Pia + Michael
Pia and Michael’s September wedding at Brooklyn Botanic Garden felt like the very beginning of fall — warm light, shifting foliage, and flowers that carried the richness of the season without losing the softness of late summer. Set within one of New York City’s most beloved garden spaces, the celebration embraced natural movement, seasonal color, and an atmosphere that felt both elegant and deeply grounded.
Working alongside Modern Rebel, the day unfolded with intention and ease. From the willow-lined ceremony to the candlelit reception, every detail reflected a balance of refinement and organic abundance. The floral design leaned into texture, asymmetry, and seasonality, creating moments that felt immersive while still allowing the landscape itself to remain central.
About the Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers one of the most iconic garden wedding settings in New York City. Known for its expansive grounds, curated plant collections, and quiet sense of escape within the city, the venue allows celebrations to feel fully immersed in nature while remaining unmistakably urban.
In early fall, the gardens begin their gradual seasonal transition — greens soften, foliage deepens, and the afternoon light takes on a warmer tone. For Pia and Michael’s wedding, the setting provided an ideal backdrop for floral design centered around movement, texture, and autumnal color.
The ceremony took place outdoors beneath towering willow trees, while the reception moved indoors into a clean, softly lit space that allowed candlelight and florals to define the atmosphere.
Floral Design Approach
The floral palette focused on rich seasonal tones layered with softer transitional color. Cornflower blue delphinium brought cool contrast to warm peach and rust hues, while peach cactus dahlias, ‘Cornell Red’ ball dahlias, and ‘Rubenza’ cosmos added depth, movement, and variation throughout the arrangements.
For the ceremony chuppah, we incorporated hanging amaranthus,’Burning Embers’ marigolds, pistachio foliage, and burning bush branches to create a design that felt naturally rooted within the garden landscape. Rather than overly structured symmetry, the florals were designed to feel expansive and slightly wild — allowing stems and foliage to move organically within the space.
Throughout the reception, lower floral arrangements and candlelight created warmth and intimacy while maintaining a sense of openness across the room.
The Ceremony
Pia and Michael exchanged vows beneath a floral chuppah framed by cascading willow branches and late afternoon light. The installation rose organically from the ground, composed of layered seasonal flowers and foliage that echoed the surrounding landscape rather than competing with it.
The asymmetrical structure created movement and softness, with hanging amaranthus adding texture and depth throughout the design. Rich red dahlias and warm marigolds grounded the palette, while softer peach and blush tones brought balance and lightness to the overall composition.
As the ceremony unfolded, the shifting sunlight filtered through the trees and florals, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate, quiet, and deeply connected to the season.
Reception Atmosphere
Inside the reception space, the mood shifted into something softer and more candlelit. Tables were styled with low seasonal centerpieces designed to encourage conversation and warmth rather than formality. The clean simplicity of the room allowed the flowers and lighting to define the atmosphere naturally.
Centerpieces carried the same palette and movement as the ceremony florals, blending peach cactus dahlias, ‘Rubenza’ cosmos, light blue delphinium, and textured foliage throughout the tablescape. Candlelight reflected across glassware and white linens, creating a space that felt understated, welcoming, and full of warmth.
As dinner transitioned into dancing, the celebration maintained an energy that felt joyful and relaxed — elegant without feeling overly polished.
Sustainable Floral Practices
As with all Molly Oliver Flowers events, Pia and Michael’s wedding florals were created using foam-free mechanics and prioritized seasonal sourcing whenever possible. Designing within a botanical garden setting reinforces the importance of sustainability not simply as an aesthetic, but as part of a larger responsibility to work thoughtfully with the environment.
After the event, materials were reused, composted, or responsibly broken down whenever possible to minimize waste while preserving the integrity of the designs.
Vendor Team
Florals: Molly Oliver Flowers
Photography: Jean-Laurent Gaudy
Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Planner: Modern Rebel
Catering: Union Square Events
Music / Entertainment: Atomic Funk Project
View full gallery here