An Elevated Summer Wedding Brimming With Jaw-Dropping Floral Elements

Alexandra was clear on her vision from the start: to have a reception at her parent's home, tucked beneath Arkansas' renowned Pinnacle Mountain. It was a picturesque, modern-day "Father of the Bride". She wanted the vibe to be a romantic garden party with the feel of an intimate dinner party, but for 200 guests. Guests were seated at two head tables spanning the family living room of her childhood home, and additional seating continued on both the front and back patios, as well as around the family pool.

The caterer was a local legend, retired chef who served at many beloved local restaurants through the years. She prepared a family style dinner to be served to each table, featuring the bride and groom's favorite dishes. With dishes like lobster mac and cheese and assorted artisan bread, to the chef's famous duck salad, there was a palpable excitement from the guests as each dish was delivered to their table. Upon arriving, guests were welcomed at the top of the entry stairwell by wait staff offering champagne in crystal coupes adorned with a pistachio bow, served on a silver platter. How's that for something to sip on during cocktail hour?

The floral design for Alexandra and David's day was truly jaw-dropping. Natural elements were mixed with lush blooms and created a garden-inspired dream that wowed every guest who walked through the door. One installation in particular featured wild riverbank grapevine, crafted into an oversized structure that was placed on the kitchen island. It dripped with greenery and flowers, and was truly a work of art in its own right. Each centerpiece was crafted with such intention, and no two were alike. They were elevated and colorful, each placed in containers that belonged to the bride's family, including handmade pottery and handblown glass.

The bride always knew she wanted a traditional Italian wedding cake on her special day. The fresh strawberry cake with vanilla buttercream was a one tier, oversized square embellished with refreshing berries. At the end of dinner, plates were cleared and cake was passed on the signature china to each guest before it was time to head to the dance floor.

All the intentionality that comes with a wedding at the home of the bride's parents was simply the first layer of incredibly special details. So many ingredients created the atmosphere that was brought to life. Her grandmother's vintage China and her mother's Limoges boxes from her bedside table were used as ornamentation for the flat lay. Special vases that belonged to the family served as containers for the show stopping florals featured across the property. Something borrowed was her mother's diamond tennis bracelet, and for something new - the earrings gifted to her that day by her groom. She stayed true to her childhood dream of wearing Manolo Blahnik heels on her wedding day.