1. Front Doorway
Laura Dowling
2026 installation
Outside - Front Entrance
The Inspiration
The formal front entrance to the house was meant to impress the first-time visitor. The carved limestone wall and keystone surround the imposing original wooden front door, dating from 1905.
The Flowers
Recipe: Hydrangea, hyacinth, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, ivy
Florist’s inspiration: Welcoming guests at the entrance, the grand oval wreath is designed to celebrate the colors and symbols of early spring. Composed of flowers in robins’ egg blue, lavender, and soft violet—hyacinth, hydrangea, carnations, orchids, and trailing ivy—the design reflects a classical French garden aesthetic. Birds and butterflies float among the blossoms, suggesting renewal, movement, and the return of life after winter. The wreath’s striking palette and graceful form offer a joyful prelude to the beauty of the season within.
THE DESIGNER
Laura Dowling
Laura Dowling is a floral designer, author, and speaker best known for serving as Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009–2015. Originally a policy analyst in Washington, D.C., Laura was inspired during a trip to Paris by the artistry of French floral design. She studied in Paris and Germany, launched a small studio from her basement kitchen, and—while still a part-time florist—entered a highly publicized, nation-wide competition to select the next White House Chief Floral Designer. After rounds of interviews and a final design challenge at the White House, she was chosen for the role by the First Lady.
At the White House, Laura created décor for state dinners, official ceremonies, and the iconic holiday installations, pioneering a signature approach she calls Floral Diplomacy—using flowers to convey cultural meaning, narrative, and hospitality on the world stage.
Laura is the author of several books, including Floral Diplomacy at the White House, A White House Christmas, Wreaths, Bouquets, and her newest title, Designing Christmas. Her garden-inspired aesthetic and creative philosophy have made her a sought-after speaker and presenter at major venues at home and abroad, including museums, botanical gardens, flower shows and garden clubs nationwide.
In 2024 and 2025, she designed the celebrated holiday décor for the historic Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville and was recently named Cheekwood’s Creative Director for Holiday Design.
Her honors include the American Horticultural Society’s Great American Gardeners Award, the Royal Horticultural Society of Belgium’s Distinguished Flower Ambassador title, and, most recently, the American Institute of Floral Design's prestigious National Merit Award, for her contributions to American floristry. In 2019, four of her wreath designs were released as special Forever holiday stamps by the U.S. Postal Service.
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.
