Perennial Advice

Florist Sonny Sisan sculpted a dramatic floral fountain inside the reception tent of this artful Gibbes Museum wedding.

When Brooklyn-based couple Caroline Brown and Joe Arduini decided to marry in Charleston, the city where they were engaged and his family lives, the Gibbes Museum of Art proved the ideal canvas for an artful autumn reception imbued with romance and an air of nostalgia. Caroline wanted to set a tone that felt moody but also bright and whimsical, and she knew florals would be the key to that end. So the bride hired Sonny Sisan of Floral Studies, who drew up a design concept blending the fresh, energetic, sculptural feel of New York City with the loose, natural look of the Lowcountry—something classic but avant garde. The result was a dazzling display of contrasts: showy blooms set off by soft, textural greenery; delicate blushy pinks punctuated by rich burgundy hues; and a mix of sizes and shapes for added drama and dimension. And the pièce de résistance? A towering “water fountain” of blooms that served as a central focal point. Arranged atop a pedestal and bird bath with locally harvested ferns at its base, a spray of orchids, anthuriums, and amaranth mimicked the energetic beauty of a fountain—that powerful symbol of eternal love.

The Look of Love

Florist Sonny Sisan offers tips and tricks for attaining the ultimate romantic aesthetic through flowers

• • Think texture forward and soft. Contrast showy blooms like garden roses, peonies, or dahlias with softer flowers like sweet pea.
• • Mimic nature. Blending a variety of heights and shapes, just like you might find in a flower field, adds texture and dimension to floral arrangements.
• • Bring on the draping. “If you’re trying for romance, draping is a good inspiration for that,” says Sonny. There’s a softness when something looks flowy and has movement. Use light and airy florals—things that move in the wind—or blooms that drape naturally, such as amaranth.
• • Create balance with color. “Color has weight,” says Sonny. Burgundy feels heavier, so balance that with lighter colors. The result is an autumnal look that doesn’t feel heavy or dark.
• • Lean into abundance. “It’s not just about the florals, but also the quantity,” says Sonny. Not that you can’t achieve romance with a smaller budget, but the more the merrier.
• • Make your whites pop. Caroline’s delicate lily of the valley bouquet and the sweet peas atop the drape-designed single-layer wedding cake stood out in contrast to the lush, colorful florals.

Vendors

• Venue: The Gibbes Museum of Art
• Photography: Reagan Aleea
• Planning & Design: Sarah Lillie Designs
• Florals: Floral Studies
• Baker: ABCD Cakes
• Caterer: Cru Catering
• Linens: BBJ La Tavola
• Rentals: Snyder, Emerson James, Curated Events
• Lighting & Draping: LIT Charleston
• Stationery & Signage: Alexa De Paulis
• Transportation: Lowcountry Valet
• Bridal Attire: Danielle Frankel (gown)
• Beauty: Charleston Bridal Collab
• Groom’s Attire Canali (tux) from Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, Magnanni (shoes)