Taking a theme and using it to craft a beautiful wedding infused with personality is just what this Bride had in mind. And the fruition of all her thoughtfully crafted details are gorgeous. It’s a wedding built around botanical prints and nature with feathered florals by Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design and a background like the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens which couldn’t be more perfect. Alexandra Meseke Photography captured all the pretty details, one lovely terrarium at a time and you can see it all right here.
From the Bride… When Scott and I got engaged, we immediately fell in love with the idea of a naturalist-themed wedding with a vintage feel. We wanted to summon a sense of nostalgia for a time when observation of the natural world was as much scientific as it was artistic. Our primary sources of inspiration were prints of birds by the ornithologist John James Audubon and paintings by Maxfield Parrish. We began to think that a botanical garden might be the perfect thematic intersection for the union of an artist and a medical student. I had always wanted to have an outdoor wedding, and we quickly fell in love with the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. The Osborne Garden at sunset was the perfect stage for our ceremony with its grand pillars, fountain and Grecian influences. In addition to being the picture perfect venue for our wedding, the Palm House was an organizational godsend. They organized so much for us — from linens to lighting. The catering they provide is delicious, and the staff couldn’t be easier to work with.
We designed the stationery ourselves, with the exception of the table cards, which were our favorite Audubon prints. Our floral designer, Rebecca Shepherd, understood our vision immediately! She had such great ideas for the tablescapes and bouquets. The bell jar terrariums were perfect for our theme, and her collection of birds’ nests, brass goblets and candle holders were just what we needed to get that vintage feeling. I was so happy with the bouquets — I have them preserved and on display in my living room still. I bought my dress in Oxford, England. It was a one-of-a-kind Stephanie Allin that I found in Ellie Sanderson’s bridal boutique. The minute I put on my dress, I knew it was the one. The neckline had a classic feel, and the lace in the back, with the subtle touch of gold glass beading, gave the dress an element of glamour. It was the perfect union of all the elements I ever wanted in a wedding gown. Scott and I are music enthusiasts, so our playlist was just as important to us as the aesthetics. Our DJ, Jay McElfresh of White Label DJs, was great. He met with us several times in person and over Skype to get an idea of our music taste as well as what we thought our guests would most like to boogie down to. He made our wedding into an awesome dance party that had everyone out of their seats, from my 5-year-old nephew to 85 year-old grandmother.
Finally, it was all captured to perfection by our awesome photographers Alexandra Meseke and her husband Mike. Alexandra and Mike were such a joy to work with, from our engagement shoot to cutting the cake. Our pictures were like something out of a magazine. I could hardly believe my eyes, and yet they convey the sentiments of the day exactly as I remember it. We felt our wedding was magical, and somehow Alexandra and Mike were able to capture it. Our guests got a real kick out of the photo booth they set up for us. It was the best day of my life, surrounded by all our loved ones having a great time. The night flew by like a blur, and I’m eternally grateful for the phenomenal photos I have to remember it by.
Wedding Photography: Alexandra Meseke Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in Brooklyn, New York / Floral Design: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design / Music: Jay McElfresh of White Label DJs / Wedding Dress: Stephanie Allin via Ellie Sanderson / Bride’s Shoes + Hair Piece: Ellie Sanderson / Makeup: Anni Bruno with NYC Faces / Junior Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy