Modern Noir: An Evening in Black and White at The Fives

From the moment guests entered the space at The Fives in Columbus, Ohio, the design made its intentions clear: bold contrast, deliberate restraint, and a confidence that felt considered rather than excessive. Black velvet draping on our dramatic arch softened the ceremony room, creating depth and intimacy, while upgraded black linens grounded each table with a tactile richness that felt moody rather than heavy. Against it all, white florals didn’t whisper—they cut cleanly through the darkness.

Anemones with inky black centers were a natural choice here, echoing the palette while adding a striking graphic punch. Paired with layered dark greenery, the arrangements felt alive and intentional, never overly polished. The florals were allowed to move, to breathe—styled organically but always in dialogue with the sleek black architecture surrounding them. Elevated on black stands, the tall centerpieces rose through the space, giving depth and scale to the room without overwhelming it.

Candlelight did the rest of the work. Black candlesticks held warm, flickering flames that softened every edge, pulling the room out of stillness and into something atmospheric. As the evening unfolded, the glow became part of the design itself—less decoration, more experience.

This was a true collaboration between us as the florist, our clients, and venue coordinator, Joshua Shipley with Together & Company, whose eye for proportion, balance, and layout shaped how every element lived within the space. From the placement of the linens to the way the florals interacted with the venue’s architecture, nothing existed in isolation.

Through the lens of Derks Works Photography, the space reads as architectural and refined, where candlelight, texture, and form worked together to shape the mood of the evening.