In the heart of Libertyville, Illinois, the Adler Arts Center provided the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking floral photoshoot. Once the private residence of renowned architect David Adler, the Colonial Revival-style estate, surrounded by native woodlands, set the tone for a blend of timeless elegance and spring’s natural beauty. This shoot, organized to highlight floral artistry, paired the venue’s historic charm with modern design elements, showcasing the potential of sustainable, seasonal blooms.
The inspiration for this photoshoot stemmed from the Adler Arts Center’s architectural elegance and lush surroundings. The stark white facade of the Colonial Revival-style home with subtle French Renaissance Revival details contrasted beautifully with the rich greenery and textured branches of the woodlands. The florist, Elizabeth Meador Flowers, shared, “The contrast between the wild, textured greens and the stark, symmetrical home was so interesting to me.” The use of seasonal florals, including tulips and spirea branches, brought a natural vibrancy to the setting, while potted ferns added sustainability to the design, allowing them to be repurposed after the shoot.
Florals took center stage in this photoshoot, designed to feel as though they belonged to another time. “We kept the florals and even the linens feeling as though you were taken back in time,” said Elizabeth Meador Flowers. The ceremony installation highlighted seasonal elements like spirea branches and tulips, with potted ferns anchoring the design in natural beauty.
The model, styled by the florist’s sister, embodied effortless grace in a simple white slip dress paired with antique-inspired pearl jewelry. Barefoot and adorned with visible tattoos, her look balanced softness with modernity.
Her bouquet was a testament to spring’s charm, featuring a textured arrangement of spirea branches and tulips, tied with a flowing white ribbon. The understated elegance of the bride’s styling complemented the “old-world” theme of the shoot.
"I loved showing the model’s tattoos in photos, blending the softness of the gown and flowers with a bit of a modern edge."
Two distinct table settings were created, each reflecting a different aesthetic. The first setup, located near the house, featured a green-and-white patterned tablecloth from Greenrow, which exuded a timeless European elegance. Centered on the table was a grand floral arrangement of tulips, spirea branches, and other seasonal blooms in a rusted urn-style vase, evoking a sense of old-world charm. Brass candlesticks with hand-rolled beeswax candles added a warm glow and texture to the arrangement, while gold-toned flatware and crisp white dinnerware provided subtle refinement.
"I wanted to keep the florals, vases and even linens feeling as though you were taken back in time with a somewhat dreamy and ethereal feel."
The second table setting, nestled near the edge of the woods, embraced a minimalist yet modern aesthetic. A simple wooden table, paired with bench seating, was adorned with a soft, flowing linen runner from Silk and Willow, creating a natural and understated look. Black plates and flatware set against blush linen napkins, tied with sleek black ribbons, added a bold contrast to the organic surroundings. The centerpiece featured airy green cress sprigs rising from dark stone accents, complemented by slender black candlesticks holding ivory beeswax candles. This design harmonized with the lush greenery of the nearby forest, offering a serene and contemporary setting that celebrated the beauty of the outdoors.
The overcast skies and light rain during the photoshoot added a soft, diffused lighting that enhanced the ethereal atmosphere. “In the end, the rain actually provided the perfect lighting,” shared the florist. This serendipitous weather allowed the textures and colors of the florals and decor to truly shine, creating a romantic and dreamlike setting.
This photoshoot perfectly captured the harmony between historical elegance and contemporary design. By focusing on sustainable, locally sourced flowers, and infusing the decor with both modern and timeless elements, Elizabeth Meador Flowers demonstrated the transformative power of florals in storytelling.
FLORIST Elizabeth Meadow Flowers | PHOTOGRAPHER Joy Lane & Studio This Is | VENUE Adler Arts Center | LINENS Silk and Willow & Greenrow
