Each February, the Philadelphia wedding community gathers under the soaring glass ceilings of the Horticulture Center for Love Is In The Air—a celebration that invites creativity to flourish and the industry’s brightest talents to bloom. Hosted by Constellation Culinary, the event transforms the greenhouse into a tapestry of inspiration, with four distinct spaces—each a reflection of a planner’s unique interpretation of the year’s theme.

colorful spring wedding invitation suite by Emily Wren Photography

In 2020, the theme was “Evening in the Garden,” a concept designed to honor the timeless romance of intimate, nature-inspired weddings. I had the immense pleasure of photographing a stunning vision brought to life by the creative minds at Lauren James Events and Robertson’s Flowers & Events. Their interpretation was deeply rooted in the delicate intricacies of 19th-century botanical drawings—a rich and thoughtful homage to the natural world and the quiet elegance of that era.

Their design was a masterclass in storytelling through texture, color, and composition. Every surface told a story—velvet linens, etched glassware, antique china, and golden candlesticks mingled with lush, layered florals in hues both moody and romantic. Floating arrangements and floral chandeliers evoked the feeling of stepping into an enchanted greenhouse, where time moves slower and beauty lingers longer.

The space pulsed with quiet enchantment. Vintage details, painterly blooms, and warm lighting created a sense of intimacy that felt as timeless as it did transportive. And thoughtful touches like a pressed flower pendant station offered guests a moment of creativity and connection—a tangible keepsake to carry a piece of the garden home.

bride at her Spring garden inspired wedding reception at Philadelphia's Horticultural Center

The team of vendors added their own layer of artistry: 13th Street Cocktails crafted ethereal drinks crowned with floating blossoms. Whipped Bakeshop’s cakes were both delicious and decorative, adorned with hand-drawn botanicals that echoed the event’s theme. Maggpie Vintage’s antique rentals brought a storied richness to every vignette, completing the narrative with soul and style.

garden-esque wedding cakes at spring Philadelphia wedding reception

This event unfolded just before the world changed in early 2020, and amidst the uncertainty that followed, I never shared the images. But the beauty created that day—a collaborative act of imagination and artistry—has remained with me. Revisiting it now feels like unearthing a love letter pressed between the pages of a favorite book.

This shoot was more than a styled showcase. It was a celebration of collaboration, of creative vision, and of the enduring power of beauty to inspire and uplift. I’m so grateful to have been the one to capture it all.