Words by June Eigsti
Photos: Melody Rose Photo
Dress: Kay’s Bridal & Tuxedo
Coordination & Florals: Nephew & Co.
Silks: Honey Silk Co.
Cake: Hannah’s Cakery
Pastries: Two Sugars Cookie Co.
Hair: Beaman Country Salon
For me it began over a dish of warm olives mingling with citrus notes and a warm familiar voice, inviting me to observe the essence of autumn unfold before me. I agree, the opportunity to watch creative minds bringing their art to life sounds fascinating.
I arrive at the new location for Ozark Coffee Company & Roastery, Sedalia's only shining star for local coffee, and the future home for local floral artist, Nephew & Co. What a wonderful combination of worlds colliding.
Feeling quite timid I make my way up the creaking steps to the second floor, the smell of dust, chipped paint and rust are heavy in the air. I'm excited to see how charming this historic building will be once the construction is finished.
Entering the room to smiles & introductions, I am invited to sit & observe, the others already hard at work. Intrigued, I watch as a gloomy room is transformed into a scene straight out of the ancient Kingdom Of Fife by capable hands, lips pursed in concentration, alive with inspired ingenuity.
A master at his craft, Robert places the bundles of flowers before him, then patiently chooses them one by one, a smile crinkling from his face as he skillfully creates a floral work of art.
Flowers hold the ability to inspire us, to evoke memories & feelings. Breathing deeply, I am reminded of fog & flannel, wood & burnt orange. Leaves that fall upon the wet pavement as we run to catch the train, & sipping coffee inside a cozy shop, tucked away from the crisp October chill.
From a delicate sprig placed upon the brass spoon to the blossoms of beauty accenting the elegant design of the cake, the old fashioned pairs seamlessly with the new. He is creating designs embodied in style & grace.
Glistening with candlelight, the corners of the room give up their hidden shadows. An ivory tablecloth overflows with an array of culinary goodness; grapes, fresh garden radishes, apples from an orchard, bread, fine cheeses, and specialty meats, complimented with golden goblets of red wine, all reminiscent of a lavish Shakespearean feast. I can hear their English Renaissance voices now, murmuring together in the low firelight reflecting off the castle walls.
Lovely hues of fall sparkle rose gold in the late afternoon sunlight that filters through the hanging drapes. Delicate lace rests against porcelain skin & hazel eyes shimmer. Dressed in the regal simplicity of pearls & blush colored lips, a bride captivates the joyful promise of new beginnings.
“Perhaps the greatest beauty is found in the simple, raw & unfiltered. Roughing it to create the innovative, coaxing our ashes to become art through divine inspiration. ”