A Romantic and Whimsical Wedding Inspired by The Secret Garden

By Ryan Conner

Ellie Bullitt & Brandon Rawls
November 13, 2021

No trees were harmed in the making of then-coworkers Ellie Bullitt and Brandon Rawls’ love story. Well, maybe a few. “He sat right near the printer, and I’d use any excuse I could to print out long documents,” she says. After 3.5 years of dating, Brandon got down on one knee at sunset and surprised Ellie with a gathering of their best friends and family. Ten months later on November 13, 2021, they wed at Arlington Hall under an arch of artfully overgrown flowers. “We wanted to make sure the wedding was something that felt like both me and Brandon—not just me,” she says. The result was a stunning evening that was romantic and whimsical with a touch of inspiration from The Secret Garden.

Ellie Bullit and Brand Rawl's Reception Floral Design

From the Vine

“We really wanted Arlington Hall to feel like it had been overgrown with wildflowers and that the guests were getting to enter into a secret garden for the wedding,” says Jess. “From the smilax and Spanish moss that were hung extra low to the boxwood walls with custom cut-out windows, we tried to make everything feel organic, as if it had been growing for years.”

Ellie Bullit and Brand Rawl's Wedding Table Decor Setting

Grass Roots

Ellie wanted the flowers to be organic, wild, and beautiful, without leaning too feminine. “[Jess Wegner Events and Branching Out] took my scattered ideas and turned them into a masterpiece,” says Ellie.