Page 20 - Demo

20  A l a s k a B r i d e & G r o o m  2024Our beautiful state is known around the world for its lush peonies. The peony bloom is timed perfectly for the summer wedding season, making it a much sought-after bridal flower. Aside from our prolific peonies, Alaska is brimming with many gorgeous seasonal flowers that will make your wedding extra memorable. Read on to learn why you’ll want Alaska-grown flowers in your dream wedding, and get tips on how to make it happen.Why Alaska-grown flowers?As a wedding designer and flower farmer, I get the unique opportunity to work with flowers from my own flower field, from other Alaskan farmers, and from flowers shipped in from California and beyond. By Greta LewanskiEach time I receive a shipment of flowers, I am reminded how lucky we are to have farm-fresh flowers right here. They are visibly fresher and have an extra heavenly fragrance. Part of the wedding flower experience that is so magical is the aroma.Seasonal flowers from local farmers can include unique and hard-to-ship flower varieties. More varieties equal more texture and interest in your floral arrangements. The result? Sensational wedding flowers you and your guests will remember. Using local flowers also lessens the carbon footprint of your wedding. Flowers are a highly perishable product and must be shipped refrigerated and flown from a farm to a wholesaler and then to your wedding designer. Local flowers spend less time in transit and require less time in the refrigerator. The time between being cut and being arranged can be just a few days. What are Alaska flowers?There are many flowers that grow well in Alaska. Most of the farmers I know grow dozens to hundreds of varieties each summer. They range from large stunning focal flowers like peonies and dahlias to super cool foliage like raspberry leaf and mint. Because of Alaska’s cooler climate, some wedding favorites like ranunculus and anemones do great almost all summer long. How to plan your wedding flowersHere are three simple steps to planning your wedding flowers: • Make a list of the items you want.for the love of... Alaska-grownRAINBOW OF DAHLIAS IN BUCKETS AT ALL DAHLIA’D UP FLOWER FARMSydney Carle