What is your most memorable wedding?
There have been hundreds and they're all memorable in their own way. The all white luxury wedding where orchids, roses and hydrangeas were chosen to decorate every conceivable surface of the venue from staircases to fireplaces, the aisle, pedestals, tall centrepieces and more. The stunning Muslim/Christian fusion wedding where different flowers were used to symbolise the union of two faiths and two very different ceremonies. The fabulous irish wedding where I made 150 buttonholes for each of the guests. The list goes on. I really do love my job!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Natural, romantic, beautiful, boho, unique
What about your business are you most proud of?
That it's mine. It's my name on the door. It's my responsibility and I go out of my way to ensure that your wedding flowers are perfect.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Be realistic about your budget. If you've got 20 guest tables and each of those are £30, your total spend isn't going to be £500. Set a budget, tell your florist and they'll make fabulous suggestions on how to stretch your budget further. If funds are limited, I'd spend the money on the bridal party (which will be in every single photo) and a couple of statement pieces such as pedestals (that create a wow factor and can be moved from the ceremony to the reception).
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Things that remind the couple of loved ones past.....a trinket in the bouquet, a memory tree, framed family photos, that kind of thing.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
After the initial consultation, I'll supply a moodboard of ideas based on your requirements, a detailed quote listing options and an order form. If you'd like to go ahead, you pay a nominal deposit that is payable against the final balance. We might then meet up a couple of times again before the big day just to finalise your plans and confirm the exact wedding flowers you'll be having. Although sometimes my couples are happy just to leave things to me. Payment is made 8 weeks before the big day. It is at this point that I'm then able to source all the sundries, containers, ribbons etc. The order for flowers and foliages is then finalised 2 weeks prior. In the last week, we'll discuss delivery addresses and logistics for your big day. On the actual day, I'll deliver the bridal party flowers first thing in the morning so you have plenty of time for photos before going on to the ceremony to set that up and then finalising flowers for the reception. I'll then return to the venue the next day to derig and pick up any containers, plinths, arches etc.
What is the most interesting thing you have put in a bouquet?
A combination of white, blue and purple flowers with peacock feathers, gold leaves and berries oh and a touch of coral amaryllis as that was the bride's favourite flower. It sounds bizarre but it totally rocked. And the bride was very very very happy as a result.
Is there a flower that has specific symbolism that you would recommend for couples?
Different flowers have different symbolic meaning and the language of flowers is something that I love educating brides on. I loved using Lily of The Valley in a bouquet recently for a bride who was really into the symbolism of her wedding flowers and wanted something to represent happiness.
What is the most romantic flower and why?
The anenome. Seasonal, delicate, fragrant and very symbolic
What should you do with the flowers after the wedding?
Give them away to guests at the end of the night or alternatively, donate to a local hospice who can use them to decorate guests rooms