Bella + Sam’s New Hope, Pennsylvania wedding was a rich + colorful floral fantasia, and that’s not even the thing we love best about it.
The event design? Yeah, that was the work of the bride’s sister Emily Hoeke.
And all those gorgeous flowers? “All floral work was done by my mother,” Bella says. “It was a fun and creative project for me and my mom to tackle together. Since my mom is a lifelong gardener and overall creator of all things beautiful, I was eager to have her take on the floral design.”
The family project feel of this stunning celebration has completely warmed our hearts. Hotel du Village made for a dreamy + elegant garden setting that spoke to the couple’s love of nature and the outdoors. Nods to Bella’s Celtic heritage were threaded throughout. And the day’s work-of-art design made each detail feel like something straight out of an oil painting.
Photographer Anna Panutsa put it best when she said: “The celebration transitioned seamlessly from a romantic outdoor ceremony to a lively reception where the couple’s love for each other and their guests was palpable. The evening sparkled with golden candlelight, laughter, and dancing, creating an atmosphere that was both regal and intimate. This wedding was truly a unique, captivating blend of color, culture, and personal expression, making it an unforgettable celebration of love.”
Now let’s take a look at her glorious photos of the day!
Creative sis-of-the-bride Emily Hoeke also designed these delicate minimalist invite suites. We absolutely love the way they’re somehow modern and Old World all at once. And that they feature those delicate images of the Scottish countryside.
The comfy-yet-chic black pajama sets that Bella gave her girls as bridesmaid gifts made for perfect getting ready gear.
Here’s your first peek at the day’s magnificent flowers by Kellie Hoeke (aka the MOB)!
There are so many things to love in this pic: Bella’s crimson red wedding nails. The sentimental charms attached to that rich green velvet bouquet wrap ribbon. That sparkly + super unique engagement ring from Barsky Diamonds!
Looking back on the day, both Sam and Bella especially cherish their vow exchange. The couple exchanged vows privately, after their first look, with just the two of them. It was a moment where all of the nerves of the day completely melted away as they were able to be themselves together, and share the special moments over the last 10 years that brought them to this day.
These bouquets have us actually speechless. And, not only did Bella’s mom create the day’s arrangements, she also grew many of the flowers herself, too! “Florals were sourced by the MOB through local farms, her own garden, and foraged in surrounding woodlands,” says the couple.
“I wanted to highlight the beautiful fall landscape colors, and so I asked the bridesmaids to wear shades of olive green, gold, and brown,” remembers Bella. “With a mixed and matched palette, the bridesmaid dresses contributed to the autumnal and nature themes, while elevating the look with a variety of dresses that included sequins, silks, and ruffles.”
Sam scored his sophisticated black wedding tuxedo from Ventresca Ltd. and went with classic tuxes for his groomsmen’s suits, too.
“I found my dress during my very first dress shopping appointment, and although I didn’t purchase it on that day, I eventually came back, knowing the dress would be perfect for the big day,” Bella says of her elegant + feminine Martina Liana gown from La Belle Mariée. “I knew I wanted a mermaid fit with a dramatic, long train, but the dress’s romantic ruffle along the bust and 3D florals are what sold me on the dress.”
“Another must for me was a dress that wasn’t stark white,” Bella says. “I was looking for a softer tone of ivory, with shades of beige or rose, to add to the romantic, ethereal feeling of the day.”
Let’s hear it for the reception dress!! Loving that Bella included a glam-yet-sophisticated drapey scarf to match!
Bella says the switch into a short wedding dress with lots of movement was “essential for the dance floor!” where Elegant Music Group kept the tunes coming all evening long.
“Another highlight of the day was definitely the after party,” the couple remembers. “With the venue, we were able to book out the entire property, so we had full access to the venue and hotel amenities. Both the wedding space and the hotel on property have beautiful outdoor spaces, fit with several fire pits. Once the wedding ended, they kept the night going – first at the bar with late night bites, and then later moved the guests to the hotel patio area. The fire pits and fall weather made for the perfect after party where we kept the celebrations going into the early hours of the morning with cocktails and s’mores.”
Include friends, family, and loved ones if you’re able to. It makes the entire experience feel like such a group project, and everyone is able to enjoy the day even more if they are involved. We truly felt overwhelmed with all of the love and support that we got from our family and friends leading up to our big day.
Congratulations, Bella + Sam, on your beautiful Bucks County wedding! GWS wishes you nothing but the best!
photography: Anna Panutsa Portraits // venue name: Hotel Du Village, New Hope, PA, United States // event design: Emily Hoeke // florals: Kellie Hoeke // wedding dress: Martina Liana LUXE // wedding dress boutique: La Belle Marie // bride’s shoes: Hill House // bride’s ring: Barsky Diamonds // groom attire: Ventresca // videography: Maid of Content // paper goods: Emily Hoeke // handmade details: Emily Hoeke // music: Elegant Music Group
