Stephanotis Makes Me Think Of Weddings

Stephanotis floribunda blooming in my back yard.

It is June and the Stephanotis is in bloom.  Commonly called Madagascar Jasmine, this exotic yet sturdy vine represents marital harmony in the language of flowers.  The beautiful flowers "contribute a significant amount of fragrance to bridal bouquets without taking up much space," which is why they are a common traditional wedding flower.  Now that it's covered with flowers, you can't walk past my stephanotis without paying heed to the big clusters of white, sensuously fragrant blooms.  It's one of the greatest pleasures in my garden.

Check out these bouquet ideas from The Knot (l.) and Martha Stewart:

(quotation from Jamie McIntosh at About.com)