A Romantic Garden Party Wedding at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge

Nicole and Aaron’s romantic garden party wedding at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge was designed around the things that mattered most to them: meaningful moments together, beautiful photos, a packed dance floor, and a day that flowed seamlessly from beginning to end.

The couple originally met on Hinge, but Nicole knew there was something special about Aaron from their very first FaceTime. They dated long distance for a few months before eventually making St. Petersburg home. Even their two labs, George and Trout, have become best friends.

For their wedding day, we created a celebration that felt romantic, whimsical, and classic, with just enough unexpected details to make it distinctly theirs. Shades of soft pink and green carried throughout the day, from the wedding party attire to the florals, linens, stationery, and reception design.

Getting Ready

Nicole and Aaron both spent the morning getting ready on-site at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge, with Nicole and her bridesmaids in the bridal suite and Aaron and his groomsmen in the groom’s suite.

Keeping everyone on property gave the morning a relaxed flow and allowed us to build plenty of time into the schedule for the moments Nicole prioritized. Instead of rushing directly from hair and makeup into portraits, she had time for first looks with some of the people closest to her.

Nicole’s lace wedding gown was romantic and timeless, paired with a classic white bouquet. Her bridesmaids wore soft pink dresses, while Aaron and his groomsmen chose black formalwear for a polished contrast.

First Looks and Meaningful Wedding-Day Moments

Before seeing Aaron, Nicole shared a first look with her bridesmaids. It was one of several personal moments intentionally worked into the wedding-day timeline.

She also had a first look with her dad before he later escorted her down the aisle. Building space for moments like these was especially important because Nicole had told us from the beginning that meaningful photos and memories with the people she loved were among her biggest priorities.

Then it was finally time for Nicole and Aaron to see each other.

The two shared a private first look and exchanged personal vows before the ceremony. Setting aside this time gave them a chance to be together without their 100+ guests watching, and it created a quiet point in the day before everything officially began.

Wedding Portraits at The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge

The venue gave us several distinct backdrops for portraits without requiring Nicole and Aaron to leave the property.

The stone exterior and landscaped grounds created a classic setting for couple portraits, while the glass architecture of the Conservatory offered something completely different for wedding party photos. The combination worked especially well with the wedding’s overall design. Soft pink dresses and white florals stood out against the darker framework of the glass building, while the groomsmen’s black attire kept everything feeling polished.

Before guests arrived, Nicole and Aaron also had a private reception reveal. It gave them a chance to see all of the details come together before the room filled with guests.

Later in the evening, we worked sunset portraits into the timeline so they could step away together for another round of photos.

A Romantic Garden Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place at the outdoor gazebo overlooking the water.

The ceremony design leaned into the garden setting rather than competing with it. Romantic groupings of pink, white, and green flowers framed the gazebo, with greenery growing along the front columns. Larger floral arrangements marked the entrance to the aisle.

The result felt lush and garden-inspired while still allowing the architecture and landscape to remain part of the view.

Nicole walked down the aisle with her dad to a violin instrumental of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” After the ceremony, the newlyweds recessed to Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be,” immediately shifting the mood toward the celebration ahead.

Garden Party Cocktail Hour

Following the ceremony, guests moved into the garden and outdoor areas for cocktail hour.

A saxophonist provided live music while guests enjoyed drinks and passed appetizers. The cocktail-hour design continued the pink and green palette with a combination of soft linens, textured fabrics, floral arrangements, and garden-inspired details.

An escort card display helped guests find their seats before dinner. Throughout the design, we incorporated a mix of polished and playful elements rather than repeating one look everywhere. That variety became an important part of the overall reception experience.

Pink and Green Wedding Reception Details

Inside the Conservatory, the reception design brought Nicole and Aaron’s vision of a romantic garden party wedding fully to life.

The glass hall already provides a dramatic backdrop with its black framework, expansive windows, and crystal chandeliers. Against that architecture, we layered soft shades of pink, sage, and brighter green.

Guest seating included a combination of rectangular king tables, round tables, and high-top tables for mingling. The varied layout kept the room visually interesting while different linen patterns and textures gave each area its own personality.

Some tables featured white lace linens with soft pink underneath, while others brought in green and blush tones. Place settings incorporated scalloped plates and custom menus with delicate butterfly artwork, tying into the whimsical details found elsewhere in the design. We love using color and texture to create a reception design that feels layered without overwhelming the space.

Florals were intentionally varied as well. Taller arrangements brought height to the round tables, while lower arrangements, bud vases, and candles filled the rectangular tables. Pink blooms, hydrangeas, fresh greenery, and textural flowers created a collected garden feeling instead of making every centerpiece identical.

The bar received its own floral treatment, with bud vases and candles adding detail throughout the space.

A Wedding Cake Surrounded by Flowers

Nicole and Aaron’s wedding cake became part of the reception design rather than standing on its own.

The tiered white cake featured intricate piping that felt both classic and romantic. At its base, an abundant floral installation surrounded the cake with pink blooms and greenery.

Placed within the glass hall, the display created a beautiful focal point while still feeling cohesive with the rest of the room.

The custom dance floor brought in another playful layer. Its oversized pink and green floral pattern, complete with butterfly details, connected back to the stationery and garden-party inspiration while clearly signaling where the evening was headed next.

Dinner, Dancing, and a Packed Dance Floor

Nicole had told us early in the planning process that she wanted everyone to have a good time dancing, so once dinner was finished, the reception was built to keep the celebration moving.

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner at their assigned tables before Nicole and Aaron cut their cake. After sunset portraits, the couple shared their first dance to “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.

Then the dance floor opened.

As the evening continued, Nicole changed into a short white reception dress with fringe and lace details. Aaron ditched his jacket, and the two were ready to fully enjoy the party they had spent so much time planning.

Later in the evening, guests were treated to chicken and waffles and truffle fries as a late-night snack. Custom koozies and matchboxes added another personal detail guests could enjoy during the celebration and take home afterward.

A Private Last Dance and Grand Exit

Before the night officially ended, guests made their way outside while Nicole and Aaron stayed behind for a private last dance.

They chose “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, giving themselves one final moment alone inside the reception space before joining everyone outside.

Then came the grand exit.

Guests lined up with Alabama shakers as Nicole and Aaron made their way outside. Aaron took the wheel of a golf cart for their getaway, ending the night with exactly the kind of fun, personal detail that suited the rest of their celebration.

From the private vows early in the day to a packed dance floor at night, Nicole and Aaron’s wedding was designed around experiences they would actually remember. The pink and green garden-party details made the setting beautiful, but the moments between them and the people they loved are what ultimately made the day feel like theirs.

Planning a Wedding in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee?

We create wedding days that feel personal, thoughtful, and true to each couple. From developing the design to building a timeline that makes room for the moments that matter, every decision is made with the full wedding experience in mind.

If you’re planning a wedding in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, or beyond, inquire through our contact page to learn more about working with Chelsea Kennedy Weddings.

You can also explore more of our Alabama weddings and celebrations on the blog.