Recently, I had a wonderful opportunity to work with Eli Weddings on a bridal photo shoot. Eli was a pleasure to work with and, as you will see, a talented photographer.

This Maryland-based shoot took place on a soybean farm as the Fall season was in full swing. We were inspired by a nursery rhyme from our youth, “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (remember, ”Four and twenty blackbirds, baked in a pie; when the pie was opened, the birds began to sing”?!) Hence, details of birds and pies were interwoven throughout the shoot.

A simple tablescape features “sunny” colors like teal, seamist, pale peach, and soft yellow. Iron bird napkin rings grace each place setting and flowers (by Sidra Forman) include dahlias and succulents that radiate the color scheme. A belfast linen tablecloth and natural wood chiavari chairs (courtesy of DC Rental) create a neutral foundation

The escort cards are anchored on an heirloom silver serving tray by vintage baubles-turned-magnets. A variety of bird silhouettes in the color scheme bear the names of the guests and their table assignments.

Another vignette features a pale pink MacBeth Evans hobnail pitcher circa 1930 and accompanying tumblers. An iron tray with bird handles hosts the setting, and an inviting piece of pumpkin pie waits for the bride and groom, who will partake with “Mr” and “Mrs” forks.

A dessert buffet features an assortment of mini pies and homemade coconut madeleines. A vintage pie server rests alongside the pie chest — each cubby containing a variety of homemade mini pies — a popular new trend.

The bride, in celebration, tossed bird-shaped confetti and looks stunning against the picturesque farmland, donning a dress from Punk Rock Bride.

Location: Sunny Ridge Farm
Art Direction and Design: Rex & Regina
Pastries: Rex & Regina
Photography: Eli Weddings
Model: T.H.E. Agency
Dress: Punk Rock Bride
Flowers: Sidra Forman
Hair and Makeup: Miranda Edmonds
Escort cards: Efrat Levush
Shoes: Anthropologie
Chairs: DC Rental

Two of my favorite floral fillers are dusty miller and lamb’s ear. They bring gorgeous, silver shimmer and rich texture to any bridal bouquet. Both are very appropriate for winter bouquets.

Dusty miller contrasts beautifully with bright yellow flowers; photo via Brides.com

winter bouquet; via Real Simple

Dusty miller boutonniere; via Brides.com

Cabbage roses and lamb's ear; Photo by Aaron Delesie via Snippet & Ink (via Sweetest Occasion)

white rose bouquet with dusty miller; via Elizabeth Anne Designs

An absolutely stunning bouquet; via Martha Stewart Weddings

dusty miller tucked in amongst bright, cheery flowers; via Martha Stewart Weddings

herbal bouquet includes lamb's ear; via Martha Stewart Weddings

On a recent trip to New York, my husband and I had the pleasure of having dinner at Daniel. While there, I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous arrangements of parrot tulips placed throughout the restaurant. Their simplicity and elegance was absolutely striking.

Combine all that with the fact that the tulips in my front yard are beginning to sprout up through the winter-weary ground, and I definitely have tulips on the brain.

One of my favorite types of tulips are parrot tulips. I like them for their uniqueness and for the impact that adding even a few of them to a larger arrangement can make.

Here’s a sampling of bouquets featuring parrot tulips that I think would be lovely for Spring.

A bouquet of parrot tulips, fringed and viridflora tulips and double-petaled narcissus, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings

A bouquet of green wave parrot tulips, green fritillaria, dogwood, lemon-scented geranium, maidenhair and umbrella fern, as featured on Brides.com

Parrot tulips are the star in this bouquet featured in Utterly Engaged

Bouquet of Yellow Parrot Tulips and Super Green Parrot Tulips, cuffed with Bupleurum. Featured in Ines del Mar Weddings, designed by Janie Medley