37. Japanese Buddha Statue
Green Hydrangea Flowers
Michele Rhodes
2025 installation - Back Garden
The Inspiration
This monumental bronze statue of Buddha seated on a lotus blossom was made during the Edo or Tokugawa period (1603-1868) for use in a temple.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: I was inspired by traditional Japanese materials and of course, the coming of cherry blossom season in DC as well as in large parts of Asia. The tatami woven through represents the noble eightfold path, which the Buddha taught as a path to enlightenment and nirvana.
Recipe: Cherry blossom, bamboo, calla lily, scabiosa, ranunculus, loosestrife, flexi grass
THE DESIGNER
Michele Rhodes
Green Hydrangea Flowers
Michele has lived in DC more than thirty years and has been designing for various shops throughout the region more than seventeen. She learned the craft in a small DC shop focused on corporate events and weddings and over time branched out to design for a wide range of shops across the region. Currently, she is the Lead Designer at Green Hydrangea Flowers. She previously presented her work at three Art in Bloom events at the North Carolina Museum of Art. She is married to a very patient man and has raised three boys, several cats, a dog, and various other critters. Her other passions include the culinary arts, travel, and gardening.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Costola Photography
Andie Ingagliato started her career as a fine art portrait photographer in 2008. Her passion for gorgeous imagery started with studies in classical music and theater which led to her receiving her BFA in photography and film from one of the top art programs in the nation: Virginia Commonwealth University.
Her wedding and portraiture work has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Washingtonian Weddings, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and acknowledged by fashion designers, including Draper James.
Her characteristic style combines romance and editorial perspective with authenticity. She is uniquely gifted with bringing a sense of finesse into everything she touches while making it seem completely effortless. After 15 years of capturing weddings and families during the most precious times of their lives, she can truly say that this is exactly where she is meant to be.
When she isn't photographing weddings, Andie enjoys the outdoors alongside her husband, Tony and daughter, Ava.
