From Marathon to Mrs.
Kollin & Chantell’s Long Island Wedding Was a Love-Fueled Finish Line Moment
This wasn’t just any wedding. It was family.
Kollin is my favorite cousin and blood couldn’t make Chantell and I any closer. I had the honor of witnessing one of the biggest moments of their story. Right after Chantell finished a marathon at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, we were waiting at the finish line holding a handmade sign I created that said “From Marathon to Mrs.” Kollin got down on one knee and proposed.
We all cheered. She said yes. And that phrase? It stuck. It became the official theme of their wedding, and I was so proud to bring it to life through floral design.
That phrase became the heart of their non-traditional Long Island wedding, and I had the joy of designing every floral detail as their custom wedding florist.
The Ceremony
After they said “I do,” the newlyweds walked back down the aisle and broke through a custom finish line ribbon that said “Marathon to Mrs.” The crowd went wild. It was joyful, emotional, and totally on brand. That moment still gives me chills.
To frame it all, I designed lush floral meadows lining the aisle in deep teal, navy, gold, blush, and white. The palette pulled inspiration from marathon medal colors but kept everything soft and romantic. The floral arch was built with hydrangea, roses, delphinium, and greenery—my signature luxury wedding flower mix—perfect for outdoor ceremonies at Great Neck wedding venues like Leonard’s Palazzo.
Personal Touches That Made It Theirs
This wedding had heart in every detail.
Kollin wore a black and white tux with a custom boutonnière that gave major “winner’s podium” energy. Chantell carried a bouquet that pulled from every tone in the ceremony setup. The bridesmaids wore teal gowns that popped beautifully against the bold florals. The flower girls were adorable in navy tulle and white lace, walking through a floral runway that brought a burst of color to every step. (Fun fact: My daughter was one of the flower girls. How adorable were they?!)
These kinds of personalized wedding florals are what I love creating most—intentional, emotional, and made for the people they’re celebrating.
The Reception
We carried the theme right into the reception. The sweetheart table was decked out in layered florals, gold accents, and soft fairy lights. The color palette transitioned seamlessly from bold daytime energy to warm, romantic evening vibes.
Every table had something different but cohesive. The entire room flowed, and the floral design moved with the space. This is where we really showcased what themed floral design can do when it’s rooted in your story. The reception looked like luxury, but it felt like them.
Their first dance was a moment. And the energy never dipped from there.
Why This Wedding Mattered
Kollin and Chantell didn’t want a cookie-cutter setup. They wanted a wedding that felt like them. Bold. Fun. Intentional. Full of meaning. What I love most about themed weddings is that they’re not just cute, they’re personal.
As a Long Island wedding florist who specializes in custom floral design, I live for weddings like this. Whether you’re marathon runners, fantasy lovers, or just two people who want something different, I’ll help you bring your vision to life in a way that’s thoughtful, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Vendor Dream Team
Weddings like this don’t happen without a team that just gets it. Kollin and Chantell had some of the best in the game, and every one of them showed up and showed out. I got to witness it all firsthand—both as their floral designer and a guest on the dance floor.
Photographers: Victor & Nelson of Us 2 U Digital Studios (IG: us2u_digital_studios )– fun, professional, and so easy to work with. They made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and captured every detail with intention. The photos tell the full story, and then some. (Yes, even the family ones I was in.)
Venue: Leonard’s Palazzo, Great Neck, NY (website: https://www.leonardspalazzo.com)– the perfect backdrop for both ceremony and reception. The space was classic, elegant, and flexible enough to bring our bold floral vision to life.
DJ: DJ Nelly (IG: _djrunwaynelly ) – she kept the party going and the dance floor packed. She read the room perfectly and had guests of every age on their feet. I was out there with everybody else having the time of my life.
Floral Design & Event Styling: Flowers In Wunderland (IG: flowersinwunderland ) – that’s me :). I had the honor of turning “From Marathon to Mrs.” into a floral experience full of heart, color, and meaning. Below is a super cute pic of Long Island’s Best Florist Team 🙂
Let’s Create Your Dream Wedding
If you’re dreaming of themed wedding florals or looking for a Long Island wedding florist who brings bold ideas to life, let’s talk. I specialize in custom floral design for couples who want something unforgettable.
Don’t just take it from me. Chantell graciously left us a rave review on Google after the wedding saying:
Flowers in Wunderland executed the vision for my wedding perfectly! They helped me come up with my vision when I told them I wanted a “Marathon” theme. Our hashtag was #MarathontoMrs and they did not disappoint. They were detailed and professional. They also incorporated all of our other design request perfectly. From the flower arrangement’s that lined the aisle as we walked down, to the arch in the front of the aisle. They take pride in their work and want to ensure that your day is beautiful and they made sure ours was. It was a blessing to work with them. Vanessa and her team are amazing
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