Iconic, elegant, striking, and fuss-free are just a few of the ways India's "great mates" would describe her. And it was these folks—fashion designers Naeem Khan and Emilia Wickstead, actress Brooke Shields, and the esteemed London florist Pulbrook & Gould—whom India called upon to help with her English wedding weekend in September 2021.
A Bridal Bouquet by Pulbrook & Gould
No traditional bridal ensemble is complete without a bouquet, and for that India turned to Harald Altmaier of Pulbrook & Gould. Established in 1956, Pulbrook & Gould is arguably London's most prestigious floral studio (they have quite a few royal weddings and events on their resumé), and the same florist India's mother entrusted for her own wedding bouquet in 1960. "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," admits managing director Erik Karlsen.
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.
"Harald first met India at the beginning of September before her wedding day. I had known her previously," adds Karlsen. "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."
Altmaier first joined Pulbrook & Gould as a floral designer in 1993, after perfecting the craft in both Australia and Germany. Today, he is a consultant with the studio and ultimately responsible for India's coveted floral accessory. "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.
For India's bouquet, that meant a loosely gathered bunch of English country garden and countryside flowers (think roses, Japanese anemones, hydrangeas, love in the mist, and eucalyptus, to name a few); full of natural texture, but highly sophisticated. An all-white creation that also doubled as a "something blue" thanks to subtle accents of blue blooms.
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COURTESY OF INDIA HICKS
Karlsen adds, "With India, she had a definite style she wished to follow and relied upon Harald and Pulbrook & Gould to interpret her wishes. Pulbrook & Gould's 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."
For nearly-weds preparing bouquets and other wedding day blooms, Karlsen advises to "always make sure your choice is appropriate to the surroundings." And if you are debating whether or not to include flowers in your day-of décor, remember this: "Flowers immediately give one a sense of elation, celebration, and joy, regardless of whether it is a formal or casual occasion."