Earth Angel hanging out with Arc de Triomphe. Old Glory and Golden Gate in the background. Kathy

First of all, congratulations — The Biltmore is stunning, and the fact that you've been saving for over a year for this says a lot about how much it means to you. That kind of intentionality usually shows in the final result, so trust that instinct. On the eclectic question: I don't think it's insane at all — I think it's actually the more interesting choice, if it's done with intention. Here's the thing: The Biltmore is so visually rich on its own (the frescoes, the gold details, the grand architecture) that a classic wedding there can sometimes feel like it disappears into the venue. A carefully curated eclectic approach can create a nice tension that makes the space feel personal rather than borrowed. A few thoughts on making it work: Mexican cuisine is genuinely a great fit — the flavors are bold and celebratory, and the personal story behind it (your fiancé's proposal) gives it emotional weight. That's the kind of detail guests remember. The key is presentation: served thoughtfully (elevated plating, a curated taco bar, or passed appetizers) it reads as intentional and elegant rather than casual. The flower arrangements are where "eclectic" can either shine or go wrong. Colorful and boho can absolutely work at The Biltmore — the trick is anchoring it in a cohesive palette rather than letting it become a free-for-all. Pick 2–3 colors that echo the venue's gold and warm tones, and keep the shapes consistent even if the colors vary. That's what separates "curated eclectic" from "circus." On hiring a professional: Yes, for this specific combination, I'd say it's worth it. A good planner or designer who understands both the venue and the eclectic aesthetic can help you strike that balance. It's not about spending more — it's about avoiding the trial-and-error that can eat up your budget and your peace of mind. The "ballroom asks for salmon" idea — I get it, but I'd gently push back. A ballroom doesn't require anything. What it requires is a coherent vision, and yours is coherent as long as you commit to it. The weddings that feel generic are usually the ones where the couple played it safe out of fear. You have a real story here — use it. If it helps: the most memorable weddings I've seen at grand venues are the ones where the couple brought something genuinely theirs into the space. Tacos and colorful flowers at The Biltmore, done well, could be exactly that. One last thing — if you're worried about the visual balance, consider keeping the ceremony more classic and letting the reception carry the eclectic personality. That way you get the best of both, and the contrast feels like a deliberate progression rather than a clash.

That is so pretty! Nice that she appreciates it, too!

Among the mauve color class, I have grown ANGEL FACE, NEPTUNE, MIDNIGHT BLUE, PLUM PERFECT, POSEIDON, REINE DES VIOLETTES, STERLING SILVER, TWILIGHT ZONE, and WILD BLUE YONDER. I garden in an area with heavy clay soil and high pressure for black spot disease. ANGEL FACE (Floribunda, 1968) is incredibly beautiful (the name is a very good descriptor) but I cannot recommend it for a novice gardener in USDA Zone 6. The rose would work in a container but your friend would need to bring it into a garage or shed during the winter. Even then it would have to be grafted and sprayed with a fungicide. The fragrance is incredible. As for Sterling Silver, just don't. For an organic garden, PLUM PERFECT (PP), POSEIDON, and REINE DES VIOLETTES (RdV) would work, but your friend would still need to consistently apply organic sprays like the Cornel Formula (Google it) or Neem Oil. Poseidon is the most resistant of the lot. If you are willing to accept 1/4 to 1/3 leaf loss, then it could be grown completely no spray. Color is a silvery lavender and fragrance is medium until you bring it indoors then nothing. Keep in mind, Poseidon and RdV are BIG roses. PP is a nice 3-4 foot shrub for me, but has no real fragrance (on a good day you get a slight scent, but please...). Reine des Violettes needs grafting and is useless as a cut flower, but IS the most beautiful rose that you will ever see. It is also completely thornless AND every part of the plant is fragrant. About the rest, Neptune has the best cut flower with exhibition quality flower form but is a stingy bloomer, Midnight Blue has the best "purple" color but no vigor to speak of, Twilight Zone is better but more often than not is magenta rather than the Tyrian purple we see in photographs, and Wild Blue Yonder's color is garish. I have no experience with Francis Meilland, Life of the Party, Love Song, and Violet's Pride. I have read good things about Love Song as an alternative to Poseidon, but most posters' complain about the lack of fragrance. I do grow Julia Child which is a parent of Life of the Party. JC has exceptional performance but it not a no spray rose. Royal Sunrise by the Antique Rose Emporium might be a good alternative to Life of the Party, because the folks at the ARE breed for black spot resistance.