An adventurous wedding
The wedding location is often just as personal as the flowers. Whether it is a castle, barn or beach, the florals should not only reflect the couple but also complement the setting, atmosphere and weather conditions. For florists seeking an even bigger challenge, why not consider a romantic sailboat or a secluded beach? The arrangements must be able to withstand wind and waves while capturing the ethereal yet adventurous spirit of the open sea. Sylvia Hartmann embraced all of this, and the results are truly mesmerising.
Table arrangements featuring Delphinium Guardian Lavender, Clematis Amazing® Kansas, Helleborus Classic One, Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ Maraschino and Polianthes Elle Pink.
Come rain or shine
The florals were installed aboard the tall ship Regina Maris Amsterdam, which translates as ‘Queen of the Sea’. Picture lacquered wood, crisp white sails and an endless horizon. With such a unique setting, flexibility is essential. Sylvia Hartmann explains: "The weather may not always follow the plan, but with a good attitude, strong setups, and a well-thought-out Plan B, every moment can still bloom beautifully."
Preparing for a wedding at sea involves selecting hardy flowers, bringing backups, using sturdy mechanics and weighted flower vessels. This ensures the arrangements can withstand sudden gusts or the movement of the waves. Using vases makes it easy to move the flowers indoors if the weather suddenly shifts. Sylvia’s motto sums it up perfectly: "With good energy and a bit of wild spirit, every project turns into pure joy".
Maritime romance
Sylvia Hartmann chose a colour palette of orange, red, pink, light blue and a hint of purple, balanced with soft neutrals such as off-white and powder pink. By grouping colours in different areas, she created a festive yet calm and cohesive atmosphere. White and blue elements add a fresh, breezy feel reminiscent of the sea, while deep burgundy tones introduce richness and passion. The result is extraordinary, with unexpected combinations of colour and texture. Soft, romantic, expressive and joyful all at once.
Sylvia designed several bridal bouquets for this photoshoot, ranging from deep burgundy tones to a soft and delicate composition. The bouquet shown below features Scabiosa Dark Cherry Scoop®, Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ French Vanilla, Talinum 'Long John' and Sanguisorba Red Dream®, creating a romantic and passionate arrangement.
”Be wild. Be ready. Be happy.
Magical seaside
Sylvia offers a contemporary take on wedding traditions. The arrangements feel natural and unrestrained, gently swaying in the breeze. She combines more elaborate designs with simple mono bouquets in clear vases featuring Delphinium Bella Andes White and Delphinium Guardian Lavender, enhancing the relaxed and romantic atmosphere. The natural beauty of the flowers is allowed to shine, wild and free like the sea itself.
The wedding bouquet below is soft and feminine, with a palette of off-white, powder pink and a vibrant touch of orange. It combines luxurious roses with Delphinium Bella Andes White and Clematis Amazing® Kansas. This colour combination appears throughout the other arrangements, bringing a sense of harmony to the overall floral design.
Ocean energy
The sea has many faces. It can be calm and gentle, yet also powerful and untamed. Much like true love, which can be tender, caring and deeply passionate. Some of the arrangements reflect this duality beautifully through warm tones and expressive textures. One of the standout flowers is Gloriosa Superba Simba Fifty Shades, whose orange and yellow hues pair strikingly with the deep red Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ Maraschino, the powder pink Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ French Vanilla and Clematis Amazing® Kansas. The playful, grassy stems of Pennisetum Black Fox add movement and a natural seaside feel.
Ethereal beach blooms
How do you transform an empty beach into a breathtaking wedding setting? Sylvia Hartmann shows exactly how. She created several voluminous arrangements and enhanced them by placing individual stems directly into the sand. Varieties such as Clematis Amazing® Sofia and Clematis Amazing® Kansas are grouped together, while taller stems like Delphinium Guardian Lavender and Delphinium Bella Andes White are positioned at gentle angles to create a more natural look. The result is dreamy and ethereal. The perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable wedding photographs.
Pure elements
The photos tell a story of true love, an adventurous spirit and a beauty that needs no embellishment. This is reflected in flowers that shine effortlessly on their own. Talinum ‘Long John’ is a distinctive choice, with twig-like stems adorned with tiny seedpods. It feels entirely at home in this nautical setting, thanks to its light, transparent quality. Sylvia even created a bouquet using only Talinum. It is striking in its simplicity and pairs beautifully with a few refined stems of Clematis Amazing® Kansas.
With this remarkable photoshoot, Sylvia Hartmann demonstrates that an unusual or even challenging setting is not a limitation but an opportunity for creativity to flourish. With the right preparation and mindset, anything is possible. We hope this story inspires you to step outside your comfort zone and create your own floral magic!
