Bella Cosa | A Timeless and Elegant Florida Celebration

Nathan + Balee’s Wedding at Bella Cosa in Lake Wales, Florida

There’s something unmistakably magical about a wedding that feels as though it was lifted from the pages of a beloved novel. The kind you read slowly, savoring every word. Balee and Nathan’s wedding at Bella Cosa planned and designed by Roots To Stems, was not simply inspired by classic romance… it was classic romance.

Rooted in their shared love of literature, especially Pride and Prejudice and the sweeping elegance of Bridgerton , their wedding day unfolded like a chapter from a Regency-era love story. Layered with thoughtful details, refined design, and deeply personal touches that made every guest feel as though they had stepped into their own romantic novel. There could not have been a more fitting setting than Bella Cosa. Nestled along the water in Lake Wales, this European-inspired estate feels worlds away, with sweeping staircases, Mediterranean architecture, and manicured gardens that echo the romance of another era.

Venue inspiration:

From the moment guests arrived, they were enveloped in old-world charm. Spanish-style arches framed the ceremony space, soft light filtered across the lawn, and the lake shimmered in the background like something out of a period film adaptation. Every portrait we created throughout the day felt cinematic — elegant, intentional, and timeless.

For brides considering Bella Cosa: this venue doesn’t just host weddings. It elevates them. Its architectural depth and garden backdrops are the perfect canvas for literary-inspired design, high tea details, and refined European romance.

Floral Inspiration:

The florals, designed by Gather and Grace Designs, were soft, painterly, and utterly romantic, reminiscent of an English countryside garden in bloom. Blush and ivory roses intertwined with delicate blue accents (a subtle nod to the soft color palettes often seen in Bridgerton), creating arrangements that felt abundant yet refined. Ceremony florals framed the couple like a living illustration, while reception centerpieces cascaded gracefully across the tables. Nothing felt overdone; everything felt curated. It was less “wedding trend” and more “timeless novel cover.”

For brides drawing inspiration from Pride and Prejudice, think:

• Garden roses over trendy blooms

• Soft, romantic color palettes (cream, blush, powder blue)

• Movement in the arrangements — nothing too structured

• Florals that feel as though they’ve been gathered from an estate garden

Florals like these create an atmosphere — one that feels layered, storied, and deeply romantic.

Details:

Two of the most unforgettable design elements of the day, designed by The Moxie Workshop, was the custom invitation paper suite and the custom bookshelf escort card display.

Instead of traditional paper cards, each guest received a customized book cover featuring their name and table number, thoughtfully designed to resemble classic novels. The display felt like walking into a private library in the English countryside. And as if that weren’t enough, each place setting included a bookmark adorned with one of the couple’s favorite literary quotes. This detail did more than look beautiful. It told a story. It reflected Balee and Nathan’s shared love of literature. It invited their guests into that love story and it became a meaningful keepsake long after the evening ended.

For brides considering a literary theme: don’t stop at surface-level inspiration. Think about how your details can immerse guests in your world — escort displays, table names inspired by novels, custom bookmarks, handwritten calligraphy passages. These layered elements transform design into experience.

Tablescape details & High Tea:

The reception design felt like an elevated high tea soirée hosted by Lady Bridgerton herself. Blue and cream linens echoed the couple’s refined palette. Gold flatware and delicate china added Regency-era elegance. Taper candles flickered between floral arrangements, casting the softest glow over handwritten details and layered place settings. The result was a reception that felt both regal and warm, elevated yet inviting. Rentals included: Oak and Ash Events, Event Works Rentals, and BBJ La Tavola.

For brides inspired by high tea aesthetics, consider incorporating:

• Fine china or vintage-inspired plates

• Layered linens in soft hues

• Tea-inspired cocktails or delicate dessert bites

• Candles in varying heights for depth

These small choices create a world your guests will remember.

An Invitation to the Romantic Bride

Balee and Nathan’s wedding reminds us that when you design your wedding around something you genuinely love, in their case, classic literature and sweeping romance, it never feels forced. It feels personal. It feels meaningful. It feels like you.

For brides planning a wedding at Bella Cosa or drawing inspiration from Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, or the elegance of high tea, let this be your gentle encouragement:

Lean into the story.

Choose details that reflect who you are. Layer your design with intention. Think beyond trends and into legacy. The most unforgettable weddings are the ones that feel like they’ve always existed, like a novel you’ll return to again and again. And just like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, some love stories deserve nothing less than a setting worthy of the pages they were written on.

vendor team:

Photographer: @marykatesteele

Planning/Design: @rootstostems

Venue: @bellacosaweddings

Videographer: @skylarball_

HMU: @kissandmakeuporlando

Content Creator: @kim.eventcontent

Florals: @gatherandgracedesigns

Stationary & signage: @themoxieworkshop

Rentals: @oakandashevents, @eventworksrentals, @bbjlatavola

Tent: @underonetentevents

Catering: @uncommoncatering

Cake: @lepetitsweet

Live Painter: @melissamungerart

Sketch Artist: @bowtieandbrush

Strings: @anthologyentertainment

DJ: @soundwave_di_lighting