A wedding aboard a historic sailing vessel often promises romance, vast horizons, and a truly unique atmosphere. Choosing such a location means selecting not only an extraordinary backdrop, but also the most suitable flowers. You wouldn’t easily find many of these flowers just about anywhere. From Marginpar, the floral selection does it all perfectly.
Such an event also requires being made into a celebration in harmony with wind, water, and nature. For florists and event designers, this demands that creativity and organization go hand in hand.
Careful Planning Is Essential
Beforehand, extensive coordination with the bridal couple and the event organizer is crucial. It is always done in advance. Wishes, expectations, and the actual possibilities on board must be clearly defined and realistically aligned. A traditional sailing vessel, after all, comes with specific safety and spatial conditions that must be carefully considered.
Another key factor is the weather forecast. Wind strength, temperature, and potential weather changes significantly influence the choice of materials and flowers, as well as the overall execution of the decoration. So, as a florist working on this kind of project, it is essential to plan flexibly and prepare suitable alternatives.
Readying the Tall Ship Regina Maris Amsterdam
Before everything takes shape, several things have to be put in place to ensure a colorful (violet-white-orange-blue-dark red tones, in this case) ambiance, elegant and delicate, for the beach session. Such is also perfect for the magic light in the morning hours.
On the tall ship Regina Maris Amsterdam (@reginamarisamsterdam), where the set was built, additional preparations were made, including making it radiant and resilient and preparing special area installations.
The tall ship was adapted to the unique conditions on board, including wind, seawater, and salty conditions. The design was tailored to the natural, authentic maritime atmosphere and adjusted for possible movements on board the ship due to the waves.
Technique and Flower Selection, Where Stability Meets Natural Beauty
Pre-constructed wire frameworks and professional floral foam systems are highly recommended for such a project, allowing arrangements to be positioned securely and discreetly on the ship. When working with floral foam, dense and stable insertions are essential to ensure that even strong gusts of wind cannot compromise the design.
Marginpar’s robust flowers, such as Helleborus, Jatropha Firecracker, Polianthes, Delphinum, or Daucus, prove to be reliable companions in this setting. They withstand wind movement and almost seem to dance with it far better than delicate blossoms, which can quickly suffer damage when stronger sea breezes arise.
Notably, standing arrangements in pots placed on tables should be easy to secure or reposition. During the reception in the harbor or in calm waters, smaller arrangements can be placed without difficulty. In rougher seas, however, they must be quickly secured or temporarily relocated.
More Than Just an Event, It Is a Matter of the Heart
My personal motivation for such a project is deeply rooted. Maritime themes have accompanied me since childhood, shaped by a family connection to the sea and its stories. At a time when many events take place on modern and luxurious ships, traditional sailing vessels and tall ships hold a very special fascination for me.
That is why, through a personal impulse, I discovered one of these beautiful historic ships (Regina Maris Amsterdam), one of those venerable vessels of which only a few remain. These ships are lovingly maintained and sailed by nature-oriented and dedicated enthusiasts.
Personally, to me, as Sylvia Hartmann, they represent a close connection to nature, a touch of nostalgic seafaring, and above all, a sense of unity and respectful interaction among people, as well as with the unique world on and around the sea.
A wedding on such a vessel, therefore, carries a really powerful, almost symbolic message: calm and stormy times are part of life. Facing them together—with mutual respect—is what defines true togetherness.
What could express this message more beautifully than a sailing ship that withstands coastal winds, waves, and blasts of sea salt, while steadily holding its course?
Flowers for the Styled Shoot:
- White Delphinium
- Light blue Delphinium
- Talinum Long John
- White Phlox
- Clematis Amazing® Sophia (blue/dark purple)
- Clematis Amazing® Kansas
- Daucus
Project Team: Concept | organization | flowers | decoration: Sylvia Hartmann (@sylviahartmanndesign), Photography: @ansgardsfotografie, Content Creation: @azra.cihangir, Ship: @reginamarisamsterdam,Videography: @adrianlucas.de, H & M: @mske_up21, Bridal outfit: @cosmopolka.wedding.fashion, Suit: @linriehlhochzeitshaus, Flowers: @marginpar, Crockery | cutlery: @orpheu_decor, Models: @vogel_theresa_ | @theresavogel_eventsaengerin, @felixx_ma, Captain | statist: @chrisschemborski, Kitchen | Buffet: @keviin236, Head of inspiration: @matthiasgorke
