Leea & Dan

Story by Kera Wanielista


It's a given that where there is a wedding, there will be flowers. And where there are flowers, there is a confetti of petals. For Leea Rainey and Dan Heeringa's wedding, that meant 24,000 specially ordered rose petals in addition to the brides bouquet. Rainey gleefully explains, "My flower budget was more than my wedding dress."

Like walking into a vivacious Van Gogh or Monet painting, wedding guests marveled at brilliantly colored rose petals that illuminated tables and ornately decorated the aisle that led to the alter. Ultimately, these robust displays of color paled in comparison to Rainey's secret floral weapon. She used four "flower cannons", fashioned from compressed air powered potato guns, and packed them with red, pink and yellow rose petals. Just as the newlyweds were introduced to the audience as Mr. and Mrs. Heeringa, the canons discharged, showering the couple and their guests in a blizzard of color.

Although floral designer, Kim Zylstra, advised Rainey that monochromatic hues are popular this season, Rainey insisted on vibrant, bright hues that fit her personality. The new Mrs. Heeringa says, "I just love vibrant colors. The more vibrant the flowers are the better, because they're just so pretty."

Romantic Garden was the wedding's theme. Crystals, candelabras, and a lavish collection of flowers made the setting look like a million bucks, though Heeringa's meticulously careful planning saved the couple a fortune. On the morning of her wedding, a few family members and friends accompanied the bride to Vista Dahlia Farm, where they picked 400 dahlias for a mere $80. With a little effort and ingenuity the results exceeded her most kaleidoscopic wedding fantasy.

Many a bride and groom have spent a ravenous reception, greeting guests or visiting with seldom seen relatives. Stomachs grumble, as the couple move from one food laden table to the next thanking guests, pretending that, for that moment, food is the last thing on their minds. Not this time! The Heeringas' hosted a social hour featuring beer, wine, lemonade and hors d' oeuvres. This allowed them to mix and mingle with guests prior to enjoying the sit-down wedding banquet.

Heeringa advises brides-to-be not to do all the planning on your own. Weddings are joyful occasions where everyone comes together to celebrate. Most of the time, those around you are more than happy, even honored, to help out.

Reflecting on her wedding theme, she gushes, "I loved it. It turned out beyond my wildest dreams."

Flowers: Kim Zylstra/The Backyard Gardener
Caterer: Avenue Bistro and Catering
Cake: Mechaelle's Wedding Cakes
Dress: Alicia's Bridal
Venue: Evergreen Gardens, Ferndale
Invitations: www.123print.com