Colorful Carnegie Institute Celebration

It was a grey day in June when Kalpana and Amila exchanged their “I do’s” in a colorful Carnegie Institute celebration in Washington, DC. This happy couple’s chosen florals truly brought life to the festivities! Kalpana came to us with a vision of bold, saturated shades of navy, gold, red and pink, giving us the opportunity to create a variety of lush designs for their special day.

Petal's Edge Floral Design DC | Real Wedding of Kalpana and Amila at Carnegie Institution for Science Washington DC

Photo by Laffler Photography

Petal's Edge Floral Design DC | Kalpana and Amila Real Wedding Carnegie Institution for Science

Photo by Laffler Photography

Petal's Edge Floral Design DC | Real Wedding - Kalpana and Amila at Carnegie Institution Washington DC

Photo by Laffler Photography

Inspired by the vivid color palette, we created for Kalpana an elegant hand-tied bouquet in a range of fuschias, reds and burgundies with hints of deep blue. Piano garden roses, burgundy spray roses, burgundy dahlias and hot pink mini calla lilies were just some of the blooms we used. For her bridesmaids, we complemented their rich red gowns with a mix of roses and other stems in red, hot pink and light pink with touches of white. Amila’s and his groomsmen’s boutonnieres reflected these same shades, with mini calla lilies in burgundy and hot pink.

For Kalpana’s and Amila’s simple, yet dramatic mandap – the focal point for their colorful Carnegie Institute celebration ceremony – we started our design on a canvas of rich gold fabric, swagged on the sides to create a more intimate-feeling space. From there, we added a lush posy on each of the front corners of the mandap, as well as in the center of the front support poles, with similar blooms in reds, fuschias and pinks, accented by seeded eucalyptus foliage. For the couple’s reception, we contrasted the elegant, neutral tones of the Carnegie Institution’s ballroom with striking pops of color throughout. On some guest tables, fuschia dendrobium orchids and red mokara orchids burst from tall, fluted glass vases; other guest tables were accented with a textured mix of roses, hydrangea, and stock in tones of red, pink and burgundy, displayed in navy fabric-wrapped square vases. We loved being part of Kalpana’s and Amila’s classic Washington, DC wedding with a modern, colorful twist!

Photo by Laffler Photography

Venue: Carnegie Institution for Science

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Photography: Todd Laffler, Laffler Photography

Florist: Petal’s Edge Floral Design

Eric & David wanted their wedding design to feel distinctly masculine. When we began talking about centerpieces, they shared an idea that immediately captured our imagination: instead of relying on flowers alone, they envisioned tables that felt more like a European picnic spread than a traditional wedding reception.⁣
⁣
They described the feeling of wandering through a French farmers` market. Imagine baskets of fresh produce, crusty breadsticks, jars of pickles, wedges of cheese, a bottle of wine waiting to be opened. Abundant, welcoming, a little unexpected, and full of character.⁣
⁣
It was such a refreshing departure from conventional wedding décor and the perfect source of inspiration for a celebration that felt deeply personal to them. It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing a return to this aesthetic these days. Some of the best design ideas begin not with a photograph or a trend, but with a story. This one painted a picture we couldn`t wait to bring to life.⁣
⁣
📍@decaturhouse⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
📷 @stephenbobb⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @smevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17932173972090177

Eric & David wanted their wedding design to feel distinctly masculine. When we began talking about centerpieces, they shared an idea that immediately captured our imagination: instead of relying on flowers alone, they envisioned tables that felt more like a European picnic spread than a traditional wedding reception.⁣
⁣
They described the feeling of wandering through a French farmers' market. Imagine baskets of fresh produce, crusty breadsticks, jars of pickles, wedges of cheese, a bottle of wine waiting to be opened. Abundant, welcoming, a little unexpected, and full of character.⁣
⁣
It was such a refreshing departure from conventional wedding décor and the perfect source of inspiration for a celebration that felt deeply personal to them. It’s not a surprise that we’re seeing a return to this aesthetic these days. Some of the best design ideas begin not with a photograph or a trend, but with a story. This one painted a picture we couldn't wait to bring to life.⁣
⁣
📍@decaturhouse⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
📷 @stephenbobb⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @smevents

What started in my basement — just me, a laptop, and a lot of late nights — has grown into something I could have only dreamed of back then. Today, we’re a team working out of a 1,500 sq ft space, creating events that once only lived in my imagination.⁣
⁣
It hasn’t always been easy. We learned a lot of good lessons early, but the pandemic and the years after have really been the test of all tests. There were times when giving up might have felt easier, but I felt a deep responsibility to the clients who trusted us with their most meaningful days. I found support in the most surprising places when we needed it, and we kept going. I’m endlessly grateful that we did.⁣
⁣
Petal’s Edge has always been more than a business. It’s a team. The faces might occasionally change, but the talent, thoughtfulness, and work ethic always remain. A community of people who show up for one another, challenge each other creatively, and care deeply about the work we put into the world. Together, we’ve built a standard rooted in intention, collaboration, and beauty that lasts.⁣
⁣
The photos show a little of our journey, from our very first studio in Old Town Alexandria to the storage unit we briefly occupied when we lost the space to our current space on Oronoco Street… which, if I’m honest, already feels a little snug some days. 😬

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18121244038676719

What started in my basement — just me, a laptop, and a lot of late nights — has grown into something I could have only dreamed of back then. Today, we’re a team working out of a 1,500 sq ft space, creating events that once only lived in my imagination.⁣
⁣
It hasn’t always been easy. We learned a lot of good lessons early, but the pandemic and the years after have really been the test of all tests. There were times when giving up might have felt easier, but I felt a deep responsibility to the clients who trusted us with their most meaningful days. I found support in the most surprising places when we needed it, and we kept going. I’m endlessly grateful that we did.⁣
⁣
Petal’s Edge has always been more than a business. It’s a team. The faces might occasionally change, but the talent, thoughtfulness, and work ethic always remain. A community of people who show up for one another, challenge each other creatively, and care deeply about the work we put into the world. Together, we’ve built a standard rooted in intention, collaboration, and beauty that lasts.⁣
⁣
The photos show a little of our journey, from our very first studio in Old Town Alexandria to the storage unit we briefly occupied when we lost the space to our current space on Oronoco Street… which, if I’m honest, already feels a little snug some days. 😬

Winter is coming... So this is your seasonal reminder that winter weddings don`t have to be white!⁣
⁣
For Tiffiannii & Minerva`s celebration, we traded icy palettes and evergreen-heavy designs for rich layers of plum, raspberry, mauve, and violet. The result felt warm, vibrant, and full of life in the middle of December.⁣
⁣
Jewel tones can go one of two ways: richly layered or overwhelmingly heavy. The secret is contrast. Lighter accents, varied textures, and flowers with natural movement kept the palette feeling romantic and dynamic rather than dense.⁣
Proof that winter wedding flowers can be colorful, dramatic, and every bit as seasonal as the traditional reds, greens, and whites.⁣
⁣
One of our favorite color stories.⁣
⁣
@wishuponawedding⁣
Planning | @weddingsbykristy⁣
Venue | @citizensballroom⁣
Photography | @emchastainphoto⁣
Videography | @buxtonmediaproductionsweddings⁣
Video + Content Creation | @socialsparkbybetsy⁣
Catering | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Florist | @petalsedgedc⁣
DJ | @mydeejay⁣
Rentals | @dcreventrentals⁣
Photo booth | @bookextraordinary⁣
Live Portrait Painter | @spencergraceartspace⁣
Cocktail Hour Musician | Amanda Tillemann⁣
Typewriter Poet | @wordsbydj⁣
Cake | @plantbakedbysarah⁣
Dessert | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Hair & Makeup | @carlapressleyhairmakeup⁣
Officiant | @weddingceremoniesbyjeff⁣
Donated Flowers | @dcflowersdirect⁣
Floral Donation | @petalshare⁣
Invitations | @slateandbrush⁣
Day-of Stationery | @slateandbrush and @mintedweddings⁣
Dress | @thebridalroomva and @capecodformals⁣
Ceremony Elements | @unityinglass

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18197343079321530

Winter is coming... So this is your seasonal reminder that winter weddings don't have to be white!⁣
⁣
For Tiffiannii & Minerva's celebration, we traded icy palettes and evergreen-heavy designs for rich layers of plum, raspberry, mauve, and violet. The result felt warm, vibrant, and full of life in the middle of December.⁣
⁣
Jewel tones can go one of two ways: richly layered or overwhelmingly heavy. The secret is contrast. Lighter accents, varied textures, and flowers with natural movement kept the palette feeling romantic and dynamic rather than dense.⁣
Proof that winter wedding flowers can be colorful, dramatic, and every bit as seasonal as the traditional reds, greens, and whites.⁣
⁣
One of our favorite color stories.⁣
⁣
@wishuponawedding⁣
Planning | @weddingsbykristy⁣
Venue | @citizensballroom⁣
Photography | @emchastainphoto⁣
Videography | @buxtonmediaproductionsweddings⁣
Video + Content Creation | @socialsparkbybetsy⁣
Catering | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Florist | @petalsedgedc⁣
DJ | @mydeejay⁣
Rentals | @dcreventrentals⁣
Photo booth | @bookextraordinary⁣
Live Portrait Painter | @spencergraceartspace⁣
Cocktail Hour Musician | Amanda Tillemann⁣
Typewriter Poet | @wordsbydj⁣
Cake | @plantbakedbysarah⁣
Dessert | @spilledmilkdc⁣
Hair & Makeup | @carlapressleyhairmakeup⁣
Officiant | @weddingceremoniesbyjeff⁣
Donated Flowers | @dcflowersdirect⁣
Floral Donation | @petalshare⁣
Invitations | @slateandbrush⁣
Day-of Stationery | @slateandbrush and @mintedweddings⁣
Dress | @thebridalroomva and @capecodformals⁣
Ceremony Elements | @unityinglass

When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer.

The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale.

This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down.
That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment.

And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝

📍 @omnishorehamhotel
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17873327772505828

When couples ask why large ceremony installations cost what they do, this is part of the answer.

The flowers matter, of course. But so do the ladders, mechanics, installation team, engineering, timing, and experience required to safely transform a space at scale.

This greenery-covered dome at the Omni Shoreham started as a simple structure and became a transformed garden canopy for a few short hours. Then, just as quickly, it came down.
That’s the strange thing about wedding flowers. Hundreds of stems. Hours of work. One beautiful moment.

And apparently one bee who felt qualified to supervise the entire project. 🐝

📍 @omnishorehamhotel
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

If you’re getting married at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, here’s what most couples miss:⁣
You don’t have to “match” the industrial vibe. You can balance it.⁣
⁣
Sally & Kevin leaned fully into romance… blush, ivory, soft greens, gold vessels… and it worked because contrast creates impact.⁣
We layered the design intentionally:⁣
⁣
✨ Rounded ceremony pieces to soften the architecture⁣
⁣
✨ Repurposed arrangements into the reception (smart budget move)⁣
⁣
✨ Alternating low + tall centerpieces to carry your eye through that long space⁣
⁣
Result? A room that felt warm, elevated, and completely transformed. This is where design matters. Not just what you choose, but how it all works together.⁣
⁣
📍 @torpedofactory⁣
🍽 @spilledmilkdc⁣
📷 @meghanelizabethphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedged⁣
📋 @amaviweddingsevents

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Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18095339059940930

If you’re getting married at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, here’s what most couples miss:⁣
You don’t have to “match” the industrial vibe. You can balance it.⁣
⁣
Sally & Kevin leaned fully into romance… blush, ivory, soft greens, gold vessels… and it worked because contrast creates impact.⁣
We layered the design intentionally:⁣
⁣
✨ Rounded ceremony pieces to soften the architecture⁣
⁣
✨ Repurposed arrangements into the reception (smart budget move)⁣
⁣
✨ Alternating low + tall centerpieces to carry your eye through that long space⁣
⁣
Result? A room that felt warm, elevated, and completely transformed. This is where design matters. Not just what you choose, but how it all works together.⁣
⁣
📍 @torpedofactory⁣
🍽 @spilledmilkdc⁣
📷 @meghanelizabethphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedged⁣
📋 @amaviweddingsevents

Rainy wedding weekends just hit different. Blue patterned linens, chinoiserie vases, garden inspired blooms in shades of peach, white, green, and blue, plus bridesmaids in the prettiest soft blue created a design that felt equal parts timeless and romantic. Proof that a little rain only makes the flowers look better. ☔️🩵

📍 @riverfarm_va
🍽️ @tastefulaffairscatering
📷 @vnessphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @dragonfly_events_design

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