Stephanie and AJ’s wedding day began at 10 a.m. with a traditional Nigerian ceremony and ended late that night in a ballroom full of candlelight, and we got to be there for every part of it. It is one of the most joyful days I have ever spent at The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale.

Stephanie found us online. She told me our reviews convinced her and that she loved our work, and from our very first conversation we hit it off. Later she said how easy it was to plan her flowers with us, which means more to me than I can say. Stephanie and AJ, thank you for trusting us with a day this meaningful.

A traditional Nigerian ceremony in green and white

Stephanie wanted all-white florals for her wedding, with one beautiful exception: her traditional ceremony. For that, we built a lush green arch with white florals and dressed the tables with green tropical flowers and touches of white. We installed everything the night before, so it was set up and ready by 8 o’clock the next morning.

I have never seen such beautiful colors and outfits in one place. Everyone was getting their hair done, the women were dressed so beautifully, and the whole room was full of color and celebration. Watching a Nigerian traditional ceremony unfold in front of me was an experience I will always treasure. Afterward, guests moved on to lunch and cocktail hour, and Stephanie appeared in another gorgeous outfit change.

If you ask me for my favorite moment of the day, it is simply this: seeing Stephanie so happy and present, soaking in every moment, surrounded by the colors, the traditions, the beautiful people and all of those outfit changes.

A Western ceremony and a last-minute change

Later in the day came the Western ceremony on the lawns of Florentine Gardens. Our original plan was a freestanding arch, since Stephanie was expecting around 320 guests. At the last minute, plans changed and the ceremony had to happen inside the gazebo, so we moved the arch and placed it at the back. It looked just as beautiful, because the goal had always been for the arch to be the backdrop for the two of them.

After seeing Stephanie in so many stunning colors, seeing her in white was such a treat. What a bride she was. She and AJ looked so in love, and both of their families were so happy. It was a joy simply to be in the room.

A ballroom full of fresh flowers and candlelight

For the reception we went back to an all-white palette, every flower fresh. We created more than 30 centerpieces in all. Two king’s tables each held four tall centerpieces along with candelabras and pillar candles, and they framed the dance floor so beautifully. Thirty smaller tables were spread through the ballroom and the ceremony room.

Stephanie wanted every table to feel full and beautiful, never empty, so we added bud vases around each centerpiece and mixed different kinds of candles on every table. The layers gave the room so much interest and made it look thoughtful and well put together from every angle. Our centerpieces and candle design pages show more of what is possible.

One arch, used twice

The focus of the room was the sweetheart table on the stage, dressed in fresh flowers and candles. We repurposed the ceremony arch and laid it across the top of their table, so the flowers that framed their vows framed them again at dinner. It is one of my favorite tricks, and it gave the stage a presence nobody could miss.

A full day of building, at a venue full of heart

Setup took us the entire day. We started at our shop, brought everything to the venue, and then finished building the arches and the centerpieces on site before placing every candle and bud vase. With the traditional ceremony already installed the night before, we could give the ballroom our full attention.

Florentine Gardens made that long day a pleasure. Everyone on their team was amazing: helpful, cheerful and genuinely happy to be there. You can feel it the moment you walk in. People there love what they do and love where they work, and that warmth starts with the owner and runs through the whole staff. It was such a treat to work there.

Planning more than one ceremony? A few tips

If your wedding includes a traditional ceremony and a Western ceremony, think of your flowers as two looks that belong to one story. Let each ceremony have its own palette, then carry one element, like greenery or white blooms, through both. Ask your florist which pieces can move. An arch that goes from the ceremony to the sweetheart table gets used twice and saves you money. And if any part of your day is outdoors, plan a backup spot for the arch ahead of time, so a last-minute change still looks intentional. Our floral arches and luxury wedding flowers are a good place to start.

To Stephanie, AJ and your families

Stephanie, you looked stunning in every single outfit. AJ, the way you looked at her said everything. Thank you both, and thank you to your families, for welcoming us into a day so full of culture, color and love. You also had an incredible team of photographers and videographers, and I cannot wait for you to relive every moment through their work. I learned so much that day, and I loved every minute.

If you are planning a wedding with more than one ceremony, or a celebration at Florentine Gardens, I would be honored to help. Share your plans with me here. You may also enjoy our list of the most beautiful wedding venues in North Jersey. Curious about budgets, delivery or booking? Our FAQ page walks you through it.

Grateful always,

Lily