Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Elegant, luxurious, textured, natural, romantic
What about your business are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of the comments I receive from couples after we've created their flowers. The feedback we have is just so wonderful. It doesn't matter how many weddings I've created flowers for, I still feel anxious before handing over the brides bouquet, and am always blown away by such lovely feedback.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
With regards to flowers, the best tip I could give is find a floral designer you really feel comfortable with, and tell them as much about your wedding as you can. Then let them work their magic without being to rigid. Leaving a florist with a great brief, and creative freedom ends with incredible results.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
We created flowers for a couple of musicians and they named their tables after their favourite singers. They included a photo of each singer on each guest table, along with a quote from a favourite song of theirs that related to their romantic journey together. Despite being super busy setting out the flowers, I read each and every one and found it so personal and unique.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
The process all starts with a meeting. This gives me the opportunity to discuss a client's wedding flowers in detail. I always ask a potential client to save images so that I can gain a good idea of their style and taste.
With a really strong insight into what is catching their eye and making their heart sing, I’ll then put a detailed quote and mood board together. I work hard to ensure I’ve nailed what they’re looking for as it’s so important they feel comfortable with their choices, and that the ideas and images inspire them.
After booking, I want a client to relax and enjoy the rest of the run up to their wedding, safe in the knowledge that their flowers are taken care of.
I’m always contactable as and when they have amendments, updates or just want to check things. If it’s peak wedding season, it may take slightly longer to reply, but I’ll always get back to them just as soon as I can! Around six weeks before the wedding I’ll make contact again to confirm their order.
Final payment is then due one calendar month before their wedding date, and it’s at this stage we need to sign off the final order. I’ll also put a timetable for delivery together just so that we all know what is going where and when.
Although I work with a team, I’m very hands on (and a bit of a control freak), so will personally work on a client's wedding flowers, from flower ordering, conditioning the flowers ready for use, and making the arrangements. I always like to deliver the bouquets personally on the morning of your wedding, just to make sure a client is absolutely happy with everything. It’s one of my favourite parts of the job.
What is the most interesting thing you have put in a bouquet?
I've included jewellery from a loved one, secret single stems hidden within the bouquet with sentimental meaning, but nothing too crazy.
Is there a flower that has specific symbolism that you would recommend for couples?
Rosemary means remembrance and I like including that. And the rose Memory Lane is also nice to include. But I'd always rather a couple chose flowers that they love and that would suit their style.
What is the most romantic flower and why?
Tough! I'd probably have to say the rose. There's a reason it's still the most popular wedding flower, and the gorgeous flouncy Old English roses with an incredible scent are just unbeatable. Although the peony could come a very close second.
What should you do with the flowers after the wedding?
For the guest tables, definitely give them away to people you really want to have them. And preserving your bouquet is a great idea. Or using a bouquet illustration service is also fab.