Bartram Gardens Wedding Flowers
Vibrant Indian Fusion Celebration
Creating the wedding florals for Jani and Erin at the breathtaking Bartram's Garden was truly a remarkable experience. As a wedding florist, I was honored to design flowers that would enhance their multicultural celebration and complement the lush, vibrant beauty of Bartram's Garden itself.
Bartram's Garden: A Botanical Oasis
Bartram's Garden is a gem tucked away in Philadelphia, an oasis of greenery and historic beauty that has captivated visitors for centuries. Known as America's oldest surviving botanical garden, Bartram's Garden is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also a vibrant venue for weddings and events. Surrounded by 50 acres of lush landscapes, colorful blooms, and the tranquil Schuylkill River, the garden feels like a hidden paradise—one that offers the perfect blend of nature and history.
The space lends to outdoor celebrations, ranging from intimate garden ceremonies to grand receptions under the open sky. The garden's aesthetic is a harmonious mix of structured elegance and wild natural beauty, offering a canvas of greenery and flowers that work in perfect balance with the wedding florals. When Jani and Erin shared that they would be hosting their wedding at Bartram's Garden, I knew the flowers would need to be as vibrant and dynamic as the surroundings.
A Multicultural Celebration
Jani and Erin's wedding was a beautiful blend of cultures, incorporating both Western and Indian traditions into their celebration. From the beginning, they were excited to honor their heritages with two distinct ceremonies, and I loved helping them create florals that reflected the richness and vibrancy of these traditions.
The day began with the Indian ceremony, for which we designed a stunning Mandap—a sacred structure where the couple would exchange vows. The Mandap was full of life, bursting with bright and vibrant hues of peachy-orange, pinks, and deep greens.
The flowers we used for this installation were rich in color, creating a dramatic focal point amidst the serene garden backdrop. Large blooms mixed with lush greenery cascaded down the Mandap, bringing a sense of celebration and warmth to the ceremony. This setup was a striking representation of both Jani and Erin's love and the colorful joy of Indian wedding traditions.
Erin wore a stunning traditional Indian bridal outfit for the ceremony, and the richness of her attire worked beautifully against the bold colors of the Mandap. It was a scene of absolute beauty and cultural significance. After the Indian ceremony, Erin changed into a classic white dress and Jani into a suit for their Western-style ceremony, adding another layer of elegance to the day.
We transformed the Mandap into an arch for the Western ceremony by rearranging some of the floral pieces. The arch was repurposed from its earlier design but retained its richness and depth, making it a focal point again. After the ceremony, the arch was moved behind the sweetheart table, adding beauty and color throughout the reception.
Garden Chic Florals: Bold and Beautiful
Jani and Erin had a clear vision for their wedding florals: vibrant, bright, and full of life. I was thrilled to work with a palette of deep peachy-orange, rich pinks, and varying shades of green. These bold hues captured the essence of a garden chic theme, blending perfectly with the natural beauty of Bartram's Garden.
For the aisle arrangements, we created six gorgeous displays that lined the ceremony path. These arrangements were full and dynamic, echoing the couple's vibrant color palette.
After the ceremony, we repurposed these aisle arrangements for the guest tables, ensuring that every floral piece played a dual role throughout the day. The large starter aisle arrangements, which anchored the ceremony space, were later repurposed to the front of the sweetheart table, adding a grand, lush touch to the couple's seating area.
For the guest tables, we kept things simple yet striking. We designed a mix of 14 tables with five flower frogs (small, chic floral arrangements), three votives, and table numbers. This understated yet elegant arrangement focused on the flowers' vibrancy and soft, romantic candlelight. The overall effect was enchanting, with each table feeling intimate yet tied into the larger garden chic theme.
A Dance Floor Blooms with Greenery
One of the highlights of the reception decor was the stunning hanging installation over the dance floor, designed by Carly. She created a lush display of greenery with individual flowers hanging down throughout, giving the entire space an ethereal, whimsical feel.
Believe it or not, she used paper clips to make it all happen! It was a perfect blend of creativity and practicality, and the installation truly transformed the space. Guests danced the night away beneath a canopy of flowers and greenery, creating memories in a beautifully floral-filled setting.
Gratitude and Joy
Working with Jani and Erin on their wedding day at Bartram's Garden was such a privilege. Their love for each other and commitment to celebrating their cultures made the day incredibly special. I was so grateful to play a part in bringing their vision to life and in helping create a space that felt as vibrant, rich, and full of love as their relationship.
Thank you, Jani and Erin, for allowing us to be part of such an unforgettable celebration. It was an honor to design the florals for your wedding and to witness the beauty of your love story unfold in such a magical setting.