Brides: Meet India's Best Mates

In a special feature for Brides Magazine, Pulbrook & Gould was named as one of India Hicks' "best mates", the trusted inner circle she called upon to help create her quintessentially English wedding weekend in September 2021. Alongside fashion designers Naeem Khan and Emilia Wickstead and actress Brooke Shields, Pulbrook & Gould was entrusted with one of the most personal elements of the day: India's bridal bouquet.

A Bouquet Six Decades in the Making

"Established in 1956, Pulbrook & Gould is arguably London's most prestigious floral studio," Brides noted, "and the same florist India's mother entrusted for her own wedding bouquet in 1960."

Managing director Erik Karlsen reflected on the significance: "We have worked with a number of families where three generations or close relatives have used us. It gives us great pride to be sought out and used for occasions like these."

Harald Altmaier: The Florist Behind the Bouquet

India's bouquet was created by Harald Altmaier, who first joined Pulbrook & Gould as a floral designer in 1993 after perfecting his craft in both Australia and Germany. Today a consultant with the studio, Harald brought his decades of expertise to bear on one of the most coveted floral commissions of the year.

"Harald's objective, like all our florists, is to work with the seasons, using the best flowers available to bring ultimate joy and pleasure to the recipient," Karlsen explains.

Of India herself, Karlsen added: "After many years, she is still the epitome of elegance and good manners without portraying any formality. Striking in a distinguished way and very elegant."

The Bouquet: English Country Garden in Full Bloom

For India's bouquet, the brief called for a loosely gathered bunch of English country garden and countryside flowers: roses, Japanese anemones, hydrangeas, love-in-a-mist, and eucalyptus among them. Full of natural texture yet highly sophisticated, the all-white creation also doubled as a "something blue" thanks to subtle accents of blue blooms woven throughout.

Karlsen describes the Pulbrook & Gould approach: "Our style is based on using the raw material to its best advantage without it seeming contrived. The look is natural in appearance yet very sophisticated in execution. We always consider what flowers will suit the brief and occasion, right down to the simplest posy created in our flagship store on Buckingham Palace Road."

Advice for Brides-to-Be

For those planning their own wedding flowers, Karlsen's advice is simple: "Always make sure your choice is appropriate to the surroundings." And on the question of whether flowers are worth it: "Flowers immediately give one a sense of elation, celebration, and joy, regardless of whether it is a formal or casual occasion."

Bespoke Wedding Flowers by Pulbrook & Gould

Whether you are planning an intimate countryside ceremony or a grand London celebration, our team creates bespoke wedding flowers that are as individual as your day. Explore our full wedding flowers service, or get in touch to begin your wedding flower journey with Pulbrook & Gould.

Please note: Pulbrook & Gould has since relocated. Our studio is now based at 65 Gloucester Road, South Kensington, London SW7 4PE.