A Summer love story

Ariana & Keegan - Love in Bloom, even in the summer holidays.

A day shaped by heart, not just the date.

Planning a summer wedding during the Christmas break comes with its fair share of curveballs, especially when the local flower markets shut down.

Ariana and Keegan weren’t keen to just cross their fingers and hope for the best. They wanted florals that felt like them - thoughtful, personal, and filled with flowers they truly loved.

That’s when they got in touch.

They chose Festival Farm not just for our garden-grown aesthetic, but for the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your flowers are coming from and who’s growing them. Even in a tricky season, we had their backs.

Designing with Meaning

From the start, we knew this was going to be a deeply collaborative process. Ariana had a clear vision and a strong sense of what she loved, including one non-negotiable:  Gypsophila. She absolutely loves it, and it needed to be woven into every single piece.

Luckily, I’ve got a solid relationship with another local grower who specialises in it. I knew I’d have a steady, fresh supply and that made all the difference. It’s that behind-the-scenes planning, the unseen threads, that hold these designs together.

I pulled together a mood board to help map the look and feel of the day. A mix of soft formality, plenty of texture, and seasonal beauty.

“I felt really supported through the whole process. Nic listened so well. I loved the way your mood board allowed us to have a vision for the day". - Ariana

The Ceremony & Beyond

Their ceremony install was created on sight at local wedding venue, The Hideaway 201 - full of gyp, garden roses, and soft touches that spoke to the season and their vision; finished with a lush white fabric drape. While Ariana’s focus was rightfully on Keegan as she walked down the aisle, later she told me the flowers really landed with her in the quiet moments after, when they had space to breathe and take it all in.

“They looked beautiful and

just like the vision we had created.”

This kind of work is about more than flowers. It’s about listening. It’s about tuning into what matters, letting the season lead, and creating something that feels both grounded yet elevated.

“Nic is amazing to work with. She’s kind, knowledgeable, and brings a calm, relaxed energy to the whole process. She listens to every detail and turns it into something beautiful.”

VENDOR CREDITS
This day came together with the help of many local creatives:

Venue: The Hideaway 201, Lochiel, Southland
Photography: Andrei James Photography
Florals: Festival Farm
Hair: Flick Hair
Makeup: Claudia Young Makeup
Celebrant: Jo Babe
Arch hire: STAC Weddings Hire
Catering: Mash Catering