Sense and Sensuality: Moody Design in Botanical Gardens

Rebecca Goddard Photography and event planner Always Andri took inspiration from the wild and earthy surroundings of the Chelsea Physic Gardens, the oldest botanical garden in London. The atmospheric surroundings inspired these elemental wedding ideas in black, charcoal grey, and deep plum with a hint of crimson and peach.

It doesn’t get any more elemental than the greenhouses at the Chelsea Physic Gardens with over 5,000 species of medicinal, herbal and edible plants. The abundance of unique flowers inspired Bloomologie to create lush and untamed flower arrangements, pairing the bride’s bouquet in deep autumn shades against the ethereal silk sleeves and romantic flowers of the Kate Edmondson wedding dress. The delicacy of the gown stood out effortlessly against the wild heart of the greenhouses and the drama of the reception to create a gorgeous juxtaposition!

Every element of this inspiration was chosen to capture the senses, from the luxurious slide of silk, the fragrance of botanical flowers, and the edgy textures of flower petals against stone. To continue that sense of physicality into the reception, Always Andri created a dramatic tablescape by pairing charcoal linens, black crockery place settings, and taper candles in smoke grey and crimson. The moody colours played off crisp black and white botanical prints on the menus by Nat’s Paper Studio, with flower arrangements of moody red, plum, and peach overflowing out of stone vessels to add texture and colour to the dark table. Red wine sparkled like garnets in the candlelight, adding a touch of colour and to the smoky atmospheric reception.

Taste was not forgotten in a feast for the senses, with botanical fruit and gin cocktails on the menu. Blossom and Crumb capped off the evening with a dramatic black wedding cake with a hand painted stone motif of red and concrete to add texture and depth. The spun sugar cake topper completed the look as a jewelled flower, while lush floral arrangements surrounding the take brought the gardens inside.

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As featured in Hey Wedding Lady

Photography by Rebecca Goddard Photography | Wedding Venue: Chelsea Physic Gardens | Event Planning by Always Andri | Stationery Design by Nat’s Paper Studio | Floral Design by Bloomologie | Wedding Cake by Blossom and Crumb | Wedding Dress by Kate Edmondson Bridal | Hair Styling by Love Hair By Lou | Makeup Artist: Ana Ospina | Event Rentals from Classic Crockery Event Hire | Linen Rentals from Just 4 Linen | Videography by Bethany & James