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This Unconventional "Flower Granny" Stole the Show in her Spectacular Outfit


Smiling woman in a white jacket and blue patterned scarf in a decorated indoor setting with floral details in the background.
Written by Kendra W. Houston | Artist & Fashion Designer
Kendra specializes in creating one-of-a-kind clothing items by hand-painting custom designs on them. She works with clients looking for something truly unique to wear for their weddings, charity galas, and other special occasions.


Smiling flower granny carries a flower basket down a church aisle, with a man behind her and a smiling woman seated nearby.

The story of a delightfully unconventional flower granny


Happy Earth Day! Today I'm reminded of my Grandma, who was married on April 22nd decades before it became this holiday (which I'm convinced is not a coincidence, given her lifelong love of nature).


Woman in a pink patterned dress holds a cat in a flower garden, with a white fence and trailer park buildings behind her.
Grandma c. 1950's

Fun fact: a hand-painted dress for Grandma was the first wedding project I ever did! As our avid gardener and 82 year old child-at-heart, she was the obvious choice for "flower granny" at my sister's wedding. 


And as my brother-in-law put it, "we needed a very special dress for this expression of love."


Hand painting white floral patterns on a teal dress laid on a wooden floor, with paint jar and water cup nearby.

Creating our flower grannie's custom outfit


They requested a comfortable dress in dark teal (one of her favorite colors that also complemented their wedding aesthetic), painted with a whimsical design of cascading white blossoms.


Every wedding deserves that extra something special


If you’d like to make your own wedding even more meaningful with a custom hand-painted piece, I can help! Let’s create something that only you could have.





The Unforgettable Entrance


On the big day, Grandma couldn't have been more excited for her role. The look of pure joy on her face as she tossed the petals was infectious!


Smiling flower granny in a teal floral dress tosses flower petals from a wicker basket down a bright church aisle.

Never the typical quiet Grandmother type, her loud, colorful personality was able to shine through in the best way. She paired the dress with a couple of layers for warmth underneath--including her signature loudly-patterned scrubs--and a crown of fairy lights. Perfection.


Smiling flower granny carries a flower basket down a church aisle, with a man behind her and a smiling woman seated nearby.
Behind her, you can see the groom's Grandfather as their ring bearer

A Heartfelt Testimonial


Here's what the couple said:


Smiling bride in white lace dress and groom in gray suit embrace outdoors, holding a red-and-white bouquet.

"Kendra's creative work was AMAZING at our wedding...We were all blown away by the quality and amazing attention to detail that she put into that wonderful garment. All I can say is that Grandma's entrance as the flower girl was something we will never be able to forget. Thank you Kendra for the beautiful work you do."



The Story Continued


A beautiful way to include something personal in your wedding day


Custom hand-painted means anything is possible. Have a very specific combination of flowers? Is there a special animal, place, or even words you'd love to see incorporated? This is where we can make it happen!





Years later, Grandma put on the dress again for a glamorous photo shoot. Because you're never too old (or too anything, for that matter) to wear that fancy outfit again and be in your fashion model era.


Elderly woman in a teal floral dress and red turtleneck stands in a grassy field under a bright blue sky.

A way to remember, honor, and celebrate


Our flower girl isn't with us anymore. In fact (full circle), she passed away on Earth Day a few years ago. It's wonderful that we get to hold onto these joyful memories of her!


I feel so honored that my job allows me to contribute to stories and memories like this. I've been able to work with people honoring their beloved family members at special events in all kinds of ways. For example--


  • Giving a really personalized gift

  • Memorializing someone who has passed

  • Showcasing an important place or tradition

  • Etc. 


Let's never forget that our connections with each other are what make the special event special. 


I'm here when you're ready to put that love into a clothing item or other artistic project. 




Want more wedding stories to inspire you?


You've got to sign up for my email newsletter! The people and events I create for are stunningly inspirational, inside and out. Discover what unique possibilities are in store for you--















Woman smiling indoors, wearing a white jacket and blue patterned scarf. Floral arrangement in the background creates a warm, festive mood.

About Kendra


Kendra W. Houston is a visual artist and fashion designer who specializes in customizing clothing items by painting one-of-a-kind designs on them by hand.

 

She is based out of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and appreciates contributing to the slow fashion movement in one of the birthplaces of American industrial textile mills. She works out of a cozy home studio, assisted by her pet rabbit Tiverton.


Kendra's designs are detailed and immersive, often reflecting things that hold special significance to the wearer. The name of her brand, The Casual Reply, comes from a line in a John Denver song: “talk to God and listen to the casual reply.”

 

Each one of her items is a handcrafted work of fine art that is nonetheless intended to be used and worn as an entirely functional clothing item. Continuing and meaningfully adding to the story of a garment using unconventional, personal themes and designs is a source of true joy for Kendra in pursuing this calling.

 

She regularly participates as a featured designer in charity fashion shows as well as juried art events throughout New England.

 
 
 

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