A Coastal Celebration of Love: Elegant Fall Wedding at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, Branford CT
Some weddings whisper. This one? It laughed, danced, glowed, and fully embraced that 2026 trend trifecta of bold color, personalized moments, and coastal-meets-vintage charm. When you combine crisp fall hues with the salty breeze off Long Island Sound, magic happens—the good kind, not the “my veil is in a tree” kind.
From strolls along the marina boardwalk to statement florals that popped against an autumn-soft palette, this Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club celebration felt like a love letter to New England. And yes, it was very much a dream day for a CT wedding florist (hi, that’s us).
If you’re craving ideas for a wedding that blends seasonal warmth, coastal elegance, and a little meadowcore energy, buckle up. We’re diving into every bloom, detail, and cheeky moment.
j+c
“First Blush was fantastic not only as a florist, but a coordinator! She took an abstract idea of what I liked in florals and turned it into a reality. She made our day so beautiful and seamless. The last month leading up to the wedding was stressful, but as soon as Emma took over, I was at ease knowing we were in good hands.”
the vendor team
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the vendor team *
Photography: Jennifer Nichole Photography | Videography: A Cinematic Wedding | Venue + Catering: Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club | Floral Design + Event Management: First Blush Weddings + Events
event management + coordination
Originally booked as their floral designer, we quickly became their wedding-day superheroes when the couple faced a last-minute venue switch. (Pro tip: booking a venue before it’s built? Risky business.) When their original location wasn’t going to be ready, they found the gorgeous Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club—but understandably, no one wanted more surprises.
So, they brought us on not just for flowers, but to coordinate the whole shebang. Starting about 6–8 weeks before the big day, we worked closely with the couple to draft a detailed timeline that accounted for every moment—from the private vow exchange at a local historic church, to cueing the processional, to ensuring guests of honor were prepped for their toasts.
On the wedding day, we were the calm in the beautiful chaos: making sure the couple had everything they needed, cueing entrances and exits like seasoned pros, and even securing their personal belongings to keep everything safe before packing them up at night. Basically, we handled all the behind-the-scenes magic so the couple could focus on the fun stuff—like saying “I do” and dancing until their feet hurt.
Event coordination isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating space for the couple and their loved ones to be fully present. And we’re proud to say we nailed it.
bouquets + bouts
Let’s talk bouquets—the pièce de résistance for any bride who wants to channel effortless elegance without looking like she just wrestled a flower shop. Our bride’s bouquet was a loose, garden-style arrangement that felt like it had been freshly picked from the most charming autumn garden you can imagine.
Featuring Amnesia roses, Sahara spray roses, and blush spray roses, the bouquet had that perfect soft-but-not-too-sweet vibe. Peach lisianthus and vibrant pink zinnias added playful pops of color, while autumnal bronze foliage and burgundy accents gave the whole arrangement warmth and depth. (If flowers were a cocktail, this one would be a perfect blend of a peach Bellini with a splash of cranberry.)
The groom’s look was tied together with a simple but stunning white boutonniere that complemented the bride’s bouquet without stealing the show (because, hello, he still had to look sharp). The groomsmen’s boutonnieres were crafted from soft peach spray roses—keeping it cohesive but low-key, so everyone felt like part of the same floral family.
ceremony
If you want to make a statement without shouting, the ceremony florals at this wedding hit the sweet spot. Using gold stands supplied by the couple, we designed lush, elevated arrangements that perfectly framed the ceremony space against the stunning backdrop of Long Island Sound. Talk about a view worth saying “I do” to.
These arrangements were packed with white dahlias, soft pink garden roses, and bursts of orange zinnias and peach lisianthus. Italian ruscus and smilax provided cascading greenery that anchored the florals in a natural, elegant way. The rich greenery gave the whole setup a grounded, organic feel that echoed the coastal surroundings without feeling like you were just “outdoorsy” for the sake of it.
After the ceremony, these beauties were transported and repurposed as the base for the sweetheart table. Recycling florals is both eco-friendly and stylish—plus, it keeps your design consistent throughout the day. The arrangements there included peach dahlias, Sahara roses, and trailing jasmine, accented with seasonal foliage to carry the fall vibe indoors.
Oh, and can we talk about the welcome sign? Draped with lush smilax and eucalyptus, it was the perfect invitation to guests that this wedding was going to be something special—nature meets sophistication.
centerpiece + reception details
Reception design is where floral magic meets mood-setting, and this room was lit—in more ways than one. We played with two centerpiece styles to keep things fresh and dynamic. The first was a lush arrangement nestled in crisp white ceramic vases, bursting with bright pink roses, coral dahlias, yellow zinnias, and peach carnations. The subtle fall leaves weaving through the blooms brought in that seasonal charm without turning the tables into a pumpkin patch.
The second centerpiece style was all about mood: clusters of floating candles in varying heights surrounded by loose greenery. It gave the room a soft, romantic glow—perfect for an evening by the sea. Gold votive holders and modern gold table numbers were the cherry on top, adding just the right touch of luxe.
Tables were dressed in crisp white linens paired with coral napkins, tying back beautifully to the floral palette. Golden Chiavari chairs added classic sophistication, while bistro string lights overhead gave the whole space an intimate yet celebratory vibe. The venue’s fireplace became an unexpected focal point, warm and inviting, perfectly mirroring the glow of candlelight.
The sweetheart table stole the show with a lush floral arrangement cascading to the floor—think layers of warm peaches, blush tones, and vibrant bursts of orange and burgundy that tied together every design element in a breathtaking centerpiece.
fashion
Our bride leaned into sleek, modern bridal fashion with a fitted gown featuring lace detailing and the kind of neckline that says “I look good and I know it.” Lace-embellished shoes brought in that subtle vintage inspiration that’s everywhere right now.
The groom? A dark green suit—perfectly on-trend for 2026’s shift toward expressive menswear and more adventurous color choices.
Bridesmaids glowed in blush dresses, easy to move in (because a good dance floor is sacred) and beautiful enough for coastal light.
notes
This wedding radiated joy and romance, perfectly reflecting the couple’s fun-loving and vibrant personalities.
The floral-forward sweetheart table wasn’t just a decoration—it was a focal point that guests kept coming back to.
The coastal setting blended effortlessly with warm fall tones, creating a palette that was fresh but rooted in the season.
Repurposing ceremony florals for the reception helped keep the look cohesive while also being an eco-friendly choice.
Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club’s combination of stunning waterfront views and elegant indoor spaces made it a dream venue for this celebration.
The use of local blooms from the Connecticut Flower Collective added a personal, sustainable touch—because fabulous florals should always come with a side of responsibility.
This wedding was proof that you don’t have to sacrifice style for fun, or elegance for personality. Whether you’re planning a big bash or an intimate coastal soirée, blending seasonal colors with the natural beauty of your venue will never go out of style.
And let’s be honest—when your florals are this gorgeous and your venue this scenic, all you have to do is show up and let the magic happen. (But if you want floral designers who will obsess over every petal and leaf on your behalf—hello, that’s us.)
Ready to Bring Your Coastal Wedding Vision to Life?
If you want florals that feel personal, immersive, seasonal, and just the right amount of cheeky—you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re dreaming of:
✨ statement florals
✨ sustainable, foam-free design
✨ meadowcore garden vibes
✨ coastal elegance
✨ full-service floral + planning
✨ or simply a bouquet that steals the show
First Blush Floral Design + Planning is here to bring it all to life.
📩 Contact us today to start planning your one-of-a-kind Connecticut wedding floral experience.