Bella and Sam’s romantic garden wedding was a floral masterpiece brought to life with love, creativity, and family. Hosted at the picturesque Hotel du Village, their celebration was a dreamy blend of vibrant blooms, personal touches, and an intimate connection to nature.
Sam and Bella, who both work in biotech sales, first met as college students at Syracuse University. Serendipitously placed in neighboring dorm rooms, they quickly became friends and officially started dating after a sorority date night set-up. Their wedding day honored their decade-long journey with heartfelt details inspired by their love of nature, family traditions, and a shared Celtic heritage.
The couple’s vision was to bring the outdoors in, creating a romantic yet formal setting infused with countryside charm. They fell in love with the first and only venue they toured, drawn to its incredible outdoor space. With their wedding held on a picturesque fall day, the setting perfectly framed their dream celebration.
The breathtaking florals—nearly 100 unique arrangements—were lovingly crafted by Bella and her mother. A lifelong gardener and creative soul, Bella’s mom took on the floral design with passion, sourcing stems from local farms and antique vases from nearby shops. The family’s barn served as a floral workshop in the days leading up to the wedding, with friends and family coming together to arrange stunning centerpieces and bouquets. Bella and Sam cherished the memory of picking fresh blooms for the bride’s bouquet.
The floral design extended to the tablescapes, which featured an array of fruits and vegetables—dripping grapes, luscious figs, pomegranates, honeynut squash, and pears—adding texture and a touch of Dutch master still-life artistry. The rich hues of the seasonal produce harmonized with the florals, creating a feast for the eyes. The wedding cake echoed this theme, decorated with cascading fruit.
The bridesmaids wore mixed and matched dresses in shades of olive green, gold, and brown, with textures like sequins, silk, and ruffles that complemented the fall landscape and added elegance to the nature-inspired palette.
Bella wore a stunning Martina Liana gown that felt like it was made for the day’s ethereal vibe. The romantic ruffles and 3D floral details gave it just the right amount of drama, while the soft ivory with subtle rose and beige undertones kept it delicate and organic.
Before their romantic garden wedding ceremony, Bella and Sam shared a private vow exchange after their first look—a cherished moment where they could reflect on their decade-long journey together.
The wedding was a true family affair. Bella’s younger sister officiated the ceremony, while Sam’s sisters performed heartfelt readings.
As the sun set, the celebration seamlessly transitioned to a lively reception illuminated by golden candlelight and filled with laughter, music, and dancing.
The reception decor combined a vintage, romantic ambiance with lush floral arrangements and intricate details. Tables featured cascading centerpieces with a mix of dried and fresh blooms, creating a luxurious garden-inspired feel. The florals were displayed in antique-style vessels, adding to the vintage aesthetic. The combination of florals, fruits, and warm candlelight captured the essence of rustic sophistication, blending old-world charm with modern romance.
Design details were carefully woven throughout the day, thanks to Bella’s sister, who created the invitation suite, menus, and signage A highlight of the decor was the hand-painted canvas seating display, depicting a landscape of Scottish highland cows. Vintage frames hung from the display, guiding guests to their tables. Table numbers featured framed woodland landscape prints, connecting the seating display, the guest gifts of printed matchboxes and bottle openers, and the overall theme.
Taper candles in deep jewel tones, paired with gold candlesticks and glass votives, contributed warmth and elegance to the setting. The tables were dressed with white linens, complemented by dark napkins and gold-rimmed chargers, creating a striking contrast. Individual place settings included beautifully designed menus, adding a personalized touch to each guest’s experience.
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Later in the evening, Bella changed into a shorter party dress, ready to dance the night away.
The celebration didn’t end with the final dance. Guests continued the festivities with late-night bites at the bar before moving to the outdoor fire pits. S’mores, cocktails, and crisp fall air made for a cozy, unforgettable after-party that lasted into the early morning.
Bella and Sam’s romantic garden wedding shows us that weaving personal and family contributions into your big day can make the day even more memorable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to loved ones with specific talents—they’ll cherish being part of the process, and it adds a unique, heartfelt touch to your celebration. Whether it’s flowers, design, or other elements, involving family can make your day feel like a true labor of love.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Anna Panutsa Portraits
Venue – Hotel dy Village
Floral Design – Kellie Hoeke
Design – Hoek Baby
Content Creator – Maid of Content
DJ – Elegant Music Group
Makeup + Hair Styling – Meraki Beauty Bridal
Wedding Dress – Martina Liana + La Belle Marie
Bridal Accessories – Anthropologie
Groom’s Apparel – Ventresca
Rings – Barsky Diamonds + Diana Michaels
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