IKEBANA

Design is not for philosophy it's for life. Read – Issey Miyake

hen talking about creativity, there exists an often overlooked truth: rules are the silent architects of beauty. Serve as the blueprint upon which artistic endeavours are built, guiding the hands of creators towards the final masterpiece.

Just as a composer adheres to the rules of music theory to create a symphony or a chef follows a recipe to craft a culinary masterpiece, so too do artisans and artists rely on specific rules to breathe life into their visions.

In this creative endeavour, to the serene and harmonious world of Japanese Ikebana. This intimate celebration paid homage to the age-old tradition of flower arrangement.

Ikebana, often referred to as "Kado" or the "Way of Flowers" is a traditional Japanese art form that dates back to the 7th century. It's a discipline that goes beyond mere flower arranging. It's a philosophy, a way of life and a profound connection with nature. Ikebana emphasises balance, simplicity and the use of minimal elements to create a harmonious composition.

The colour palette was a pivotal aspect. Draw inspiration from the vivid hues found in nature, specifically the vibrant yellow of sunshine, the regal purple of Japanese irises, and the lush green of thriving foliage. These colours symbolise vitality, grace, and a deep connection to the environment, qualities that resonate deeply with ikebana principles.

At the centre, a solitary instrument stands. A drum, wrapped in fabric, silent yet resonant with potential. It's an anchor in the floral storm, a symbol of the heartbeat that underlies every encounter, every moment when two paths converge.

The tables are set with precision with the finest of linens and cutlery, ready to play host to the stories that will unfold. Yet, they too are part of this dance between the wild and the structured. Each plate, each glass, is an invitation to pause, to reflect on the journey that has led to this moment, to this intersection of lives.

Candles, tall and dignified, rise like lighthouses, guiding the way through the seas of life. Their flames are steady, unwavering, much like the resolve that guides us through the rules of society, the expectations, and the roles we are to play. Yet, around them, the flowers whisper of freedom of the paths less taken, of the joy in discovering a love that was always meant to be.

This is where the aesthetics of celebration meet the wild heart of nature. It's a place where love is not just found but recognized, where every turn taken, every rule followed, has been a step toward the moment when two souls recognize their shared destiny.