I had the decided pleasure of being asked to lead, in part, an amazing and talented team to create a dreamy, bucket-list-worthy evening for fans of Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) at the Woodlands in Philadelphia. Normally an outdoor event in August is a dance with the devil here in Philadelphia, but this particular Sunday evening held a cool, delicate, fragrant breeze in the air and the perfect soft light dancing through the tree branches. It was pure magic.

The Woodlands is a property near-and-dear to my own heart. So many great memories have been made there. I coordinated my very first photo shoot here after a friend introduced me to the space, and I fell in love with its rich history and vibrant heartbeat. The Woodland’s energetic Director, Jessica, has made this once-derelict property a new hub for “community” in every sense of the word. She’s working tirelessly to bring the Woodlands to the forefront of many folks’ minds and raise funds to restore its amazing buildings and tell its engaging story.

I’m not the only one smitten with the peeling paint and crumbling stone in this special space. Elizabeth Gilbert was searching for a setting for her most recent book, The Signature of All Things, about two and a half years ago. She’d toured just about every historical property in Philadelphia (and there are many!), seeking inspiration, and, in her own words, “barked with joy” when she pulled up to the Woodlands’ mansion. So many of the key settings in the book — the sweeping front lawn for the fete, the columned portico, the gracious mansion, the binding closet (!!), Alma’s moss study in the stables — are very real spots at the Woodlands!

Recently, an donor stepped forward and offered to contribute a very sizable sum to help restore the beautiful, yet crumbling, old stables if the Woodlands could raise matching funds. The idea of a very special dinner with Elizabeth Gilbert seemed the perfect opportunity to kick off this tremendously important fundraising effort. And so many fans of Elizabeth’s (and of Alma, the book’s main character) showed their marvelous support, some flying in from as far as California to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I really had a blast dreaming up the perfect decor for this evening. The book is, after all, one focused on botanical adventures. I also knew that Elizabeth is an avid gardener and a fan of loose, wild and wispy things. Moss is Alma’s main pursuit so of course moss was strewn everywhere at the event. We had a blast tucking in little details like poppy pods, skeletonized leaves, and odd-looking calendula seeds among the feathery runner of green. The flowers were all grown at our farm of course and really were the perfect snapshot of high-summer blooms in all their beauty.

Perhaps the best compliment I have ever been paid in this line of work: When Elizabeth and I were introduced early in the evening and she was told I was responsible for the flowers and the look for the whole shindig, she immediately threw her arms around me in the biggest hug and jumped for joy (at the same time), shouting “Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s perfect!” A girl could get used to this!

I am so grateful to the amazing team that brought it all to life. Birchtree Catering created the most creative, beautiful, and delicious meal (Chef Rasa is truly a rock star!). Maggpie Vintage Rentals provided the perfect tables, chairs, bar, and greenhouse props and styling to make it feel like we were truly transported to fictional White Acre for the evening (our flowers should always be so lucky as to live on a Maggpie farm table!). Art in the Age liquored us up with some lip-smacking botanical cocktails that left no hangover (must be the detoxing effect of the herbs). Emily Wren/The Little Photo Booth captured all the details and candid moments (I’m positive her images are gonna be way better than mine,and I can’t wait to share!). And Weckerly’s made sensational seasonal frozen treats that were the perfect ending to the perfect evening! And I’m also very grateful for the help of Lindsey and Amy on my own crew for the evening.
I’ll take collaborations like these any day!!!

If you haven’t visited the Woodlands, please make sure you do! And if you are a fan of historical properties and preserving their important stories for generations to come, please consider donating (even a small amount) to the Woodlands so they can reach their super important fundraising goal. You can follow this link to make a donation online — easy peasy! When you make your donation, please put “Love ‘n Fresh Flowers — Stable Restoration” in the comment box and we will match your donation in full!!