What is your most memorable wedding?
They have all been memorable in one way or another, but there was one summer one that still stands out. It was set at a beautiful barn, not easy to find and not a commercial wedding factory like so many venues are now, it was really quite magical traveling down winding country lanes to this treasure nestled in a stunning valley.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Natural, rustic, seasonal, handpicked, personal
What about your business are you most proud of?
I have always sourced seasonal foliage and wild flowers to use in my arrangements even before it became as trendy as it is today. I grow a lot of my own flowers, herbs and foliage which I think makes it so much more personal.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Maximise on your flowers. Church flowers could be used to decorate the venue after or visa versa, most florists should be happy to wait through the ceremony and then move flowers for you back to the reception venue. Bridesmaids bouquets could be used to decorate the top table.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
At one of my weddings the Bridegroom was a tree surgeon. The bride and groom used heaps of trailing ivy to decorate the marquee and then strung fairy lights through it. They also had a tree in the marquee which they decorated with lanterns and heart decorations. A true joint effort.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I arrange to meet and at the meeting I listen to the brides ideas and based on colour schemes/themes/venue we then work out what is required and come up with some styles for arrangements. Mindful of budget I then come up with a quotation for all of the flowers that we discussed along with any other suggestions. Once the quotation has been agreed we would meet at the venue if we hadn't met there before to run through all the arrangements and to see how they would work in decorating the venue or church.
What is the most interesting thing you have put in a bouquet?
I had to wrap the stems of one of my Brides bouquets with lace from her grandmothers Wedding dress as part of the "old" bit of the saying.
Is there a flower that has specific symbolism that you would recommend for couples?
I think roses are always associated with love. Stephanotis was originally used in wedding bouquets, but not so often now, in flower language it means happiness in marriage.
What is the most romantic flower and why?
A peony, their petals are so soft and ruffled with a gentle sweet scent - pure English summer beauty.
What should you do with the flowers after the wedding?
Share them with friends and family. Dry out bridal bouquets, depending on the flower varieties in them, roses dry out easily if hung upside down in a warm dry place.