A Joyful Summer Wedding in Sonoma: Embracing Color with Seasonal, Locally-Grown Flowers
Photographer: Fer & Luz Photo & Film
If you’re a bride planning a summer wedding in Sonoma County and you’re torn between playing it safe with a traditional white and green palette or going bold with color — this real wedding might be all the inspiration you need.
A few weeks ago, I had the absolute joy of designing florals for a vibrant June wedding at a picturesque Sonoma vineyard. The couple, young, full of energy, and deeply in love, wanted their celebration to reflect their personalities — joyful, modern, and not afraid of color. And honestly? It was perfect.
Why Color Works When It’s Authentically You
Many couples come to me thinking that neutral palettes are the only “safe” or “elegant” option for wedding flowers. And while classic whites and greens absolutely have their place, I always encourage couples to lean into what truly speaks to them. For this bride, that meant a warm and bold palette of berry reds, peachy oranges, and pops of mustard yellow — a color story that felt true to her style and the season.
Color doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When used thoughtfully, it brings energy, dimension, and a sense of fun to your celebration — especially in summer, when nature is bursting with the most beautiful blooms.
Trusting Your Florist with Creative Freedom
One of my favorite things about this wedding was the trust the couple gave me. Instead of requesting specific flowers, the bride shared a mood board and her desired color palette — then gave me complete creative freedom. That trust allowed me to create something truly magical.
With a summer wedding in Northern California, we’re fortunate to have access to some of the most beautiful local product — flowers that are fresh, in season, and at their peak. I built her floral recipe using what was best available the week of the wedding, which included:
Peonies (a seasonal June favorite)
Zinnias for a fun, summery touch
Cosmos, my favorite for their movement and delicacy
Spray roses and traditional garden roses
Ranunculus, stock, and snapdragons, all grown locally
Nearly everything I used was local — and the result? Incredibly fresh, vibrant florals that not only looked stunning but also stretched the couple’s floral budget further.
The Takeaway: Let the Season Guide You
If I could give one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding flowers, it would be this: trust your florist, especially when it comes to flower selection. Share your vision, your colors, and your vibe — but let us build your floral recipe around what’s fresh, local, and thriving that week.
Florists are deeply connected to what’s in season. When you let us work with what nature is already offering, your arrangements look fuller, more natural, and often more budget-friendly — and most importantly, they feel alive.
Final Thoughts
This summer wedding was a beautiful reminder that bold color can still feel timeless when it’s done with intention. And that the best floral designs often come from a place of creative trust.
If you’re a couple planning your Sonoma County wedding and you’re ready to explore something a little less traditional — I’d love to chat with you. Let’s dream up a wedding that feels like you.
