The expert's guide to a flawless fall wedding unveils historic venues, flower walls, and the perfect fall color palette for your wedding day.
CHEYENNE FORBES in front of Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHLOE,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGTAPHY
An Inspiring & Nostalgic Landscape
Nicol was first captivated by this aesthetic time of year as a young adult during her first-ever visit to the United States. She remembers departing her sunny, coastal town in Spain and touching down in the leaf-strewn suburbs of Philadelphia to an extraordinary palette of oranges, reds, and golds. Nicol describes the experience as “magical” and knew at that moment that Pennsylvania was where she was meant to settle down.
Fall, named in the United States for the falling leaves, is not only the season of pumpkin spice and spooky costumes, but more-so a period of glorious transformation. As the leaves change from green to gold and as the warm air turns delightfully crisp, the bountiful fall really is such a romantic and fitting time for those in love to move on to that exciting new chapter of their lives.
Newlyweds SAMANTHA & SPENCER at the Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn, PA, Photography by GRACE & ARDOR CO.
Nicol’s Guide to a Flawless Fall Wedding
Nicol W. Segel has been involved in countless fall celebrations over the years. From an October wedding at an old Pennsylvania mansion, to a Gatsby-themed event at the Rodin Museum, there are some events that will forever be etched in the seasoned designer’s memory.
When it comes to venues, Nicol has always been most enamored with historical sites, of which, thankfully, there is no shortage in the northeast. Nicol especially loves events that commemorate a location’s unique history. One of her all-time favorite venues for a fall wedding is the dreamy Cairnwood Estate, a historic banquet hall in Bryn Athyn, where on October 22nd of last year, Samantha & Spencer tied the knot. Nicol recalls how “the bridesmaids wore stunning dresses of rust-colored velvet,” a tribute to the picturesque season.
Bride SAMANTHA & bridesmaids at the Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn, PA, Photography by GRACE & ARDOR CO.
On display at the reception, which was featured in Philadelphia Style, were three of Nicol Floral Design’s “June” flower wall backdrops, compositions of delicate creams that partnered idyllically with the bride’s seasonal color palette as it provided a touch of polished simplicity to the lavish atmosphere. “One wall [was positioned] behind the “sweetheart table,” one was displayed in the seating area, and a third wall was used as a photo booth backdrop,” explains Nicol.
SAMANTHA & SPENCER in front of Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by GRACE & ARDOR CO.
SAMANTHA & SPENCER at the Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn, PA, Photography by GRACE & ARDOR CO.
Nicol occasionally incorporates fruits and berries in her fall-inspired flowers walls, along with succulents and other greenery for a pop of color. While her attractive, seasonal walls are often monochromatic, they are expertly composed of many different flowers. For instance, various types of pale roses and hydrangeas, and white berries.
For a fall wedding, the designer usually recommends a neutral palette of “soft colors, [such as] creams and whites, pale blush, dusty rose, taupe, mauve, lilac, and dove gray.” While Nicol loves an extravagant reception, she has a soft spot for simple spaces where florists can be creative, and, in Nicol’s words, “make a blank canvas their own.”
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “EMILY,” Photography by COURTNEY SIMPSON
Our Lead Floral Designer’s Top Picks for Fall
Nothing embodies romance like the Rose, so it comes as no surprise that Nicol Floral Design’s founder has named this timeless flower her top choice for a fall wedding essential. According to Nicol, roses are a “key aspect” of her silk flower walls because these enchanting flowers pair superbly with any other and are exquisite when placed front and center, no matter the time of year.
White Hydrangeas can be expected in most of Nicol’s work, as these elegant blooms, like the rose, contribute to a harmonious blend year-round. Hydrangeas, native to Asia and the Americas, are delicate and versatile. It is for these reasons that the hydrangea is Nicol’s favorite flower to display in her own home during the fall season.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “EMILY,” Photography by FRANCESCA MICHETTI
The third flower that Nicol has chosen as her fall favorite is the ornamental Ranunculus, a vibrant, rose-like flower that Nicol uses subtly in her pieces, usually alongside the rose and the hydrangea. Also known as the Persian buttercup, Nicol prefers to use both white and peach-colored ranunculus at this festive time of year.
Blue Echinops, or Globe Thistles, are another Nicol Floral Design essential that prove to be an excellent detail when displayed at fall weddings. These lovely perennials have an aesthetic spherical shape and, though Nicol does not use silk globe thistles religiously in her floral walls, she enjoys including dried echinops in fall arrangements at home.
Nicol’s final favorite is the rose-colored Dahlia. Native to Central America, these luxuriant blooms can be found in many colors and make the most gorgeous and bushy bouquets.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHLOE,” Photography by FRANCESCA MICHETTI
Celebrate with Our Newest Flower Wall
Our most recent release, “Emily,” is ideal for your upcoming fall wedding. Nicol explains that her inspiration behind this flower wall was autumn itself and that, unlike some of her other walls, “Emily” she created specifically for this scenic time of year. While our silk floral walls “Gabriella” and “June” continue to be extremely popular during the fall wedding season, they are meant to fit in effortlessly at ceremonies year-round.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “EMILY,” Photography by FRANCESCA MICHETTI
Nicol spent the past summer perfecting “Emily” for the fall season and is excited for her new piece to debut at upcoming events. “Emily” showcases many of Nicol’s seasonal favorites, such as pink and mauve roses, white hydrangeas, and ivory ranunculus. Nicol added a festive touch of snow-white berries and sage-colored eucalyptus to her newest design.
We suggest you inquire about “Emily” soon as this breathtaking backdrop is booking up quicker than we could have anticipated!
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “EMILY,” Photography by FRANCESCA MICHETTI
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “GABRIELLA,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGRAPHY
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