A Winter Wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills with Pinecones, Candlelight + Classic White Florals

Is there anything more romantic than a winter wedding done right? Crisp white florals, candlelight everywhere, pine-scented greenery trailing from every beam, and a barn so charming it practically writes its own vows?

This wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown, CT, delivered on every front. It was timeless, textural, and absolutely brimming with thoughtful, seasonal details. Think: elegant black attire, soft white blooms, and winter greenery that smelled as good as it looked (shoutout to that cedar and Carolina Sapphire combo). And because we’re suckers for a well-dressed barn and a design-forward couple? This day had us fully in our element.

If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding in Connecticut—or looking for inspiration that marries rustic charm with refined floral design—this one’s for you.

bouqets and bouts

Let’s start with the bouquet. Because, friends… she understood the assignment.

This winter beauty featured a rounded, garden-style shape with layers of white garden roses, cream roses, Majolika spray roses, creamy carnations, white ranunculus, and white stock. The textures? Fluffy and elegant. The scent? Soft and fresh. The vibe? Classic, elevated, and oh-so-seasonal.

To keep things visually interesting, we added winter’s best greenery: baby eucalyptus, cedar, Carolina Sapphire, and Blue Berry Cedar. It added movement, texture, and a soft natural scent—like walking through the world’s chicest forest.

The bride herself wore a V-neck A-line gown with delicate lace detailing and a sweeping train—timeless, modern, and quietly stunning. The clean white silhouette was the perfect canvas for her soft, layered bouquet.

The groom looked classic in a black suit and bow tie, with a boutonnière featuring a single white ranunculus, Carolina Sapphire, and a cedar accent. The groomsmen matched in sleek black, while the bridesmaids rocked elegant black gowns—sharp, seasonally appropriate, and incredibly flattering against that winter white floral palette.

And for portraits? The couple made magic with The Barns' warm wood interiors and dramatic barn doors. That loft shot? Instant classic.

ceremony

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills is already dripping with charm—vaulted ceilings, vintage beams, and that golden-hour glow streaming through the upper windows. But we love nothing more than enhancing what’s already good with intentional floral storytelling.

We created two lush altar arrangements placed on wooden bases—anchoring the front of the ceremony space with white garden roses, Majolika spray roses, creamy carnations, white delphinium, waxflower, and fluffy white hydrangea. We layered in baby eucalyptus, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Berry Cedar, Arborvitae, and cedar for texture and depth.

These designs were full and low enough to ground the space visually, but tall enough to frame the couple beautifully in photos. And best of all? They were seamlessly repurposed for the sweetheart table later that night. Sustainability meets smart styling.

Guests were welcomed with a mirror sign framed in soft greenery and pinecones—a small touch that set the seasonal tone right from the start. And cocktail tables were topped with minimal bud vases featuring single blooms and bits of cedar or eucalyptus. Simple, clean, effective.

centerpiece + reception details

The reception space inside The Barns practically begs for candlelight and greenery, and this couple knew exactly how to use both.

We started with crisp white linens and sharp black napkins for that black-tie-in-a-barn contrast we love. Clear glass chargers, polished dinnerware, and stemware brought a little sparkle to the table, while romantic string lights overhead created the perfect amber glow.

Each guest table featured a low, lush centerpiece in creamy whites: white garden roses, Majolika spray roses, creamy carnations, and stock. We brought in baby eucalyptus, cedar, Carolina Sapphire, and Blue Berry Cedar for volume, movement, and color. Pinecones were subtly tucked throughout to tie the arrangements to the season and the space—because winter doesn’t have to mean red and green.

Everything sat directly on the table—no stands, no fluff—allowing the florals to feel grounded and natural. The look was cohesive across all tables, but never boring. We used consistent materials, but varied the precise shape and stem length slightly for a dynamic, lived-in feel.

The barn itself got a glow-up too: garlands of greenery wrapped the railings and beams, dotted with pinecones and winter foliage for texture and cohesion. Between the twinkle lights, flickering votives, and trailing greens, the whole place felt like a woodland hideaway with a dress code.

And then there was the sweetheart table. We repurposed the two large ceremony pieces to frame the front, then added cascading greens and white blooms down the front edge. More pinecones, more candlelight, and just enough asymmetry to keep it feeling romantic and wild. With the barn glowing behind them, the couple looked like they were floating in their own little floral-lit snow globe.

This winter wedding at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills was a study in seasonal elegance. It embraced everything we love about cold-weather celebrations: natural textures, layered whites, candlelight, and a little sparkle. But it did it all in a way that felt fresh, intentional, and just a little bit magical.

From the tailored black attire to the garden-style florals, from pine-scented greenery to pinecones tucked just-so, every piece of this day worked in harmony. The result? A warm, inviting, and deeply personal celebration that proved winter weddings are anything but boring.

At First Blush, we believe in designing with the season—not fighting it. We lean into locally sourced blooms, smart repurposing, and floral moments that live in your guests’ memories long after the last song plays.

Planning a winter wedding in Connecticut? Dreaming of an elegant barn wedding with a little drama and a lot of intention? Whether it’s candlelight and cedar or peonies in June, we’re here to bring your floral vision to life—with heart, hustle, and hands-on design that doesn’t miss a beat.

Let’s talk flowers. Let’s talk barns. Let’s talk making magic in your season.

the vendor team

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the vendor team *

Event Design + Planning: First Blush Floral Design + Planning | Photography: Kel C Photography | Venue: Barns at Wesleyan Hills