Pastel Fall Wedding at Glen Foerd Mansion | Philadephia, PA
Aesthetic: Pastel Ombre Wildflower Inspired
Photography: DSC Weddings
Nestled along the serene banks of the Delaware River, the Glen Foerd Mansion, with its captivating beauty and historical grandeur, provided the perfect canvas for Lydia and her Michael’s pastel-toned wedding. As their wedding florist, I had the privilege of weaving their vision into this Philadelphia gem's lush, romantic landscapes and elegant interiors. The task was clear: to create floral arrangements that mirrored the soft, ethereal beauty of the venue while incorporating bursts of vibrant colors that reflected the couple's joyful spirit.
A Bridal Bouquet Like No Other
Lydia's bridal bouquet was a central piece of this floral tapestry. Inspiration struck unconventionally when laying eyes on the stems we’d selected from local flower farms. A vision of a gradient or ombre effect took hold of me, and instead of the spiral method typically used in bouquet design, I employed a ball of wire at the heart of the bouquet. This allowed me to meticulously hand-place each stem, ensuring a seamless transition from one color to the next.
With their inherent tones and colors, the dahlias were particularly instrumental in this effect. They danced from one hue to another, embodying the very essence of a gradient dream. The bridal bouquet stems were chosen with utmost care, handpicked for their unique beauty and ability to contribute to the day's theme.
This selection process is always intimate, focusing on gathering the best of the best—the most impactful, the quirkiest, and those that best embody the wedding's aesthetic. It was this careful curation that inspired the bouquet's design, a moment of clarity born from seeing the potential for a gradient transition among the gathered blooms. Still vivid in my memory, Lydia’s bouquet speaks to the beauty of innovation and spontaneity in local floral design.
The Glen Foerd Mansion
Glen Foerd Mansion, standing majestically at the mouth of Pequessing Creek, set the stage for what was to be a garden party reception of unparalleled beauty. The sprawling yard along the Delaware River was transformed into a dreamy landscape, marked by two black pillars framing the aisle leading up to the altar. The floral color scheme was a delicate balance of pastels and whites, punctuated by bolder, brighter colors. Pops of purple, yellow, orange, and pink danced through the centerpieces, each arrangement a vibrant echo of the day's joyful palette.
Ethereal Aisle to Enchanting Reception
The pillars that once framed the aisle found a new purpose behind the sweetheart table in a harmonious blend of beauty and practicality. Their floral accents added a romantic backdrop to the couple's seat.
Similarly, the aisle arrangements were repurposed as centerpieces. The guest tables, each a canvas in its own right, were adorned in one of two decors. Half featured the repurposed aisle arrangements, surrounded by votives, creating an ambiance of warmth and intimacy. The other half boasted a more structured elegance with three taper candles and hurricanes, accompanied by votives and flower frogs, each table a study in the beauty of light and shadow, form and color.
The welcome sign, graced with a flower box (and built by the bride’s father!), was designed to capture the whimsical essence of the day. It stood as a beacon of welcome with organic florals that simulated movement. This whimsicality was echoed across the reception tent, where bridesmaids' bouquets found new life, repurposed to enhance the tent's enchantment.
This wedding was not just a celebration of Lydia and Michael’s love but a showcase of the transformative power of flowers. From the meticulous design of the bridal bouquet to the strategic repurposing of arrangements, every floral detail was imbued with meaning, crafted to complement the stunning backdrop of the Glen Foerd Mansion. As a florist, it was an honor to contribute to their day's tapestry, infusing each moment with the beauty, color, and fragrance of flowers.
