October 14, 2023 A POMEGRANATE FLORAL-FILLED FALL WEDDING AT LE CHATEAU | LAUREN & PETER
I love back-to-back weddings! They are challenging and get my adrenaline going! The day before, I was at Le Chateau flowering Inga and James' wedding and there I was, back again the very next day to celebrate the nuptials of Lauren and Peter!
Lauren and Peter's wedding was an incredible fun-filled event, with many guests joining them. Despite the October weather, the couple was determined to have an outdoor ceremony. Plans changed due to the weather but moving indoors happened to be the best decision ever!
The wedding design was centered around pomegranates; the fruit of love and the gorgeous NY skyline view which made for the perfect backdrop for the couple's exchange of vows. The gorgeous chandeliers and majestic cathedral ceilings added a touch of magic to the already romantic atmosphere, and it was clear that Lauren and Peter were meant to be together. I concocted one of the most gorgeous [fruitful] floral palettes which I had never done before.
Lauren wanted to utilize pomegranates which symbolize beauty, hope, prosperity, eternity, and L O V E. I mean, just look at them. They are the definition of love. Combined with unique colors of black, pink, and green; the red pomegranates were the missing element that each arrangement needed. Beet + Blossom (who is a freaking rockstar btw) shoutout to Cassi and Alex Torres for trucking through an entire wedding ceremony and reception with a life-changing cancer diagnosis; left my jaw dropped. I admire Cassi and Alex's strength (they also are the definition of a 1 CORINTHIANS 13 couple) for getting through such a beautiful day with all that they are going through. Loreta Daka Floral Boutique and the entire team send prayers your way!
Lauren and Peter, chose the perfect pair to photograph their wedding. A huge thanks to Co-photographer Shannon Bialy @smsphotoct who nailed being a second-shooter! And, for that, I am celebrating like I'm at a Ukrainian wedding! Lauren, Peter, and their guests tore up the dance floor! Scroll for all the fun and look into how diverse their reception was. Their wedding was filled with so many raw emotions, gorgeous flowers, and some really awesome dance moves!
THE LOVE STORY
Lauren and Peter "Pete" first met at UConn during they're 5th year programs. Their mutual friends, Kayleigh and Lorenzo introduced them, and they soon realized that they had many more friends in common. Pete's best friends from high school had worked with Lauren during her first job at Ferris Acres Creamery when she was just 16 years old. It was strange how this was the first time Lauren and Pete met! Pete soon introduced Lauren to the Lemko culture, which has many Ukrainian and Polish roots. He taught her to dance, took her to festivals and parties, and introduced her to the people that mattered most to him.
Lauren then recruited Pete into the busiest of activities that included running, hiking, biking, and loving the outdoors followed by the enjoyment of home cooked meals. They found that they balanced each other, spiritually, emotionally, and began to grow together, finding that life was enriched with the other person around. Through challenges and obstacles, as well as times of happiness, life became clearer, felt safer, and more complete, knowing that they'd found their other half.
THE PROPOSAL STORY
"It was a Wednesday at the end of January, and it was our 4-year anniversary since we had started dating. Pete made a reservation at the restaurant, Barcelona, where we had our first date. I was running a bit behind, and Pete was anxious to get going, although, I wasn't worried because it was a Wednesday night in the middle of winter; surely it wouldn't be busy! However, when we first got there, they brought us to a separate room that was completely decorated with candles, flowers, rose petals and even a personalized menu that had "Happy Anniversary" on it. I had thought maybe this was the moment that he was going to propose! However, we sat down, and it didn't happen. I had convinced myself that maybe this was just a fancy anniversary dinner. So, we continued to order our meals and have some wine. Then we ordered dessert. They started to play one of the first songs that we ever danced to, Wonderful Tonight, by Eric Clapton. I turned to Pete, and he was down on one knee. I had complete tunnel vision. I was so excited and overjoyed that I could barely breathe! I absolutely said yes! We popped Champagne in celebration and the rest is history!"
- Lauren, Bride
INSPIRATION BEHIND LAUREN & PETER’S WEDDING DAY
"My favorite colors include light pink and deep reds. I feel that deep reds represent romance and love, while pinks feel feminine and fresh. I love the combination of these colors along with a loose bouquet. I feel that it represents me as an individual. Someone who enjoys feeling feminine and "letting go" a bit; not being too tightly wound. Flowers are special to me, in that they can always enhance a space, provide happiness, and comfort, and make someone feel special." - Lauren, Bride
specialty flowers and fillers that were utilized in these wedding arrangements were acacia hamburyana, banksia protea orange, schinus pepperberry dried, astilbe earth light pink, cosmos berry nimbus, didiscus light pink, dryanda formosa, kale elegance (ornamental cabbage), quercus rubra, carnation peach fancy, grevillea green, amaranthus velvet, clematis amazing kyiv, oak leaf, hydrangea antique red, scabiosa baby pink, cremon pink yerevan, anthurium sempre, berzelia lanuginosa, carnation st. brut, helleborus winterbells, kale black leaf, astilbe vision inferno, rose chiffon, rose lady cava, protea cynaroideas, rose avalanche, rose charmant, dahlia iced, tea, red pears, dried and fresh pomegranates
I hope you enjoyed this pomegranate floral-filled fall wedding at Le Chateau in South Salem. Do you know Lauren and Peter? Show the newlyweds some love, by giving this post a 'Heart' in the section below!
VENDORS & VISIONARIES
Photographer: Beet and Blossom | Co-Photographer: SMS Photo CT | Floral Design: Loreta Daka | Venue: Le Chateau | Videography: New England Creative | Bridal Salon: Made with Love Bridal / The White Dress | Shoes: Harlo | Bridesmaids: Azazie | Groom: Daswani Clothiers | Beauty: Up Style Co. | Stationary: Zola | Cake: DiMare Pastry | DJ: MTM Events / Hank Lane Music | Ribbons: Emmalinhco on Etsy - Instagram: @emmalinhco / Nettle + Silk | Accommodations: Hotel Zero Degrees | Transportation: Red Oak Trans | Other: UConn
ABOUT THE FLORAL DESIGNER
Loreta Daka Carrero is a premier wedding and event floral designer serving Connecticut, New York, and Coastal New England! She specializes in timeless and spiritually curated fine art floral designs for beautiful couples and extraordinary clients.