One Hedge Wall, Two Photo Experiences
For a corporate healthcare awards celebration at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, Pretty Pretty Backdrops created a versatile, double-sided photo experience featuring our Premium Hedge Wall and Classic Finished Drape Backing.
What began as a greenery feature for the reception space became two distinct photo opportunities: a lush hedge wall welcoming attendees as they entered and an elegant draped backdrop where award winners could celebrate and pose with colleagues.
The Vision
The client wanted a sophisticated reception environment that complemented the modern, professional atmosphere of a healthcare awards celebration.
Greenery was an important design element, adding natural texture and warmth while helping define the reception space.
Rather than installing a traditional backdrop against an existing wall, the hedge wall would be positioned as a freestanding feature within the Belvedere Bar. This placement presented an opportunity to make both sides of the installation visually appealing and functional.
The greenery-facing side would be the first photo moment attendees encounter upon entering the reception. The opposite side would provide a separate setting for award winners and their colleagues to capture celebratory photographs.
Project Considerations
A freestanding hedge wall requires a different approach from a backdrop positioned against an existing wall.
While the front features lush artificial greenery, the reverse typically has a functional backing that isn't meant to be a decorative focal point. Because both sides would be visible and used for photographs, leaving the reverse unfinished would compromise the overall presentation.
The challenge was to create a cohesive installation that offered two distinct visual experiences without requiring two separate backdrop structures.
The finishing treatment also needed to complement the event's contemporary aesthetic. Elaborate draping could have introduced unnecessary visual complexity, so we focused on a cleaner, more tailored approach.
Placement was equally important. The installation needed to partially divide the reception area while letting attendees experience and photograph both sides.
Our team also coordinated delivery, setup, and removal around the event schedule and the venue's designated access requirements.
The PPB Solution
Pretty Pretty Backdrops paired our Premium Hedge Wall with our Classic Finished Drape Backing, transforming a single freestanding structure into a double-sided photo feature.
The greenery side offered a welcoming visual moment as guests entered the reception space. Its rich foliage introduced organic texture and provided a beautiful backdrop for arrival photographs.
On the reverse, the classic draping created an entirely different look. The tailored fabric treatment provided a refined setting where award winners could gather with colleagues, celebrate their achievements, and capture memorable photographs.
The reverse side's finish concealed the structural backing and gave the installation a more intentional presence in the venue.
The two treatments complemented one another while offering different photographic aesthetics—one lush and organic, the other clean and elegant.
This approach also maximized the installation's footprint, letting one freestanding feature support two photo experiences in the same reception space.
Services Featured
- Premium Hedge Wall
- Classic Finished Drape Backing
- Double-sided photo-experience styling
- Professional delivery, installation, and removal
- Venue access and installation coordination
PPB also provided two custom-branded Illuminated Display Walls for the awards event. Featuring backlit graphics, the displays were installed in the Cherry Blossom Ballroom and complemented the reception's greenery installation with a modern branded presentation.
The Finished Experience
The completed installation provided more than a decorative greenery feature. It created two purposeful photo moments that supported different parts of the guest experience.
As attendees entered the reception, the Premium Hedge Wall offered an inviting first impression and a lush setting for photographs.
On the opposite side, the finished draping provided a sophisticated backdrop where award winners could pose with colleagues and commemorate the occasion.
Together, the two sides delivered distinct looks while occupying the footprint of a single installation. The hedge wall also helped visually define the reception space, showing how a decorative feature can enhance both an event's atmosphere and functionality.
For Pretty Pretty Backdrops, this project illustrates the value of thoughtful design and attention to detail. By considering how guests would encounter and use the installation from multiple directions, we transformed a traditional greenery backdrop into a versatile event feature.
One installation. Two distinct photo experiences—a cohesive, polished presentation.
Planning an Event in the DMV?
Whether you are planning a corporate awards ceremony, gala, conference, networking reception, or private celebration, Pretty Pretty Backdrops creates thoughtfully designed backdrops and photo experiences that complement your event vision.
Our services include premium greenery walls, elegant draping, custom-branded displays, illuminated backdrops, and professional installation throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
From welcoming arrivals to celebratory photo opportunities, we create polished, photo-ready environments that make the most of your event space.
Ready to create a memorable photo experience for your next event? Tell us about your vision, and we'll show you how Pretty Pretty Backdrops can bring it to life.