Floral Design: from brainstorming to final result

When it comes to floral design, we love to look back on our projects and compare the initial ideas and thoughts we shared with the client and the final result that made it to the event. So today, we want to share our floral design project for N and J’s wedding.

The beginning of floral design project

While brainstorming, we wanted to reach a visual idea of our design and how it would complement the space, and create an atmosphere in line with the bride and groom’s wishes. So more than thinking about trends, inspirations, or concepts, we wanted to start with the space and create a welcoming mood that would match perfectly with it. For this project, we were working at Hotel São Lourenço Do Barrocal in Monsaraz, Portugal.

After checking the property, we began thinking about our visual proposal and how it should feel like a collection of stories, traditions, and passion. We defined some words of inspiration, such as familiar, candid, and welcoming. We started designing and curating a reflection made especially for our happy couple and their guests, so everyone felt connected to the design and was able to create their own unique memories on the special day.

Having this in mind, we proposed a style of flowers that reflected the aesthetics of the event: bright and summery, but elegant and refined at the same time, with backed clay, spicy mustard, and blue opal colours to convey it. Something asymmetrical and loose, with movement and rhythm, and touches of Portuguese culture, like terracotta pots and handmade baskets.

The final result

In order to respect the existing architecture, we chose to use the existing white tower in the ceremony area as a focal point. Instead of trying to disguise it, we wanted to bring relevance to it by creating an installation of greens that accompanied the structure. We created a kind of altar winding around it, coordinated with wooden trunks and terracotta pieces filled with tanacetum, a perfect flower for the relaxed style we were looking for.

In the aisle to the altar, we opted for something unstructured and asymmetrical, completely different from what we usually do. It was almost a maze to reach the altar, or an obstacle course that the bride and groom had to go through to get to the place where they would say yes. For this effect, we used several terracotta pots with greens, straw baskets filled with country flowers, and small wooden tables to achieve different heights.

A basket made specifically for this event by an artisan from Bolhão was placed on one of the benches to honour the groom’s father, who is no longer with us. The bridesmaids also carried matching baskets filled with flowers instead of the traditional bridesmaids’ bouquets. As for the bride’s bouquet, it was made of cosmos flowers only, grown organically at Quinta de Santana.

For the dining table (a single runner table, in wood) we chose a collection of clay pieces bought from local artisans in the Barcelos area, where we created different centrepieces with different heights to create visual interest and an interesting rhythm to each floral moment. The colour of the candles was chosen specifically taking into account the colour of the windows of the hotel and the chairs used for the dinner. Small terracotta vases were used as a base, also handmade in Barcelos. As always, we didn’t use any floral sponge for this floral design.

Studying the venue, and preparing and gathering our thoughts and ideas for an initial brainstorm, is as important as being flexible and adjusting whatever is needed for the day of the event. And no matter what obstacles and challenges come our way, we’re always proud to see the final result, and to feel the gratitude from our clients.

The photography, floral design and styling was done by BrancoPrata. Planning and design by Evoke Design & Creative, and videography by Vanessa & Ivo. The ceremony took place at Hotel São Lourenço Do Barrocal.