Summer Wedding at Great Hollow Preserve

What makes a wedding special? Sometimes it’s as simple as using flowers from the mother of the bride’s cutting garden. I thought of this recently as I filled buckets with flowers for a bridal bouquet for a summer wedding at Great Hollow Preserve in New Fairfield.
Photo by Anna Beeke
As it turned out, zinnias of many varieties and colors, dahlias, phlox, daisies, Queen Anne’s lace and peegee hydrangeas – made for a sumptuous summer mélange that worked wonderfully in many combinations.
I loved the way the Queen’s Anne Lace mirrored the lace in the bride’s lovely gown; and that simple birch branches, topped with a spray of delphinium, hydrangeas and snapdragons, was transformed into a ceremonial arch.
Photo by Anna Beeke
Photo by Anna Beeke
Photo by Anna Beeke

The bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnières, 108 centerpieces and large stand-alone arrangements drew similarly from this charming floral palette. Antiqued metal containers and long wooden farm tables completed the rustic look.
Then, as if summoned by a God on high for some 11th hour drama. crackling thunder and lightning and a violent rainstorm took center stage. But this must have been a power-that-be with a good sense of humor.; for just as magically, the skies cleared and a marvelous party was underway.

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