Our Elegant Events Florist team was recently invited to be part of an incredible styled shoot at the iconic Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – known to most as PAFA! This is the first and oldest art museum and art school in the country, founded in 1805.

While many people are familiar with the architecture of the 'old building,' we were invited to showcase the more modern Hamilton Building.

Diversity and Inclusion

The event management team of PAFA reached out to our good friend Donielle Warren of Elegant Events to create a styled shoot.  Not only did their team want to showcase the event potential for this modern gallery, but also inclusion and diversity.

They are making a conscious effort to reach more people of color. They are hoping that black and brown couples will consider the venue for their wedding day and create great working relationships with more black-owned businesses in Philadelphia.

Hunter Green and Gold Glam

Donielle collaborated with our team to create a glamourous design that really popped. Hunter green is a beautiful rich tone that was once thought of as a 'winter color.' However, it's a trending color this year and has really become multi-seasonal. So we chose to pair the rich color with the shimmer of gold and lots of elegant details.

Our Elegant Events Florist team loves how the entire concept evolved, and the final product is spectacular!

Details and Design: Wedding Ceremony

Designing a wedding in a modern art gallery, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there will typically be significant amounts of very light-colored walls. They are intended to really make the artwork stand out. So, we were sure to take full advantage of that, creating elements to pop against the background.

Secondly, look to center your wedding ceremony on a large piece of artwork. The two ceremony pieces framed the couple perfectly, with the artwork in the background.

Tall modern gold tone risers lifted tall arrangement to be in scale with the artwork and event space. The shimmering modern trumpet cases added a little sparkle against the background and the floral piece's deep rich tones. Loose, lush arrangements with multiple types of greenery stood out with some light green hydrangea and some soft white and blush florals.

Designing with a Focal Point

A sweetheart table is one of the most photographed elements at a wedding. But, unfortunately, it can be overlooked or not showcase the couple well.

We love working with luxurious lounge furniture for a sweetheart table. A tufted love seat can be the perfect size and scale for a sweetheart table. The gold roping on the arms added a touch of elegance and brought in some additional gold.

Our design team also repurposed the ceremony arrangements on either side of the table to add height. In addition, it framed the table against the gallery background.

The remaining design elements are the ones most often overlooked. For the majority of the wedding reception, the couple will be seated behind the table. Too often, designers add elements in the center that can block views of the guests of honor.

The modern gold candelabra with hunter green taper candles framed the couple and brought in color.  A lush blanket of greenery and pink and white floral touches tied the entire look together while not blocking the couple.

We finished the look with a few gold votive candles and a modern gold heart sculpture between the couple.

Guest Experience: A Modern Design

Last but certainly not least in our styled shoot was the reception seating. The modern gallery, open spaces, and light-colored walls, the hunter green and gold elements were show stoppers.

A modern space with lots of clean lines begs for some softness. So our sleek modern gold and glass tables were softened with a wide flowing hunter-green fabric runner that extended all the way to the floor on both ends.

We continued the vibe begun on the sweetheart table with modern gold candlesticks with hunter green taper candles and soft, loose floral arrangements with blush and white flowers.

The tall gold risers not only tied in the structure from the ceremony décor we repurposed for the sweetheart table but added a great focal point to draw your eyes up in the room. The thick canopy of flowers and loose greenery floated about the table with just a few soft tendrils cascading down.

The Team

Our Elegant Events Florist team had a fantastic time collaborating on this luxurious hunter green, and gold styled shoot at PAFA. Thank you to the Philadelphia black-owned wedding businesses and our allies who made this creation come to life.

Floral Design and Décor: Elegant Events Florist, Sheila Corbett

Wedding Planning: Elegant Events Planning & Design, Donielle Warren

Philadelphia Wedding Venue: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Hamilton Building 

Rentals: Vision Furniture

Photography: Sheronda Seawright Photography

Models: Angelica and Deandre

Hair: Lavish A Jenée Chanel Salon

Makeup: Shades of Jacen

Attire: The Dress Matters

Stationery: Sharpe Stationery & Printing