One of the things I love most about being a wedding photographer is that every wedding day asks us to be creative in different ways. Sometimes that creativity comes through in the way we photograph a couple. Sometimes it’s through unique design elements. And sometimes it’s through the way an entire vendor team comes together to adapt when Mother Nature has her own plans. This spring styled shoot at Twin Willow Gardens, aptly named Draped In Bloom, reminded me why flexibility is one of the most valuable skills a wedding vendor can have.
As wedding professionals, we’re constantly thinking several steps ahead. We aren’t only considering our clients’ experience. We’re also considering guest comfort, timeline adjustments, backup plans, and how to make sure the day still feels beautiful no matter what the weather decides to do. Rain plans aren’t about settling for less. They’re about creating an experience that feels intentional, seamless, and enjoyable regardless of the forecast.
If you’ve read my thoughts on rain plans before, you know I’m a big believer in embracing whatever weather arrives on your wedding day. Sometimes that means dancing in the rain. Sometimes it means moving indoors and letting your venue shine in a different way. Either way, the best wedding days are the ones where couples trust their vendor team and stay focused on the reason everyone gathered in the first place.
A Fresh Take on Burgundy and Chartreuse Wedding Colors
The design concept for Draped In Bloom was created by Alex of Willow and Ivy, who wanted to put a playful spin on one of the wedding industry’s most popular color pairings: burgundy and chartreuse. Instead of leaning dark and moody, this design lightened the palette with soft pinks, fresh greens, and cheerful spring tones. The result felt vibrant, whimsical, and full of personality. The beauty of a garden wedding venue already speaks for itself, but thoughtful design choices can completely transform a space and make it feel uniquely your own.
Florals That Brought the Entire Vision to Life
Leah Erickson’s floral work was truly the heart of this design. Her vibrant installations added movement, texture, and energy throughout the space. Everywhere you looked, there was another floral moment drawing your eye. The colors felt alive without becoming overwhelming, creating a perfect balance between elegance and playfulness. One of my favorite things about spring weddings is the opportunity to embrace color, and these florals delivered exactly that.
Serpentine Tables and Layered Details
One design trend I continue to love is the serpentine table. There’s something about the organic shape that instantly encourages conversation and creates visual interest. It feels less rigid than traditional reception layouts and offers so many opportunities for creative styling.
For this shoot, the table design was layered with thoughtful details brought in by Deo Duke Seattle. Stacks of unique plates created dimension at each place setting. Textured chargers added depth. An assortment of cylinder candle vases brought softness and warmth to the overall design. Every element worked together to create a tablescape that felt curated but approachable. The result was a dining experience that felt whimsical, romantic, and just a little unexpected.
Drapery: One of the Biggest Wedding Trends Right Now
Drapery has become one of the most requested design elements in weddings lately, and it’s easy to see why. It instantly softens a space while adding movement and texture. For Draped In Bloom, drapery by Form and Flourish Events was incorporated both as a backdrop feature and throughout the table design itself. I loved how the two elements echoed one another. The backdrop created a beautiful focal point while the table draping carried that same softness throughout the reception design. Together they created a cohesive look that felt modern, romantic, and elevated.
Finding New Ways to Create
Styled shoots are one of my favorite opportunities to stretch my creative muscles as a photographer. Wedding days move quickly, which means there’s often limited time to experiment. Styled shoots give me the freedom to explore different techniques and challenge myself artistically.
For this shoot, I played with a handheld prism while photographing the details, creating subtle kaleidoscope effects that added another layer of visual interest to the images. It’s always fun to push beyond my usual approach and discover new ways to tell a story through photography.
Why Styled Shoots Matter
While styled shoots are undeniably fun for vendors, they also serve an important purpose for couples. They allow creative teams to showcase what’s possible when design, florals, photography, planning, and décor work together toward a shared vision. Couples can gather inspiration, discover new ideas, and see how trends might come together in a real-world setting.
Draped In Bloom was a beautiful reminder that some of the most memorable wedding designs happen when talented vendors collaborate, embrace creativity, and remain flexible enough to pivot when needed. Rain or shine, that’s where the magic happens.
Part of those vendors not already mentioned was the stunning cake designer Kenna Giuzio Cake who brought in two amazing options. Our coffee cart, who was brought in by our two models, Sincerely Yours Coffee!
If you’re planning a Twin Willow Garden’s wedding, let’s chat!