Decorating a Scenic Hudson Valley Estate for a Fall Wedding

At any event, flowers can do more than just provide décor – they grab attention and draw everyone's focus at key moments. For a special wedding at a private residence, it was important to guide guests through different areas of the sprawling property, from ceremony to cocktails, and then off to the reception.

Upon arrival at this beautiful Hudson Valley estate in Rhinebeck, NY, guests strolled through a greenway and over a small hill. To pull them towards their seats, which were arranged in the open lawn around a large cedar tree, we created a hanging floral installation. Fall foliage lined the isles, leading the eye towards this central location.

The impact of this installation, worked to inform the guests that this is where the day would begin. Stems were strung together and hung vertically throughout the tree, to pull guests toward this starting point and provide a lovely backdrop for the ceremony, against the afternoon sunlight.

Similarly, the bridal bouquet and other wedding party flowers worked to focus everyone's attention on the special couple. After building a relationship through our initial discussions, the bride provided me with creative control over the bridal bouquet and other personal flowers. I was able to pull ideas from our conversations as well as my visit to this scenic property, and create something that was personal and unique to her style. I particularly loved the hairpiece, which worked perfectly with her dress, her hairstyle, and the outdoor venue. Floral crowns and baskets made the flower girls another special part of the day.

After the wedding, guests were led in a New Orleans style “second line” by a lively brass band that walked them towards the cocktail area. Tables were decorated in a style that fit the season and the wooded surroundings. These centerpieces included a weathered grapevine runner with fall foliage and pommegranites to add a touch of color. 

Congratulations Caitlin and Tony!