UK News

SIDEBAR: Florists decorate wedding venue with English maple trees

Apr 27, 2011, 16:43 GMT

London - Westminster Abbey has been decorated with eight English maple trees for the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton, in keeping with the bride's wish for an 'unpretentious, simple and natural' theme.

'It reflects the fact that Catherine is a country girl at heart and that the couple are the best of British,' Shane Connolly, the artistic director of flowers for the wedding, said Wednesday.

The trees, which are to be re-planted at Prince Charles' Highgrove estate after the wedding, have been placed among the congregation and in the choir area.

According to Connolly, the maples, some as tall as seven-and-a- half metres, symbolize 'reserve and humility.'

Connolly said the bride had wanted 'neutral' colours and been very hands-on. 'She has been involved in every single decision and has enjoyed it immensely, as have I,' he said.

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