The Flourishing W&M Alumni House: A Wedding Florist’s Perspective

When it comes to capturing the timeless charm of Williamsburg, Virginia, few venues do it quite like the William & Mary Alumni House. Nestled in the heart of the Colonial Williamsburg area, this enchanting location isn’t just reserved for W&M alumni; it’s a stunning canvas for couples to paint their dream weddings upon. As a wedding florist based in Williamsburg, Virginia, I’ve had the immense pleasure of working within the walls of this remarkable venue, creating floral arrangements that complement its beauty and uniqueness.

My journey with the William & Mary Alumni House began with a connection through a fellow vendor. It was through the introduction by Sipping Southern that I had the pleasure of meeting the passionate and talented director, Virginia Hall. From the very first conversation, it was clear that Virginia’s dedication to the venue and her vision for weddings was unwavering. Together, we set out with a simple goal: to craft vibrant and captivating floral designs that resonated with the charm of Williamsburg and were accessible to a range of budgets.

One of the standout features of the Alumni House is its breathtaking outdoor ceremony space, framed by the original Alumni House’s stunning brick façade. It’s a sight to behold – exchanging vows in front of this historic backdrop is truly magical. Our focus was to accentuate this picturesque setting with florals that mirrored its beauty. The palette of our first design was a symphony of elegant peach, cheerful yellow, and regal gold. I incorporated a delightful mix of garden roses and peach ranunculus, creating a centerpiece that perfectly complemented the largest ballroom space.

Our second design venture was equally special. Inspired by Virginia’s collection of blue chinoiserie ginger jars and pieces, we embarked on a journey of creative floral expression. Local blooms like delphiniums, anemones, and butterfly ranunculus found a home within these jars, infusing each arrangement with vivid color and charm. Personally, this was a favorite table design of mine – a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Even the cocktail table didn’t escape our touch; repurposing a ginger jar lid, I crafted an ikebana-inspired floral arrangement that sparkled in the venue’s natural light.

One of the standout moments was the creation of a mantle installation right at the entrance of the Alumni House. Imagine being greeted by a luxurious mantle adorned with cascading vines as you step into the venue for cocktail hour – it’s a sight that sets the tone for a truly memorable celebration.

Working within the William & Mary Alumni House has been a privilege and an inspiration. Virginia Hall and her team’s commitment to creating unforgettable weddings resonates deeply with me, and each floral piece I’ve crafted is a reflection of that shared vision. The venue’s historic allure combined with these colorful and lively designs has truly been a match made in wedding heaven.

For couples seeking a venue that captures the essence of Williamsburg’s charm, the William & Mary Alumni House stands as a testament to timeless beauty and warm celebrations. As a wedding florist, I can confidently say that it’s a place where dreams bloom and love stories come to life.

Photography by: Jacob and Brielle Photography

Venue: W&M Alumni House