We asked floral designer Amy Gardella to show us how to make the best of fall blooms these season. Her secret for success? Choose unexpected varieties of flowers that are readily available, add berries, then set them all against a dramatic backdrop of jet-black, which helps softer hues come alive. Here, compotes and towering tapers highlight blushing clusters of peonies and amaryllis, along with gloriosa lilies and andromeda.

The details: Creative Candles tapers; Outpost Original candleholders (seaportflowers.com).

By incorporating the same inky privet berries as in the table centerpieces, this bouquet takes on the rich feel of a Dutch painting (and stays cohesive with the rest of the decor). "Brides want romance on their wedding day, but not all go for over-the-top girlie," notes Gardella.

To balance the pale pinks and peaches of these utterly feminine dinner-plate dahlias, roses, ranunculus, and andromeda, she used the dark fruit, and a plum ribbon gives the feathery clutch a sophisticated edge.

For arresting displays, think like a locavore and use area produce as ingredients. In this arrangement, Gardella paired vivid persimmons with dusky berries for a look that's easy on the eyes as well as your budget.

The details: Martha Stewart Collection compote (macys.com).

"The vessels play as important a role as the flowers do," says Gardella of these charcoal vases and amber-glass jars. Show them off by spacing them apart along a mantel, then filling each with only a few blooms, like the calla lilies, roses, ranunculus, and tree peonies here. If your venue has white walls, she says, "sub in a few black blossoms for the same effect." Consider using chocolate cosmos, black dahlias, and black calla lilies.

As the owner of Seaport Flowers in Brooklyn, New York, Amy Gardella has been helping couples throw chic urban affairs since 1997. Starting this fall, she’ll work with newlyweds at home, too, by offering interior design services. In the meantime, those who seek to make her modern yet romantic style their own can browse the vintage furniture and home decor available in her shop.