Presenting

Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 19 P ivoting from a large New York wedding for 200 to an intimate affair in New Jersey for 20 in late October didn't hinder Marta Sondej, AIFD, CFD, and her team at Barlett's Greenhouses & Florist in Clifton, N.J., one bit. Her couple hosted their 12 attendants and 20 guests in black-tie style with a ceremony at the Van Vleck House & Gardens and a reception at e George hotel, both in Montclair, N.J. Illumination was a key feature throughout the elegant event, with dozens of white pillar candles in various sizes of glass hurricanes setting the mood at both the ceremony and reception. e bride, wearing a chic blush-hued layered tulle gown with fitted bustier, carried a large, full bouquet of white 'Playa Blanca' roses, spray roses, Ranunculus and "black" Schwartzwalder' callas, accented with white waxflower, baby's breath, seeded Eucalyptus and laurel (bay leaf ). Bridesmaids carried similar bouquets to accent their deep emerald gowns of varying styles. e couple wed on the steps of the historic 12-acre Van Vleck House & Gardens amid soft candlelight, flanked on both sides by urns filled to overflowing with 'Playa Blanca' roses, white Chrysanthemum, snapdragons and baby's breath, with accents of bells-of-Ireland and green hanging Amaranthus. Coordinating designs decorated the bases of the pillars of the house's wide porch, with tall bells- of-Ireland pointing upward, seemingly toward the lush, overgrown greenery almost covering the house's entire second story and floating down toward the wedding altar. A tented reception at e George hotel followed, with a long table bedecked with tall trumpet vases filled with "trees" of downy 'Million Stars' baby's breath accented with white twinkle lights. Baby's-breath garlands snaked down the center of the table amid white floating candles, pillar candles and votive candles of all shapes and sizes, which gave the entire space a romantic and inviting glow. e baby's-breath theme continued beyond the table and over the dance floor to the live band, where panels were decorated with 'Million Stars' baby's breath behind the musicians, as well as overflowing in black square containers along the front of the stage. Twinkle lights adorned the skylit ceiling of the tent as guests danced the night away. As Sondej concluded, "Even with COVID, a bride's dream wedding can still be a reality." P ICT U R E - P E R FECT W E D D I N G S 2 0 2 1 W I N N E R S

• Cover