17. Buddhist Priest's Crown
Wild Blooms
Summer Bravo
2026 installation
Second Floor - English Drawing Room
The Inspiration
This three-tiered gilt copper crown was worn by Buddhist priests during religious ceremonies in Nepal, where it was made ca. 1610.
The Flowers
Recipe: Gilded white blooms with small pops of yellow; hues of blue by way of thistle and tweedia that are often found in the accessories of the jewelry worn during these ceremonies
Florist’s inspiration: This crown is elaborate and intricate and represents power! My inspiration is taken from these characteristics as well as the full “uniform” the priest wears during the ceremonies.
THE DESIGNER
Summer Bravo
Wild Blooms
Alabama native Summer Bravo started Wild Blooms in 2021. A self-taught florist, Summer gained her love of floral design from her mother, a wedding florist in her home state. She is a self-taught florist who gained her love of floral design and inspiration from her mother who shares her passion for flowers and is a wedding floral designer in her home state.
Summer traded in a career on Capitol Hill as a lobbyist to devote her time to her two passions, family—her husband, Matt, and two daughters, Sloane and Briar—and growing her floral business, sharing her creativity and love of flowers across the DMV. Since WILD BLOOMS exploded onto the DMV scene, Summer has flowered everything from events in the Library of Congress and major election night receptions to intimate dinners and showers. Her designs are wild and whimsical and feature premium and unique blooms.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Anna Schmidt Photography
Anna Schmidt is a Washington, DC based photographer with 15 years of experience documenting weddings, events, and cultural celebrations with intention, artistry, and heart. She is the founder of Anna Schmidt Photography—known for joyful, refined storytelling- and Ambre Nuit Weddings, her editorial studio rooted in mood, romance, and legacy.
Known for her intuitive ability to read a room and anticipate moments, Anna creates images that feel both elevated and deeply human. She photographs connection with thoughtful pacing and emotional awareness, guiding when needed and stepping back when presence matters most. Balancing polished, editorial imagery with candid moments of ease and authenticity, her work is shaped by discernment, trust, and care. A lifelong artist and music lover, she draws inspiration from color, movement, and meaningful detail.
Grounded in the belief that people create their best work when they feel seen, respected, and supported, Anna approaches every celebration with empathy and intention- honoring love across cultures, identities, traditions, and families with dignity and sincerity.
Anna is honored to return as a photographer for Art in Bloom, an event she deeply admires for its celebration of creativity, nature, and community—and for the way it invites people to slow down, notice beauty, and experience art with intention.
