A Tropical Dream Wedding at the New Orleans Museum of Art

There are some weddings that feel like stepping into another world — and this one at the New Orleans Museum of Art in their Sculpture Garden was truly unforgettable. In collaboration with the incredible Michelle Norwood Designs, Leaf + Petal NOLA had the honor of transforming the tented space into a lush, tropical paradise. From a statement-making twenty-foot floral installation suspended over the dance floor to the intimate details of each tablescape, this celebration blended natural beauty, art, and romance in the heart of New Orleans.

The Ceremony: A Rain Plan Turned Magical

When the skies opened up on the wedding day, the ceremony was moved inside to the Great Hall of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Far from being a setback, the rain created an intimate and unforgettable moment. Guests gathered beneath the soaring ceilings and marble grandeur of the hall, where we framed the couple’s vows with lush tropical florals that echoed the garden design. The indoor setting added a sense of drama and romance, seamlessly tying the day’s aesthetic together before everyone transitioned to the Sculpture Garden for dinner and dancing.

The Venue: The NOMA Sculpture Garden

Nestled among world-renowned sculptures and century-old live oaks, the Bestoff Sculpture Garden offered the perfect backdrop for this seated dinner and late-night dance party. Its open-air design allowed us to build upwards, creating dramatic floral moments that felt as if they were growing naturally among the garden itself.

The Design Vision

Michelle Norwood and her team envisioned a luxury tropical aesthetic — bold, lush, and celebratory. Instead of traditional florals, we leaned into statement greenery, sculptural textures, and blooms that evoked a modern island escape. The color palette balanced vibrant tropical shades with deep, grounding greens, creating an atmosphere that felt both exotic and refined.

The Showstopper: A 20-Foot Overhead Installation

Suspended directly above the dance floor, our 20-foot floral installation was the centerpiece of the evening. Built with layers of tropical leaves, orchids, monstera, palms, and cascading anthurium, the installation floated overhead like a living canopy. It created a sense of drama and intimacy as guests danced beneath it — a true “wow” moment that transformed the entire event.

The Seated Dinner

For the seated dinner, tables were adorned with low, textural arrangements designed not to obstruct conversation but still make a statement. Bright pops of tropical flowers, woven textures, and flickering candlelight layered beautifully against the museum’s garden setting. Each table felt abundant yet tailored, reinforcing the immersive design vision.

A Celebration to Remember

This wedding was a perfect marriage of art, nature, and celebration. Working alongside Michelle Norwood Designs, our team at Leaf + Petal NOLA was proud to bring the couple’s vision to life and create an unforgettable atmosphere for their guests.

At Leaf + Petal NOLA, we believe flowers should transform a space and tell a story. From intimate gatherings to large-scale installations, our goal is to design moments that feel unforgettable.