Tara and Jack didn’t wait long after their engagement to get married. The day after Tara’s birthday, the couple filed their marriage application. Just three weeks later, they held a European-inspired al fresco wedding at Winterthur Gardens, transforming the estate’s Reflecting Pool and Sunken Garden into an intimate setting for 42 guests.
Their vision was clear: an elegant celebration that felt like dining on a private European estate, with nothing competing against the natural beauty of Winterthur. The color palette was classic white and green, drawn from the gardens themselves. Soft ivory blooms, lush greenery, and the estate’s flowering azaleas set a timeless and organic tone throughout the event.
Central to the design was a floral trellis draped with cascading white snapdragons and greenery, suspended above a T-shaped banquet table. This setup echoed traditions of historic estate dining, creating a uniquely immersive experience. The entire event was outdoors. Guests moved easily from the ceremony to cocktails, dinner, and dancing beneath the stars.
Tara, a lawyer, and Jack, who works in finance, approached their engagement with the same thoughtful style that shaped their wedding. They negotiated their terms as equal partners, reflecting their personalities and shared values. They entrusted Delaware Superior Court Judge Pete Jones, a close friend and former law partner of Tara’s, to write and officiate a deeply personal ceremony. His involvement was one of the most meaningful elements of the day.
The bride wore a gown with a classic silhouette, perfectly matching the understated sophistication of the event. There was no traditional bridal party; instead, every guest felt part of an intimate gathering of family and close friends.
Winterthur’s culinary team prepared a menu that moved from elevated hors d’oeuvres to a three-course dinner, each course paired with carefully selected wines. Caviar bumps with thousand-layer potato and crème fraîche started the evening. The dinner featured chilled strawberry gazpacho with whipped chèvre, amaranth, fresh mint, and a jumbo sea scallop paired with Natura Rosé. Another standout was a burrata and peach salad with stonefruit puree, pistachio, mint, basil, and champagne vinaigrette, paired with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The main course offered a Creekstone grilled filet mignon with blackberry gastrique and pommes purée, served alongside broccolini and paired with a 2022 vintage Opus One wine.
Desserts included miniature sweets served on the dancefloor and a three-tier wedding cake from Spark’d Bakery. The cake’s two tiers featured lemon berry cake, while the third was champagne cake, all decorated with fresh flowers from the wedding.
Live music added to the atmosphere. A string quartet played as guests arrived and during the ceremony, setting a mood of timeless elegance. Later, an eight-piece band took over for dancing beneath the stars. Another unique touch was a live fashion illustrator who created hand-drawn portraits of guests throughout the reception, offering everyone a special keepsake.
As night fell, café and architectural lighting gave the estate a romantic glow. The couple’s choice to highlight the natural surroundings rather than overshadow them kept the celebration grounded yet special.
This wedding at Winterthur Gardens shows what’s possible when a couple trusts their instincts and makes a clear plan in a short time. With a focus on simplicity, nature, and personal touches, Tara and Jack’s day felt both intimate and memorable. If you’re looking for a way to make a garden wedding feel like a European escape, this one might just inspire your next celebration.
According to Style Me Pretty.
