Drumore Estate, Pequea, PA, Ashely Elizabeth Photography, September 2018
When I met Valerie and Jimmy, they were living in Boston but planning a destination wedding in Valerie’s hometown, Lancaster. Valerie and I met at a local coffee shop – because who doesn’t love chatting florals over a cup of coffee or tea?!? – in the spring to chat wedding details, and I immediately fell in love with her vision! She was all about making the stunning Drumore Estate speak for itself, with a floral GARDEN PARTY theme. Immediately I was OBSESSEDDD!
While tradition was important to Valerie and Jimmy when it came to getting married at Valerie’s childhood Greek Orthodox Church, they weren’t so much about traditional elements when it came to the florals! Valerie didn’t want anything matchy-matchy. And a variety of florals and textures were important to her. In addition to SILVER DOLLAR EUCAPYTUS!
Their color palette was in romantic dusty pastels, with a focus on subtle, soft colors. Valerie loved a good balance of greenery to flowers. We used a variety of garden roses, spray roses, seasonal hydrangeas, a variety of berries, ranunculus, seeded eucalyptus and silver dollar eucapytus to bring her bouquets to life. And the bouquets were finished with soft ribbons in her color palette.
Valerie’s bouquet held a dear picture of her grandfather who was unable to be at their special day. I love this! Cue the tears!!!
The church was decorated with touches of silver dollar bunches lining both sides of the aisle, and finished with silk ribbons. Two candelabras flanking the altar were filled with greenery and same and similar florals. These simple yet beautiful florals and greenery added the perfect touch to the church and brought the space to life!!
**Designers note – is it mandatory to have ceremony statement floral pieces at the ceremony? Absolutely not. If you have a bridal party stand with you for your ceremony, they will most likely be holding flowers. (So you DO have flowers right there!) But it does help to “liven up” a space at a church if you choose additional pieces. But I always tell couples to put money where it’s most meaningful for you!**
We filled simple white cups with petals for guests to throw as the couple exited the church. I always love these pics!!
The reception continued at Drumore Estate with cocktails on the veranda, and dinner under the sparkling tent!
We used a terracotta-like vessel for the centerpieces to add to the Garden Party theme. And we purchased them for Valerie so she could keep the centerpieces or give them away to family and friends. This allowed us to cut back on our strike fee cost and help them save money!! What bride doesn’t love that?!? 🙂
The table was finished with little cute succulents in sprayed pots with guests names and Valerie & Jimmy’s own personal seal. These details!!! Love them!
We created a lush garland with florals to dress the sweetheart table. We finished the look with lots of little textures which added sweet elements. And don’t forget these stunning tablecloths! Everything just screamed a beautiful garden floral party!
Valerie wanted a cake similiar to Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding cake, topped with the perfect florals. (Shout-out to Bella Manse for their fantastic cake design!) The dancing, drinking, and laughing went late into the evening.
It was such an honor to be part of your special day, Valerie & Jimmy!!! I wish you both all the best!! Xx
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