A Masterpiece in Bloom: A Romantic Hill-Stead Museum Wedding Full of Color

Here’s the thing: some weddings are beautiful, and then some weddings feel like stepping into an Impressionist painting that also happens to have a champagne bar and a killer dance floor. This was that wedding.

Hosted on a sun-drenched field at the iconic Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, this wedding was equal parts joyful celebration and full-on floral daydream. Between the historic architecture, sweeping lawns, and a color palette that could brighten even Monet’s mood, it was the perfect backdrop for a couple that radiated warmth and happiness.

So, if you're dreaming about a wedding filled with vibrant flowers, garden-party elegance, and just the right dose of museum-core romance—you’re in for a treat. Let's dig in.

bouqets and boutonnières

Let’s talk bouquets. The bride carried a bold, joyful, hand-tied bouquet full of coral peonies (aka floral celebrities), sunshiney yellow ranunculus, and the softest blush garden roses. It was equal parts playful and luxe—the kind of bouquet that doesn’t whisper "summer wedding," it sings it.

Touches of peach lisianthus and apricot spray roses gave it depth without overcomplicating things. We kept greenery minimal so the color could shine, but added texture with a few wisps of larkspur and lisianthus leaves that gave the whole thing an organic, fresh-picked feel.

The groom wore a classic white boutonnière—simple, tailored, and just enough to tie into the overall floral palette without being fussy. The groomsmen followed suit (literally), while the bridesmaids held petite versions of the bridal bouquet in soft, rounded shapes. And let’s just say: blush dresses + bright florals? It never misses.

fashion

Let’s take a fashion detour for a second.

The bride looked effortlessly elegant in a classic white A-line gown with a square neckline. It was crisp, clean, and modern—the perfect canvas for her bright bouquet to pop. Her veil added just enough softness without taking over the look. Meanwhile, the groom kept it timeless in a navy suit and white boutonnière, looking sharp and a little swoon-worthy.

Bridesmaids wore soft blush dresses in slightly mismatched styles, and the guys kept it classic in black suits—a great backdrop for all that floral color.

ceremony

The couple said their vows at Trinity College Chapel—a space that truly needs no introduction if you’re into gothic arches and timeless architecture. But we couldn’t help ourselves: we had to add a little floral magic.

On either side of the altar, we placed large, sculptural floral arrangements in silver urns set atop classic white columns. The arrangements featured a lush mix of coral peonies, sunset-colored snapdragons, blush and apricot roses, yellow ranunculus, chamomile flowers, and white stock—perfectly styled to complement the grand scale of the chapel’s architecture. The movement and shape of these designs gave everything an organic, refined feel that was dramatic without being over-the-top.

Additional floral pieces were added to the stage to round out the ceremony scene and give it even more depth. Then, flanking the grand church doors at the entrance, we added two bay leaf wreaths adorned with flowing silk ribbons and a small floral accent—because why not greet your guests with a little extra beauty before they even step inside?

And let’s talk about that foliage: silver dollar eucalyptus, smilax, mock orange, and foraged autumn olive gave everything a soft, wild edge that felt alive and full of personality—just the way we like it.

Post-ceremony, those statement pieces were whisked away and placed on either side of the seating chart for cocktail hour in the Sunken Garden. Pro tip: reusing ceremony florals isn’t just sustainable, it’s savvy. Especially when the pieces are this good.

reception

If the ceremony was elegant and a little regal, the reception was the cozy garden party you always wish you got invited to.

Held under a beautiful sailcloth tent on the Hill-Stead’s sprawling lawns, the reception was a masterclass in blending natural romance with thoughtful detail. Farmhouse tables surrounded the dance floor and stage, and the head table stole the show with a full floral runner packed with coral peonies, peach spray roses, and buttery yellow ranunculus.

Guest tables featured gold compote arrangements—smaller in scale but just as colorful, mixing zinnias, carnations, lisianthus, dahlias, and even some blueberries (yes, really) for a little texture and whimsy.

Tent poles climbed with fresh greenery. Glass chargers edged in gold, soft blush napkins, and candlelight gave everything a warm, inviting glow. The band’s stage was fronted by low garden boxes filled with the same summery blooms, creating a floral frame that felt grounded and lush without blocking the view of the dance floor… which, trust me, was used extensively.

One little behind-the-scenes thing I loved? The way the ceremony florals transitioned into cocktail hour without skipping a beat. We added a little smilax to the seating chart stand to tie everything together, and it made the entire event feel seamless and intentional. Little touches like that? They matter.

Also, let’s not skip over the cake. She sat atop a silver pedestal and wore a full floral crown of coral peonies, blush roses, yellow ranunculus, and a few cheerful zinnias. If you’re not putting flowers on your cake… rethink that.

This wedding felt like summer bottled up into one perfect day—bright, breezy, joyful, and full of heart. The Hill-Stead Museum was the ideal backdrop: rich in history and elegance, but surrounded by wild, rolling lawns and just enough structure to ground all that whimsy.

For us as a CT wedding florist, this one was a dream. The color palette was bold without being brash, the couple was laid-back but thoughtful, and the entire vendor team worked together like a very well-dressed relay squad.

Every bouquet, install, and centerpiece told part of the story—a story about joy, color, and a celebration that felt deeply personal. And at the end of the day, that’s what we’re always aiming for.

the vendor team

*

the vendor team *

Event Design + Planning: First Blush Floral Design + Planning | Photography: @chrisandbeccaphoto | Venue: @innatmystichotel | Hair + Makeup: @smudgemakeupct | Bridal Boutique: @everthinebridal | Band: @follow.sugar | Rentals: @peakeventservices | Dessert: @pompelmogelateria

Ready to Dream Up Something Gorgeous?

If vibrant florals, historic venues, and intentional design are your vibe, we might just be a perfect match. From loose garden-style bouquets to tented receptions filled with color and texture, we specialize in creating floral designs that feel like you.

As a New Haven wedding floral designer, we’re here to help you dream big, plan well, and celebrate wildly.

✨ Let’s talk flowers. Reach out here.

🌺 Browse more past weddings in our portfolio

📸 Follow along on Instagram for floral magic, real weddings, and behind-the-scenes chaos (the fun kind)