A Memphis Botanic Garden Wedding with To-Die-For Florals
Elegant, vibrant, and joy-filled, Lauren and Justin’s Memphis Botanic Garden wedding blended clever design with stunning florals in a truly jaw-dropping setting. (You just HAVE to see this chuppah!) Image: Taylor Square Photography
For Lauren and Justin Libby, their love story began the way so many modern romances do — with a well-timed swipe on Bumble. But the rest unfolded like a perfectly planned meet-cute. It was fall 2020 in Chicago, when socializing was complicated and serendipity even rarer. Lauren had just graduated and was carving out a circle of new friends, one of whom happened to be Justin’s sister, Katie.
PinTaylor Square Photography captured every joyful, candid moment of the Memphis Botanic Garden wedding we’re all about to relive. Image: Taylor Square Photography
After a few group hangouts, fate intervened when Justin’s profile popped up on her screen. A few messages and a “you’re cute” later, their first date was on the calendar. But Justin couldn’t wait that long; he showed up to a pregame Lauren was hosting the weekend before, and they ended up talking all night. By the time their official date rolled around, sparks were already flying.
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Nearly three years later, Lauren was still the planner in the relationship — except when it came to one huge surprise. “I plan literally everything,” she laughs, “so Justin really wanted to be the one to surprise me.” And surprise her he did. One Friday after school, Lauren came home from teaching third grade to find their Chicago apartment transformed with rose petals, balloons, and “Marry Me” in glowing letters.
Glue and marker still on her hands, she said yes to the stunning ring he’d secretly picked out. “He hadn’t told anyone — not even our families,” Lauren says. “We got to FaceTime everyone and watch their reactions in real time, which made it even more special.”
PinFrom guests’ very first mailbox delivery, Lauren set the tone for her refreshingly unique wedding. Image: Taylor Square Photography
When it came time to plan their March 22, 2025, wedding, Lauren’s vision was clear: happy, elegant, and not too traditional. Living in Chicago and planning a Memphis wedding was no small feat, but Sheril Greenstein of Shindigs by Sheril made it seamless. The couple fell in love with the Memphis Botanic Garden, a venue that offered both lush outdoor beauty and the practicality of a weather-proof plan.
Pin“We loved the idea of a glass tent for the ceremony,” says Lauren. “It gave us the outdoor feeling we wanted without the worry.” The weather, as it turned out, was perfection. Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinThe tent took on a completely new life come dusk and ceremony time. Image: Taylor Square Photography
The aesthetic centered around soft spring romance — a dreamy palette of ivory, sage, blush, and peach with gold accents. When John Mark Sharpe is tapped for flowers, you know his floral creations are going to steal the show. “We wanted it to feel chic and springy, not overly colorful,” Lauren explains.
PinEvery detail — from the flowers to the gilded touches — struck that perfect balance of natural and refined. Image: Taylor Square Photography
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PinIn particular, we cannot get over this chuppah that brought Lauren’s vision (and Pinterest inspo) to life. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Lauren’s dress, designed by Tel Aviv-based Lihi Hod and found at Bella Bianca Bridal Couture in Chicago, was love at first try-on. Lauren customized it with more structured straps and a bow crafted from extra fabric sent from Israel. A belt detail added the finishing touch, cinching the look together with understated elegance.
PinA tender mother-daughter moment before the hubbub begins. Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinJustin’s family helped with Lauren’s gown alterations. “It made it feel even more meaningful,” she adds. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Her “something blue” took a creative twist: two close friends, Claire and Julia, wore blue dresses in her honor. “They were both instrumental in connecting me with Justin,” Lauren says. “So it felt right to have them represent my ‘something blue.’” Before the ceremony, the couple did a first look and exchanged private vows — a quiet, personal moment before their traditional Jewish ceremony began.
PinInstead of picking bridesmaids, Lauren and Justin asked family to wear black, and the result was stunning against the spring palette. Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinUnder the flower-draped chuppah, surrounded by 230 loved ones, the Libbys made it official. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Guests then moved to the fountains for cocktail hour, where CFY Catering kicked off the night with sips and snacks, including cucumber cocktails with St. Germain, strawberry mojitos, and an array of bites like crispy rice with spicy tuna, and mac and cheese croquettes. “We wanted it to feel fresh and a little playful,” Lauren says of the cocktail hour menu.
PinA bird’s-eye view of the cocktail hour, where guests mingled around the garden fountains, sipping cucumber cocktails and strawberry mojitos. Image: Taylor Square Photography
As guests moved into the stately, impeccably decorated reception hall, eye candy was everywhere. Artfully hung woven light fixtures and thick greenery created a whimsical ceiling above the expansive checkerboard dance floor. More of John Mark’s creations flanked the stage as Funkytown Band picked up.
PinThe “first dances” lineup was classic, but oh-so-Memphis. Lauren and Justin danced to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. The father-daughter dance was to “My Girl” by the Temptations. And Justin and his mom grooved to James Taylor’s “Smiling Face”. Image: Taylor Square Photography
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The dinner that followed was classic and cozy: beef tenderloin or seared mahi mahi accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini, along with a cauliflower steak option for vegetarians. Their clever bow-wrapped five-tier cake from Crave Sweets in Germantown, TN, stood tall and timeless, while a late-night espresso martini and honey butter chicken biscuit pairing kept the energy high.
PinThis Crave Sweets creation was as photogenic and delightful as it was delicious. Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinNothing says spring wedding like simple tulip centerpieces and coordinating pink tapers. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Instead of a big send-off, Lauren and Justin ended their evening surrounded by glowing marquee letters spelling “THE LIBBYS.” “We didn’t want a huge exit moment,” Lauren says. “It was the perfect final touch — simple but so us.”
PinCheers to the Libbys! Image: Taylor Square Photography
Beyond the wedding day, the couple’s creativity extended to every aspect of the guest experience. In addition to the innovative newspaper, guests traveling in from out of town received hospitality boxes lovingly assembled by Justin’s mom.
PinLauren made custom wedding “newspapers” filled with weekend itineraries, crossword puzzles about the couple, and “wedding bets” nodding to Justin’s love of sports wagering. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Even their Ketubah — the Jewish marriage contract — carried personal meaning. It was hand-painted by their friend Remy Zimmerman. It included hidden initials of all eight grandparents, woven into floral details inspired by their invitation suite and a beloved glass bowl from their wedding shower.
PinThis custom Ketubah — something they will cherish forever — featured hidden initials of their grandparents. Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinHava Nagila! Image: Taylor Square PhotographyPinThe bride donned a second, shimmering look as the groom undid his bowtie. And up on stage they went. Image: Taylor Square Photography
Lauren and Justin are now settling into their new Memphis home, savoring married life and saving their honeymoon for later. “We wanted to enjoy this new chapter first,” says Lauren. “It already feels like the start of something amazing.”
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint freelance writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant since 2012. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.
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