Colourful English meets Italian Garden Party Wedding Inspiration
- studio31696
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Welcome to your ultimate garden party wedding inspiration. Our founder, Sophie, of Anglo-Italian descent had the vision of seamlessly marrying the chic, plush, Italian feel with an untamed, romantic English garden party wedding at The Lost Music Hall in Devon last summer.
"We want the chic settings and the classic, timeless vibes but with a more playful and less serious approach. I want to make your wedding day feel like a huge celebration with elements that feel more you, rooted from personality, whilst still holding onto an elevated experience."
And so, the English meets Italian garden party wedding for the ultimate inspiration was formed, for future brides who want their wedding day to feel exactly that - like one big celebration and an extension of their own style.
Drenched in personality, Sophie organised a styled shoot to bring her garden party wedding vision to life. The day featured a good mix of untraditional elements, including the bride and groom getting ready together, no cake, but instead impressive desserts by Naughty Nonnas. At the drinks reception, guests were met with a personalised rosé bar and later followed plates piled with Italian-inspired dishes and colourful, fun flowers to set the scene. The garden party wedding of dreams, set amongst the stunning rolling green hills had finally come to fruition, captured by the utterly brilliant duo Hannah Wilde and content creator, Molly of Undercover Bestie.
The Setting: Italian Romance Meets English Garden Grace
It all started with a slow, romantic morning. With a gentle twist on tradition, the bride and groom spent their wedding morning getting ready together, with Nicola on make-up and Toni on hair. Intimate, swoon-worthy, and unhurried, this setting was perfect for those all-important morning photos where the light romantically peeked through the windows.
Estelle's bridal bouquet was nothing short of simple but instead fun and colourful, trailing amaranthus and silk ribbons also added a playful touch. Against the utterly chic and timeless Phoebe Crosby Design dress (and favourite of mine - matching neck scarf), the flowers added personality, further leaning into a fun, laid-back, luxurious setting. The bridal bouquet would later complement the rest of the floral arrangements.
The romance then waltzed its way out onto the ivy-draped terrace, a perfect opportunity for some natural portraits overlooking the four-acre Italian garden to capture the moment of adoration before the ceremony.
Floral Décor: Combining Italian Warmth with English Refinement
The ceremony unfolded in front of the grand hall’s entrance, where the floral décor took centre stage, creating a breath-taking backdrop for the couple’s vows. Vibrant floral installations, carefully designed to reflect the charm of an Italian villa and the elegance of an English garden, set the tone for the day with added lemons, olive branches and an explosion of summer flowers. The arrangements featured a stunning palette of bright pinks, bold oranges, and soft pastels, blending warmth and sophistication, whilst still feeling abundant and a little on the wild side.
Italian villa-inspired urns and plinths, overflowing with seasonal English garden flowers, added a sense of grandeur and history to the setting. Trailing greenery and cascading blooms softened the edges, creating a romantic, untamed aesthetic that perfectly complemented the garden party theme.
The rosé bar, a highlight of the reception, was adorned with lush floral arrangements that spilled over the edges, inviting guests to indulge in the celebration. The flowers here were not just decorations but storytellers, weaving together the Italian warmth of bold, sun-drenched hues with the delicate and playful English garden blooms. The interplay of textures from soft tones, structured greenery and tall formed flowers added depth and visual interest to every corner of the space.
The floral décor was not just a visual element but a sensory experience, with the subtle fragrance of fresh blooms wafting through the air, adding to the magic of the day. Every detail, from the choice of flowers to their placement, was carefully considered to reflect the couple’s personality and the unique blend of Italian and English influences.
Italian weddings often take place in historic villas or countryside estates, offering a sense of history and romance. English garden weddings focus on outdoor spaces filled with flowers, food, and elegant seating arrangements. Together, we created a setting that feels both timeless and inviting. Encouraging guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings, blending the best of both cultures.
At The Table: An Al Fresco Dinner Party
Once the ‘I-dos’ had been declared, it was time to celebrate with a cocktail hour at the
personalised rosé bar by Rosado, followed by a decadent Italian feast. Think the ultimate,
mouth-watering, Italian, summer dinner party – negroni soaked olives and plates stacked high with fresh tomato, homemade pasta. The feast was then rounded off with an impressive meringue tower and tiramisu (*drools*) all by Naughty Nonnas.
‘It felt abundant and full of love and joy, much like your typical Italian soiree.’
~ Sophie.
Full of magic and Mediterranean inspiration, the long, rustic wooden tables were effortlessly draped with striped, yellow tablecloths, adorned with fresh lemons and those fun, floral abundant centrepieces. Tapered candles nestled between the designs, Matisse inspired stationery by Ofelia Botella finished with unique bamboo cutlery adding texture and a fun, playful feel. All together offering the charm of an Italian villa in the summertime.
‘I wanted the day to be laid-back and not even feel like a wedding. Still luxurious, of course, and full of personality, but with a playful, not-so-serious mood. Kind of like myself!"
~ Sophie.
Driving from your Garden Party in Style
Ending the day in style, and adding to the classic feel, the bride and groom were picked up by THE 007 Aston Martin, an iconic moment and a big nod to British luxury as they drove off through cypress trees, passing English hedgerows and looking back at their wedding villa.
Final Thoughts on Blending Italian Charm with English Garden Elegance
When Italy meets an English garden party wedding, the result is a celebration full of warmth, beauty, and timeless style. This blend offers you the chance to create a wedding that feels personal and unique, combining the best of two rich traditions.
If you are feeling inspired and wish to plan this style of wedding, this is what we recommend you focus on during your planning:
Choosing a venue that highlights natural beauty and historic charm. Manor homes, villas and enough land for your garden party are a great place to start.
Combining floral and décor elements. Ask if your florist offers styling too because flowers and décor go hand in hand.
Offering a menu that balances all your favourite dishes but also don't forget about the feeling you want your food styling to have. We eat with our eyes!
Creating an atmosphere that encourages joy, connection, and celebration.
Your garden party obsessed florists, Sophie Flowers.
Based in North Cornwall in the UK and passionate about working with seasonal and sustainable flowers, Sophie has years of experience in designing unique and untamed floral arrangements, keeping nature at the heart of her work. Whether you're looking for a huge celebration in a charming English garden in Cornwall, or a sophisticated soirée of a more intimate nature, Sophie and her team will work with you to make your dream vision a reality. From abundant floral installations to wow, right to intimate table settings with personal touches. Every detail is carefully considered to create a wedding that feels more like a garden party with your most favourite people.
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