsy says
This has to be the most beautiful “bouquet” I’ve ever seen. Your daughter is a stunning bride and will now have something she can cherish forever.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
That is stunning, Doreen! I can believe how proud you are of how it turned out ~ you have every right to feel that way. It looks like it would be a bit time consuming and a matter of finding the right pieces to use, but I have to say you did a fantastic job!
Cecilia says
Wow, wow, wow! It turned out beautiful. I love it! And your daughter is gorgeous. Congratulations to all of you.
Cecilia
Al says
Your daughter looks stunning and that brooch bouquet is incredible. It’s so sparkly and elegant, and I love how it goes with her dress. Also, I love that you used some of her dress fabric. One thing I wish I’d done was keep some of mine to use in a project after the wedding.
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Well she is absolutely stunning! The bouquet turned out so gorgeous! The silver metallic almonds look amazing – what a beautiful wedding it must have been.
Sandra says
Your daughter looks radiant and you are very talented! Our daughter is getting married next July and my DIY wheels are already turning. I agree with you completely about the mason jars and burlap. There will be a little of that at her shower but she wants something more elegant for her wedding and reception. For me, the more bling the better. I can’t wait to show her what you’ve created. Great idea with the personalized baskets for out of town guests also.
Jane says
Doreen…I gasped when I saw the brooches and then almost fainted when I saw your daughter holding the finished bouquet! Magnificent. A labor of love and an unbelievable keepsake. The money box and gift baskets were fantastic ideas and the baskets especially show how detail oriented you are on top of kind and creative.
Finally, your daughter is simply gorgeous and made a stunning bride! Please tell us you will be sharing more of the big day!!
Jane
Doreen says
Thank you Jane! Yes, I will be sharing more pics as they become available. I took zero pics so I will have to rely on the pics of others and of course,the photographer which can take some time.
I appreciate you stopping by. I know how busy you have been but I’m so glad you were able to see this post!
Beth says
Radiant bride, gorgeous bouquet!!
Sue says
I don’t know what to say different than what everyone has already exclaimed. I was immediately captured from the start and just as amazed at the finish. The brooch bouquet is such a lasting labor of love you gave your daughter and is the most unique beautiful wedding bouquet ever! I had to pin for the world to see!
Sue says
Hi, I think you found a new career. I was captivated immediately and just as amazed at the end. This is such a wonderful labor of love keepsake you made for your beautiful daughter. I never heard of a brooch bouquet before either. I am so happy I saw this and had to pin some photos so the world can see and know about this brooch bouquet. A M A Z I N G !
Doreen says
Thank you so much Sue! Brooch bouquets have actually been around for a while, but until I started ‘pinning’ ideas for the wedding, I never heard of them either. As much as I love flowers, I really don’t like that they get thrown away almost immediately after a wedding. Such a waste! Hopefully, this bouquet will last a little longer ;).
Carol says
Gorgeous daughter, fantastic dress and beautiful bouquet.
I have never heard of a brooch bouquet, but seeing the last photo of your daughter in her dress, I can see why she chose to carry the brooch bouquet. Gorgeous daughter, fantastic dress and beautiful bouquet.
Jennie @ Got My Reservations says
This is the most stunning DIY I have ever seen and I’m sending the link to my daughter as she will love it! There are so many reasons to love this, starting with your use of family pieces. Thank you for sharing, and I’m pinning this post immediately.
Julie says
I found you by way of Pinterest, and I’m so glad I did 🙂 I am in the process of making a very similar brooch bouquet for my daughter (similar colors, style, everything.) You did a beautiful job on this! Congratulations to you and your daughter (and she is gorgeous!)
kimberly says
Your daughter is so beautiful!
I’ve never seen such a original and pretty bouquet.
Your creative ideas made this wedding one of a kind.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I can’t believe there’s 100 brooches in that bouquet. It’s dazzling, Doreen, and your daughter is absolutely a stunning bride. I’m so happy to hear that all went well for the wedding and everyone survived, LOL. Blessings to her and her husband on their new life together.
Lavender Dreams says
She is so gorgeous and has the most beautiful smile! The bouquet was a work of art and dazzling…like someone before me said. How sweet of you to make the baskets up for guests, too. It must have been a beautiful wedding! You really thought of all the special touches to make it perfect for her. Blessings to this sweet couple. Sweet hugs, Diane
Patti says
Yours is the most beautiful and truly elegant bouquets I’ve ever seen. You did an amazing job, and so very worth it!
Love, love, love it!
Hugs,
Patti
Kathy @ Lifeonlakeshore says
Wow, Doreen, the bouquet is amazing!! You did a fabulous job. Your daughter looks gorgeous. I loved seeing all the beautiful photos. I am giving you top view today with this beauty! I am trying my best to get back into my routine. I have just taken a break from everything since school was out!!! LOL I miss visiting with you!!
XOXOXXO
Kathy
Doreen@househoneys says
Thanks so much Kathy!
I miss you too, but you deserve a break so take it!
Enjoy your summer and when you’re ready things will fall into place.
xxx
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures says
What a gorgeous bouquet! I love the box and baskets, too! Your daughter is absolutely beautiful! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
‘Hopping over from your feature at Life on Lakeshore Drive