A Cherished Collection!

After getting a few comments about my 'bridal wreath collection' seen in my birthday photos, I decided I should do a post on them. The History of Victorian Wedding Orange Blossoms is old and romantic.

"Incorporating orange blossoms into the bride's costume originated in ancient China where they were emblems of purity, chastity and innocence. There are few trees so prolific as the orange; it is one of the rare plants that blooms and bears fruit at the same time, thus becoming symbolic of fruitfulness. During the time of the Crusades, the custom was brought from the East first to Spain , then to France , then to England in the early 1800's. By then, many enchanting legends had spread throughout the continent of maidens entwining fresh orange blossoms into a bridal wreath for their hair... Queen Victoria created the vogue for the sweet smelling blossoms when she wore them in a grand wreath for her 1840 wedding... When real orange blossoms were in short supply or in northern climates where citrus fruits did not flourish, wax replicas were used instead."

When I saw my first wreath, I fell in love with the sentiment of someone creating these lovely flowers of wax to be worn by a bride - and only later learned of their history. I was lucky to find a few wreaths in local antique shops a number of years ago, and then searched Ebay for others. Word got around and a lovely woman in Berkeley told me she was selling her collection and suddenly I had more than I knew what to do with! At that point I had a vision of displaying them like a quilt, each on individual boards, as you see above. Once I was able to create a square of 25 wreaths I stopped collecting - where would I put any more??? I did add a 'French Marriage Globe' to my collection (used by wealthy brides to display their wreaths and bouquets) - which I adore. Most of my wreaths are French. My favorite ones are those that look like real Orange blossoms, (this one came with the Wedding Menu card!)

Many are very decorative, with pearls and ribbons added on; shaped like wheat sheaths or spring berries... One is completly made of gold paper, and another came with the grooms bow-tie! I love them all, for their romantic symbology and sweet sentiment!!!

Comments

[Erika]

pretty sure i love these!!!! i used to sit and search millinery on ebay for hours when i was buying my wedding dress. i'll have to send you a photo of what I did with it. lets just say i modernized an old 4o's satin gown. :) and it came with the original bridal wreath

[Paula]

Oh my. I had no idea anything like this even existed. So beautiful. Like others, I admired them on the wall in your birthday photos, but seeing them up close is a real treat. Thanks

[Kristin]

Des trésors comme je les aime ! mon imagination déborde ...

[Paris Parfait]

These are stunning! What a fabulous collection! I've recently bought three of these crowns from brocantes in Paris and I saw others. Now that I know you collect them, will be on the lookout for more.

[Felicia]

They're beautiful!

[pamelahuntington]

Ulla,
These are so beautiful and such a
splendid way to present them!
pam

[annie lockhart]

these are some of the most beautiful things i have ever seen. really stunning. i miss you! did you have a birthday while i was off galavanting around in texas? happy day to you dear one. xo

[Di Overton]

What a stunning collection. I saw some amazing bridal headresses in Paris last week and I had the fortune to see Tara's - Paris Parfait's - collection of little crowns in the flesh - awesome!

[cruststation]

Your collection is absolutely stunning Ulla, I love the way you display them. Thank you for the history, they are such lovely romantic items to collect (much prettier than modern day tiaras).

[Britt-Arnhild]

What a beautiful collection!
This is an unknown tradition to me. I love days when I learn something new.

[Boxwoodcottage]

What a wonderful and precious collection and so fabulously displayed in your home, love it!

[MiraclesHappen]

These are just wonderful! Thank you for sharing such wonderful history and beauty...few things make for a better post.

[Gaëlle]

What a nice discover!!!

and what a nice collection, so delicate...

Nice to meet you!

[lucinda]

ooh! i have one of these, made of lace and wax - i always wondered what it was. thankyou for the lovely surprise information.

[Martine]

Ulla, this is so beautiful. A wall full of love and romance. Thank you for sharing.

[lasourceauxbois]

Lovely display, very "cabinet de curiosités" style.

[Sandy]

What an absolutely beautiful collection! I love the globe as well. Thanks for sharing the story : )

[lori]

Thanks so much for the little history lesson. Your collection is lovely.
xo

[joanna]

just beautiful!!!

[Pandora]

Wow - your collection is amazing! I am in awe! I have one beautiful Victorian wax bridal wreath like the ones you have pictured there that I got from Crystal at Gothic Rose. It is one of my favorite things.

[suzi finer]

making me happy...visually!
love.

[Donna O.]

Ulla- I have but a few of these wreaths but your collection is breathtaking! And I love the history you shared. I never took the time to learn about it but once again you have schooled us in knowledge AND beauty!!
D.

[Mo'a]

A wonderful collection...I love the story behind them and your story about how you collected them.
The way you displayed them is brilliant.

[teresa (maggiegracecreates)]

I wondered about the collection as well and I love them. I do have a question.

Technically how did you mount these - is that fabric or paper behind them??/

Beautiful - just like their owner.

[claudia]

what a brilliant display and collection! you never cease to amaze, thank you!