Wedding Inspiration: English Garden

The Inspiration

Adapted from Matthew Robbins’ Inspired Weddings—Designing Your Big Day with Favorite Objects & Family Treasures (Stewart, Tabori & Chang 2012).

My first professional love will always be flowers, so it’s not hard to see why I’m attracted to a pitcher like this. Not only does the beautiful, painterly floral motif draw us in, but I can’t help starting to imagine the arrangement I would build to tuck inside.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

The Palette

In this serene setting, country chic linens and rustic chairs are offset by gleaming crystal and a lush arrangement of lacecap hydrangea and sweet pea. This enchanting palette, with its smoky gray and black touches, feels mysterious and sophisticated—almost sexy. An unexpected color combination like this can be a lot of fun to work with. The botanical vibe is inspiring, not just because of the many floral combinations it brings to mind, but also the mood it evokes. It feels romantic and old world. Before I even knew this pitcher was of British origin, it conjured up thoughts of a lovely English garden for me.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

Wedding Style

A wedding canopy like this metal gazebo base covered in greenery and delphinium creates a beautiful space. This inspiration is perfect for the bride who loves flowers or even just floral-patterned china, but doesn’t want her entire wedding to come off looking like a giant tea party. I also think it works well for a couple that’s inspired by vintage tones and objects. 

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

Where and When

I definitely envision this event taking place outdoors, so this inspiration is ideal for summer. I can see the guests sipping lemonade in the late afternoon sun and then dancing under the stars once night falls. An old estate or mansion with sprawling lawns and gardens would make a beautiful backdrop, as would a museum with a garden or terrace for cocktails.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

The Focus

My focus is to illustrate how you can beautifully marry the slightly “granny” British notes of the pitcher with a more edgy, moody aesthetic, creating an event that feels young and interesting. For example: These hot-pink phalaenopsis orchids in black metal garden planters convey an inviting, secret-garden feel.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

Escort Cards

Mini painted canvases by Arak Kanofsky Studios masquerade as escort cards.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell

The Favor

“Love” paperweights by Gifts for the Good Life are a lovely keepsake.

Photo Credit: Thuss + Farrell