A Dramatic, Natural Wedding at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bona fide nature enthusiasts, Danielle Williams (26 and a health coach) and Trent Thum (25 and an engineer) celebrated among lush plants, trees and waterfalls, weaving in touches of navy and plum throughout for an enchanted forest feel.

“We both love the outdoors, so we used ‘water and woods’ as our guiding theme,” Danielle says. This inspired centerpieces rich with succulents, ferns and twining vines, and a flower girl who tossed autumnal leaves instead of the standard petals.

“I like the simple beauty of various textures, patterns and shades of green.” Danielle says of the fresh-from-the-forest look of her bouquet. The bride’s chiffon gown featured floral lace accents on the bodice and an asymmetrically draped skirt.

Romantic lavender lighting cloaked the reception. On the tables, tall glass vases, anchored by rings of driftwood, overflowed with mosses, leaves and vines. “If it weren’t for the terribly unpredictable weather in Pittsburgh, we would have been married outside,” Danielle says. “But Phipps ended up being utterly perfect.”

For their first dance, the couple twirled to “Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran. “It just fit,” Danielle says of the song.