For the wedding pictured here,
guests sat under old trees,
which provided natural shade.

Setting the Mood

Creating a focal point is one challenge many brides face when planning an outdoor wedding.

"I like to use the setting to create the ceremony, whatever that natural environment might be. That's why people are outside." Souza says. "As beautiful as this property is, it just craved something dramatic."

Souza made a striking backdrop for the ceremony by covering an iron gate leading to the stables with bands of orange roses that form the bride's and groom's initials. An array of orchids -- including miniature green cymbidium florets strung on fishing line -- dress up the top of the brick pillars.

An orange silk runner and copper troughs filled with miniature and standard cymbidium orchids add more color.

After the ceremony, guests moved to the front of the house for cocktail hour -- complete with fruity martinis and shrimp appetizers served from a stunning table made of ice. Dinner then was served at colorful tables surrounding a lap pool.