A Dream Celebration with Organic Florals

An Elegant Church Wedding in Darien, CT & a Reception at Valbella Restaurant in Riverside, CT: A Dream Celebration with Organic Florals, Calligraphy, and More

As a wedding planner and designer, there’s something incredibly special about curating a celebration that reflects both the elegance of the couple and the natural beauty of the surroundings. For a couple planning their dream wedding ceremoyn in Darien, Connecticut, with a reception at the renowned Valbella Restaurant in Riverside, this celebration came together perfectly, blending timeless traditions with modern, personalized touches. Here’s a glimpse into how we created an unforgettable day, from the church ceremony to the exquisite reception.

The Ceremony: Classic Elegance at a Beautiful Church in Darien

A church wedding is the epitome of classic elegance, and when it comes to Darien, CT, the charming churches here provide a stunning backdrop for such a meaningful occasion. For our couple, we selected a beautiful, historic church creating an atmosphere of reverence and beauty that perfectly set the stage for their vows. Talmadge Hill Community Church

We wanted the floral arrangements to reflect the beauty of the church without overwhelming its grandeur. For this, we chose grown-in-place organic florals—fresh blooms sourced by House of Bernal. Arranged in understated yet sophisticated altar arrangements, pew ends, and aisle décor, with a wowing entrance to the church with greenery and blue florals. The rich greens and blues contrasted beautifully with the soft glow of the church’s candlelight, creating a serene and romantic ambiance.

Personalized Place Cards and Calligraphy: A Personal Touch

As we moved to the reception, the personal touches came to life. One of the most memorable details was the personalized place cards and blue watercolor calligraphy by Sadie Bean Designs. These were a labor of love, created specifically to mirror the couple’s style—elegant, timeless, and thoughtful.

Each guest’s place card was hand-lettered in flowing calligraphy, giving them a sense of importance and ensuring that the seating arrangements were as elegant as the rest of the event. The cards were displayed beautifully, with each guest’s name adorned in blue ink that perfectly complemented the organic floral design we had used throughout the wedding. The calligraphy extended to signage around the venue, with elegant signs directing guests from the ceremony to the reception, guiding them to the bar, and marking the special areas in the reception space.

These small details not only added a touch of sophistication but also made the guests feel as though they were part of something truly intimate and personalized.

Reception at Valbella Restaurant in Riverside, CT: A Glamorous and Romantic Setting

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a spectacular reception at Valbella Restaurant in Riverside, CT—one of the most elegant and luxurious venues in the area. Known for its sophisticated Italian cuisine and stunning atmosphere, Valbella was the perfect setting for a refined wedding reception.

To create the romantic ambiance our couple envisioned, we brought in a combination of string lighting and lush florals. As the sun set over the water, the soft glow from the string lights illuminated the venue, cascading from the ceilings and creating a magical, intimate atmosphere. This effect was paired with organic feel floral designs, with table centerpieces of mixed white, blue florals and greenery artfully arranged, adding a touch of natural beauty to each dining table.

Surrounded by candles and greenery the entire space had a warm, inviting glow that perfectly complemented the sophisticated elegance of the venue.

The Details: Bringing It All Together

From the florals to the personalized calligraphy, every detail was thoughtfully curated to tell the couple’s unique love story. As a wedding planner and designer, I believe that it’s the small, meaningful touches that transform a beautiful event into a memorable celebration.

The combination of organic florals, elegant calligraphy, string lighting, and the natural beauty of the Darien church and Valbella’s riverside location created a wedding that felt both timeless and personal. It was an unforgettable day—a true reflection of the couple’s style, love, and the beauty of the Connecticut shoreline.

Final Thoughts

Planning and designing a wedding is a deeply personal experience, and every couple deserves to have their vision brought to life in the most magical way possible. Whether it’s an elegant church ceremony in Darien or a romantic reception by the water at Valbella in Riverside, the key is to focus on the details that matter most to the couple—because those are the moments that will live on in their hearts forever.

If you’re planning your own wedding and dream of an elegant, personalized celebration, I would love to help bring your vision to life! Let’s create a celebration that reflects your love story, with all the beautiful touches that will make it truly unforgettable.

Photography by Shaina Lee Photography, https://www.shainaleephotography.com/. Music by Ariana Strings. Reception DJ Matty Stuart. Floral Design House of Bernal. Linen rentals Nuage Design Inc. Calligraphy Sadie Bean Designs.