Amarante's Sea Cliff · New Haven, Connecticut
FALL · GAZEBO CEREMONY · 175 GUESTS · SET + STYLE · GARDEN · ROMANTIC · BURNT ORANGE + BLUSH
Burnt orange, marigold, magenta and a whisper of blush, plus five bridesmaids in every shade of champagne and copper. This New Haven fall wedding didn't do subtle, and thank goodness. We took the season's boldest colors, loosened them up and let them run, from the first look at Edgerton Park to the last votive at Amarante's Sea Cliff. This was our very first wedding with Jennifer Nichole Photography. We've worked together a ton since and send couples each other's way all the time, so it's fun to look back at where it started.
Photography: Jennifer Nichole Photography | Venue + Catering: Amarante’s Sea Cliff, New Haven, CT | Floral Design: First Blush Weddings + Events
local fall bouquets + personal flowers
The bridal bouquet was natural and airy, in burnt orange, pale yellow and mauve, and gathered mostly from local farms. Dahlias, zinnias, marigolds and scabiosa tumbled out in every direction (the good kind of chaos), with champagne roses keeping all that color in check. Her five bridesmaids carried petite versions tied in ivory ribbon. Against their mix-and-match satin gowns in champagne, gold and copper, the bouquets looked like a sunset someone decided to frame. The flower girls carried 4-inch pomanders of burnt orange and sienna mums. The groom, groomsmen, fathers and ring bearer wore burgundy blooms with a textural accent, all tied in ivory to match.
a greenery-only gazebo ceremony at amarante’s
The ceremony stayed right on site at Amarante's, in the gazebo overlooking the water. It already has great bones, white trim and string lights included, so we kept it to greenery only and let the view do the rest. By the time they kissed their way back up the aisle at dusk, the bouquet was the brightest thing on the lawn. At cocktail hour, a remembrance table of bud vases with carefully placed stems and vintage votives made a quiet, lovely moment. Trios of votives flickered on every hightop.
wild fall centerpieces, tall + low
Inside, we split the room between tall and low. Nine tables got elevated arrangements on gold stands, wild and autumnal, with football mums, dahlias, zinnias and antique hydrangea pulling in every direction over local olive foliage. Votives were scattered at the base. The other nine got low gold compotes, and those were just plain fun, with deep red roses, magenta cosmos and golden foliage in the same mix. In a white room with blush linens, it all felt warm without feeling heavy. The sweetheart table got greenery and a cluster of tapers and votives, and the cake got a little flower moment of its own. Proof that fall wedding flowers don't have to be all rust and burlap.
fall flower faqs
Can you use local flowers for a fall wedding in Connecticut?
Absolutely. Early fall is one of the best times of year for local blooms. This bouquet at Amarante's Sea Cliff was mostly locally grown, with dahlias, zinnias, marigolds and scabiosa, finished with champagne roses. Local flowers bring a looser, just-picked shape you can't fake with imports.
Can you have your ceremony on site at Amarante's Sea Cliff?
Yes. This couple married in the gazebo on the property, right by the water. It's pretty enough on its own that greenery was all it needed, which leaves more of the budget for bouquets and centerpieces.
Should you choose tall or low centerpieces?
You don't have to choose. Here we alternated nine elevated arrangements on gold stands with nine low gold compotes. The tall pieces fill the height of the room, and the low ones keep conversation easy across the table.
danielle + tucker
Emma’s work is jaw-dropping! We got so many compliments on our flowers, from our bouquets to our centerpieces. She took my “deep, romantic fall vibe with texture” and really ran with it. I wanted more unique, and she absolutely delivered. Bonus: Emma and her team also takes down at the end of the night. Just beautiful!
