I think one of the prettiest places to have a ceremony in New Orleans is at the Sea Lion exhibit at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo.
With its massive scale Greek Revival architecture and stunning towering live oaks, it's an incredibly beautiful place to have your nuptuals.
![sea lion exhibit at the zoo, wedding, new orleans florist, Leaf + Petal, ceremony arch flowers](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_d5accdd376f04436a92a15b511894e1f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_d5accdd376f04436a92a15b511894e1f~mv2.jpg)
We worked with Caroline at Iris + Oak Events at design the perfect setting for the ceremony. The space is massive so I wanted to create something to bring the focus down to the couple, so we designed using a rounded iron garden arch with lush florals to frame the couple.
![garden arch, sea lion exhibit wedding, new orleans florist leaf + petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_f3339d7037214a19bfd043d9f8ac4fa8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1352,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_f3339d7037214a19bfd043d9f8ac4fa8~mv2.jpg)
A little behind the scenes arch flowering.
When designing with color, I prefer a soft palette with accents of vibrancy to balance it out. We used a palette of pastels - think lilac, bittercream, blush and pale blue - and then layered in hints of light & medium pink and light & medium purple.
And of course we had to add the most incredible Coral Charm peonies. When in season, there's really no beating them.
![coral charm peonies wedding flowers leaf + petal New Orleans florist](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_83209f96793647739a28b7b1dac93f53~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_83209f96793647739a28b7b1dac93f53~mv2.jpg)
Peonies tend to be the number one requested wedding flower when we're going through the design process. When in-season they're stunning but when out of season I love a giant garden rose to swap blooms and have the same feel.
![ceremony wedding flower arch at the Sea Lion Exhibit, new orleans florist, Leaf + Petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_3e79be20850f4ee191de3c4556790d95~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_3e79be20850f4ee191de3c4556790d95~mv2.jpg)
Finished product - garden arch with florals pooling at the base.
Garden arches are actually one of my favorite pieces to create- to me they are somehow statement making yet intimate at the same time. It's just a little softer than a square arch.
![close up of wedding arch flowers, coral charm peonies, garden roses, New Orleans florist, leaf + petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_5e66369af6cf4abb9de05cc0066aff30~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_5e66369af6cf4abb9de05cc0066aff30~mv2.jpg)
And a close-up of those Coral Charms in action.
Overall for the floral selection, we used snapdragon, stock, larkspur, delphinium, garden roses, spray roses, peonies and lisianthus with a heavy emphasis on roses.
![flower centerpiece for a wedding and candles, New Orleans florist Leaf + petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_71462f47c98548018869035c467ed983~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_71462f47c98548018869035c467ed983~mv2.jpg)
Gold compote dishes of lush garden florals and peonies were used on round tables. Beautifully lit up with mixed glass taper styles by Luminous Events.
I think a good rule of thumb for creating a floor plan is to have a mix of table styles- I personally love rounds mixed with long tables. It lets you have the ability to mix up floral centerpiece designs and and give your event more dimension.
![farm table of flowers and candles for a wedding, sea lion exhibit, new Orleans florist, Leaf + petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_aebc985a29954b7e8a4493b6050a7a4c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_aebc985a29954b7e8a4493b6050a7a4c~mv2.jpg)
Long tables, layered with florals and candles going from day...
![long table of flowers and candles, wedding at the sea lion exhibit, New Orleans florist, Leaf + Petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_1d6789bcc8d94b26928a48d9d8b2f00e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_1d6789bcc8d94b26928a48d9d8b2f00e~mv2.jpg)
to night.
While the flowers are giving spring/summer vibes, the candles add a level of romanticism and sophistication. Making it very wedding-y but not with a super traditional feel.
![aisle markers, wedding flowers, band stage front flowers, New Orleans florist Leaf + Petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_5d1badd52e4d4d18ad6c7a3985e69338~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_5d1badd52e4d4d18ad6c7a3985e69338~mv2.jpg)
We had a flip during cocktail hour and moved the aisle markers from the ceremony site over to frame the front of the band. I love how verstatile these pieces can be in transitioning from day to night.
![bridal bouquet, peonies, new orleans florist, Leaf + Petal](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0ba3dd_d4663672133740dba2fba5082ba05ee2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1272,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/0ba3dd_d4663672133740dba2fba5082ba05ee2~mv2.jpg)
Oh and I can't forget the bouquet!
One of my absolute faves from this spring, I loved mixing large blooms (peonies and garden roses) with smaller more delicate blooms (tweedia and lisianthus) and mixing the pastel base with a bit more color. It's all about the mix.
Venue: Sea Lion Exhibit at Audubon Zoo
Planner: Iris + Oak Events
Photography: Hannah Pickle
Candles & Lighting: Luminous Events
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