Photo: Veronica Varos
We love a wedding that's overflowing with incredible flowers—and this inspiration shoot at Iron Eden in Pittsburgh, PA, has loads of them, from vibrant bouquets and centerpieces to lush floral crowns and blossom-studded altars.
"We wanted to create a fantasy for the bride who cannot be pigeonholed," says Carmel, the owner of Mt. Lebanon Floral, whose designs combined texture and softness into uniquely rich arrangements. The venue, a studio for ironworkers, perfectly embodies the feeling they were going for: Bliss and peace, with an edge. Instead of the princess fantasy that most often springs to mind, the shoot is more 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'—a little wild, full of romance, and incredibly vivid.
This overgrown bridal wonderland is tucked away under a bridge, and we can't help but feel like we've fallen down a rabbit hole in the best possible way. "The goal was to create a dream, the kind of dream that can manifest as a beautiful and achievable reality," says Carmel. If you're a flower-obsessed bride who can't wait for spring, this inspiration shoot is right up your alley.
A vibrant floral crown is the perfect alternative for a bride looking for something more dramatic than the standard veil. Overblown peonies in peach and magenta, striking red coxcomb, and angular succulents combine for a headpiece that's not for the shy bride. This bouquet combines the look of a hand-tied shape with the draping of a cascade for loads of drama. Juliet garden roses, peonies, orchids, and teddy bear sunflowers are interspersed with eryngium and succulents, then topped off with two rust-hued pheasant feathers. The finishing touch, a rich velvet ribbon, adds a formal hint of texture.
A nest-like iron structure serves as the altar. Blue vessels hold candles and clusters of white clematis. Strands of amaranth give a more organic look to the rusted iron branches. Flanking the altar are bright arrangements of yellow chrysanthemums, pink astilbe, and proteas. Architectural flowers play beautifully off of the natural-looking iron shapes.
Photo: Veronica Varos
The organic-meets-industrial ceremony design is straight out of a dream. "Your wedding day is the one day you should absolutely be able to live a fantasy," says Carmel. "If not then, when?"
Photo: Veronica Varos
This feminine, cascading bouquet is light and sweet, full of peonies, poppies, and clematis in crisp white. Pink sweet peas, astilbe, and jasmine add pops of color and contrast.
This sleek fit-and-flare gown by Nicole Miller is covered in petal-inspired beading. With a gown that looks like a flower itself, there's no need for a bouquet, and a floral crown is the ideal foil. Coral and pink roses, peonies, amaranth, and astilbe are arranged off-center for a "straight from the garden" headpiece.
Photo: Veronica Varos
Lindee Daniel's Grace gown is the epitome of eco-luxury. Says Erin, owner of Glitter & Grit Bridal Boutique in Pittsburgh; "her designs evoke elegance by weaving together sustainable fabrics and incredible details." This wild silk gown needs nothing more than an overgrown burgundy peony to complement its organic beauty.
Photo: Veronica Varos
But if it's a bouquet you want, an earthy gown requires a nosegay that's just as natural. Peach garden roses, pink peonies, white clematis, astilbe, and succulents are anchored in deep plum foliage. The mix of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes create the feeling of a bouquet gathered during a walk in the garden.
Photo: Veronica Varos
The stones and metal of Iron Eden give way to a reception table reminiscent of an enchanted garden. Bold flowers pop against the grays and browns, transforming the space from sparse to incredibly lush.
A simple wedding cake is finished with rusty-hued piping and an iron-inspired branch of sugar flowers brightened with gold leaf. The cake topper is replaced by a birdcage holding two teal eggs and a flurry of feathers.
The reception tables are all about texture. Soft flowers, swirling iron, and smooth glass are immediately welcoming. Centerpieces seem to have grown out of the table, with succulents and chrysanthemums giving way to peonies, alliums, and spindly pincushion proteas. Lace runners and iron birds soften the setting, adding a vintage twist.
Photo: Veronica Varos
Gorgeous stationary and glimmers of gold tie it all together. The gold-and-teal ombré menu and formal gilded dishes highlight the feeling of playful elegance that the lush flowers have created. A wispy bird's nest, accented with soft feathers and eryngium, brings nature back to the polished place settings.
Photo: Veronica Varos
Instead of a traditional centerpiece running down the center of the table, overgrown arrangements divide the table between pairs of guests, creating an intimate atmosphere that thoroughly surrounds each person with lush nature.
This shoot is all about art, structure, and a space's amazing possibilities, where fresh flowers and gorgeous gowns come together for a transformative visual experience. "The goal was to create a dream," says Ansley, owner of Bliss Events Ltd. The freeform, organic design takes classic wedding ideas to a new level. It's your wedding day, and you have the freedom to play with it and make it yours. So dream, fantasize, play, and enjoy the journey!
Venue: Iron Eden || Event Planner: Bliss Events Ltd. || Event & Floral Design: Mt. Lebanon Floral || Dresses: Lindee Daniel, Nicole Miller, from Glitter & Grit || Jewelry: Caesar's Designs || Models: Lyra Bennett, Aubrey Borowitz || Hair: Cee Cee of Glam Salon || Makeup: Lindsey Rae Vargo of Glam Salon || Cake: Rania's Catering || Lighting: ADS Lighting & Staging || Paper Goods: More Than Words Pittsburgh || Table Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental || Vintage Rentals: bVintage || Furniture: Iron Eden || Linen Rentals: Lendable Linens || Photography: Veronica Varos, Photo Assistant: Mandy Fierens
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