Oh my, oh my! I’s be a hot minute since we featured some beautiful blooms on the old blogeroo! But we’re BACK, and it’s a stunner from none other than FQ fam Krysta Smith Floral Design.
Sarah and Huw’s beautiful day was inspired by the Welsh countryside, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hunter Valley’s Circa 1876. We’ll let Krysta tell us more about the inspiration behind her designs and her decision to focal locally sourced blooms.
“When Sarah and Huw, both from the UK, first approached me at the One Fine Day wedding fair, we immediately hit it off. Our conversation centred around their dream to bring the essence of the Welsh countryside, a beautiful nod to Huw’s heritage, to their autumn wedding in the Hunter Valley. They had chosen the stunning Circa 1876 as their venue, and from the start, I knew this was going to be a wedding with a strong connection to nature and a deep appreciation for locally sourced blooms.
The colour scheme for Sarah and Huw’s wedding was a celebration of the season: rich burnt oranges, earthy olive greens, and plenty of textural interest with dried grasses and trailing vines. We designed the ceremony to take place outdoors, but when the Australian weather had other plans and heavy rain set in, we simply brought the outdoors inside. Sarah and her bridesmaids walked down an aisle lined with overgrown grasses and foliage, creating an enchanting, wild atmosphere. Later, we repurposed those same arrangements to adorn the mantelpiece behind the top table, adding our pearl wax candles to enhance the intimacy and romance.
As the design process unfolded, I had the pleasure of collaborating with two incredible micro growers in and around the Hunter Valley. It was important to all of us to use flowers grown as close to the venue as possible, reflecting my earlier years designing weddings in the UK, where I worked closely with growers like Donna from Pheasant Botanica in Wales and India Hurst from Vervain in Hereford. The local growers, Hunter Forage and Quayle Cottage, provided an array of beautiful florals—dahlias, chocolate cosmos, trailing grapevines, zinnia — everything I could have dreamed of to create the perfect autumn palette.
For the reception, we installed four overhanging flower clouds on the beams, which framed both the top table and the dance floor. These floral installations were a focal point of the evening, giving a sense of being surrounded by the beauty of nature while indoors, blending the Welsh countryside with the warmth of the Hunter Valley. The room reveal had Sarah in tears and, in turn, I couldn’t help but cry, too!
If I could offer one piece of advice to couples, it would be to fully trust your florist and embrace the beauty of seasonal, local blooms. Sarah and Huw’s wedding was a wonderful example of this. By choosing flowers that were in season and sourced from growers close to the venue, we not only supported local growers but also ensured that the floral designs felt naturally in tune with the environment and the time of year.
Plus, seasonal flowers are at their peak, which means they look fresher and last longer.
Trusting your florist allows you to stay flexible and let the design evolve naturally based on what’s available and flourishing. Sometimes, the most breathtaking arrangements come from working with the unexpected and embracing the unique beauty of nature’s timing. So, be open to the possibilities and let your florist work their magic!”
Captured by @mattashton_photo
Venue @circa1876
Florals + styling @krystasmithfloraldesign
Bride @s4r4h.lee
Groom @costellohuw
Celebrant @marriedbyadam
Cake @dragonflycakes
Love The FQ x
