Floral Magic in the Middle of a Blizzard
Our NY/NJ stop on the Intrigue Across America Tour 2026 proved that not even a full-blown blizzard could slow the momentum of this community. As snow blanketed the grounds of Crossed Keys Estate, we stepped inside a venue that feels like a winter fairytale — refined, romantic, and full of light. Nestled in the New Jersey countryside, Crossed Keys blends modern elegance with estate charm, offering soaring windows, architectural lines, and an intimate warmth that made it the perfect canvas for layered ceremony installs and statement tablescapes. The contrast of white florals against a snowy landscape created a setting that felt cinematic from every angle. Despite the storm outside, the energy inside was unstoppable — a room filled with creatives ready to build boldly, collaborate deeply, and turn challenging conditions into unforgettable design moments. here
Photo by @alexsebrenphoto
Day One – Pivoting with Power: Selling Luxury in a Snowstorm
Day One in NY/NJ looked a little different than planned. With over a foot of snow falling on Sunday and travel conditions shifting quickly, we made the decision to pivot and move our business education online. What could have slowed us down instead sharpened our focus. A handful of attendees staying at our hotel joined us in a conference room, while others tuned in virtually, and together we packed powerful conversation into a concentrated three-hour session.
Led by Sarah, the discussion centered on selling luxury in an uncertain economy — reinforcing that even in unpredictable conditions, opportunity remains for those who are visible, confident, and strategic. The shortened format didn’t dilute the impact; it intensified it. We covered intentional growth, positioning, pricing with clarity, and how to lead with confidence when the market feels unstable. If anything, the storm outside underscored the message inside: adaptability is a luxury skill, and resilience is part of leadership.
Day One Fun Facts:
-
We had a snowball fight and built a snowman with some attendees after the business workshop...which was definitely a first!
- This stop was uniquely regional, with the majority of creatives coming from the surrounding NY/NJ community.
Day 2 - Luxury Floral Centerpiece & Installation Masterclass
Day Two began with extended hours to ensure our attendees didn’t miss a single moment of hands-on experience, despite the weather pivot the day before. We dove straight into the tablescape — an architectural X-shaped design overflowing with layered white blooms that felt both modern and romantic against the snowy backdrop outside. The unique layout required students to think beyond traditional linear arrangements, considering angles, balance, and how guests would experience the design from every direction. Each attendee was responsible for creating a section of the install, focusing on repetition, mechanics, and intentional movement. Once every piece was complete, we brought them together — assembling individual efforts into one cohesive, show-stopping statement. It was a powerful reminder that large-scale impact is built one thoughtful component at a time.
From the tablescape, we moved into ceremony scale — building a double-arch installation that felt like it belonged in a winter fairytale. Designers worked side by side creating baby’s breath “snakes,” forming the soft, textural base that gave these structures their signature cloud-like fullness. Layer by layer, we added an abundance of gorgeous white blooms, including stunning white gerber daisies that brought dimension and subtle personality to the design. The ceremony featured a semi-arch at the beginning of the aisle to frame the processional and a second, larger arch at the front, creating a layered visual experience from every angle. The fluffy, romantic texture of the florals against the snowy backdrop outside made the entire installation feel seamless with the landscape — as if the storm itself had inspired the design.
Day 2 Fun Fact:
- This was the first time in 11 years of touring that we moved a ceremony installation straight out into the snow. Worth it? Absolutely.
After day 2 wrapped, the Styled Shoots Across America photographers came in to photograph all of the beautiful florals and decor, along with the help of stunning models. Attendees of the workshops get full access to all professional photos once galleries are completed, which means hands were filled with flowers, minds with inspiration, and portfolios with photos!
Shopping Lists & Pricing
If you are wondering what flowers and products we used to create the large centerpieces at the NY/NJ tour stop, we're here to spill all the details.
Flowers: Flowers came from ours sponsor, wholesaler and flower friends over at Jetfresh Flowers with help from RosaFlora Ltd.
Floral Software: We determined our recipes, flower counts, and pricing using Details Flowers floral software. Full recipe and pricing for the gorgeous installation will be shared on @intrigueteaches instagram account.
Supplies/Hardgoods: Our friends at Oasis provided a our floral supplies and Nuage provided our linens.
Creative Partners
Photography (if not noted) by @everafterbyevelyn
Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica | Planning: @heatherbengeofficial | Venue: @crossedkeysestate | Floral Co‑host: @crossedkeysdesigns | Flowers: @intrigueteaches workshop led by @intrigue_designs | Hair & Makeup: @mobilebeautysociety | Stationery & Signage: @loveisartdesigns | Cake: @petal.dust.cakery | Linens: @nuagedesignsinc | Wedding Gowns: @justinalexander | Menswear: @friartux | Wholesale Flowers @jetfreshflowers @rosafloraltd | Floral Software @detailsflowers | Supplies @oasisfloralproductsnamerica | Bridal Accessories: @janicetan_co | Shoes: @somethingbleu_ | Styling Mats: @theflatlaysstyler | Models: @kennyandkellie, @marissa_faust | #styledshootsacrossamerica
Special Thanks to our 2026 Tour Sponsors: