Each year, Love Is In The Air, hosted by Constellation Catering at The Horticulture Center, brings together the most talented wedding professionals in Philadelphia to transform the venue into a breathtaking showcase of inspiration. This year’s theme—Love Through the Ages—brought history to life, and we had the privilege of stepping into the Victorian Era, an age defined by opulence, romance, and timeless beauty.

From delicate lace details to cascading florals, from lavishly adorned tables to an ethereal bride—every element of our space transported guests to a world of old-world elegance and poetic charm.

purple & white vintage style wedding invitational suite by Emily Wren Photography

A Victorian-Inspired Dream Brought to Life

The moment guests stepped into the space, they were transported to a time of gilded opulence and poetic romance. Designed by Olive Street Events, the setup was an enchanting blend of vintage European charm and lush, overflowing florals by Matlack Florist. Every detail was meticulously curated to capture the essence of Victorian courtship and elegance.

Soft ivory drapery provided a romantic backdrop, allowing the rich hues of deep berry, soft blush, and verdant greens to pop against the creamy textures of lace-covered tables. Gilded candelabras with tall taper candles lined the tablescape, their flickering glow adding warmth and intimacy to the scene. The entire space felt as if it had been plucked from a Jane Austen novel—timeless, elegant, and filled with an air of romance.

Antique furniture, including a rose-hued tufted sofa and emerald-green velvet chairs from Lilac + Lace Co., was arranged in intimate vignettes, inviting guests to linger and soak in the romantic atmosphere. Gilded tables and delicate lace linens created layers of texture, accented by candlelit lanterns and literary touches—stacked vintage books, golden-framed portraits, and delicate calligraphy signage.

Above, golden empty frames floated gracefully, adorned with blooms, a nod to the era’s love for portraiture and storytelling.

A Bride Fit for an Era of Romance

Our model, Maddie, embodied Victorian romance in a breathtaking OUMA bridal gown from Lovely Bride. The off-the-shoulder, billowy sleeves and delicate floral embroidery perfectly captured the ethereal elegance of the era. She carried a lush bouquet of blush roses, deep violet anemones, and soft white blooms, tied together with a romantic trailing ribbon. Her jewelry, curated by Angela Monaco, added the perfect touch of antique-inspired sophistication. Her soft, romantic updo and natural, glowing makeup, styled by Jaclyn Grosso Hair, completed the look, making her the embodiment of a Victorian bride reimagined for modern romance.

Philadelphia bride at her victorian era inspired wedding

Immersive Experiences & Interactive Elements

To make the experience even more interactive, On It Productions brought in live Victorian-styled greeters and a string ensemble, setting the tone with music that echoed through the space, enhancing the historical ambiance. Adding to the ambiance, a Victorian-style string ensemble by EBE Talent serenaded guests, their melodies floating through the air like a whispered love letter. A highlight of the evening was Dream Poet for Hire, who crafted custom love poems on the fly, typing them out on a vintage typewriter for guests to take home as cherished keepsakes. This touch of literary romance felt like a love letter from the past, further immersing guests in our era of inspiration.

Dream Poet for Hire at a Philadelphia wedding at the Horticulture Center

A Wedding Table Dripping in Florals and Elegance

Victorian romance is synonymous with indulgence, and our tablescape was a decadent display of vintage grandeur. Draped in intricate lace, the dessert and cocktail tables were overflowing with fresh florals, candles, and ornate china. The tablescape, designed by Matlack Florist, featured lush, garden-style florals intertwined with delicate greenery and soft candlelight.

Each place setting was adorned with gold-rimmed vintage china, blush-patterned linen napkins, and intricate gold cutlery, lending an air of Victorian refinement. Crystal stemware shimmered under the candlelight, while delicate taper candles flickered, casting a romantic glow over the floral-adorned space.Gold-accented chairs from Vision Furniture Event Rentals and Party Rental LTD framed the table, offering an elegant contrast to the softness of the lace and florals. The grandeur of the design felt like stepping into a 19th-century banquet, where every detail whispered of romance.

spring victorian era inspired wedding decor at Philadelphia's Horticultural Center by Emily Wren Photography

A Dessert Display Fit for Royalty

The pièce de résistance of the evening was the decadent dessert table, featuring a towering New June Bakery wedding cake adorned with intricate piping, floral accents, and ornate lace-inspired detailing. This masterpiece of confection was both stunning and delicious, a nod to Victorian-era cake artistry.

The table was a dreamscape of sweet delights by Constellation Catering—macarons stacked in a gilded tower, delicate chocolate éclairs, vanilla raspberry cake, and classic fruit tarts, all beautifully arranged on vintage lace. Candles flickered beside the treats, while ripe grapes and delicate florals spilled across the table, creating a feast reminiscent of a 19th-century banquet.

Vintage inspired 3 tier wedding cake at Spring wedding from New June Bakery in Philadelphia

Capturing the Romance

The Love Is In The Air showcase always offers fresh inspiration, but this year’s Victorian Era theme felt particularly special. It was a celebration of love, history, and the art of storytelling through design.