A wedding is more than a ceremony, it is an experience. Peony Design Studio in Pleasant Valley knows the details, heart and direction needed to create a floral atmosphere.
“The flowers alone and as part of the set speak to a wedding day. Colors, types of flowers and placement each convey the aesthetic of the wedding day,” explains Christine Fontana, floral designer and owner of Peony Design Studio.
Fontana has been in the industry for over two decades and has previously earned two certifications in horticulture. Fontana focuses on the overall presentation of an arrangement at a wedding, but also considers how each design will make a couple and their guests feel comfortable at a celebration.
She explains that individual arrangements and event floral arrangements are two different things.
“When you create a design for an event, you create an experience for many people. It applies not just to the couple, but to the entire guest list,” says Fontana.
Moodboard magic
Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows that the process can be overwhelming – endless components like catering, rental space and materials, and clothing make the day extra special. With her imaginative mood boards, Fontana offers couples the opportunity to relax while planning flowers.
The process is collaborative and stimulates couples' creativity and encourages them to develop a shared vision. “The mood boards are a visual representation of what we imagine depending on the venue, style, aesthetics, colors or the desired mood of an event. When you look at the depiction, there is a sense of excitement that all the wedding planning will lead to a real day,” says Fontana.
Depictions of flowers can evoke an emotional response. Billowing arrangements create a whimsical atmosphere. Table flowers with bright colors and curved stems herald spring and hope for the happy couple. Fontana's mood boards show the types of flowers, greenery, and additional necessities like linens or candles.
Recently, Fontana designed a wedding in an antique 1940s style. The couple married in a historic home where vintage cars were parked around the celebrations. Fontana's floral designs featured fall colors, including copper tones, muted oranges, sepia tones and burgundy tones to brighten things up.
Fontana specializes in styling and provides the necessary rental items to enhance an event. The antique wedding table decorations included gold candles and vintage-style candlesticks.
While Fontana focuses primarily on weddings, she also designs for anniversaries, birthdays, bridal showers and baby showers.
To give meaning to the expression “Flower Power”, the translation is done through flowers. “You translate a couple’s vision and then the flowers convey the feeling,” says Fontana.