A wedding is more than a ceremony, it’s an experience. Peony Design Studio in Pleasant Valley knows the detail, heart, and direction needed to curate an atmosphere with flowers.
“The flowers speak alone and as part of the set for a wedding day. Colors, flower types, and placements each communicate a wedding-day aesthetic,” explains Christine Fontana, floral designer and owner of Peony Design Studio.
Fontana has worked in the industry for over two decades, earning two horticulture certifications beforehand. Fontana is focused on the overall presentation of an arrangement at a wedding, but she also considers how each design will make a couple and their guests feel at a celebration.
She explains that single arrangements and event florals are two different beasts.
“When you create a design for an event, you’re curating an experience for a lot of people. It’s not just for the couple—it’s for their entire guest list,” Fontana says.
Mood Board Magic
Anyone who has planned a wedding knows that the process can be overwhelming—endless components including catering, rental space and materials, and attire make the day come together. Fontana offers a way for couples to unwind during the flower planning portion with her imaginative mood boards.
The process is collaborative and stokes the creative fires of couples, prompting them to create a shared vision. “The mood boards are a visual depiction of what we envision based on venue, style, aesthetic, colors, or an event’s desired mood. Seeing the depiction creates excitement that all the wedding planning will lead to a real day,” says Fontana.
Floral representation can evoke an emotional response. Billowy arrangements create a whimsical atmosphere. Table flowers with bright colors and curving stems announce spring and hope for the happy couple. Fontana’s mood boards show the types of flowers, greenery, and additional necessities, such as linens or candles.
Recently, Fontana designed an antique-themed 40s-style wedding. The couple got married in a historic home with vintage cars parked around the festivities. Fontana’s florals showed fall colors, including coppers, muted oranges, sepia tones, and burgundies for brightening.
Fontana specializes in styling and provides necessary rental items to enhance an event. For the antique wedding, table decor included vintage-style gold candles and candlesticks.
While Fontana mainly focuses on weddings, she also designs for anniversaries, birthdays, bridal showers, and baby showers.
Giving meaning to the phrase “flower power,” a translation happens through florals. “You translate a couple’s vision and then the florals communicate the feeling,” Fontana says.
