Al Fresco Summer Wedding at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buehler Estate
A French-California Floral Design with Bold Seasonal Style
We recently teamed up with the talented planning team at Stafford Creative Co. to design a French-meets-California inspired floral story for a wedding at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler Estate in Orinda, California.
This celebration embraced a growing trend in luxury wedding design: sculptural floral installations that integrate seamlessly with architectural spaces, creating a harmonious blend of nature and structure. And the palette? You’ll want to save this one for your inspiration boards.
Ready to see how we brought this vision to life? Scroll on for the full design story, and don’t miss the full gallery here.
The Venue: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buehler Estate
The Frank Lloyd Wright Buehler Estate in Orinda, California is an architectural masterpiece. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featured in Vogue as one of just five architectural event venues in the U.S., this home is the only venue of its kind in the Bay Area — a true hidden gem for couples who want something extraordinary.
The estate is a structural symphony of geometry and light, offering the perfect backdrop for a design that felt architecturally inspired and naturally grounded.
Here’s what sparked our design approach:
Modern architecture: Expansive flat lines, concrete block construction, a dramatic cantilevered carport, and an octagonal living room with a gold-leaf ceiling inset.
Japanese-style gardens: Featuring a koi pond that reflects sunlit ripples against the home’s warm redwood exterior.
A storied collection of antiques: Each piece hand-selected by the estate’s owner during global travels, adding layers of history and artistry.
The Palette: Sunlit Tones for Summer
The Stafford Creative Co. team proposed a bright, cheerful color palette inspired by the transition from spring to summer:
Sunny butter yellows
Golden ochres
Soft apricots
Marigold oranges
These tones felt like pure sunshine. And because the wedding took place at that perfect seasonal bridge (May is a GOOD time to get married!), we had incredible access to locally grown flowers in peak condition.
Some of our standout blooms included: coreopsis, brassica, cosmos, nasturtium, poppies, mustard, violas, and ranunculus. We also incorporated potted plants like marigolds and petunias to echo the gardens and add a natural, grounded touch.
Pro Tip: Aligning your color palette with the season doesn’t just look beautiful…it ensures your floral selection is at its very best.
The Design Details: French Elegance Meets California Ease
Our goal? Florals that echoed the estate’s bold architecture yet felt soft, natural, and effortlessly chic. Inspired by the romance of a French summer garden layered with the sunlit warmth of California landscapes, we leaned into:
Asymmetrical shapes and sculptural moments
Curated thrifted vessels (and even a few pieces from the estate’s own collection)
Organic, flowing movement throughout every installation
From tiny, delicate touches on side tables and garden pathways, to bold sculptural statements that anchored key spaces, the design invited guests to explore and discover unexpected moments:
An unstructured ground installation tucked in a quiet corner
Trailing floral cascades on dinner tables, creating an abundant summer feeling
Magical little “surprise and delight” accents around the winding cocktail area
Each design element was intentional, elevating the estate’s natural beauty without overpowering the architectural lines.
Sustainability at the Core
Given the thoughtful design ethos of the estate, sustainability was a non-negotiable. Here’s how we infused eco-conscious choices:
All vessels were thrifted and curated locally for a one-of-a-kind (and sustainable) touch
We even incorporated planters from the estate’s own collection for large-scale moments
Seasonal, locally grown flowers sourced from small Bay Area farms for unmatched freshness and a lower carbon footprint
The result? Unique designs that tell a story while honoring the environment.
Trend Report: Architecturally Inspired, Naturally Grounded
We’re seeing a powerful shift in luxury wedding floral design:
Purposeful, site-specific installations that feel connected to the venue’s architecture and story
Seasonal and sustainable floral choices
Designs that reflect not just aesthetics but intention
This wedding embodied all of it: timeless architecture, modern artistry, and a respect for nature.
Planning Your Own Architecturally Inspired Event?
If you’re dreaming of floral artistry that’s anything but ordinary, let’s create something unforgettable together. Our high-touch design experience ensures your vision is elevated and executed flawlessly.
📩 Inquire here to start the conversation.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Planning | Stafford Creative Co
Floral Design | Anastasia Andenmatten
Photographer | Alicia Rinka
Rentals | Theoni Collection, Found Rental Co, Casa de Perrin
DJ | Dart Collective
Stationery | Brogan Scott Studio
Hair & Makeup | Raven Reed Luxury Beauty
Catering | Jessica Lasky Catering
Lighting | Impact Lighting AV
Venue | The Buehler Estate