A Sunflower-Inspired Wedding in Full Bloom at Wickham Park

Wickham Park gazebo decorated with greenery, sunflowers, and peach zinnias

s + k

“We hired First Blush for both floral arrangements and coordination of the wedding day, and working with them was one of the best decisions we made while planning the wedding. Emma, the owner, was excellent and easy to work with. She was very professional, helpful, and prompt in her correspondence with both us and our other vendors. We got so many compliments from our guests about the floral arrangements, which exceeded our expectations and vision. Emma and her team coordinated the day of the wedding seamlessly, ensuring that we had nothing to worry about except enjoying our day. Everyone from First Blush was absolutely a pleasure to work with, and they made our day even more special. We absolutely recommend Emma and her team.”

Every wedding tells a story, and this one felt like a joyful ode to nature, love, and a bit of magic. At Wickham Park, tucked away in Connecticut’s lush greenery, a sunflower-inspired celebration unfolded, full of personal touches, seasonal flowers, and laid-back charm. Weddings like these remind us why florals matter—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they can reflect personality, emotion, and a sense of place.

Let’s dive into the day, where flowers told their own story, and a couple’s playful and elegant vision came to life, step by step.

Floral Design + Coordination: First Blush Floral Design + Planning | Photographer: George Street Photos | Reeception Venue + Catering: Elicit Brewing | Cupcakes: Sweet Cupcasions | Entertainment: New England Vibe DJs | Hair + Makeup: Jessica’s Color Room Salon | Ceremony Venue: Wickham Park

details

The first thing that stood out about this wedding was how effortlessly fashion and flowers worked together to create a cohesive, romantic vibe. The bride wore an off-the-shoulder gown, the fabric whispering with hints of delicate peach floral prints. That subtle detail made all the difference—it felt lighthearted, yet elegant, fitting perfectly into the garden setting. The gown’s long sheer sleeves added a bit of whimsy, almost like petals floating around her arms.

And that floral crown? Absolutely stunning. Lush blooms nestled into her hair, tying her look together with the natural environment around her. It wasn’t just an accessory; it was a nod to her connection with nature and the spirit of the day itself.

Meanwhile, the groom’s gray suit was a smart, understated choice. But the peach bow tie—now that was a fun pop of personality. It subtly mirrored the floral tones sprinkled throughout the ceremony and reception. Thoughtful without trying too hard—just right for a day that was all about joy and authenticity. And, because no wedding is complete without a little magic, the ring box was tucked inside a copy of a Harry Potter book, a playful touch that brought in a hint of literary love.

Soft blush Jimmy Choo heels and a garden-inspired bouquet sit on a chair alongside vintage gold bangles.
Groom adjusting his peach bow tie while holding hands with the bride in a floral-print gown.
 

bouquet + bouts

One of the sweetest touches? The couple’s inspiration came from Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings, which influenced both the palette and mood of the day. There’s something so uplifting about sunflowers—they radiate warmth, positivity, and optimism, much like Van Gogh’s iconic works. It was a fitting symbol for a couple whose wedding felt like a celebration of love, art, and individuality.

Incorporating personal inspiration like this into your wedding makes the day feel that much more meaningful. It’s a way to say, “This is us. This is what we love.” And it’s those little touches—whether it’s a floral crown, a Harry Potter ring box, or a nod to your favorite artist—that make a wedding truly special.

The bride’s bouquet didn’t just sit pretty—it told a story of love blooming naturally, with every flower chosen to reflect the couple’s playful yet romantic style. The ivory ribbon that wrapped the stems gave it an effortless charm, like it had all been gathered just that morning. And because every flower was locally sourced from Connecticut farms, the bouquet had a fresh, alive feeling that you just can’t get from out-of-season blooms.

This is what’s so special about working with seasonal flowers—they connect you to the time and place in a way that feels honest and real. The result? A bouquet that looks beautiful in the moment but also becomes a lasting memory, tied to the scents and textures of the season

Bright sunflower bouquet reflecting the couple’s Van Gogh-inspired theme.
Bride wearing whimsical floral crown made of marigolds and lisianthus.
 

ceremony

The ceremony took place beneath Wickham Park’s ornate gazebo, which became a floral focal point for the celebration. The floral design was a mix of cascading greenery and vibrant local blooms, creating an organic, slightly wild effect that felt like the flowers had grown there naturally. These blooms weren’t just decorations—they felt like a celebration of everything Connecticut offers during this time of year. Using local flowers meant everything felt in sync with the surroundings, adding depth and authenticity to the ceremony space. And as the couple exchanged vows under that lush floral canopy, it was clear: This wasn’t just about the look—it was about the feeling the flowers created.

Bride and groom’s outdoor Connecticut wedding under a floral-adorned gazebo.
Harry Potter book turned ring box adds magical touch to wedding ceremony.
Ceremony gazebo surrounded by greenery and local Connecticut flowers.
 

centerpieces

Rather than a formal, structured reception, the couple leaned into the idea of a relaxed, open seating arrangement, letting guests sit where they felt most comfortable. This created a warm, easygoing atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection—kind of like a garden party among friends, with flowers scattered throughout the space.

The tables were decorated with mini arrangements and bud vases, each filled with a thoughtful mix of sunflowers, marigolds, and other seasonal blooms. The variety in the floral arrangements gave each table its own personality, like every bouquet had a little story to tell. Votive candles in cut glass holders added just the right amount of glow, softening the atmosphere as day turned to night.

The venue’s rustic wooden floors and marble tabletops provided the perfect canvas for this floral design, proving that sometimes less is more—when the flowers are this beautiful, you don’t need to overdo it.

Seasonal Connecticut wedding flowers making every detail feel fresh and meaningful.
Bright sunflower bouquet reflecting the couple’s Van Gogh-inspired theme.
Soft yellow zinnias and sunflowers brighten the wedding’s floral design
 

There’s a lot to be said for choosing seasonal flowers, especially when planning a wedding in Connecticut. When you work with the rhythm of the seasons, you’re not only getting the freshest, most vibrant blooms, but you’re also supporting local flower farmers and reducing your event’s environmental impact. 🌱

Using seasonal flowers means your bouquet will look fuller, your centerpieces will stay fresher longer, and your ceremony space will feel more connected to the natural beauty around you. Plus, Connecticut offers an incredible variety of blooms throughout the year, making it easy to find flowers that reflect your style and fit your wedding date.

For couples planning weddings here, working closely with a local florist can make all the difference. They’ll help you navigate what’s in season, source the best local stems, and create floral designs that feel authentic to your love story.

This Wickham Park wedding was the kind of celebration that stays with you—not just because it was beautiful, but because it felt so genuine. With thoughtful floral design, seasonal blooms, and personal touches woven into every detail, it was a perfect reflection of the couple’s joyful, laid-back spirit. From the sunflower-filled gazebo to the floral crown and Harry Potter ring box, every part of the day felt intentional, playful, and full of heart.

For anyone dreaming of a Connecticut wedding where flowers play a starring role, this celebration offers plenty of inspiration. And as this wedding shows, when you let nature, art, and a bit of magic lead the way, the result is a day that feels as unforgettable as it does effortless.

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A + L | branford house | groton, ct