Weddings were different in 2020. Glitzy venues with hundreds of guests turned to intimate gatherings in backyards, parks, and gardens, highlighting the simple beauty of nature and the formal commitment of a couple’s love.

Bridal designers and salons adapted by offering custom wedding dress experiences with one-on-one appointments and buying custom wedding dresses online became a new way for brides to find the dress of her dreams.

To help inspire brides planning their own more intimate Spring/Summer 2021 weddings, a collaboration of local vendors from the Morristown, New Jersey area, pooled their talents and worked on creating the ultimate Summer Soirée Garden Wedding.

Master designer and event planner Michael Maguire-Losano {@themichaelmaquire} started with a magical color palette of lilacs, purple, lavenders, gold and olive green — at once romantic, understated, and natural. Working together with the bride and groom, they then chose the perfect venue: The Fig & Lily Garden {@figandlilygarden} with unpretentious Mediterranean cuisine and a private outdoor space of multi-level flagstones patios, set amidst a garden of flowers and greenery.

The entire team worked in harmony to incorporate the chosen color theme into every part of the event — from custom invitations, by @oncewrite, that hint to guests of what’s to come, to the bridal attire, the cake, the table settings, and the candles. The guest list was kept small, ensuring that those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom were able to share in this most special of days.

The gown is the focal point of every bride’s special day. Our choice? Lavender Love a custom wedding dress by bridal designer ZB Couture {@zbcouture_} a simple shoulder sheath in ivory silk, with custom button-and-loops down the back, and exquisite floral detailing hand painted by master designer Zahra Batool, to set it apart in a sea of stark white gowns.

Even the bride’s hair and makeup followed the elegant, natural theme. Master stylist, Jacqueline Cicala styled the bride with soft, loose curls, accented with real flowers and subtle makeup to accent the bride’s natural beauty {@jacquelinecreates, @blowoutbridal}.

Crisp white linens dotted with trailing live greens, and centerpieces of pastel flowers by @collyflowersdesign created simple table settings, letting the meal, and the company, take center stage. For the perfect end to a perfect day, a tiered wedding cake, with creamy frosting topped with fresh flowers by @swisschaletbakery.

Just because weddings may be a little different these days, they aren’t less than what they were before. Keeping the focus on perfecting every detail can still give the bride and groom the wedding of their dreams. We hope we’ve helped inspire your dream wedding to become a reality. 

Special thanks to our models, real-life couple @jackiehennessy + @mrosenzweig_22, additional planning by @producedbyprimates and @enmassecoworking, photography by @monikademyer, video by @chproductions_, limos by @myrideww, tuxedos courtesy of @cozytux,  jewelry and rings by @merzatta and @4cattanoave, paper goods by @paperstringsshop, wine from @amantivino_morristown, with additional beverages by @gpjuicery.

In honor of @TheSeeingEye